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growup-thatbeautiful · 10 months

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Pretty Girl | 1. pretty girl

1. pretty girl | 2. lover, you should’ve come over | 3. been on my mind | 4. last goodbye | 5. hold my hand

What happens when social media’s favorite model reconnects with famous actor Jake Seresin?

Warnings: cursing

A/n: let me know if you want to be added to the taglist :) all pics are from pinterest

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Instagram

liked by penny_benny, tasha.trace, roo_bradshaw, and 412,000 more

y/n.username thanks for having me chanel

view 20,000 comments

penny_benny There’s my girl ♥️

username she’s living the dream right now

tasha.trace when are you coming to sd :(

-> y/n.username when you invite me :(

-> roo_bradshaw You’re invited :)

username all of the mavericks being obsessed with y/n is my favorite thing ever

username i want to be you

amelia.a.benjamin you’re my hero

username if she goes to san diego i think i’ll cry

-> username literally

-> username i have dreams about her and the mavericks being back together

maverick.mitchell they’re lucky to have you! 😁

bob.bob.floyd proud of you!

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Messages

tash: you know

tash: i have a guest room

you: you have many guest rooms phoenix

tash: yes

tash: and one that’s decorated just for you

you: …

you: i have job in two weeks

you: but i can come for a week?

tash: no

tash: more

you: i can’t 😭

tash: fine

tash: but you’re not going to sleep the whole time so we can spend all of the time together

you: deal

you: stock up on the red-bull now

tash: you got it babes

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Instagram

y/n.username added to their story

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Instagram

liked by roo_bradshaw, y/n.username, hangman.jake, and 345,980 more

tasha.trace i call it girl time but we’re constantly interrupted by the guys ✨

view 40,988 comments

y/n.username why do i ever go anywhere else but where you are 🤔

-> tasha.trace babe i have no clue

roo_bradshaw I’m part of girl time always though

username why is y/n not in the jeep pic

-> thereal_javy because we hate her obv

-> thereal_javy jk she was in a different car

maverick.mitchell y/n.username ever the photographer

-> y/n.username of course, mav 📷

hangman.jake i’ hate to say it but i’m with roo on this one roo_bradshaw

hangman.jake girl time is really y/n.username time

-> username no way they’re literally all obsessed with her

-> penny_benny No complaints

r_paybackfinch welcome interruptions i think

amelia.a.benjamin they don’t take a hint

-> maverick.mitchell What?

-> amelia.a.benjamin what

thereal_javy i thought we were all invited

-> tasha.trace no just y/n.username and roo_bradshaw

-> hangman.jake :( just because you love roo more than me

-> y/n.username i invited hangman too!

-> hangman.jake atta girl

-> username AHHHHH

username y/n took no convincing at all to go see them 😭

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Messages

roo renamed the chat to mavs + bestie

you: aww, i’m bestie??

roo: no

tash: yes

you: i am bestie

bobby: you are bestie

bagman: sure you are

you: guys 🥺

you: what are we doing tonight

you: tash says it’s my choice but i have jet lag and don’t want to make any decisions ✌️

callie: i vote that they guys decide and we get ready

payback: “get ready”

javy: what does that mean

bagman: bad idea

callie: it means we talk shit about you and do eye shadow for 30 minutes

tash: real

you: facts

fanboy: 👁️👄👁️

roo: dude

bobby: wtf

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Messages

bagman: disco

you: ??

bagman: we’re going to a disco bar

bagman: just keeping you updated

you: oh thanks!

you: you’re not going to

bagman: i’m going to wear it

you: 😭

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Instagram

y/n.username added to their story

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Messages

tash: don’t go :(

you: tasha :((

you: don’t be sad :((

tash: but you’re leaving me with the idiots

tash: and halo

you: ik

you: sorry bout that part

you: but i have to work

tash: i guess

tash: real talk though

tash: you and bagman spent a lot of time dancing together…

you: mhm

tash: and??

you: and??

tash: girl

tash: come on

tash: roo is laughing his ass off next to me because of how stupid you’re being

you: why don’t we talk about you and roo instead

tash: no

you: that’s what i thought

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Instagram

liked by tasha.trace, roo_bradshaw, and 506,000 more

y/n.username made a trip to the sunshine state ☀️

view 30,000 comments

username she actually went omgg

username who is that she’s with???

-> username it’s the mavericks

-> username they’ve been friends forever

roo_bradshaw a trip that was too short

tasha.trace you need to visit more often

tasha.trace we miss youuuu

username two pics with jake?!

thereal_javy come back now, phoenix won’t stop looking sadly into the distance

-> tasha.trace you miss her too shut up

halo_cal_bass and why do you not live here??

-> y/n.username fr

hangman.jake we loved having you, darlin’

-> username SHDKAKAOSO

-> username “DARLIN’” IM DEAD

-> delilah.seresin gross leave my friend alone

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Instagram

liked by y/n.username, roo_bradshaw, bob.bob.floyd, and 1,000,000 more

hangman.jake long time no see y/n.username

view 50,000 comments

username he posted the outfit she put on her story

-> username omg you’re right

delilah.seresin let her sleep bro

-> hangman.jake does she look like i woke her up?

tasha.trace you better have washed that bag

-> hangman.jake “wow hangman, what great pictures” “thank you for posting my best friend”

-> hangman.jake those are acceptable, nice comments you could leave

-> roo_bradshaw no

username how do i function after seeing this

thereal_javy the fit 🔥

-> hangman.jake i know 🔥

halo_cal_bass real men carry purses

-> roo_bradshaw true

-> hangman.jake i’m literally holding a bag

y/n.username thanks for holding by bag bagman

-> hangman.jake really?

-> y/n.username luv youu <3

username i’m unwell

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Messages

bagman: it was good to see you, darlin’

you: you too jakey :)

123 notes · View notes

battyaboutbooksreviews · 5 months

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🗞️📖 Bookish News - December Edition

🦇 Extra, extra. Read all about it! 📖 Good afternoon, bookish bats! A lot happened in the publishing industry last month, but here are a few highlights you may have missed!

Adaptations: 📖 Ernest Hemingway's A Farewell to Arms 🗞️ Teen Titans: Beast Boy by Kami Garcia and Gabriel Piccolo 📖 Uglies by Scott Westerfeld 🗞️ Brianna Peppin's Briarcliff Prep 📖 Fool Me Once by Harlan Coben 🗞️ Geek Girl by Holly Smale 📖 Paddington (musical theater) 🗞️ The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 📖 My Lady Jane by Brodi Ashton, Cynthia Hand, and Jodi Meadows 🗞️ Heartstopper Season 3 📖 A Banquet for Hungry Ghosts by Ying Chang Compestine 🗞️ My Life With the Walter Boys by Ali Novak 📖 Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me 🗞️ They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera 📖 Pretty Little Liars: Summer School 🗞️ Martha Wells’ The Murderbot Diaries

Cover Reveals: 📖 New Adventure in Space Opera by Jonathan Strahan 🗞️ Cally Fiedorek's Atta Boy has its cover 📖 Brandon Sanderson's The Sunlit Man - March 2024 🗞️ It's Elementary by Elise Bryant 📖 The Wilds by Sarah Pearse - July 16 🗞️ Nicola Yoon's first adult novel, One of Our Kind - June 11 📖 Sanctuary by Valentina Cano Repetto - April 2024 🗞️ Pretty by KB Brookins 📖 Jewel Me Twice by Charish Reid - July 2024 🗞️ The Big Day by Aliya Ali-Afzal - June 6

Other News: 📖 Dhonielle Clayton is starting a new book packaging company, Electric Postcard Entertainment, focused on diverse reads 🗞️ Cassandra Clare's Kickstarter set a record for YA projects on the platform 📖 The winners of the Goodreads Choice Awards were announced 🗞️ Penguin Random House, John Green, Jodi Picoult, and other novelists are challenging Iowa's book banning law 📖 The Books Save Lives Act has been introduced by US Congress

#books #book releases #book release #book news #book publishing #publishing #reading #book blog #book covers #book lovers #batty about books #battyaboutbooks

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umbrahighpriestofgiratina · 5 years

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Heroes After All Chapter 7

Oof, five months. Worldbuilding June and Artfight ambushed me and made me lose track of fic stuff. But I've got a chapter here anyway! Hope you enjoy:

Chapter 7: Encounters

Aaron had taken some time to himself to explore the monastery. Partially because he was bored, and partially because the monastery was just that huge - there were various facilities and nooks and crannies, spiraling towers and sprawling courtyards, that he was certain he hadn't uncovered all of yet. It wasn't long, however, before he got a bit lost. In his hapless wandering he turned a corner and bumped straight into a Scyther. The Scyther let out a startled buzz and brandished its scythes as Aaron yelped. A pale, dark-haired boy quickly approached. "Easy Rook it's just the dweeb." Rook blinked and then shrunk back from Aaron sheepishly, clacking his scythes together. "Er, sorry about that," said Aaron. "It's not you, for once," said Louis. "Rook's startled pretty easily." "Don't worry," said Aaron. "I... I wasn't scared." Louis raised an eyebrow. "You sure?" "Positive!" A mischievous smirk appeared on Louis' face. "Is that so? Well then, why don't you take a gander at... Him?" Lewis pointed dramatically over to a patch of grass by the greenhouse. Upon that patch of grass sat a snoring Rhyperior. "See him? That's Andalas. Legendarily grouchy Rhyperior. If you're not afraid of a Scyther surely giving him a poke isn't too scary." Aaron gulped. "That's... That's diff-" He shook his head. "I can do that! Just you watch!" "Good luck," said Louis, snickering. "You're gonna need it." Rook just nervously looked between Aaron and the sleeping Andalas. Aaron looked at Louis again, then to Andalas, then started slowly creeping toward the latter. He eventually got close enough that he could see the fine details of the massive creature. He was still sound asleep, his rocky body subtly heaving with each breath. Aaron reached out a finger. It would be OK, he thought. The Rhyperior's rocky hide probably wouldn't even feel it. He touched it. It felt like rock yet somehow... warm, and alive. He quickly drew the finger back. Andalas was still asleep. He looked backward. Louis and Rook were gone. He looked back to Andalas. Still asleep. Aaron almost sighed in relief, but held his breath to avoid waking the Rhyperior up. Then Andalas' eyes snapped open anyway. A rocky paw lunged itself in Aaron's direction. Aaron instinctively yelped and raised up his hands, an Aura barrier forming. The paw bounced off the barrier harmlessly, but Andalas' other paw swung around and grabbed him from behind. Aaron screamed as Andalas yanked him upward and brought him close to his face, dangerously close to his two horns. Aaron whimpered. "I'm so sorry mister Andalas! Please forgive me!" Andalas opened his mouth. For a second Aaron thought he was going to swallow him whole. Then Andalas started making Pokemon noises at him - a careful mix of "rhy"s, "perior"s, and strange high-pitched whinnying bleats. Aaron almost felt as if the massive Pokemon was scolding him. ~Put him down.~ Andalas turned, pulling Aaron around with him, letting Aaron see that Polly's Metagross was standing next to the both of them. Andalas gave a bleat and a "rhy" at Metagross. ~He's my responsibility.~ Andalas grunted in annoyance, tossed Aaron in front of Metagross, then stomped off. Aaron lay on the ground in shock for a few seconds before picking himself up. "T-Thanks..." ~Don't mention it. Andalas wouldn't have hurt you but he probably would have kept lecturing you for several hours.~ "...Really?" ~He's like that.~ "...Huh." ~Anyway, I'm not just here to save your ass from Andalas. Class with Polly is soon.~ "Oh! I forgot! Thank you for reminding me!" He made to move off, then stopped and turned back to Metagross. "Which way?" There was a long, drawn-out mental sigh. ~...Follow me.~ And Metagross led Aaron off. ---------------------------- Aaron was sitting at the back of the class. As usual. People were less likely to notice and pick on him back there. Polly arrived at the front of the class and looked around at the assembled students. "Alright. Today's lesson... well, let me get something out real quick. She dug within a desk drawer and pulled out a strange, crystaline flower. Aaron leaned over his desk, curious. "This... Is a Time Flower," said Polly. "It actually gives the monastery its name." Aaron raised his hand. "This place has a name?" Polly gave him a look. "Yes. This place is called the Time Flower Abbey. You didn't pick that up?" Aaron did not reply, just lowered his hand sheepishly as the other kids giggled. "Anyway," said Polly. "Ought to show you how these things work..." She waved her other hand over the Time Flower as her palm glowed with Aura. The Time Flower immediately responded, projecting an illusion of Polly giving a similar lecture to a different class. The class oohed and aahed. "Time Flowers are crystalline life forms that bud from a bigger crystalline life form, the Tree of Beginning. They grow through this whole area and are a major export - precisely because they can generate Obscuric illusions that record sound and images. At least, if you have a human on the Auric spectrum or Pokemon to activate them." Callie raised her hand. "Are the illusions like a Zoroark's?" "Yes, precisely. Why they react this way to Aura is still unknown. But they take root anywhere there's rock and their illusion abilities are useful for messages, so they're worth a lot of money." Polly chuckled. "In the old days me and Metagross used to go on Time Flower runs." "How did you meet Metagross anyway?" asked Eve. "He seems so strong..." Polly thought a bit. "Metagross has been with Time Flower Abbey as long as I can remember. His species lives a very long time. I... I didn't actually choose him as my partner Pokemon. He chose me. After-" She shook her head. "We're getting off-topic. Right, we were on the Tree... It's not just a resource. People make pilgrimages to see it in the name of Xerneas and Mew, though they never go inside for... reasons I mentioned before." Aaron gulped. "You see, the people of Kalos and Galar and nearby nations had their own Tree, not too far away. They made pilgrimages to that instead. Then the Demon King AZ came into power and fired his Ultimate Weapon. The weapon devastated that tree to the point most thought it was dead, and so refugees headed off across land and sea to this Tree, as I mentioned before eventually forming Rota. Eventually a band of heroes found the old Tree still clung to life and saved it, but the Rotans remained, and the Genesis Mountain Aura Guardians made this monastery to aid them, as well as..." Polly looked around and sighed. "Alright kids, time for the awkward part. Which of you are Obscurics?" Dead silence. Then slowly kids started raising their hands. Aaron did not - he was a Fighting Auric apparently. "Right," said Polly, "I'm not gonna ask you all to share your stories just yet. But you all know about discrimination. Aurics, Psychics, it depends on the place but most of us can at least survive. Obscuirics... They're hunted. Executed. Slaughtered. And that's why we're here. To protect all people on the spectrum." Aaron was taken aback. He had dealt with enough being an Auric, but apparently the Obscuric kids had it even worse? As Polly changed the subject to the abbey's architecture Aaron resolved to ask his Obscuric bunkmates about it. ------------- After class, Aaron looked around for two people in particular. Eventually he found them - Callie and Atta, talking with each other about lunch. Munchkin and Stabby were arguing about... something. "Hey? You two?" he asked. Both girls gave Aaron puzzled looks. "Yes?" said Callie. "This better be good," said Atta. "Remember what Polly mentioned in class about Obscurics having a hard time?" said Aaron. "What was that like for you guys?" "Oh! The Necrozma cult loved Obscurics!" said Callie. "They were good vessels for the Blinding One because they canceled out the Psychic energy!" She frowned. "But... Some mean people... They killed most of the cult... Took me... The Aura Guardians had to rescue me..." "Same here..." said Atta. "Parents abandoned me because I was Obscuric. Bisharp took me in, raised me with his Pawniard pack. Aura Guardians found me, Bisharp sent me and Stabby with them." Munchkin and Stabby, overhearing all this, lowered their heads sorrowfully. "O-oh," said Aaron. "That's... not good." "What happened to you Aaron?" said Callie. "My dad died... I don't wanna talk about why," said Aaron. "But other than that I've mostly been bullied." "Chump," said Atta. "Atta you can't just say that!" said Callie. "N-no, it's fine," said Aaron. "You both have been through a lot..." He gulped. "We should probably go get lunch now." "Sure!" said Callie. The three, as well as Munchkin and Stabby, headed off to lunch. Even so, Aaron thought to himself. Guess I'm not the only one who wanted to escape... but... things haven't changed much... ----------- Polly was winding down at the end of the day, heading to the back of the kitchen to get a snack. As she did, however, she noticed a rustling in one of the bags of apples. Sighing, thinking it was probably a Ratatta or a Bidoof, she grabbed a broom and lightly thwacked the moving lump. What emerged from the bag, however, was decidedly not a Ratatta or a Bidoof, but a smal purple creature with a large pointy head, which buzzed and sprayed sticky goo in Polly's direction. Polly, just barely stepping out of the way of being sprayed, gaped in shock. "Hey! You're one of those portal varmints!" The purple creature snickered at her distress and flew off. "Oh no you don't!" Polly gave chase, running after the creature until she emerged in an open courtyard, the setting sun barely illuminating the scene. "Damn it... where did the little brat go?" She saw a flickering. "Aha!" She swung the broom at the flickering. With lightning speed, Polly's broom was knocked out of her hand and she was pinned to the ground. She could make out a cloak, a mask, something almost... tasting her. Then the being let go, faded from corporealness, and was gone. Polly lay on the ground gaping for breath. "That... Definitely wasn't one of the portal varmints." After a bit she got up, grabbed her hat, and booked it to Ryan's quarters. This could be a lead on the killers. But she wondered. If that was the case why did they let her live? -------------------- Riolu walked down the streets of the busy human town, the roofs and bricks seeming to stretch far beyond what he expected. His Aura feelers flared and eyes peeled for any sign of danger. So far there were none, but the humans and Pokemon here alike sometimes gave him funny looks. Speaking of the latter, Riolu was astounded by the variety of Pokemon on display, countless species he had never seen in the mountain forests. One Pokemon that seemed to be a chunk of solid ice with a head and limbs trudged by him, giving him a chill. That chill gave way to a rumbling stomach. Riolu realized he needed food. Looking around, he saw some apples sitting at a bazaar. Surprised they were just laying there, he reached out to grab one. "Hey!" said a human. "You gonna pay for that?" Riolu paused. The food was right there. But apparently he had to do... Something for it. "Pay? What is pay?" "Don't yap at me!" said the human. "Pay up!" The human couldn't understand him? Weird. Different Pokemon could understand each other, apparently humans were an exception. How could he communicate with this human? Then he had a realization. His kind could communicate via Aura... Maybe if he tried that with a human... ~What... Is... Pay?~ The human jumped a bit. "You can talk? You don't look like a Psychic type. Anyway pay is money. You got money?" ~N-o?~ "Then you can't take the apple." Riolu paused, looked at the human, then at the apples, then at the human, then at the apples again. Then he grabbed one and ran. "Hey!" said the human, giving chase. Riolu ran through the streets, dodging left and right as if that Charizard was still chasing him. That said, that human didn't look too tough. No claws, no fangs, what could it even do to him if it caught hi- "Maurice, get him!" There was an unholy screech of "Hey! That's my human's apple!" as a Staraptor swooped in from overhead. Riolu's eyes widened as he booked it further. The Staraptor lunged as Rolu ducked out of the way, just in time, taking cover under a shop stand. Crawling desperately while still clutching the apple, he emerged on the other side and kept running. "Hey! Over here!" said a voice. Riolu noticed a strange orange lizard Pokemon gesturing to him from an alleyway. Riolu ran toward him, ducking behind him. The lizard grabbed him and pulled him inside a barrel as the Staraptor flew past. Seconds passed before Riolu punched and kicked at the lizard, trying to get out of the barrel. "Woah woah woah buddy," said the lizard. "I'm not gonna eat you, or your apple. Looks like you came straight from the woods." "...I did," said Riolu. "It doesn't work that way around here. No predator-prey stuff. Pokemon help each other, and humans take care of food and shelter." "They... do?" "Yeah! Listen, you did a good job nabbing that apple. I know some folks who'll like you." "Oh?" "Come on." The two climbed out of the barrel and headed off. ---------------- Eventually, Riolu and the lizard reached an abandoned building. It was crumbled, worn, with eaves falling inward, and a door hanging ajar. The lizard slipped in, Riolu following. Inside were an assemblage of different Pokemon; a froglike Pokemon counting Berries, a green and white biped cutting vegetables with his scythes, a monkey with a flaming head reading a book, and a smaller monkey with a flaming tail watching. "Hey!" said the lizard. "I found someone interesting!" The others turned to look at Riolu. The large monkey in particular scrutinized him with his green eyes. "Aww, it's a little puppy!" said the frog. "Meh. Do we have to clean after it?" said the biped. "H-hi," said the smaller monkey." "Hmm. And you are?" said the big monkey. "I'm... I'm Riolu. What are you all?" "I'm Grog! I'm a Toxicroak!" said the frog. "I'm Vallant, the Gallade," said the biped. "I'm Shifty the Scrafty!" said the lizard. "I'm... I'm Nicolas the Chimchar, nice to meet you," said the small monkey. "And I am Koba the Infernape, the leader of this little band. We call ourselves... The Wonderful Fighting Thieves." "The humans provide and we take anything we want!" said Shifty. "And we work together to do it!" said Grog. "It's a good gig, I suppose," said Vallant. "Dad makes sure everyone's taken care of..." said Nicolas. "This Riolu was doing some nice work nabbing an apple from old man Victor and his Staraptor Maurice," said Shifty. "He could do some nice work for us!" "Hmm... He probably has a lot to learn, but I'll allow it," said Koba. "Riolu, you'll get food, shelter, company for your services... If you're willing to stick with us of course." Riolu stared at the others, feeling their Auras carefully. He took a moment to look down and think to himself, clutching the apple, before looking back up. "...Sure." ***

#fanfic #pokemon #sir aaron #riolu #yangverse #heroes after all

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cupofteajones · 4 years

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Credit: The Bookseller

This past week, the YA Book Prize announced the 2020 shortlist for the prize. The book prize, launched in 2014, awards a YA title written by an author living in the UK or Ireland. The prize is also run by the book trad magazine, The Bookseller, in partnership with the Hay Festival.

I was disappointed to not see the titles, All the Bad Apples, The Burning and The Exact Opposite of Okay but that does not escape the fact of the amazing nominations that we have here. I can’t wait to read all of them!

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

The case is closed. Five years ago, schoolgirl Andie Bell was murdered by Sal Singh. The police know he did it. Everyone in town knows he did it.

But having grown up in the same small town that was consumed by the murder, Pippa Fitz-Amobi isn’t so sure. When she chooses the case as the topic for her final year project, she starts to uncover secrets that someone in town desperately wants to stay hidden. And if the real killer is still out there, how far will they go to keep Pip from the truth? (Credit: Electric Monkey)

The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta

Fiercely told, this is a timely coming-of-age story, told in verse about the journey to self-acceptance. Perfect for fans of Sarah Crossan, Poet X and Orangeboy.

A boy comes to terms with his identity as a mixed-race gay teen – then at university he finds his wings as a drag artist, The Black Flamingo. A bold story about the power of embracing your uniqueness. Sometimes, we need to take charge, to stand up wearing pink feathers – to show ourselves to the world in bold colour. (Credit: Hodder Children’s Books)

Crossfire by Malorie Blackman

Years have passed since the love between Sephy – a Cross – and Callum – a Nought – destroyed their world and changed their families and society forever. Society appears to be very different now. For the first time ever, a Nought Prime Minister – Tobey Durbridge – is in power. Race and class don’t divide people anymore. But things are never really that easy. Because Tobey’s just been framed for murder, and the only way to free himself is to turn to his oldest friend – Callie-Rose. Their families divisions run deep, and when two young people are kidnapped, their lives and everything they’ve fought for are put in the firing line. And when you’re playing a game as dangerous as this one, it won’t be long before someone gets caught in the crossfire… (Credit: Penguin Random House Children’s)

Meat Market by Juno Dawson

Jana Novak’s history sounds like a classic model cliché: tall and gangly, she’s uncomfortable with her androgynous looks until she’s unexpectedly scouted and catapulted to superstardom.

But the fashion industry is as grimy as it is glamorous. And there are unexpected predators at every turn.

Jana is an ordinary girl from a south London estate, lifted to unimaginable heights. But the further you rise, the more devastating your fall …

Honest and raw, this is a timely exposé of the dark underbelly of the fashion industry in an era of #TimesUp and #MeToo. It might just be Juno Dawson’s most important book yet. (Credit: Quercus Children’s Books)

The Deathless Girls by Kiran Millwood Hargrave

They say the thirst of blood is like a madness – they must sate it. Even with their own kin.

On the eve of her divining, the day she’ll discover her fate, seventeen-year-old Lil and her twin sister Kizzy are captured and enslaved by the cruel Boyar Valcar, taken far away from their beloved traveller community.

Forced to work in the harsh and unwelcoming castle kitchens, Lil is comforted when she meets Mira, a fellow slave who she feels drawn to in a way she doesn’t understand. But she also learns about the Dragon, a mysterious and terrifying figure of myth and legend who takes girls as gifts.

They may not have had their divining day, but the girls will still discover their fate…(Credit: Orion Children’s Books)

Deeplightby Frances Hardinge

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea meets Frankenstein in Frances Hardinge’s latest fantasy adventure The gods are dead. Decades ago, they turned on one another and tore each other apart. Nobody knows why. But are they really gone forever? When 15-year-old Hark finds the still-beating heart of a terrifying deity, he risks everything to keep it out of the hands of smugglers, military scientists, and a secret fanatical cult so that he can use it to save the life of his best friend, Jelt. But with the heart, Jelt gradually and eerily transforms. How long should Hark stay loyal to his friend when he’s becoming a monster—and what is Hark willing to sacrifice to save him? (Credit: Macmillan Children’s Books)

Furious Thing by Jenny Downham

Bad things happen when you’re around, Lex…

That’s what her stepfather tells her. That’s what she believes about herself.

But how can she convince herself and everyone around her that her anger doesn’t make her a monster? If only she could stop losing her temper and behave herself, her stepfather would accept her, her mom would love her like she used to, and her stepbrother would declare his crushing desire to spend the rest of his life with her. She wants these things so badly, she’s determined to swallow her anger and make her family proud.

But pushing fury down doesn’t make it disappear. Instead, it simmers below the surface, waiting to erupt. There’ll be fireworks when it does… (Credit: David Fickling Books)

The Quiet at the End of the World by Lauren James

How far would you go to save those you love?

Lowrie and Shen are the youngest people on the planet after a virus caused global infertility. Closeted in a pocket of London and doted upon by a small, ageing community, the pair spend their days mudlarking for artefacts from history and looking for treasure in their once-opulent mansion.

Their idyllic life is torn apart when a secret is uncovered that threatens not only their family but humanity’s entire existence. Lowrie and Shen face an impossible choice: in the quiet at the end of the world, they must decide who to save and who to sacrifice . . . (Credit: Walker Books)

The Gifted, the Talented and Meby William Sutcliffe

Fifteen-year-old Sam isn’t special. He’s not a famous vlogger, he’s never gone viral, and he doesn’t want to be the Next Big Thing. What he likes most is chatting to his friends and having a bit of a kick about.

None of which was a problem until Dad got rich and Mum made the whole family move to London. Now Sam is being made to go to the North London Academy for the Gifted and Talented, where every student is too busy planning Hollywood domination or starting alt-metal psychedelica crossover bands or making clothes out of bathmats to give someone as normal as him the time of day. Can Sam navigate his way through the weirdness and find a way to be himself? (Credit: Bloomsbury YA)

The Places I’ve Cried in Public by Holly Bourne

Amelie loved Reese. And she thought he loved her. But she’s starting to realise love isn’t supposed to hurt like this. So now she’s retracing their story and untangling what happened by revisiting all the places he made her cry.

Because if she works out what went wrong, perhaps she can finally learn to get over him. (Credit: Usborne Publishing)

The YA Book Prize will be having Twitter chats, championing the books that are on the shortlist. Here is their schedule:

YA Book Prize 2020 Shortlist This past week, the YA Book Prize announced the 2020 shortlist for the prize. The book prize, launched in 2014, awards a YA title written by an author living in the UK or Ireland.

#Book Prize #Book Prizes #Books #Fantasy #Frances Hardinge #Hay Festival #Literary Awards #Malorie Blackman #The Bookseller #UK #UK YA Books #YA Authors #YA Book Prize #YA Books #YA Novels #Young Adult

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umbrahighpriestofgiratina · 6 years

Text

Heroes After All Chapter 3

And here's Chapter 3! Sorry it took a few months, haha, I needed to update Rude Awakening first. But anyway, here's a chapter where our protagonists discover they've got a long hill to climb: Chapter 3: Freaks

As Aaron entered the barracks, he looked around to find the other kids bunched together, being directed by an Aura guardian with scruffy blonde hair and dark skin. "Alright kids, single file line while I sort you into your dorms, and no funny business! I've got enough bullshit to deal with." Aaron quickly complied, disappearing within the crowd. The mass grew smaller and smaller as more and more kids were sorted. Finally it was Aaron's turn. The Aura Guardian - who Aaron assumed was Vince - looked him over oddly before thumbing to a nearby room. "M8." Aaron's eyes drifted over to a room labeled M8. Silently wondering why he didn't get one of the higher-up rooms, he quickly headed towards it. Inside he found a pale. black-haired boy staring off into space and grumbling, a Scyther observing him. "Hello?" said Aaron. The boy looked over. "What do YOU want?" he said. The Scyther took notice and chittered, pacing the flat a scythe on his knee. The boy noticed and sighed. "Sorry..." "It's... All right?" said Aaron. "Are we gonna live together now?" "Yeah duh. We aren't the only ones though." "Not the only ones...?" "Boo!" Aaron yelped and whipped around. Behind him was a girl with maroon hair and decently dark skin, in particularly ragged clothing. Her teeth seemed unusually sharp, and she was giving him a manic look. "Ha! Got you good!" She also had the strangest accent Aaron had ever heard. What could ever- "In case you're wondering," said the boy. "Callie was raised by Necrozma cultists." "For Necrozma!" Callie said in response. A small, gray and black salamander-like Pokemon skittered up her body to her shoulder and gave a hissy chuckle. "Anyway," said the other boy, "I'm Louis. "The Scyther's Rook, the Salandit is Munchkin." "I'm Aaron!" said Aaron. Nice to meet you all!" "Just be glad you haven't met the other two residents of this dorm yet," said Louis. "Other two?" At that point there was a roar, and a girl with wild hair and broken glasses leaped at Aaron. Aaron yelped and leaped out of the way, and was faced with the girl and a Pawniard that was waving its blades wildly in no particular direction. "You're in my territory," said the girl. "Atta! Stabby! He's just the new kid!" said Louis. Atta looked Aaron over and snarled. "You live." Stabby moved his blades in an "I'm watching you" motion. Aaron gulped. "Anyway!" said Callie to Aaron. "Do you have a Pokemon?" "Me?" said Aaron. "I don't... Always wanted one but could never make friends with one..." "Mabye they just don't like your personality," said Louis. "You're one to talk," said Atta. "H-Hey!" said Louis. "I have Rook, don't I?" The Scyther gave a buzzy sigh. "Okay!" said Callie, pointing. "Your bunk is over there." Aaron looked over to a ragged old bed, and lay down in it to get some rest, which translated to staring upward as his roommates bickered. So much for making friends. -------------- It was mealtime in what Aaron assumed to be a mess hall. Bored-looking Aura Guardians served food of varying quality to the hungry children and Pokemon, who quickly moved to their seats. Aaron moved to sit with his bunkmates and their Pokemon, only to see they were a ways off from the others. "What's going on?" said Aaron, blinking. "People don't like sitting next to us," said Louis, Rook chittering in confirmation. "Except her!" said Callie. "Her...?" said Aaron, looking over. A black-haired girl approached the table, looking around nervously, before sitting down with the group. A Gligar followed shortly after. "Hey guys..." "Hi!" said Aaron. The girl blinked. "You're new." The Gligar snickered. "I'm Aaron, and yep I'm new!" "...I'm Eve. Guess I'm not the new kid at the freak table anymore." "Huh? Why are we freaks?" "It's a long story, but seems you've already been marked as one by association," said Louis. "Also what happened with you and Polly." "Huh? I can't be a freak! I was always a freak at home! I came here to not be a freak!" "Tough luck," said Atta. "Kids are cruel," said Callie, shrugging as Munchkin snuck bits of food. Aaron groaned, and the Gligar chuckled at him further."Cut it out, Iuroidea," said Eve to the Gligar. Iuroidea reluctantly stopped. "Now what do I do?" said Aaron. "Do what we do. Survive." said Louis. "Or join Necrozma!" said Callie. "You don't really need to convert every new person, Callie," said Eve. Callie tilted her head. "I... Don't?" "This is the tenth time I've told you this." Callie just stared. Her eyes glazed over. A whip from Munchkin's tail snapped her back to reality. "Isn't this food great?" she said. Aaron looked at his plate and then Callie's. His had decent-looking vegetables and potatoes, but hers... What even was that? ~Don't question it,~ said a voice in Aaron's head. Aaron blinked, then looked over to Eve. She winked. Right, Aaron thought. Everyone has powers here. I'm at least not alone in that sense. Though... "Uh..." said Aaron. "Weird question, what powers do you guys have?" In response, Louis held up a ball of orange Aura. Callie wove wisps of Spectral Obscura through her fingers. Atta snarled and conjured Dark Obscuric claws. Eve sent a telepathic message of ~You already know.~ "Right," said Aaron. My powers are more like Louis', here, watch..." He started charging a ball of Aura between his palms. He focused on it, containing it. Then the power suddenly swelled. The sphere swelled. Aaron couldn't contain it any longer. BAM! Aaron was knocked to the ground. His food was sent flying. Everyone stared. Everyone then laughed. "Well, if you weren't with us in the freak club before you certainly are now," said Louis. Aaron just lay there panting. -------------------- That night, Aaron lay in his bed, listening to the others in his bunk. Lewis muttered obscenities in his sleep. Callie muttered incantations to Necrozma. Atta simply snarled. Their Pokemon seemed to be the only ones who slept normally. Aaron thought to himself. His first day here... Hadn't gone so well. Polly had humiliated him, her Metagross had refused to help, he was immediately lumped with the "freak" kids, and he humiliated himself again trying to bond with them. Was the entire time going to be like this? No. He couldn't let that happen. He'd find a way to improve things. He just needed to figure out a way how. ~~~~ In the forest, light dappled in the trees as a Riolu approached a Lucario. "Hey mom," said the Riolu. "Hello, son," said the Lucario. "Today you're going to learn how to hunt." Riolu rubbed his paws together awkwardly. "That means I have to... Kill, right?" "Yes. It is what we must do to survive. However... Your Auric abilities will make it painful to bring harm to another without training. So getting practice in this early is essential." Riolu nodded and looked around. "So... What do I have to do?" "There is a Buneary denning further into these bushes. You must kill it and bring it back to me." Riolu looked over hesitantly to the bushes in question and headed in. ------------ It was quiet except for the rustling leaves. Riolu could sense life with the feelers on the sides of his head, and it drew him further in. Eventually, he reached a burrow nestled in the fallen foliage, and he stood and waited. Eventually a Buneary poked their head out, sniffing the air with their small, moist nose. They slowly, cautiously crept out and looked around. That's when Riolu lunged with a Force Palm. The Buneary gave a yell and tried to dodge, but the Force Palm managed to connect, causing them to fall over. Riolu recoiled from the empathic feedback, but pounced on the Buneary as they screamed, attempting to bite their throat. The Buneary suddenly gave a kick with their powerful legs and flipped the grappling Pokemon over so the Buneary was on top. Instinctively, Riolu tried to kick the Buneary's side. Suddenly, Riolu's leg erupted into flame as he kicked the Buneary's torso with a sickening crack. The Buneary was sent flying with a pained scream before crashing, and trying to crawl and limp away. Riolu recovered from the empathetic shock and wondering what it was he'd even done before dashing over and giving a Force Palm straight to the Buneary's neck. He recoiled. The Buneary fell limp. Riolu gasped and panted, clutching his body from the amount of feedback aches he felt. It was a while before he had recovered enough to slowly drag the Buneary out of the bushes. --------------- Eventually Riolu managed to drag the dead Buneary out to his mother. She smiled. "Good job! Excellent you got it on your first try." "Thanks... Now what do I do with it?" "Shouldn't it be obvious? You eat it." Riolu stared down at the dead Buneary. Then at his mother. Then at the dead Buneary. Then at his mother. Then at the dead Buneary. Before finally digging in. It was... Good. Better than the dry scraps he usually got, or even his mother's milk. He had blood all over his face but he was enjoying it. His father approached. "Oh hey, I see you got one!" "I did," said Riolu, looking up from his meal. Seeing them both, he was reminded of something. "Mom, Dad? When I was kicking that Buneary to kill it, my leg caught on fire! But it didn't hurt at all! What does that mean?" His mother's eyes widened. Ginji gave a beaky bird grin. "Well then! You learned one of my moves!" "...I... Did?" "Pokemon can learn moves passed down from their parents," said his mother. "Even if they're of different species." "Yes! And you got my Blaze Kick!" said Ginji. "...Huh, wow," said Riolu. "Guess I'll do it again sometime!" He then resumed digging into the Buneary while his parents conversed. "Should he use that move around the pack?" said his mother. "He'll be alright." said Ginji. "If anyone gives him trouble they'll have to deal with me." "You can't intimidate them forever." "...I know. But I'll do whatever it takes to protect you both." Eventually Riolu finished his meal and joined his parents, who headed back to the pack. -------------- Riolu sat by himself, poking at rocks. It's usually what he had to do when his parents weren't immediately available - all the other Riolu avoided him for some reason. Every time he tried interacting with them they'd just move away or mutter something about their parents not letting them. Or both. His ears perked up. Was that his mom? He headed over, clambering over a few rocks and pushing through a few bushes to get there. When he found his mother, however, he saw she was facing another Lucario - an old, scarred individual most of the rest of the pack knew to stay away from. "You! You've been a burden for as long as this pack's existed! You hunt less, you keep watch less, you train less!" Hey! That wasn't true. Riolu checked, his mom did all those more than everyone else! "And now you're cavorting with your birdbrain mate and your freak offspring!" His dad wasn't a birdbrain. He wasn't a freak. ...Was he? "Your overgrown pile of feathers you call a mate can't protect you two forever! Someday judgement's gonna come down! Hell, it may very well be from me! Ha!" That does it. Riolu's leg erupted into flame. He rushed forward and began kicking the old, scarred Lucario in the legs as he howled in agony. His mother quickly grabbed him and started running away as the old, scarred Lucario yelled after them clutching his leg. "Freak! Freak! Freak!" --------------- "And you what?" said Ginji, in a forest clearing with his family a bit later. "I... I used your move... I just didn't want him to hurt you and mom..." "That bag of bones? He's too old and lame to do anything but make threats. If I was aware he was harassing your mom I would have busted him in short order, so you should have gotten me." "Dear," said Riolu's mom, "You really don't have to deal with every member of the pack who-" "Yes I do!" said Ginji. "I care about you two! You're the only family I have after what happened to my Trainer!" He paused, panted heavily. "I... I'm sorry, I got ahead of myself..." "...Dad? Thank you." "Thank you for everything Ginji." Ginji paused. Then carefully pulled the other two into a hug. ------------ The old, scarred Lucario was limping back to the rest of the pack. "Oh, just wait until the alphas hear about this!" he said. "That damn bird will be history!" It was then he noticed a distinct glow in his Aura senses, but couldn't ascertain its exact location. "Eh? Who's that?" His Aura feelers flared as he tried to pinpoint the source. It was then he realized the source was right on top of him. Claws and teeth dug in, rending limbs in spurts of blood. Fire burnt into flesh, loosening it from bone. The old Lucario screamed. *** Gruesome. Also! I should note here some of the fic's characters are inspired by those from the We Are All Pokemon Trainers community, and these characters have been loosely based on some of those from said community, with the gracious permission of their owners. While these characters themselves are mine they are still close enough to cameos I ought to credit the ones I based them on. In order of debut: -Vince, based on Vierr by @zinnia-apologist -Louis and Rook, based on Lucius and Bishop by Herbert40k -Atta, based on Jetta by Pres_Stalkeyes -Eve and Irodea, based on Lillith and Sasorina by @darkershining Callie and Munchkin are also based on things but not from WAAPT. I presume people will kill me when they figure out who.

#pokemon #fanfiction #sir aaron #lucario #yangverse #waapt

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umbrahighpriestofgiratina · 6 years

Text

Heroes After All Chapter 4

Some old art I haven't shared in this thread yet: Our protagonists by @autobottesla, ordered by Spiteful Murkrow (I imagine Aaron doesn't have the cape yet but everything else is 100% accurate and 200% adorable) Polly and co. by the same artist except ordered by me and Polly and her Dunsparce by our very own @antialiasis! Well! Here's Chapter 4! In which we get to some worldbuilding on the Aaron end and peril on the Riolu end!

Chapter 4: All In The Type

It was time for the first day of training.

Aaron kept staring at the training dummy. It seemed to stare back. He looked around at the other kids and their Pokemon preparing. He was alone. He looked back at the training dummy and his hands glowed with Auric power. He yelled, rushed at the training dummy... and tripped, falling flat on his back.

"...Good grief," he said.

He hesitantly got back up and rushed the dummy again. This attempt was more successful, doing decent damage to the dummy. Smiling, he looked around for his companions. Louis and Rook were slicing up a dummy, Callie and Munchkin were pelting one with Obscura bolts and fire, Atta and Stabby were gnawing and stabbing at one, and Eve... Weird. She was lying on the ground clutching her head, with Iuroidea tending to her. Did she trip too? Maybe-

It was then Aaron noticed a shadow looming overhead. With dread he looked up. There was a blonde boy with spiky hair standing on the head of a massive Onix above him, crossing his arms and giving a not exactly friendly smug smile down.

"You! You're the new freak kid, right?" he said.

"Uh... No?"

"Bah! You think you can fool the mighty Gabriel? I'll show you!" He snapped his fingers. An explosion of Psychic power happened at Aaron's feet, knocking him back as he yelped. "Ha! Too easy," said Gabriel. "Let's try some more." A strange construct that seemed to resemble a Psyshock but spear-shaped appeared by his shoulder and fired down at Aaron, with Aaron yelping and rolling over to avoid it. "You're a fun one. Most people just run away and I have to bother chasing them. Not that that isn't funny either."

His Onix gave a strange whimper.

"Easy, Patricia, we're almost done with this one," said Gabriel. "Lean down a little will you girl?"

Patricia slowly moved her head down to ground level so Gabriel could get off, upon which he picked up Aaron by the scruff of his neck and held up his other hand, crackling with Psychic explosions, in Aaron's face. "You're just like the rest of them. Worthless. If you think you came here to have a good time, I'm here to teach you otherwise. Not any kid on the Auric Spectrum can be an Aura Guardian, and I'm gonna weed out the ones who can't. Like you."

He dropped Aaron and stormed off, Patricia looking at Aaron oddly for a few moments before following after. Aaron was hyperventilating on the ground until he saw Callie and Munchkin peering down at him.

"You okay?" said Callie. Or at least Aaron thought she said that, her accent was still always odd and unplaceable.

"No."

"Good! The Necrozmaists say adversity builds character!"

She helped him up. "But yeah, Gabriel is mean. He makes the Aura Spectrum look bad!" Munchkin hissed at her in agreement.

"What's wrong with him anyway?" said Aaron.

"Apparently he was from a rich family and got protected from how people usually treat us. And his powers are really strong! So he thinks he's better than everyone else!" said Callie. "I'd like to teach him the might of Necrozma!"

"Let's just try to avoid him for now..." said Aaron.

"Aww, okay," said Callie. "Come on, Ms. Carol is gonna teach us about type matchups! Maybe Munchkin can show off!"

Munchkin gave an excited hiss, and they all headed off.

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

The Aura Guardian trainees and their Pokemon gathered around a young adult woman Aura Guardian with a dark uniform, long wavy red hair, and green eyes. She surveyed the group until all had settled and then spoke up... telepathically.

~Alright kids! Carol here, and I'm going to teach you how to deal with type matchups! Who here has a Pokemon partner?~

Everyone but Aaron gestured to their partner or held them up. Aaron fidgeted nervously before addressing Louis.

"Why does she only talk like that?"

"She's mute," Louis said, whispering. "Can't speak with her mouth. Can't hear that well either. Something about an incident with a Pangoro. Don't know the rest, don't really care."

Aaron nodded before his gaze shifted back to Carol.

~Okay then!~ said Carol. ~Now, as you may know, Pokemon have different attributes called Types. These affect the sorts of Aura Spectrum powers Pokemon can produce - way more of them and with way more power than humans on the Auric Spectrum! This is helped by the fact that Pokemon produce an additional energy called Infinity Energy to power up their Auras, which can only be sensed in trace amounts in humans. Pokemon types are strong and weak against other types, depending on the type and type combination, and to demonstrate that...~

She paused, holding stock-still. There was a roar, and a Salamence descended from the air and approached Polly.

~Good girl,~ said Carol exclusively to the Salamence, scratching the dragon's cheek as she purred. ~Can you show off for these kids again?~

The Salamence winked and gave a quiet "Sal!"

~Alright,~ said Carol. ~Now I need, hmmm...~ She combed her finger through the audience until she reached a boy and his Cleffa. ~You! Bring me your Pokemon.~

The boy's eyes widened in shock. He looked around. Then, very hesitantly, he passed the squealing Cleffa to Carol. Carol placed the Cleffa down across from the Salamence, ignoring his "Clefs!" of protest. She quickly backed away.

~Becky! Use Outrage!~

Becky the Salamence roared as her entire body glowed green with dragonfire and she charged the Cleffa. The Cleffa covered his eyes and braced himself for impact. The dragon pummeled the Cleffa with claws and bites and headbutts. When the dragonfire died down and the dust cleared... nothing. The Cleffa was totally unscathed. He uncovered its eyes, looked up, gave a "clef!" of surprise at Becky still being there, and ran back to his Trainer, who hugged him.

~As you can see,~ said Carol, ~Type matchups - as well as things like Trainer and Pokemon creativeness and cleverness - are what really makes a battle. Not Pokemon strength.~

The gaggle of Trainees and their Pokemon started a bit before nodding. Carol smiled. ~But!~ said Carol. ~You will learn more in subsequent lessons! For now, you've got a history lesson with Polly! I'll take you to her!~

She and Becky, along with a Gothitelle she summoned from her staff, herded the kids toward the mountain.

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

Eventually the group of children were directed to Polly, alongside her Dunsparce and Metagross. Polly looked them over, then looked at Carol and her Pokemon. "You're good to go."

~Thanks!~ said Carol, and she, Becky, and her Gothitelle Lovegood exited.

"Alright," said Polly. "Time to teach you new kids some stuff about this place. Kids who have heard it before, don't try to sum it up please."

A few hands lowered.

Polly started leading the kids up the mountain, going on some winding pathways with tall trees and various signs of wild Pokemon. Eventually, the group came across a cliff overlooking something Aaron couldn't make out at first. When he got there, however, he stared in awe.

In the distance stood a mountain unlike anything Aaron had ever seen. It was massive, and shaped like a tree, clouds swirling around it. Aaron could barely make out glittering green crystals decorating the mountain's rocks.

"Say hello to the Tree Of Beginning," said Polly. "Why is it like that?" asked Aaron.

"Long ago, the people and Pokemon of Kanto and Johto suffered a great famine. They begged the gods for help, and their calls were heeded by a Legendary from another land, who created the Tree to ward off famine and pestilence. Its crystals absorb energy from sunlight, and its roots as a result fertilize Kanto, Johto, and beyond. The ecosystem around here depends on it."

"Wow..." said Aaron. Some of the other kids oohed and aahed as well.

"But don't dare venture inward; there are monsters inside the tree, and you know what they do to any human that visits?"

"...What?"

Polly suddenly got in Aaron's face with a wicked grin. "They eat them!"

Aaron screamed. And screamed, and screamed, and screamed for an unusually long time until Polly said "Kid, relax, relax, they're not going to get you."

"...Okay," said Aaron. The other kids giggled.

~Told you you shouldn't have done that~ said Metagross. ~Even if it was funny.~

Dunsparce snickered.

Polly sighed. "Anyway, the other hazard of the Tree is the Mew that lives there. The Tree can't sustain itself, so the Legendary created a lesser Legendary, a Mew, to keep it in balance. But the Mew is... Mischievous. It's known to cause a ruckus and spirit objects and even Pokemon away to the Tree."

~Legendaries in general aren't to be trusted.~

Dunsparce gave a hissy, irritated "sparce".

~For your information I do not mention that every time Legendaries come up, thank you very much.~

Polly sighed again and gestured with her staff to the region beyond the Tree. "Beyond the tree is the kingdom of Rota. It was founded by refugees from the great war in Kalos about 2000 years ago, or 0 Skybreak. Since then they've grown to thrive, and are a valuable ally to us Genesis Mountain Aura Guardians. Any questions?'

The children were silent. Aaron tried to think of something to say, but couldn't just yet.

"Alright, back to the monastery, so you kids all can have lunch."

She and her Pokemon headed down the mountain, the children and their Pokemon heading after. Aaron followed along quietly for a while, then noticed another kid didn't have a Pokemon partner either. Aaron moved closer to him and noticed he not only had pink hair but pink clothes as well. "Excuse me-"

The other child turned his head toward Aaron, holding a finger to his lips and winking. Aaron blinked. A Pokemon made a noise in the forest, causing Aaron's attention to turn to it briefly; when he turned back the other child was gone.

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

"How long has it been stalking us?"

"Days, now. Ever since it first killed one of our own, possibly further."

"It seems to have acquired a taste for our kind's flesh..."

"What do we do, Grandfather Alpha?"

"Give me a moment to think..."

Riolu was listening in to all of this from behind a nearby boulder. There was a predator stalking the Lucario pack and he wanted to know more about it. He also wanted to do something about it but he also knew he wasn't strong enough... Maybe if he could-

"I sense an aura!"

"Behind that boulder!"

Oh no. Quickly he tried to get out of there, only to be grabbed by a Lucario and held aloft.

"Okay, whose pup is this?"

"...That would be ours."

Riolu awkwardly gestured to his parents. His mother sighed while Ginji shook his head.

"How much do you know, kid?"

"There's a predator killing pack members... we need to stop it..."

"Let him go," said Grandfather Alpha. "There is no harm in him knowing the truth; we were going to tell the other pups eventually."

The Lucario placed Riolu down, and he shook himself off. Grandfather Alpha sighed. "Now where were we?"

"The predator?" said a Lucario.

"Right. By the time anyone sees or Aura Senses it it's too late, but scorch marks on the remains it leaves behind indicate it's a Fire type. Therefore..."

He pointed toward Ginji. "You're probably our best bet for taking it down."

Ginji pointed to himself. "Me? And I thought you all didn't want me doing anything important."

"Those are the ignorant words of my children and their mates. This pack is family. No matter what."

Rilou's mother beamed.The other Lucario mumbled amongst themselves.

"You shall lead a team to take this predator down for the sake of our pack," said Grandfather Alpha. "I wish you luck."

"Don't worry, that predator's as good as gone."

Riolu looked between his father, mother, and Grandfather Alpha and then the other packmates, the latter of which were still grumbling among themselves, with concern.

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

That night, in a small cavern, Riolu was nestled up with his mother while Ginji was keeping watch. Riolu slowly got up and approached his father.

"Dad?"

"Yes, son?"

"Are you gonna be OK?"

"Well, I never know for sure. What exactly do you mean?"

"With this predator. Do you really think you can take it on?"

"Oh, that thing? Sure I can! It's just another Pokemon, and we Pokemon have strengths, weaknesses, all that that can be advantages and disadvantages. If you know how to use those, you're golden." He paused. "At least, that's what my old Trainer always taught me."

"Did you trust your old Trainer?"

"...Yes. While he was alive, more than anyone in the world."

"That's a lot."

"Yes. Yes it is."

"I trust you, Dad."

Ginji gave a bird smile. "Thanks, so-"

A yell echoed. Ginji stood at attention. Riolu's mother bolted upright.

"Riolu! Stay here!" said his mother.

"We'll take care of this!" said Ginji.

They bolted off.

Riolu, naturally, waited a bit before following.

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

He came across his parents in a battle for their lives. Nearby was a cowering Lucario. Before them was a large reptilian Pokemon, orange scales, large wings, and flaming tail illuminated by the moonlight. The Pokemon breathed jets of flame at Riolu's parents, Ginji zipping out of the way keeping him distracted with Speed Boosts, and his mother lobbing Aura Spheres at his head.

The predator roared and rushed the two. Riolu's mother lept aside while Ginji vaulted and delivered a kick to the predator's face. The predator roared in pain, and deciding his quarry wasn't worth the pursuit anymore, flew off into the night. The young Lucario the couple had saved ran back off into the night.

"Do you know what that is?" said Riolu's mother.

"Shit. It's a Charizard." said Ginji. "Powerful critters. Think they're apex predators of wherever they claim territory of. Suspect he's as much showing the pack who's boss as he is claiming meals."

"Do we tell the Alpha?" said Riolu's mother.

"Certainly." said Ginji.

They ran off into the night as well. Riolu quickly headed back to the cave, where the rest of the pack would be nearby.

***

#pokemon #fanfic #sir aaron #lucario #yangverse #waapt #heroes after all

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