Keith took a deep breath, deeply breathing the sea air surrounding him. He felt his poor muscles relax almost instantly. The fact that he was currently going to the Hippodown Temple on Fischl's back certainly had something to do with it.

- { Eh. It'll be fine, Keith. It'll be fine...}

Oh, it was very rare that Sapphire actually used his name. He must certainly be in a pitiful state.

- I'm fine Sapph. I just feel...A little guilty?

- (Guilty for what? Kellyn's condition? Don't say such dumb things! If you have to blame someone, blame Blake Hall! He's the one responsible for all this shit in the first place!)

The redhead tilted his head questioningly. What was she saying...? Seems like that the Water-Type heard his thoughts because he hurried to translate.

- { Basically, you shouldn't blame yourself for Kell's condition. Nothing is your fault, so blame Blake Hall instead.}

The teenager giggled slightly, struggling to hide his small smile.

- Thank you, both of you.

The orange otter seemed satisfied with the result, then decided to rub his muzzle affectionately against his partner's cheek.

- { Don't mention it! Now relax. It will be alright.}

The boy hummed obediently before turning toward the horizon. Soon they would achieve their goal and be able to free Kellyn from his eternal nightmare.

...Kellyn.

The Top Ranger's heart sank painfully at the thought of his boyfriend being trapped in an abyss of endless pain and darkness. What had he done to Arceus to deserve such punishment?

It was this thought that haunted the crimson-eyed one during the trip, although it wasn't very long. The redhead greatly respected the Staraptor already, but now, he could only realize her great mastery of flight.

-...Sapphire, Fischl...Thank you.

The bird turned her head slightly towards him, her expression distorted into a wordless question, which her pokemon counterpart dared not to ask.

- Thank you for everything. For taking care of us. For not abandoning us despite our stupidity...For being our partners.

The 2 creatures looked at each other for a few seconds, seeming to consult each other. Finally, it was the young Buizel who broke the tension by wrapping himself around the teenager, an amused smile on his lips.

- { No problem, you great clumsy oaf. Whether it's the bird or me, we don't mind being drawn into these incredible adventures. On the contrary! We never had so much fun before meeting you! So don't worry. We don't regret anything.}

The Flying-Type let out a proud little cry, as if to confirm Sapphire's words. This melted the redhead's heart who let out a teary chuckle in return. Ah...This family sure was pleasant...!

The boy scratched his partner's neck as well as Fischl's, certainly trying to show his gratitude.

- (Objective in sight! Hang on!)

The otter barely had time to warn his friend that the Staraptor almost immediately began her descent, getting a small scream from the 12th Top Ranger and the Water-Type as the same time.

When the bird finally landed, her 2 passengers were as white as a sheet.

- (Oh my? Did you see a ghost?)

- {Shut up you stupid bird.}

Given the particularly amused expression of Kellyn's partner, and the fact that Sapphire was glaring at her, the redhead had no trouble understanding the situation. It even made him laugh.

- Calm down! Now is not the time for your marital arguments!

If a look could kill, he would be dead by now! The Buizel had suddenly sat up, his cheeks more orange than yellow while his eyes gave him a death glare.

- {We're NOT a couple, you idiot!!}

- I believe you, I believe you~

Keith bursted out laughing, and much to the Pokemon's dismay, the Staraptor started to laugh too!

- { Oh by Arceus- Are you two serious?!}

Fischl chuckled behind one of her wings before using it to prop the Water-Type up by the chin, eyes twinkling mischievously.

- ( Aw~ Are you being shy now, Pretty Boy? How cute.~)

Sapphire blushed furiously while stuttering incomprehensibly, before simply passing out. Oh! He overheated!

The teenager then hastened to hold the poor creature against his chest, while glaring at the bird. Said bird who rolled her eyes before rubbing her beak against the face of the unconscious Pokemon, hiding her small smile.

- (He's fine, don't worry. He will be available again soon enough.)

The crimson-eyed teen stared at the Staraptor for a moment then relaxed, understanding without really understanding what she meant. Seriously, maybe he should try to translate what she was saying. Especially since he was dating Kellyn, he was going to run into her, so to speak, all the time.

Upon sensing his state of frustration, Fischl gave him a gentle headbutt, snapping him out of his trance. When their eyes met, she gave him a big smile, trying to reassure him about his internal doubts. This gesture made him visibly calm as he gave her one of his own smiles, although this one was more shy than usual.

-...Thanks.

The Flying-Type cooed in contentment, then pointed with a gesture of the head, the entrance of the temple. Keith's expression immediately turned serious as he bit his lower lip.

He was going to have to face Cresselia again, huh...? Not sure that she agrees so easily to give him a Lunar Wing.

Well, no big deal. He had to try before moping and blaming his own incompetence.

It was therefore after a great inspiration that the red-haired boy penetrated inside the sacred building, followed by the Staraptor who remained close to him. No doubt a reflex that she had acquired with the brunet.

The young Buizel, who had been unconscious until now, woke up on the way to the temple's sanctuary. Moreover, although he was still a bit spaced out, he quickly became functional again. And luck must have been on his side because none of his companions teased him too much.

As the group sank deeper into the depths of these walls, the only human felt a knot gradually forming in his insides. Was it due to stress? Or maybe...To fear?

- /...Nothing's gonna happen this time, huh? I'm not going to...?/

The boy frantically shook his head, trying to get rid of his intrusive thoughts.

- / Come on Keith. Get yourself together. Now is not the time to be terrified. Stop shaking!/

The teen tried to take a deep breath but choked, sending him into a kind of frenzy.

- / N-No! B-Breathe Keith! Breathe!/

The Top Ranger's chest moved at an erratic rate, yet no air entered his lungs. Which in turn, made him quicken his breathing even more. What a vicious circle!

- { Keith! Calm down, everything is fine!}

The teen barely registered the urgent voice of his partner, too busy to not run out of oxygen. Something easier said than done in his case.

He didn't feel the 2 Pokemons make him sit on the ground, just as the reassuring words they addressed to him became only weak whispers in his ears.

All he knew was that he was losing more and more control.

- / P-Please...! Breathe...!/

As his vision quickly clouded from the lack of air, a voice suddenly echoed inside his head.

- [ Shhh....It's alright, my dear. Focus on me, let's breathe together, alright?]

The redhead, taken by surprise, tried to locate the origin of this voice, except that in his condition, it was like looking for a needle in a haystack. So, he decided to listen to this sweet sound and follow it's proposal.

- [ Good boy. Now concentrate and follow my rhythm. Inhale...Exhale...Inhale...Exhale...]

The teenager obeyed not without difficulty, his breath racing at times. However, this did not bother the other person overmuch, because they stopped and reassured him as many times as necessary.

- [ You're on the right track my dear, continue like that! Don't rush and go slowly. We have plenty of time ahead of us.]

Slowly but surely, the thick fog in which the boy had been trapped dispersed, until his vision became as clear and bright as before.

When that was done, Keith found himself face to face with a creature he knew well. Very well even.

-...C-Cresselia...?

Yup. It was indeed the Lunar Pokemon he had in front of him. The latter, upon seeing that he had more or less regained his senses, emitted a sigh of relief as well as a soft smile.

- [ Thank Arceus, you have come to your senses. Are you feeling better?]

The Top Ranger was silent for a moment, as if registering the question before muttering almost imperceptibly:

-....Hurt...Head...Heart...

- [ This was to be expected....Don't overwork yourself and rest. You are safe here.]

The creature gently nudged the teen, making him lie down against a warm surface he recognized as Fischl.

He stared at the ceiling as he felt a mass snuggle against his abdomen. Most likely Sapphire, he used to do that when the redhead wasn't feeling well.

Keith also saw out of the corner of his eye the Psy6type landing delicately at their side, ready to watch over them.

...Wait a minute.

- I...C-Can...U-Understand...You...?

- [ Shhh....Not now my dear. I will answer your questions in due time. Just rest for now, alright?]

The young boy blinked briefly, not really knowing what to say before simply sighing in abandonment. Instinctively, he ran a distracted hand through his partner's fur, which gently soothed his poor nerves.

He didn't know how much time had passed, but he was finally starting to feel better. His breathing had once again taken on a steady, deep rhythm, clearing his mind of the last traces of panic.

-...Thanks.

- [ You don't have to thank me. It's enough for me to know that you're healthy again.]

- Humhum...

The teenager turned his gaze toward Cresselia who hadn't moved from her spot. She was staring at the group, especially him, protectively and peacefully.

- Sorry you had to...Witness this.

- [ It's nothing. This kind of thing happens to everyone. This proves that you are alive.]

- If you say so...

A soft silence settled, allowing the redhead to rest a little longer. However, despite this soothing tranquility, a small authoritative voice still echoed in a corner of his head.

You still have a mission to accomplish. Get up.

Keith grimaced for a brief moment while involuntarily clenching his fist. Maybe he was too weak to dare disobey that part of his conscience, but in any case, he started to straighten up despite the protests of his aching body.

This did not escape the Lunar Pokemon whose eyes immediately became severe.

- [Do you feel well enough to stand up?]

The question took the boy so much by surprise that he stopped in mid-action. On the other hand, even once the shock passed, he remained silent as a grave, his gaze fleeing the creature's. An answer more than sufficient in the eyes of the latter.

- [ Lie down.]

Realizing that he had no choice, Keith obeyed without hesitation, repositioning himself comfortably against the Staraptor.

- [ Good boy.]

A long silent moment passed again, except this time the Top Ranger couldn't relax. Worse, the stress was rising.

- [...You asked me why you could understand me, didn't you?]

The redhead turned toward Cresselia, suddenly very interested.

- It's true. Why is that?

The creature gave him a soft smile.

- [ Psychic Pokemons such as me are much more sensitive to the human aura, and this makes it easier for us to be able to communicate clearly with you. Of course, there are exceptions, but this is the easiest way to explain things.]

The boy's face lit up with admiration, softening the Legendary Pokemon's expression even more.

- That's why Psychic Pokemons are so feared?

- [ I suppose so. Don't underestimate the other Types though. They are each full of resources and surprises.]

- I know.

Despite the comfortable silence taking over, Cresselia sensed that her protégé was not completely satisfied.

- [Is there anything else you would like to ask me, my dear?]

The teenager bit his lips, seeming to weigh his words. However, he noticed that he wouldn't get far like that so he more or less took the plunge.

- I...I need a Lunar Wing. Please?

...Oh. Well, at least that had the merit of arousing the curiosity of the Psy-Type.

- [ There is a very specific request! May I know why?]

Keith swallowed nervously, fiddling almost roughly with his fingers. His crimson pupils stared at the floor, most likely out of shame and perhaps out of shyness too?

In any case, he had to try several times before succeeding in giving a more or less coherent and understandable speech.

-....Kellyn. I-It....It's for Kellyn. He...D-Darkrai...! H-Humpf...! During the fight a-against Darkrai, Kellyn was c-cursed by Black Hole....H-He...He's in a coma right now and c-can't wake up...! I-I know I have nothing to offer you in return, but please, p-please...Just one...!

During his tirade, the boy had changed position to get on his knees, his hands clasped in a clenched fist. His cheeks flushed violently as tears threatened to fall from his eyes.

Ah, what a humiliation....! But it was worth it, right? If you really wanted something, all you had to do was get down on your knees and beg, huh? That was what his parents kept repeating to visitors anyway. So that should work, right? Right...!?

He began to seriously panic when he realized that the Lunar Pokemon was unresponsive. Oh, Arceus! Hadn't he begged hard enough? Maybe repeating-

- [Although I find your love for this boy touching and adorable, I am concerned about your behavior. Why do you afflict yourself with such humiliation?]

Cresselia, who was frankly outraged by the Top Ranger's conduct, approached the latter, her face clearly worried.

- That...That's not how it's supposed to work...?

- [ Of course not! Who is the unfortunate who dared to put such horror in your head?!]

The Psy-Type seemed quite annoyed, and that somewhat frightened the teenager who had a slight movement of recoil.

- O-Oh....H-Hum....I...I'm sorry...

The Legendary, understanding that she was scaring the red-haired teen, calmed down before affectionately rubbing her head against his.

- [You don't have to tell me if you don't want to. This is not a problem. Also know that I'm sorry for losing my temper. It's just that...Seeing you take this...Attitude as normal or mandatory makes my blood boil with rage and indignation.]

She paused, carefully weighing her words and gestures, then with a long sigh gave the boy a resigned smile.

- [...I agree to give you a Lunar Wing, my dear.]

Before Keith could jump in joy, Cresselia interrupted him, looking very serious again.

- [ In exchange, I want you to promise me that at least you will try to not use such a method again....I think telling someone about it would do you the greatest good. Can you at least promise me that?]

The younger boy was speechless in surprise for a moment, then nodded slowly.

- It....It's an oath.

- [Thank you my dear.]

The creature visibly relaxed as she slowly began to light up. The light slowly intensified until a warm glow settled in the cupped hands of the redhead.

Said redhead who blinked, puzzled, before the light revealed the shape of a pastel green and yellow feather with pale pink fluff....A Lunar Wing.

The teenager, upon recognizing the object, began to sob with relief. He then squeezed the feather gently against him, afraid of damaging it.

- T-Thank you... Thank you from the bottom of my heart...!

- [ Don't thank me, my dear. Treat this artifact as a gift, okay?]

- Okay...?

Although her protégé was perplexed, the Psy-Type just smiled at him and gave him a gentle headbutt.

- [ Come on. Go join him. He's waiting for you, right?]

- Yeah. You are right! Again, thank you very much!

The scarlet-haired one scrambled to stand up, almost losing his balance from numbness. Which earned him a worried remark from Sapphire as well as a free seat on Fischl's back. This scene made the Lunar Pokemon laugh innocently.

- [ Haha...~ Take care!]

And so the group left, leaving the Hippodown Temple once and for all. Once outside again, the Staraptor spread her large wings and took off, taking the direction of Chicole Village.

Keith took advantage of this trip to stare at the feather he was holding between his fingers. Just looking at it cleared his mind, greatly reassuring him of the item's effectiveness.

- / Be patient for a moment longer my Angel...We're coming./

--------------------------------

W-W-W-Whereeee are youuuuuu...?

I ne-e-e-e-eed-d-d-d you...

Pleaseeeee....D-D-D-D-Don't leav-v-ve mee....