Archive of Our Own ^beta

Ingo was developing something akin to a headache

The last few hours had been exhausting-  harrowing, even. 

He’d been on his way to Lady Sneasler’s Den when he spotted the twins and his blood pressure had spiked in terror. Despite the distance, he could see Akari, seemingly collapsed on the snow-dusted ground with a splatter of unnerving, stress-inducing red, and Rei standing over his sister with deft, blind bravery and fear in equal measure. 

The boy’s Samurott was standing firm before the two of them defensively, but looked worse for wear - the fight had clearly started before Ingo spotted them. But the Samurott was clearly not about to fall.

And oh, Ingo knew that Zoroark. Those vindictive eyes were recognizable anywhere - they’d used his “vestige” before to lure his fellow clan members. For hating his lifestyle, they sure did like to use his face. They always used white instead. Something about that stung. 

Ingo watched rather helplessly as the zoroark lunged for Rei’s Samurott, and the water type fell in a heap after a valiant attempt to protect his trainer and his sister. Ingo knew he had to act, now, before things got any worse. 

His own human illusion dropping in a sharp wisp of the harsh wind, he didn’t bother to hold back a snarl as he abruptly collided and shoved the Zoroark away from the startled children. Rei watched the new pokemon with wide, alarmed eyes as his Samurott was returned to its pokeball. 

"You will remove yourself from this station" he called out to his opponent, baring his teeth in a threatening growl, blocking the view of the children. 

The Zoroark looked at at him with their own toothy grin, which fell when it seemed to realized who its opponent was - a scowling growl returned 

"Oh, look who is back to protect the humans" it sneered, showing even more teeth.

"You are unsurprised" Ingo pointed out.

"Of course I am. It is like you protect every human - like all of them are your kits, or something" They stated with much disgust.

Ingo bristled at that. Having Kits was a liability he could not afford. Not in Hisui, and (probably) not wherever he came from. Just because he cared for humans does not mean he saw all humans as his kits - that was ridiculous. Even if the children behind him were ones he had a lot of concern for … But that was not relevant now. 

"You will leave the humans alone, and will extrapolate yourself down your tracks and station elsewhere!!" He barked out the order with as much authority as he could muster

The white Zoroark tilted its head up, eyes staring down at the black zoroark for a few seconds, then giving a renewed, sardonic grin 

"You know what? I don’t think I will" They let out a demented laugh as they made their decision "I think I've listened to your nonsense long enough! You will “conduct” no longer!!"

Oooh, a battle then?

He looked back at Rei, whose gaze was torn between him and the white zoroark, and seemed to understand that he and his sister were being protected, and actively began to crawl over to his sister.  

He finally glanced at Akari, seeing that she had a nasty scratch from the zoroark’s claws against her back, and she wasn’t moving, but he could see that she was breathing. She had been running away. The ghost had attacked her while her back was turned. 

Now that? That was more than just against protocol. 

Ingo looked back "The destination called victory will not be at the end of your tracks!" he announced. 

"I do not need victory!" The other zoroark loudly growled "I just need you gone !" and it lunged forward at him without any further taunting

Ingo remained focused on the attacking pokemon, hoping - perhaps even mentally praying - that Rei would take this opportunity to get Akari and himself back to the base camp, or even the settlement for safety. Akari needed medical treatment as soon as possible. 

And while this Zoroark thought himself a strong fighter, Ingo simply had much, much more experience. He found the battle a bit predictable, but did not let his guard down, using night slash to get the pokemon to slow down. 

"Fight me like a real pokemon!!" The white Zoroark practically screamed "Why will you not attack me?!" 

"Just because your destination is not mine does not mean that I wish you harm!" Ingo argued sincerely "I would like to once again suggest that you make a hasty departure!! There is nothing more for you here!" 

"I am not relenting until you truly fight me, you coward!" 

"It is not on the schedule!" 

The Zoroark now looked properly pissed off at his lack of interest in a true fight, and its eyes wandered briefly to a moving blur of deep blue and red in the snowy mess. Through the flurry of the snow, Rei was trying as valiantly as he could to get Akari to safety, having gotten the barely-conscious girl onto his back and making the turn towards the basecamp while both of the zoroark were in battle. The white zoroarks focus lasered in, as he announced- 

"If you will not give me what I want, I will at least get what I came for!" 

Ingo felt his heart beat right in his ears as the fellow pokemon made a lunge to the left, no longer with its eyes on him, but on the very children he was trying to protect- the zoroarks intentions dangerously clear.

Ingo didn’t have a lot of time to think about an attack that would protect them, with Rei only noticing the incoming Zoroark too late to even contemplate dodging, and unable to run any faster with Akari on his back. 

Ingo didn’t even think- he didn’t have time to think- he had to protect them - he had to protect the kits-!! 

His arms wrapped around them, pulling them into his chest and covering them with his head lowered and mane splayed as claws came down - the pain was brief but sharp, and he let out a dangerous, angry bark, curled around the young teenagers. .He was certain that his face was bleeding. One of his eyes was closed - forced shut from the claw wounds on his forehead. But he looked up at the fellow zoroark, who seemed startled and almost scared at his quick reflexes and actions. Ingo felt an odd quiver in his chest, like his heart was beating too fast. He ignored it as it died down, and his focus remained on his opponent 

"I will make sure that you regret that" 

His tone was more dangerous now. Lower, but still loud. He was growling out all of his words as if through gritted teeth. 

"I would rather you not reach your terminus by my claws. But attacking my kits is unconscionable and is grounds for expulsion" 

Something about that statement made the Zoroak’s expression show some form of disgust mixed with a startled fear. It took several steps back, and sneered

"So they are your kits… disgusting. You might as well be a human" 

Ingo ignored his attempted insult with a harsh snarl "You will leave or I will make you"

There was a tense moment, but a well-placed growl from Ingo finally made the Hisuian Zoroark retreat with its own hiss. 

The battle over, and the blizzard was still raging around him, he knew now was the time to take stock of his situation. He looked down at Rei, whose eyes were still wide, and staring up at him - some of the blood from Ingo’s head wound had gotten on the boy’s hat, though he clearly hadn’t noticed this.

“... Are you.. Ingo’s Zoroark? You… you talk like him” 

Ingo paused at the boy's realization, seeing that he must have heard all of the telepathic conversation going on between him and the Zoroark and frankly, what Rei was assuming was a perfect excuse. 

“.. Yes. He is with Lady Sneasler, but that is not relevant now. You must return to your base camp immediately.” 

“I.. yeah, Akari needs- she needs help - the base camp should be-!!” 

Before the sentence could be finished, Rei found himself and his sister swept up in the arms of the Zoroark - only then did he realize just how big Ingo’s Zoroark was - not only was it not Hisuian, but it was an alpha?? The bewilderment on Rei’s face was telling Ingo everything he needed to know

After getting a new grip on Akari so she wouldn’t fall out of his arms, the Zororak took off on light feet, making its way through the snow and stopping just shy of the base camp - Ingo didn’t want to be seen like this - it would only cause trouble.

He placed Rei on the ground first, and then Akari. Though something in him didn't want to just leave them alone, though he had an anxious desire to accompany them, he pushed back that worry. He was just overly concerned, that’s all.

Rei got his sister on his back again, and looked up at the Zoroark “Thank you.. Please, tell ingo we’re okay?” 

“I shall. Hurry on now. Akari’s wounds need treatment” 

 Rei nodded, though found it odd that the pokemon he’d never met knew his sister’s name. Perhaps Ingo talked about them? 

Didn’t matter. 

Rei rushed to the basecamp, and Ingo - despite his dark fur, disappeared into the blizzard before any member of the Galaxy Team could spot him

That was when the headache started. 

That concern from earlier had only gotten worse when he returned to Sneasler’s den. Paired with the headache, it made him want to lie down and not move for a while.

He’d taken his human form once more just before entering the den (in an effort to keep his already healing head wound a secret from his lady), and was greeted by a delighted chorus of “Snee”s from the various aged sneasel kits

"There you are"

Ingo looked to his lady, who was surrounded by her more tired children giving her warden a concerned expression.

"You are quite late, was there an issue?"

“Indeed there was” he answered, head looking out at the highlands, which had snow, but not a blizzard like before. “There was that one, violent Zoroark… Akari was injured and I had to take time to defend those two. I am concerned for her, but she and Rei made it to camp. They’ll be fine” 

"...You do not look assured, my warden" Lady Sneasler’s expression was skeptical. 

“... I am not” he admitted “I am unsure where this anxiety is from, but I am still very concerned, it seems…” 

The sneasler tilted her head at him, seeming about as confused as he was at the uncharacteristic anxiety. 

"You smell different. Your concern is.. Radiating off of you. As if you are away from your kits" She pointed out "You have scented it on me as well, if you remember. It's a strange scent to smell on you, My Warden"

He had, and it was. When away from her sneaslets for too long, she started to get extremely, terribly anxious that they were harmed, and they’d have to stop whatever they were doing to go back to the den. More than once she’d had the twins on her back when it happened. It was a bit humorous. 

But Ingo couldn’t think about it too deeply as he sat himself down, and  a few Sneasels crawled and toddled over to him. His mind was still racing despite the reasoning. 

“I have never been worried about them like this before” he contemplated

"You have. It’s just never come across as a scent, " she clarified, being pensive "Perhaps you can go to the ‘camp’ and see if they are truly alright. Your instinct does not lie to you, my warden, and there is still daylight."

“Hm? Are you certain? I only just returned” 

Lady Sneasler snickered at his reticence . "Go, my warden. Your Zoroark instinct will do it for you if you do not follow it now" Correct as always, Sneasler pointed outside "The snow is waning. Go. Return before sundown, my warden"

“I shall, my lady” he bowed to her “thank you” 

"Steadfast, My Dear Warden"

Remaining in his human illusion while traversing for the sake of his comfort and ease, he made the short trek through the waning snow and through to the Galaxy Team Base Camp. As he got there, the snow stopped completely, ending with little more than a dusting on the grounds of the highlands despite how intense it had been just earlier.  

When he spotted Rei’s hat, he felt a level of relief that honestly caught him off guard. 

Was he really that worried? Sure, he’d worried about them before, but this feeling was… off. Weird. It didn’t feel like normal concern.

Rei spotted him first, giving him a relieved grin “Mister Ingo!” 

The boy approached him and Ingo found himself looking the boy over carefully, seeing if he really was mostly unscathed from that frightening encounter

“I - I got to see your Zoroark! It saved us from a hisuian one! Akari and I!” 

Ingo gave a courteous nod to him “Greetings and yes, while he is not “mine” per se, he has been around me very much. I am quite happy that he was able to assist you. Quite relieved, truly.” He admitted 

“Heh, he uses a lot of your idioms, he even sounded like you! It was kinda weird, not gonna lie” Rei pointed out with an amused expression

“I can understand the confusion at his verbiage - he likes to imitate me. He seemed quite tired when I saw him again, so while he told me what happened, he did not go into detail… Might I ask, where is Akari?” 

“Oh, she’s on bed rest” Rei pointed “In the medical tent” 

“Was the injury that bad?” Ingo’s brow furrowed

“Oh, no - she’s just, you know - Akari.” Rei shrugged “Its bed rest or she makes it worse by continuing to go surveying.”

“Ah” Ingo understood exactly what Rei was referring to. Akari was Akari. That was all of the explanation the warden needed

And yet ... 

“Might I see her? I will admit that I am concerned from.. What little the Zoroark told me” 

“Oh.. yeah.. It was… it was pretty scary..” Rei admitted “I’m just happy we had the help but.. If your zoroark hadn’t shown up, we’d…” 

Ingo felt a compulsion to put an arm around the boy, and did without thinking on it too hard. “But you and your sister are safe. That is what matters” He reminded. 

Ingo almost immediately regretted the physical affection - Akari was the touchy one, not Rei. He knew this- why did he do this? Was Rei uncomfortable? He needed to let go, he need to-

But then Rei’s head leaned against him just a bit, as if he was comforted, letting out a deep sigh and relaxing his seemingly always-tense shoulders.

Oh… he’d never done that before. 

“Yeah..” Rei managed a response “Yeah uh” he pulled away, as if embarrassed by his actions, and cleared his throat “Yeah, you can see her, it’s fine! Just fine. I was about to do some survey work for the professor. He needs more information on Froslass.” The boy redirected

“You are going out alone?” 

Rei gave him a brow raise “yes?” 

Ingo cleared this throat, why was his anxiety so high about this? Rei was perfectly capable of going out and surveying pokemon on his own, he did it all the time! And yet…“Well, concerning the incident with the Zoroark, and the fact that it is still out there, do you really think that it is safe?” 

Rei seemed to at least contemplate that reasoning, thank Sinnoh. 

“Allow me to conduct you on your route - so you are not alone should you spot that Zoroark” Ingo offered 

Rei thought about it “... But… Are you sure you’re not too busy? What about your warden duties?” 

“Lady Sneasler is quite competent” he reminded “And I have only just checked on her. She is with her young for today - the youngest are in need of their mother’s attention.” 

“Ah… uh, okay!” Rei seemed to bounce on his heels a bit at the offer now “Yeah, I think that would make Akari feel better, anyway. Win-Win!” 

Ingo nodded in approval, and Rei motioned for him to follow “Come on, the medical tent is just around the corner here!”

Laying down on her stomach in one of the small tents was Akari, who seemed to be in a grumpy mood, head resting on her arms, and her lower back clearly and heavily bandaged under her loose top. 

Ingo felt that anxiety raise in his chest again. Calm down Ingo. Calm down. She’s fine.

“Hey, ‘Kari- look who's here!” Rei called into the tent, approaching his sister. 

She turned her head at the sound of her brother’s voice, and Akari’s eyes lit up seeing Ingo at the tent’s entrance “Uncle Ingo! Hi!” 

“Hello there, Akari” he addressed her with a tip of his had “I have heard of what happened to you. How are you faring?” 

“I’m fine ” She strained, looking over at Rei with a glare “But everyone is whining that I need to rest - even you!” 

“That is probably because you should be resting after what happened to you, you know.” Ingo raised a brow, though the rest of his expression did not change. 

Akari just let out a huff, but didn’t argue with him. 

“I am happy that you are safe, Akari. From what I heard… that was a harrowing ordeal” Ingo commented 

“Heh.. I don't remember a lot of it..” She admitted, looking a little sheepish “But, Rei said your Zoroark saved us? I didn’t even know you had one” 

Ingo nodded, going with that story “He tends to roam, so while I do have a pokeball for him, he does not stay in it very much, and only comes occasionally. I am glad that he found you when he did, however. I am quite happy that you two are safe.”

“Heh.. I'm glad too. But uh, Rei said he even sounded like you? Zoroark are so fascinating…” 

“They are certainly interesting pokemon” Ingo nodded, taking the opportunity to adjust the tracks of the conversation to something lighter “Have you taken many notes on them?” 

“We’re trying!” Akari answered, enthusiastic “Funny enough, Professor Laventon knows more about them then we do - says they exist at a place he visited before he came to Hisui. He was teaching us about this thing called “Siring” the other day. It's really interesting”

Oh, that caught his attention - though he didn’t recognize the term

“Siring?”

Rei nodded, jumping into the explanation “So, like, zoroark are often hunted as adults, right? Its pretty bad sometimes, and that often leaves Zorua without a pack leader or a parent, which you’d think would mean that Zorua imprint on another Zoroark, right? For safety?” 

Ingo nodded, playing along - as they said these things, he seemed to realize he knew this - or used to.

“Well that's wrong!” Akari continued. “Instead, A Zoroark imprints on the orphaned Zorua! They become their leader and imprint on them! Professor Laventon called it “Siring” - I’m not sure what that word means though'' She admitted, shrugging a bit. 

“It typically means that an animal is the biological father, it is not correct verbiage technically, but colloquially i can see why he used the term” Ingo explained with a passive shrug

“Ooooh, cool!” Akari grinned, and Ingo felt his concern ease just a bit “But like, he explained that when that happens, the Zoroark becomes the parent, and the kids get marked with both their scent, and like, a mark of some kind?” 

“Yeah, the mark thing was interesting. The Magic of pokemon continues to confuse me” Rei admitted

“Mark thing?” Ingo questioned - that detail was fuzzy in his head

“Oh, so like, when a zorua kit gets sired, they get a mark somewhere under their fur, along with a distinct scent. It varies based on the subspecies and location of the Zoroark - it's really interesting!” Akari explained “Professor Laventon doesn’t seem to know too much about it, but he knows that each mark is very different!”

“Like a family- specific birthmark!” Rei added

Ah yes. Ingo was aware of that now that they mentioned it. Laventon had clearly done a lot of research on the matter. 

“That is indeed very interesting” Ingo nodded before turning to the male twin “Now, if I may change the conversation’s track.. Rei, will you be leaving to survey the Froslass now?” 

“Ah, yeah!” Rei jumped, as if only just remembering the task

Akari groaned, resting her head on her arms as she whined “No fair, I wanted to see the Froslass too!” 

“You’ll see them later when you’re not cut up like a filet!” Rei snipped back 

Ingo huffed a bit at the verbiage, and he saw Rei wince. Apparently the boy had said that without thinking. Classic sibling behavior. But before the two of them could continue with any banter, he interjected.

“Please, stay and recover, Akari. You will get to see them soon. If you would like, I can accompany you as well when you are able” He offered, getting the girl to lift her head in surprise and confusion.

“Wha- you’re going with Rei?” 

“I am, yes.” He stated “That Zoroark is still out there” 

That seemed to be enough for Akari to understand the offer, and she gave him an approving nod and an encouraging smile

“Okay… you keep my brother safe!” 

“Of course. You can always count on me. I will guide him swiftly and carefully on the tracks to his destination and back.” Ingo nodded, putting as much conviction into the two words as possible. 

Akari gave him a grin, and a quick thumbs up with one hand “Good! Go watch the fancy froslass then!” 

And with that blessing, Rei and Ingo left for the icelands on steady foot

The journey wasn't very long, with time flying by quickly as Rei recounted the ordeal with the Zoroark in more detail to Ingo - though of course he knew all of the details, he listened with rapt attention and attempted to ask questions when he thought they’d be appropriate. 

“Just.. I hope I get to see your Zoroark again soon - so I can properly thank them!” Rei concluded with a sincere, contemplative look on his face. 

Ingo gave him a certain nod “I’m certain that you will. While I do not claim ownership of him despite the pokeball, he is a friend” 

“Hehe, I can see that in how he imitated you! He really sounded just like you - it kinda caught me off guard!Ooh! Oooh, He must use you as his human inspiration - has he ever pretended to be you?” Rei curiously asked

“Not that I am aware of.” Ingo answers “ … Not like the Hisuian one” 

Rei shivered at the mention of the white Zoroark, before looking back towards the frozen wilds, and jumping just a bit in surprise, suddenly whispering “Found one!” and excitedly bouncing in place and pointing with a level of hilarious conspicuousness. 

Ingo looked to where he was pointing, spotting a single Froslass about 50 yards ahead beyond some icy crags, seeming to be eating… something. 

“Ah, they are distracted! That is quite good for your surveying work-” He turned to look at the boy and ask him what he was going to-

Aaaand Rei was gone from his side

Looking ahead yet again seeing the boy already making headway towards the pokemon, Ingo watched with his pulse rising steadily as Rei got perhaps too close to the Froslass, even if he was trying to be sneaky and quiet

Ingo felt some sort of odd indignance at the boy's actions, and strode forward swiftly, seeing Rei do the smart thing and crouch down behind a scattering of ice boulders just out of sight of the pokemon, though that didn’t make Ingo feel much better, oddly enough. 

Ingo couched down next to him, and - once certain that the Frosslass was sufficiently distracted - sternly blurted out “What do you think you’re doing?” 

Rei paused at the man’s tone, and looked back at the man, brow furrowed “... Surveying?” he answered with a confused tone

“This close?” 

Rei frowned at the follow up question. “Oh, like you haven’t literally wrestled with wild Machoke right before my eyes” the teenager argued stubbornly “That's dangerous too”

“I am an adult and stronger than you” Ingo pointed out

Rei just rolled his eyes at the argument, and looked back at the froslass, beginning to take notes on how the pokemon ate as well as what it was eating, eyes flitting between his notebook and the pokemon. Ingo sighed, but didn’t interrupt him, also watching the froslass, but with less fractured attention. 

Froslass were… messy eaters, so far as Ingo knew from his own experience. It was a little … gross to witness in person, especially this close, when you could get just a whiff of the smell. It was pretty nauseating

Granted, Rei was taking the scene like a champ... Even if he did look a little green in the face when the Froslass bit through a bone

Such is the job of the Survey Corps - a grueling yet rewarding line of work for anyone, but especially for Rei and Akari.

The Froslass turned its back to them completely after a few minutes, taking a bite at a different part of the - at this point- unidentifiable pokemon that was being made a meal of.

“... I’m gonna try to catch it” Rei quite suddenly decided, putting away his notebook and taking out a pokeball, eyes staying on the pokemon. Ingo’s eyes widened in alarm at the phrase. 

“Rei, they are eating. They will be very aggressive!” Ingo warned

“But they’re distracted!” The boy argued. “There’s never a better time!”

“But they are a Froslass ” Ingo pressed

“And??” 

Ingo furrowed his brow at the boy's dismissiveness, clearly confused at his aggressive response before realizing “.... Rei, have you ever attempted to catch a Froslass?”

“Akari has.”

“That was not my question” 

Rei pouted at the redirection, looking away as he answered with an unsurprising “No…” 

“Then you are not going to try to catch a very alert Froslass while it is eating. The chaos that will ensue will be a lot for you to handle - too much! They are quite aggressive!” 

“But - But I can do it! If Akari can, so can I!” Rei argued with a frustrated huff

“Did she catch the Froslass while it was eating out in the open?” Ingo pressed, and when Rei didn’t answer, he continued “I must insist on putting my foot down on this. It is far too dangerous” 

Rei looked completely taken aback by the assertion, and a certain, very notable teenage rebellion seemed to overtake him “You can’t stop me!” Rei practically hissed.

“I absolutely can” Ingo pointed out flatly.

Rei, stubbornness refusing to ebb, glared at Ingo “I’d like to see you try” 

Ingo gave the boy perhaps the most unimpressed expression that Rei had ever seen (other than the man’s default face when it came to dealing with Melli), and watched as Ingo proceeded to stand up. 

As Ingo began to stand, he grabbed the back of Rei’s uniform - by the base of the boy’s neck - and lifted him up off the ground, leaving him dangling and shocked - suspended about a foot in the air.

“Are you… scruffing me??? Like Lord Arcanine?? ?” Rei indignantly questioned, and immediately started kicking around, though because Ingo was holding him at arms length, he wasn’t hitting anything despite his attempts at a struggle.

“If you are about to go off and hurt yourself, then yes, I am scruffing you, Rei.” Ingo responded curtly.

“Gah!” The boy struggling was futile, but it did get the attention of the Froslass, who turned in interest and looked over at the amusing scene.She made eye contact with Ingo, and seemed to instantly know that he was not what he seemed. 

And yet… she laughed at the scene - light and brief.

<<Ah, younglings. Zorua Kits are so very rambunctious>> The Froslass stated fondly, hand on her still bloody cheek, as if looking at an adorable baby. <<Thank you for preventing your kit from coming near me. I might have reacted quite negatively - particularly with that illusion they have currently.>> 

He gave the pokemon a nod in response to her thank you, before doing a double take, part of him wanting to say something- 

But the Froslass, with a playful “ Froh !” had already left 

Ingo took in what had happened in the last few minutes, and felt a bewilderment settle in his head, thoughts racing wildly about.

Rei was right. He’d scruffed the boy, holding him up so that he couldn’t get himself into trouble. It was just like that time with Lord Arcanine. He was acting like a father Arcanine - or, more accurately, a father Zoroark; they tended to use their claws to scruff their kits, not their mouth. 

While he was wondering what in Sinnoh’s name had caused him to do that , rather than just grab the boy's arm - Rei groaned loudly.

“Ugh, now they’re gone !” Rei lamented the loss “Can you put me down now?” The teenager whined. 

Ingo did so, carefully placing the boy back on his feet. Once Rei was standing again, he let out a huff and crossing his arms, facing Ingo with a serious pout

“You're lucky I took so many notes!” 

“And you are lucky that the Froslass did not attack you” Ingo responded with a certain sternness in his voice “Froslass are far more aware of their direct surroundings when they are eating, as they are vulnerable. You would not have gotten the ‘jump’ on her, so to speak - she would have noticed you before you possibly could” 

“But… they looked distracted” The teen argued weakly, catching onto Ingo’s seriousness on the matter.

“Froslass especially are very keen. One must be as cautious as possible” 

“Oh…” Rei deflated a bit, accepting the warning and uncrossing his arms “Well, did you have to scruff me?” 

“... I panicked” Ingo admitted

“ You panicked?” Rei rose a skeptical brow “ You?? ”

Ingo coughed before responding. “I am capable. I was concerned you would run off and hurt yourself” 

Rei just pouted at that explanation, before seeming to just shake it off, and put the pokeball away “.... Can we check on the Abomasnows, then? I want to take at least a few more notes and maybe catch one more..? That should be safe enough, right? It’s the right time of day for them to be grazing” 

Abomoasnows were always relatively calm, and tended to be quite friendly to boot when they weren’t actively looking for food. And so Ingo nodded “That sounds like an excellent idea” 

The boy gave the warden a grin at his approval “Let’s go then!” 

The rest of the pokemon surveying for that day was calm and uneventful, though, admittedly, Ingo was still thinking about his instinctual parenting of the boy as he sat beside Rei - the boy taking careful time to draw the Abomasnow. 

That had been thoroughly embarrassing. He’d never done that before. 

What had caused that? Was it connected to that intense anxiety he’d been feeling? 

During the time they were surveying, if Rei got too far from him, that anxiety reared its ugly head, and there was an undercurrent of that same exact anxiety whenever he thought about Akari for too long. 

It had to be due to that distressing situation with the Zoroark earlier. That had to be it. 

They returned to the encampment after a few hours, and immediately checked in on Akari - who had been moved to hers and Rei’ shared camp tent, and who was already looking much better, thank Sinnoh. 

All that anxiety left him like an exhaled breath upon seeing both of them together and safe in the tent. Good. 

As the two discussed Rei’s notes and sketches, he found it hard to dismiss himself and return to his station with Lady Sneasler. He didn’t want to leave, that anxiety was poking back up again, and he could not figure out why he was feeling this way.

He’d never been this concerned for them before. It felt odd, resting weird in his chest like something had crawled in there and was trying to make itself at home. 

“- ngo? ” 

“Hm?” 

Akari waved at him “Can I get a hand? Rei still can’t braid my hair with his two left hands” She requested, having sat herself up with her brother’s help

“I do not have two left hands!” Rei instantly argued.

Ingo sorted in amusement at the banter “You are simply not good at taking care of long hair, Rei. no shame in it” Ingo approached Akari on her sleeping mat.

“Plenty shame!” Akari huffed, and Rei rolled his eyes in response. 

Ingo sat down behind her, and was handed the small bit of thin twine she typically used to tie her hair. His own hair (up in his hat, currently) was quite long, and he seemed to be the only person she trusted to do anything to her hair - something that he took as an honor, even if it wasn’t much of one. Thinking about that gave him that nice feeling of being trusted that was hard to come by in the land of Hisui. 

As he gathered her hair gently with his hands to split it into plaits for the braid - somewhat impressed at how well she took care of it given the limited supplies available to her- his eye caught something startling at the back of her neck. 

 A little black triangle, right where her neck met her uniform collar. ▲

Ingo was grateful for his typically neutral face as he took in the stark, black mark. 

“.. Ingo?” 

He startled back “Apologies, I had a moment of brain fog.” he managed, beginning the process of plaiting the braid as his mind began to race. 

He had never seen such a mark before. Would Akari get a tattoo? There was no way!! He'd have certainly heard about it - Akari couldn’t keep a secret to save her life. And there was no way she’d do that, she didn’t seem to like the idea of them, so why would she even get a small one? And in secret? No way.

What could that possibly be? An extremely bizarre birthmark he’d simply never noticed before? A Prank? Does Rei have it too?

“When a zorua kit gets sired, they get a mark somewhere under their fur”

He blinked, his memory bringing that up unbidden - and his heart skipped a beat

No. 

Absolutely not. There was no way. He would never be so careless

He finished her braid with a bit of haste, and rubbed his face for a second, collecting himself. 

There was no way that he’d- No. 

He took in a deep breath through his nose in an attempt to quell the racing of his pulse, greeted by the scent of fresh grass and something… metallic? It was an oddly comforting smell though. Familiar, in a strange way, like his memories were tugging at him and asking to be acknowledged. As if he had the time to indulge in such things these days. 

“Thank you!” Akari voiced, getting his attention after a few moments of distraction.

He snapped back to reality and reacted with a nod “Never any trouble, Akari. I am always happy to assist you and your brother with anything you need.” He tipped his hat. “Will you be going back to the Pearl settlement today now that you are feeling better? You are tasked to assist with quelling the frenzy Lord Avalugg, correct?” 

“That’s tomorrow” Rei answered - not looking forward to it, clearly “but first, we wanted to ask you…”

“Can we go see Lady Sneasler today?” Akari finished the question

Ingo tilted his head just a tad “Well.. She would be quite happy to see you. Though… Might I ask why? There is not much daylight left.” 

“... We wanna see the babies,” Rei admitted with a slightly embarrassed shrug. 

Ah. 

Ingo managed to hold back a chuckle at the honesty “Well, I certainly cannot fault you for that… She will be happy to let you see the sneasels, I am sure of that. Though we must make as much haste as Akari’s injury will allow.” 

The kids cheered in unison with fist pumps to the hair, and Rei promptly helped his sister stand up just as Ingo stood. As she straightened out, she let out a slight hiss. 

Oh, there was that anxiety again. 

“Are you certain that you are safe for transport, Akari?” Ingo asked, hand reaching out as if to either help her or stop her. 

“Rei will not see the Sneaslets without me!” Akari stated like a hard fact - defiance in her tone that reminded Ingo of his argument with Rei earlier by the Froslass.

“That … did not answer my question” Ingo responded.

Akari pouted at him, clasping her hands together and giving him her best begging expression  “I’m okay to go!! Please??” 

“She’s just gonna whine until you let her go to the den” Rei pointed out with an eye roll, arms crossed

Ingo gave Akari the same unimpressed look he’d given Rei just hours before. She seemed to know what that face meant, and just kept pouting - it somehow looked even sadder. 

“Akari, you should not travel if your maintenance is not finished” He lightly scolded the girl “It could be very, very dangerous!”

“That’s rich coming from mister “walked three days with a broken arm”” Her pout turned into a scowl

Oh… that was a good come back. Damn.

Ingo sighed, tilting his hat in what seemed like defeat. “... So long as you do not strain yourself, and rest when instructed, we can take the journey. We must make haste, however. As i stated, there is only so much daylight left” 

Akari grinned widely at his acquiescence , and the twins nodded to him, taking a moment to collect their things as he stood by the tent’s entrance. 

Once they were all set up - giving him a “We’re ready!” In unison - he led them out of the base camp and through the highlands, over to the cavern where Lady Sneasler had hidden her children away. It had been a brief but invigorating hike, with the kids mostly talking amongst themselves about how excited they were to see Lady Sneasler and the baby Sneasels. 

“Lady Sneasler!” Ingo called out “My lady, I come with guests!” He announced, his voice echoing into the den-cave

“We would like to see the babies, please!” Rei requested as the twins came up alongside the warden 

“We have berries for them!” Akari added, holding up a small cloth bag.

The pokemon looked over from the nest, and brightened up considerably, approaching them with clear delight at the guests “ Snee! ” The pokemon greeted them, looking to Ingo 

<< I see they are well, My Warden! Wonderful to see… >> She trailed off momentarily as the children passed her to go deeper into the den, right to the nest. She sniffed the air, and gave a confused face, turning to the children, then her warden. 

“What is it, my lady? Do you smell something concerning?” he asked her

<< Not… concerning, my warden. Simply surprising. I thought you told me you would never have kits >>

“I would never” he pressed, hackles raised. 

There was no way. He hadn’t . 

She gave him a bewildered look. << Ingo. >> 

Oh, she was calling him by his name now. That wasn’t good  

<< That scent. The metallic one. >>

Ingo winced a bit “I smell it, yes” 

<< It is new. It is very distinct. The children are reeking of it >> 

“It might be the blood from Akari’s altercation” 

<<It is not blood, and you know that>> 

Ingo huffed in clear frustration. 

The pokemon’s stare was becoming a bit confused. <<...You are not the type to deny even your most egregious of mistakes, My Warden>> 

Ingo just coughed into his hand, looking away from his Noble with a certain nervousness, before hearing the little Sneasels crying out from their excited crowding of the twin teens

<<Warden has kits??>> Their little voices squeals <<we’re uncles!>>

<<We’re aunties!>> 

<<We got niblin’s!>> 

“Wow, they’re really excited to see us today,” Akari laughed. “Be careful though! I got hurt earlier today so be tiny with the claws please! ‘Specially on my back!” She warned the little pokemon, who immediately began to let out distressed “snee”s! 

<<Hurt??>> 

<<Hurt??? Niece is hurt???>> 

<<No!!>> 

Several of the smaller, non-verbal sneasels had started to squeak in distress at this 

<<No!! Is nephew also hurt?? Both hurt?? >>

Lady Sneasler sighed deeply <<Enough! They are both fine, and our Warden has taken care of them. Simply be careful!>> She lightly instructed

That seemed to calm the various kits down, and when the Sneasler looked back at her warden, she didn’t bother to hold back her version of a laugh at the slightly alarmed look in his eyes - having heard all of their dismay quite clearly. 

<<So… it really was an accident, wasn't it? This scent.>> She questioned.

“... I didn't. I would have known ” He pressed “Yes, it was a stressful situation with the other Zoroark. Yes, I was scared for them but… “ 

<<... that might have been enough. From what I have heard form the more peaceful Zoroarks>> Sneasler placated his anxious words with reason

“... I’ve always been so careful.” He repeated the thought out loud “I am not meant for that sort of responsibility. I feel that even before my departure from my previous station, I was far too busy for that sort of thing.” 

<<Parenthood waits for no Pokemon, my Warden>> the noble pointed out, her tone somehow both wise yet playful

Ingo just huffed at the statement, deciding to stop the conversation so that he could continue watching the children carefully from his standing position next to Lady Sneasler, whose attention also fell on the children since it was clear Ingo wasn’t about to speak more on the matter. 

They’d both taken to sitting down among the babies right at the edge of the “nest” pile, with some of the newer ones being brought over by their older siblings to the twins' laps, getting some delightful giggles out of the recruits. The squealing and squeaking was soft and their little claws didn’t have any poison yet, so they were safe to handle. 

Akari picked one up, holding the baby to her face with both hands as gently as she could, and got a lick on the nose. She squealed softly “Ahhhh why are Lady Sneasler’s babies all so cute?!” she questioned - seemingly to the baby itself.

“You need to chill out,” Rei commented, getting his own affectionate nuzzle from one of the smaller babies that had climbed to his shoulder. He couldn’t stop a smile at the action, leaning his head on the affectionate baby sneasel 

“Shut up, you think they’re cute too, you hypocrite” Akari scowled at him.

Rei just stuck his tongue out at his sister. 

Ingo felt a smile tug at him as he watched, though he didn’t act on the desire. He rarely did. 

The kids continued to talk to one another and to the sneasels - with a silly baby voice that brought Ingo some amusement at them pretending to know what the babies and kids were babbling on about. The sneasels themselves were still wondering what their responsibilities were as aunts and uncles - asking most of the questions aloud and then answering them for each other. 

One particular little sneasel seemed to be whipping itself into upset <<We’re too small!!>> it whined, leaning into Akari’s arm, which was holding him comfortably. <<We can’t protect themmmm>>

Lady Sneasler rolled her eyes at the dramatic sneasel <<My little kit, you needn’t concern yourself with such a worry>> 

<<But - but Mama!!>> the child moaned out in distress. 

“No buts, or are you forgetting who their protector is? ” She questioned, and Ingo felt his heckles raise, looking at her yet again

“My Lady, I am not-”

<< Ah, ah, ah, Do you not protect them?>> she interrupted 

Ah, right. She hadn’t called him parent… Instead of continuing his scolding, he gave her a sharp glare, and she just gave him a smug smile. Oh, She’d done that on purpose . 

“.... You know what I mean, My lady” 

<<I do not, My Wardren - do elaborate for me>>

“Uh, Ingo?” Rei called 

The Noble and her warden turned their heads at the interruption

“Are you uh, okay?” Akari tilted her head 

“You guys look like you’re arguing,” Rei added. 

“My lady is simply giving me some rather aggressive sass” Ingo deflected, getting a petulant tongue sticking out from the Sneasler, which garnered an unimpressed brow from the warden 

“Oh yes, quite mature of you. Very appropriate for a supposed grandmother”

<<So I am a grandmother, then! >>

“What?” called out Rei.

Ooooh Ingo had called her a grandmother out loud . 

“Ahem, it is… an inside joke that my lady and I have” 

Akari gave a weird look at that statement “What? Does she think of you as like, her pup?” 

“Sometimes I think she is of the opinion that I am just an overgrown sneasel” Ingo reasoned.

Lady Sneasler responded to that statement by licking the side of his face, seeming to take her time going from his chin to his forehead. 

Akari and Rei brush into laughter as Ingo shivered after a brief pause to register what the Seasler had just done. 

“Thank you, My Lady.” Ingo drolled sarcastically “I love you too”

The kids only laughed harder. 

The rest of their time in the den was peaceful and calm, with the Noble no longer directly teasing Ingo, but being passive in her snark, flashing him toothy grins whenever he’d level a glare in her direction for a few seconds. Any time the twins caught it, they’d laugh, as if they knew exactly what he was being teased about - though to be fair, Lady Sneasler’s expressions could be amusing just on their own.  

Ingo accompanied them back to the camp just as the sun was starting to set, and they were safely there by nightfall. 

“Thanks for bringing us back Ingo!” Rei thanks, giving the man a quick hug before bolting off to the campfire for some cooked food like a starved growlithe pup. As he rushed off, his scarf started to come undone, and Ingo spotted the tip of that tell-tale triangle as he simply took it off with one arm and gathered it in hand.

Oh, great, it really was both of them. He kept his expression calm at this realization. 

Akari chuckled at her brother’s food motivated speed “Seriously though, thank you. Let that Zoroark know I’m happy he saved us” Akari requested

“I shall” he nodded, being unable to stop himself from giving her one of his lopsided smiles, and she reached over for a hug, giving him a squeeze around his midsection. He returned the hug, one hand resting against the back of her neck where he knew the unintended sire mark was, the other wrapped around her shoulders. The moment his hand brushed over it, her grip seemed to get a little tighter, and she let out a comforted sigh. 

Well, if that didn’t prove the fact that he’d managed to mark human children , nothing did. 

He let go of her after a few more seconds, and tipped his hat. Akari gave him a sweet, grateful smile, waving to him, before turning back to join her brother around the campfire. 

Ingo took a deep, deep breath, and turned to leave, waiting until he was certain he was out of sight before releasing his illusion, and running back to the Den for the night with a swift gait. 

By the time he got back to the Lady’s den, his noble looked just as smug as ever - perhaps more so, laying with her babies and giving a few of them some affectionate licks as they crawled up to their mother’s face

“My lady, I don’t appreciate your laughter at my misfortune.” Ingo huffed at her expression

“It is not misfortune, My warden” She argued. 

“It absolutely is” 

“And how?” 

“My Lady. I am not… I am not a father, a parent. I cannot be. For many, many reasons - not the least of which, that I am an amnesiac who barely remembered where I am from, much less how to utilize my instincts. I no longer, or .. perhaps never had… the memory of learning to use my own abilities” 

The Sneasler rested her hand on her paw, humming in thought at the statement

“What made you think that, hm?” She questioned “My warden, despite your lack of memory, you have never lost a battle. How would you explain that?” 

“I could not tell you” He answered, a certain tremor to his ever-expressive voice “That is the scary part, My Lady” 

“.. I suppose I can understand that.” She responded “But I must remind you, Warden. The instincts of a parent are strong. They often override even the most reasonable of emotions ” 

“Which is why I must find a way to negate this imprinting - this siring” 

“Hah. Good luck with that. I have never heard of such a thing” 

“Well, it has to exist. It must” 

“Why?” 

“Because I cannot keep them safe!! They - They are not my kits!” he burst out “Surely, surely they have a mother and father that are missing them terribly! Who am I, a stranger , to-”

“You are not a stranger to them, Ingo. Not in the slightest” His Noble scolded, cutting him off “You are perhaps the only adult they completely trust. You do know that the connection of parent to child goes both ways , yes?” 

He took a moment to think on the statement, though he seemed too tired to think about it for very long. “That doesn’t change the dangers of this. What if someone discovers this? Accuses them of being Zorua? They are already seen as suspicious for falling from the sky” 

“... You would leave them defenseless then?” 

“That - My lady- that’s not what I meant ” He pressed “.. Please, respect my decision on this matter” 

The pokemon sighed deeply, rolling her eyes “Rest, my Warden.” 

“Lady Sneasler-” 

“No, you are tired. Rest. We will talk when you are clearer of mind” She left no room for argument, and proceeded to lay back down with her babies and shut her eyes, essentially ending the conversation.

He exhaled, resting his muzzle on the ground. 

Perhaps his mind would be clearer tomorrow

He jolted awake with a certain, abrupt and built-up panic in his chest - an unfamiliar, baffling panic that was making his heart rate jolt into the triple digits. 

Trying to figure out why he was so worried, he looked around the den, and noticed that Akari and Rei weren’t here. Which - of course they’re not; they’re at the encampment - but - but!! - 

“Where are the kits? Where are they? They aren’t here! Where? Are they hurt?” 

‘Calm down, calm down!! They’re fine, you know they are fine’ 

But do you? Do you? They could be anywhere!! They could be - 

“My Warden, release your fur from your claws!” 

He paused in his freak out, and looked up at Lady Sneasler, who was giving him a concerned look- slightly tinged with a bizarre sort of amusement at his actions

“Please, take a moment. You are worried for your kits, yes?” 

He took a moment, before nodding with a look of embarrassment in his eyes “It’s..  I keep thinking-“  

“I know.” She stopped his probably anxious ramble “Take a little time, My Warden. A deep breath, then go just see them. You needn’t approach, just see” Lady Sneasler instructed, her tone rather wise and knowing

“... You say this from experience?” Ingo surmised

“I do” She confirmed

Ingo sighed, resigned to the feeling “And here I thought sleep might assist in clearing my mind” 

“I did as well, but then again, it has not helped you before” the Noble pointed out in amusement, her smirk tired but bemused “Now, go check on them, come back, and we’ll have more… reasonable, conversation” 

“ I can feel your sass from here!” He called from the mouth of the cavern den.

She let out a laugh “Go, My Warden, before that anxiety overtakes you again!” 

He huffed, but gave her a respectful nod before leaving on swift feet. 

He found them through that distinct scent - a tinge of iron, the scent of sweet wildflowers and aging wood. He wished he knew what about that scent felt like home to him, but he could not think of it now. He was headed further into what he recognized as other Zoroark’s territory. He needed to be cautious. 

Check on the kits, return to the den. Check on the kits, return to the den. 

He just repeated those instructions to himself until the two of them came into view. He could see that the twins were working together to study some mamoswine that were all resting in the early morning sun. The two were always up so very early for survey work. 

They were quiet and paying close attention - with Rei drawing the pokemon and Akari writing down the details about who was sleeping where and how. They made an excellent team, studious and dedicated to their cause. They were both looking well rested and like new after the harrowing events the day before. You would have never known Akari had been attacked the night before.

Much of his anxiety left him when he saw them, and could see that they were being careful and safe.  Finally relieved and his instincts properly satiated, he was just about to leave, before he heard a shout- 

“Wait!!!” Rei called out “Stay there!! Akari, That’s him!” 

“Wha - it’s an alpha ?!” Akari called out with surprise “And it's not white???”

“I know!” 

Ooooh, Oops they spotted him.

He sighed deeply, before turning back to look at them to greet them, seeing just how excited Rei was to see him, and how interested Akari was in his presence alone. 

“Hello!!” Akari grinned at the pokemon with a grateful smile “You’re Ingo’s Zoroark? Rei said you saved us yesterday!” 

“He did!” Rei confirmed, looking at Akari before returning his attention to Ingo “I didn’t think we’d see you again so soon, but I just.. Got this feeling, turned around, and there you were!” 

Ingo huffed at that - was that a part of the connection he’d accidentally created? Oh dear  ‘Yes, I did assist you yesterday. I am happy to see that you are recovered. I am certain that Ingo is happy as well’ 

“Oh wow, you can talk! With your mind!” Akari jumps, writing that down in her journal “I need to note that! Professor Laventon is gonna freak !” 

Rei laughed a bit at his sister’s enthusiasm. “Yeah, the prof’s gonna love it” the boy looked up at Ingo “Thanks again, though. I dunno if I can thank you enough, honestly. You really saved my sister and me yesterday” 

“Think nothing of it” Ingo said rather sincerely “You are important, and for that reason alone you deserve to be safe”

Akari paused in her note-taking at the sincerity of his tone, looking up at him with wide eyes. “Oh… uh, important? Like, to Ingo?” She grasped for that clarification, which confused the Zoroark.

“Of course”  He responded sincerely

Akari seemed surprised at this, and so did Rei - something that made Ingo’s head churn with thoughts. 

“Oh.. cool” 

“Real cool” 

… Ingo was genuinely unsure how to respond to such a reaction.

But before he could, Rei took off his hat, shaking up his hair for a second before putting it back on - something he typically did to ‘straighten his thoughts out’ “Are you going back to Ingo?” 

“I am, yes. He as requested my assistance” Ingo confirmed, seeing the out in the conversation, and beginning to turn around “I must get going-” 

“Wait!” Akari jumped, “Wait, we have something for him - we forgot to give him something yesterday - stay put!” She pointed to Rei “We left it at base camp and that’s not far away!! Keep him staying put! I’ll be right back!” 

“Got it!” Rei turned back to the Zoroark as his sister ran off “Stay put! You gotta deliver something to Ingo for us!” 

Ingo snorted in amusement. Seems he’d stay put for a moment. Delivering something to himself. Hah. 

Rei took a breath as he watched his sister run off, and rubbed at his face for a moment with the hand holding his pencil, getting some graphite on his cheek. 

“Ah, Your face” 

“Huh?” 

“The pencil - it is on your face” 

“Oh, shit” Rei seemed a bit embarrassed, but before the boy could wipe it off, he was startled into stillness by a solid lick on the side of his face. Rei froze up at the action for a moment, clearly caught off guard.“... Uh” 

Ingo tried not to think anything of it, though internally he did cringe. He was a zoroark, he could lick their face and they’d just think he was just doing a pokemon thing. He didn’t need to overthink it like that…And yet, with the current situation, it might have been unwise to be actively affectionate, even with something as benign as a lick to the face

But when Rei let out a befuddled laugh after that prolonged silence, Ingo relaxed. 

“Heh, thanks?” Rei wiped his cheek with his scarf

“...You’re welcome” 

Rei seemed to contemplate something as he looked at Ingo, and then he reached, giving the Zoroark a solid scratch on the side of his face. Ingo had to admit - It felt quite nice! He let himself lean into the scratch for a moment before Akari bounced over with plenty of energy, and held up a small, wrapped box. 

“I’m back!!” She announced, stopping in front of Ingo “Here! Don't tell him, but Rei and I learned how to make these cool seals when we were over with Diamond Clan and made some for him! We meant to give it to him earlier but totally forgot!” The girl admitted.”Just tell him we got ‘em for him - we’ll tell him we made ‘em ourselves next time we see him”

“We even used berries to make some, like, ink? Kind of? Dont’ tell him that either!” Rei added excitedly “so he can use it right away for like, marking his stuff, I guess? I dunno. We just wanted to make him something. It functions like a stamp - cause he says that Melli takes his stuff sometimes, so he should have his name or a symbol on it!” 

Ingo took the little, wrapped box, and gave Akari an affectionate lick on the forehead. How kind of them to think of him- such wonderful young teenagers. 

“He will lo-” he stopped himself from finishing that sentence, feigning clearing his throat despite using telepathy “He will sincerely appreciate it, I am sure of that” 

Akari let out a laugh at the lick “Thank you!” She reached forward, hugging the “mysterious” alpha Zoroark right around his mane as tight as she could at the slightly awkward angle “And thanks again for saving me. Who knows what Rei would have done without me” 

“I would have thrived and you know it” Rei responded - though the snark had no real bite to it. He also gave the Zororark a hug, though it was quicker than Akari’s “Safe travels, Mister Zoroark! Tell Ingo we wanna see him again really soon!” 

Oooh the instinct to grab the children by the back of their uniforms and take them back to the den was so strong. 

But he took a deep breath, instinctively nuzzling them right at the sides of their heads- that parental instinct pleased when they leaned into the affection- and he forced himself to part ways with them. They waved him off as he ran, until he was out of sight.

When he returned to the den for the remainder of the morning, he had returned to his human disguise out of habit - he was usually in human form by this time, anyway. It felt odd not to be in his human form most of the time, truly. He wondered what the reason was for that, but those reasons were lost to the maze of his memory.

He could see that Lady Sneasler was now up and active, taking special care of her smaller pups, noticing him and giving a raised head to him. 

“Hello, my warden. Are your kits well?” She greeted him cheekily.

“My …” Ingo sighed deeply, with a rather frustrated exhale “- Akari and Rei are very well, thank you, my lady.” 

“Almost got you there, warden” She snickered playfully

Ingo felt his frown pull into more of a scowl than his neutral expression “My lady, please refrain from this” 

“Refrain from what?” Her grin did not leave her face

Ingo’s exasperation only increased, with him pinching the bridge of his nose. “Lady Sneasler. I implore you” 

The noble rolled her eyes at his overly serious tone, before letting out an exasperated exhale of her own “Alright, my warden. I can see you truly want to be serious. I must admit seeing you so out of sorts is funny, but I can put on my serious face for you” 

“...Your serious face” 

“Do you want me to be serious, or not?” 

Ingo lowered his head in defeat, tilting down his hat “Yes, my lady” 

“Serious face, then” 

Ingo did not look impressed at the rather parent-to-child tone that he was getting, but when she did let that playful grin fall, he appreciated it. 

“Okay then, My Warden. Please, tell me what about this scares you so very much” 

He could hear her genuine curiosity despite all of her snark and testing of his patience, and started to attempt to explain. “The way that I see it…”

He talked for some time about his reasoning and the details of them, with the three main points being: 

1. He was a warden with many, many responsibilities. Children - or, more accurately, those parental instincts - would complicate things significantly. (Lady Sneasler would argue that it was not nearly as invasive as he seemed to think they were)
2. They were teenagers and tended to get themselves into rather dangerous situations, but they were also very capable and knew their safety checks. They did not need him peering over their shoulder constantly. (She disagreed)
3. He was just. Not parent material. He had no experience, and instinct could only take you so far. (She also disagreed)

But… there was one more, rather pertinent fact that The Noble understood much more than the others. 

“They are outsiders, and so am I.” He bluntly stated, a certain anxiety to his tone. “Should this - any of it - get out… should more people than necessary learn about my true nature… I fear for them. So I have heard from Irida, their commander is already very suspicious of them. I am… A liability, a red flag already, just as I am, without my drastic mistake of marking them as my children.” 

Lady Sneasler tilted her head, taking in his reasons with a seemingly careful introspection. They were, indeed, good reasons in a bubble - completely within her understanding even if she disagreed. But there was a factor here that he seemed to be ignorant to that she had mentioned, but had seemingly gone over his head.

“Ingo,” She started, getting his attention by using his name “How much do you know of - what did you call it, Siring? Zoroarks call it simply Parentage, by the way” 

That… sounded better than “siring”, honestly. 

“I know of only the basics. I might have known more, but my memory continues to elude me, despite recent progress” 

“Well… there is a factor to this that you seemed to have forgotten, or did not know. I believe that I brought it up last night, but you were tired. Perhaps you do not remember” 

Ingo gave her a curious look. It seemed he did not. 

“For that sort of Parentage, the chosen kind” She started, trying to keep her wording careful “It goes both ways. They cannot become your kits without, on some level, wanting that kind of protection and care” 

There was a long pause from him. Ingo looked back down at the floor of the den, thinking on her words and the heavy implications that came with them “ I just…” He shook his head, expression hard to read- even more than usual “... I cannot be that protection, My Lady” 

“Why not?” 

Ingo furrowed his brow “See my first reasons” 

The sneasler looked unimpressed, but only rescinded with a “Hm” 

There was a moment of quiet as they reflected on his words, before lady Sneasler spoke once again, her tone rather serious. 

“... I understand your concern, My Warden” 

He looked up at her, surprised to see her at least superficially agree with him, but she continued. 

“But I am afraid I don’t know anything about reversing or terminating a Parentage. Not am I completely convinced that you should pursue that, though I can empathize with your reasons.” 

He sighed “I will have to reach out to the one or two other Zoroark who do not hate me, to see if they can assist me with the matter. This seems to be something specific to my being a Zoroark” 

“... Be safe when you do so” She warned. 

“Always, My Lady” He nodded. “I know whom I can and cannot approach”

“Now that our serious conversation is over with… what are Akari and Rei up to, anyway?” 

“They are surveying lord Avalugg at this time, I am nearly certain” he answered. “To research how to quell his frenzy before harm comes to others.” 

“Ah, such intelligent children, they are. Taking all needed steps.”  Lady Sneasler seemed to nod pleasantly, clearly impressed by the humans.

“They are indeed. And maintaining all safety protocols” Ingo nodded in agreement with his Noble’s words “To add to that… this is final frenzied noble. They will no longer have to put themselves in such danger after this.” 

“Does that mean that they will close the rift at long last?” 

“That is what is being assumed, yes” 

The Noble seemed contemplative at that, shutting her eyes. “Hm…” 

“... My Lady?” Ingo tilted his head

“... Do you think that it is wise to close it?” She pondered. 

Ingo paused, “What do you mean?” 

“If they close the rift, they might never go back from whence they came.. And neither will you, My warden”  She pointed out 

Ah.. he supposed that made sense - a completely reasonable preponderance of upcoming events. 

“Well… it has to be closed. It is not safe. Safety must come first.” Ingo concluded. 

“.... And your hope to return from whence you came? What of that?” 

“... Irrelevant.”Ingo answered rather curtly. “The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few in this regard.” 

Sneasler didn’t seem to like that answer, but decided to let it go, simply letting out a huff in response. 

Naught but a dead end there. The rest of the morning deserved just a little peace.

Once he had finished his conversation and morning duties with Lady Sneasler, it had taken him some time to find the Zoroark known as the “Widow” out in the Icelands. The Widow was an older pokemon, with many kits both her biological own as well as parented through “Parentage” (now that Ingo knew the term, it was quite useful). If anyone would know about breaking off a parentage bond, it would be her. 

She was dangerous to humans - or at least, she used to be - but she also understood him, in a way - perhaps she knew more about humans than she let on? Ingo could only assume. She never bothered him, and he never bothered her - sometimes he would even make the effort to lead humans out of her territory. Typically they only ever communicated with nods of acknowledgement. 

On a related note: her kits loved him, which bewildered him. 

By the time he found her, the sun was blisteringly high in the sky, and the Zoroark was over at the far end of Avaluggs legacy - where most pokemon tended to linger, and where few humans bothered to go. She noticed him as he arrived - having gone forward with no illusion - her nose twitching at his scent, giving him a confused look. 

“... You smell different, Warden” She pointed out - not bothering with a greeting. 

He simply nodded to her in response before speaking. “I am aware, Widow. I have had a very eventful time, recently, and come humbly requesting your wisdom” 

Her little Zorua looked out at him from behind their mother, where they seemed to have been napping. There were four of them, currently, with only one being her direct descendant (so to speak). It seemed to take them all a moment before they recognized him, and perked up in unison

“The dark one!”

“Hello dark one!” 

“Hello!”

Their little tails were flickering with delight at the sight of the man, the four of them walking around their mother to approach him. But one of them - the youngest - paused, and sniffed, seemingly to recognize something, and jumping up and down with a sort of startled excitement as their siblings soon joined them

“THE DARK ONE HAS KITS?!” The smallest one shouted out

The Widow blinked at the realization, looking at her kit, then at the other Zoroark. Ingo sheepishly looked away. 

“Do you?” The widow cautiously asked “I do not wish to assume, but It would explain the scent.. ” 

“...It is complicated.”  

The older Zoroark gave a skeptical expression to Ingo, before turning her head to look at the small Zoarua pack “ My children ” She called “ Go and play elsewhere, it seems the warden needs to speak with me ” 

The children all dispersed, bounding away with a few glances back at Ingo and their mother before they disappeared behind some snow to play

“I came to ask you something that might be seen as taboo, I apologize in advance” Ingo started, taking a “seat” a respectful distance from the other Zoroark.

“You are already quite taboo, Warden.” She pointed out, a curious tilt to her head “ I wonder what might be so taboo as to be declared so by you that you have gotten yourself into - and with kits ?” 

“That was… an accident, per se. The sky fallers, they - “ 

“Wait-” She quickly interrupted, with a raised paw “You claimed Parentage on the human skyfallers?” 

She sounded about as baffled as he had been when he’d realized what had happened.

“... Yes… I did. They were being attacked when it happened. They nearly died..” 

“... And in that panic your Parentage claim was staked” The Zoroark nodded in understanding, though still seeming quite surprised “I find it quite fascinating that you can even claim human children, but you are odd in every way, Warden” 

Ingo exhaled through his nose. “I know. . . But i am here to ask you how to break the bond of Parentage”  

The Widow's eyes sharply glared at him as he asked that question - as if offended at the mere mention of breaking such a thing  “And why do you want to know that?” 

“... I cannot be a good parent to them.” He stated, his tone somber and as serious as he could muster in his attempt to convince “I am not… It is not within my capabilities. There are too many variables.” 

“Variables?” 

“Conflicting responsibilities” Ingo clarified 

The widow huffed at that answer - unimpressed “Do they know?” 

“What?” 

“Do they know, Warden?” 

“... No, they do not” 

The Widow sighed “Then to start, you must tell them” 

Ingo pauses at the blunt instruction, but the fellow Zoroark starts up again

“Parentage is a two-way covenant. They must want your protection and you must want to provide it” They reiterated Lady Sneasler’s knowledge “Just as it is created by that communication, it must be broken similarly.”

“So.. if we both do not want it…” 

“It can be severed. It happens with older, belligerent kits, but it is extremely rare in general, if it happens at all” 

He nodded “Thank you for your wisdom. Despite what might be assumed, I just want what's best for my - for the human children” 

The Zoroark snorted “Your subconscious disagrees with you, Warden.” She pointed out to him - her tone nearly playful “It wants them safe. And the Parentage dictates that they are safest with you. Be wary of those instincts. Self preservation tends to be placed to the side in the protection of kits… We are so easily targeted by most humans” 

He understood that. There was a reason that the imprinting process was reversed for Zoroark and Zorua, after all. 

“Where are the human kits now?” The widow asks

“Ah.. They are currently- “ 

A low, rumbling roar cut Ingo off before he could answer, the echo causing his fur to stand up on end as if by static. 

Lord Avalugg

They were quelling Lord Avalugg’s frenzy 

That fear overwhelmed his senses again. 

He felt some.. Emotion…  that wasn’t his, terrified and fearful. It wasn’t his fear - It was - It was-

“-den - Warden!” 

He snapped into attention, staring wide eyed at the Widows sharp gaze 

“They are calling for you. Go! ” 

Her deliberate instruction felt like the snapping of a restraint, and he took off faster than he’d ever run before. 

He followed the horrible feeling all the way to the arena, where there were shouts of alarm from others just beyond him, but he couldn’t even focus on it. Because something new was overwhelming his senses. 

Blood, he smelled blood . Blood he’d smelled before, which made him nauseous and anxious in equal measure.

He found that his focus was elsewhere as he leapt to the top of the arena and looked down with a certain franticness, spotting Akari and Rei with balms in hand. They were in the middle of their quelling, their pokemon working alongside them to distract the frenzied noble from its rage - and from stepping on them. 

Rei’s left arm was noticeably shoved into his uniform, the metallic scent and red stain indicating his harm- but his focus remained on his task, using his non-dominant arm to throw the balms. 

Lord Avalugg looked to be near his limit, but that only meant that his frenzy was more desperate - far more dangerous. The pokemon’s heavy steps shook the ground, and Ingo could hear Irida shouting to the children with clear fear in her voice at the evolving situation 

“It’s too risky!! Get out!!” She yelled down to them, Gaeric right by her side - seeming to be in agreement, which was surprising. They both wanted those kids out of there - it was getting too dangerous, even for them!! 

But they wouldn’t. Ingo knew this. They didn’t give up for anything or anyone - an admirable trait - bravery in its purest form. Ingo could feel their fear as if it was a scent in and of itself. It was causing them to doubt their movements - to stall them in their actions. He bared his sharp teeth, watching cautiously as the dodging continued. 

Perhaps it was just being able to read their faces as well as he could - or perhaps it was an ability connected to Parentage - but he could tell that Rei was hitting his limit, and Akari was picking up the slack despite her own exhaustion starting to settle in. They were both tired. They were both afraid. They weren’t going to be able to hold out for much longer. They both wanted help, but didn’t know if they could ask so late in their plight - if they would even receive it. 

Well, that would have been enough for him even without the baggage of Parentage, honestly. 

His eyes watched them cautiously, and when Rei took a single misstep, falling over and nearly underfoot-!!

Rei found himself grabbed and removed from immediate harm by a large, steady hand with shining claws, leaving him startled, but feeling as if he was in a familiar set of arms.

“Zoroark!??!” 

“On my back. I am getting your sister” 

Rei gave the pokemon a serious nod and climbed back up onto the Zoroark’s mane with his one useable hand, and Ingo’s eyes returned to the battleground across the arena, where Akari’s fierce focus kept her moving- keeping her working to quell the frenzy, even if by herself despite her creeping exhaustion.

With his fast reflexes, he maneuvered around the Noble’s clamoring feet, and called out to Akari with a sharp, loud roar. The girl turned her head, and seemed to instantly know what he was planning, giving him a nod. She then pointed to Lord Avalugg, who was looking near the end of his frenzy, and then pointed to her balms. 

Just a little longer now - they could still do this. 

Rei’s good hand was free and ready with a balm in hand, and Ingo stood above Akari, towering over and looking up at the noble - whose eyes still glowed an intense and nearly blinding gold in the bright sunshine. 

“Let’s go!” Rei announced, pointing with his one hand in what to anyone else seemed like an imitation of Ingo “Full steam ahead!!” 

Akari joined her brother on Ingo’s back, and he rested his claws on the ice, piercing and ready to assist with his grip

“ Lead” he instructed the twins

“Left!” The twins yelled out in unison, and Ingo followed the instruction. 

They rode along his back, with him using his faster reflexes and sharp claws to maintain their speed along the ice of the arena as the lord fumbled and stomped and the children continued to toss their balms to calm him. 

And with a single balm, the glow receded, and the frenzy quelled, the stomping coming to a stop as the Lord came back to himself. 

As the noble crooned lowly, Ingo listened. 

“Clear… my mind is clear… Thank you, Akari, Rei. And thank you, Warden. You and your kits are a force to be reckoned with.” 

Ingo didn’t bother to correct The Noble. Since he was speaking aloud, Akari and Rei couldn’t understand him anyway, and Ingo was frankly not thinking about that very deeply right now.

“Please,”  Lord Avalugg made a motion with his head to the children “Take the ice plate as a token of my gratitude.”

Akari seemed to understand what he was suggesting with the head movement, and slid herself off of Ingo, giving the noble a smile as she approached. 

“It's good to see you better, Lord Avalugg” She gave him head a gentle pat with her comparatively tiny hand. The lord grumbled happily.  “We will take the ice plate. Thank you” 

“AKARI??? REI??” 

Oh, Irida. Ingo had completely forgotten. 

“Ingo’s Zoroark helped us! We’re okay!!” Rei called from Ingo’s mane, smiling brightly and triumphantly 

“ You are not okay” Akari admonished, now holding the ice plate with both hands. 

“I’m alive and that's enough!” Rei argued as Irida and Gaeric approached them in a rush, jogging over to take a look at all of them.  

Irida eyed Ingo with some confusion for a moment, but went right back to the twins - then looked to Avalugg’s Warden. 

“Gaeric!” 

“Hm?” 

“Tend to your lord. I’m taking them back to the settlement” She instructed. 

The Warden eyed the Zoroark suspiciously “... And him?” 

“He is coming too” She curtly responded, giving him a glare that only got a roll of the eyes from him

“He’s Ingo’s!” Rei announced happily, patting his head “He helped us! He’s good, promise!” 

“Yeah!” Akari nodded, grabbing at the Zoroark in a hug, squeezing him “He’s super good!” 

The warden huffed, looking at Ingo before returning his attention to Lord Avalugg, and leaving the group alone. 

Irida turned back to see the twins offering the Zoroark in question further gratitude and affection - clearly appreciative of his help, and he in turn appreciative of the affection.

He was purring. He never purred. Ever. She’d never heard that noise before. Irida found herself a bit baffled. 

But she motioned to the Zoroark, and called out “Back to the settlement! Both of you corps members need to be looked at!” 

Akari and Rei didn’t argue with her (As if they even would), and with Rei still riding on the Zoroark’s back, Akari walking by his side,  they returned to the settlement. Despite a few looks, no one said much of anything about the black Zoroark, a face that seemed to bewilder Akari and Rei.  

“He comes here sometimes with Ingo” Irida had answered the twins' confused looks at her before they could even ask. 

“Ooh, cool!” Rei laughed “Man, we gotta get you some food for ya as a thank you, you saved us again!” Rei grinned up at the Zoroark 

“Think nothing of it” Ingo responded “You were in need of the help, and I provided it” 

“Still!! Ingo really trained you well” Akari added

Irida stared over at Ingo again with an interested glance at that statement, but said nothing as they approached the medical tent, turning to face the trio fully.

“Zoroark, while they are being treated… please come see me in my tent” She requested.  

The two shared eye contact, and he simply nodded. After Rei and Akari were taken to the medical tent, Ingo entered the Clan leader’s tent as a Zoroark, and once they were out of eyesight of the rest of the clan, took on his human illusion - if only to make communication easier. 

“Ingo?” 

He turned his head to Irida, giving her a light bow. 

“Hello, Lady Irida.” He greeted “My apologies for not coming to the settlement in some time. I have been… preoccupied for the last two days or so” 

“So i’ve noticed” She huffed, hands on her hips before she continued “Rei and Akari told me that you saved them from another Zoroark… and now, you showed up again during their quelling of Lord Avalugg?” 

“Yes, I saw you watching them” He pointed out

He brow furrowed “.. But they do not know that it’s you, do they?” 

He shook his head “I thought it a safety precaution” 

Irida crossed her arms in thought, head tilted. She supposed she could understand the reasoning, even if it was a bit tenuous given who they were referring to.  She was one of the very, very few people that knew of Ingo’s true nature - a very selective group, for the most part. It was her, Adaman, Gaeric, Melli, Calaba and Sabi. No one else knew that he was a Zoroark, and he attempted to keep it that way for his safety, as well as the safety of everyone else. The Galaxy Team’s paranoid leader needn’t know the man training his recruits was a Zoroark. 

“I understand that you are close to them… but your behavior is odd, even for you” She admitted, giving him a confused expression. “You… purred, at them” 

“... I did not purr ” Ingo defensively argued, looking insulted for a moment. 

“You absolutely did , in fact, purr. I heard it” 

“You heard no such thing”

“Warden, don’t test me” Irida’s tone was clipped in slight annoyance at his denial. 

Ingo coughed, “... Apologies, Lady Irida” 

“... What has happened, Ingo? Because clearly, something has” 

Ingo looked out the tent, his eyes falling on the tent where Akari and Rei were currently stationed across the way. He thought silently for a few moments before - 

“... Ingo?” Irida waved her hand in front of his face, startling him out of the gaze

“Hm?” 

“Explain?” 

“Oh, yes, my kits- My - Akari and Rei are-” He stopped himself, coughing in embarrassment at his quick corrections

“... Did you just call them ‘your kits’?” She cautiously questioned. 

He couldn’t look at her - causing Irida to frown further. 

“... Ingo ” 

“.. I have made a mistake” He admitted, covering his face with the lip of his hat.. 

“What kind of mistake?” Irida pressed

“... A “siring” mistake” He hoped she knew the term. 

“Ah….. A what?” 

Damn, he was going to have to explain, wasn’t he?

Ingo sighed deeply, rubbing his face, glancing at the entrance a few times before making up his mind. He walked further in, before pausing. “...Please shut the tent. This is… complicated” He requested of her

Irida … did not like his tone - he sounded honest-to-sinnoh nervous- but followed on his request, shutting the tent. She turned back around to him. “Explain, Warden” Irida huffed, crossing her arms. 

Ingo took a breath - preparing for what he hoped would be an abbreviated story - 

“So, there is this thing amongst the Zoroarks known as “parentage”-” 

Irida looked like she had a headache once Ingo was done recounting the last day and a half - which was very fair, given all of the information that he had just given her. Her hand was up at her temple, fingers massaging it as she attempted to parse out the situation.

“So… there’s this… Pokemon… magic ,” She started - attempting to sum everything up succinctly for her own sake “that can mark zorua children- “

“Kits” Ingo corrected

“... Kits - as the children of a parent Zoroark, not the other way around” 

Ingo nodded. 

“... And you,” she pointed at him, “ended up using that magic… on Akari and Rei?” She then pointed towards the exit - the general direction where Akari and Rei were, over with Calaba in the medical tent.

“Unintentionally, yes” He bowed his head, covering his face with his hat, seeming nearly solemn, but mostly embarrassed.

“.... that’s it?” 

Ingo looked up suddenly at Irida’s unimpressed expression “... What do you mean that's it, Lady Irida? That is quite blase of you!” 

“Ingo” Irida huffed, hands going onto her hips “You already act like their father, even before all of this-” She waved one hand around “-Stuff” 

Ingo practically gawked “I most certainly did not! That is a serious accusation!” 

Irida just gave him an unimpressed stare “Need I remind you of the “nest” incident?” 

“... You needn’t” He responded

“I feel like I should” She crossed her arms again

“Well you shouldn’t” He huffed

“So I shouldn’t remind you of that time that Akari and Rei got sick while in the settlement, and while they were asleep you made them a nest - “

“They were cold, Irida” Ingo pressed, only realizing after he’d spoken that his retort only proved her point. He awkwardly coughed. She didn’t even bother responding, but the look she was giving him was more than enough to make him look away quite sheepishly. 

She sighed deeply, refocusing on the matter at hand “Okay, so, you said that you are looking into removing the mark, yes?” 

Ingo nodded 

“And that since “parentage” goes both ways…. You’ll need to tell them” Irida concluded. 

“I would… Rather not” He admitted. 

“And why is that?” 

Ingo rubbed his face, taking a moment to collect his thoughts “... They might hate it - hate me . I essentially declared myself their parent without their explicit consent. That is a breach of trust if ever there was one” He summarized, looking a little nervous at the very idea of being hated by the twins

Irida didn’t seem convinced by his fears, pressing her point “Even more the reason to tell them! And to make sure that they know that it was an accident!” 

“And if they don’t accept that?” He argued

“Then you’re on the same page!” Irida pointed out “And you can work it out!”

“... and if they do hate me for it?” Ingo questioned, repeating the doubt 

“Warden ” Irida pressed even further “They could never hate you. I do not think them capable” 

“And how are you certain?” He questioned further, doubt thick in his tone

Irida put her hands on her hips, quite underwhelmed by his doubt “Do you want me to prove it to you? Because I will” 

Ingo gave an interested stare

“I can prove it to you, Warden Ingo” 

“A part of me is afraid, but I am far more curious than anything else” Ingo admitted “... I will take you up on your offer” 

“Good, follow me then” She waved them over to the tent entrance.

They left Irida’s tent and walked over to the medical tent, where Akari and Rei were currently, still, being looked after by- 

“Rei, come on, this is the third time!” 

“But it hurts a lot, why can’t I just - wait!” 

“Stay still!!” 

Akari, Rei, Calaba . Almight SInnoh, give me strength. 

Irida entered first - calling out in admonishment “Warden Calaba! Please, don’t scare him like you always do.” 

“He needs to accept the medication for his arm!” The warden argued “It will get infected if he does not get the medication!”

“No - No, I don't, it’s so gross! And it hurts!!” Rei argued, almost whining

“Ugh, stop being such a baby!” Akari groaned as she lay down on the cot next to him, rolling her eyes as aggressively as she could. 

Ingo entered the tent after Irida. “What about it hurts, Rei?” He questioned, forgetting about a greeting at the sound of Rei’s anxiety.

“Ingo!!” The twins jumped, Akari sitting herself up rather quickly and greeting him with a delighted smile. Rei’s expression went from anxious to happy.

“Your Zoroark saved us again!” Rei called out, waving his free hand.

“Oh, also, did you get the seals?” Akari asked. “We gave them to your Zoroark, did you get them??” 

“So I've heard” Ingo acknowledged Rei’s statement, before answering Akari’s question “And yes. Now, do answer the question, Rei” He looked back at the teenager

The boy had the decency to look a tad sheepish “It just… the salt in it really hurts! Like, a lot!!”

“It's supposed to hurt,” Calaba scolded, the older woman looking distinctly impatient. 

Rei pouted. Despite Calaba’s frustation, Ingo did understand Rei’s reticence. He did have a lower pain tolerance than his sister. . . 

Ingo approached the boy and Calaba, getting a good look at his arm wound for the first time. It was… unsightly, like most skin abrasions were

Ingo surmised that he’d skidded across some rocks in the arena, and the wound did need medication to prevent serious infection. 

“Would you like to hold someone’s hand while she applies it?” Ingo suggested

Rei contemplated the idea, and nodded with a certain eagerness. Without contemplating it, Ingo sat next to Rei, and offered his hand to hold. Rei didn’t say anything, taking the hand with his own, the wounded arm. A smart call. 

Ingo gave the hand a small squeeze “Please, do what you must, warden Calaba.”

“Thank you, Warden Ingo” The old woman huffed a bit in relief. 

As Ingo let Rei squeeze his hand, he felt a pressure on his other side, and knew that Akari had sat herself next to him, leaning against him and quietly offering reassurances to her brother from across him. Sure, she was whining at him before, but she didn’t want him to be in pain. Ingo took a second to take in his situation, where he was, and where Akari and Rei were - they were right here.His kits. They were right here . His instinct was quite satiated and relieved. 

Glancing up, his eyes caught Irida, who looked… smug - the smile on her face almost lazy. Ingo blinked, what was she possibly referring to with such a glance?

He then realized what he must have looked like from her perspective, holding Rei’s hand, Akari leaning all of her weight against his side. To anyone with no knowledge of his situation… he could understand what it looked like. 

He just huffed, which got a chuckle out of the clan leader, and he pointedly paid more attention to Rei, who was hissing and wincing as Calaba finished putting the medicinal herbs on his arm before wrapping it up firmly and tightly. 

“You’re doin’ great Rei,” Akari encouraged, having at some point wrapped her arms around Ingo in a stationary hug, one hand far enough to tug at his outer robe “And you’re gonna be better in no time. Calaba’s medicine is the best!” 

“Oh, don’t go flatterin’ me, young lady” Calaba playfully chided with a playful wink and smile as she finished up putting the medicine on the boy, ensuring that it was still visible on the skin - it needed to sit on top of it for a moment or so “I’m sure Peselle is also capable” 

“Sure, but your medicine works faster than hers does! She is uh, better at setting a dislocated shoulder, though” Akari admitted, still leaning fully on Ingo.

“I used to be good at it! Not my fault I got old” Calaba argued, though she was rather blase about it.

Rei hissed a bit as Calaba tried to gently wipe off the medicine “I mean, t echnically -”

“Rei, I might advise you to not continue that sentence” Ingo warned. 

The boy stopped at the man’s suggestion, shutting his mouth and seeming to understand the warning after just a few seconds of contemplation. 

“Thank you, Warden” Calaba glanced at Ingo for all but a second, before going back to wrapping up Rei’s arm. 

Akari leaned a little more on Ingo, her exhaustion catching up with her after a long morning. Her eyes remained trained on her brother despite the clear need for sleep

“Akari, it seems you are in need of rest.” He turned just slightly to look at the girl, still holding Rei’s hand. 

“”Mmhmm” she girl agreed, leaning against his shoulder still. 

“That means that you should probably lay down” Ingo pointed out. 

“Uhuh…” The girl muttered

“In your own cot, Akari” Ingo pressed. 

“Mmmmhmmmm” She grumbled almost incoherently. 

Ingo huffed at her lack of action

“I am afraid you have been made a pillow, warden” Calaba pointed out as they finished with Rei’s arm, giving it a gentle pat and placing it in the boy's lap. “And for more than just Akari” 

“Hm?” 

It was only then that he realized Rei was resting his head on the man’s upper arm, also seeming to be in a half-awake state similar to his sister. 

Oh, great. He was stuck now. 

He looked over to Irida, who was just grinning like she’d won some kind of tricky game. 

“It seems you make a very comforting pillow, Warden Ingo” Irida commented. 

“I find that a bit hard to believe.” he admits “I am not exactly … soft” 

“Soft has nothing to do with being “comforting”, warden” Calaba commented “You don’t have to be “comfortable” to be “comforting”” 

Ah… that wording was careful, wasn’t it?

“... Regardless. They will have poor posture if they stay like this” Ingo pointed out

“You are one to talk about poor posture, Wardren Ingo” Irida raised a brow. Ingo made a face in response, and Irida laughed “Okay, allow me to help-” 

After a few minutes of moving tired teenagers around, the twins were sharing a cot, and Irida sighed deeply, taking off Rei’s hat to place it at the end of the cot with the teenagers' other supplies. 

“They fight so hard..” Her voice trailed off, contemplative. 

“They are formidable. They deserve the rest'' Ingo agrees

“They deserve to not have to work so hard… but.. I suppose that with Avalugg quelled, it should be over… things should be safer now. For everyone” Irida brushed Rei’s hair out of his face, with both twins officially down for the count and asleep after the full morning, the boy didn’t move an inch. He slept like a rock when compared to his sister. 

Irida looked up at Ingo, who had moved Akari’s arm from it’s strange contortion in her sleep (she was a restless sleeper, it was quite amusing). His thumb brushed her forehead, and she seemed to instantly calm, any tenseness left in her body from tossing and turning leaving almost instantly. 

“... Warden?” Irida tried to gently get his attention. His expression was… it was so sincere. He didn’t emote like that often, but there was something there. 

“... I can’t protect them.. I can only be late” He stated, removing his hand from Akari’s head

Irida frowned at his statement “Warden…” 

He looked up at her. Something in his eyes was just. Painful. Such a sign of weakness it must be… to admit that you can’t protect what is precious to you.

Irida understands implicitly. She steeled her resolve “.. You have to tell them then, Ingo” 

“Lady Irida-”

“No, you have to” She pressed, keeping her voice down “Until you can … “undo” it, you have to keep them informed. Its the right thing to do” 

The warden looked away “... And what might they think of me then?” 

Irida huffed “Ingo, that doesn’t matter -” 

“Irida” 

She paused in her statement, and looked back at the warden after looking away briefly. Oh, there was something in his eyes that showed … fear. And not just of being rejected. 

Irida sighed deeply. “... While I still don’t agree with this… I will not say anything for now” she stated to him “... Not unless this escalates, which it will, but I will hope that you are ready by then. Do you understand?” 

Ingo nodded his head to her in return “Thank you... I must return to my lady, now. Once I have completed my warden duties, I will see about possibly returning to the settlement. However, there is a pertinent task I must perform first, so I may not be back”

Irida just nodded “I will let them know that you had to leave… May your space remain safe, Warden” 

“May yours as well” he tipped his hat to her. 

He waited until he was well outside of the settlement to drop his illusion, and he rushed out into the wilderness - trying to take the conversation off his mind. He needed to, otherwise he would not be able to focus on his work. 

He needed to take his mind off of them. He had to. At least for now. 

The widow gave him a bemused expression as he approached her, she almost seemed impressed  “Hello, Warden. I take it your kits are safe now?” 

Ingo huffed at her question “... The children are resting, now. Safe” 

“Good… My kits are also resting. Do you wish to continue our.. Conversation? From before?” The Zoroark offered

“If you are willing” He nodded “It would be much appreciated”

“So I am, Warden. I continue to be fascinated by you. Do rest yourself. You look quite wan” She suggested, motioning over with her head to the empty space near her.

Ingo took the invitation, and rested himself near (but not close) to her. “Thank you” 

“Do not thank me just yet, Warden. You will not like what I have to tell you, as you did not before” 

“Your wisdom is welcome regardless” He acquiesced 

The conversation was mostly Ingo speaking and explaining what happened, and was relatively calm, though admittedly it was partially a sum up of what he’d told her before. When he was done, the Widow began to explain, bringing more information about what Parentage entailed with further detail. 

“Though.. I am… curious” Widow admits to him. 

“About what?”

“About how human children were even capable of being marked for Parentage.. Or reciprocating it.” She mused, clearly still thinking about it. 

“... I am unsure as well.. Perhaps it is their connection to the rift” Ingo reasoned, eyes glancing up towards it for a moment

“The crack in the sky? Is that what the humans call it? The “rift”?” 

“Indeed, they do” 

“Hm… you say they fell from the rift, as you did?” The Widow clarified

Ingo nodded in confirmation - wondering where her thought was going. 

“Hm… perhaps it did affect them” 

“Perhaps” Ingo agreed, contemplating the idea further without responding with more words

The Widow looked at her sleeping kits, then back at the warden “.... You see that the rift is not fixing itself, yes?” 

Ingo rose a brow, pondering the change in topic “I do” 

“... Have you felt the oddness?” 

“.. The ‘oddness’?” 

The widow contemplated for a moment, before requesting “Take a moment to listen to the wind. Tell me if you hear anything” 

Though perplexed, Ingo did as the elder Zoroark instructed, shutting his eyes, and letting his ears perk up to the sounds around him. 

It took a moment to pick up on it, but there was a … hum. It was a rolling hum, as if a rock going down a hill, waiting to him the ground with a rousing crash

“... I hear it” he stated. He could understand why she had called it the ‘oddness’ 

“I believe it is coming from the rift” The widow explained “As if it is … it is going to do something, I think. That's all I can guess” 

Ingo thought on it “.... That is a sound, if concerning, assumption”

“Your kits, Warden. They are connected. As you are” 

“... And what are we to do about that?” 

“... Nothing, honestly. But you must be aware of it” The Widow stated, her tone… odd. 

Ingo’s brow furrowed - just about to ask her to elaborate further before -  

“Wha - is that him??” 

“It is!” 

Ingo paused, before turning his head - seeing Rei and Akari starting to wish towards him 

“Ah, I see they’ve found you” The Widow's tone was amused. “Might you need any more information, warden?” 

“... I do not” Ingo nodded, looking to her “Thank you profoundly for your wisdom. I sincerely appreci-ate!” 

Ingo was nearly knocked over by two surprisingly energetic teenagers before he could finish the sentence, the two giving him a squeeze. 

“We found you!” Akari jumped

“Hell yeah!” Rei squealed 

“Language” Ingo admonished with a huff. The widow let out an amused snort at his scolding. 

“Hell is not a bad word” Rei argued with a huff “But hey! We missed you! You and Ingo are never in the same place, it's getting kinda annoying” 

“Yeah!” Akari argued “but since we’re headed back to Jubilife we should be able to see both of you, even if it’s separate - before we get back!” 

Going back? Jubilife is too far for that. They won’t get back in time!

“The village is too far away. You will never make it in time” He points out.  

“We have to try! The professor already made his way back and we have so many notes to give him!” Rei pointed out “My book is getting heavy!”

“What about your arm?”  Ingo questioned

“It just stings,” Rei assured, holding up his arm to show the bandages. “It barely hurts as long as I don’t try to use it!” The arm was wrapped securely, just as it was the last he saw of them 

“We even got a solid nap!” Akari added “We’re gonna head back in a minute. We just wanted to thank you again” 

Ah, there was that politeness again. Such good kids “ You thank me more than enough ” He pointed out

“No we don’t!” They ended up saying at the same time. They certainly were twins. Ingo’s chest hurt again at that thought. 

The widow couldn’t hold back an amused chuff at the scene, garnering the attention of the human children. 

“Whoa…” Rei looked at her, recognizing her immediately. He cleared his throat. 

“Uh… hi there, Miss Widow” Akari waved, trying to give the pokemon a sincere smile “We’re just passing through - and wanted to say hi to this one!!” She pointed at Ingo

Ah. They knew exactly who she was. 

“ Hello, kits ” She greets, her tone still showing her obvious amusement at the situation. “I am aware of you. You have been quite kind to my own kits. I thank you for your courtesy ” 

The twins seemed delighted at her politeness - and remembering their helping of her kits quite some time ago. 

“You’re very welcome!” Rei bowed “Oh, uh, bowing is a sign of respect for humans! I hope that makes sense!” 

“ It does, yes ” 

Akari gently grabbed her brother’s sleeve “Rei, we have to go! The sun!” 

Rei looked up at the sky, spotting where the sun was, and huffed “Will you come with us to Lady Sneasler's den?” he asked Ingo

" I am afraid I am currently in conversation with my acquaintance here. But I am sure I shall see you again” 

The kids looked so thoroughly disappointed at his decline of their invitation that Ingo thought they were deliberately glaring at him. 

Akari frowned, sighing. “... Okay” 

Letting out his own huff, Ingo leaned down and leveled a lick on the girl's cheek “ Do not pout at me. I am a busy pokemon, all things considered ”

She didn’t even seem bothered by the lick “I can pout all I want! It’s like you and Ingo are polarized magnets or something” she grumbled, giving the pokemon before her a hug “Be safe, and thanks again” 

Rei joined in on the hug, shoving his head into the Zoroark’s fur “Yeah, thanks! I’d be squashed if it wasn’t for you” 

“As if I would ever permit that” Ingo grumbled, but gave Rei in particular a firm nuzzle to the head “Against all safety protocols…” 

The children giggled into his fur, and he felt that fuzzy, intensely protective feeling in his chest as he inhaled that achingly familiar scent again. 

Wildflowers, rust, iron, cedar wood and smoke. Where was this smell from? It smelled like… 

Home? 

Sure, home.

But despite the comfort, they let go, and he waved them off, watching them run together towards the cliffs where Lady Sneasler’s den lies, disappearing over a hill, before his turned his attention to the Widow, as if to say something, before she interrupted

“You’re going to beat them there, and take your human illusion, aren’t you?” The Widow accuses, though there is no bite

“... Was it that obvious?”  

“... They will find out eventually, warden. Whether it be through you, or their own intuition. They are very intelligent” She warned

She didn’t have to tell him twice, but she continued 

“And if they find out that you hid it from them?” She continued “... the Parentage might sever in a way painful for all involved. Do not let that come to pass. I have seen Zoroark parents and children die of broken hearts in my time when a parentage was broken” 

Ingo paused at that, looking at her and seeing the seriousness in the ghost-types eyes. He nodded to her in acknowledgement

“Safe travels, Warden” 

“And to you as well, whatever your next destination may be” 

And Ingo made for the cliffs where the den lay. Even with Lord Wyrdeer, or Lord Braviary, he would still beat them there - he was not concerned with that particular issue. He was more concerned as to how Lady Sneasler was going to embarrass him this time, honestly - that was far more of an immediate issue for the Zoroark. 

He practically skid into the den, and was greeted by his Noble, who was tending to a few of her smaller young towards the entrance where he’d come to a slippery stop

“Ah, there you are.” The Noble greeted, her tone a little snide “Lord Braviary informed me that you had quite the encounter with the Lord of the Legacy, hm?” 

Ah, how quickly word spreads. 

He spoke to her as he took his human illusion yet again “Indeed. I was… called to them” 

“Because they are your kits” 

“My Lady” Ingo huffed, picking up a sneasel that begged at his feet, giving it a once over - though all it seemed to want was to be held. 

The Lady rolled her eyes “You give me grandkids and I can’t even enjoy it”  she lamented dramatically 

Ingo scoffed “My Lady, please!!” 

The Sneasler let out a loud laugh at his admonishing tone - as if he actually had any authority over what she did. She was the Noble, after all 

“Are the children coming by?” 

“Akari and Rei will be stopping by, yes” 

“Ah, you spoil me, My warden, so much time with my grandkids!” 

Ingo took in a deep breath to maintain composure “My lady, might I advise that you refrain from the humor?” 

“ And why would I ever do that, My dear warden?”  

“Because it would cause me less stress?” 

“ And let you rest? Nonsense! You must be kept on your toes, my dear warden ” 

Ingo sighed in defeat, his ears catching the tell-tale signs of Akari and Rei’s approach - mainly, the two of them verbally sparring over something

“Seriously, that Zoroark acts weird even if it is Ingo’s!” Rei was stage whispering conspiratorially 

“I know but like, it’s not that big of a deal” Akari argued. Ingo could practically hear the eyeroll in her tone

“I’m telling you, several pokemon have called us his kits !” 

“It’s not a big deal, Rei! Come on! Pokemon doesn’t get human connections, just let it go!” 

Rei groaned. 

Ingo paused as he took in the conversation.

Rei heard other pokemon.. Call Rei and Akari his kits? Did he mean The other Zoroarks?  

No, they hadn’t called them his kits. What was Rei referring to? 

“And shush!!” Akari hissed “I trust Ingo, but we can’t tell him about the pokespeak… not yet” 

… Pokespeak? 

Ingo and his Noble shared a look. Ingo’s of surprise, and the Lady’s of knowledge. 

“I knew their understanding was far too good” 

“... they know pokespeak? They understand it?” 

“Sh, my warden. Let them tell you on their own time. They are clearly nervous to share this knowledge”  

Oh, that was going to be easier said than done. 

But the children fully crested the hill regardless of his lack of preparedness, and both smiled brightly when they spotted the Warden and Lady Sneasler. 

"Uncle Ingo!"

“Mister Ingo!” 

He gave them a wave, and was rather surprised when they both broke into a run towards him, excitement clear on their faces

He braced himself for the tackle that he knew was coming.He felt that it was quite interesting that they did the same thing to his Zoroark form. Was that something they just… knew? Was it instinct? Or was this just how they were? 

Regardless, he held up well to the pummeling as they squeezed him. 

The kits were home again, his parental instincts practically purred. They’re home and safe. That is so very, very good. He pushed that feeling down as far as it would go. No. Stop it. 

“Ingo, we saw your Zoroark!” Rei pointed out excitedly

“With the Widow!!” Akari added

“They’re friends!!” Rei pointed out “Did you know they were friends?? That was amazing! And she was so nice!”

“I am aware that they are friends,” Ingo pointed out. “ - And I am happy that the Widow was kind to you. How are you two?” 

“We’re fine!” Rei answered “Totally good!”

“Dandy, even” Akari added with a giggle 

“Well, thats nice” 

<< Hey, what am I, discarded paras shells?? >> 

“Lady Sneasler!” Rei grinned, turning his head to her “We’re not ignoring you!” 

“We’re just giving Uncle Ingo a hug first!” Akari added 

Oh, yeah, they understood her. That honestly made things make so much more sense. He thought they were just very intuitive.  

Lady Sneasler “crossed” her arms, and Rei laughed. 

“Sorry Uncle Ingo, looks like Lady Sneasler wants some hugs too” Akari pointed out, finally letting go of the man and grabbing the noble, Rei following behind

<<Haha! My grandchildren!>> The Sneasler carefully nuzzled them in the head 

The twins looked at each other with skeptical expressions. 

Ingo sighed “My lady, I don’t think they can stay” 

“We can't,” Rei frowned. “We gotta make it to Jubilife illage before sundown. We’re gonna call for Lord Wyrdeer to get us there fast” 

Ah, good.

The sneasler just purred in response. 

The meeting was indeed brief, with Ingo checking over Rei’s arm and then Akari’s face - where a bruise he hadn’t noticed before was beginning to show some discoloration - before the kids went on their way. 

And that anxiety came back full force the moment they were out of his sight

“You’re worried already” Lady Sneasler rolled her eyes 

“... The Widow warned me of some things. I am…. Cautious” 

“Ah… she is quite wise. I would heed her words” 

“I shall certainly attempt to” Ingo nodded “Now, we must get back on schedule” 

“You and your schedule” The noble rolled her eyes, yet followed him as he headed down the hillside. 

As much as she loved to tease her warden, he was good at his job, and she wasn’t about to start hindering him now

Perhaps later, but time was a nebulous thing

Ingo was awoken the next morning to a feeling of absolute dread and fear in his chest, the feeling hitting him like he was being crushed.

His claws were digging into the fur of his chest as he quickly sat up, eyes wide and breathing heavy -

“Warden!” 

His head sharply turned to face Lady Sneasler. 

“Come! You must see this” 

The Zoroark rushed to the opening of the den, and his eyes were immediately drawn to the discolored sky, which looked reddened and bruised and heavy. 

“... What…” 

“The fracture, its… bleeding all over the sky” 

Ingo looked up, and then turned his head beyond the sky, down towards- 

“Go ” 

He nearly jumped out of his fur, confused at the demand. “What?”  

“Go. you said so yourself that the children are connected to the sky. I see and smell your dread.” 

… he had. Hadn’t he?

“Are you …” A part of him wanted to argue that it was unsafe - but a much larger part was screaming at him to go - go! Find them!! They’re in trouble!!

“Yes! Go, Warden!” Lady Sneasler practically ordered “It is quite rude to make your Noble order you around a second time!” 

Ingo took off on swift feet down the hillside, not bothering to respond to the scolding.

To say Jubilife was in disarray was. Inaccurate. It wasn’t even close. The village was … eerie. Quiet. All of the doors were shut and everyone was indoors, it seemed. 

Having taken his human form before coming into view, the guard at the front seemed oddly relieved to see him. 

“Warden Ingo!! Thank Goodness!” The guard abruptly addressed him “You have to - the kids - go to the headquarters!!” 

Ingo could hear the worry in the man’s voice, and simply gave him a curt nod. He could practically smell the intense fear rolling off of the entire village. The most poignant being his kits - they were scared, where were they??? 

He got to the headquarters building just as the doors opened. Out came Cyllene, Adaman and Irida, and - 

And Rei and Akari came out side by side. They were holding one another’s hands so tight their nails were going to hurt one another’s hands.

Irida spotted him first “Warden!” She called out his title in surprise

Rei and Akari’s heads snapped upwards, and they didn’t even hesitate - they didn’t even call out to him - they just saw him, and rushed forward. He wasn’t about to stop them, and gathered the clearly upset children in his arms, only slightly jostled by the action. 

They said nothing, and he looked up from them, eyes sharp - directly at Cyllene

“What is the meaning of this?” 

“Until they can fix the sky, Akari and Rei are stripped of their rank and banished from Jubilife Village” Cylenne responded - her tone even flatter than usual. 

“... What ?” 

“Ah, Warden-” irida attempted to stop the line of questioning. 

But his sharp gaze stopped her, and she rethought. He had every right to be upset. Irida suddenly stepped back, and let him speak.

“Who authorized such a ridiculous declaration?” It took Ingo everything within him to not snarl out the words. Akari held him tighter. 

“I did, Warden” Kamado came outside, hands behind his back “Now release them. They are permitted no help from the clans to solve this problem they have caused” 

“I will do no such thing” Ingo pressed. 

“Warden, the Pearl Clan-”

“Ingo is a warden ” Irida interrupted. “He might be of the Pearl Clan, but as a warden he is… out of my jurisdiction” The clan leader glanced at him, then back at Kamado “You might have risked starting a war with the clans, but with the wardens, that is an unforgivable slight”

“She’s right,” Adaman nodded in agreement with the reasoning. “ We might not be able to intervene, but unless Ingo is suddenly relieved of his Warden duties by his noble, he is free to do as he pleases as a warden, not as a clan member” 

“So he is lawless? ” Kamado accused.

“Personally” Ingo responded rather curtly “I would argue that good morality and strong ideals are far more important than any laws - though it seems you are bereft of both, Commander” 

“ Excuse me?!”  

“ Commander” Cyllene harshly called out “Perhaps they will do better at stopping the sky if they had some help” She reasoned. Ingo could hear it in her tone - she was clearly trying to help these kids. Good. 

“If it is their fault, they should fix it themselves! They are skyfallers!” 

“And So Am I! !” Ingo proclaimed without a hint of shame or fear “But I am not someone that you can bully and instill fear into - I am not a child that needs protecting! Like the very children that you are casting aside out of fear!” 

“You will not sway me on this, Warden!” Kamado verbally dug his heels in “While I might not be able to prevent you from assisting them, consider your position here revoked until the sky is no longer bruised and red as blood!” 

Perhaps if Ingo was thinking a bit more rationally in the moment, he would see that as a loss, but it was taking everything within himself to not release his human illusion and leap directly for that man’s throat for being so cruel to his kits-

But he felt a squeeze from his right side. Rei. He needed to remain calm… or at the very least put together. He couldn’t cause a ruckus. Not now. 

“I would rather not work for a man so easily swayed by fear. You are doing me a great favor.” He declared “When this is all over and done, you will regret your decision” 

The commander kept his scowl “I sincerely doubt it” 

“Well, I shall make sure that you do, then” Ingo glowered

“Is that a threat , warden?” 

Ingo couldn’t stop himself from baring his teeth “Consider it a promise ” 

Irida looked a tad alarmed in his periphery, but he could not bring himself to care. Akari and Rei hadn’t uttered a single word or whimper since he’d arrived and they’d attached themselves to him like octillery to the side of a pier. 

Cyllene stepped forward “... Warden, allow me to escort you and the children to the fieldlands” She offered “for safety” 

Ah, she knew that he was a few seconds away from pouncing on that man. Keen of her. 

Adaman quickly stepped forward, practically in front of Kamado, but facing Ingo and the twins “... Rei? Akari?” 

The teenagers finally looked up at someone. One of Ingo’s hands was on each of their shoulders - seeming to ground them enough to not look so lost. 

“... Go with the warden” the clan leader encouraged, then mouthing ‘we will see you soon’ as obviously as he possibly could.

Rei and Akari shared a look, and nodded back to Adaman. Irida put a hand on Ingo’s arm to get his attention 

“Let’s go, Warden.” She motioned with her head. 

Ingo exhaled, finally looking away from Kamado. 

“Yes… lets” 

It had taken quite some time to get to the edge of the highlands territory, where Lady Sneasler - ever keen - was already waiting, concern in her features. 

<<Warden, what has happened?>> 

Rei looked up at Lady Sneasler after rubbing his face “Are… are we going to the den?” he asked - the first words he’d said since Ingo had seen him in Jubilife.

“No.” Ingo stated “We are going to my cabin. It is safer for you and your sister there - the sky is heavy, not just bruised” He referenced the oncoming rain.

Akari simply nodded in response, rubbing at her face again with her free arm. She had taken Ingo’s hand and had not let go since they left Jubilife village, and her expression had gone flat. Ingo could feel that it was a matter of time before she finally broke down and cried. Rei was a bit more emotional than she was, but he was also at least attempting to hold it together. 

Irida was still with him as they got near to his warden territory - Adaman having made his way back home to regroup with is own clan, which is what Ingo was in theory supposed to do with Irida

“Ingo.. I must return to the clan.” Irida stated “As Adaman said, we have to come together to tackle this crisis. Akari and Rei will not be alone - we will see to that” She assured

“Understood, Lady Irida. Please, do have someone fetch me later. This is an important matter and I wish to be as involved as I can” 

“Us- us too!” Rei pointed out “We - we want to fix this! Even if it isn’t our fault” 

“Yeah… because it's the right thing to do. No matter what” Akari added with a sullen, serious tinge to her voice that felt quite foreign to Ingo. 

Ingo could feel that fuzzy paternal pride flustering in his chest despite it all. It took everything within him to shove it down, but he did give Akari’s hand as reassuring a squeeze as he could manage. 

“Rei, Akari and I must hurry.” Ingo stated “I want to get to the cabin before the sun is too high” 

Irida spared him a final look, she seemed to be trying to say something, and he already knew what it was. 

‘Tell them. Tell them now. Things will only get harder from here’ 

And she was correct, but that was the furthest thing from his mind currently

His kits needed him. He shook his head to her as subtly as could be managed, and she huffed out a sigh of frustration before parting ways with them, making her way further north.

Akari leveled a slightly confused look back at Ingo, but he pointedly did not look back. Lady Sneasler did not seem impressed 

<<My Warden, you will tell me what has occurred >> 

“Of course, my lady” he relayed to her telepathically, “ But please… for now, help me get them to my home - the cabin”  

The Noble seemed more frustrated at the lack of answers, but nodded, pointing the way and letting them take the lead.

The sun - wherever it was in the bruised sky - was indeed high by the time they made it to Ingo’s home. 

He called it a cabin, but it was - as with all clan dwellings - a tent meant to house both the warden and their noble when the need arose - it was quite large, and in the two years he had been living in Hisui, he had made it quite homey and comfortable - at least in the abstract. 

Ever since Akari and Rei had fallen from the sky, it had become far more like a home - with cots always ready for the adventurous teenagers. He hoped they had not put them away since they’d last left the cabin. 

Lady Sneasler went ahead of them, pushing the tent flap open for them 

“Ah, thank you, my lady” 

The noble just nodded looking back down at the children, then with slight interest, though that look did not last very long. But Ingo didn’t have time to think on that, ushering the children inside “Please.. Sit down. Take time to rest here” 

Rei - whose hands were on Ingo’s left arm, finally let go, and Akari - who still had one of Ingo’s hands - also let go. They both looked devastated still - but followed his instruction, the two of them sitting on the same cot, not even looking at each other, doing eerily similar stimming actions with their hands. That was a twin thing, Ingo was certain. The warden turned back to his Noble, and simply nodded.

She would be back later. The kits needed to be alone 

The tent closed, and Ingo approached it, closing it with the large “buttons” to keep it closed. 

“... Do you want it dark?” he asked, head turning back to them. 

Rei nodded his head almost immediately, and thought it took Akari a moment, she nodded as well. 

Thank god they were giving him something to do. He could still feel his fangs sharp in his mouth. 

A part of him was wishing he’d thrown all caution to the wind and gone at the man, claws (or teeth) first. But that bigger - parent-y - part of him told him that his kits were more important. 

He was so stressed, he wasn’t even stopping himself from thinking of them as his kits. 

But, he did as they desired. Every open “window” to his yurt was closed, plunging them into near total darkness. 

Once they were in the oddly comforting dark, Akari let out a sob. 

Ingo moved quite easily in the darkness, sitting in front of the children. “Take your time” he whispered to them, keeping his tone as calm as he could manage. 

Akari had started to cry, leaning into her brother’s shoulder, who didn’t tend to verbally cry, but was definitely shedding tears, clinging to her, and looking up to Ingo through the lack of light

“... We… we have to fix this” Rei practically demanded through his broken voice.

“You need to rest. To emotionally recover. Your engines are in desperate need of repair” Ingo pressed.

Akari sniffled, trying to stop herself from crying, rubbing at her face with one hand. 

“Please… you had something quite awful just happen. . . do take your time to cry.” Ingo attempted to encourage.

The girl took that statement as an invitation, and leaned directly into him, grabbing at his robe and wheezing a little, seeming to just- completely let go of her composure once his arm went around her. Rei joined right after, whimpering for his part, and Ingo adjusted them so they were more comfortable and wrapped up in what he hoped and prayed was a comfortable hug. 

He could feel their sadness and fear practically coming off of them in waves and waves, breaking his heart 

But at least they were here. At least he had his kits in his den. They were safe here. They were with him. He would let them cry all they wanted. They could solve things in due time

“Hello??? Hello!!” 

“Buh?” 

“Huh?” 

“Hello? Is Warden Ingo here??” 

The warden being called for recognized the voice. It was the merchant, Volo. Ingo wanted to groan, but did not.  

As the children started to wake up in tandem, Ingo quite quickly stood up, approaching the entrance to his home, untying and pushing open the tarp, not bothering to change his probably foul expression. He hadn’t been sleeping, but he had been at least somewhat peaceful (or, more accurately, calm - given the circumstances) before the interruption. He looked up at the man in front of him with a huff. 

“Volo. ” 

“Ah, Warden!” The man looked a tad frantic “I have heard the children have been banished! What a terrible fate! Have you seen them?” 

“They are here with me, Merchant” 

The man seemed at least somewhat relieved, keeping his tone surprisingly loud “Wonderful! Might we talk privately, for a moment then?” 

Ingo squinted his eyes suspiciously at the merchant, but came outside the home, making sure the fabric covered the door completely before he turned his attention back to Volo,and lowered his voice

“Tell me what you want, Volo” Ingo requested curtly.

The man looked back at him rather sharply “... For a fellow illusionist, you sure are suspicious” 

Ingo huffed “Is that what you call yourself now?” 

Volo rolled his eyes “Ingo, before you chase me away as you always do, hear me out… I have a friend. She is human, but she knows of the sky, and has told me to find the twins. She know they can fix this, and how.” 

“And she can’t?” 

Volo groaned, rolling his eyes at the defensiveness of that question “Ingo, fellow kin, please do listen to me this time around - she cannot do it, but the twins can. Come now -  While I have not been completely fair with you, when have I lied?” 

Ingo contemplated the statement, as well as the question, thinking with his eyes closed for a moment. 

As the pause lingered, Volo seemed to sense something. “... Warden.. What is that scent?” 

Ingo’s eyes snapped open at the question, looking back at the merchant as his eyes widened in surprise 

“No… Ingo, you didn’t- ” 

“-It was an accident” 

“How do you - how do you invoke parentage on human children on accident?? ?” The merchant’s eyes were wide - incredulity clear on his face. 

“That is not something I am at liberty to discuss given the current dire circumstances” Ingo replied bluntly “Now, Mind yourself. The teenagers are very stressed and we must keep our voices down. Back on topic: This friend of yours?” 

Volo sighed, rolling his eyes yet again before answering “She is known as Cogita - When they are ready to go, please follow my scent to a hidden crag in the Obsidian Fieldlands. It is safe there, and she means to help! I can promise that much with certainty!”

Ingo contemplated it, recalling how despite their turmoil, they still wanted to fix things, and huffed, crossing his arms 

“We will do so when they are fully awake. They need some time” 

“Excellent! You be careful out there now! See you and the kits - oops… kids , soon!” Volo gave him a classic grin, turning as his illusion dropped, the white fur somehow glistening in the reddened sky

Ingo took a deep breath to calm himself - Volo had a way of riling him up - and returned to the tent, seeing that Akari was sitting up from the cot and rubbing at her eyes. 

“Hello, Akari. Would you like something to drink?” He tried to keep his tone gentle. She nodded, and he grabbed a waterskin. “Please, take your time” 

As Akari woke up more, taking a few sips of water, she looked over at Ingo like she wanted to say something, but wasn’t ready to. Ingo sat himself down near but not next to the cot.

“... Yes, Akari?” 

She looked back at her lap “Uhm…I know this isn’t really the right time to say this… But… I uh, I have a question… about your Zoroark” 

The warden straightened his back almost nervously “.... What question is that?” 

“Well uh… No, no I need to wait until Rei is awake. Can you wait?” 

He gave her a cautious nod, and a little bit of that nervousness left her tense shoulders “Would you like something to eat? I have some fruits and jerky for you” 

“Uh…. jerky, please?” She requested. Huh. She usually wanted fruit. 

 He gave her the snack, eyes falling on Rei, who seemed to still be sleeping pretty deeply

“Do you think we should wake him up…? He’ll sleep forever, sometimes” Akari pondered. 

“If you think so” Ingo gently suggested “Just be careful. You know he likes to jolt awake” 

Akari managed a chuckle “I know, I know” 

“Do you?” Ingo managed a playful response

“He’s my twin, of course I know” she smiled for the first time since the day started, and began gently nudging her brother “Rei? Rei. Come on, upsy daisy. We gotta ask about the Zoroark before we do anything else.” 

“Huh?” 

“Wake up, buttbreath” Akari stated with a flat tone

Rei seemed to immediately take offense to that, sitting up quickly “That is rich coming from the girl that rolled around in mud with a whooper!!”

Akari looked smugly back at Rei - practically beaming that she’d gotten him to wake up so fast. Ingo felt oddly proud, and then oddly nostalgic for whatever reason, before speaking up.

“Children, please” 

Rei sighed, rubbing at his face in an effort to wake himself up more - an action similar to his sister. At least he looked better than before - they both did. 

“How are you both feeling? Better after some rest?” 

Rei and Akari shared a look, before nodded “But uh.. Before anything else, we really need to tell you something” 

Ingo furrowed his brow “Yes..? About the Zoroark, Akari said?” 

Rei and Akari were holding one another’s hands tightly, the concern and fear made him feel nervous on their behalf - or perhaps that was just the mark. 

“... We uh… well… We…” 

“We can talk to pokemon. And can understand them. Like a second language” Rei announced, stopping his sister's nervous stutter. 

“.. yeah.. Commander… Kamado learned about it. He… He said it proved his point” Akari added “We had tried to keep it a secret, but .. it didn’t work, clearly” 

“A foolhardy thing” Ingo held back a growl, but not his angry words “Ability or not, that is no indicator of fault!” 

The two seemed surprised at his anger, but Akari attempted to continue the conversation itself “but uh… I just… Related to that … We do have a question about your Zoroark” 

“My Zoroark?” 

Rei nodded, continuing his sister’s train of thought “Cause uh, We think he uh… imprinted on us, and we want you to talk to him” 

Ingo blinked, taking in this information. Oh… Oh no.  “.. imprinted” 

“Yeah!” Akari looked over at her twin, motioning to him “Look!! Rei, turn around-” 

Rei did so, and Akari lowered his robe’s collar and - oh they saw the sire marks, of course they did - of course they did. Why wouldn’t they have seen them? It was foolish of him to think they wouldn’t see the new marks on the backs of their necks

Ingo exhaled deeply as Akari spoke

“This is - it’s a sire mark! Rei thinks it's from when he protected us from the hisuian zoroark! Its the only time it might’ve been able to happen, we think!” 

“Yeah, like, when he protected us, he imprinted on us! It adds up!” Rei added, turning back around as he adjusted his robe collar. “Doesn’t it! I can’t imagine he’d tell you about it - it’s probably something he’s embarrassed by, maybe? But a lot of pokemon are calling us his kits, so like - we kinda put two and two together. 

“Oh…” Ingo huffed. “Well… that's surprising” 

“Very!!” Akari jumped “We were gonna talk to you about it but… you know, everything just kinda … happened all at once.” 

“... I understand. Speaking of the situation, Volo came by with an offer” 

That was enough to distract them from talking further - thank Sinnoh above

Cogita was, in fact, a human, and after meeting her, Ingo now knew where Volo got the inspiration for his visage. 

And she was, in fact, very knowledgeable. Thank Sinnoh above

“I wish to speak to the children privately about the upcoming mission” She’d requested after introducing herself and the situation at hand “Warden, Volo, I have further guests arriving to assist with this matter, please keep an eye out for them” 

Ingo nodded, and Volo gave her a smile and a nod of his own

“Of course, Miss Cogita!” Volo tipped his hat before the children were invited into her tent, and the flap closed for privacy

“... Does she know of your origin?” Ingo questions, glancing over at Volo

“She does” Volo nods “She doesn’t much care!” 

“Hm. Did you tell her of mine?” 

“It is not my place to say… but I wouldn't be surprised if she was wise to it” Volo admitted with a tilt of his head. 

“Hm” was all Ingo responded with, eyes constantly falling back to look at Cogita’s tent, then back out towards the ‘entrance’ to this little place. Who exactly was it that Cogita was invited here? He was looking back at Cogitas tent, waiting for the kits to come back out when he heard -

“Ingo?” 

The warden turned his head “Ah, Lady Irida, Lord Adaman!” 

“Clan Leaders! Thank you very much for heeding my message on behalf of my friend, the mistress Cogita!” Volo greeted 

“Thank you for reaching out to us” Adaman nodded in acknowledgement, his expression still rather serious “We hope that your friend will be able to assist us” 

“I am certain that she can” The merchant confirmed “She is very knowledgeable” 

“Ingo” Irida turned to him, her expression a tad hard “Have you…?” 

Ingo sighed and shook his head at her, getting an exasperated sigh in return from the clan leader, who rubbed her forehead as if preparing for a headache. 

“Ingo, I’m going to have to insist now” Irida stated.

Ingo tried to not sound too exasperated “Lady Irida, it is hardly the time-” 

“ Ingo ” she practically glowered. The warden shut his mouth “No more insisting. I’m going to have to demand it now. And I *mean* now!” 

“Irida?” Adaman questioned her tone “What’s going on?” 

“Irida? Adaman??” Akari’s voice cut through the tense air as she exited the tent, with Rei close behind 

“Oh, wow!” Rei’s expression lit up at the clan leaders

“Hey!” Adaman eagerly greeted, clearly relieved to see them “Man, you guys look so much better after that rest, thank Sinnoh. Time is precious, but you used it wisely” 

“What they needed was the space, Adaman” Irida pressed, nearly arguing but pivoting “Speaking of which; Ingo, Akari, Rei. I need to speak to you privately for a moment” 

“Lady Irida, please- “ 

“ Shut up ”

Everyone stared at Irida with varying levels of shock at her abrupt frustration with the warden - she never got this curt, it felt out of left field, if you asked anyone that wasn’t Ingo. Even Volo looked surprised. 

“Ingo. Don’t. Come with me now. All three of you” 

Huffing in defeat, Ingo followed Irida, and was subsequently was followed behind by a very confused Rei and Akari, leaving Adaman and Volo behind - the clan leader in particular slightly baffled 

“Do you know what that’s about?” he looked over to Volo 

“Not a whiff” The merchant shook his head honestly, looking back to see the group disappear behind the rocky outcrop.

Away from Cogitas tent, and hidden away from the rest of the fields, Irida crossed her arms at Ingo, her face steely with determination. “Show them. Now.” 

“ Huh? Show us what?” Akari questioned

Ingo sighed deeply, dread gathering in his chest as the twins looked at each other, than back at him with confusion and suspicion - exactly what he didn’t want

“... Are you okay? Is something wrong?” Rei cautiously asked. 

“It is… it is not that something is wrong but… it is better I show you, before I lose the nerve” Ingo took a deep breath. He knew there was no getting out of this, with Irida’s eyes carefully trained on him.

And - with his “children” present for the first time - he let the human illusion fade away in wisps of dark smoke, leaving behind his zoroark form. 

He heard Irida take in a breath - seeming of the same mind as him - waiting for their reactions. 

At first, the two simply stared at him, taking in the fact that he had just transformed before their very eyes. Eventually, Akari stepped forward first.

“You… you were a Zoroark this whole time ?” She asked, her tone clearly disbelieving 

“... Yes… I am sorry I did not tell you, but it has to be kept a secret” Ingo explained “My story of not being from here, and the memories I shared with you are all true. But I am not, and so far as I am aware have never, been a human” 

Rei furrowed his brow “But… Irida knew” He pointed out

“I’ve known since he arrived” Irida responded, explaining further “He saved me from an abomasnow that was on a rampage, and his human form was so convincing that I was able to offer him a space in the clan in gratitude” 

Akari seemed to be piercing it all together “So - you saved us from the-” 

“From the Zoroark, yes” 

“And with Lord Avalugg…” She started questioning, not finishing the sentence

“Yes, that was me. Every time” Ingo confirmed

Rei jumped “Then- You imprinted on us!!” 

The Zoroark had the decency to look away sheepishly 

“It makes sense now..” Akari seemed enlightened. “Your reaction, why you always sounded like - well - you - and - and how it knew us as well as you did!” 

“Man, how did we not put this together ourselves….” Rei huffed, as if frustrated at the fact he couldn’t figure out Ingo’s secret, which the man would have found funny if not for the circumstances

“So you… sired us?” Akari questioned, though she clearly didn’t like the term she was using

“Zoroarks call it “Parentage”, actually” I ngo corrected, though her expression at being corrected told him he should perhaps have answered her question first. “But.. yes. . . It was unintentional, I apologize” 

Rei had an… odd… expression at that “.. Unintentional?” 

“It occurred when I rescued you from the Zoroark, as I understand” Ingo reasoned “I … I am unsure why it happened, but that is what happened” 

The twins shared a look before Akari spoke “But… How is that even possible? We’re humans” 

“Yeah, Like… It doesn’t make a lot of sense… especially if it was not meant to happen” Rei added, Ingo finally getting a reason on the boy's expression - was he… disappointed?  

Irida spoke up - interrupting the twins train of thought “Regardless, this could not remain a secret any longer. There is too much going on, too much at stake” 

Ingo sighed “lady Irida is correct” he admitted “I am sorry for deceiving you. It was… it was to keep you safe. I can explain further at a later date, but please know that I was not trying to deceive you because I did not trust you, or for the sheer sake of it” 

Akari sighed, rubbing her forehead as if she had a headache. He could feel her anxiety permeating from her like an aura. He leaned his head down to her. 

“I am sorry to add to your stress” Ingo crooned along with the words, and the girl exhaled, looking up at his eyes - seeing his sincerity. 

“.. But like… Why didn’t you tell us after the parentage stuff?” She asked, hands clasped together, fingers nervously fidgeting 

“... I will admit some fear, on my end” 

“Of what?” Rei walked closer to him. 

“Your reaction” He answered “I was afraid of your anger at having a… “parent” per se, thrust upon you” 

Rei stared up at him for a moment, before raising his hand to the warden’s muzzle, ever the more cautious twin. Understanding, Ingo met the boy's hand with his head lightly, giving the hand an encouraging nudge, getting Rei to chuckle just a bit, before placing his hand there, amazed at how big Ingo was when compared to the other Zoroarks they’d seen. 

“Heh.. uh, well, as you can see, no anger here” Rei admitted “I’m mostly… amazed? Fascinated? Bewildered?”

“ I’m kinda mad” Akari admitted “Mostly ‘cause I feel like we shoulda known as soon as you did that stuff but…. But I get why. It's not like you wanted to be a parent, even with magic pokemon nonsense” 

Her almost defeated tone surprised him, and he reached, lifting her down-turned head quite gently with his wrist 

“Regardless of any wants, needs or desires, parentage or not, I should have told you. I am sorry” 

She could hear (and perhaps even feel) the sincerity in his tone, and she reached, and grabbed him in a fuzzy hug.  Rei joined her, and Ingo noticed the smug look on Irida’s face - very similar to the one from the Pearl Clan settlement when the twins were falling asleep on him

“I can see you, Lady Irida” He lightly chidded her. 

Irida just gave him a smile in response “Okay, okay, no more hugging! We have to go to the merchant and his friend! If they can help us fix this, they can help us fix this!!” 

“Right - Right!” Rei pulled away from Ingo, rubbing his face a bit and clenching his fists in determination “We can do this!” 

Akari pulled away from Ingo right after “Cogita told us what we have to do. We have to visit the three lakes.” She explained” And see the lake spirits” she looked over at Ingo “... Will you come with us?” 

“I have a feeling that even if I did not want to, Irida would make me combust with her disapproving glare” Ingo responded. 

“That’s very true, Father Zoroark,” Irida pointed out, her smile very telling. 

Rei snorted at her comment, but cleared his throat “Okay, we have to get going! We need to fix the sky” His expression steeled into seriousness. 

Akari nodded in agreement with her brother, before looking back at Ingo “Uh, could you - “ She waved her hand awkwardly. “Change… back? Is that the right way to ask for that?” The Zoroark snorted in amusement. 

With a simple wisp of smoke, the human illusion returned. “Certainly. It is easier to travel safely like this, quite frankly” He admitted

“Really?” Rei questioned, head tilted. 

“Indeed, yes. I will explain on the way” Ingo encouraged. “First, let us regroup” 

“Yes, let’s” Irida approached, following them behind and back to Cogita’s tent. The clan leader took a deep breath - she had a feeling she was about to have a very long day. 

The Lake Pokemon - Mesprit, Azelf, and Uxie - were quite cooperative with Rei and Akari. Thank the Almighty Sinnoh and his children for their willingness to ‘go easy’ on the tests, so to speak. (they didn’t, but they were certainly more than willing to give their token of trust to the children once the test was, in fact, passed)  

With Irida and Ingo by their side (Adaman having stayed to keep a close eye on Kamado and whatever the hell he was going to try next), the journey had gone quite smoothly, and the red chain was now resting in Akari’s hands, who gripped it like a lifeline.

“.. Whoa…” Rei and Akari admired the item in unison, looking back up to Cogita, who had motioned for theme to look back at her

“This should be able to assist you” Cogita explained “the being causing this … it is on mount Coronet. You will need this” 

Rei looked at the chain, then at Cogita “.. How do you know about this?” the boy questioned, getting a slightly amused look from the woman

“.. I have spent many years plagued by visions of the Sinnohan beings - what the people call “gods”” Cogita explained “I knew that this knowledge would be useful eventually.. But I never knew when” 

“So you waited patiently for your knowledge would be relevant?” Ingo questioned

“... Not patiently ” The older woman admitted

Akari chuckled a bit at the response “Impatiently then?” 

The woman huffed, though the small smile on her face showed she wasn’t taking Akari’s comment too seriously. 

“ While I am happy that I was able to help you with this… I cannot assist further… Please take heed, and take care” Cogita bowed to them, and Ingo could see the sincerity in her eyes. It was somewhat relieving that another adult was supportive of these kids.

“We will,” Rei confirms with as much conviction as he can manage. 

“Leave it to us!” Akari nods. 

“Not so fast!!” 

The group outside of Cogita’s tent turned to face the yelling voice, seeing Adaman running over with a rather startled and alarmed expression on his face. 

“Adaman??” Irida called out “What is it?” 

“Its Kamado! He’s taken the Galaxy Team to Mount Coronet!” Adaman announced “He said he’s going to take care of the rift!” 

“What!?” Ingo looked about as flabbergasted as his face would allow “That’s a suicide mission!” 

“He wouldn’t listen to anyone, not even Cyllene. He said that if you weren’t fixing it, he would” Adaman huffed, looking like he had a bad headache 

“What - we have to stop him!” Akari motioned “Whatever is up there, we have what can stop it!” 

“Lets go!” Rei encouraged.

“Let’s not be hasty-” Ingo attempts, but Irida interrupts him. 

“Actually, Haste might be needed, Ingo.” She admits “Go with them! Adaman and I need to get everyone possible prepared for whatever Kamado might antagonize on the mountain.” Irida pointed out “Please, go with them” 

“I agree” Cogita added “I will assist the clan leaders to assure everyone's safety. Go to the mountain.” 

Ingo seems almost conflicted. He wants to go with Rei and Akari. Of course he does. That intense desire to protect them has only gotten worse in the last few days as they made their journey. With the acknowledgement of the Parental imprint only making him more aware of it. 

But will it become a hindrance? Do they want him there?

“-Ingo?” 

Oh, someone was calling his name. He looked up from his thoughts

“Hm?” 

Irida gave him a look “A moment, please?” She motioned for him to follow with her hand, already walking away.

Despite some reticence, he followed her a few steps away so they could talk with a bit of privacy, and she turned around, giving him a scowl he wasn’t expecting. 

“Okay, what is your deal ?” 

“... Excuse me?” 

“How have you gotten worse ?” 

“.. Worse at wha *???” 

Irida groaned, taking a deep breath before clarifying “We got all of the parentage stuff out of the way, but for some reason” she pressed those two words “You’re more distant with them! What in Sinnoh’s name are you doing??” 

Straightening his back, Ingo awkwardly cleared his throat “Lady Irida, I am sure I don’t - “ 

“Nope. No lying to me. You’re a good illusionist but a lousy liar” 

Ingo gave Irida his own exasperated look, unsure of how to respond to the accusation in a way that would be satisfactory to his clan leader “Lady Irida, Please. I need to to understand my reasoning” 

“Oh? And hurting their feelings is part of that reasoning?” Irida’s hands went on her hips. “I saw you flinch when Rei tried to give you a hug before you let him - what in the name of Sinnoh was that??” 

Ugh. Caught red handed, it seems. 

“I just… “ he sighed “Irida. I do not want Akari and Rei to think that.. They are obligated to treat me in such a way.” 

“Such a way?” 

“... Like a parent. Like a father. I foisted this upon them with no warning. I do not want… I do not want them to feel as if they have to treat me differently” 

“Humph, it was too late for that several weeks ago, Ingo. Or need I remind you of the situation with the Paras?” 

“You needn’t” 

Irida huffed “Just… just go with them. Please.” 

… It wasn’t often that Irida asked him something politely. Not like this. 

“... Okay. I will do my absolute best”

“Now that , I never doubted” Irida gave him an unsure smile “but hurry and go! We need to stop Kamado from making a fool of himself!” 

Ingo nodded to her, tilting his head down. Things were clearer, and yet somehow less clear. As if he’d cleared the glass, only to find it seriously cracked. 

He had to sort this out. He had to talk to them about this… one this situation was finally resolved. 

“Warden!” Adaman waved “Rei and Akari want to get going!” 

“Ah, yes!” Ingo called back “I shall get going.” 

“You protect your kids” Irida’s hands went to her hips. 

“I will, Lady-” He paused, looking down at the clan leader, who was giving him a rather sly smile “Very funny, My Lady” 

“Nothing funny about it, My warden” 

“Come On, Uncle Ingo!!!” Akari called, practically whining “We can’t waste any time!!” 

“I’m coming!” 

Irida watched as Ingo rejoined Rei and Akari, seemingly ready to take on whatever was next, and the three of them left shortly after quickly speaking with each other - determination clear.

With any luck, this would end in peace. 

Being under the rift was a nerve- wracking experience in the best of circumstances, and horrifying in the worst of the circumstances. 

And in these circumstances, the anxiety was, frankly, unavoidable. 

It looked as if it was about to crack even further, the sky swirling and seeming to vibrate and tremble like visual snow. The mountain was even more ominous in the light of the damned tear in space.  

“... Are you prepared?” Ingo looked back down at Rei and Akari from his stare up at the mountain. They were still staring up at the mountain when he turned his head, and they both looked back at him in unison 

“As prepared as we can be” Rei stated, looking at Ingo, then back at the mountain “We have to stop Kamado from doing something stupid” 

“It’s too late for that. We have to stop the stupid thing now” Akari added, the tone of her voice showing just how enthused she was at the idea.. 

“I am here to help you, both of you” Ingo pressed “Please, do not be afraid to ask for my help, it is what I came for”

Akari gave him an interesting expression - she’d been giving him that face a lot since he’d revealed the truth, and it was absolutely bizarre. He truly could not get a read on it - it seemed almost angry, but also pensive and sad, but also frustrated. 

“... Akari? Might I ask a question?” He spoke up, and Akari seemed to know what he was about to ask, responding to him with a genuinely annoyed sigh

“You’re asking now? ” 

Rei rolled his eyes “Oh my god, Akari. We do not have time for this!!” 

“Excuse me?” Ingo looked a tad baffled at the reaction, completely lost

“No - might as well talk about it now!!” Akari shouted at Rei, with her twin looking like he was about to snap at her

“ Akari! ” 

“I’m not putting it off anymore!!” 

“What on earth Are you two going on about??” Ingo interrupted, the two of them shutting up at his frustrated tone. 

“Akari wants to air shit when it's the worst possible time!” Rei pointed at his sister accusingly “We need to get moving!! We don’t have time for this!!”

“Just because you’re too much of a coward to say anything doesn’t mean I am!!” Akari turned to Ingo, and blurted out “Why haven’t you tried to get rid of the parentage yet??” 

Ingo blinked, somewhat shocked that she indeed was bringing this up now, of all times. “.. I … There is much going on. Did we not agree to speak about this later?” 

“Yeah, but - I mean - you keep-!!” 

“I keep what?” Ingo could practically feel her frustrated anxiety

“You keep - I feel like you’re tricking us” She revealed, lookin almost embarrassed at her assumption “Like, you keep acting like you care like that but it's just some stupid pokemon instincts and - “ 

“‘Kari!!” 

“No! I won’t be fooled again, Rei!” 

… Fooled again?

“.. What do you mean “fooled again”? How have I fooled you?” Ingo managed to ask

Akari paused at that, face red with embarrassment as if she hadn’t meant to say that  “I just - “ 

“There you are” .

The three turned their heads sharply at the new voice entering the conversation only to see - 

“... Beni?” Rei questioned. 

“About time you brats showed up” The old man sneered

Ingo bristled at the pejorative “What are you doing here?” 

“Commander Kamado assumed you would attempt to come stop him. I’m here to stop you ” 

Rei and Akari immediately went for their pokeballs, taking offensive positions as Beni seemed to do the same. Ingo stood stock still, eyes never leaving the man threatening the kids.

“You’ve seen my smokeballs, yes? Let me show you how to really use them!! ” 

As the old man threw down the smoke bomb, Akari and Rei threw out their pokeballs for Typhlosion and Samurott, with Ingo staying back, hand hovering over Gliscor’s pokeball, but not taking out the partner. 

Despite the overwhelming desire to fight the man on their behalf, he knew he wouldn't - that he couldn’t- particularly after Akari’s odd outburst. 

They’d come back to that, certainly. 

When the smoke cleared, Beni was standing there in what Ingo recognized as Kantonian ninja wear - how did Ingo even know what that was? - but it seemed that Akari and Rei were also aware of what it was - with Rei shouting -

“You’re a NINJA???” 

Ingo was not surprised, oddly enough. The man always smelled off . This just proved that was correct

“Focus, Rei! No questions! Samurott, stay ready!!” Akari scolded. She glanced back at Ingo, who remained still behind her. He wouldn’t become involved if they didn’t ask, or if they got into serious trouble. She knew this. 

He gave her a nod, and she returned her attention to Beni. 

This fight would hopefully not be a long one. 

It was turning out to be more difficult than lengthy - mostly because Beni wasn’t afraid to play dirty. Ingo was on high alert, his senses heightened by his anxiety. He wanted to jump in. He wanted to help. 

But he could feel it - perhaps through parentage, perhaps just through intuition after knowing the children for so long - that they did not want his help. He had to respect their wishes. He had to. 

Even if every other fiber of his being was screaming “ Protect Protect Protect”

But he kept his eyes focused on Beni and his movements. He thought himself sneaky, but a human could only be so cunning with their limited mobility caused by age - he was old, and while he was smart, he was not as fast as he pretended. 

But Ingo could feel his fur bristle under his illusion when he spotted the glint of a knife. 

They were too distracted by his Gallade - they wouldn’t - they didn’t!!! 

He was faster than the man could have possibly been as he grabbed Beni’s arm, the fight stopping dead at the harsh bark of Ingo’s voice. 

“I advise you to remove the weapon from your hand, before you embark on a track you will never return from!!” 

Beni seemed shocked that Ingo had A: moved that fast and B: had even noticed him through the fog. 

Rei’s eyes were staring at the weapon, it had been coming for him. Akari pulled him back, eyes wide as saucers 

Beni didn’t move. 

Ingo growled out the next two words, practically vibrating 

“Drop it” 

The weapon dropped from Beni’s hand. 

“You have reached the end of this track” Ingo stated, eyes harsh as Rei and Akari straightened themselves out. “We do not have time to reassign you to a new track - therefore you will be temporarily decommissioned” 

“ What -” 

The fool of a ninja did not expect the elbow to the back of the neck, but Ingo knew just how much force would knock a human out. 

How did he know this? He couldn’t tell you. 

The twins stared at the now knocked-out ninja, and Rei spoke first “Uh.. he’s not dead, right?” 

“Rei, I swear-” 

“No, he is not” Ingo stated. 

“But - why did you-” 

“He decided that he would not fight fair. I do not take well to cheaters” Ingo responded, his tone still low. He sounded dangerous. Akari stared hard at him, but said nothing. 

“.. Thanks” Rei stated for the two of them 

Ingo gave a nod “You are very welcome. Let us not waste time with this man any futher” 

Akari agreed with him, already turning on her heel up towards the mountain - Beni’s pokemon nervously staying away from them - all of them very clearly knowing who and what Ingo was. 

Rei sighed “... I’m sorry about her” 

“We can talk about it later, Rei.” Ingo acknowledged “let’s go” 

“.. Okay” Rei replied, turning back towards his sister “Akari, wait up!” 

Kamado’s foolishness would get him killed, possibly by his own hands. That much, Ingo was certain of. What he was seeing in the man’s eyes was manic, almost absurdly clouded by fear - fear not of Ingo, no, but of the children. He challenged them, and was ready to wipe the floor with them. Ingo was tense. Taut like a wire and wanting desperately to step in and defend his kits.

But yet again, he remained behind, and this time he understood why more fully. Rei and Akari really had something to prove here. And frankly, Ingo wanted to watch with subdued pride as they beat Kamado. 

… Okay, not subdued

Ingo’s eyes were sharply focused on Kamado to ensure he fought fair, but the warden stayed in the back of the spear pillar platform away from the fight so as to not get in the way.

And with a final cry, his Braviary - his last of the man’s pokemon - was defeated. Rei spoke before Kamado could 

“Get out of the way so we can fix this!” He demanded 

“But not for you!” Akari added “For the people of Hisui!” 

“So like I just said - “ “Get out of our way!” 

Ingo watched with somewhat baited breath as Kamado stood still, before bowing his head in defeat, and stepping to the side - rather pointedly even attempting to look at Ingo, which was fine for him. 

Ingo stepped up behind them, his heavy steps keying the children into his approach. Rei looked back at him, then towards the oncoming challenge. Akari didn’t look away. Staring intently 

“I can feel it. This is… big” She commented. 

“It certainly seems so” Ingo commented “Are you prepared?” 

“As prepared as we can be for all this.... We have the red chain, we have our pokemon.” Akari explained, looking back at him, finally. 

“You also have me, Akari. If you wish” he tried to show his sincerity, having thought quite a bit about her outburst earlier “I was on your side before parentage, and that has not changed. You know that” 

There was still doubt in her eyes. It hurt him more than he would admit, but that hurt would be addressed later. 

“Let’s go. We have to see what’s causing this” Rei redirected pointing over to their next challenge. 

Akari took a deep breath “We have to fix it” 

Rei looked back at Ingo again “... We’ll shout if we need you, okay? But we can do it ourselves. I promise.” 

That was… not what Ingo nor his instincts wanted to hear. But… but they trusted him to do this. He had to show them that he trusted them more than his instincts screamed at him not to. Parentage be damned. 

He took a deep, deep breath, and nodded. 

“I trust that you will” He said aloud, if only to make the subtext text. 

Akari glanced back at him, and he supposed that acknowledgement would have to be enough from her. 

All that was left was to watch and wait.

Palkia was frenzied

Palkia. Frenzied

He didn’t even know how he knew its name. He just knew that it was frenzied, and the red chain might not be enough. His heart was in his throat. 

But they didn't ask. They didn’t want help. He had to stay back. 

That deep, inner paternal instinct was scolding him, screaming at him. 

But they hadn’t. Asked. 

These hyper independent teenagers were confident with their partners, battling against Palkia and dodging and managing with as much effort as they could muster to at the very least keep Palkia’s frenzy cornered. It was giving him heart palpitations 

“Please ask. Please ask. Please. I’m right here. I want to help” 

But they didn’t  

At least Irida was there, watching with the same bated breath and attempting to reassure him as her eyes did not leave the children, seemingly about as worried as he was “They can do it, Warden. You have to let them” 

“.. I know, Irida. I am painfully aware” Ingo groused, trying not to sound too annoyed.

The clan leader huffed, but said nothing else.

But a pokeball was thrown - Ingo couldn’t tell who had thrown it in the chaos or who had tossed the red chain - And then

It was… over? No… He could tell, something was missing. 

A thundering roar took over the mountain, startling everyone but himself as it rumbled. 

“What- “ Akari startled, holding the pokeball that was glowing red with the power of the red chain.

“It’s Dialga!!!” Rei suddenly shouted, pointing up into the fissure above their heads. 

As if this was the world's cruelest game -  a being that Ingo did, in fact, recognize as Dialga, emerged from the rift, already looking to be in a similar frenzy with bright red eyes and a bearing of giant, terrifying teeth. 

No one was prepared, no one was ready. 

“We have to retreat!!” 

That was the first thing Kamado had said since this ordeal started that Ingo thoroughly agreed with. 

“Akari! Rei!!” 

Rei was about ready to book it, but Akari made a dive for the pokeball that now held the deity of space that had fallen from her hands, grabbing it and starting to scramble up to follow after her twin. 

Another trembling roar from Dialga made her stumble, and Rei nearly screamed as she was underfoot of the frenzied god as it had made its landing on the stone, but she was grabbed around the torso by a familiar clawed hand, and was swiftly pulled away and back towards Rei. The form of the Zoroark quickly faded back to the human visage as Ingo placed her back on her feet, and took her free hand, leading her just behind Rei in following the retreat. 

At the foot of the mountain, the gaggle of people who had been up there were all trying to catch their breath, Ingo included. 

“... Akari?” he asked “Are you alright? Were you hurt when you fell?”  

The girl didn’t respond at first, breathing rather heavily before looking at Rei, who was staring back at her with a look that screamed ‘I need to lay down yesterday’ 

“... Akari?” Ingo cautioned trying to get her attention again. 

She looked back at him, and sighed deeply, leaning against his arm. “... Yeah.. Yeah I'm… I’m fine” She swallowed “Thanks” 

His hand instinctively went to the back of her neck, where that damned mark still rested under her scarf, and he felt her relax against him for a moment, before pulling away 

“We need…. Dialga.. It’s..” 

“Frenzied” Rei finished “We have to find a way to tame it. It's too dangerous” 

“But the red chain-” Ingo started., before being interrupted by a loud shout of - 

“Akari! Rei!!!” 

Professor Laventon practically barreled into the children - and Ingo by association as the professor shouted. They didn’t seem to mind the sudden hug, though Ingo felt a sharp discomfort. 

“Oh, thank goodness!! I am just - I’m so-” Oh, the poor man was about to cry. 

Rei returned the hug “We’re okay… thanks for caring” 

“Thanks for - Oh, you kids need to stop being so deprecating!” Laventon huffed in exasperation, squeezing the boy and girl before letting them go “There is more to do, yes?” 

“Yeah” Akari looked back up the way “We need to quell the pokemon’s frenzy - the blue one that came from the rift” 

“But we don’t have the red chain anymore” Rei huffed. “We used it for Palkia - the first one.” 

Laventon contemplated the problem “Hm.. maybe we don’t need it” 

“What?” 

“I have an idea” Laventon mused aloud, seeming partially eager and partially excited “Let's regroup with everyone - I must speak with Lady Irida about Kleavor’s warden!!” He decided, suddenly turning around and marching away. 

 Ingo furrowed his brow as the man marched away “What is he thinking..? What could Lian assist him with?”

“I dunno, but we’ll see if its a good idea or not - he seems excited, which is usually a good sign.” Rei answered vaguely “Lets go” 

Ingo was skeptical of their faith in the man, but the faith was there and he wasn’t about to doubt that faith.  

He followed the twins; time to see what Professor Laventon came up with

Ingo wanted to bite someone’s head off. He wasn’t sure who’s head (probably Kamados, or Beni’s), but he needed to bite on something. 

The gathering of the ore, pokeball, the going back up the mountain - 

Dialga was somehow worse than Palkia in terms of their frenzy, going so far as to bare its fangs. At his kits . 

But - once again - they did not want his help. Irida could see that it was really bothering him. 

“Warden…” 

“Lady Irida, I am currently at my limit. Please refrain” 

“Ah…” 

Adaman raised a brow at the interaction for a split second before his eyes went back to the ongoing battle. 

They could do it. Everyone there knew. But Ingo’s anxiety could not be swayed. His eyes fell on Akari, who held the forged pokeball tightly in hand. 

They’d been using their pokemon to wear out the time god, and were nearly there - he could see it in the way Dialga moved. Akari was waiting for the right moment. She’d been staying her hand. 

Ingo held his breath as she seemed to make that choice, pulling her hand back. 

But - !! 

“Akari! Back up!!” Rei shouted, tone desperate as Dialga leaned dangerously in the girl's direction, nearly about to fall on her, but she rushed in the opposite direction, joining her brother’s side. 

Ingo’s hands (claws) were going to make him bleed at this rate. “It's now or never” he muttered, eyes sharp. “You can do it. You have to do it now” 

As if she could hear him, She seemed to whisper to her brother, and, before Dialga could get back up again, she threw the pokeball. 

Every human being watching was with bated breath as the ball bounced off of the beast, and absorbed it. 

It rattled…And it rattled… And it rattled .... 

When it clicked successfully, the collective exhale quickly turned into cheers of triumph and relief. 

Ingo didn’t stay, he was already rushing to the “arena” as it had been dubbed, seeing Akari picking up the pokeball, then turning, eyes wide as if surprised to see him there. Rei followed her line of sight, and lit up as Ingo approached them, slowing down to a walk. 

“Akari. Rei….” He swallowed everything he wanted to say, and condensed it down “For what it is worth, I am very proud of both of you.”  

Something in Akari’s posture looked relieved “... Thank you, for letting us do it ourselves” She admitted “We know you were worrying a lot” 

“Could kinda feel it burning the back of my neck…” Rei muttered. 

Oh. 

Ingo’s face turned bright red. “I…apologize. I know that the mark has been a burden to you this whole time.”

Akari huffed at that. “We can… later. We can talk later” 

There was a painful quiet there, and Ingo was about to ask them if they wanted to go back down the mountain, before Akari suddenly reached forward, squeezing him around his middle. Rei seemed to take that as a sign, and did the same, and Ingo found himself being squeezed by two alarmingly strong teenagers. He didn’t even have to think to hug them back, that relief he’d been praying for falling over him like an ocean wave. 

“Thank you for trusting us” Akari muttered against him 

“Sorry for scaring you,” Rei added. 

Ingo didn’t respond, just shaking his head leaning his head down to where their heads rested. 

“Warden?” Irida got their attention, relief clear on her face, with Adaman close behind her 

“Hah! You kids are crazy! I love it” 

Irida scowled at him, but the diamond clan leader didn’t seem to care, the young man reaching forward and grabbed at the teens, ending up joining the hug with the warden. 

“Ah!! That was terrifying to watch!” Adaman pointed out, letting go “But you did it! If I hadn't seen it, I wouldn’t have believed it!” 

Rei chuckled just a bit, leaning into Ingo, who could feel the boy’s exhaustion mirroring his sister’s.

These kids needed to rest , yesterday. 

“Lord Adaman, Lady Irida. I would like to return Akari and Rei to my home. They desperately need treatment and rest” 

When neither child argued with him, he knew they really needed it, not just his parentage - addled nerves. 

Irida gave him a nod, which Adaman mirrored “We will distract the Galaxy Team so they do not hassle you” Irida added “Please, use your… abilities, and get them there safely. I will be there to see all of you soon, okay?” 

Ingo gave his clan leader a serious nod “Are you two ready for some rest?” 

“Ready-” 

“-SO Ready. Please” 

The man snorted in mild amusement as the clan leaders walked away, and Ingo pulled away from the kids. “I will have to take you quickly so we can avoid the inevitable crowd” he stated “Are you okay with that?” 

Akari gave an immediate nod “I'm about to pass out standing up, please?” 

“Yeah, same” Rei added, shoulders slumped.

Ingo looked up, seeing that they were alone for now - no time to lose. With a rather sharp exhale, his human illusion broke off, and he knelt down. “Come, both of you” 

With slightly clumsy movements, the twins got up on his back, right in his mane- 

Thats where kits are supposed to be, you know

He huffed at the unbidden thought. Don’t bring it up. Akari clearly wanted to talk about it, but not now, not even close to now. 

So, he pushed away the thought, and rushed off down the mountain, taking the slightly more dangerous way down, his claws keeping him and the twins upright and safe. 

As they got close to Ingo’s home, Ingo could see the bi-colored feather of his noble

“Ah- my Lad-”

“THERE YOU ARE!!!!” 

The half-awake children on his back snapped to full attention 

The noble looked like a mother about to blow a gasket - which, she was, but that's neither here nor there

“Were you not my warden i would be *flaying you alive*!!! What kind of nonsense was happening on that mountain???” 

“Wha-” 

“Lord Braviary told me of your - inaction!” 

“Lady Sneasler!!!” Akari shouted “It wasn’t his fault!” 

“We asked him to wait until we asked!!” 

The Noble looked incredulous “You told a powerful alpha pokemon who is also imprinted parentage on you to… stay back while you were in active danger ” 

Akari looked sheepish. “.. Yes?” 

The inhale-exhale that Lady Sneasler did after Akari answered her conveyed more emotion than some entire monologues. 

“I love the both of you little humans, but that was very, very, incredibly, inconceivably-” 

“My lady” Ingo pressed 

“... Dumb. It was very dumb” she course-corrected. 

“And now they are tired, dumb children, my lady” Ingo felt the need to point out “I am taking them home to rest”

“Heyyyy” Rei groaned, though he said nothing else to defend himself or his sister. 

Akari rolled her eyes “Can we just… Can we sleep, please?” 

“Please?” Rei parroted. 

The noble sighed, a deep, laborious sigh. “... Fine, but you two will be getting an earful from me about this!! All of you!” 

The glare she leveled at her warden made him huff “I will see you later, my lady” 

“You better” 

And with that awkward conversation out of the way, Ingo returned them to his home, letting the children leave his shoulders and him taking back on the visage of human. 

“... I mean… If I can ask… Why do you do that?” Rei questioned “Look human, I mean” 

Ingo paused as he straightened out his coat, looking up to see his kit’s inquisitive eyes. “.. When I arrived here, in Hisui, I did not know that I was not human. I arrived… looking like this” He explained “I only learned I was a Zoroark when I saved Lady Irida from a Mamoswine” 

Akari furrowed her brow “Well, if it's… an illusion? Why do you look all… messed up with your clothes and stuff?” 

“... If I knew, I would tell you” He admitted 

That didn’t seem to be enough of an answer for them, but they looked too worn out to respond. 

“Please, go inside. I will follow after” 

As the three of them got into the tent, Ingo made sure that the tent was closed firmly, and looked back to see that Rei and Akari were already laying down, Rei facing him, Akari facing away from him. 

Rei looked at him, those eyes ever curious, sharp and silver - always so similar to his. When he’d first spotted them, he’d wondered if they were also pokemon in disguise because of those eyes, but they smelled human. But now, due to the parentage, they smelled like themselves mixed in with an achingly familiar place. Fall leaves and iron and wet grass. The smells subtleties change, but it is always the same to him. It smells like home. 

His kits are home 

There was something else to their scent, something odd, but he chalked it up to fighting gods, and got himself busy clearing up his own cot for sleep. 

“... Mister Ingo?” 

“Hm?” 

“Do you… sleep in your illusion too?” 

“.. Sometimes, yes” 

“Huh…” Rei sighed, looking bothered, but too tired to care. 

Ingo furrowed a brow, walking over to Rei, and sitting down close to the boy - within touching distance. “.. What are you thinking about?” 

 Rei looked up at him, then back at the wall behind him “I just… I dunno. I think I don’t really mind the parentage thing… but I know Akari does” 

Oh… Ingo hadn’t expected that statement 

“Don't mind it? In what way?” He kept his tone as even as he could manage 

Rei’s face was turning red, and he was pulling the cover over him further “I dunno I guess it's just… it’s not bad? When you were telling us you were proud of us it was - It's like I felt that - even after all the anxiety it felt.. Worth it, I guess?” Ingo sighed, unsure of how to respond to that answer, but Rei continued “And - and earlier, when Irida told us about the Parentage… She said something interesting” 

“.. Oh?” 

“She said that you told her parentage goes both ways” 

The heavy assumption there lay between them. 

They cannot become your kits without, on some level, wanting that kind of protection and care

Ingo sighed again, and took a chance, cautiously reaching forward and ruffling Rei’s hair “Yes.. it does. Both the Widow and Lady Sneasler told me so.”

Parentage is a two-way covenant. They must want your protection and you must want to provide it

“So… you wanted to protect us?” Rei asked 

“Of course I do” Ingo pressed “I protected you and your sister long before the parentage, and that did not change with the parentage” 

“... And we wanted to be protected..” Rei muttered. It wasn’t a question. 

“... That seems to be the case, Rei” 

Ingo ran a hand through the boys hair, feeling Rei adjust “... Sleep. We can speak more seriously tomorrow. You two performed a grand feat today, and you deserve rest” 

“Mhm.. thanks” 

“Sleep well, Rei.” Ingo rubbed his thumb on Rei’s forehead, and the boy fell into sleep rather quickly after that. Ingo exhaled. 

He needed to sleep as well - he had a very long talk tomorrow he needed to mentally prepare for. 

When Ingo woke up, he noticed two things once his awareness came to him: 

1. He didn't have that aching anxiety he sometimes had when the kits weren’t with him (Which he knew the reason for)
2. There were conspicuous weights on either side of him (Which he did not know the reason for)

Resting on one of his shoulders, was a read of short black hair whose face he couldn’t see. Resting on his chest was another head of hair, this time with a kerchief covering it. 

Oh… Ingo exhaled. Okay, no big deal. He’s just being “squished” so to speak

But that leads to the current issue: Could he get up without waking the teenagers? Should he try to anyway? “Hm….” 

Rei grumbled at the sound, making Ingo raise a brow.The boy was a heavy sleeper, did he really hear that? Or was he…

“Rei?” 

Rei grumbled again, but didn’t move. 

“I know you’re awake” 

“No i’m not” 

“Rei…” Ingo lightly scolded. Rei grumbled almost intensely. “Rei” 

“Nooo I wanna keep sleeping” 

“I need to get up to check on Lady Sneasler, Rei.” Ingo reasoned

“But it's cooold ” He whined

“You wouldn’t be cold if you’d stayed in your cot with Akari…. Speaking of-” 

“Shut uuuuuuuuup ” Akari groaned 

Ingo sighed deeply “Good morning, Akari. Nice to see you both awake” 

Akari practically growled (it was impressively realistic) and muttered her own complaints “No. Half awake. I wanna be full asleep” 

“Akari-” 

“Come on! Five more minutes!” Rei complained. “We wanna sleep more! And you’re comfy. I think its cause your a furry pokemon under all that illusion stuff” 

Ingo rose an amused brow - Rei sure did sound awake “I need to check on Lady Sneasler, you two” 

“No you don’t! She's an independent noble!” 

“ Akari ” Ingo lightly admonished. The girl let out a rather childish whine. 

“... What are you two doing here anyway?” 

“Oh uh, Baby Sneasel stole our blanket last night and wouldn't give it back” Rei explained while Akari pointed to the other side of the tent. Wrapped in a little blanket-nest was Lady Sneasler's eldest kit, happily snuggled up and sleeping. 

“... That little bastard” 

Akari was so startled by the pejorative that she laughed out loud. 

“But uh, yeah” Rei started. “We just kinda, crawled up here under the blanket cause we were cold” 

Simple enough.

“Well, I need to get up to do my Warden Duties” 

Rei sighed “Sorry, yeah” the boy sat up, and while Akari looked like she wanted to say something, she also sat up, rubbing her face. 

“Please, continue resting” Ingo encouraged as he got up  from the cot, and straightened out his coat “We can have something to eat when I return” 

“... Do you have any leftover stock?” Rei asked as he rolled his shoulder “We can start making soup, if you want” 

“No, you two need to keep resting. You saved the land yesterday. You deserve to rest” Ingo pressed “Please, go back to sleep - just a little longer.” 

Akari huffed, but Rei seemed to acquiesce, and talked quietly to Akari as Ingo turned and approached the entrance to the tent to leave. 

“Wait” 

Ingo paused, looking back at Akari 

“When… when you get home, we wanna talk to you - about the parentage stuff” she stated as firmly as she could, hands grabbing at the blanket

Ingo took a breath, but nodded “I understand… and I agree. See you again very soon” 

And he promptly left for his Lady’s den. 

“You look rather anxious, My Warden” 

“Nice to see you too, Lady Sneasler.” 

“Checking in?”  

“Of course” The warden came into the den fully, human form looking about as tired as one could, just before he was bounced on by the smaller kits. 

The den was fine as always. Safe, warm, and full of baby Sneasels that were quickly growing into maturity. But alas, parentage made him want to go back home and curl up around his kits. He pushed it down though, letting his pleasure at seeing his Noble’s children alive and well take over

“Warden!” 

“Warden hi!” 

“Where are your kits!?” 

“We wanna see our niblins!!” 

“They are resting. They stopped the sky from bleeding and need much rest.” Into explained. “So they need a lot of sleep”

“Aw…” 

“Ah, I see. You don’t want me , you want my kits” Ingo playfully accused. 

That caused distress among the little cavalcade of Sneasels 

“No!” 

“Nooooo!” 

“We love you Warden ingo!!” 

“Don’t think that!!” 

Ingo couldn’t hold back an amused chuckle at their whining concern for his affection “Okay, okay, show me your little siblings. It is duty time” 

“Duty time!!” 

“It’s duty time!!” 

The sneasels stopped crawling on him, and started rushing over to the inner nest. 

“Duty Time” was the term for his checking on the health of the younger kits - the older ones loved to help, and Ingo appreciated the desire to help - it was something they often grew out of when they left the den, so it was good to see this now. There were only 4 ‘true’ infant-stage sneasels as of now, and they all seemed safe and healthy. 

“They are growing very well, my lady!” 

“I am quite happy with this clutch. It was small, but they are all very robust” The lady nodded in agreement. 

“They are all very healthy, yes” Ingo nodded in agreement. 

“And how are your kits, my warden?” 

“... Akari and Rei are resting back in my tent. Your eldest stole their blanket, by the way” 

“Hah! Little bastard” 

“That's what I called him” 

“That’s what he calls himself” 

“... .What? ”

Meanwhile, back in the tent, Rei and Akari were sitting up, wide awake, and looking at each other as if expecting the other to speak. 

“You feel it too, right?” Rei finally said something, expression pensive

“You mean that feeling in my chest? Yeah. it's super weird” She nodded

“Something’s changing” 

Rei’s statement felt both exciting and scary. 

“.. I think we need to talk to the widow about this. She’s the only Zoaoark who might know what’s going on with the… thing” Akari surmised. “But… later. We have to talk to him first” 

“Yeah… The parentage is.. We gotta talk to him about it but first.... What do you think?... Parentage has to go both ways” Rei reminded. 

“... That means he wanted to take care of us” Akari crossed her arms

“- and we wanted to be taken care of” Rei added, though that made Akari’s face scrunch up in frustration

“Every kid wants to be taken care of - that doesn’t count!” She pointed out almost aggressively 

“Akari-” 

“I just don’t want to be fooled again, Rei!” 

“This isn’t Sinnoh!!” He practically yelled “This isn’t Sinnoh, this isn’t the stupid foster care office with stupid people trying to adopt us separately. We’re so far removed from that- ” 

“And you’re not scared he just - NEEDs to care for us??” 

“As if he didn’t before?! Weren’t you the one last week convincing me he cared???” he argued back at his sister

“That was different! That was before the parentage stuff!” 

Rei sighed deeply, rubbing his forehead “...‘Kari…. You know I get it but… maybe I want to be the hopeful twin for once?” 

Akari stopped arguing at that. 

Hope. Huh. She was the hopeful one most of the time, wasn’t she? It had been what got them through hard times in Sinnoh, sure.. But hope was in short supply in Hisui. 

Sheer determination and stubbornness was often more helpful. So… maybe that is what they needed to do. 

“.. We’ll see how it goes when he gets back” 

Rei sighed at her reaction, laying himself back down on the cot “Guess so.” 

Ingo made his way back by mid morning, deliberately walking pretty slowly. Despite mentally preparing himself, he still felt woefully nauseous with anxiety about talking more deeply about the whole situation, now that they had the time. 

What did they want from this? It was about time to find out. 

He paused before opening the tent and was greeted to an.. Interesting sight. 

Tug of war - Little Bastard versus Akari. Akari was losing.

He watched quietly as Akari pulled with all her might, and the sneasel gave her a smug grin before abruptly letting go, startling everyone in the room as Akari did a backwards somersault. 

“GACK!” 

“Akari!??” 

“A-hem” 

The sneasel and the twins paused in their baffling little game, Little Bastard suddenly looking a little sheepish.  “Oh uh, hi” The sneasel sheepishly greeted “As you can see, we were-” 

Ingo held up his hand “Your mother wants you, Little Bastard” he stared rather flatly at the pokemon.

Akari did a double take at the pejorative, and Rei couldn’t hold back a laugh, rolling backwards with a strong “HAH!”.

“Wh-”  

“Go on, we’ll see you again soon, i’ve no doubt” Ingo’s gaze sharpened “You little blanket thief” 

The suddenly sheepish sneasel bolted out. 

“... You sure have a lot of authority over those sneasels” Rei pointed out once he’d stopped laughing, taking a deep breath. 

“They know I'll tell their mother if they misbehave,” Ingo shrugged in response. “He needs to have his morning meal, anyway. 

Akari snorted “Sure.” 

“How were the kits?” Rei questioned with a quick head tilt. 

“They are all doing very well. Lady Sneasler sends her regards” Ingo tells them.The teens seemed pleased at that, and Akari sat herself up fully as Rei readjusted his seat beside her. They seemed to be anticipating the conversation that Ingo was silently dreading. 

Ingo took a breath, and sat himself down across from them after walking further into his home. “... Do you wish to start our conversation?” 

“... How do we even start?” Rei asked “Do we just… ask our questions?” 

“I suppose that is a good place to start” Ingo encouraged with a nod.

Akari leaned back on her hands “So … Can you sum up parentage again? The whole thing?” 

“If that is what you want, I can certainly do that.” 

“... Then let's begin there”

Akari let out a deep, long-suffering sigh. “This explains… a lot” 

“Yeah. definitely” Rei agreed with his own, much shorter, sigh

“Oh?” 

That had … admittedly not been the reaction he’d expected from the twins. They seemed to take in the explanation well, which was nice, but they also seemed to have… realized something that they weren’t saying to him. 

“... What questions do you have?” Ingo tried to gently press.

“Uh…” Rei thought “Uhm, well-” 

“How didn’t you figure out we could use pokespeak before this?” Akari asked first. 

Ingo was a bit taken back by the question, and he took a moment before responding “.. I suppose that it just didn’t become relevant? I thought you were simply very intune with pokemon in general” 

Rei couldn’t hold back a laugh at that “Sure. That's one way to interpret it, I guess” 

“What? Were you expecting a different answer?” Ingo tilted his head slightly

“Not sure” Rei admitted “But uh, I have a much more.. Pertinent question?” 

“Oh?” 

Rei took a deep breath, hands clasped together tightly, with his sister’s hand on his arm. Ingo had a feeling he knew what question this was. “... Do uhm… “ he cleared his throat, muttering about ‘ripping the bandage off’ before saying, rather quickly “Do you still want to find a way to get rid of the parentage??” 

Oh. yup. Bandage ripped. 

He looked almost nervous, taking a breath before responding “For your own sake and safety, I believed it for the best. I am… You surely have others waiting for you back home” 

“We don’t” Akari responded rather curtly

“‘Kari!” 

“What?? We finally remember something and we can’t even tell anyone?? It's stupid! We’re stupid for not talking about it! Especially for so long!!” 

“You remembered something?” Ingo couldn’t hold back the surprise. 

“More like a nightmare bought it back” The girl huffed “It was just. We were in foster care. Do you know what that is?” 

His mind seemed to instantly fill in that information, and he couldn’t help the surprise “What?

“Yeah. We’re orphans. No extended family. But too old to be “adoptable’” Akari spat out

“Kari, that’s not Why we were hard to adopt” Rei rolled his eyes “People kept trying to separate us. We wouldn’t let them” He clarified

Something about that declaration hit Ingo directly in the chest. As if he knew exactly what that was like. “You would not let them. You are a package deal.. A two-car train” 

The twins shared a curious look, before looking back at him 

“But that doesn’t answer Rei’s question,” Akari course-corrected. 

Ingo sighed “No.. it does not” 

“So…” Rei tried again “Do you?”

Man, they really wanted an answer to that question. Ingo sighed. Be honest, Ingo. Just be honest. 

“... I don’t know if I do. I was going to leave that up to you. You are the ones dragged into this by a careless action I made in high emotion.” 

“Oh… you don’t know?” Rei seemed a little deflated

Akari didn’t seem very pleased at the answer “A careless action you made in high emotion?” 

“... I knew that I needed to protect you. That was all I could think about” 

“Oh.. so it wasn’t the.. “Protecting us” that was the careless action?” 

Ingo looked downright offended at that assumption “What? Of course not! Parentage or not, I was never going to leave you defenseless against one of those aggressive Zoroark.” Ingo pressed “The careless action was the parentage itself, not protecting you and your brother. Never that.” 

His conviction seemed to reassure the girl, whose shoulders relaxed. 

“.. Okay, sorry” 

“No sorry needed” 

“But uh” Rei spoke up yet again, seeming to have a little more confidence “You said it was our choice?” 

“.. Yes.” 

“.. You’d be okay without the parentage?” Akari questioned. 

“I would. I cared about both of you before it, and I will care for both of you should it be removed.” 

That reassurance seemed to be exactly what Rei in particular needed to hear, because the boy got up, took a few steps (Ingo was surprisingly far from the kids), got back down onto his knees and grabbed Ingo in a tight, nearly desperate hug. 

“Thanks,” Rei muttered into the man’s jacket. 

Ingo wrapped an arm around the boy, letting out a relieved sigh, before looking over at Akari. She wasn’t moving, but Ingo opened his other arm, lifting it from his resting position on his knee, and holding his hand out to her, an invitation if ever there was one. She looked exhausted, but relieved in a familiar way to her twin, and she ended up hugging his other side, head against his shoulder. The hug was warm and needed, with a certain level of understanding that made it feel far more comforting than any previous comfort hug. 

“.. If you wish for the parentage to remain. I would be honored to be considered a parent to you. I cannot even fathom why anyone would want to separate you two. Foolish. Truly” 

“Really?” Akrai sounded like she didn’t believe it, but didn’t let go of the hug. 

“Really… But please, do not feel obligated to call me anything that is parental. Uncle Ingo is far more than enough” 

“You sure?” Rei asked. 

“I am, yes” 

“.. Cool” 

Ingo exhaled, and let himself think for a moment. 

This was… if they truly were okay with the parentage bond, things were going to be changing, swiftly. If only in their relationship dynamics. … First step, offer his home as theirs. He couldn’t imagine them wanting to stay in Jubilife after everything that happened. But don’t insist. 

Second, inform Irida of the change - at least in how they were going about the situation. 

And perhaps least most important… get used to this. 

But that one was, perhaps, the easiest. 

Another day passes, and something about this particular day was rather exhausting.

Perhaps it was connected to the fact that he was one again feeling that painful loneliness. Another day alone. Another day without his twin. 

It was hard enough being a Zoroark existing as a human within the human world, but it was harder without his support system. He missed his brother. His twin - a rare, rare occurrence, the two of them were. They’d been all each other had for as long as they could remember - as pokemon that far preferred human contact - having been raised alongside them. Even Reshiram and Zekrom had said that the two brothers were “equal parts human and pokemon, a bridge to truth and shared ideals”. High praise, coming from them… But it didn’t mean much when he no longer had his brother with him.

But - after spending a little time decompressing for the evening, Emmet began to scrunch his face in the air - there was a familiar scent itching at his nose for the last few minutes. It smelled like his brother, which he was used to smelling in the apartment, but… it was just a little different - fresher and … altered. 

There was a sweeter scent to it, like berries - that was often a scent associated with children - with kits. Which was… baffling, truly. 

Ingo and Emmet had no mates. They had no kits - there was no way - 

[knock knock knock]

Ingo’s scent was stronger than it had been in years. 

Emmet felt nearly knocked over by the smell as he rushed and opened the door to his apartment, greeted by a familiar human face and the source of the scent, with two smaller, not familiar but similar human faces and new scents. 

Emmet stared at Ingo, then at the children, then back at Ingo, completely at a loss for words for more than a few seconds, before a disbelieved muttering of “.... Ingo?” 

“Oh, thank Arceus” Ingo exhaled, reaching forward to grab his brother in a tight hug full of sheer, exhaustive relief. Emmet didn’t even stop him, returning the hug with equal fervor despite his confusion. As they hugged for an extended period, Emmet heard the two teenagers whispered to each other.

“Wait, is he human?” 

“No, dad said he’s also a zoroark” 

“I still have so many questions” 

“Shut up, Rei” 

… Dad*?? 

Emmet- while in the midst of his various emotions swirling around in his head, chest and stomach -  clung onto that fucking word with all the confusion he could possibly muster, using that to take himself out of the other, overwhelming feelings. 

He pulled away from Ingo, and looked at the children behind him for the first time, getting a good look at the dark-haired, silver-eyed children who looked back at him with wide eyes. They looked almost nervous, but the reason why they were calling Ingo “dad” became obvious all at once.  

By Arceus, the parentage mark was strong

“Ingo?” 

“....Inside.” 

“... yes. Yes, Inside. Then explain” 

The brothers seem to nod in unison, and Ingo turned to the teenagers, motioning them inside. Once the door was shut, Emmet took a deep breath. He wanted to freak out. He wanted to run around - “Do the Zoomies”, as Elesa would put it. But he wanted an explanation for the children first. 

“.... Kits? ” Was all he could come up with to ask his brother, though perhaps his sheer confusion would fill in the gaps.

Ingo sighed “... technically, Yes.” he turned himself towards the children, and pointed to them as he introduced them “This is Rei and this is Akari. They are twins, and they are your niece and nephew” 

“Uh, nice to meet you, Uncle Emmet” Akari greeted with an award wave, though the hand didn’t stay up “Can we call you that? Is that something you’re comfortable with?” 

“Dad said it was okay but like-” Rei shrugged with equal awkwardness. “We’re still figuring out the parentage stuff, specially with all the -” 

“Not *yet* Rei! We need to wait!” Akari scolded 

“Akari, please” Ingo pressed. “Scolding him is my job, hm?” 

“... Sorry dad” 

“... Wait” Emmet held up a hand. 

“Hm?” 

“Let me see if I have this all straight -”  Emmet started. “You disappear for three years. You return looking as if you got in a tussle with a garchomp. You return with two…” Emmet pauses as he scents the air again “human? children having been blessed with parentage?” 

“Uh… Mostly human” Rei correct

“Yeah. mostly” Akari agrees” 

“I am Emmet. I will ask about that later” the man turns his attention back to his brother “And not only have you bestowed parentage on children… They are twins? I am the uncle to twins?? ” 

“... Yes?” Ingo almost nervously answered

Emmet grabbed his brother by the shoulders, and stared intensely at him for several seconds before announcing with barely hidden glee “... This is the best day of my fucking life” 

“ Emmet!! !” 

Rei and Akari burst into laughter at the blunt declaration, and Emmet’s smile only grew wider and more sharp at their response to his phrase. 

“Might I?” 

Ingo seemed to take a minute to understand what he was asking, before nodding. 

Moving out of the way, Ingo watched as Emmet approached Rei and Akari. Unlike other times adults approached his kits, he felt no anxiety - no worry or protectiveness. A testament to the trust he had in his brother. 

“Uh… hi” Rei waved. “I’m Rei” 

“I’m Akari.. It's nice to meet you?” The girl nervously repeated

Emmet looked over his newly acquired niblings, and his human illusion disappeared in a wisp of white smoke as he grabbed them in an encompassing hug, squeezing them so tightly that they would have been startled if his Zoroark form had not surprised them first

“Wh- He’s Hisuian???” Rei questioned, looking at the white fur

“He’s part ghost type???” Akari accused, seemingly alarmed by the implications of that typing - though Emmet just chuffed out a laugh in response  

“I am neither of those things!” Emmet responded - explaining further with a purr “I am simply albinistic!” 

“Zoroarks can be albinistic?” Akari questioned. 

“It is exceedingly rare, but yes!” Emmet placed them down, letting them get a good look at him. 

Upon further observation, it was clear he wasn’t a ghost type - he didn’t have the gaunt form, nor the waving “hair” behind him, or even the rather baneful look that all of the Hisuian zoroarks seemed to have no matter how friendly to humans they were. He was simply a zoroark, but white. That made more sense than him being a ghost type twin to a typically-colored Zoroark. 

He twisted back into human form, and the delight in his expression couldn’t be contained - he was about as easy to read in either form, Ingo remembered. 

Ingo approached his brother again, only to be grabbed into yet another hug. He returned it without thinking too much about it - happy to be wrapped in his brother’s comfort again. There was a moment of quiet before Emmet looked at the twins, and opened one of his arms as invitingly as he possibly could given his current position. 

“Family hug - get in here, niblings!” 

Rei’s eyes brightened up at the invitation, and he was the first one to dive in, with Akari letting out a laugh before approaching the hug. She was pulled in by her brother, and once she was surrounded, the warmth was… it was nice

After about 30 seconds, Emmet finallyspoke 

“Now… you all have a lot to explain, all three of you. So i’ll get the coffee pot going, and let's get started, hm?” 

Ingo gave his brother a nod “I’m sure you’ll find it quite the story.” He stated, with the twins nodding along.

Emmet laughed, a certain relief in his eyes “I’m certain I will”