iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

—𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐒 "𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄" 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐃 @extantcrystal.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

“Yeah! Yeah. Let's go get you two some breakfast.” Lachie's stomach growls promptly afterward, prompting her face to grow even more red. “...let's, um. Maybe get ourselves something to eat, too. Heheh...” Lachie carefully swings her legs off the bed, and slips her gloves on to pick up Axolotl.

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—𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐒 "𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄" 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐃 @extantcrystal.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Lachie looks down at their hands, then at Yuki, then, back to their hands again. Her eyes were glued there, considering she was burning up, too. “...I think I'd like that a lot, Yuki.” Bonk! Seems someone wants some attention. ‘Woo-paaaahhh~...’

010

—𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐒 "𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄" 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐃 @extantcrystal.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

“...oh.” Lachie looks away for a second, scratching a cheek with her index finger. “That... sounds nice. Especially if your home is anything like Azalea Town. Even if it's more... rustic, or traditional for my tastes.” The brunette smiles, placing a hand on the bed, just shy of Yuki's.

110

—𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐒 "𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄" 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐃 @extantcrystal.bsky.social · 03/02/2026

The brunette's breath hitches a moment, both from apprehension and the little squeeze. “...I don't usually remember my dreams. Not the good ones, anyway...” It was a rough admission. It felt like she was cursed in that way sometimes, even if she didn't believe in such things. “...you?”

010

—𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐒 "𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄" 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐃 @extantcrystal.bsky.social · 03/02/2026

“...good!” She didn't actually remember... but what she did remember, at least vaguely, was a feeling of reassurance knowing Yukina was nearby. “Definitely a good weird. Probably.” ... “...I think it was the best dream I've had in awhile thanks to you.” ...did she say that last part out loud?

010

—𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐒 "𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄" 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐃 @extantcrystal.bsky.social · 03/02/2026

“Like a log.” She would admit, helping Axolotl up onto the bed with a gloved hand before noticing Yuki's, peeling the glove from her right hand to take her up on that offer. It was warm. Soft. Comfortable. “I had this weird dream. But I don't remember it, now... I think you were there, though.”

010

—𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐒 "𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄" 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐃 @extantcrystal.bsky.social · 03/02/2026

stretching overhead lazily, only for one to reach down and keep the loaned shirt from riding up. “Did you... sleep well?” She asks, averting eye contact once she notices Axolotl hopping up and down at the bedside, unable to climb up on his own. Guess the gloves are going on first...

010

—𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐒 "𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄" 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐃 @extantcrystal.bsky.social · 03/02/2026

“Y- yeah, of course. That's the best course of action I think. A plan. One that involves sticking together.” Lachie almost... whines when Yuki goes to sit up. But the greenette was right- they had to get up for the day and figure out what to do with it. So she gets up alongside Yuki, arms 》

110

—𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐒 "𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄" 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐃 @extantcrystal.bsky.social · 03/02/2026

Lachie doesn't even finish her thought, pressing her forehead to Yuki's before the realization starts to settle in... “Morning-..?” The brunette manages to squeak out.

010

—𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐒 "𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄" 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐃 @extantcrystal.bsky.social · 03/02/2026

But of course, things can't stay like this forever. Eventually, there's a little noise, an attempt to wake them up in the form of a Pokémon's cry: “Woo-pah~.” Lachie groans, almost like an automatic response, before rolling the both of them over to the opposite side of the bed. “Five more...” 》

110

—𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐒 "𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄" 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐃 @extantcrystal.bsky.social · 03/02/2026

was nice and soft, too... yeah, there was no way she was getting up quite yet, giving the shorter girl in her arms a squeeze, not thinking about it in her groggy state.

010

—𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐒 "𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄" 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐃 @extantcrystal.bsky.social · 03/02/2026

《 @timelessjade.bsky.social 》 After what felt like months of rest after the events of the other day, Lachie finally begins to stir from rest. But she'll be darned if it wasn't some of the best rest she's gotten in the last while. ...maybe just a few more minutes? Whatever she was holding onto 》

110

—𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐒 "𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄" 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐃 @extantcrystal.bsky.social · 29/11/2025

“I don't know for a fact... but it feels like it.” She gives the other a gentle squeeze, before placing her forehead to Yuki's. “...night...”

010

—𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐒 "𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄" 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐃 @extantcrystal.bsky.social · 29/11/2025

She wouldn't admit it (again), but the shorter woman, once again, felt perfect in her arms, which curled protectively around the greenette with a contented sigh. Axolotl manages to nudge the door open, waddling on over to faceplant next to the bed, falling asleep instantly. “It'll be alright.” 》

110

—𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐒 "𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄" 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐃 @extantcrystal.bsky.social · 29/11/2025

Lachie looks over, hair half-tousled over her face from landing on the bed. She'd move it out of the way with a brush of her thumb before responding with a tired smile. “I'll just have to take your word for it.” She mutters, before letting her arm fall open to the side. Almost like an invitation.

010

—𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐒 "𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄" 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐃 @extantcrystal.bsky.social · 29/11/2025

alright. It wasn't like anyone else was going to see her tonight besides Yuki. ... Once she's done changing, and folding her clothes up, she returns to the room, where she'd place the clothes on the near nightstand before flopping onto the bed. Exhaustion seemed to overtake emotion for a moment.

010

—𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐒 "𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄" 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐃 @extantcrystal.bsky.social · 29/11/2025

Lachie isn't going to think about anything but that possibility as she removes her grimy expedition attire. The actual leathers were fine. Everything else would need a thorough washing... ...yeah, these didn't fit right. Well, the shirt didn't. It rode up a little more than desired, but that was 》

110

—𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐒 "𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄" 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐃 @extantcrystal.bsky.social · 29/11/2025

That could happen later. Very soon, actually. But first- Lachie thrusts a set of the clothes given to them by Maizie into her hands. “Get changed, you... Oddish. I'll go to the washroom to give you some privacy.” She still hadn't answered. She might not, until she comes back in those jammies.

020

—𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐒 "𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄" 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐃 @extantcrystal.bsky.social · 29/11/2025

A hopelessly defeated wheeze of air slips out of Lachie, cheeks burning brighter than an angry Chimchar. Though, thankfully, autopilot took over where words failed. She stood up, averting eye contact as she gently tugged Yuki to her feet, and towards the guest room.

010

—𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐒 "𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄" 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐃 @extantcrystal.bsky.social · 27/11/2025

A whole-body shiver runs through her body at the renewed contact, a shy, though genuine smile cracking crooked on her lips. “Uh- thank you... you feel... really good in my arms.” Zekrom help her, she wasn't thinking again... “Let's get to bed.” SHE WAS THINKING EVEN LESS THEN-

010

—𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐒 "𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄" 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐃 @extantcrystal.bsky.social · 27/11/2025

🎸 : “It's just down this way. First door on the left. Let me know if either of you need anything, okay?” Lachie nods, feeling her own heartbeat even through the sheets bundled up at her chest. With that, Maizie and Teddiursa leave the two for the night, closing the sliding door behind them.

010

—𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐒 "𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄" 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐃 @extantcrystal.bsky.social · 27/11/2025

“Y- yeah! What she said-” Lachie sputters out, ending the embrace, but keeping Yuki's hand clutched tight in her own. “Th- thanks. I can get the clothes from here, Teddiursa...” The little bear waddles on over to deliver the clothes, resulting in a weak, nervous smile from Lachie. “Thanks...” 》

110

—𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐒 "𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄" 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐃 @extantcrystal.bsky.social · 27/11/2025

minutes, her and Teddiursa emerge from the hallway, with Teddiursa carrying some sheets and spare clothing. 🎸 : “Here you are! Sorry for the wait. I have some clean clothes here if you want something to sleep in. They're hand-me-downs, but they're well taken care of, I promise!”

010

—𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐒 "𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄" 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐃 @extantcrystal.bsky.social · 27/11/2025

There's another defeated sigh, before pulling the greenette into a hesitant, though gentle embrace. “...thank you, too. I'd be scared if you weren't here. Scared and alone...” Maizie seems to be taking her time with the room. Perhaps she knew the two were having a moment. But after a few 》

110

—𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐒 "𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄" 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐃 @extantcrystal.bsky.social · 27/11/2025

her hand was still firmly attached to Yuki's. “Just... let me know if you get uncomfortable. I'll leave at a moment's notice, even if I'm half asleep.”

010

—𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐒 "𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄" 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐃 @extantcrystal.bsky.social · 27/11/2025

There were many, many moments of deliberation from the brunette. After looking around the room for some sort of escape, or something to change the subject... she sighs, defeatedly. “You're... you're not wrong. Guess that really does leave only one option, huh..?” Lachie looks over, hardly aware 》

110

—𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐒 "𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄" 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐃 @extantcrystal.bsky.social · 25/11/2025

jamcat I swear I'll throw my goober here at other muses soon. Just gotta get her and her future girlfriend's introduction out of the way. 💕

100

—𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐒 "𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄" 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐃 @extantcrystal.bsky.social · 25/11/2025

off to prepare the guest bedroom, leaving Lachie to burn bright as a Lumineon hunting at night. “Y- you're sure? I can sleep on the floor, or something, really... I've, uh... I've never... shared a bed with anyone that isn't family, before...” Ah. Now it was her turn for the unfamiliar.

010

—𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐒 "𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄" 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐃 @extantcrystal.bsky.social · 25/11/2025

Lachie wasn't worried about coming off as rude now, she was more worried about the potential implications this could have... she never even shared bunks or tents with others at camp. 🎸 : “O- oh, alright, then... I'll get on cleaning the room out, then! Come on Teddi.” Maizie and Teddiurrsa go 》

110

—𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐒 "𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄" 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐃 @extantcrystal.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

🎸 : “There's really not a lot of room for two, I'm sorry, but- I could take the living area!” Lachie is immediately against the idea. “Nope! I'll take the living area, I insist, it'll uh... help with my posture, after all that hauling around, you know?” Sweet Zekrom, please help her-

010

—𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐒 "𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄" 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐃 @extantcrystal.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

Oh, right- guess Lachie should do that too. It's a little stiff, eyes darting between Yuki and the floor just to make sure she's doing it right. Maizie giggles, shaking her head. 🎸 : “Really, it's no trouble at all! If you'd like, I could clear out the guest bedroom until tomorrow?” 》

110

—𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐒 "𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄" 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐃 @extantcrystal.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

🎸 : “Azalea Town is good for a checkpoint, but not for a full on resupply. If you two really want to go back... then I'll help you. WE'LL help you Right, Teddiursa?” ‘Teddi, teddi! Ursa!’ Lachie looks... surprised, to say the least. She might be waiting for Yuki's thoughts on the matter...

media.tenor.com

a cartoon teddy bear is dancing on a stage with its mouth open .

ALT: a cartoon teddy bear is dancing on a stage with its mouth open .

010

—𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐒 "𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄" 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐃 @extantcrystal.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

“finding out... well, anything.” Axolotl seems to be picking up on the conversation, looking absentmindedly between the two before nodding at Maizie. 🎸 : “Uuu...” The girl seems defeated for a moment, before placing both hands on the table to lean forward. 🎸 : “Then I'll guide you both!” 》

110

—𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐒 "𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄" 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐃 @extantcrystal.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

🎸 : “The forest can be really dangerous, you know... I'd almost feel responsible for you two if anything happened. And I'm sure grandpa would think the same...” Lachie looks to Yuki, before giving a thoughtful sigh. “We don't really have anywhere else to go. Ilex Forest is our best chance at” 》

110

—𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐒 "𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄" 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐃 @extantcrystal.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

🎸 : “O- oh, no, it's okay, really! I actually enjoyed having visitors! Especially without having to worry about specialty Pokeballs for once...” Maizie pours both girls a cup of tea, hands the steadiest they'd been the whole interaction. 🎸 : “But... are you both really going back out there?” 》

110

—𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐒 "𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄" 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐃 @extantcrystal.bsky.social · 23/11/2025

“Exactly.” Lachie mutters, before guiding the two over to the table to join Maizie. It was a lot lower set than she was used to. Maybe this was a Johtonian thing... “Thank you, Maizie. We won't be here long. I think, anyway...” Petilil tea? Well, at least it was something familiar...

010

—𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐒 "𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄" 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐃 @extantcrystal.bsky.social · 23/11/2025

Lachie squeezes Yuki's hand again, maintaining eye contact as Maizie and Teddiursa set the table. “We start looking for answers there. And along the way... we can see what's new. For both of us.” After a moment, Lachie breaks eye contact, cheeks red as a Cherubi. “I- if you want to, I mean...”

010

—𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐒 "𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄" 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐃 @extantcrystal.bsky.social · 23/11/2025

kitchen, cutting off Lachie's thought. 🎸 : “Oh! Water's ready...” As Maizie grabs the tea set from the kitchen, Lachie meets Yuki's gaze, thinking about the phrasing the younger girl had used. “Well... the forest is this town's backyard. Let's get some rest, maybe some supplies, then...” 》

110

—𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐒 "𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄" 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐃 @extantcrystal.bsky.social · 23/11/2025

Forest Guardian..? That just screamed legendary, maybe even mythical Pokémon. You can't be in the scientific community of the Pokémon world without knowing of certain powerful, individual Pokémon. “A guardian..? Maybe what happened to me was-” Oh! Teddiursa calls out to Maizie from the 》

110

—𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐒 "𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄" 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐃 @extantcrystal.bsky.social · 23/11/2025

there's a flash of recognition. 🎸 : “Now that I think about it, though... you two walked right out of Ilex Forest, didn't you? Like you walked out of a fairytale. I wonder if the Forest Guardian might have something to do with this...”

010

—𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐒 "𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄" 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐃 @extantcrystal.bsky.social · 23/11/2025

Maizie listens to both individuals stories, brow furrowed in thought as Teddiursa plops a bag of tea leaves on the counter behind her. 🎸 : “I'm not really sure what... most of that meant, Lachie. I'm sorry. I'm not much of a scientific. That's more my dad's thing...” Though, looking to Yuki, 》

110

—𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐒 "𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄" 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐃 @extantcrystal.bsky.social · 23/11/2025

with a sigh. “I THINK we were successful. At least, we were in recovering what we were looking for. But then...” She ran a hand through her hair, clearly digging for memories in a haze. “Then there was this sparkling mist around me, like I was dreaming. Next thing I knew, I was in the forest.” 》

110

—𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐒 "𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄" 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐃 @extantcrystal.bsky.social · 23/11/2025

“I'm in... a similar boat.” Lachie scratches her cheek, giving Yuki's hand a reassuring squeeze. “I was helping with an expedition back in my home region of Unova. We were trying to recover a pure mineral sample of Terastium, if you know what that is.” Lachie looks over at the hulking TEC Unit 》

110

—𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐒 "𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄" 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐃 @extantcrystal.bsky.social · 23/11/2025

🎸 : “You two... aren't from around here, are you? I don't mean to be rude, but, I don't think I've seen anyone like... either of you before.” Maizie asks, leaning against the kitchen doorway. 🎸 : “Can we start from the beginning? As much as you both know, anyway?”

010