ã€ŠPokemon: Whispers [Pok&#xE9;mon OC Fanfic]ã€‹


 Prologue

    The wind tugs at my hair. It is hard to see anything through the white strands whipping my face, and the edge of the roof burning into my skin is the only hold I can sense. Sweat clings to me. The gasp on my lips dries out my throat and although my upper body is already half on the roof, my muscles are still screaming under the strain.

    Sunrise has already bathed the sky in velvety orange and the certainty that it will pass if I don¡¯t get to the top of the roof in time spurs me on one last time.

    The rubber of my trainers finds grip on the slates and lifts the rest of my body from the terrace of my room onto the roof. My heart is pounding. Each breath rattles in my parched throat and sweat slowly cools me as I rest my forehead on the slate.

    Just a brief pause.

    Just a moment longer and I can at least see freedom.

    ¡°Where are they?¡±

    My ears twitch. It¡¯s there again.

    It¡¯s not the first time I¡¯ve been aware of this whisper. For hours now it has been reappearing, disappearing into the background, and then, all at once, it is present again. A bit like those old televisions that only want to work properly after a few good knocks on the housing.

    Still, the snort that escapes me is the only answer I can give. Whatever is going on in my head, right now, it doesn¡¯t matter.

    With renewed strength, I push my body upwards. It¡¯s only a little way to the top of the roof. If I can only get one hand up there, the rest is a child¡¯s-

    ¡°Where are they?¡±

    My breath catches. The wind suddenly presses harder against the slates, pushing my body down and stealing my breath. Rumbling drowns out every other sound in my ears and the sudden stinging in my eyes, behind my forehead, clenches my teeth. Still, my gaze wanders upwards, a little over the top; and lingers on the body of a dragon, its black form shining in the glow of the rising sun. For a moment, all the fairy tales and all the stories of distant creatures that can hardly be mistaken for Pok¨¦mon seem true.

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    Its serpentine movements, the grace with which it crosses every metre, are everything that occupies the sky. It¡¯s so unusual that I hold my breath. It seems any breeze could destroy this image.

    That creature there in the sky is more beautiful than anything I have seen in this place in the last four days ¨C fascinating enough to get my body moving again. Throbbing spreads in my chest as I overcome the last steps to the roof¡¯s apex and settle down with my legs apart ¨C the dragon always in view. Looking at it from a distance isn¡¯t much, but it tells me something that probably no one else can understand:It¡¯s looking for something.

    ¡°Not here.¡±

    Again, the voice in my head crashes down on my own thoughts as the dragon stretches its head skyward and lingers briefly in one spot. It¡¯s almost as if I can hear it. But this is nothing more than wishful thinking. Nothing but a dream whose shallow idea makes the corners of my mouth twitch.

    Perhaps this dragon, too, is just a far-off daydream from which I¡¯ll wake up in a moment, because the world likes to trample on wishes.

    Still, holding on to the sight a little longer can¡¯t be wrong.

    But even before I can shout something, even before I can draw attention to myself, my senses stop working. Not a single word comes through. My throat is parched, my fingers tremble even though they are stuck to the slate, and my body no longer moves. The uncertainty has swallowed me.

    All that remains is for me to look after the creature. Similar to a goodbye before I have to wake up to prepare for the rest of my escape. Shortly afterwards, the dragon disappears behind the clouds, leaving behind only the languid mood of a new morning.

    Sighing, I lower my gaze. My fingers have clung tighter to the slate and although there is no point, I have to say it ¨C hoping it will give me the courage to go through with it.

    ¡°I will follow...¡±

    Tonight, I will leave. Tonight, when my seventeenth birthday is finally over, I will leave this godless island and go travelling. Unlike my father, who always seems to run away from something. I will see the world; get to know it and live it.

    And then I will conquer it ¨C together with my team.

 Chapter 1: From first steps and new friends I

    It only takes one step to take courage.

    Two steps to leave a life behind.

    And three to realise that we all need our adventures.

    <hr>

    The cord of the backpack hums strangely as the opening closes. Everything I need is now behind well-padded fabric. One change of clothes. A month¡¯s worth of underwear, to be on the safe side. Rations for Zorua. Three hundred Pok¨¦mon Dollars I¡¯ve scraped together over the last three years to go travelling at some point. And, of course, a few Pok¨¦ Balls that are mine, but somehow not entirely yet because they are empty.

    Feeling the weight in my hands is unfamiliar, but it¡¯s all I need to get off to a good start. The rest I make up as I go.

    Darkness has already swallowed this village since two hours ago and the TV in the living room hasn¡¯t been heard for a while. My father has probably gone to bed. That makes it easier to escape.

    Silent as a whisper, I creep out of my room. My heart is pounding louder than a Pidgeotto can screech, but it¡¯s nothing more than chaos inside me. No one else can hear it.

    The soles of my pale green boots make no sound as I tiptoe across the wooden floorboards, skipping the spots that would otherwise creak miserably. Down the stairs to the carpeted floor in front of the door, my legs move like the skinny stilts of a Doduo. Only then do I allow myself to loosen my tense shoulders.

    ¡°Are you there?¡± My whisper beads through the darkness, punishing me with silence that begs me to run away. But my will remains steadfast. ¡°Ying?¡±

    It takes an eternity before soft taps reach me, and I breathe a sigh of relief. Immediately, my Zorua emerges from the shadows. The red and black fluff on her head bobs up and down.

    She creeps up to my legs before her nose nudges my thigh and I realise again that despite her adorable face, she''s still pretty big. Her proportionally tiny paws make her seem strangely unreal.

    With a quick nod, I let her know our journey is beginning and when I open the front door, she is the first to disappear outside with a leap. I follow her as quietly as possible and only when the door clicks shut do I dare to turn and run.

    Lili¡¯i isn¡¯t particularly big, nor is Melemele - one of Alola¡¯s five islands - but it¡¯s one factor I can appreciate. The sooner I get out of here, the earlier I find a stop in one of the big cities that no one else here goes to visit.

    The darkness greedily engulfs us, and only the occasional rustle in the bushes on the outskirts makes me go faster than I actually am. The heart in my chest hammers against my ribs - undecided whether from excitement or fear that my father might jump out of the shadows at any moment.

    The escape route is precisely calculated. Ying has memorised it. Her ears twitch as if she is listening to a distant sound and at the latest when we climb a slope, I realise she has been distracted. We¡¯ll never get off the island from the top.

    As the first houses find space on my sides, I dare to stop. Zorua does the same. The gasp on my lips is louder than the rustling of the bushes and as I drop to my knees, the caustic summer heat only becomes more present. I run a hand over my forehead, along under my straight-cut fringe, to dry the sweat.

    ¡°I thought you knew where we had to go...¡± My voice amounts to a pitiful wail as I pick myself up and thrust my hands to my hips. The purple top radiates uncomfortable heat.

    Ying¡¯s soft bark, meanwhile, draws out her questioning sound longer than necessary. Then she tilts her head.

    ¡°Now we have to walk all the way back.¡± I can¡¯t stifle a groan.

    ¡°Out!¡±

    The sudden voice in my head makes me wince. For a moment, I let my vision wander. But all I can find are dark houses and bushes. It must have been another imagination.

    ¡°Out where?¡±

    Once again, the childish voice makes its way into my skull and if I hadn¡¯t already known I was awake, I would have pinched myself. But Zorua¡¯s twitching ears reveal I am not alone in hearing this.

    ¡°Can you find out where it came from?¡± My voice is only a whisper. Waking the neighbourhood at this hour would ensure that a couple of rabid Spearows would be put on my heels and my father would figure out that I left the house long after curfew.

    Fortunately, Ying¡¯s ears twitch in confirmation and before I can catch my breath, she¡¯s running. I follow her as fast as I can, but the weight on my back makes me slow down. Maybe I shouldn¡¯t have packed all those Pok¨¦mon snacks in the side pockets. Or maybe it¡¯s the Pok¨¦ Balls, heavy as lead.

    Every breath burns in my lungs, but Zorua doesn¡¯t leave me behind. Her jumps slow whenever I threaten to slip out of sight and her quivering nose, because she¡¯s picked up the scent of something other than typical flight, brings hope. It is only before a few steps Ying stops and lets me catch my breath again. Hushed coughing releases from my throat as I brace myself on my knees. Maybe I should have exercised a little more all these years.

    Zorua¡¯s sudden, shrill, though soft bark, makes me look up from the dusty floor, straight to long strands of blonde hair disappearing at the bottom of the steps. Someone else seems to have embarked on an evening adventure besides me, and though the thumping in my chest is the work of exertion, it still elicits a smile from me.

    ¡°Free!¡±

    The sudden exclamation in my head makes my shoulders shrug. Cautiously, as the helpless whispering voice of a girl trickles down to me from above. She doesn¡¯t want to be found or seen and yet the two of us stand so close that neither of us can avoid meeting. Not when there¡¯s another voice at her side, echoing so strangely in my head.

    ¡°So much for escaping,¡± I sigh drawn out before I push my back through and signal Zorua for us to follow.

    The stone steps are double jumped by me. The short path up tugs at my thighs and simultaneously brings me to the end so quickly that I can finally catch a clear glimpse of the problem. The blonde hair follows a light breeze, ensnaring the slender body of a girl in a white dress. The large Pok¨¦ Ball-looking bag doesn¡¯t match her appearance or slender stature, but the open zip makes me systematically scan the surroundings.

    ¡°Nebby!¡± In faltering steps, the girl stumbles forward a little, towards an old, frail suspension bridge that has long been unfit to be crossed. Still, for a moment, the girl seems at least as tired of life as a Slowpoke looking for shells.

    ¡°Hey!¡± Before I can even sort out my thoughts, I address her. My legs automatically start moving, and when the girl turns around, it¡¯s big green eyes that are scrutinising me with a lost gleam.

    ¡°Oh... I...¡±

    She is at a loss for words and I have no interest in her explanations. Instead, I take another look at the hanging bridge, which is hard to see in the dim glow of the moon. The other side cannot be seen at all, but the combative screech in the middle of the darkness definitely sounds familiar.

    ¡°Spearows?¡± The breath escapes me with the answer, yet remains half trapped in my throat. Eyes narrowed, I try to make out more than rotten wood and swaying ropes.

    Somewhere amidst the darkness, something squeaks; round and puffy, almost like a Hoppip.

    ¡°Please! Someone!¡± The voice, which before had been only a whisper, screams inside my skull. Instantly, I have to press my hands to my temples. Zorua¡¯s questioning yelp at my side doesn¡¯t make it any better. ¡°Help!¡±

    ¡°Oh no ... I ... I have to do something...¡± The girl barely gets her stiff legs to move forward. Something in her seems afraid. Perhaps it¡¯s of the altitude; or the Spearows, who are usually less known for their friendliness.

    It¡¯s probably the adventure I¡¯ve been looking for. The voice in my head begs. Zorua is waiting for my command, but my lips are stuck together. All that remains for me is to act.

    Without a single word, I dash off. The ground seems to crunch under the soles of my boots and the heat builds up under my top. The airy grey trousers, which only get tight at the calves, try to catch and hold the wind of my hasty movement - to create something to cool me down - but it¡¯s no use. My skin boils and doesn¡¯t stop even when I step on the first wooden slat.

    With a powerful leap, I overcome the first gap, feel the next wooden plank give way under me, and instantly cling to the rope of one side. The hemp nestles roughly against my hands as it prevents me from falling into the depths. It gives me the grip I need to get onto the next slat and make the last few feet in hasty leaps.

    Zorua¡¯s barking behind me conveys she has stayed behind. Ying is smarter than to engage in breakneck actions. She is the only one of the two of us who probably can rescue me when it matters.

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    My hands flail wildly as the squeal of the unfamiliar Pok¨¦mon draws closer. All at once, claws scrape across my skin, leaving an unpleasant burning sensation, sending me tumbling to the ground; straight over the cloud to protect it.

    What can I do?

    In my head, there doesn¡¯t seem to be a single command I could give Zorua. She knows no attacks that can be used from a distance to shoot down those damned Spearows. Hissing, I curl up in a ball. The Pok¨¦mon below me doesn¡¯t seem to touch me as I do so, though I¡¯m sure there¡¯s not enough room to wait without contact. Presumably, it belongs to the Nebula-type. At least that would explain the strange tingly feeling of my elbows.

    ¡°Scary. So scary!¡±

    The voice settles in my head again. It¡¯s not as loud anymore, but the upset sound, very close to my ears, doesn¡¯t make me doubt for a moment that I can hear this Pok¨¦mon. At least, it¡¯s the only logic that can be drawn before the menacing cracking below us makes me press my lips together.

    We¡¯ve got a big fucking problem.

    The Spearows¡¯ claws no longer matter. My torso rears up, fighting the sharp cuts these beasts leave on my arms as I gently press the unknown Pok¨¦mon against me. It doesn¡¯t leave much feeling on my chest, but its slightly nebulous form presses against me and the tremor that emanates from it reaches my own shoulders.

    But that is as far as we get.

    Before I can plant a foot to run back, the wood cracks beneath my knees. My heart slides up to my throat. Screaming is impossible now, and before I can reach out for one of the still solid wooden slats, rescue is too far in the distance.

    Wind whizzes through my hair, pulling me down along with the Pok¨¦mon in my arms. Zorua barks in the distance.

    Eyes wide, I tighten my legs. My weight pulls me backwards, into a position to at least assure that the Pok¨¦mon in my arms lands on top of me. Not necessarily soft, but better than nothing.

    ¡°I guess that¡¯s it for my adventure.¡± Giving up sucks, but in free fall it¡¯s all that¡¯s left. The tears in my eyes don''t matter. Lowering my head and sinking into the shallow, almost soft nothingness that this Pok¨¦mon in my arms brings - a bit like cotton wool shying away from water - calms my senses.

    Long enough to bring the roaring in my head back to the foreground.

    A voice emerges. Vague, but it¡¯s there. It¡¯s not from the Pok¨¦mon in my arms, seems too far away for that.

    But its sound comes frantically closer.

    My head lifts. My eyes turn upwards, towards the bridge, which by now is way out of reach. The bottom won¡¯t be waiting much longer. Maybe another ten seconds - probably less. But there, above me, something moves. Like a flash, it darts in our direction, and the closer it gets, the more it looks like a big yellow bird.

    ¡°Idiots. Nothing but idiots.¡± The voice in my head snaps. ¡°But brave they are. Brave indeed.¡±

    There''s nothing I can say. I''m not even sure if I¡¯m dreaming, or if this bird is actually talking to us - or anyone. What clearly comes over me and the Pok¨¦mon, however, is a creature grabbing me by the leg. The free fall stops instantly, yanking my torso limply downwards, and my leg abruptly upwards.

    My stomach contents threaten to come all the way back out as the Pok¨¦mon and I are propelled back upwards at breakneck speed. In the next blink of an eye, the broken bridge is below us and before I can even gasp for air, the yellow-bird-thing flings me straight over to the girl, who has her hands pressed in front of her mouth.

    Again, free fall accompanies me, but this time it doesn¡¯t take nearly as long before I hit the ground shoulder-first. The explosive pain in my bones travels across my chest, squeezing the breath out of my lungs and eliciting a gasp before I land on my back and roll around myself a few times. Only after three turns do I find peace on my side - the unknown Pok¨¦mon still in my arms.

    ¡°Nebby!¡± The girl¡¯s cry doesn¡¯t reach the blurred world I live in for longer than I should. The only thing I can feel is the Pok¨¦mon breaking away from me.

    ¡°Sorry! So sorry!¡± Its words go unheard by the stranger, but she wraps it in her arms anyway - just as I turn my body onto my back.

    Actually, remaining on my back would be the better option. It probably won¡¯t be long before the sun rises and if I haven¡¯t escaped this damn island by then at the latest, it will be easy for my father to capture me and ground me for the next four decades.

    ¡°Shit...¡± Stretching my arms from me, I cast a glance over at the star-filled sky. It¡¯s almost idyllic until the bird-like something appears a few feet above me.

    For a moment it seems to stare at me before it splits its face and I realise this thing may not be a bird. But I don¡¯t have the words to call it anything else and before I can find the beginning of a new name, it lunges out. My fingertips twitch. Running away is out of the question. So I just watch it throw something at me with force.

    It sparkles, shines, looks tempting and yet forces me to jerk my head to the side hastily before it can break my nose. The dull thud brings me to a sitting position before I can realise that a stone has been thrown at me.

    A fucking shiny rock.

    ¡°What¡¯s your bloody problem?!¡± I can¡¯t help but snap my head back and stare at this thing in the sky. Clenching my hands into fists, I purse my lips. Maybe I should ask Ying to do something about it. But my Zorua is still standing by the bridge, ears perked and posture crouched.

    So that Pok¨¦mon up there isn¡¯t to be messed with.

    ¡°Take it.¡± It just stares at me, its voice clear in my head. ¡°Take it. You¡¯re going to need it.¡±

    ¡°Need it?¡±

    ¡°You can understand me? Hah! I knew you were interesting!¡± It closes its shell again, as if I¡¯ve seen enough of its slender body and the bold orange it wears for adornment. ¡°Take it as a gift from me, the great guardian deity, Tapu Koko, of this island. Take it and show me if you have the responsibility and power to use it. Show me what you humans can do!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a stone...¡± Again, I look at the shiny object that almost cost me a crooked nose. It¡¯s pretty and the shallow shimmer on its surface makes it a little more attractive. But I have no clue what to do with it.

    ¡°I think it wanted you to take it.¡± The girl¡¯s voice moves closer and a sideways glance reveals she is standing next to me by now. With her Pok¨¦mon in her arms, she doesn¡¯t seem to have noticed what has happened at all.

    But another glance upward doesn¡¯t bring answers either. Tapu Koko has disappeared. For not having a pleasant character, it¡¯s damn fast at running away.

    I have no choice but to accept the sparkling stone.

    ¡°Um...,¡± again the blonde draws attention to herself, brushing aside a strand of her hair and adjusting the white hat with its oversized brim, ¡°thank you for saving Nebby.¡±

    ¡°It was in danger. Helping a Pok¨¦mon in distress is the least I can do.¡± With difficulty, I gather myself up. My legs are as soft as pudding.

    Zorua slowly creeps back to me as well, finding space next to my legs and rubbing her soft fur against me.

    ¡°You¡¯re not from around here, are you?¡± As I pat my clothes with the flat of my hands, my gaze wanders up and down her white dress.

    ¡°Um... n-no. I just...got here today,¡± she replies. ¡°I¡¯m Lillie.¡±

    ¡°Domino,¡± I introduce myself in return. ¡°What brought you to this desolate island?¡±

    ¡°I ... well ... work here as an assistant for Professor Kukui ... to get to know Pok¨¦mon better.¡±

    ¡°Ah...¡± Somewhere I¡¯ve heard of this man before, but I wasn¡¯t really paying attention. Someone involved in Pok¨¦mon research is not someone my father likes to see. That¡¯s probably why I haven¡¯t met him yet.

    ¡°Would you go back with me?¡± She presses Nebby tighter against her body. ¡°There¡¯s rustling in the bushes all the time and ... after everything that¡¯s happened, I don¡¯t dare go back alone.¡±

    It¡¯s a tough decision. If I accompany her back, wherever that may be, I¡¯ll be wasting even more time I shouldn¡¯t have wasted in the first place. Then again, I can just try to run away tomorrow once more. Not everything hangs on this one night. Doing something good for a change isn¡¯t the worst decision to make.

    ¡°Whatever. Where do you want to go?¡±

    ¡°To Professor Kukui¡¯s,¡± Lillie replies slowly. ¡°But we have to be quiet. He can¡¯t know I left the house this late.¡±

    At least that part we have in common. That¡¯s more than I expected.

    With a significant nod of my head, I turn towards the stairs. My escape has failed. But at least I have been able to help someone, and Tapu Koko has given me a stone. A fist-sized shiny stone that will probably look good on my dresser tonight.

    Maybe I¡¯ll leave it for my father as a keepsake.

    The steps bring us back to the houses and the expansive wooden area that I completely ignored the first time I passed by. Its unadorned presence just doesn¡¯t have anything that one would like to look at for longer than necessary, and again, I would prefer to push it into the background. But the chubby figure leaning against the edge waves at Lillie and me.

    ¡°Oh no...¡± Lillie¡¯s sigh makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. ¡°The kahuna.¡±

    ¡°Who?¡± Brows raised, I turn to her. Since living in this place for almost five days now, I haven¡¯t really met anyone. Someone spoke to my father once, but he sent me to my room and that was all I got out of the visit.

    ¡°Hala, the kahuna,¡± Lillie explains. ¡°He was chosen by one of the guardian deities to make sure that everyone here is doing well. I think in his case, it was Tapu Koko.¡±

    The thing that threw a rock at me. I seem to have more in common with the people of this island than I would like. Still, we can¡¯t just run away. That guy there, getting closer, may be old, but he¡¯s also a Pok¨¦mon Trainer. As is pretty much everyone here. And I don¡¯t need more rabid Spearows ruffling my hair.

    ¡°I knew I heard someone in the distance.¡± His old voice is as strong as a Machamp¡¯s shout and as he thrusts his hands to his full hips, I can¡¯t help but sigh. ¡°And I see the two new girls from this island have already met.¡±

    ¡°H-Hello...¡± Lillie forces herself to bow curtly as I tilt my head.

    ¡°No need to be shy! My Pok¨¦mon let me know what happened. Lillie, you need to take better care of yourself. And you ... Domino was your name, wasn¡¯t it? You showed courage, but all this could have ended in terrible foolishness.¡± He stretches his back a little so that his big belly stands out clearly under his blue shirt. I don¡¯t know much about him, but from what my father has told me, Hala is probably the sumo wrestler you see bits about on the dull sports news now and then. ¡°What I¡¯m wondering, though, is what you two are doing here at this hour. It¡¯s four in the morning.¡±

    Neither of us can bring ourselves to utter a single word. But if he¡¯s already caught us, he¡¯s certainly going to pay attention to what we¡¯re going to do next, and in my case, it¡¯s better to be honest. He can¡¯t do more than shake his head at me.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been trying to get off this damn island.¡± Snorting, I cross my arms in front of my chest. ¡°Zorua and I tried to escape.¡±

    As if on cue, Ying makes a sound of agreement and presses herself closer to my leg. Hala, however, eyes us.

    ¡°Your father doesn¡¯t allow you to, does he?¡±

    ¡°No. But prohibitions don¡¯t stop me from doing it.¡± I shrug. ¡°And no one else will hold me back.¡± My voice lowers. It could be better. Nicer. But the truth is all I have left. ¡°I want to get out there and live my life. I want an adventure that no one else can have. This island ... isn¡¯t my home.¡±

    ¡°So you haven¡¯t arrived where your heart feels at home yet.¡± The growl in Hala¡¯s throat almost seems as if he understands what I¡¯m trying to tell him. ¡°The stone you got from Tapu Koko, will you give it to me?¡±

    I don¡¯t need to ask how he knows about it, after all, he said that his Pok¨¦mon told him what happened. However that¡¯s supposed to work. I only understand Zorua from her body language. But I would probably never understand if our house was on fire and Zorua was trying to sum it up in Pok¨¦mon language.

    Without further ado, I give him the stone. That shiny thing has no value to me, anyway. Hala, though, looks at it for a moment before a knowing smile settles on his features.

    ¡°I won¡¯t stop you if you want to go. But it¡¯s a rough world out there sometimes and you¡¯ll have to be strong to get through it.¡± Again, he looks at me as if he understands my problem better than anyone else. ¡°How about I help you?¡±

    ¡°Help me?¡± It sounds more insane than I expected.

    ¡°Absolutely. You¡¯ll get out of here easier if you have an island challenge amulet. Besides, a Pok¨¦dex would help you.¡± He waves the stone in his hand. ¡°And Tapu Koko¡¯s gift could be of use to you, too, once I get it ready.¡±

    There are too many things I don¡¯t understand. But knowing that I can get someone to help me get off this island is a damn fine thought. It¡¯s even more than I can hope for, which is why my arms loosen and I take a deep breath. ¡°What do I have to do for this?¡±

    ¡°We have an island festival in two days. My grandson, Hau, he¡¯s your age, will be there, and he wants to perform in the battle performance with his first, own Pok¨¦mon. He needs a battle partner.¡± His grey beard trembles as he snorts vigorously. ¡°If you go up against him and win, you¡¯ll get everything you need to go. ¡®Cause then I¡¯m sure you can make it out there. You and your Zorua.¡±

    Two days. Just two more days and I can leave - with help and little things to make all these matters easier for me. All I have to do is prove my bond with Zorua.

    All we have to do is win.

 Chapter 2: From first steps and new friends II

    The purple top on my body is the same one I wore two days ago. It is the epitome of escape ¨C at least for me. I wore it on my first attempt and I will wear it again today, on my second one.

    The bandages covering my arms are the only noticeable difference. With that, I suppose I bear a terrible resemblance to a Hitmonlee, who doesn¡¯t wear white bandages but looks like it. In response to my father¡¯s insistent questions, I couldn¡¯t tell him more than that I had made the acquaintance of some Spearows in the garden. His enthusiasm was low, but he cannot control everything in the world.

    A final check tells me that the only Pok¨¦ Ball I own is snapped neatly into my belt. If Ying can¡¯t take any more, she¡¯s assured of a break.

    Sighing, I push open the door to my room. The sunset invites me to dream ¨C in my case, to a long journey that will take me to another place. The feast should already be in full swing and the little fight I¡¯m going to have with Hau is approaching. Zorua and I will win and then we will disappear. Far away from this place.

    But until then, it is important to remain inconspicuous.

    My footsteps are only half as quiet as when I first tried to escape, and when I arrive downstairs, it is my father¡¯s attentive gaze that is scrutinising me. The television is running and apart from the daily news, which hardly anyone wants to hear, he is holding a book in his hand. His thick horn-rimmed glasses pushed way down on his nose, he appraises me over the frame before raising his eyebrows.

    ¡°Where are you going? I don¡¯t remember us agreeing to leave.¡±

    Roma Simpell is a man who can tolerate loss of control as well as a Charizard can tolerate a tsunami. Everything that happens has to be agreed with him. His eyes are almost everywhere and before he started treating me like I am made of glass, he was once employed at a Pok¨¦mon Center. While I find it hard to imagine him in one lab there, or in a room with a Pok¨¦mon, according to his documents, he is trained to save a Pok¨¦mon¡¯s life.

    At the very least, he¡¯s the reason Zorua is in perfect health.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t really want to go out either. But I heard there¡¯s an annual village festival starting today, so I thought I¡¯d get to know this damn boring island a little better.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a good island, Domino,¡± my father snorts. ¡°We¡¯re safe here.¡±

    That¡¯s what he¡¯s been saying for the last four towns and three villages. But there always comes that one point when he realises that something is wrong. That something has changed. And even though I don¡¯t have a clue what it is, it¡¯s enough to keep chasing him away. From one place to the next. A kind of world tour in which I never see and get to know more than I need to.

    ¡°So ... may I go?¡± When he answers no, I have to go out the window, and judging by how terribly my arms burn, I¡¯d rather avoid that effort.

    ¡°Of course. You¡¯re welcome to meet the people. But you¡¯ll be back in an hour.¡±

    An hour. That¡¯s speedy.

    But Zorua¡¯s steady gaze on me and the throbbing in my chest both tell me I can make it if nothing comes up. So I nod to my father and turn away. Ying immediately jumps up and trots after me. My father knows we always go off together. At least it¡¯s one thing I don¡¯t have to explain somehow.

    As the door slams into the lock behind me, it¡¯s the stale, warm air of a far too long Saturday that hits me. Not the most pleasant freedom on this island, but the only bit I get.

    Immediately I run off, up the slope, where I notice for the first time that there is meadow on both sides. Tall grass that rustles sporadically but still can¡¯t stop me. My legs only come to rest when I arrive between individual small stalls where food is being advertised. Spices tickle my nose and the heat builds up between the visitors.

    A few are busy chatting. Others have lined up in front of the usually bare wooden platform. This time it is decorated with flowers, colourful and strikingly lit. It¡¯s easy to think of the fight being performed there.

    I could wish for fewer eyes, but for a ticket out of here I¡¯d even blare a song rivalling Jigglypuff on a stage in front of hundreds of people. Fortunately, in this case, the requirements are simpler and all I have to do is believe in Zorua and do our first joint battle ¨C which, as a well-coordinated team, can¡¯t be hard.

    ¡°Domino!¡± A voice drags me from my thoughts and forces me to glance over my shoulder. Lillie has come up behind me.

    She¡¯s a little shorter, I notice in those seconds, and this time she¡¯s not wearing a hat. The dress still seems to be the same, but the blonde hair is in a high ponytail. It makes her already slender stature a little slimmer.

    ¡°Lillie...¡±, I return tonelessly. I don¡¯t actually have anything to do with her, except for saving her Pok¨¦mon.

    ¡°I-I don¡¯t really like fights between Pok¨¦mon because someone always gets hurt,¡± the blonde starts slowly. ¡°But I¡¯m going to cheer you on, anyway!¡±

    She has her hands clenched into fists and raised to her chest. She must be quite young if she really believes that such poses will do any good; that they will emphasise anything when she has already clearly expressed what she wants to say.

    ¡°Thank you.¡± I don¡¯t know what to do with her. She¡¯s still a stranger, and it¡¯s not like I¡¯ll ever see her again after this fight. This island will fade into the background and I¡¯ll tick it off ¨C forever.

    ¡°Domino!¡± Once again I am called for, but this time my gaze attaches to Hala, who has positioned himself on the wooden platform and is waving eagerly. Next to him is a boy my age, and it¡¯s hard to think of anyone but Hau.

    Again, I pump the oxygen deep into my lungs before bridging the distance to the podium. It gives me time to eye the boy, whose dark green hair shimmers almost black in the setting sun. He has tied it into a high ponytail no longer than my own ¨C it barely reaches the middle of the neck. His loose black shirt seems two sizes too big for him and as I set foot on the open space, I realise he is hardly taller than I am.

    In those seconds, we seem to exist at eye level and I use it to give him a thin smile. If I can look my opponent in the face so easily, then he will see that he stands no chance against Ying and me.

    But all Hau gives off is a joyful glow, as if nothing at all could cloud him. He is the sunshine of the evening and if I didn¡¯t know better, I could almost mistake him for a Sunflora. Only a little more tanned and less yellow.

    ¡°Let¡¯s start our evening attraction!¡± Hala doesn¡¯t let either of us distract him as he claps his hands and then places them on his portly belly. ¡°Line up opposite each other and make sure you don¡¯t walk around too much. That could be dangerous in a Pok¨¦mon fight.¡±

    I give him a nod. Quickly and precisely, before I turn around and find a place on one side of the platform. Zorua places herself a little in front of me, firmly anchored on her four little red paws. Hau finds place on the other side, a simple Pok¨¦ Ball gripped tightly in his hands. Excitement glistens in his eyes and no matter how much I want to focus on this fight, I can sense that restlessness in him as well. It sits deep in my chest, bubbling, making my hands so sticky they threaten to stick to my grey pants.

    ¡°Once the trainers are ready, start your battle!¡± Hala gives the starting signal.

    It¡¯s a moment of curiosity in which murmurs travel through the crowd, and Hau tosses up his Pok¨¦ Ball to release his companion. What stares in our direction is a small, blue Pok¨¦mon, perhaps half the size of Zorua.

    ¡°Go, Popplio! We¡¯ll show them who¡¯s going to win tonight!¡± Hau¡¯s enthusiasm shrieks in my ears. He and this Pok¨¦mon are ready to battle and get the crowd fired up.

    They have come for the spectacle. I for war over my freedom.

    For a moment, silence spreads between us. It gives me time to look at the Popplio. It seems clumsy with its fins and definitely not made for a fight on land. That gives me an advantage I don¡¯t want to lose.

    ¡°Zorua, scra-¡°

    ¡°Water gun!¡± Hau beats me to it. His command drowns out my own, interrupting me, throwing me off for a moment as Popplio¡¯s chest swells and it fills its cheeks with water.

    Zorua remains motionless. Mindful. We both wait, holding each other stiff, until it shoots a sharp charge of water in a hard stream at Ying.

    ¡°Dodge!¡± I snap my hand to my side, following Zorua¡¯s upper body as she leaps sideways in a flash and charges without a second thought. She knows we have to attack to win and while the water is soaking my boots, she bridges half the platform with two leaps.

    Popplio¡¯s googly eyes widen a little more as Zorua jets into the air above it, ready to carry out my unspoken order from before. The claws of her velvety paws flash briefly, but Hau is unwilling to let our fight end that way.

    ¡°Popplio, move aside!¡±

    Just at the right moment, the Pok¨¦mon slithers away under Zorua¡¯s sharp claws. It makes a rubbing sound, combined with a strange yelp, before standing on its hind fin and pumping water from its stomach to its cheeks one more time.

    But it takes too long. Popplio isn¡¯t fast enough to catch or forecast Zorua¡¯s nimble movements. It just fills with water as Ying hits the ground.

    Then, right as she touches the wood with her paws, I clench my hands into fists. ¡°Pursuit!¡±

    It¡¯s not the best attack I can choose, certainly not. Hau won¡¯t switch out Popplio. But that doesn¡¯t mean it won¡¯t do damage. Simultaneously, it¡¯s a simple command. Zorua pursues her opponents until they surrender. She has always done that.

    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

    And this time, too, she sets in with a leap forward and rams her skull into Popplio¡¯s unprotected stomach. The water it had been holding in its cheeks to shoot off a second Water Gun spurts out of its mouth and splashes to the ground in a gush over Zorua. The Pok¨¦mon itself tumbles back and thunders back-first into the wooden slats of the small platform.

    ¡°Popplio!¡± Hau calls after it, but doesn¡¯t move. ¡°Are you all right?¡±

    In the same instant that Zorua backs away two jumps, Popplio rolls onto its side, slowly picking itself up. It is swaying. Its eyes have narrowed and although the attack has hurt, it¡¯s willing to fight on.

    ¡°Well done!¡± Hau continues to cheer for it.

    Presumably, that stare, which only makes this Pok¨¦mon look strangely confused, is a pitiful attempt to intimidate Zorua. The only attack I can think of in this context is ¡°leer¡±. Nothing special, but it could weaken Zorua¡¯s defence. Carelessness is everyone¡¯s greatest enemy.

    ¡°We can¡¯t underestimate it, Zorua.¡± I take a quick breath before tightening my shoulders. ¡°Finish it.¡±

    Ying accepts my order with a bark. She knows the strategy. We¡¯ll just do it one more time like this.

    Haltless, Zorua rushes towards the Popplio. Her claws are ready to do more damage than a simple bruise to its belly. But Hau is sure they still have a chance, and as he leans forward, hands clasped tightly, he probably even believes in a miracle.

    ¡°You need to dodge, Popplio! And then water gun!¡±

    It obeys. Again, Ying¡¯s claws sweep into nothingness, missing Popplio by a hair¡¯s breadth and making a clattering sound as they strike the wood. Her opponent has dodged, just a bit, because it has no legs to jump away. Simultaneously, it¡¯s already pumping the water into its cheeks and although dodging would be wiser, my Zorua keeps going for it.

    Water gun isn¡¯t an exceptionally powerful attack unless you have a Fire-type Pok¨¦mon in front of you. And it¡¯s definitely not an attack Ying can¡¯t withstand. Her body is too sturdy for that ¨C one of the wonderful advantages of small Zoruas.

    Once again, Popplio shoots water from its small snout in Ying¡¯s direction and hits her right in the face. But she doesn¡¯t let herself be stopped. The water blinds her and yet she knows where her opponent is sitting. She braces herself against the stream, fighting it, and when it runs dry, Zorua seems to burst out of the attack stronger than before.

    In a flash, she chases after Popplio and before Hau can say anything, Zorua rams her opponent full body. This time, Popplio takes off before crashing backwards onto the floor and lying motionless.

    The crowd cheers, Hala considers the fight over and Hau rushes to his Pok¨¦mon. Popplio is the centre of his world at this moment, and I can understand it. I wouldn¡¯t act any differently towards Zorua. But Ying is fine and leaps in my direction with light paws. The applause of the crowd frightens her and makes her hide behind my legs. In the end, in her true form, she copes badly with the eyes of too many strangers.

    The people¡¯s joy seems to spill out onto the platform and when Hala beckons me to join him, it¡¯s probably the first time I reach for the Pok¨¦ Ball on my waistband and allow Zorua to escape into a sealed-off dimension. Only then do I join the old man.

    ¡°That was a great fight!¡± He pats me on the shoulder before digging something out of the pocket of his white shorts. Immediately afterwards, he holds a stone in his hand that looks uncomfortably familiar. ¡°As promised, you¡¯ll get a little help.¡±

    Without further ado, he hands me the once unshapely glittering stone. But this time it is in a frame and a deep Z has been carved into the smooth surface. It almost passes for a pretty ring, sparkling in a light grey-black that looks beautiful in the sunset.

    ¡°And what function does it have? Is there anything special about it?¡± I can¡¯t help tilting my head.

    ¡°This stone can give you power beyond ordinary attacks of a Pok¨¦mon. We call it the Z-Move.¡± Without further ado, Hala pulls back his nose and clears his throat. ¡°This stone responds to your soul and spirit. To your emotions. If you synchronise and your Pok¨¦mon wears the matching counterpart, then you can unleash a power that no one else has ever seen. All hypothetical, of course. It¡¯s what we¡¯ve been able to find out from ancient records, but in fact, no one has ever used that power again so far.¡±

    This time, I look at the stone a little longer. It is hard to believe that something should lie dormant in it that has such great power. The allure is genuine, and the thought of testing out this stone immediately hangs deep in my senses. But the catch that Hala mentioned makes me sigh.

    ¡°What are these counterparts you¡¯re supposed to give your Pok¨¦mon?¡±

    ¡°Z-Crystals,¡± Hala explains. ¡°They come in different elements. When you find one, just put it in your ring. It will bond with them and create something that your Pok¨¦mon can wear. That¡¯s how you create a connection. And then ... it¡¯s up to you to find out if you can use that power.¡±

    ¡°Where do I find these crystals?¡±

    Hala¡¯s smile widens a little. ¡°Sometimes you can find them just like that. They¡¯re crystals that pop up and react to the stone in your ring. Beyond that, a few kahunas and other challengers have some to give away. Maybe you¡¯re ready to fill that gap in knowledge with your Zorua, exploring that power.¡±

    It sounds tempting. Going on a journey also means getting to know the world and all its secrets. Exploring the mysteries of the Pok¨¦mon world sounds like something that can be enjoyable. Anyone who doesn¡¯t see the point in arenas is probably best off with research.

    ¡°I think that¡¯s something I can get into.¡± My eyes fix on Hala, who nods delightedly. Simultaneously, my gaze slides over my shoulder to Hau, who has taken his Popplio in his arms to give it a good squeeze. It seems to have recovered from its stresses and strains.

    When I turn back to Hala, he is waving Lillie over to us. She pushes herself between the crowd, careful not to touch anyone, while the bag on her body rustles softly in my mind. Presumably, Nebby is asleep, or I would have heard it by now ¨C assuming I haven¡¯t just lost my mind.

    Hala doesn¡¯t have to say anything to get Lillie to pull something out of the front pocket of her bag. She doesn¡¯t have to hold it in her hands for long before it floats and slowly comes my way. The sleek, red design is reminiscent of a technological device, but the eyes blinking at me make it hard to believe that it¡¯s not somehow a Pok¨¦mon.

    ¡°It¡¯s a Rotom Pok¨¦dex that also works as a phone,¡± Lillie answers the questions on my face. ¡°You can use it to record Pok¨¦mon and gather information. It can also scan your own Pok¨¦mon and tell you what attacks they currently know. It even helps you figure out what some attacks are called if they¡¯re unfamiliar to you.¡±

    I tap the gift with my index finger, but the Rotom doesn¡¯t make a sound. So I point to the Popplio in Hau¡¯s arms. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±

    ¡°Popplio, water type. Sea lion Pok¨¦mon. This Pok¨¦mon is known for its strength of will. It controls water bubbles on which it likes to show off its talents. Popplios that have already gained some experience have an acrobatic fighting style. But they have to train tirelessly for this.¡±

    ¡°Huh...¡± It can give interesting information. Hau¡¯s Popplio is definitely untrained, otherwise, the fight would probably have been different. However, its willpower came through. Giving up is definitely not something this Pok¨¦mon will consider while it can still get up.

    ¡°Handy, isn¡¯t it? It helps you understand every Pok¨¦mon you find a little better. O-Only if you want to.¡± A thin smile escapes Lillie¡¯s lips. ¡°Maybe you¡¯d like to do a little research.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d love to, thank you.¡± I try to counter her with a similar smile, but the mood between us is strangely tense. Probably because we¡¯re both guarding a little secret, we can¡¯t run away from ¨C or rather, we¡¯re trying to run away from without noticing.

    ¡°Also, I have this for you. It can give you perks at a few shops and you don¡¯t have to worry about shelter.¡± Again Hala interferes. This time, however, he thrusts a badge into my hand.

    It¡¯s brightly painted and clearly made of wood, with a loop that makes it possible to wear it as a bracelet. However, it is too bulky for my taste, so I carefully stow it away in my trouser pocket. I don¡¯t want my father to know about it.

    ¡°Now I just have to get out of here.¡± It¡¯s just a whisper I impose on myself, but Hala is more attentive than anyone would give him credit for.

    ¡°Sometimes you have to follow your heart to find peace. If it were otherwise, this world as it exists today would probably not be. You children shouldn¡¯t be too bound by rules.¡± He leans schemingly between me and Lillie, as if he knows full well that neither of us is necessarily obedient. ¡°Whereas some rules are just for your own protection. Always remember that, even though it may be difficult for you.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good advice!¡± Lillie is instantly enthusiastic. ¡°Isn¡¯t it, Domino?¡±

    She looks at me with her green eyes as if I have the only right answer at that moment. But I¡¯m left with only a weak nod. Hala isn¡¯t wrong. But when you¡¯re moving through the world because your father is running away from something, so that you yourself can remember little more than the house you lived in, it¡¯s time to break the rules. At seventeen, I¡¯m old enough to take care of myself.

    ¡°I think at our age it¡¯s good to decide what¡¯s right for the moment,¡± I reply.

    ¡°My mother always says that at fourteen I¡¯m too young to decide for myself.¡± Momentarily, Lillie lowers her head. ¡°But you¡¯re right! Sometimes you have to decide for yourself!¡±

    The fact she is three years younger than me makes me doubt big adventures are a good thing for her. Fourteen might not be too young to see the world, but it¡¯s also an age when the nights can be more dangerous than you want to admit. At that age, you probably still believe that the world out there is friendly.

    The news, and also the certainty that there is always more than meets the eye, has taught me not to be too na?ve about it. That¡¯s one of the few strengths I would give myself credit for. But Lillie seems almost a little too friendly for the outside world.

    ¡°Domino!¡±

    The exclamation of a man makes my shoulders shrug. I know that voice, and I know it¡¯s too late to run away and pretend I didn¡¯t hear him.

    Is the hour already up?

    Hastily, I let my gaze slide over the heads of the others present, some of whom have turned toward a man who is approaching the stands with large strides. His black hair stands out slightly in places and the thick glasses on his nose seem to bring the glint of his dark eyes even more into focus.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± He doesn¡¯t stop for a second. Hands on hips, his brows draw together so the frown line stands out clearly.

    Whatever I can say in those seconds won¡¯t be enough. I know the rules. No contact with people researching or training Pok¨¦mon. No fighting. No danger. No friendships with people he hasn¡¯t completely screened first. No staying in places where there might be more than two Pok¨¦mon.

    No freedom.

    Only boundaries.

    ¡°I told you that-¡°

    ¡°I¡¯m not allowed to fight battles, I know,¡± I interrupt him calmly. The heaviness in my chest is crushing. Every breath feels like there¡¯s no room left in my lungs to last longer than necessary.

    He stops in front of the platform, and the curiosity of the surrounding people has already taken over. They all stare in our direction and although Hala raises his hands to address my father, he doesn¡¯t get a word in.

    ¡°You disappoint me, Domino.¡± My father snorts. ¡°Do you think I do all these things for fun, or to torment you? I¡¯m doing all this to take care of you!¡±

    ¡°But ... it¡¯s so confining.¡± My hands clench into fists. I¡¯ve said it so many times, but he never seems to hear me. ¡°I want to go on a journey. I want to have an adventure. This island isn¡¯t my home and ... I want to know this world without wondering why you¡¯re so afraid.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not afraid,¡± my father disagrees flatly. The blush on his cheeks reaches his forehead and I cannot tell if I am shaming him or if he is holding back his anger with all his might.

    ¡°Mister Simpell, I¡¯m sure you have nothing to worry about with your daughter.¡± Finally, Hala butts in. ¡°She has just won a fight against my grandson Hau without real damage to her Zorua. I¡¯m sure it was her first fight and also that she has a talent for bonding with Pok¨¦mon. She would make an excellent researcher or Pok¨¦mon Trainer.¡±

    All my father has to show for the kahuna¡¯s statement is a dismissive snort. It¡¯s less than I would have expected, but still not enough to change his mind.

    ¡°And just because she won one fight, I¡¯m supposed to believe she can handle herself out there?¡± Conviction is a long way off. ¡°These are nothing but children¡¯s games!¡±

    ¡°One, two, three, however many I have to defeat to get you to let me go!¡± It bursts out of me, far too loudly, but with the anger that always bubbles up when my freedom is put back in its place. If one fight isn¡¯t enough for him, I¡¯ll fight hundreds without losing. Anything to make him finally let me go.

    For a moment he looks at me as if I¡¯ve gone insane, but as he adjusts the glasses on his nose, the idea of a plan speaks from his posture. His shoulders tighten and he juts his chin as if he has already won.

    ¡°Fine. If you think you can beat anything and anyone, then fight four trainers from the local trainer''s school. If you defeat four of them without failing or asking for help, you can leave for all I care. I will help you with it. But should you lose, you will stay here and never leave the house more than a hundred feet away.¡±

    ¡°Nothing simpler than that.¡±

    It¡¯s just another test on the road to freedom. Nothing more, nothing less. Zorua is sturdy and I have already learned a lot from the fight with Popplio. Together with the Rotom Phone, my chances are good that I¡¯ll win easily. And then my father will see that I can stand on my own two feet.

 Chapter 3: From first steps and new friends III

    Normally, the trainer schools are closed on Sundays ¨C especially since Melemele isn¡¯t big enough to make housing for students reasonable. But Hala and my father pulled out all the stops to let me compete against four trainers. To be more precise, against the four top school students.

    The sky above us has turned grey and while my gaze glides over the beige fa?ade of the building, my father lets out a snort. He has his arms folded in front of his chest. The blue jumper makes him somehow gloomy, as does his expression, which is difficult to assess; Hala, in comparison, is much more relaxed. He bobs up and down and is probably the only one who believes in me right now.

    The saliva in my mouth is stale and tastes about as bland as the Pok¨¦mon food from the cheap shop. The white floral print top on my body seems to stick to me thanks to the humid air and even the purple tips of my hair curl under the air. Several times I try to wipe my damp hands on my long grey jeans, but they are just as damp as everything else here.

    ¡°You¡¯re welcome to look around, Domino,¡± Hala finally begins. ¡°Maybe you¡¯ll learn a few more things while you¡¯re browsing, and if you stumble across any of the students because they got distracted again, then fight them. If you lose ... we will know. After all, your Zorua will have to be healed then, won¡¯t it?¡±

    They don¡¯t have to ask me to leave everything with them or that I continue to wait. Both are aware that defeat would be a problem for Zorua. And they also know that I have nothing in my pockets. All that¡¯s hanging on me is Zorua¡¯s Pok¨¦ Ball.

    ¡°Then ... I¡¯ll have a look around.¡±

    I¡¯ve never liked schools. As a normal person with no future in fighting or anything Pok¨¦mon related, I went to one of those normal schools where you only learn the most necessary things about Pok¨¦mon. Everything else is lessons. Educational material about biology and mathematics and endless other things that are more boring than watching a Magikarp.

    Walking towards the building and leaving the front door behind me brings back that same oppressive feeling I remember from back then. That strange heaviness because I couldn¡¯t go to elite schools like other kids where Pok¨¦mon were the major topic. Sometimes my father even had to employ a private tutor because there were no ordinary schools around.

    The children of these four walls probably have a lot more fun than I ever had. But in return, I¡¯m the one who can go on an adventure after this. Means I can also finally experience and find out something.

    The cool air inside is less humid than outside, but the silence doesn¡¯t make the circumstances any less unpleasant. I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if in the next few seconds a Haunter crawls through the walls and laughs at me. While there is little fear of Ghost-type Pok¨¦mon, that doesn¡¯t make the darkness and silence any friendlier. It¡¯s not what I would look for on my days off when I don¡¯t have to.

    My gaze wanders over lockers and pictures. Over a staircase that leads to the second floor and over a wide entrance area with a hallway and a seating area in front of it. The classrooms are presumably locked, so I don¡¯t have to bother trying to open the doors. But a mood like this contributes to curiosity in some, so it wouldn¡¯t be objectionable if someone ran into me in the corridors.

    With that thought, it carries me forward a few steps before I notice a whisper. It¡¯s not in my head, which I consider positive, but it¡¯s nearby. Without further ado, I close my eyes and try to find out where it is coming from, and sure enough, it carries me a few steps to the right, where a side door leads outside. A small upper window gives me a glimpse out, and although I would have been prepared for something shocking, there is only a young girl drawing circles on the sandy ground with a stick.

    Sighing, I push the door open and suck in the thick air again. Meanwhile, the creaking noise makes the stranger look up. Her brown eyes scrutinise me before she purses her lips and gets to her feet. ¡°Are you that girl who wants to fight the top four in the school?¡±

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t say I really want to. But if I were, why aren¡¯t you at the front near the fighting fields?¡±

    The corners of her mouth drop. ¡°Because I don¡¯t want to fight you. It¡¯s Sunday! I wanted to watch my favourite show with my Pok¨¦mon. Instead, my mother told me I had to come here. I was hoping you¡¯d just leave when no one showed up.¡±

    ¡°So the others are hiding in the building, too?¡±

    She merely shrugs before reaching for her Pok¨¦ Ball and rolling her eyes. ¡°So. Let¡¯s get this over with. I¡¯ll beat you and enjoy the rest of the day.¡±

    ¡°Whatever.¡± I reach for my Pok¨¦ Ball as well. With the horrible air, it felt better to keep Zorua in the comfortable ball instead of letting her swim through the air like a Vaporeon.

    Our eye contact doesn¡¯t break as I move a few feet away from her. Maybe ten before I stop. It¡¯s probably less than it should be, and anyway, this alcove is far too narrow to comply with the rules of an official fight, but it will have to do. If one of us gets hurt, that¡¯s a problem we have to bear.

    Then we throw our balls at the open space between us and while my lips remain silent, a hiss escapes my opponent. ¡°Chop those pests, Pikipek!¡±

    A sparrow. At least it looks like a sparrow, and while it might be wise to use the Rotom, there¡¯s still the fact that I¡¯m carrying nothing but my Pok¨¦ Ball. No tools. No information. Just Ying, facing a new opponent that is definitely a Flying-type; my dear Zorua, who looks like a sparrow as well.

    She is a master with the mirage through and through.

    My opponent¡¯s interested hum sounds mocking. ¡°I see you also possess a Pikipek. But don¡¯t think your measly Pok¨¦mon can compete with my prized treasure!¡±

    If only she knew.

    But surprises are our speciality, so I let her take the first step ¨C the first attack ¨C to show me what¡¯s so great about a Pikipek.

    ¡°Peck!¡± Her exclamation is louder than anything she¡¯s brought to her lips so far, and although I don¡¯t want to respond, a wince escapes my shoulders. Simultaneously, the sparrow begins to flutter.

    Pikipek¡¯s wild wing beats make it fast and before I can get anything out of myself, it has bridged the distance to Zorua. Its head snaps back, ready to ram the tip of its beak into Ying¡¯s flesh. But she¡¯s not stupid, nor is she rooted to the spot. I don¡¯t have to say anything to get her to dodge. She has Pikipek in her sights better than I do.

    ¡°Scratch!¡± I quickly issue an order to Ying, not wanting to waste her gallant leap to the side. Sure enough, she is already lifting a deceptive wing as she lands just beside Pikipek. It takes no further momentum to smash the pointed feathers against the sparrow¡¯s plumage.

    Staggering, Pikipek stumbles a few inches to the side as Ying leaps to beat her wing against its feathers one more time. It leaves no visible damage, but the force should still shake this Pok¨¦mon¡¯s small body.

    ¡°Pikipek, peck! Use it!¡±

    For a moment, my opponent¡¯s command seems insane. Pikipek is still staggering as if it can¡¯t find its balance. And Ying is already hovering over it, ready to deliver the final blow. But just as her wing jets down to end the fight, Pikipek dodges it in a spin. Ying lands on the ground right next to it, unable to make the next leap before the Pikipek¡¯s beak bores into her side.

    The beak doesn¡¯t come through the fur or through the skin of my Zorua, but the small sound that escapes her and the mirage that collapses with a blow worries me enough to clench my hands into fists. I cannot intervene.

    Haltless, Zorua slams onto her side and rolls away just in time as Pikipek strikes a second time with its beak. Its force flings the dust up from the ground, leaving small holes where its attack has disappeared. Ying, however, gets back on her paws and gains distance.

    ¡°That wasn¡¯t a Pikipek at all!¡± The girl across from me raises her brows. ¡°It¡¯s pretty cute. It¡¯s a Zorua, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°It is,¡± I reply to her curtly before filling my lungs with air and turning my attention back to the fight. ¡°Ying, pursuit! And whenever you get the chance, use your paws!¡±

    I don¡¯t have to tell her twice to get her to lower her head and devour Pikipek with a stare. She¡¯s ready to win this fight, no matter how exhausting it gets.

    Then, in a flash, she chases forward. Her soundless paws bring her back to the sparrow within seconds, its eyes widening slightly. Wings spread, it puts its head on the back of its neck, ready to peck again, and though it is exactly the command it receives, it misses Zorua by far. Ying dodges it in mid-air. Her limber body drifts to the side, bringing her to the ground a step beside the Pikipek. Another leap sends her power rushing forward so that her body rams her opponent¡¯s mercilessly.

    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

    The momentum jerks Pikipek off its tiny feet, causing it to flip and tumble onto its side before flapping its wings to straighten up again. Zorua, however, doesn¡¯t give it time to adjust itself. Before it can collect its wits, Ying slams her clawless paw into its face ¨C just above the beak.

    Again it sweeps the sparrow off its feet and when it hits the ground this time, its wings remain spread wide. It only twitches its legs, but has clearly lost consciousness.

    ¡°Pikipek!¡± The girl doesn¡¯t wait a moment longer than necessary as she rushes towards her Pok¨¦mon and takes it in her arms. It recovers quickly but remains in the protective embrace of its owner.

    Ying, of course, is doing splendidly. She struts in my direction, wagging her bushy tail lightly so that I spread my arms and let her weighty body bounce against my chest.

    ¡°You did great! One fight out of four passed.¡± Briefly, I bury my nose in her fur. She smells a little dusty. Her nearly thirteen kilos tug at my muscles.

    ¡°You won...¡± Finally, our opponent speaks up. ¡°That wasn¡¯t the result I wanted ... but at least I can go home now.¡± She shrugs. ¡°Good luck or ... something like that...¡±

    She doesn¡¯t pay me another glance as she turns away and leaves ¨C almost as if I¡¯m just a Gastly dwelling within the walls of the school. Still, I can¡¯t help the thin smile on my lips. If all the fights are going to be this easy, then I¡¯ll get through here with ease.

    Zorua and I are probably much stronger than this school¡¯s children. We have an advantage that no one can take away from us.

    Slowly, I ease Ying back onto her four feet before we wander back through the door and into the interior of the school. The silence still engulfs every corner that can be seen, but this time, it seems less oppressive than before. It lightens my steps and makes me listen more attentively. My eyes wander over the entrance area, where there is still no one, and without bothering further with the sitting area, I stroll up the stairs to the second floor.

    The light penetrates better inside here because the few holes of light on the horizon allow a faint glow to break through. Simultaneously, I don¡¯t miss the boy at the window. The gleam in his eyes is more haunting than the island¡¯s sunshine on a good day and even though I don¡¯t know the first thing about him, it¡¯s written all over his face that he longs for an adventure. Just as I do.

    But he is hardly older than the girl before him, maybe fourteen, and the opportunity to go on a journey is ultimately taken up by very few. Even an island challenge, which opens the doors to the other islands and makes it possible to see something more in a challenge, is hardly taken up. This is the reason my father chose Alola. Here, most stay right where they started.

    ¡°Mind it, I¡¯m not one of them.¡± Wrinkling my nose, I gesture Zorua to step in front of me before crossing my arms in front of my chest. ¡°You there! You¡¯re one of my opponents too, aren¡¯t you? Let¡¯s get this over with, shall we?¡±

    The boy¡¯s eyes are slow to detach from the firmament and as he turns to me, he eyes me with a dark gaze. His lanky figure seems to waver slightly as he takes posture and strokes his blond hair once. ¡°In here?¡±

    ¡°Better than going out now. The air is better.¡±

    I have no clue what it was like for Zorua outside, but the stifled air made me sweat uncomfortably. Besides, my throat is parched and everything in me just wants to disappear into a room with air conditioning.

    ¡°If you say so. But don¡¯t complain in the end.¡±

    It¡¯s a mystery to me why I should complain, but when he throws his Pok¨¦ Ball and silently calls for his comrade¡¯s presence, it definitely brings a little more sweat to my brow. I¡¯ve seen this thing before.

    It looks like a potted plant and it could certainly be mistaken for one, but if there¡¯s one thing I¡¯ve learned, it¡¯s that some Pok¨¦mon are little phantoms. The Bonsly that wobbles docilely back and forth and looks at me with its startled, dilated yellow eyes is a Rock-type. This not only makes it robust, but it is also vulnerable to water ¨C which Zorua cannot supply.

    ¡°But we¡¯ll still manage,¡± I mutter to myself before thrusting my chin forward and tightening my shoulders. ¡°Zorua, scratch!¡±

    Instantly, Ying lunges forward, paws spread and claws clearly visible. She knows it takes force to do damage, which this Pok¨¦mon can feel. But Bonsly is stubborn and its trainer has nothing more than a shallow smile for us. Then Zorua chases the claws over her opponent ¨C barely able to do more than a superficial, barely visible scratch.

    At least as dumbfounded as I am, Zorua pushes away from Bonsly with her back paws, and though the Pok¨¦mon sways, it stays in place. Only when its owner stretches his arms away and grins at me does it move.

    ¡°Copycat.¡±

    It¡¯s a very simple command. One that we could easily dodge, but instead of attacking us, the Bonsly bursts into tears. Thick beads roll down its already exhausted-looking face and while I¡¯m at a loss, Zorua backs away a little.

    The circumstance harbours more irritation than clear insight and as the Bonsly comes running towards Zorua, it seems impossible to do more than dodge. Without further ado, Ying dares to leap to the side as her opponent tries to use an awkward air jump to use its rounded feet to scratch.

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you be helping your Pok¨¦mon?¡± Louder than before, I address the boy, but he merely shrugs.

    ¡°When you saw Bonsly, you looked like you knew about the Pok¨¦mon. Now, however, it turns out you don¡¯t know the first thing.¡±

    I can¡¯t deny it. All I know is that Bonsly is a Rock-type. Everything else has completely escaped me ¨C not least because I don¡¯t have time to deal with Pok¨¦mon in my father¡¯s surroundings. The lack of knowledge heightens the issue and yet, with everything in front of me, I can¡¯t be bothered by a crying Bonsly.

    Its trainer is probably not a tiny monster, so I just assume that this reaction is part of the Pok¨¦mon. I can sort out everything else after the fight.

    ¡°Zorua, we can¡¯t let this intimidate us. Just think of its tears as an attack. It wants to make you careless.¡±

    Briefly, Ying¡¯s gaze wanders in my direction before she shares determination with me. Meanwhile, I¡¯m going over her attacks in my head. Normal attacks won¡¯t work, so I have to limit myself to the bit that clings to the Dark-type.

    ¡°Pursuit!¡±

    Snorting, Zorua lowers her head and waits for the right moment when the Bonsly comes running towards her again. Then she, too, takes off running. With a great leap, Ying places herself right in front of her opponent, who is already lunging with its upper body for a headbutt. Then she jets upwards with a leap so fast that it seems only her shadow is left behind. Bonsly¡¯s head spins forward into nothing and just as it regains upright footing, Ying spins in the air for a powerful kick with her hind paw.

    If we can¡¯t scare Bonsly, then we have to treat it like a bowling ball. And in those seconds, it actually stumbles back to hit its head on the wall of the house. But it hardly notices any of this. It just swings back into place as if nothing had ever happened and we both know that a break could work to our disadvantage.

    So Ying keeps the ball rolling.

    ¡°The order stands, Bonsly. Copy your opponent until they no longer stand!¡± Once again the boy gives his will to his Pok¨¦mon and even as Ying leaps towards the Bonsly ¨C ready to ram it with all her might ¨C it dares to leap into the air. It¡¯s different from the first time. More gallant, almost unbelievable for a flowerpot. But it happens and Zorua¡¯s attack misses. Instead, she raises her head at the right moment to catch a fierce kick from Bonsly. Its rounded feet thunder against Ying¡¯s nose and the yowling sound as she¡¯s yanked backwards, head first, makes me wince.

    She doesn¡¯t slam on the ground, catches herself half in flight and lands gingerly on all fours. But before she even raises her head, blood drops to the ground.

    ¡°Ying!¡± I want to run to her, want to take her in my arms and care. But Ying immediately lifts her eyes and looks at me as if I don¡¯t trust her enough. Blood runs down her nose, dripping straight in front of her paws. Yet she doesn¡¯t want to give up.

    She is still on her feet.

    I have no choice but to show calm and prove that we can do this.

    I raise my hand, my gaze firmly locked with Zorua¡¯s, and as I catch my breath, the certainty in me increases. ¡°Counter with everything you¡¯ve got!¡±

    Ying¡¯s demonstrative snort presses a few last little red marks to the ground before she turns her attention to Bonsly once more. Her posture is wary, her tail fluffy and stiff, and her red paws seem fixed. Just for a moment, the Bonsly wiggles indecisively, its trainer calling for it to end it.

    ¡°Bonsly, the same again!¡±

    But instead of Bonsly, Ying sprints off. She doesn¡¯t give her opponent time to adjust or come up with a plan. Instead, she chases Bonsly with two powerful leaps and lashes out with her paw so fiercely that I hold my breath.

    In the next instant, she smashes her claws into Bonsly¡¯s face. It spins around so that my Zorua can land, and no sooner does it look at Ying again than she jumps violently, with full body contact, against the Pok¨¦mon.

    It stumbles back, still on its tiny feet. But it doesn¡¯t get to dodge as Zorua is already hanging in the air above it, sending both of her powerful hind legs thundering against Bonsly¡¯s body.

    The result sweeps her opponent off its feet for the first time, and as soon as it lies on its back, it no longer moves. The fight has strained it at least as much as Ying, and defeat seems more welcome to it than getting up.

    ¡°Such bad luck...¡± With a sigh, my opponent sends his Bonsly back into its Pok¨¦ Ball before turning to me. ¡°Didn¡¯t think you and your Zorua could stand up to it.¡±

    In a few steps, he bridges the gap before reaching into his pocket and pulling out a small cloth. ¡°Heard you can¡¯t use any aids. But a simple handkerchief for your Zorua won¡¯t be a problem.¡±

    ¡°Thanks!¡± It¡¯s actually something to be happy about. Instantly, I fall to my knees and turn my attention to Ying, who is brushing around my legs.

    The blood on her nose has already dried, and it takes some saliva to get it clean. But Zorua looks almost as good as new afterwards.

    ¡°And regarding my Bonsly ... it has to regulate its water balance. If it has too much water in it, it cries to make up for it. That¡¯s also the case when it sweats.¡± Averting his eyes, the boy scratches the back of his head. ¡°So you ... don¡¯t have to worry about it feeling bad.¡±

    I nod at him. It¡¯s the only thing that doesn¡¯t seem out of place in those seconds as he adjusts his clothes and makes his way out.

    Zorua and I stay behind.

    We have defeated two out of four trainers. That¡¯s halfway to freedom. But Zorua is pretty battered, and no matter how much I want to trust her, it¡¯s getting harder and harder to believe we can do it.

    The meaning of these battles is becoming more and more unclear. It¡¯s a tough world out there. Very few people will abide by any rules. What Zorua and I have to learn has little to do with simple fighting. We must learn to survive. By whatever means we can find, rather than pennilessly proving that brute force works too.

    Pursing my lips, I take a deep breath. I can think of better things to do in this place than to develop the na?ve fantasy that this is how we would cope out there. Far from the safety of four walls, Zorua can rely on me. If I have to get involved, I get involved. A very simple rule.

    ¡°But that won¡¯t get us anywhere here...¡± Another sigh comes over me as I stroke Zorua¡¯s velvety soft fur.

    Foremost, I must meet my father¡¯s requirement. Everything else comes after that. It doesn¡¯t matter what it¡¯s like out there if I can¡¯t get a taste of it. I have to take it one step at a time. With Ying. And our next hurdle is in the third trainer, who is hiding somewhere in this school.

 Chapter 4: From first steps and new friends IV

    My footsteps are a wafting echo that engulfs the school and yet brings nothing more with it than yawning emptiness, with no one waiting for me. Wherever the other trainers are, they haven¡¯t settled in the building. So I have no choice but to sneak out of the building with Zorua ¨C the other side opposite the girl I beat before, straight into a well-tended school garden.

    The grass in the immediate vicinity rustles and although I don¡¯t want to get hung up on it, it¡¯s hard to argue it¡¯s not following me somehow. No matter where I walk, the grass rustles as if an invisible Abra is watching me. The truth, however, is that it¡¯s probably just a few little Pok¨¦mon keeping up with the world. In Zorua¡¯s state, everything just seems a lot more dangerous.

    Without further ado, my gaze falls back to Ying. Her eyes are glued to her surroundings and yet her small body doesn¡¯t move any further away from me than necessary. Looking at her like that makes you think she¡¯s fine. Almost as if nothing had happened. But I know better and no matter how much I want to get away from here, another fight is almost insane.

    As Zorua¡¯s gaze shoots up at me, she seems to see through my thought. Her proportionally tiny red paws tap the ground. She extends her claws, retracts them again, and fluffs the puff on her head a little. Her anxious nature fades for a moment and all she communicates to me in those seconds is her desire for freedom. The dream of seeing the world together, even if it sometimes seems hopeless.

    ¡°You really want to go through with this, huh?¡± Raising a brow, I give her a sly smile. It¡¯s all I have left, and it¡¯s enough to elicit a nod from Ying.

    Only then does her nose stretch in another direction and as my gaze follows her movement, it is the lanky body of a young child that I catch. The boy has crouched in the grass and is extensively observing the green stems, which look pitifully bent under the stifling air.

    I approach him in slow steps until I come to a halt unnoticed next to him and look at the same thing as him. There isn¡¯t much more to see than the greenery of countless plants. A sight that brings peace and yet cannot hold me.

    ¡°Do you go to school here?¡±

    Hastily, the boy jerks his head up and looks at me from under his curly fringe, out of large, dark eyes. The black hair shimmers under the piercing sun and although hardly a ray reaches the ground, he wears an old straw hat, the kind you sometimes find on grandmothers in the garden.

    ¡°Are you the girl we are supposed to compete against?¡± His eyes widen a little. ¡°Hello.¡±

    ¡°Hi. And yes, I suppose I am.¡± With a smile, I put my hands on my hips. He¡¯s young, but probably not to be underestimated. ¡°Are you fighting me?¡±

    Once more, his gaze slides back to the green of the stalks before he nods and picks himself up. He¡¯s just up to my chest and probably not even old enough to go to a classic kids¡¯ movie aged twelve and up, but the tightened shoulders and deep breaths make him look more grown-up than most others his age.

    Without further ado, I take some distance. Ten wide steps because we have more space in this place. No constricting wall here forces us to get along in the smallest of spaces. Once again, Zorua takes up her position at my feet. We are ready. Another fight we have to put behind us to reach the goal.

    The boy, however, throws his ball with an energetic ¡°Go!¡± to unleash a Metapod from its shell. It is probably one of the most widespread Pok¨¦mon that you know, even if you have spent your existence in a cave. It¡¯s a classic Grass-type Pok¨¦mon that rarely has much to offer. I don¡¯t know everything about this thing, but I¡¯ve heard many swear about it being about as much fun as a Magikarp.

    Most find it wholly unsuitable for combat and that¡¯s the advantage Ying and I have. Its wiggling body, bobbing back and forth all the time as if trying to calm itself, is the perfect toy for my Zorua. There¡¯s no point in being more careful than necessary.

    ¡°Ying, scratch!¡± My hand hisses to the side as if to knock a ball away from me as Zorua leaps forward.

    Her windy paws carry her to the Metapod in a flash, ready to slash her claws against the carapace. But before she can lunge out, the voice of the boy in the fight comes through.

    ¡°Harden!¡±

    A brief gleam slides across the Pok¨¦mon¡¯s shell before Ying¡¯s claws slash, releasing a screech that does little more damage than a burst eardrum. Teeth clenched tight, I press my hands to my ears to muffle the yelp. The boy does the same, eyes squeezed tightly shut.

    Ying, meanwhile, backs away. She takes the irritation in stride for a moment, letting her tail slide suspiciously from right to left before she catches herself and looks at me as if I know what to do.

    If this little guy counters every one of my attacks with his harden, Ying will win eventually. It¡¯s hard to imagine it really being that easy. Still, something other than attack is out of the question.

    ¡°Ying, scratch. Until you break through the shell!¡±

    A snort escapes my Zorua before she turns her attention once more to the Metapod and immediately charges. Within the blink of an eye, she is hanging in the air above her opponent, ready to bring all four paws crashing down on the green crescent. The Metapod, meanwhile, bobs peacefully back and forth ¨C its eyes half-closed. It senses no danger, and yet danger is all it is surrounded by.

    Ying extends her claws. Her preparations are made. But my counterpart simply waits for each of our moments before deciding to counterattack. ¡°Safry, tackle! Block the Zorua!¡±

    ¡°Pay attention, Ying!¡±

    My exclamation comes just in time as Zorua smashes a paw at the Metapod, sending it bouncing backwards a little further. In return, it comes back with a punch, ready to ram its skull into her side. But Zorua¡¯s flexibility pays off as she clutches her opponent¡¯s head with her front paws and uses its momentum to swing her back legs back up.

    The bobbing ten kilos hurl their momentum into nothingness as Ying pushes herself off it. She comes to rest only briefly on her paws as she does so, before leaping forward again and smashing her claws against the Metapod with force. It would almost be worth a little glee if it weren¡¯t for the sheen of its green skin, which conveys that it has used harden once more. Metapod seems to know that the more it strengthens its fibres, the less it will be damaged.

    But Zorua doesn¡¯t give up. Once again, she strikes with her claws, jumps off, lands behind her opponent, and rams her hind paws into the Pok¨¦mon¡¯s backside. Metapod, though, hardly moves at all. It merely rocks forward heavily before coming back with momentum and head-butting Ying, sending her stumbling back.

    Her legs buckle, her body sways. Ears laid back, the puff on her head seems to be the only thing in sight. Metapod, in contrast, continues to teeter, unable to move from the spot. It¡¯s our chance, but Zorua can barely stay on her feet. She is exhausted, battered, and although her body is robust, she can barely grasp an obvious target.

    The next words hang like lead in my throat and yet I dare to let them pass over my dry tongue. ¡°Ying ... you must hang on! Fight back! Pursuit!¡±

    I would love to force her back into the Pok¨¦ Ball. But I promised to trust her. Not by word, not by will, but I¡¯ve made her feel like I believe in her. And she actually believes that together we can do anything. If we have to go down this way, then so be it. At least we¡¯ll do it together.

    Hands clenched into fists, I watch Ying stand wide-legged and struggle to comply with my request. Her swaying subsides and before I am sure she has regained her composure, she leaps onto the Metapod.

    Her claws once again chase over a far too hard carapace and while her opponent again increases the bobbing, she waits for the second when it leans backwards. At that moment, Zorua bumps into the end of the Metapod ¨C with all her might, as if she wants to give it a body slam ¨C and makes it take off.

    Reluctantly, the Pok¨¦mon somersaults and rolls towards its trainer until it gets stuck in the ground with the tips of its body. With its eyes fixed on the ground, it cannot move. It is incapable of fighting.

    Briefly, I suck the air in sharply between my teeth as the boy bends to his Metapod and puts it out of its misery. The smile on his features is as innocent as expected. ¡°Your Zorua is very smart. Defeating Metapod isn¡¯t easy unless you¡¯re a lot stronger or bigger to throw around and damage it inside, so it used another weak point.¡±

    Because this damn Pok¨¦mon barely moves, it gave Ying a hard time. Maybe this is my fault. Maybe we¡¯re getting tired and careless. A mistake that shouldn¡¯t have happened, and yet it cornered us.

    ¡°I think I will go now,¡± the boy continues soundly. ¡°I will tell Hala that I have lost. With a Metapod, that¡¯s believable.¡±

    He nods at me once more before rushing off, leaving me alone in the middle of the meadow. So I let myself fall. Straight onto the ground, between green stalks, near my Pok¨¦mon. Ying, meanwhile, comes shuffling in my direction and, just for a moment, she seizes the opportunity to lie down and rest her head on my lap.

    This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

    I don¡¯t want to touch her. My fingers quiver and the pounding in my chest hurts my ribs. Her head injury could only get worse if I touch her awkwardly. She probably already has a concussion and needs an urgent break to recover. An end to all the fighting for the next two weeks so she can rest. At least if I don¡¯t get my hands on a potion first.

    The sigh on my lips weighs heavily as I place my hand carefully on Zorua¡¯s back. The black fur nestles silky against my fingers. A little peace we share as the rustling of the meadow still lurks in the background. However, it cannot startle us. It can do nothing to chase us off the field in those seconds.

    At least, that¡¯s a faint belief as it pulls us into its arms and lets us go right after, as Zorua¡¯s fur begins to bristle. She is still relaxed and resting on my lap, but the static is there and even before I can comprehend the circumstances, an eye is looking at me from the side ¨C a tiny black dot in the centre.

    My body barely moves. Only slowly do my feet slide under my body. We can¡¯t have a fight that will only weaken Zorua. The last one against one trainer is still to come and we need to gather every bit of strength we can muster.

    The magnets on the sides of the Pok¨¦mon slowly spin and while it hovers around us, I press my lips together tighter. Magnemite is not a match for us in this situation. I don¡¯t even know what attacks are worth using against a Pok¨¦mon like this. Without the Pok¨¦dex, I¡¯m at a loss.

    Every move I make is kept rigidly in sight. The only chance we have is to run away, and although Ying hasn¡¯t seen our enemy yet, she trusts my tense stance. She doesn¡¯t move an inch, allowing me to hug her tighter in my arms and lift her slowly. If I wait for the right moment, we might get lucky.

    But the rustling of the meadow won¡¯t let us disappear quietly, and every noise makes the magnets on the Pok¨¦mon¡¯s side spin faster. My only option is to jump up and start running.

    I can hear the whirring of static in the background. A glance over my shoulder reveals that I have barely put five steps between us. Still, it has already gathered its electricity, and it is not afraid to attack. The static in our surroundings grows denser. I can feel the tingling on my skin and know Magnemite¡¯s sights are on us. It will use an electric shock and I won¡¯t be able to get away.

    ¡°Ying!¡± My breath hurries over my lips as I press my Pok¨¦mon¡¯s body tighter against me. Her gaze lifts. ¡°Give this Pok¨¦mon a taste of what you can do. Knock it down. And don¡¯t look back.¡±

    She merely nods, and I know that despite her shy mannerisms, she will always listen to my words. We have been together too long for anything else.

    As the tingling on my skin becomes stronger, I take a deep breath. Then, with a fierce twist, I turn to face the wild Pok¨¦mon again. With all my strength, I swing Zorua around and let her go just in time before Magnemite¡¯s attack releases.

    Ying flies through the air as the tension drives into my body. Gritting my teeth, I let the electricity chase through my body. It stabs through my skin, burning deep into my muscles, making my fingers twitch as the rest crash stiffly to the floor. Heat burns my body from the inside out, leaving red marks on my hands and probably under the bandages. All I can see is the Spearow¡¯s scratch wounds bursting open under the white mull, pressing blood into the fabric.

    It is only a moment, a simple, insignificant breath. But my head thinks I feel minutes passing and the twitches in my body keep me half-curled on the floor. The air presses quiveringly from my nose, moisture clings to my upper lip and my skull throbs. Simultaneously, an inarticulate laugh escapes my parched throat.

    If this is thunder shock, if electricity hurts so much, why do our Pok¨¦mon volunteer to go into battle? Why do we send them into arenas?

    It¡¯s a trivial thought that I can¡¯t answer, and it makes my eyes water because presumably, hardly any trainers know how painful a Pok¨¦mon¡¯s attacks can be.

    The breath slips shakily into my lungs as I pull back my nose and bite my lower lip. The spasms in my muscles subside and when I lift my head a little to see how Zorua is doing, it is her wet nose that rests gently against my forehead. Then her tongue follows and when I think I can feel my fingers again, I slide my hand in her direction. The Magnemite has disappeared.

    ¡°Pretty pathetic, isn¡¯t it?¡± My bones seem to quiver as I try to scramble into a sitting position. ¡°You endure dozens of attacks because I can¡¯t help you and I can¡¯t even stand up to one myself. You probably would have taken that thunder shock with dignity.¡± I hang my head. ¡°And yet I once heard that the attack isn¡¯t supposed to be very strong. I don¡¯t even want to know what would have happened if it had been more powerful.¡±

    My eyes wander to the small red spots that are already fading under my skin. It¡¯s not permanent damage and maybe that¡¯s why it doesn¡¯t rate as particularly strong. Harder attacks would probably have burnt my skin. Maybe there are even attacks so strong that you burst into flames.

    Hastily, I shake my head. I just hope I never have to fall over such things. Because I think death is certain for me, should it be otherwise.

    Zorua¡¯s little nose still caresses me, and though my arms burn as if I¡¯ve made acquaintance with a Magcargo, I enclose her in a hug, only to pick myself up again a moment later. ¡°We can¡¯t stay here forever, can we?¡±

    Ying¡¯s curt bark is all the confirmation I need.

    In unhurried strides, we shift around the building back to the front, where my father and Hala have settled on a bench to talk to a boy who seems just about my age. His wild brown hair sticks out in all directions and the glasses on his nose make him look intelligent. Hands pressed to his sides, he laughs a few times before spotting Ying and me and waving. He is clearly of sunny nature.

    Immediately after, the men rise and turn to me and it is my father¡¯s eyes that grow unnaturally large.

    ¡°Domino! What happened to your arms?¡±

    Legitimate question, but not one to which I can give an honest answer. Ultimately, what happened is just a sign to my father that Zorua and I are no good for out there. So I swallow the words and put on a smile.

    ¡°Nothing much,¡± I bring to my lips. ¡°I slipped on the steps inside and had a hard landing.¡±

    My father gasps for air while Hala claps his hands and tries to turn the mood in another direction with a short laugh. He probably realised after the first two words that I¡¯m lying ¨C even if I¡¯m not being very obvious. Then again, a simple fall down the stairs shouldn¡¯t reopen the scratches on my arm and make them bleed so badly.

    ¡°How about we move on to the last battle? After all, you and your Zorua have done splendidly up to this point.¡± He takes a few steps closer before pointing to the battlefield that adorns part of the front yard. The place where I should have been fighting all the battles. ¡°You and Flamian can start your fight here.¡±

    It¡¯s not really an offer, but I take it anyway and nod to the old man before joining Ying on one side, watching as the boy takes a stance as well. The Pok¨¦ Ball in his hands is our last hurdle.

    ¡°When you¡¯re ready, start your battle.¡± Hala gives us the freedom to do everything else the way we want, and even if it¡¯s not much, it¡¯s more than I¡¯m likely to get out there.

    As Zorua gets ready for the ending battle wide-legged in front of me, Flamian sends his Pok¨¦mon off to fight. And what faces me all at once is an impossibly ugly slime creature, strongly reminiscent of a Grimer, but completely different in appearance with its green colour and yellow mouth. It must be a special form of the island ¨C something my father reluctantly told me about after I read in an article that not every Pok¨¦mon has to look the same.

    This also made me realise this Pok¨¦mon is appearing less because there are fewer industrial wastes to be eaten. I don¡¯t know if that¡¯s a curse or a blessing. In these seconds, it may not even matter. The only thing that matters is that we defeat this muddy mass and finally gain that bit of assurance that Ying and I have been seeking for an eternity.

    ¡°Ying, pursuit!¡± Waiting is something I cannot afford to do in Ying¡¯s condition. What¡¯s left is to go on the offensive and Zorua complies with the will as it instantly runs towards the Grimer.

    The distance between the two Pok¨¦mon is fair. It takes Zorua several jumps to arrive at the Grimer and it¡¯s enough time wasted in the process for my opponent to act. His hand lifts in what resembles a harsh command as he raises his voice. ¡°Take it!¡±

    ¡°Hah?¡± I blink several times in disbelief. Is this guy trying to make me win?

    Ying takes it as a welcome gift and slams both paws into the side of Grimer. Mud splashes to either side, gums up Ying¡¯s fur, seems to eat into it, and disappears at the same moment she jumps back. The attack did purely nothing.

    ¡°Dark-type attacks are useless ... or any attack that doesn¡¯t just hit my Grimer¡¯s weakness.¡± He puffs out his chest proudly. ¡°Do what you will, but you will lose this fight.¡±

    I want to inquire, want to find out why he thinks we¡¯ll lose if his Grimer does next to nothing and Ying can attack permanently. He could hardly make it easier for us. But a glance at Zorua turns our chances to misery.

    She is wavering. Zorua¡¯s tail hangs limply and her legs tremble. Her breathing is faster than usual, forcing her to pant, and another glance at Grimer triggers a scratch in my throat. ¡°Poison...¡±

    ¡°Too late detected, I¡¯m afraid. And without an antidote, you won¡¯t be able to win.¡± He thrusts his hands to his hips. ¡°You should give up here and now. I think everyone knows what happens when a Pok¨¦mon is poisoned, right?¡±

    My lips press together so tightly that I forget to breathe for a moment. I have to give up. Ying cannot continue this fight. The poison in her body will eat away at her organs ¨C it will kill her if I don¡¯t take her to the Pok¨¦mon Center immediately.

    A quick glance at Hala reveals that he still believes in a fight. He wants to see how far we really want to go. Probably a perfectly natural view of things, but it¡¯s not his Pok¨¦mon that has death drawn on its fur, either.

    Trembling, I suck the air deep into my lungs. I can¡¯t let Zorua go on. She¡¯s too precious for that. Too important for me to sacrifice her in the face of my desire. But before I can make a single sound, Ying lets out a stubborn bark. Loud and obstinate, as if she is angry about something. And before I can grasp the situation, she rushes towards the Grimer again.

    Without further ado, she lashes out with her paw and slams it down on the motionless Pok¨¦mon, which simply accepts her blow. But this time she isn¡¯t satisfied with one. Rage drives her on.

    Repeatedly, she scratches at the slime, letting her claws penetrate deep into the ugly mass and spreading it in the immediate vicinity. So fierce, so unyielding, that even Flamian opens his mouth. He wants to issue a command, but cannot find the words. All that remains between us is Ying¡¯s rage, threatening to tear Grimer to pieces. Claws scraping away slimy green. Hissing at the poison circulating through her body a little faster with each movement.

    ¡°Stop...¡± The words on my tongue are just a whisper. The tightness of my throat burns. Heat pools in my cheeks, making my vision watery. She''s going to die. ¡°Ying ... stop it...¡± My hands clench into fists. ¡°It¡¯s okay...¡± I swallow. ¡°Ying... Ying. Ying!¡± The last words escape me like a scream. ¡°Stop it!¡±

    She obeys. With her hind paws she pushes away from Grimer and, with a somersault, covers the distance back to me. She comes up halfway steadily on her paws. Her nose is bleeding. Her eyes look misty. The panting has probably already dried out her lungs, and the trembling has taken over her entire body.

    ¡°H...Hah!¡± Even the boy¡¯s voice quivers. ¡°Looks like you¡¯ll have to stay here!¡±

    Maybe I¡¯ll have to. At least in a fair way, until I think of something else. Until I come up with a plan to get out of here. Someday, when Ying is well again.

    The rustling of the meadows is all at once very present. The call for freedom tugs at me. Maybe that¡¯s what spurred Ying on. It¡¯s so clear, so close, so insistent that it almost seems as if the Magnemite from earlier has found us again. Right next to us. Right in the field.

    But what jumps out is something else.

 Chapter 5: From first steps and new friends V

    Wings are flapping. Hectic fluttering wraps the temporary silence in a small glimmer of hope on the edge of a shattered journey, and before I can say anything, a small Pikipek has placed itself in front of Zorua.

    It is visibly smaller than Ying, lankier, probably even weaker, and not nearly as robust. But it has spread its wings to either side and puffed out its chest as if ready to continue the fight. Thirty centimetres of a Pok¨¦mon I¡¯ve never asked for help, yet it¡¯s on my side.

    Its flippant chirp resembles a short squawk before it turns its head in my direction and I catch a better glimpse of its blue eyes. The red stripe on its head, blending so seamlessly with the black and white of its plumage, reminds me of Ying. If she were a bird, I think Pikipek would be the first choice visually.

    ¡°Looks like Domino has asked her second Pok¨¦mon for help!¡± Hala isn¡¯t fazed by the spectacle. Instead, he claps his hands as if the battle has just begun and it¡¯s an opportunity I seize.

    Instantly, I grab Ying and set her aside. Hala, meanwhile, bridges the gap and takes care of her. He fishes a biscuit out of his trouser pocket, which she happily devours, and a few strokes give her the rest she needs most right now. In the meantime, I¡¯m in action with Pikipek.

    I have no clue what attacks this Pok¨¦mon is capable of, but thinking back to the fight against the girl, I can think of at least one that might work. ¡°Pikipek, peck!¡±

    Suspiciously, it flaps its wings before bending to my will and lunging forward. It has far more momentum than the Pikipek I¡¯ve been fighting, though, and before I know it, it¡¯s slamming its small yet pointed beak into the Grimer¡¯s body so hard I think it¡¯s boring through the Pok¨¦mon¡¯s body.

    In fact, something like a crack seems to form, from which the slime comes flowing. The same disgusting mass that poisoned Ying. But Pikipek isn¡¯t bothered by it. It simply shakes off the bit that has stuck to its beak. The feathers are still clean, and this heroic creature is unharmed.

    Grimer, however, presses its clumsy arms to the injured spot and howls. It sounds like pulling a rubber glove over plastic, loud and unpleasant, so Flamian immediately pulls out his Pok¨¦ Ball and calls Grimer back.

    ¡°I give up!¡± He doesn¡¯t even bother to argue before he turns and runs off. There is a Pok¨¦mon Center right next to the school. His destination is obvious.

    Pikipek has chased away my enemy. The snort that escapes it is almost reminiscent of how my father behaves when he gets his way after a long discussion. And when it turns to me all at once, I don¡¯t even need to ask it why it has helped me. The gleam in its pretty eyes tells of excitement and desire ¨C of the same longing for adventure that Ying and I feel.

    ¡°Could it be that it was you who was doing all the rustling in the meadows and bushes?¡±

    It nods eagerly. Its big feet make it bob up and down, and when Hala hands me a Pok¨¦ Ball, the situation seems almost surreal. There are no words to be exchanged because everyone¡¯s understanding is the same. This Pikipek wants to go on a journey with me and all I have to do is accept it.

    ¡°You won¡¯t catch this Pok¨¦mon!¡± My father¡¯s sudden protest makes me raise my shoulders before my gaze wanders in his direction. ¡°You lost that battle!¡±

    ¡°He gave up!¡±, I protest. But he just shakes his head.

    ¡°He gave up after you pulled Ying back. I said you had to win those battles with her, not with a Pok¨¦mon that doesn¡¯t belong to you. You lost.¡±

    ¡°But I won all those other battles. Who manages that many fights without a potion? Or without something else to help you?¡±

    ¡°One of your opponents was a Metapod. Means you beat two fights, and I hardly think you really got through them well.¡±

    I want to disagree, but he¡¯s not wrong. I did passably well against the Pikipek, but my second opponent was a nightmare. Plus, there was the incident with the Magnemite and no matter how I want to spin it, Zorua and I didn¡¯t do as well as we probably should have.

    ¡°Now look at things from a different angle,¡± Hala also interjects. Zorua, meanwhile, sneaks back to my legs. She¡¯s exhausted, and putting her in the Pok¨¦ Ball is the best option for both of us. ¡°Domino, for not being a trainer, has done brilliantly. She and her Zorua get along on a completely different level than normal people do with their Pok¨¦mon. She functions like a real trainer. Better yet, she has excellent skills for researching Pok¨¦mon.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s a child!¡± my father objects. In his eyes, I¡¯m just a girl who should definitely not go anywhere near the evil world out there.

    ¡°And at some point, we have to let our children go, otherwise they will never learn about the world,¡± Hala replies calmly. ¡°I¡¯m sure there¡¯s nothing to worry about. She can manage.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to hear any more of this!¡± My father¡¯s roar thunders in my ears. ¡°Domino has lost her bet and will stay home, where it¡¯s safe. We¡¯re leaving!¡±

    It is a summons I must obey. An order that will lock me in a cage. But my legs don¡¯t move. Instead, my eyes are on the Pok¨¦ Ball Hala has given me. If I just use it and capture Pikipek, if I just break my promise, hoping to be forgiven for my selfishness, can I still be free?

    Saliva hangs dry in my throat as my father demands for me imperiously once more. The trance has me firmly in its clutches and won¡¯t let me go, even when I return Pikipek¡¯s gaze one last time. It seems to nod at me barely noticeably and as I drop the ball to let it absorb the bird Pok¨¦mon, it is brief peace that takes me in. Pikipek disappears into its new home. My father yells my name a little louder and the shock in my bones spurs me to flee all at once.

    Instantly, I grab the Pok¨¦ Ball and run. Straight past my father, down from the school¡¯s property, towards the city. At least, I think it¡¯s in that direction. I can hear people chasing after me in the background, but my legs are fast. If there¡¯s one thing I know how to do, it¡¯s run. Admittedly, only for a short distance, but most people let themselves get lost in this time ¨C including my father.

    I don¡¯t need permission to run away from this damn island. All I need is an opportunity to escape. Nothing more, nothing less.

    The breath rushes across my lips, leaving my throat dry as dust and making the heavy air a little more stifling. My soles slam on the concrete of the street and my heart pounds so hard against my ribs that they will probably break at any moment. Still, I don¡¯t dare stop. My legs just carry me down the street, past buildings packed tightly together, up a junction, straight around a corner that I can¡¯t clear without crashing into someone.

    The momentum sends me backwards onto my backside. Concrete seems to scrape through my trousers, and when I lift my eyes to gasp for air, it is the stubborn gaze of a Tauros that stares back at me. Its weighty body blocks my way and its scraping hooves threaten an attack.

    I don¡¯t think I can get any deeper into trouble than that.

    As it lowers its head, I feel my hands stick to the ground. It¡¯s probably planning to impale me. But it just keeps its head lowered as it slowly strides in my direction. It stops at my feet. Rigid and unyielding, as if waiting for something.

    I need a moment to see the collar on its neck. Thick and brown and barely noticeable in the strong chest fur, but it¡¯s there, and it makes me breathe a sigh of relief. After all, it belongs to someone, which also means it must be tame.

    A little more relaxed than before, I reach for one of its horns so that it can pull me back to my feet. Only then does it take its distance and scratch its hooves as if our moment together isn¡¯t over yet. It probably understands that I am running away from something, and since it seems to have jumped over a fence itself, the thought that we might both disappear together isn¡¯t so far-fetched. Zorua needs to rest, Pikipek has just got into his ball and it¡¯s still a fair way to the harbour.

    ¡°Would you give me a lift?¡± Briefly, I reach out to the Tauros. Its gaze pierces me.

    But it actually turns its side to me and gives me the chance to jump onto its back with a bit of a run-up. With difficulty, I claw at its mane and swing one leg over until I finally find a halfway good seat. My thighs press firmly against the Pok¨¦mon¡¯s flanks before it rears up quickly, eliciting a brief gasp from me. Then it takes off running.

    All at once, my father no longer matters. The city swallows us up. There are almost no cars on the streets that could get in our way. Passers-by on their paths watch us from the sidelines. Wind hisses through my hair, firm hoofbeats make the escape real and the freedom that is a part of this journey in these seconds settles sweetly on my shoulders. This is what I have been looking for. As soon as the harbour is in front of me, I¡¯m out of here. Some ship will surely take me. Maybe I¡¯ll even make it onto the ferry unseen. After all, I don¡¯t have a single thing with me this time. Neither my Rotom Phone, nor anything else.

    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

    The only good thing is that my money is in the account I¡¯ve had since I was a kid, and my mobile phone is the only thing I carry with me all the time. It has little more use than receiving calls and managing my account details. Ultimately, it¡¯s a horribly old model that my father picked up somewhere in the middle of nowhere. But it¡¯s better than nothing. And in those seconds, I¡¯m glad I own it.

    The city clears a few minutes later and the water behind the green space left to beautify the island stretches far out into the distance. The other islands are not visible from here, but they are there and they are a start.

    As Tauros slows, the pressure in my thighs fades, too. The Pok¨¦mon trots the last few metres before stopping and snorting. A moment I use to dismount and stretch my arms. Now it¡¯s only five minutes to the harbour.

    ¡°Thanks for the lift.¡± Mindfully, I pat the Taurus on the side. The scratching of its hooves answers me beyond comprehension and before I can ask, it turns and disappears. That leaves me alone again with myself and my pounding heart, which will probably mourn the freedom on the back of a Taurus for a moment longer.

    ¡°Terrible, that sort of thing.¡± The whispering of a few others, however, quickly draws my curiosity in another direction. At the side of the road, two old women have settled down on a bench to talk about times I didn¡¯t witness. Still, I listen a little longer.

    ¡°The police should really do something. They always say it¡¯s peaceful and that they have everything under control, but I tell you, they don¡¯t know what to do themselves!¡± Grumbling, the other lady claps her thighs. ¡°And not only are those ruffians from Team Skull nothing but trouble, a submarine arrived this morning. From some strangers, not from this region.¡±

    ¡°Holidaymakers maybe?¡±

    ¡°They definitely belong to some shady organisation. I just hope they keep their hands off our Pok¨¦mon.¡±

    I rub my hands on my trousers several times before stroking my hair once and ultimately moving. I have no clue about holidaymakers in Alola and who Team Skull is supposed to be, but if there¡¯s someone there who might have a spot open for me, it shouldn¡¯t matter. I can deal with anything.

    My legs are getting faster with every metre. Whatever happens at the port, I hope it¡¯s something in my favour. Something that plays in my hands, like Tauros did.

    The sound of the sea draws closer. My heart throbs. Heat prickles my cheeks and as I stumble around the corner, it¡¯s hard resistance I collide with ¨C again.

    I¡¯m too frantic, too hasty, but this time it¡¯s not a Pok¨¦mon blocking my path. Instead, I stumble back, my eyes firmly on the guy in front of me. The black suit on his body gives him an important look and simultaneously, he is never older than twenty. The stoic expression in his eyes, the motionless face, nothing about him seems to catch anything of those seconds. All that remains is his motionless posture as he appraises me.

    ¡°Sorry.¡± Embarrassed, I put a hand on the back of my head. ¡°I wasn¡¯t watching where I was going.¡±

    He only gives a short grumble. A sign that he has noted my words, and that he doesn¡¯t care about any of this. His eyes wander over everything there is to see within reach ¨C one of the docked ships and the street with the pretty trees at the edge behind me. It takes a while before he really lingers on me. His chin-length, wavy hair dances under one of the sea breezes. The two contrasting colours distract for a moment.

    ¡°Are you a native of this island, miss?¡± The violet of his eyes pierces me. Almost as if I am the only one who can answer that question for him.

    ¡°No,¡± I reply curtly. ¡°But I¡¯ve been here for a few days. Is there anything I can help with?¡±

    Not like I have the slightest idea which fucking direction to send him in if he wants to go somewhere specific. I only know the island roughly. The rest is in the shadows of uncertainty.

    ¡°Have you seen a Rayquaza, by any chance?¡±

    I gulp. He¡¯s pretty direct with his question, which means he¡¯s looking for information; like a real adventurer. Maybe this suit is just a farce and behind his current appearance is actually someone exploring the world. Suits make people more trustworthy and professional ¨C at least visually.

    If I tell him I have no goddamn clue what a Rayquaza is, but that there was a black dragon and I could understand it, maybe he¡¯ll invite me to join his team. Of course, that¡¯s just dreaming, but no one said I couldn¡¯t dream a little.

    Half in thought, I open my mouth, ready to throw him a few crumbs and hope he gains interest in me, when someone else¡¯s loud exclamation intervenes.

    ¡°Hey, yo! If it isn¡¯t some losers just begging us to shut them down! Let ya Pok¨¦mon roll over and ya¡¯ll save ya an embarrassment!¡±

    Instantly, my gaze wanders to the side ¨C straight to two guys whose get-ups stand out oddly among what you usually see in Alola. The black, short clothes and the scarf that hides half of their faces make them look like robbers. Even the white shoes and the strange cap don¡¯t make it any better. Only the bright blue hair on one sets an accent. The other wears a boring dark green.

    ¡°Well, what are ye waiting for? The weather can¡¯t get better than this!¡± Greeny, as I affectionately christen him in my head, waves his arms wildly while his partner nods his head in agreement and pulls out a Pok¨¦ Ball. They really want to mess with us.

    Without further ado, the two lunatics send their Pok¨¦mon into battle; a Rattata and a Zubat. Small Pok¨¦mon that shouldn¡¯t be underestimated ¨C based on the fact my Pikipek chased away a Grimer.

    The man I bumped into isn''t too intimidated by our opponents either. He simply releases one of his Pok¨¦mon from a ball that he has detached from his belt in a flash. I¡¯ve never seen something like that building up in front of him before. His Pok¨¦mon looks like it¡¯s wearing dark purple armour. Its arms are half sword and it is at least as tall as an average human. In those seconds, I would kill for my Pok¨¦dex.

    But there¡¯s no time for distraction. We have two opponents, which also means that it¡¯s best to face the problem in pairs. Using Ying is out of the question, but it¡¯s the perfect moment to strengthen my bond with Pikipek. So I let it out of the ball, just as silently as the man at my side did.

    ¡°Would you like to choose your opponent?¡± Again, the stranger turns to me.

    ¡°I¡¯ll just take whatever flutters in front of my Pok¨¦mon.¡± That means my opponent is Zubat.

    Everything else fades into the background. In those seconds, it¡¯s just Pikipek and me. Two new friends who need to get their act together and even though I barely know what attacks it has, I¡¯m sure we can beat a Zubat.

    ¡°Peck!¡±

    Pikipek listens to my command and puffs up as it fixes its opponent. Then it flaps its wings and rises into the air. For a moment, the two seem to fixate on each other before a hissing sound escapes the Zubat and my opponent raises his arm.

    ¡°Supersonic!¡±

    It is a second Pikipek has awaited as if it has already watched more than one fight. In a flash, it rises into the air as the Zubat opens its mouth and makes a sound. But Pikipek doesn¡¯t listen. It has flown so high that the sea breeze must be louder than its opponent¡¯s attack and it isn¡¯t fazed for a second as it swoops down in a flash and lets its beak thunder hard against the Zubat¡¯s body.

    The Pok¨¦mon¡¯s pointed teeth flash as its yelp catches in its throat and even as Pikipek comes back to me, it tries to catch itself in mid-air. It seems to have its problems with the place, with the sun and with the fact that it can¡¯t see anything. Using ultrasound in a fight must be difficult. Almost impossible. And its trainer isn¡¯t smart enough to warn it of every problem. He¡¯s no good at replacing the Pok¨¦mon¡¯s missing eyes.

    ¡°Pikipek, finish it! Show me what you can do!¡± My voice is as firm as if I were fighting alongside Zorua ¨C as if I could give Pikipek the same confidence I give her.

    And my Pok¨¦mon is intent on achieving this victory. Its wing beats become firmer until they buzz, and the gust of wind Pikipek releases moments later seems to carry voices towards the Zubat. The confusion of the echo makes its foe flutter more unevenly.

    ¡°Zubat! Supersonic, dammit!¡±

    This time Pikipek doesn¡¯t get to rise before the Zubat releases its scream. It rings in my ears, makes me grit my teeth and shake my head. It¡¯s a bit like having your thoughts twisted. But it¡¯s nothing I can¡¯t get through. Pikipek, however, I¡¯m less sure about.

    It lands on the ground and retracts its wings as if waiting to get better. It¡¯s a condition that¡¯s impossible to assess, yet leads me to believe that Pikipek is seeing the world a little differently right now.

    ¡°Try peck again!¡± My command probably only gets through to my Pok¨¦mon wrapped in cotton wool. But it still seems to understand what I want.

    However, it doesn¡¯t understand the circumstances.

    Looking at the ground, it tilts its head as it looks at its own feet. Then it tilts its head in the other direction. It appears to gauge whether that on the ground is indeed its opponent and, as it lunges with its beak, I can only call out its name. Simultaneously, Zubat lunges forward.

    It attacks my Pikipek at the same moment as it pecks itself on the foot. Soft enough to not hurt itself, but hard enough to leave a scratch that makes it flap nervously. The pain doesn¡¯t last long, however, before Zubat gets caught in my Pok¨¦mon¡¯s plumage and rams its fangs through the feathers into Pikipek¡¯s flesh.

    Only at this moment does it become obvious that I have completely misjudged Zubat. Its massive body almost buries my Pikipek underneath it. It is at least twice as big as my Pok¨¦mon and its blue body seems too heavy to lift. Pikipek disappears under Zubat¡¯s weight.

    And yet this little sparrow is much more stubborn than I expected. My command still seems to linger in its head and just when I think this Zubat is going to suck every drop of blood it can get, Pikipek pecks it in the wing. The pointed beak bores straight through the purple skin, leaving a hole that tears open even wider as Pikipek wildly struggles.

    The Zubat¡¯s scream sends another stinging tingle across my skin. Immediately, it backs away, unable to lift itself into the air again. The lack of feet makes the long slender legs at the end of its body useless. All it can do is sit on its belly and hope that its trainer has slightly more brains than what he has put on show so far.

    In fact, he understands the circumstances and immediately reaches for his Pok¨¦ Ball to put Zubat back in it. ¡°What is this, a joke? What¡¯s going on?¡±

    Briefly, his gaze hurries to the side and I follow his attention to see the unknown Pok¨¦mon knock his opponent straight into his owner¡¯s arms, unconscious, with one well-aimed blow. The latter clutches his Rattata in such a panic that he can¡¯t bring himself to do more than barely stutter. The two don¡¯t need to speak to each other to know that they have lost and the realisation chases them away.

    They leave nothing more than a cloud of dust in the middle of nothing.

    Meanwhile, the unknown Pok¨¦mon finds its way back into its ball, while Pikipek settles down in my arms. Stroking its soft feathers is a little success.

    Only then does the stranger turn back in my direction. ¡°My question still stands, miss. Have you been able to sight a Rayquaza on this island?¡±

 Chapter 6: From first steps and new friends VI

    Automatically, I press the Pikipek tighter against my chest. If this guy is my chance out of here, I need to lay my cards wisely. ¡°Maybe. The question is, what do I get for my information?¡±

    It¡¯s one of those crappy attempts to get something by pretending to be something special. A bit as if this guy is depending on me - which he definitely isn¡¯t. His gaze remains fixed on me as if he has no inner emotion. Almost like a pale doll whose reaction remains defective within its chest. The silence that spreads between us is so stifling that I can hear my swallow - until a sigh escapes him. ¡°What would you like, miss?¡±

    A lift! Freedom! Something to take me far away from this island. But the words stick to my tongue. Not a single sound leaves my throat, almost as if suddenly my wish becomes truly real, whereas I never actually believed I could get away from here. It seems like all I have to do is reach for my dreams.

    My lips open, but the words continue to miss out. Simultaneously, my counterpart looks at me as if he is running out of time. His eyelids lower slightly, a clear sign he will leave if I don¡¯t say something. Even Pikipek seems to notice that something is wrong. Its head turns towards me and as the beak tugs lightly at my top, I know I have to do something. A chance like this will never come again.

    ¡°Are you going to stay on this island for long? You and your fellows?¡±

    ¡°Only as long as necessary.¡±

    ¡°Would you take someone with you to abandon them on the next island, far away from Alola?¡±

    His fixed expression lingers on me a little longer before he closes his eyes and sighs softly. Only then does he turn his attention to me again. ¡°No. We have no capacity for such distractions.¡±

    Saliva lingers dry in my throat. He doesn¡¯t need me, which also means it doesn¡¯t matter at all if I give him my information or not. A certainty we share as he gives me one curt nod and prepares to leave. His legs carry him straight past me. He will continue his journey. Perhaps I can still contribute something. After all, I don¡¯t want to be a complete idiot.

    ¡°Hey!¡± Hands pressed to my sides, I turn to face him. Sure enough, he stops and turns his gaze in my direction. ¡°The Pok¨¦mon you¡¯re researching ... I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s what you¡¯re looking for, but I saw a black dragon here over Melemele a few days ago. It ... just flew straight over us. I don¡¯t know if it was on its way to another island of Alola ... but it was definitely here.¡±

    His eyes widen a little with each word, as if my statement is exactly what he has been hoping for. Something he¡¯s been seeking for a long time, to find at last. Probably it¡¯s quite hard to catch a trace of this Pok¨¦mon. And here I give him a hint that might lead him further.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± the stranger finally brings to his lips. There¡¯s more he wants to say. Probably a few more questions he wants me to answer. But before he can bring himself to say more, a woman¡¯s voice interrupts him.

    ¡°Amethio, sir, the messages have been answered.¡± Hastily, the stranger approaches. The uniform on her body gives the impression that she is part of a larger organisation. ¡°We have been provided with a flying ship near the Verdant Cavern. It will certainly simplify our search - in every way.¡±

    ¡°I see. You and Zir should take the most necessary things there. We¡¯ll meet there.¡±

    ¡°Understood!¡± Instantly she takes her stance before giving me a curt look, raising her brows and hurrying back to the submarine that has docked on the shore. They must have used it to get to this island. I don¡¯t understand why they would want to change to a flying boat, but it¡¯s probably easier to find a dragon above the clouds than below. In addition, you have a better overview of the islands and don¡¯t need a map to find your way around.

    My gaze follows the guy as he finally leaves the harbour and turns onto the street. Asking around is probably, next to the internet, the safest option. After all, elders rarely bother with modern technology and many don¡¯t share what they see necessarily on the net. That¡¯s probably why they devote themselves to all the extra work. Not that I know any better. In the end, I¡¯ve been allowed to use pretty much no internet in my life - so as not to learn too much about Pok¨¦mon and get on my father¡¯s nerves.

    Shaking my head, I try to push the thoughts away. Much more important is the fact that if I try hard, I may be able to sneak onto the ship. All I have to do is get to the Verdant Cavern. The likelihood of them just throwing me over the railing is slim. So at least I can get to another island and fight my way from there. It would certainly be wiser if I tried to get home and grab my packed things. With the Rotom and all the other aids, it¡¯s much easier to get around. Plus, I could enjoy a bit of modern technology, which seems complicated but can open doors if you learn to use it.

    Half in thought, I let go of Pikipek to stow it back in the Pok¨¦ Ball and glance back at the road. My father will be at home waiting and if he gets his hands on me, I¡¯m done for. It¡¯s a risk I can¡¯t take. In the end, it¡¯s smarter for me to be a stowaway and fly with this strange gang.

    So I turn on my heel and, like the guy in front of me, make my way inside Hau¡¯oli City again. The only difference is that this time I don¡¯t go back to the shops that would eventually take me back to school. Instead, my path takes me beyond the edge of the buildings, straight past a Pok¨¦mon Center that is the last demarcation of civilisation. The tarmac path ends, replaced with a trampled footpath taking me onto Route 2.

    The first thing that hits me in this place is the climb. On a bicycle, I would have to pedal myself to death. On foot, I am left with pent-up heat inside that threatens to engulf me, while a gasp escapes me now and then. It pulls at my legs, burns like fire in my muscles and every breath hangs so heavy in my throat that I choke a few times. Coughing dries out the rest of me.

    But stopping is only an option when I finally have the slope behind me. By now the heat is burning my skin and although I am sure it won¡¯t be long before the sun subsides, it is driving sweat mercilessly onto my forehead. Resting my hands on my legs, I allow myself to breathe deeply. I really need to become more athletic in order to survive such journeys, otherwise, my adventure will end with me lying in bed crying for three weeks because the sore muscles want to punish every fibre in my body. My head lifts only sluggishly to gauge the way ahead. A few minor climbs can be identified, but overall the landscape before me seems peaceful. Everything is bathed in a dreamy green and the sea surrounding the island makes me long for distance a little more. Someday I¡¯ll get to know things out there that I didn¡¯t expect - of that I¡¯m sure. And maybe when I see my father again, he¡¯ll listen to me spellbound and realise that he¡¯s been worrying so damn much for nothing.

    ¡°But there¡¯s a long way to go before then.¡± With a sigh, I brace myself again and stretch through my back before a growl makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.

    Immediately, my gaze swings to the side to linger on a Pok¨¦mon holding its head low. Its fur is dusty, and it shivers as it eyes me as if I am its next breakfast. Visually, it shouldn¡¯t be bigger than Zorua and apart from the wild hair on its chest and head, it makes a noble impression with its black stripes on orange fur.

    Slowly, I crouch down and reach out for it. It is only a few steps away, which should make my offer of friendship a little clearer. Maybe it¡¯s hungry or looking for someone to shake the fleas out of its fur - should it have any.

    ¡°Can I help you?¡± My words make its big ears twitch before it lets out a strange, distorted bark. Then it comes closer.

    Its powerful leaps lead it straight to my nose. But my hand is of no interest. Instead, it grabs my top and tugs so hard at the fabric that I fall to my knees. Instantly, it lets go, jumps a few feet away and then, with a noticeable nod of its head, gestures for me to follow.

    Wherever my journey is to take me, this Pok¨¦mon has already set a destination. Presumably, it really needs help. So, with a groan, I force myself back onto my feet. The weight on my arms as I do so brings the throbbing back to the forefront of my mind. Those damn scratches will now take twice as long to heal thanks to the Magnemite.

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    The thought alone makes me snort before I tap off the dirt and follow the Pok¨¦mon. That I understand its desire makes its tail wag back and forth briskly. But it never lets me catch up. Whenever I think we¡¯ll be side by side at any moment, it jumps ahead again a few metres and I¡¯m too slow and too exhausted from the uneven path to keep it on its toes. Only after we have passed a house with a bright blue roof and a vast garden appears behind it, after which another building can be made out, does the Pok¨¦mon stop. Its gaze has focused on the field. But even when I squint, I can¡¯t make out a thing among the berry bushes and watering cans.

    ¡°Is there anything here you want? Do you want me to steal you some of those ... berries?¡± The only thing I know is that they¡¯re Pok¨¦mon berries. Now and then, my father would bring some home to do something good for Zorua.

    But the Pok¨¦mon at my side shakes its head before looking at me and snorting. It wants something from me, but I have no clue what. Still, I nod to provoke some action from it and sure enough, it pushes forward again. Slower than before, but it forces me straight through between the bushes as if we shouldn¡¯t be seen.

    The leaves rustle in places and thorns occasionally get caught in my bandages. Again and again, I have to stop and detach myself. But the closer we get, the more we can make out. An old man, visibly in his sixties, is sitting on his knees in front of two guys whose clothes I have seen before. They look exactly like the two who came along at the harbour. That also means they are up to no good. One of them is shouting something unclear, and the other keeps his Pok¨¦mon close to the old man. Presumably, they want to avoid him doing something stupid.

    Without further ado, my gaze falls to the Pok¨¦mon at my side. It answers my unspoken question and all at once, it becomes quite clear what it wants. That old man there is probably its master, and it needs help to drive Team Skull away.

    ¡°I¡¯d hate to use one of my Pok¨¦mon, though,¡± I whisper, more to myself than to my companion. Pikipek has only just fought and Zorua needs to take it easy. Besides, I have no resources to help either of them should we be poisoned again.

    However, all these are worries that are secondary to the Pok¨¦mon at my side. It pokes its wet nose against a bare spot on my hip, causing me to pull the top down instantly. The thorns have definitely turned my clothes into a visual mess, with stains slowly spreading across them.

    ¡°Do you want to fight this with me?¡± Brows raised, I watch the Pok¨¦mon¡¯s every move and when it lets out a low growl, it¡¯s certain that it won¡¯t leave until we do something.

    ¡°I¡¯m warning you, I have no bloody idea what attacks you¡¯re capable of.¡± With a sigh, I burrow out of this hiding place - the Pok¨¦mon still at my side. Hiding any further is pointless, and the certainty that we¡¯re going to have to take this fight anyway drives my legs straight towards the two idiots who think they can seize this farm.

    ¡°Hey!¡± My voice is a little too loud, yet it¡¯s just enough to draw a boy¡¯s interest in my direction.

    ¡°No way. Where did ya come from? Can¡¯t remember seeing a brat like you around here before.¡± He waves his hands around a bit, as if trying to make a rap out of his words. ¡°Ain¡¯t no matter. Nobody invited ya, so get the fuck outta here.¡±

    In the meantime, his buddy has also turned to us, while the attention of his Rattata remains on the old man. The latter only lifts his head and the brief gleam in his eyes reveals that hope is growing in him.

    ¡°You two better get out of here. What are you doing here, anyway?¡± Indecisively, I spread my arms. There is nothing but trees and bushes in this place.

    ¡°Eh? Do ya need glasses? This is a huge fuckin¡¯ farm. It¡¯ll make a lot of cash if we sell it. All the geezer has to do is autograph a piece of paper.¡± One of them runs a hand through his red hair. The cloth in front of his face makes it hard to make out more of him. ¡°We¡¯ve got you covered now, yo.¡±

    ¡°We should nail them, too. Better than getting a warning from the cops,¡± the other adds.

    A wise suggestion that has no relevance as I point my finger at the Rattata and turn to my partner. ¡°You look like a Fire-type Pok¨¦mon, so I¡¯d say ember!¡±

    Instantly, the Pok¨¦mon leaps in front of me before swelling its chest and hurling a small fireball towards the Rattata immediately after. It lands at our opponent¡¯s feet, causing a squeal to escape the enemy before it recoils. It¡¯s the same moment that my partner acts without words, smashing the Pok¨¦mon straight at its owner¡¯s feet with a powerful tackle.

    The Rattata doesn¡¯t make it back to its feet. Its wobbly stance quickly collapses again, leaving us with a free hand. Quick as a flash, I run to the old man to grab him by the arm. Simultaneously, I turn my attention to the fight. ¡°One more time, ember! Attack those two fools and chase them from the yard!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯ll shut it up!¡± Without further ado, one boy charges forward and grabs me by the shoulder. With a jerk, he yanks me to the side, causing me to trip over my own legs and crash to the ground. My fingers automatically dig into his top so that the black fabric drags his body to the dirt as well. He lands half on top of me. My legs wrap around his hips and with force he lets himself be thrown to the side. The momentum allows me to get the upper hand. The very next moment, I¡¯m on top of him.

    Clenching my hand into a fist, I punch him in the eye once. The yelp of his voice joins the screech of his companion, who has already stumbled back a few steps. The Pok¨¦mon at my side throws one small fireball after another at its human opponent. His shorts already have a burn mark on them.

    ¡°She¡¯s nuts!¡± escapes him and it doesn¡¯t take more to make him turn around.

    I, for that part, slowly rise from my victim. It takes little more than the blink of an eye before he gains distance on all fours and tries to jump up. ¡°Violent maniac!¡±

    His shoes slip off at least twice before he finds his footing and follows his mate. They take off so quickly that I can¡¯t even respond to the insult. What remains is the old man, still on his knees.

    Slowly, I push my way in his direction. The Pok¨¦mon has already snuggled up to him, as if it wants to make sure everything is all right. Then two glances move towards me and I can only offer my hand to the stranger to help him up.

    ¡°Thank you.¡± He lets me help him up before giving his clothes a makeshift pat and taking a deep breath. ¡°These little criminals ... someone really needs to teach them that this isn¡¯t the way to live, otherwise these children will lose their future.¡± He snorts. ¡°Trying to steal and sell a berry farm is no small project.¡±

    ¡°I hope they won¡¯t come back.¡± I can¡¯t help but put my hands on my hips. ¡°Who knows if someone will be there next time.¡±

    ¡°Surely someone who can fight back better.¡± A raspy laugh escapes the old man. ¡°My daughter takes over this farm next week, and she has some Pok¨¦mon to help her pick berries. I also got this Growlithe from her,¡± he points to the Pok¨¦mon, ¡°but I have no clue how to deal with Raya. I¡¯m not a trainer, nor do I have any connection to Pok¨¦mon and their fighting skills.¡±

    My answer falters. I¡¯m too young for such experiences and the feeling of saying something wrong dries my throat.

    ¡°Are you travelling?¡± He eases my anxiety and heads for another topic. ¡°Island challenge?¡±

    ¡°I have the amulet for it, yes, but travelling applies better.¡±

    ¡°Do you already have a full team?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Immediately, I put my hand on the two balls hanging from my belt. Two partners out of six that you¡¯re officially allowed to use in an arena fight. Presumably, it would be hard to carry around over six Pok¨¦ Balls. You can¡¯t possibly give all the Pok¨¦mon in the world the same love. ¡°There are only three of us.¡±

    Briefly, the old man examines me from top to bottom. ¡°You know how to fight back. I like that.¡± He strokes his stubbly chin. His stooped posture makes him look older. ¡°Would you do an old man a favour and take this Growlithe?¡±

    The first moment I can¡¯t answer. The next, the words all tumble from my lips at once. ¡°But doesn¡¯t that Pok¨¦mon actually belong to your daughter? I can¡¯t possibly just take it.¡±

    He laughs out. ¡°Raya isn¡¯t really made for a berry farm. She¡¯d rather eat the berries than harvest them and she loves to fight, even if she is very tender at heart. She¡¯s supposed to protect me here, but I can¡¯t give her the commands she needs to turn her inexperience into something great.¡± Gently, he places a hand on the Pok¨¦mon¡¯s head. ¡°If I can retire in my little house, then my Sandshrew, who waits patiently for me every day, is enough for me. Raya would be much happier if she could go travelling. Fighting battles, learning, conquering the world ... she would certainly be a real whirlwind out there, wouldn¡¯t you, little girl?¡±

    Growlithe gives him a joyful bark back, kind of wry yet full of drive, before looking at me. The gleam in her black eyes seems to envision an adventure she wants me to take her on, and the longer I look at her, the better she seems to fit into my team. We both want to experience something and even if I can¡¯t serve with endless fights, I¡¯m sure she will enjoy the trip. So I crouch down and reach out a hand to her. This time, she nudges me with her nose.

    ¡°Do you really want to come with me and leave your master behind?¡± My thumb gently runs over the side of her round muzzle. The four protruding claws on her front paws scrape briefly. Then she wags her tail.

    ¡°Here. Her ball is yours.¡± Smiling, the old man pulls out a small Pok¨¦ Ball. The transport form makes it tiny in his hands, and only as it enlarges does it take the space of his entire hand.

    ¡°It looks ... different from a normal Pok¨¦ Ball.¡± I raise my brows. It¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve seen anything other than the red and white colour of a regular ball. This one is orange, with a yellow spot on each side.

    ¡°Because it¡¯s a Fast Ball,¡± the old man replies. ¡°It¡¯s especially good for catching nimble Pok¨¦mon. My daughter had to throw ten balls at Raya before she surrendered, though. It was ... probably not the perfect ball for her, even if it worked out in the end.¡±

    An interested murmur escapes my throat. The further I get from home, the more things I encounter that I have no knowledge of. Pok¨¦ Balls are completely unknown to me. I know the bare essentials, but the rest I¡¯ll probably only find out on my journey.

    One that I will take Raya on.

 Chapter 7: From first steps and new friends VII

    Darkness slowly settles over the island and the pain in my legs doesn¡¯t let up for a moment. Every movement burns fierily in my thighs and the panting is heavy on my lips. Armed with three Pok¨¦mon, I may be safer, but not more athletic.

    There was little time to waste on the farm. As soon as the man handed me Raya, my journey continued. No glass of water. No break. Part of me is still on the run, even though I am sure my father is no longer looking for me. He probably thinks I won¡¯t get far; that I will never leave this island, no matter how hard I try. But it shouldn¡¯t be far to the ship. Just a little further and I can disappear!

    Still, every breath catches in my throat, and the cave entrance that looms beside me beckons me. My footsteps resound even though I haven¡¯t entered, so my legs automatically make their way inside. The echoing grows louder. My footsteps thunder in my ears and as the cave threatens to close over me, it is the soft glow of last rays of sunlight that creep inside. They are scattered holes of light, fading slowly.

    My legs wobble as I slowly settle against a wall. The pause pushes the throbbing to my hips. Still, it¡¯s a relief not to have to walk another step. If this group has settled near the Verdant Cavern, they might have set up camp on Route 3 ¨C somewhere on the cliff edge. It is possible to dock there ¨C at least if I believe the maps that can be found sporadically in the shops. The way isn¡¯t far now. If I hurry, I¡¯ll be there in thirty minutes.

    The sudden grumbling in my stomach awakens my trance and brings me back to my situation. I have no food with me; I can¡¯t even feed the Pok¨¦mon, though they are certainly hungry. No matter how I turn it, my escape is doomed if I don¡¯t find food.

    Simultaneously, I remember walking past a small motel. It is possible to find shelter there ¨C without problems ¨C but the risk that they still look for me and find me there is too great. On the other hand, I can hardly let my companions starve. In the worst case, I have to take the risk. It is better than failing in this way, and hurdles are part of an adventure. So nothing special. It¡¯s just another thing I have to deal with. The world isn¡¯t a place that lacks surprises.

    Quiet crackling makes my gaze roam the cave. Darkness has now completely taken over the sky and the only thing that remains is blackness. It¡¯s hard to see my hands in front of my own eyes. The strange sound in the distance persists nonetheless and as something moist presses against the back of my hand, a cry escapes me as I slide two metres to the side.

    But the fright doesn¡¯t last long. A small, glowing stone brings the face of a Rattata into view. Its small, almost black body becomes one with the darkness and only the light brown underside sets it slightly apart from its surroundings. The small stone rests in his hands while another holds a berry. It¡¯s not much, but it¡¯s a friendly offering from wildlife Pok¨¦mon who might just attack me.

    A few more Rattata come over. They crowd in behind each other, push their way to the front and all drop off a berry each. It doesn¡¯t take long for a small mountain to accumulate. It¡¯s enough to feed over three Pok¨¦mon and when I release my companions, they don¡¯t wait more than a breath before striking. Pikipek is a bit of a picky eater. Raya stuffs three berries into her snout in one bite and Ying ¨C disguised as a second Pikipek in the bunch ¨C devotes herself to a berry on the side.

    I watch them for a while. The Rattata join them, munching on their gifts with my Pok¨¦mon and seeming to surrender to the peace within these walls. It¡¯s a beautiful moment, even if my stomach hurts. Maybe I should try a Pok¨¦mon Berry too ¨C but the chances of me tolerating it are slim. Instead, I eye the Rattata. A few of them look battered. Scratches stand out red. Blood has stuck together some of the fur. Scabs are forming. Presumably, they sometimes fight among themselves and although I have only fought minor battles myself, I know by now how cruel fights can be.

    Part of me wants to reach out and get to know these Rattata better. Maybe they can help me find something edible. But my fingertips barely get near a Pok¨¦mon before an animalistic sound resounds through the cave. Loud, biting, aggressive, as if in the middle of the blackness a monster waits to devour something.

    My legs automatically pull tighter against my body. A tremor eats through my shoulders, down my back. All too slowly, I scramble to my feet as the Pok¨¦mon stop eating and gaze into the same blackness where I too believe something is hiding. Briefly, I look at my team. They return the attention but don¡¯t move. They don¡¯t know each other, but they are all ready to get to the bottom of this sound with me.

    I give them a nod so that one of the Pikipek joins me at my feet. Zorua, presumably. The other two claim the space in front of me. The pack of Rattata gathers around the remaining pile of berries. They won¡¯t come, I know that, but it would be more pleasant if it were otherwise. All together, we wouldn¡¯t have to be afraid of anything ¨C certainly not. But even four of us are strong enough. And that is the only reason I push forward into the darkness.

    My footsteps echo off the walls, coming back just as eerily as they chase away from me, and even when I don¡¯t want to pay attention, my heart races up to my throat. The surroundings are only slowly becoming a world I can navigate. My eyes get used to the darkness, recognise outlines and also the path ahead. A small route leads up past some holes where the Rattata are probably sleeping. Just above, a small, waist-high exit leads outside.

    Each breath is shallow on my lips as I bend through the entry. The world becomes brighter all at once.

    I have no plan how much time has passed since I settled in the cave. My senses still waver with hunger, but the moon shimmers in the firmament, and I know I am not dreaming. There is no longer rock above us. Only the walls still imply that this area is part of this cave. There is a climb. We could probably look down on Melemele, but the thought doesn¡¯t get far before I fix on a Raticate.

    It makes sporadic sounds as its rough fur gleams under the incoming moonlight. Gracefulness that doesn¡¯t match its distorted grimace as it bites a stone again and again with its strong teeth. The clanking sound that hunts through the cave rings in my ears, making me tighten my shoulders. Simultaneously, I narrow my eyes to slits.

    This Raticate is different.

    I don¡¯t know why, but this Pok¨¦mon exudes an aura that makes even my Zorua press tighter against my leg. Pikipek puffs up and Raya¡¯s ears are perked up. It seems as if this Pok¨¦mon wants to convey something that no one can grasp. All that is left is to watch ¨C until it turns towards us.

    For a moment, I hold my breath. Its eyes sparkle. The twitching in its body tenses, eats through its mind, and before anyone can do anything, it lets out a scream that takes my breath away. It thunders in my head, my perception goes dim, and every breath weighs tons in my lungs.

    Stolen novel; please report.

    For a moment, the afterwave paralyses my body. It is impossible to move even a muscle. Only Raya leaps forward, ready to fight, as if finding pleasure in an opponent like this. It is probably the ordeal we have to go through to get to know each other better. At least, that¡¯s what you hear now and then when others talk about their journeys. This is my start. Maybe it¡¯s just the point where I follow in the footsteps of a great journey. It¡¯s a sign.

    It¡¯s the simplest thought I can muster at this moment. So I tighten my shoulders and ignore the ringing in my ears. It¡¯s time for a fight.

    ¡°Ember!¡± My hand swings to my side as if it has some effect and Raya takes my resolve in a leap.

    In a flash, she chases forward to stop wide-legged and launch a small fireball at the Raticate''s feet. But the flames that spread to its toes are met with disinterest. The Pok¨¦mon doesn¡¯t even flinch at my attack. Instead, it emits a low growl that seems unfamiliar for this creature. Then, all at once, it chases in our direction.

    Before I can open my mouth, it rams Raya with its body. It¡¯s different from what Ying usually does ¨C crueller, firmer, harder ¨C and Growlithe can¡¯t keep herself on her paws. She flies four steps in my direction before hitting the side and immediately bringing herself back to an upright position. Her growl is nerve-wracking.

    For a moment, I don¡¯t know how to move my legs. The commands stick to my tongue, almost as if every fight before had been too easy. And maybe that¡¯s true, after all, I¡¯ve been preaching it myself. Life outside, beyond the mannered battles, is anything but fair.

    Saliva runs dry down my throat as I take a deep breath and immediately point to the Raticate. It¡¯s not impossible to win, and it¡¯s the ideal chance to bond with Raya. Ultimately, my team is taking shape much faster than I ever anticipated and it¡¯s a matter of dealing with every Pok¨¦mon at my side. We have to become an unbreachable wall. That¡¯s the only goal we have.

    ¡°Bite! And then ember!¡± My words echo off the walls, and just when I think they¡¯re echoing back, our opponent¡¯s aura continues to spread.

    Still, Growlithe dares to leap two steps ahead, ready to sink her teeth into the Pok¨¦mon. However, it finds no grip on the rough fur of the Raticate and before Raya can dodge, it has already torn open its mouth.

    The rest stretches out agonisingly slowly in front of me.

    The Pok¨¦mon¡¯s powerful teeth smash into Raya¡¯s side. It lets out a hideous yelp that makes every hair on my arms stand up. Blood splatters black to the ground and only the red glow under the moonlight makes it identifiable.

    ¡°Raya! Come back!¡± Pointed and shrill, the words escape my lips as I stagger forward a few steps. It is cause for the Raticate to release Growlithe from its bite and turn towards me.

    Quick as a flash, I call Raya back into her Pok¨¦ Ball. The injury is difficult to assess, but I know it¡¯s urgent. Just as I know this beast won¡¯t let us go. And it¡¯s that second when the Pikipek on my legs breaks free, completely forgotten before.

    The other sparrow stands at my side but doesn¡¯t move. It¡¯s easier to stow it away in a Pok¨¨ Ball and rely entirely on the brave steps of my other partner. Judging by the gait, even my heart believes that Ying wants to take care of the problem. Her attacks must be enough to defeat our opponent so I can take the next big risk: the Pok¨¦mon Center.

    ¡°Ying... Use Pursuit!¡± Pikipek stands wide-legged before she spreads her wings and the Raticate lets out a low grumble. Then she takes off running.

    In the first few breaths, our opponent seems to see no enemy in the bird. In the next, it backs away and lets Ying follow. It gives her enough momentum to thunder firmly against the Raticate. But it merely knocks the Pok¨¦mon off balance for a moment. Seconds that my Zorua knows how to use.

    Her small bird body swings gallantly like a Persian over the Raticate before she comes up behind it and opens her beak. Then she bites her enemy¡¯s tail. The screech of the Raticate is so loud that I have to cover my ears for fear of bursting my eardrums. Zorua, however, isn¡¯t impressed. Even as the Raticate turns to her and indicates scratch with its short front paws, Ying has already jumped to the side to copy the idea.

    The illusion of her body fades in the same blink as she lashes out with a wing. The next she is in her dark form, claws extended to chase them across the Raticate''s grimace. Only the red-black puff on her head remains clear under the moonlight ¨C combined with vague outlines that make up her body. I can see her spinning in the air to give the Raticate a sideways kick; and this time it is enough.

    The aura collapses and the Pok¨¦mon topples forward, where it hits the ground. Away from that, it remains motionless.

    I immediately run towards my Zorua. It jumps into my arms while I¡¯m still halfway there, and just as I¡¯m about to turn around to do the right thing, my movement falters. The ring I got from Hala ¨C I have completely forgotten about it ¨C flashes conspicuously through my trouser pocket, combining with a faint glow emanating from the stone Raticate tried to bite earlier.

    I approach the small crystal without further ado. It is hardly bigger than a small liquor bottle and the Z carved on its surface awakens vague suspicions in me. But there is no time to think.

    With a snort, I put the stone in my pocket and run. My legs are still shaky after the fight and I could think of a hundred things I could have done better, but my mind can only cling to the desire to reach the Pok¨¦mon Center in time.

    The cave echoes my every step and as I walk back the way I came, panting, I see the Rattata watching me from the corner of my eye. I have no idea what they are thinking, how they are looking at us or what exactly they are doing, but they don¡¯t stand in our way and the strange tension no longer seems to be in their bodies either.

    When the first gust of wind outside the cave catches me, I falter. It is not strong, but so unexpected that I think my legs will buckle. Instantly, I press Zorua¡¯s warm body closer to my chest. With one knee I hit the ground, scraping the skin and hissing before my step firms up again and I can keep running. The road to the Pok¨¦mon Center suddenly takes an infinite amount of energy. The slope I laboriously conquered at lunchtime is suddenly my way back and although I run as fast as I can, it takes forever to arrive. Time melts away in my hands.

    The glass door under the red roof with the Pok¨¦ Ball painted on it opens automatically. I stumble in, dodge a lazy old man and just barely find my footing at the counter, behind which stands a woman. Her pink hair is neatly done up and tied into respectable braids, while her brown eyes blink several times.

    ¡°How can I help? Would you like to heal your Pok¨¦mon in our care?¡±

    ¡°I...¡± My throat is so dry I can barely bring the words past my lips. The artificial light scratches my eyes like sand and the brightness irritates my senses. ¡°Growlithe needs help.¡±

    Awkwardly, I smash the Pok¨¦ Ball onto the upper surface, hoping she can do something. I place Zorua and Pikipek''s balls right next to it. It¡¯s better to check them over after everything that¡¯s happened.

    The nurse, meanwhile, understands my unease and immediately turns her attention to Raya¡¯s ball. A rather round, pink Pok¨¦mon hastily carries it away and only then does her attention fall on the other two.

    My legs give out and my senses cling to any absurdly unimportant thought they can find to distract me. I think my father once had one of those pink Pok¨¦mon too. I try to search my memories for the name of these helpers, but find nothing.

    ¡°Are you all right?¡± Briefly, the nurse leans over the counter. ¡°My name is Joy. What¡¯s your name?¡±

    She tries to check out my condition, to see how far my brain is still thinking. But all I manage is to lift my eyes and stare at her. Then my thoughts fall on the next stupid fragment in my skull. I already know the answer from my father.

    ¡°I... I can¡¯t pay for the treatment...¡±

    Nurse Joy sighs. Then she disappears behind the counter again, rustling with something, and takes the door at the side to step out. The white outfit makes her look like an angel, who barely later puts a hand on my shoulder and kneels down to me.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about money. Pok¨¦mon Centers are state-supported institutions, paid for by taxes. No one is going to bill you after your treatment that you can¡¯t pay.¡± She puts on a smile. ¡°Care about your Pok¨¦mon, learn from your mistakes and grow from them. That¡¯s all you need to think about when you seek help from us.¡±

    Probably it is, and for a moment I want to fold my hands and pray. Simultaneously, there are a thousand reproaches I can make to pass the time. The moment and the glaring light are so overbearing, it throbs heavily behind my temple. Nurse Joy is the only haven of peace I can see right now.

 Chapter 8: From first steps and new friends VIII

    The clock in the room is ticking. It¡¯s old-fashioned and not something that contributes to peace, but it tells me what time it is and that¡¯s good enough. The hands will soon pass ten o¡¯clock and I still haven¡¯t heard from my Pok¨¦mon. Meanwhile, I¡¯m stuck in this guest room for trainers and don¡¯t know what to do.

    Again and again, my hands run through the white hair with the purple tips that I have dyed myself as an accent. My clothes are dirty and although there is a new pile on the table ¨C nurse Joy has found something suitable for me in the racks of old stock that is sometimes donated ¨C I can¡¯t bring myself to shower or do anything else. My legs carry me up and down the room.

    Once again, my gaze wanders to the clock and clings to the two hands that are moving forward, yawningly slowly. Time just won¡¯t pass and deliver results and yet it seems to be this very breath in which there is a knock at the door.

    Immediately, I rush to the barrier and yank it open. Nurse Joy is standing in front of me with a tray ¨C laden with dinner, Pok¨¦mon food and three Pok¨¦ Balls in transport form.

    ¡°How¡¯s Ra- ... I mean Growlithe?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯ll be fine,¡± Joy replies. ¡°A charge of max potion stopped the bleeding and heal the injury. But we¡¯ve refrained from giving her any revive.¡± She raises her index finger, admonishingly. ¡°Your Growlithe shouldn¡¯t just be sent back into battle. It¡¯s important she gets some time to process the circumstances.¡±

    I breathe a sigh of relief. As long as Raya is okay, all is right with the world. While we haven¡¯t really bonded yet and our adventure together is new, it would be cruel to go back to the old man and tell him I¡¯ve completely failed as a trainer. Beginning of my journey or not. So fate seems to be giving me another chance. One of what feels like a thousand I¡¯ve needed in the last few hours.

    ¡°Your Growlithe is still very exhausted. Rest well tonight. Aside from that, your Pikipek is chipper and your Zorua can also speak of good health after a little potion.¡±

    At last she hands me the tray, and all I can do is bow and thank her. But only when nurse Joy wishes me a good night do I close the door and put the tray aside. First, I turn my attention to my team.

    All three of them come out of their balls and indeed Raya looks like new. Not a single scratch remains. The other two stretch for a moment before they see the food and stare at me as if I have only one job in the world to do.

    I can¡¯t wipe the smile off my features as I put my companions¡¯ dinner on the floor and sit down beside them with my plate. It¡¯s fried potatoes with bacon.

    As the three of them dig in, I can¡¯t take my eyes off them. Within a day, I have found two more companions besides Ying. Two Pok¨¦mon who also want to travel wherever it takes us. I¡¯m probably luckier with this than most trainers and simultaneously it holds a certain charm that makes an idea flare up in me.

    ¡°I¡¯ll make my team out of Pok¨¦mon that come from Alola...¡±, I mumble half in my mind and I like the sound of it. A full team of six companions, made up of Pok¨¦mon that all come from where my journey began. It could hardly be more beautiful.

    The low yet enthusiastic hum in my throat tugs at Zorua¡¯s ears, causing her to glance in my direction, and I return her curiosity with a smirk. Another idea makes me point a finger at her.

    ¡°We should keep it uniform. If you¡¯re Ying,¡± my finger slides to the Growlithe, ¡°and you¡¯re Raya,¡± I point to the Pikipek, ¡°then I need a name for you.¡±

    The Pikipek''s head lifts at my statement and it takes a moment before it flaps its wings and waits. It at least finds my suggestion interesting. Briefly I go through some names silently, but nothing wants to fit a small creature like this. Still, I decide on something short. ¡°How about Coro?¡±

    Finally, I¡¯m still clueless what gender Pikipek is and Coro sounds like something that works for both sides. It¡¯s fair enough and my partner seems to be able to live with it. At least it puts its head back into the bowl of its food and continues to eat, undeterred. I do the same. Being with my team again just lifts the weight off my shoulders as if it was never there. Still, I can¡¯t forget what happened. I have to become much better at what I do to avoid disasters like today. My path to get there may be rocky, but it is a path that must be walked. I must not take the hurdles lightly.

    The certainty makes me reach into my trouser pocket, where the Z-Crystal still rests. It is colourless, somehow boring, and when I hold it out to my team, no one shows any interest. I have no choice but to put it in my pocket and hope that I will meet someone who knows more about these things than I do.

    Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

    Away from my wild thoughts that keep going over the struggle to find a thousand ideas to do better next time, dinner passes uneventfully. Pikipek and Raya more or less get along with each other. They are both gentle in their dealings, though prove clearly stubborn when they don¡¯t want to share something. Zorua stays out of all this. She usually looks at the two a few steps away and waits. Her character isn¡¯t made for the chaos her companions create. But she arranges herself.

    It doesn¡¯t take long before everyone has found their place to sleep and I get comfortable under the shower. The pleasantly hot feeling of the water triggers a certain sleepiness in me, too, which I can¡¯t escape forever, and by the time I¡¯ve squeezed into fresh underwear at the latest, I¡¯m already falling into bed.

    Zorua instantly snuggles up to my side, while Raya finds space at my feet. Only Coro relaxes on the back of the only chair in the room. It is pleasant silence that envelops us all in its wings. But my thoughts don¡¯t remain motionless for long.

    The quiet and the darkness drive my senses in a different direction, straight into doubts that I don¡¯t want to face and that nevertheless lurk behind me. Staying in the Pok¨¦mon Center means that I will be found. Maybe not today, but tomorrow morning for sure. My father probably assumes that I¡¯ll be at the harbour looking for a way off the island, or that I¡¯ll be resting somewhere to come up with a plan. I still have a lead, but no one can say how long it will last.

    All at once, I sit upright in bed. The airship isn¡¯t far now, and if I¡¯m going to get away from Melemele, I need to reach it before it flies away. That is at least one unknown in my hopes that I must forestall. If this unknown force takes off without me, an alternative route will have to be found and I¡¯m not sure the opportunities will present themselves so favourably again.

    So I peel myself out of bed and take a deep breath before turning the light back on. My Pok¨¦mon are fast asleep. They don¡¯t even notice when I put them back into their Pok¨¦ Balls and finally turn my attention to the set of fresh clothes that had seemed so unimportant before. Now it plays into my hands and it doesn¡¯t take long to slip into the tight black top and snow-white skinny jeans. Probably won¡¯t stay clean for four hours, but it¡¯s better than nothing.

    Back in my boots, I let my gaze glide once over the home furnishings of the room. The loft bed looks a bit rumpled thanks to me. The wooden floor gleams under the artificial light and the darkness behind the window is only illuminated by distant lamps. The Pok¨¦ Balls, transformed into small balls by the light pressure of my fingers, find a place in my trouser pocket. That¡¯s the best I can offer for now. Fortunately, the balls are quite stable.

    For a moment, the adrenaline keeps me impatient on my feet. The next I disappear through the door outside into the corridor, and from there I wander back into the entrance area of the Pok¨¦mon Center. Sister Joy, who is patiently waiting for customers behind the counter, doesn¡¯t stop me. Only a smile reveals that she only wishes a quiet farewell before I end up outside in the sweltering heat.

    Hands on hips, I go through my things once more. The old mobile phone is in the back pocket of my trousers. Next to it, the Z-Crystal. My Pok¨¦ Balls are in a front pocket, together with the ring, and my hopes are up to my toes. Everything I have is here. There is no need to look back.

    My legs lead me down a few steps, past the side of the Pok¨¦mon Center, back onto the trail I ran down earlier. The Verdant Cavern is only a stone¡¯s throw away, which I couldn¡¯t manage on my first attempt. This time I won¡¯t be stopped. Still, my muscles groan as I begin the ascent. After the first few metres, the exertion already presses my breath to my lips and when I take the top bend an eternity later, I think my shirt is already completely sweaty.

    The humid air makes it difficult to breathe. Every step takes three times more energy than under the burning sun. The oxygen tastes stale and my lungs think they are taking in more moisture than breath. Yet I drag myself forward, my gaze always fixed on the road ahead. The bend has ushered in the end of the climb and the straight path ahead at least makes progress easier, while the darkness grows more impenetrable with each passing minute.

    On the left, it isn¡¯t far to the abyss that promises watery cooling. On the right, cliffs rise, spellbinding me for a moment as I think the shadows are speaking to me.

    ¡°Freedom! So big. So beautiful.¡± A childlike voice echoes in my head. Clear and distinct, so that I recognise it immediately.

    Although fatigue is slowly taking hold of my muscles, I speed up. I have no idea where the voice is coming from, but part of me still thinks I can follow. I can hear my breathing, feel the tickle in my throat and the thirst welling up. Then, all at once, I catch sight of a place in the rock that is darker than the rest of the island. The moonlight doesn¡¯t reach this corner and I have to take a few steps closer to realise it¡¯s a passageway. A short distance, on the other side of which the moon appears a little brighter.

    The glow of the night beckons me and leads me through the wide stone archway, straight to a sea of flowers whose yellowish glow shimmers like gold under sunbeams. For a moment, I hold my breath. Then I gasp a few times to shake off the exhaustion and let my gaze roam over the beauty of nature.

    ¡°Beautiful. So beautiful. So peaceful!¡±

    It¡¯s impossible to find the owner of the voice, no matter how painstakingly I narrow my eyes. Pok¨¦mon aren¡¯t to be seen. And yet a voice startles me out of my search, causing me to jump a few steps to the side.

    ¡°Domino!¡±

    It takes time for my brain to place Lillie. ¡°What are you doing here? At this hour?¡±

    ¡°I... Nebby got away from me.¡± She points to a spot on the other side of the sea of flowers. ¡°And I wanted to catch it.¡±

    ¡°How could it just get out like that?¡±

    Briefly, Lillie looks at me before adjusting a backpack on her shoulders. She looks like she¡¯s on the run, too, and when she opens her mouth, I hardly want to believe her words.

    ¡°I got my zip caught on your windowsill when I tried to jump out.¡±

 Chapter 9: From first steps and new friends IX

    My eyes widen. What leaves Lillie''s lips makes little sense. She has never conveyed the image of a heroine, thinking back to the moment when Nebby made acquaintance with the Spearow. Yet she keeps her hands clenched into small fists, raised to chest height, as if she has actually jumped out of my bedroom window.

    ¡°You...¡± The words won¡¯t come together, so I rephrase the question. ¡°What were you going to do?¡±

    ¡°After you ran away, your father went to the port and Hala called me to ask to get your things. It sounded urgent.¡± She tightens her shoulders. ¡°He told me it wouldn¡¯t be easy, but ... it was the bravest thing I¡¯ve ever done. I ... I¡¯ve never just walked into someone¡¯s house to take something that doesn¡¯t belong to me.¡± Her voice changes to a soft peep. ¡°And then suddenly I heard the front door ... and the window...¡±

    She gets tangled in her own words as I raise my brows and piece the picture together. Hala is on my side. He sent Lillie to get everything I left behind. Almost as if he knew my things were still packed up and tucked away in a bag waiting to be picked up. Simultaneously, he¡¯s coaxed Lillie a bit out of her shell with this, and it¡¯s hard to believe she¡¯s gone to such lengths to get something that could have got her into a lot of trouble.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± is all I can think of at first. With my things, the circumstances become easier. ¡°You¡¯re saving my journey right now.¡±

    She shakes her head. ¡°I¡¯m glad I could prove to myself I could help someone when it counts.¡±

    Briefly, Lillie takes a breath before sliding the backpack off her shoulders and holding it in my direction. I finally get to hold my things in my hands again and the lightness that settles on my chest all at once releases a heaviness I hadn¡¯t noticed before. This backpack has everything I need in it and my first grab is for the Rotom Phone I packed when I was dragged home after the little Pok¨¦mon battle with Hau. My father wanted to return it, but couldn¡¯t hide it well enough during the night.

    Taking a look at the phone, so much more modern than my own, equipped with endless apps I¡¯ve never seen before, increases the excitement inside. My adventure can begin.

    But before I can turn around to look for the airship and prove that I can learn and be an excellent trainer, my gaze once again falls on the sea of flowers. Somewhere among the yellow splendour, Nebby is hiding and although it is quiet right now, I don¡¯t want to leave it behind like that. Helping Lillie is the least I can do.

    With a sigh, I slide the backpack onto my shoulders and take a deep breath. ¡°I¡¯ll just go check on Nebby so it doesn¡¯t run off any further.¡±

    ¡°You would do that?¡± Lillie''s eyes light up. She cares and worries about this Pok¨¦mon, but doesn¡¯t train it. She possesses idiosyncrasies that seem unfathomable and yet I must confess I find the thought process interesting. There are more ways than fighting. That was made clear to me here from the beginning.

    So I wave it off. ¡°It¡¯s not like it¡¯s the first time, and it¡¯s probably frozen in one place right now, anyway.¡±

    ¡°You think?¡±

    I know it, I would love to tell her. But that¡¯s something I don¡¯t want to explain tonight. Thus, I give Lillie a pale smile before venturing into the sea of flowers with a leap.

    The scent of sweet blossoms invades my senses and the yellow pollen floats through the air to envelop me completely for a breath. I give them a moment to settle before I push forward. The moon still gives off enough light to see well, but Nebby is a dark Pok¨¦mon and finding it might prove difficult. I could ask Zorua for help, but I would probably lose her amidst the flowers.

    ¡°How pretty. So pretty. Hello!¡± The Pok¨¦mon¡¯s voice echoes around in my head again all at once, just when I don¡¯t know which way to turn. The sound jerks my head to the side and makes my eyes glide over the surroundings until I think I spot, next to another Pok¨¦mon, the wondrous colour scheme of Nebby.

    They have both settled on a small ledge, just above a path leading out of the sea of flowers. But before I can set another foot forward, I feel resistance that causes me to stumble. Momentarily, I look at my boots, but the flowers engulf me up to the waist and there is hardly anything that can be seen under the yellow blanket of blossoms.

    Several times I try to pull my foot on, but I can¡¯t get a step away from the spot. I have no choice but to dive under the flower cover and inspect the problem.

    Without further ado, the plants pollinate me and when I can finally see my foot, it is a thick thread that has wrapped itself around my ankle. With my fingers I try to tear it off, to get rid of it somehow, but nothing moves. It feels as if it¡¯s made of steel.

    The next moment, a strange whirring creeps up to my ears, ending in sharp sounds. I lift my gaze to catch sight of a small green thing a few metres in front of me, which I vaguely remember from my childhood. Back then, it often hung from the trees in the garden. Now it creeps in front of me and although I should know its name, I just can¡¯t think of it. This time, however, the Rotom Phone comes to my rescue.

    The mobile hovers in front of me for a moment before it pops up its display and reads out. ¡°Caterpie. Worm Pok¨¦mon. Type: Bug. It wears suction cups on its legs that allow it to climb inclines and walls with ease. As protection from enemies, it secretes a foul-smelling odour from its antennae. Caterpie is very voracious. It can devour leaves significantly larger than itself.¡±

    Admittedly, this Pok¨¦mon does sound cute. But its strings are an unpleasant obstacle that I can¡¯t overpower on my own. I have no choice but to ask my team for help.

    Briefly, I pull the small balls out of my trouser pocket and pick the normal one without signs of use. It is the only clue that tells me Pikipek is in there.

    When I let it out, it has already grasped the situation. Its feathers fluff up and with a few well-aimed attempts, it chops the thread between me and Caterpie in two. But that¡¯s not enough. For Coro, this Pok¨¦mon is breakfast and I can¡¯t hold it back as it charges at the worm.

    Instead of watching, I burst back up through the blanket of flowers. My nose is tingling from all the pollen and my clothes are now shimmering yellow under the moonlight. Still, I force myself further through the field - this time faster than before so as not to encounter another caterpillar - and leave the rustling in the background. Coro knows what it¡¯s doing.

    Eventually I find my footing on the stony climb, which saves me from the plants and brings me closer to the image I could only see from a distance before. Indeed, Nebby has settled down next to another Pok¨¦mon, which I approach slowly. Its green shape looks almost as tall as Zorua and the leaves on its head shake slightly as it notices me.

    Once again, the Rotom comes into view and I give it a moment to figure out what has settled there next to Nebby.

    ¡°Petilil. Bulb Pok¨¦mon. Type: Grass,¡± the Rotom¡¯s playful voice begins. ¡°The leaves on its head taste extremely bitter, but are excellent for exhaustion. They are very popular with seniors. Petilils prefer clear water and clean soil. If conditions worsen, they move on in groups.¡±

    Melemele is the ideal place for a Pok¨¦mon like this. I can tell that much. On top, it seems friendly, which is why I venture closer and reach for Nebby. My fingers disappear a bit into the strange mass of its body before I somehow find a hold and bring it down to me. The small success in my heart, however, cannot compete with the voice in my head.

    ¡°Goodbye!¡±

    The Petilil wiggles up and down happily for a moment before turning its back on me and going on its way. It seems like it¡¯s been waiting for Nebby to be recaptured, and it¡¯s refreshing to see Pok¨¦mon communicating with each other.

    However, the nagging at my side robs the moment of its tranquillity. A glance at my feet shows Coro has returned and the gleam in its eyes conveys that the Caterpie must have tasted good.

    ¡°You really couldn¡¯t just let it go, could you?¡±

    The click lingers in its beak as it tilts its head and looks at me as if I don¡¯t know how good a Caterpie tastes. In principle, I¡¯m glad about that. On the other hand, I remind myself that there are people who find Caterpie just as tasty as Pikipek does.

    ¡°I don¡¯t even want to think about this,¡± I sigh before pulling out its Pok¨¦ Ball and calling it back. I don¡¯t think another Caterpie will attack me once they¡¯ve realised I have a ravenous bird.

    The way back through the sea of flowers is easier than before, though still exhausting. I have to lift Nebby to keep it from being drenched in yellow pollen, and when I emerge on the other side at Lillie''s, I feel like a Bellossom.

    ¡°You found it!¡± Immediately, Lillie rushes to her Pok¨¦mon and wraps it in her arms. ¡°Nothing but worries you give me! I told you not to put yourself in danger all the time.¡±

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t Nebby have a Pok¨¦ Ball?¡±

    Pursing her lips, Lillie looks at me. ¡°I don¡¯t have any balls and ... I can¡¯t get my head around the idea of putting Nebby in one.¡±

    ¡°I think a ball is more comfortable than your bag, though. I¡¯ll give you one if you like.¡±

    Lillie waves it off. ¡°Not yet. I ... want to think about it for a while before I decide.¡±

    The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

    Her answer doesn¡¯t really make sense, but it¡¯s not my job to decide how she should act, either. If she wants to put Nebby in a ball, surely someone will take pity on her to give her one. After all, I only got mine together through the kindness of other people, because otherwise my father would definitely have got wind of it.

    Together we turn our attention to the way back to the route from which I strayed. Lillie has put Nebby back into her bag and the silence the Pok¨¦mon emits makes me think it¡¯s asleep. Still, I glance briefly over at her shoulder bag to make sure nothing is moving inside. The fabric remains motionless.

    ¡°Hey!¡± someone else¡¯s long-drawn exclamation comes over us just as we step out from under the stone arch and I make plans to say goodbye. A sideways glance brings brown skin and dark hair into focus. Hau has found us.

    He comes to a halt in front of me, propping himself up on his knees. He seems as drained as I was when I had to make this damn climb. His breath hangs heavy on his lips, and it takes a moment to catch himself.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been ... looking all over for you,¡± he gives out with a gasp, making me take a step back. He may belong to Hala, but no one promises me he hasn¡¯t sided with my father. My worries dissipate, however, when he raises his hand. ¡°My grandfather ... wanted to give you ... something else to take with you on your way.¡±

    ¡°Hala?¡±

    He nods before taking one deep breath and reaching into his pocket to pull out a small crystal. The engraved Z reminds me I, too, have found a stone like this.

    ¡°I joined your father¡¯s little search party to give it to you, should I find you ... or to help you, if necessary.¡± He grins wryly. ¡°It¡¯s understandable why you¡¯d want to leave. Alola is beautiful, but there¡¯s so much out there to explore...¡± He shakes his head. ¡°Anyway, this is the Fightinium Z crystal. My grandfather said it might help you if you want to explore this power.¡±

    I accept the gift. Unlike the crystal I own, it is brown like the earth at our feet.

    ¡°It¡¯s supposed to work mostly on Fighting-type Pok¨¦mon,¡± Hau elaborates. ¡°Also, you want me to tell you again that crystals like this can be found all over Alola. It is said that they appear around here by the power of the deities when you least expect it. Then he laughed. He probably doesn¡¯t know any better, either.¡±

    ¡°Meaning they are only found on this island?¡±

    Quickly, Hau shakes his head. ¡°They are easy to find on Alola. Be it in the wild or because the Pok¨¦mon honour these stones and sometimes build little altars to them. But that doesn¡¯t mean you can¡¯t find Z-Crystals outside of Alola. It¡¯s just a lot harder.¡±

    It¡¯s an interesting thought to gather a few of these stones and find out if the power they contain can really benefit me. After all, I need to get stronger so that moments like the one with Raya don¡¯t happen again. The fact everything is fine now has put a stop to the horror, and it doesn¡¯t seem so scary all of a sudden, but I know something like that can¡¯t happen again. We have to move on and any tool will do.

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Finally, I put the stone in my trousers to the other and give Hau a smile. We will probably never see each other again and yet I hope that one day he too can go on an adventure that fulfils him.

    ¡°No problem!¡± This time, he replies to me with a bright grin. ¡°I hope you find what you are looking for on your journey.¡± Slowly, he takes a few steps distance until he waves at us one last time. ¡°See you later, Lillie! And have a good trip, Domino.¡±

    Finally, he turns around and starts walking back, while I watch him for a while, Lillie standing frozen beside me. Her eyes are also glued to his back, yet seem to look right through him.

    ¡°We should go. I¡¯d still like to walk you to your destination,¡± the blonde puts in, and I can¡¯t do more than follow. It is exactly what I should do, along with my team and the things that will make everything a little easier.

    At the same time, I dig out the translucent stone I got after the fight with the Raticate and grab the Rotom Phone on my own this time. It sits in the side pocket of the backpack, in a small net from which it can dig itself out if necessary.

    With a few touches on the display, I can switch on the scan function. Then I hold the stone under the camera. It takes a moment for Rotom¡¯s strange voice to gather the information. ¡°Normalium Z. A crystal that can help Normal-type Pok¨¦mon in a fight. Multiplies when needed.¡±

    ¡°It multiplies?¡± I raise my brows in disbelief, causing a hum to escape the Rotom.

    ¡°It does. It¡¯s a mysterious item not yet known all about. A scouting party was able to determine that the aura and light that envelop trainers and Pok¨¦mon when they perform the Z-move are part of Necrozma¡¯s light that shone down on Alola long ago. The crystals have absorbed and held onto that power.¡±

    ¡°And how do they work when you use them?¡±

    ¡°Nothing more is known than that feelings and goals must match between the Pok¨¦mon and its trainer. It¡¯s a matter of being on the same wavelength for a moment to unleash the power,¡± Rotom explains.

    That¡¯s a lot of knowledge, and yet it¡¯s only a vague fragment. No one seems to know how long the light lasts in the crystals or if it is used up at all. No one seems to know why it got stuck in crystals of all things and the thought that there is still much to explore in the field increases my curiosity.

    ¡°What does the Z stand for, anyway?¡± interjects Lillie. Folding her hands behind her back, she leans forward slightly.

    ¡°It comes from the term Zenith, because trainers and Pok¨¦mon team up for an attack.¡±

    The summary leaves me with more questions than answers, so all that escapes me is a sigh. Probably this power won¡¯t let me go and I will pursue it until I solve the last puzzle. At least when I have made halfway friends with the world outside.

    Finally, I put the Rotom Phone back into its side pocket and try to block out all the questions for a moment. Racking my brains over such trifles in these seconds isn¡¯t what I need. Escape comes first, then everything else.

    ¡°What¡¯s your plan, anyway?¡± Lillie, too, turns her attention back to the real target and when her big eyes linger on me, it¡¯s curiosity that pierces me. She¡¯s probably the first person to get excited about my twisted ideas.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have a plan. First, I have to get out of here,¡± I reply. ¡°After that, I have to find my way out there and figure out what I want. Trainer? Do I want to tear the arenas apart and become the best? Or do I want to pursue the desire to know Pok¨¦mon better?¡±

    ¡°So something like a Pok¨¦mon Professor?¡±

    Professor. The idea doesn¡¯t sound bad. The more often this option is suggested to me, the more temptingly it settles in me. It would balance everything I want. I could learn about the world and whenever I find something interesting, people listen to me and discuss things. It¡¯s a wonderful thought that leaves my heart slightly pounding before I clear my throat.

    ¡°Something like that, yes.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a lovely thought.¡± Lillie seems to have her head stuck in desires that seem unattainable. Yet somewhere inside she¡¯s holding on to them and for a moment I want to offer to just come with me. But if I¡¯m honest, I can barely keep myself on my feet.

    The airship also comes into view a little later, rendering suggestions and new ideas null and void. Once I¡¯m on board that airship, there¡¯s no turning back and Melemele and all its inhabitants will be behind me.

    ¡°We are here.¡± The awareness that we have arrived at the end also reaches Lillie. Her eyes are glued to the unusual flying object, whose majestic size could block out the sun - provided you stand in the right position and let your imagination run wild.

    It is reminiscent of a gigantic submarine, its sides and seams decorated with bronze, so that when the sun rises it certainly shimmers as if it were made of gold. The rest is metallic grey and only the two sails at the back bring purple colour into play. Six windows on the side shroud themselves in darkness and the closer I get to the cliff, the easier it becomes to see over the edge. Just below the flying air chamber is a gigantic wooden shell reminiscent of a dinghy. The sturdy rails underneath suggest they can also dock on land. Away from it, there is nothing in the shell but an innumerable amount of supplies, bound together in containers.

    The front of the floating submarine is made of glass, behind which is presumably the steering wheel, and for a moment I hope no one sees us. Immediately after, my gaze solidifies on the entrance - a heavy bronze door that protrudes slightly, practically inviting me in.

    ¡°I just hope there¡¯s no one on board to catch me...¡±

    ¡°What are you doing then?¡± Lillie stands close beside me. We have unknowingly hidden behind one rock that towers at the end of this route.

    ¡°Running away,¡± I reply. ¡°But I¡¯m hoping to go unnoticed. I¡¯ll just get in and go to the very back. Usually, that¡¯s where you stow the supplies you plan to consume soon. Somewhere there I will settle down and travel along to the next island.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that dangerous?¡±

    I can¡¯t hold back the amused snort. This whole action was dangerous from the start. Something that only occurs to her in these seconds. Lillie''s naivety is almost adorable.

    ¡°It is,¡± I return as an ultimate affirmation. ¡°But it¡¯s just one risk I have to take. Thank you for bringing me my things. I hope you¡¯ll take a little better care of Nebby from today on. From now on, I can''t help you anymore.¡±

    I don¡¯t give her time to reply before I leap out from our hiding place and rush to the airship. My steps are so hurried that I stumble over smaller mounds several times until I reach the door and grab the turning wheel. My arms screech as I try to turn the bronze wheel anti-clockwise and open the door. It¡¯s harder than I expected and it takes an interminable amount of time before I feel it give way.

    All at once, the turning becomes easy and the door swings in my direction. It only takes one leap to slide inside the airship and close the door behind me. The walls are as lacklustrely metal as most of the outside, and instead of banishing me, my racing heart drives me to the right. With that, I follow the ship to the far end, where I find a door whose handle I push down.

    In an instant, I find myself in the pantry as planned - a sprawling room with shelves and boxes behind which I can hide. I immediately jump over two and settle down. My breath is rapid, my heart thunders against my ribs so hard it hurts, and sweat sticks icily to my body. There are no windows in this place, no way to let the moonlight in, so the darkness reaches every corner of the room. I cannot see my hands in front of my eyes.

    Slowly, I slide the backpack off my shoulders and tighten my legs to rest my head on the fabric. Holding something familiar in my hands holds peace that otherwise lurks in no corner of the ship. Thus, I get at least a few breaths in which to catch myself. At least until I hear the pantry door open again.

    For a moment, my heart skips a beat, and I hold my breath. My shoulders shake, heat consumes my body, and every cell is ready to jump. But nothing happens. No light comes on. I can¡¯t hear any footsteps and the door slams back into the lock.

    Still, I count to ten. Only then do I dare to take a breath and let go of the tension for a moment. Peace that lasts only a blink of an eye before I feel someone settle down next to me.

    This time, fear overcomes me and I reach for the Rotom Phone to turn on the flashlight. What meets my eyes is the panicked look on Lillie''s face.

    She opens her mouth, wanting to say something, but can¡¯t bring herself to utter a word. Instead she swallows, as if realising all at once that she has made a terrible mistake. Yet she tightens her shoulders, swallows, and then looks me firmly in the eye.

    ¡°Take me with you!¡±

    ¡°What?¡± My body loses all tension and threatens to collapse. ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°Because I want to be braver. I... I want to find a way to protect Nebby and to do that I have to learn to dare. Staying here won¡¯t get me anywhere, Domino.¡± Again, she clenches her small hands into fists. ¡°You have nothing to worry about. I won¡¯t hinder you. Just ... let me come with you.¡±

    I¡¯m really in no position to give out advice. As a runaway who broke into some unknown group to get as far away from Melemele as possible, I can¡¯t claim to know what I¡¯m doing. Lillie is no different in that respect. Refusing her would be the same as forcing her to stay on this island, and that would make me little better than my father.

    So I settle down next to her again and try to shake off the tension. Now, with the two of us, it¡¯s easier than before.

    ¡°If you want to come with me, then I won¡¯t stop you,¡± I explain to her. ¡°It¡¯s your choice.¡±

    I give her a smile, which she returns in wonder. Then a soft giggle escapes her and it¡¯s probably the first time I¡¯ve felt relief in a situation like this. The first step is taken. Melemele is as good as behind me and all at once, the tiredness that had seemed so trivial in the Pok¨¦mon Center overcomes me.

    My body automatically leans back so that I find hold on the wooden box behind me. With the backpack between my legs, I switch off the flashlight and stow Rotom in the side pocket again.

    Then I close my eyes, and the darkness behind my lids welcomes me with open arms. For a moment, I have nothing to fear.

 Chapter 10: Knowledge behind fading leads I

    The warmth in the room makes it difficult to open my eyelids. Not even the scream in the background and the following babble of voices can shake the peace inside me. Still, the background noise gets louder with every breath I take and when I recognise Lillie''s stuttering, I sit upright all at once.

    My heart races and although the surroundings are a terrible blur in front of me at first, in the next breath, a fairly sharp-eyed woman comes to the fore.

    ¡°You definitely crave trouble.¡± Her voice is loud and a little pointy and it takes me a while to recognise her. It¡¯s the woman from the harbour.

    A Pok¨¦ Ball lies between her fingers, still in its transport form, and the pressed-together lips hint she¡¯s reluctant to fight in the pantry. Yet it unfolds in the next moment and my breath catches.

    Systematically, I grab Zorua¡¯s ball and slide to my knees so the other two finally notice me.

    ¡°Domino!¡± Lillie''s relief ripples through the room, but she can¡¯t draw my attention in her direction. Instead, my eyes linger on the woman.

    The uniform on her body gives her the aura that she is probably a good deal older than me. The shades of grey, the black skirt and the purple accents have the charm of an adult at work. However, she also has a sparkle in her eyes that makes her look younger.

    ¡°We¡¯re not here to provoke trouble,¡± I finally try. A fight in such a confined space would only cause damage. We both know that.

    ¡°You should have thought of that before you snuck on board!¡±

    ¡°We only want to get to the next island ... or, if possible, to a completely different place, far away from Alola.¡±

    ¡°And you think I¡¯ll just accept that?¡± She doesn¡¯t know what to do with herself. Her legs make her stumble back two steps and the ball threatens to slip out of her hand, so I force myself to my feet in a flash.

    My breath catches in my throat as I prepare to take on this woman ¨C when the hasty movements of another enter the room.

    ¡°Conia, pull yourself together.¡± He¡¯s not loud, not dominant, and yet there¡¯s a harshness in his voice that makes me lower the ball too.

    ¡°But... Amethio, sir...¡± Although Conia obeys, the protest doesn¡¯t leave her. ¡°These two are intruders.¡±

    ¡°I realise that.¡± Violet eyes settle on me, and no words are needed to know, he remembers. My desire for escape and adventure has bothered him before, and though I wanted to avoid a moment like this, we¡¯re face to face again.

    It¡¯s obvious that I owe him an explanation. Still, a sigh escapes me as I rub the sleep from my eyes and sort out my adrenaline-fuelled thoughts first.

    ¡°I know there¡¯s no room for us on this ship, but I¡¯m asking once again to come with you,¡± I begin slowly. ¡°Alola is ... not my final destination and ... I would like to explore the world ¨C perhaps as a professor.¡± My inner desires linger on this group¡¯s quest. On a being who feels the same urge for freedom as I do. ¡°Besides ... this Rayquaza ... I¡¯d like to see it again.¡±

    It¡¯s a short-term idea, but a warming thought. This Pok¨¦mon has mesmerised me with the sight of it. Its voice, its search, all these things have left me with familiar feelings. I would like to see if it could find what it was looking for.

    ¡°My answer remains unchanged,¡± he replies. His casual demeanour is stoic and everything in me wants to show him I am not to be underestimated. However, a fight remains impractical. ¡°There¡¯s no room for you here.¡±

    ¡°Not even if it can give you an advantage?¡± No matter how insane I sound, it¡¯s worth a try.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°I can hear Rayquaza when it¡¯s nearby.¡± I tap my temple briefly. ¡°Its voice is in my head. That¡¯s true for ... some special Pok¨¦mon, it seems.¡±

    At least that¡¯s what I could summarise. Tapu Koko''s voice was audible, as was Rayquaza¡¯s. There¡¯s also Nebby, whose words reach me as it flies towards freedom.

    ¡°You ... can hear them?¡± It¡¯s Conia who interjects, looking at me as if I¡¯d sold the Holy Grail at a flea market for Pok¨¦ Beans. ¡°You¡¯re lying! That¡¯s not possible.¡±

    I would love to prove her wrong, but I have no plan how. There¡¯s no way to demonstrate that I can hear Pok¨¦mon. I could tell them God knows what, and all they¡¯re left with is blind faith.

    In the end, the revelation of my strange ability feels worse than expected. Stupid. Like something you say, only to want to unsay it again in the next few seconds. Still, I put my hands on my hips and jut my chin. I¡¯m not a liar and letting the tight feeling in my chest take centre stage is out of the question.

    ¡°We¡¯ll take her with us.¡± In the end, it¡¯s Amethio who decides, leaving Conia to the left with a brief gasp. ¡°I¡¯ll pass your request on to my Master. We¡¯ll see what happens after that.¡±

    ¡°Sir, hearing the voices of some Pok¨¦mon ... can there be any truth to it?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± he replies, ¡°but it would be dangerous to let an ability like that go.¡±

    I breathe a barely perceptible sigh of relief. Maybe they¡¯ll decide to believe me. I hardly know anything about this ability myself. The only thing my mind can conjure up are hazy childhood images. They are as formless as everything since my father decided moving to Alola. I can¡¯t even remember my years in Unova. Everything forms a shapeless mush that makes my shoulders heavy.

    The thought chokes my throat all at once and although I told myself before Alola that the past doesn¡¯t matter, there are only tiny elements that I can remember.

    There¡¯s my father and all the important information about him. Ying, which I was given at some point when I was little. The names of the places we lived and faint background noise, like the normal school facility without Pok¨¦mon that I went to. Behind that, information that I¡¯ve painstakingly scraped together.

    I can¡¯t remember any friends or a single day I spent in these places. It¡¯s all like a fever dream that I only woke up from after we were on the ship to Alola.

    ¡°Hey, are you even listening?¡± Without further ado, Conia moves into the picture and snaps me out of my thoughts. Behind her former refusal lies only obedience.

    ¡°I... Yes... I was just in thought.¡± I wave it off before looking round. Amethio is no longer there.

    ¡°Well then. I¡¯ll take you both to your room. You can change there, rest ... wait until we call you.¡± She sighs. ¡°And don¡¯t think we¡¯re going to let you off so easily.¡±

    Lillie doesn¡¯t say a word and I only manage a weary nod. A bed sounds good and changing has its charms. My white trousers are actually yellow from all the pollen from the sea of flowers and part of me just wants to freshen up.

    So we follow Conia from the pantry up the corridor to a door that leads to the top of the airship. The group has set up a kind of living room here, making the surroundings feel much warmer. The two chocolate-brown sofas, the armchair and the matching table are in the centre of the room. Underneath is a tasteful carpet. The rest of the room is furnished with cupboards and shelves filled with tableware and other odds and ends.

    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

    The sight captivates me a little before Conia strolls through another door on the same side, much further to the right. Once again we end up in a bare corridor, but the doors have meaning.

    ¡°This is where our admin sleeps,¡± she points to the first, closed doorway. Then to the second and third. ¡°Next to it is Zir and the one after that leads to my room.¡±

    She only pauses in front of the fourth and penultimate one. ¡°This one is yours.¡±

    She opens the doorway and as soon as Lillie and I have entered, the heavy steel falls back into the lock. Conia leaves us alone, and it¡¯s a moment when Lillie puts a hand on her chest and sighs.

    ¡°I thought they were going to throw us overboard,¡± she begins slowly. ¡°That was ... scary...¡±

    While I let her know with a curt hum that I more or less agree with the thought, I push my way across the room. There¡¯s a large bed, a desk and chair and a few empty shelves. There is also a door leading into a tiny bathroom. The toilet is just one step away from the washbasin and is also adjacent to the shower. It¡¯s cramped, but it¡¯s inviting.

    ¡°I¡¯m ... going to take a quick shower, yeah?¡± I glance briefly at Lillie, who has already settled down on the bed.

    She gives me an uncertain smile. ¡°Okay.¡±

    I disappear behind the door with my things in a flash and put my backpack down on the toilet seat. It doesn¡¯t take long to jump under the shower and slipping into fresh clothes is a great feeling. I put the dirty clothes in a plastic bag and stow them in my backpack again.

    Back in the room, I waft cool air at myself before landing on the bed next to her and dropping the backpack on the floor. Lillie''s bag next to it is open, but Nebby is asleep.

    ¡°You¡¯ll have to be careful it doesn¡¯t fall off board while we¡¯re here.¡± I purse my lips. ¡°Otherwise, I¡¯ll have to hope Coro can fly well.¡±

    ¡°Coro?¡± Big green eyes look at me.

    ¡°Ah... My Pikipek.¡± I lean back in thought. ¡°It stood in for me when Zorua was poisoned during the fighting at the school. And on my escape, I faced two idiots from some twisted gang.¡±

    ¡°You fought?¡± Her eyes widen and I can¡¯t help but laugh and tap my upper arm.

    ¡°I showed them who¡¯s in charge.¡± My posture relaxes again. ¡°The man I helped gave me Raya, a Growlithe, to take with me. So there are four of us now.¡±

    ¡°Have you scanned them with your Rotom yet?¡±

    ¡°No, is that important?¡±

    ¡°As well as the usual information, it can also tell you what kind of mind your Pok¨¦mon has.¡± Lillie raises a finger instructively. ¡°The Rotom can also scan your Pok¨¦mon to find out which attacks it knows.¡±

    Silence falls for a moment after her little speech and the sudden shame that overcomes her makes her wave it off. ¡°Well... I-it¡¯s not exactly unimportant.¡±

    She¡¯s not wrong. Knowing what my Pok¨¦mon can and can¡¯t do is one thing that can make my journey easier. So I dig out my three balls and let my companions out. The room is filled with happy giggles, Zorua stretches out in her usual form and Growlithe threatens to fall asleep sitting down. My focus shifts to Coro.

    ¡°Pikipek. Woodpecker Pok¨¦mon. Normal/Flying-type Pok¨¦mon. It pecks into a tree sixteen times a second to make holes in the wood where it can store its food or build a nest. It later shoots the seeds from its berries out of its beak as ammunition. You can recognise its mood by its pecking rhythm.¡±

    ¡°So it must have really strong neck muscles,¡± Lillie adds as she moves closer to me. The smell of fresh flowers settles in my nose. ¡°And look, it¡¯s only twenty-five centimetres tall.¡±

    ¡°Five less than I estimated,¡± I reply.

    ¡°And therefore smaller than average,¡± the blonde adds, before wiping a finger across the display and showing me what special features Coro has.

    In addition to the fact it doesn¡¯t lose any accuracy thanks to its keen eye, it can execute attacks that are used multiple times one hundred per cent. Not that I know what that means, but it makes a good impression. Apart from that, it tends to steal ¨C and it¡¯s male.

    ¡°It also has the attacks Peck, Echoed Voice, Supersonic, and Growl,¡± I read out. It seems to be young. Older Pok¨¦mon certainly have better attacks ¨C at least I want to hold on to this belief until I¡¯m convinced otherwise.

    Shortly afterwards, I turn my attention to Ying and Raya to find out the most important details. Neither of them excels at anything, but getting to know their skills on the sidelines and knowing what I can rely on gives me new confidence.

    ¡°But why only four attacks?¡± This time it¡¯s Lillie who asks, and deep in my mind a memory emerges that I can¡¯t place. The woman¡¯s voice that gently touches my ears is familiar and strange at the same time. Yet her words make sense.

    ¡°Because they simply can¡¯t remember. Of course, they could learn five or six attacks, but if it gets too much, they just end up confused or have to think too long. In a battle, it¡¯s impractical if the Pok¨¦mon doesn¡¯t immediately remember its attack and has to think about it first,¡± I explain. It¡¯s almost astonishing what¡¯s floating around in the deepest corners of my brain. It seems as if someone once took the trouble to introduce me to the world of Pok¨¦mon.

    Lillie, meanwhile, nods briefly before taking her distance again and kneading her hands. She lets her green eyes wander around the room for a moment before plucking up the courage to ask another question. ¡°You can understand Nebby?¡±

    ¡°I can.¡± I lower my eyes. ¡°Even if it often has nothing more to say than ¡®free¡¯.¡±

    ¡°Since when can you understand Pok¨¦mon? Is that ... like telepathy?¡±

    I grimace at the thought of them deliberately forcing these words into my brain, but then shake my head with a smile. ¡°I don¡¯t know since when. I¡¯d say recently, but ... it could be longer. And it¡¯s only special Pok¨¦mon. Rayquaza, for example. And Nebby. It¡¯s like they just talk and when I¡¯m around, I can hear it.¡±

    ¡°I see...¡± Lillie also lowers her head. ¡°If Nebby is ever unhappy about something, will you tell me?¡±

    ¡°I will.¡±

    She sighs. ¡°I wish I could understand Pok¨¦mon that way, too.¡±

    I doubt it, but I don¡¯t want to rob her of the beautiful fantasy behind it, so I stay quiet. Her reverie doesn¡¯t last long, however, before a knock on the door freezes the mood in the room and we both wait. We don¡¯t have to invite our visitor in. He simply takes the liberty.

    Immediately afterwards, a guy stands in the frame who looks like he¡¯s twice my age. His short, black hair is adorned with an olive-coloured mohawk that doesn¡¯t quite want to stand up straight, and the uniform on his body makes him look like an employee, just like Conia.

    ¡°Enough lazing around!¡± He purses his lips briefly as he scrutinises us. ¡°Come to breakfast.¡±

    Breakfast sounds fantastic, especially after a start like this. My hair is almost dry and Lillie can¡¯t even react as quickly as I jump up. It takes her a moment to push herself off the bed and be the last to follow.

    On the way to the dining room, for which they use the elegant lounge, the stranger introduces himself as Zir. A guy who is proud of his position and accepts my decision to join him with a broad smile. We settle down on the sofa together. Lillie takes a seat next to me. Zir on the opposite side.

    Breakfast is served a little later by Conia, who is now only half as hostile as she was at the beginning. Her eyes remain watchful, but she has no harsh words to spare. ¡°If you don¡¯t like something, leave it.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re making the food for everyone here?¡± I raise my eyebrows briefly as I grab a slice of sandwich. The ham on it smells of herbs.

    Conia, however, nods as she puts her hands on her hips and juts her chin. ¡°Balanced meals are the most important thing when you¡¯re out exploring and my cooking skills are impressive!¡±

    Her words alone make me look forward to lunch ¨C provided we¡¯re not thrown overboard by then. But when Amethio enters, the answer is silence. Presumably, there is no decision yet, so silence is all he can offer us.

    While he is being poured a cup of tea, breakfast really begins. Chansey eggs are spread on spoons, sandwiches and forks. Tomatoes are a delight on the tongue and the ham turns out to be Lechonk.

    ¡°I-I... A-Also... What do you do in your organisation?¡± Eventually, Lillie starts a conversation that immediately catches Conia¡¯s attention.

    ¡°Ah... It¡¯s not usual for you to meet travelling explorers, is it?¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t say that it is!¡± Lillie immediately raises her hands and waves it off. ¡°I haven¡¯t been here long.¡±

    ¡°Neither have I,¡± I add. ¡°Only for a few days, which can be counted on two hands.¡±

    ¡°Where are you from?¡± Zir interjects. The original question slips into the background for a moment.

    ¡°From ... a small island ... near Alola.¡±

    ¡°Johto.¡±

    We answer at the same time before we look at each other and a giggle escapes us both. She doesn¡¯t seem like someone whose parents are from around here, but I know what it¡¯s like to seem out of place.

    ¡°That¡¯s pretty far away,¡± Zir states in response to my answer. Then he puffs out his chest as if to emphasise how much he knows about distance. ¡°We come from all over,¡± he continues. ¡°We operate under the Explorers.¡±

    ¡°You could say we are there to research events and issues in the Pok¨¦mon world,¡± adds Conia.

    ¡°How do such organisations finance these searches? It must be quite expensive.¡± Some cheese lands on my tongue.

    ¡°Trade,¡± Conia explains. ¡°Trade in unusual finds such as valuable crystals and unknown evolution stones. Plus government support when we make a discovery.¡±

    Becoming part of all this sounds like a little dream of freedom that I¡¯ve been longing for forever. It¡¯s the one thing that has stayed with me clearly and distinctly since I was a child. The Explorers have everything I want. Discovering the world is exactly what it takes to satisfy a longing for faraway places.

    ¡°Perhaps being a professor in this field is actually just the right thing for me. A professor of the Explorers...¡± I can¡¯t help but dwell on the thought.

    ¡°You¡¯re really interested in research?¡± Conia tilts her head briefly. ¡°I would have expected this to be an excuse.¡±

    ¡°No, not an excuse.¡± I wave it off. ¡°I want to be free and, as a professor, I can discover the entire world. There¡¯s hardly anything better than that, is there?¡±

    ¡°I like your drive!¡± Zir gives me an emphatic nod. It seems like I¡¯m the centre of all this, if only for a moment, and it feels good to talk freely about these topics. My father has never listened to me.

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t mind helping you with a teaching task or two,¡± Conia adds, her eyes slightly averted. Neither of us wants to apologise. But the peace between us needs no further words. ¡°And our admin knows a few things too!¡±

    As she turns expectantly in Amethio¡¯s direction, he takes a sip of his tea. His thoughts are elsewhere and yet he looks at Conia for a moment. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter.¡±

 Chapter 11: Knowledge behind fading leads II

    With a groan on my lips, I wave some air at myself. The toe of my boot taps on the ground as my gaze sweeps out of one of the large front windows and scrutinises the mountain, whose steam appears in the distance like a small forest fire. Crossing my arms in front of my chest, I soak up the image of Akala. It is an island that is hardly different from Melemele and yet at first glance there are enough differences to ease the heaviness on my shoulders.

    In a few minutes we will dock at Heahea City¡¯s harbour. I will set foot on another island - without my father. The distance between us is growing and yet it¡¯s impossible to shake off the constricting feeling that he¡¯s going to turn the corner at any moment.

    Ying¡¯s quiet grumbling in the background distracts me. A glance over my shoulder reveals she is sitting just two steps behind me - as if she wants to give me strength from a distance without robbing me of too many worries at once. There are so many things that have piled up inside me over the last twenty-four hours that the journey hardly seems that important.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t how I imagined it,¡± I mutter quietly as I push my bottom lip forward. I should shove all the questions that are suddenly plaguing me away and tackle them when the opportunity presents itself. Racking my brains over something that I¡¯m not going to find an answer to now isn¡¯t helpful. That¡¯s probably what Zorua is trying to make me realise.

    ¡°Domino!¡± In the end, it¡¯s Lillie who buries my thoughts completely and straightens my shoulders. The light blue summer dress on her body flutters around happily, matching the sparkle in her eyes. As always, she carries her shoulder bag with her. ¡°We¡¯ll be there soon!¡±

    ¡°Indeed.¡± I nod briefly. ¡°Do you have any idea where we¡¯re going?¡±

    She shakes her head hastily. ¡°No. But ... our journey has only just begun and ... well ... I¡¯ve heard that the Explorers want to split up to look for that Pok¨¦mon.¡±

    Lillie doesn¡¯t have to say it to make it clear. It¡¯s written all over her face. She¡¯s longing for another little test of courage, and this ¡°splitting up¡± seems to become a part of it.

    The brief shudder that runs through my body immediately afterwards tells me we have docked. This time, I take a deep breath before turning my attention to the new island. Then I bridge the distance to Lillie, call Zorua back into her ball as I pass by, and put a hand on her shoulder. ¡°I¡¯m sure there are a few things to discover here.¡±

    She clutches the strap of her bag tighter before agreeing, and together we head for the exit of the airship. When we arrive, the door to the outside is open and the three members of this unit have gathered.

    As soon as I get out, Zir¡¯s eyes wander in my direction. ¡°There you are!¡±

    I give him a brief, wry smile. Almost automatically, I wipe my damp hands on my grey jeans, where the Rotom Phone hides in my trouser pocket. My partner¡¯s Pok¨¦ Balls are firmly anchored in my belt, along with two empty ones that I have attached a little way away. Then I casually run my hands through my hair, which I have neatly tied back in a ponytail. This time, I leave the backpack behind.

    ¡°We¡¯ll split up.¡± Amethio, who only casts a curt glance in my direction, gets straight to the point. ¡°Zir will stay on the ship to follow should we need it elsewhere on the island. The rest of us will try to get information on Rayquaza.¡±

    ¡°Are we going individually or in teams?¡± Conia holds a hand on her hip as she glances at me and Lillie. ¡°I¡¯d say we¡¯re safer in a team. We haven¡¯t heard back from the boss yet and letting them out of our sight could lead to problems.¡±

    Despite the friendly chat in the morning, there¡¯s still no trust. I can¡¯t blame her; after all, we¡¯ve only known each other for a few hours and people who are exploring something don¡¯t like to share their secrets with outsiders. I would hardly be any different from Conia.

    ¡°I-I¡¯d love to go with Conia!¡± Lillie eagerly raises her hand as if she is reporting to class, and her decision surprises me at least as much as her chosen one.

    ¡°Then that¡¯s settled. Unless you have other plans, Amethio, sir?¡±

    He lowers his eyelids briefly, as if he doesn¡¯t want to think about it. ¡°We should leave now.¡±

    So I¡¯m going to go with him; the guy who is about as talkative as an offended Jigglypuff. At least he doesn¡¯t give me any reason to start a conversation or worry about questions he might ask me. Instead, I hastily follow him as he sets off.

    But after just five minutes of walking towards Heahea City, the silence between us makes uncomfortable waves. Amethio¡¯s stillness is heavy, as if he¡¯s chasing something with all his might, and I can¡¯t help but think of topics I can use to lure him out of his shell.

    Half in thought, I try to loosen the tight collar of my brown blouse so the orange ribbon slips a little.

    ¡°Have you been looking for this Rayquaza for a long time?¡±

    ¡°For two months,¡± he replies. ¡°We took up the pursuit after the first sighting.¡±

    His expressionless face makes it impossible to judge whether he even wants to talk to me. But as long as he answers, everything seems fine. ¡°Are you planning to catch it if you find it?¡±

    ¡°If possible.¡±

    ¡°And then?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll take it to headquarters.¡± His gaze remains fixed ahead. The violet colour of his eyes seems icy for a moment, as if a completely different scenario is running through his mind. Something I can¡¯t grasp, so all I can do is turn away.

    So, like him, I turn my gaze to Heahea City, whose shops and tower blocks slowly pass us by. It¡¯s bigger than Hau''oli, but the island charm hangs in every crack and reminds me that my father is only an island hop away.

    Only the thought makes my chest tighten, so I put my hands in my trouser pockets and turn my attention back to Amethio. ¡°Where do we start?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll ask around.¡±

    ¡°At random?¡± I raise my eyebrows.

    But Amethio casts a narrow glance in my direction as if he¡¯s reprimanding me. ¡°You can tell by looking at some people they know something favourable to us.¡±

    Without further ado, I take a closer look around. The scattered figures loitering in front of shop windows or chatting happily with each other all look the same to me. I can¡¯t help but scratch the back of my head. ¡°I think I¡¯ll just follow.¡±

    He doesn¡¯t respond and although the tension between us flares again, this time it¡¯s no longer awkward. Instead, it harbours something busy that makes my hands sticky. His way of proceeding would be impossible for me alone. I¡¯d be talking my head off trying to find the right person to talk to.

    Amethio, however, settles quickly and heads for an old man in front of a shop window, his gaze somehow distant. With his hands clasped behind his back, he conveys the image of an adventurer who is now sitting out his holiday in a floral shirt.

    ¡°Excuse me,¡± Amethio interrupts the stranger¡¯s unfamiliar muses.

    It takes a moment for him to turn to us. ¡°Yes? How can I help?¡±

    The old, raspy voice carries something familiar, as if he tells stories every night about adventures he once had. Part of me wants to listen to him for hours. The rest of me hangs on Amethio¡¯s lips, hoping to pick up clever phrases that I can use myself.

    ¡°Did you happen to come across a black Rayquaza? It flew over Alola.¡±

    ¡°A ... what? No, my boy.¡± The old man lets out a short laugh. ¡°And you shouldn¡¯t believe a story like that, either.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± I can¡¯t help but ask.

    ¡°Because Rayquaza isn¡¯t black,¡± he replies. ¡°When I was young, following my work as a pipe welder all over the world, I once saw it in the sky. They say it came down to us to see if the world was a good place, and then it disappeared again. And I can tell you, just like all my colleagues from back then, that Rayquaza is as green as the woods.¡± He clears his throat briefly. ¡°There were almost two hundred of us back then, and I¡¯m sure other people who have seen Rayquaza also describe it as green. On top, that¡¯s how it was recorded in the archives, which are much older than I am.¡±

    The answer sticks in my throat. The Rayquaza I¡¯ve seen doesn¡¯t match this description at all - not least because it was searching for something. A fact that triggers a brief flash of inspiration in me.

    ¡°Thank you for your time.¡± As Amethio bids a brief farewell to his first target, I move ahead.

    It takes a few breaths for Amethio to catch up with me. ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°This man said that Rayquaza is green. But what we¡¯re looking for is black,¡± I state the obvious to him. ¡°That means there are at least two of them.¡±

    ¡°So?¡± His enthusiasm for my words fails to materialise. He¡¯s probably already thought this far himself or knew beforehand that this strange dragon also exists in green.

    ¡°What if one Rayquaza is looking for the other?¡± I continue. ¡°When I saw it, I heard it looking for something. It didn¡¯t know where to go ... and then it flew off.¡±

    Slowly, Amethio puts a hand to his chin. This time I have his interest and whatever he¡¯s thinking about, it implies that he believes me. Compared to Conia, he doesn¡¯t doubt my weird ability.

    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

    ¡°It¡¯s looking for someone,¡± Amethio finally states.

    ¡°Someone?¡±

    ¡°It escaped from an old Pok¨¦ Ball.¡±

    ¡°So you¡¯re assuming it¡¯s looking for the owner of that old ball?¡±

    He nods once before stopping and looking to the side. To our left, a hotel rises a few metres away, its white and blue paintwork exuding an air of elegance. The tourists scattered around the forecourt seem like the perfect people to talk to and although Amethio hesitates for a moment, he finally sets his sights on the two of them.

    The information I gave him must have shifted something in his plan, but the goal remains the same. We have to find Rayquaza. Everything else comes afterwards.

    The targeted travellers are looking at a map together. Equipped with backpacks and sturdy shoes, hiking seems to be the top priority for both of them. But when the woman looks up and sees us, a smile appears on her lips that seems to emphasise: ¡°I know why you¡¯re here.¡±

    It¡¯s probably because of Amethio¡¯s presence. He doesn¡¯t even need to start the conversation as she points her finger at him and brushes her short, blonde hair behind her ear.

    ¡°You¡¯re definitely not from around here!¡± She smirks. ¡°And you seem to be looking for something.¡±

    We stop a few metres in front of her and her brunette companion, who is still studying the map.

    ¡°We¡¯re looking for a black Rayquaza,¡± Amethio replies matter-of-factly.

    ¡°I see.¡± The stranger lowers her hand. ¡°You¡¯re looking for a Pok¨¦mon whose name is probably not even known to many people. I assume the results are meagre, huh?¡±

    For the first time, I see emotion on Amethio¡¯s face. His eyelids lower slightly as he furrows his brows and turns down the corners of his mouth. This stranger seems to have hit a spot that almost annoys him a little, and I can¡¯t deny that her words make sense.

    From everything I¡¯ve heard so far, Rayquaza seems to be a rare Pok¨¦mon you only get to see if you¡¯re lucky. So it¡¯s perfectly normal that many people have never heard of it.

    ¡°You¡¯ve seen it,¡± Amethio realises dryly. Everything in him seems ready to force a passable answer.

    ¡°Who knows?¡± The stranger shrugs. ¡°But maybe I¡¯ll remember if someone fights me!¡± Her grin widens. ¡°Ever since I set foot on this island, I¡¯ve been looking for a good fight!¡±

    Just as Amethio is about to pull out a Pok¨¦ Ball to reply, Zorua lets herself out of without being asked. It freezes Amethio¡¯s movement before he loosens up again.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take care of that,¡± I interject. ¡°It¡¯s the perfect opportunity to get to know new Pok¨¦mon and learn something from a battle.¡±

    He knows I¡¯m still at the very beginning. This also means that I can probably put up a better fight than he - after all, I¡¯m not out to smash this stranger into a frying pan as quickly as a Chansey egg.

    Rotom rises into the air at the same time, ready to scan my opponent¡¯s Pok¨¦mon. The sudden tingling under my skin leaves dots on my body, and each breath intensifies the fluttery feeling in my chest. In these seconds, I can prove I¡¯m ready to learn from my every mistake.

    My fingers are ice-cold as I knowingly send Zorua into battle. After the Pok¨¦mon Center and the mess we both left behind, it¡¯s time to puff out our chests and show what we can do.

    The blonde, meanwhile, takes a step back before grabbing a ball and shortly afterwards sending a strange bird into battle, its red and white appearance causing my eyebrows to rise. Rotom clears up my confusion in the same breath.

    ¡°Delibird. Delivery Pok¨¦mon. Ice/Flying-type Pok¨¦mon. It always carries food with it. It¡¯s said that people who disappear often only survive because of it.¡±

    It sounds like an interesting opponent, and I concentrate fully on it as I give Ying the first command. ¡°Scratch!¡±

    She immediately rushes towards her opponent, but slashes her claws into nothing. The Delibird dodges so skilfully it escapes my gaze for a blink of an eye before suddenly standing next to Ying.

    ¡°Fake out!¡± My opponent gives the command in a firm voice, and in those seconds I realise that this Pok¨¦mon already knew what to do first - as if they start all their battles this way.

    Before I can warn Ying, the Delibird rams one of its wings into her side. It resembles a blow with a flat hand. Not very strong, but the more often it hits, the more it drains my Zorua.

    Meanwhile, Ying stumbles two steps to the side before she catches herself. Her opponent is nimble on its flat feet and therefore someone we shouldn¡¯t underestimate. We both know we have to be smarter. Zorua¡¯s brief glance in my direction conveys wordless understanding.

    I look at the circumstances for a moment. Then I remember a sequence of movements that Ying has already performed. ¡°Try Bite, like you did with the Raticate you had to save us from!¡±

    Her ears twitch. Then her tail wags for a split second before she jumps the distance to the Delibird. Her opponent dodges again as she opens her small mouth to bite. But this time she doesn¡¯t let herself be hit by an unsolicited fake out. Instead, she instantly jumps back from the spot, narrowly avoiding her enemy¡¯s wing flap. Her paws come up before the Pok¨¦mon can retreat and with a leap forwards she rams the Delibird with her entire body.

    ¡°Delibird, don¡¯t be discouraged. Quick attack!¡±

    Ying¡¯s attack is powerful, but not enough to sweep the Delibird off its feet. It doesn¡¯t move for a moment, but when it tenses its body, I hold my breath. In the next moment, the Pok¨¦mon chases forward at a hasty pace - faster than any human can run - in a steady circle around Zorua. We can only watch and wait, unsure which direction the attack will come from.

    ¡°Ying...¡± The decision for our next action rests heavily on my shoulders, but Delibird is bigger than Zorua and she knows no attacks to defend herself. ¡°Brace yourself with all your might.¡±

    Our only advantage is her robust body. Ying knows this as well as I do, so she gets ready with her legs apart. Shortly afterwards, Delibird strikes like a Graveler.

    Its body thunders with all its might against Ying and the momentum sweeps her off her feet. However, she is prepared. Her paws wrap around her opponent and pull them along. They turn and crash together several times and I can see that Zorua is using every ounce of her weight to knock the Delibird to the ground with extra force.

    After the third impact, they both lie on their backs for a moment until Zorua picks herself up again. Shaky and exhausted, but definitely still able to stand on all four paws.

    ¡°Not bad,¡± my opponent comments. ¡°But will you be able to stand up to this?¡±

    In one fluid motion, she calls back her Delibird and sends a second Pok¨¦mon into battle. The temperature seems to drop by a few degrees and noble, blue skin stretches in different shades over a creature that reminds me strongly of an Eevee-evolution.

    ¡°But it¡¯s not Vaporeon,¡± I whisper, and this time it¡¯s Amethio who has a few words for me.

    ¡°This is Glaceon, the ice variant.¡± His expressionless face almost seems to be telling me I can make up the rest myself. Fortunately, Pok¨¦mon types and their weaknesses are common knowledge, even for someone like me.

    ¡°Ying, come back. You fought great.¡± Eyes still fixed on the Glaceon, Zorua disappears into her ball and I reach for another of my comrades. Her appearance is wordless.

    Orange fur is being shaken and as Raya lets out a lively bark, I¡¯m sure we can win.

    ¡°Raya, bi-¡°

    ¡°Baby-Doll eyes!¡± the blonde interjects, causing me to falter. My Growlithe tilts her head.

    Glaceon, meanwhile, sits down and makes its pretty, round eyes look even rounder. The sparkle in them and the desire for love suddenly settle so deeply in my bones that I would love to give it all the treats and snacks I have. If only for a breath, before my brain switches gears and I blink a few times.

    ¡°Raya! Don¡¯t get distracted. Bite!¡±

    But Growlithe is indecisive. She leaps forwards, ready to bite, but only catches the back leg as her opponent dodges. On top, her bite is about as powerful as the punch of a newly hatched Ditto.

    The Pok¨¦mon dances to the side before gaining speed and suddenly becoming almost impossible to track with the naked eye. My counterpart doesn¡¯t need to put the attack into words to make me understand it. Her smirk is enough.

    ¡°Raya, this Pok¨¦mon is smiling at you!¡± My voice rises. ¡°If you don¡¯t attack it properly, it will end up defeating and laughing at you. It will consider you weak.¡±

    Growlithe''s ears twitch. She might not like the thought of being considered a weakling.

    ¡°Ember! Go after their attack!¡±

    With a snort, she wrinkles her nose before taking a deep breath and turning her attention to Glaceon with new fire in her gaze. Then she shoots small flames after the barely noticeable blue line that surrounds her.

    The fireballs crash to the ground, spraying sparks and lingering for a moment before extinguishing. It¡¯s enough to slow Glaceon''s pace. All at once, it has to jump over the hot spots, dodge and avoid ember. Until it puts too much power into one jump and opens a window of opportunity.

    ¡°Go!¡± My hand snaps to my side and Raya rushes ahead.

    She leaps towards the Glaceon to ram it, but misses. Her opponent¡¯s movements are agile and allow it to land on the ground unscathed. Raya lands a few steps behind it, her chest already filled with fire, which she shoots in Glaceon''s direction in renewed fervour.

    ¡°Dodge! And then icy wind! Let¡¯s show them that Alola¡¯s heat isn¡¯t enough to melt us.¡±

    Glaceon struggles to follow the first command. It manages to jump back just in the nick of time and escape the fire. Simultaneously, the temperature continues to drop and as I can see my breath, I realise that if I don¡¯t come up with a plan, we¡¯re going to lose.

    My shoulders shake. Cold eats through my body. Small things that hardly bother Growlithe. But the ice crystals that form in the surrounding area and stick to Raya¡¯s fur threaten trouble.

    I chew on my lower lip. Circumstances are coming to a head and even though I could certainly send Pikipek into battle after Raya, I don¡¯t want to put her through another defeat. The only thing left is an experiment. Either that or I have to give up.

    ¡°Raya, you need to stow your heat!¡± I have no plan if she realises what I want her to do, but it¡¯s all I can think of in those seconds. Even Amethio next to me widens his eyes slightly, as if he can¡¯t comprehend my command.

    I hold my breath for a moment. Then Growlithe sprints off - at the same moment Glaceon fully unleashes its ice storm.

    Icy cold tugs at my hair and flutters through my clothes, threatening to freeze my body. Meanwhile, ice crystals swirl through the air, controlled by Glaceon. It leaps through the storm like a fairy, while Raya tries to avoid the sharp, small stones. Whenever they whizz past her, they shatter on the ground. Simultaneously, vapour rises from her body.

    In the next breath, one of the ice crystals hits her. My hands clench into fists, my heart beats up to my throat, but Raya doesn¡¯t even falter. The ice melts before it can reach her body and as we both realise the circumstances, it¡¯s a delighted bark from Growlithe that spurs me on.

    ¡°Break through!¡±

    Raya immediately starts moving. Her body chases through the ice as if it is a pile of old wood that she no longer has to fear. Her sights are on the Glaceon and although she might be able to reach her opponent with bite, something else is on the tip of my tongue.

    ¡°Ember!¡±

    Raya¡¯s paws stop. Her chest puffs out. In the next blink of an eye, she shoots a small fireball towards Glaceon. Then another. Until she chases the balls after the Pok¨¦mon like a pistol - and hits it.

    A small flame clings to Glaceon''s front paw and elicits a hiss from it. When it hits the ground after another jump, icy wind collapses. It limps two steps, then stops. Meanwhile, the blonde claps her hands.

    ¡°That¡¯s enough, I give up.¡±

    My breath stops for a moment as disbelief spreads inside me. Somehow, I¡¯ve turned the circumstances around. I put Raya in charge, even though nurse Joy advised against it. Seeing her strong body there in front of me overwhelms me.

    When she glances in my direction, however, it is with a lively wagging tail that she dispels my worries. She seems to have enjoyed this fight as much as I did.

    And once again, we have learnt something new.

    ¡°Not bad!¡± With a nod, the stranger puts her hands on her hips. ¡°Good work, that was really fun! You¡¯re pretty strong.¡±

    ¡°Thanks.¡± I give her a smile before Amethio takes a step forward.

    ¡°Have you seen what we¡¯re looking for?¡±

    ¡°Oho, impatient as it seems.¡± She simply ignores the uneasy undertone in his voice. ¡°Fine. Yes, we¡¯ve seen the black Rayquaza too. It flew over the island and then headed for the mountain.¡± She points briefly at the seething monster. ¡°It has probably settled there.¡±

    ¡°Does that mean ... we¡¯re going up there?¡± The thought alone makes my forehead sweat. My last climb was a hill that took all the strength in the world. Climbing a real mountain is one of those things I don¡¯t even want to consider.

    Amethio, however, nods icily. ¡°Via route 4.¡±

    I like flatland. A sentence I¡¯d like to write down for him and then wander up and down like a lost Slowbro in protest with a sign.

    ¡°Can¡¯t ... we just fly up there?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s too hot for the airship,¡± he replies. ¡°Besides, we can¡¯t miss any clues.¡±

    My shoulders slump. I wanted this adventure, I really did, but someone should have warned me about the mountainous landscape of some regions. Then I would have prepared myself athletically.

 Chapter 12: Knowledge behind fading leads III

    ¡°Where do we start our search?¡± With my hands pressed to my sides, I try to avoid a strained gasp.

    The hotel is already behind us and Route 4 is getting closer and closer. The harbour city won¡¯t be enclosing us with its buildings and offers for much longer and I wonder if Lillie and Conia have already left or are still waiting by the airship.

    ¡°Paniola Town and Royal Avenue will house information if Rayquaza has turned up there,¡± Amethio replies. ¡°It will also have left traces on the mountain.¡± The Rotom Phone in his hands makes clear he has a map of this island in front of him.

    ¡°Does that mean we¡¯re going to search the entire island?¡± I raise my eyebrows. ¡°Just to make sure we don¡¯t miss any traces of Rayquaza?¡±

    ¡°Is that a problem?¡± His tone isn¡¯t sharp, but it carries something that makes me instantly raise my hands.

    ¡°No. I¡¯m just amazed you¡¯re being so thorough.¡±

    It¡¯s no secret that many adventurers explore something and miss half of it because they were too lazy to look in every corner. That¡¯s why discoveries are always made in places you already know. The fact the Explorers are prepared to go to such lengths just to find a clue shows they are serious. They care about finding Rayquaza. I could be a perfect fit for this team.

    Meanwhile, Amethio no longer answers me. My statement has been noted and tucked away somewhere in the back of his mind, where it no longer plays a role. What remains is the path through the town, the end of which is dotted with a large building emblazoned with ¡°D.R.I.¡± in huge letters. If I were alone, this would be an interesting stop. As it is, however, it is just one of many buildings that we leave behind.

    The fresh, warm air doesn¡¯t make the walk strenuous, but it saps the energy with which I started the day. We don¡¯t use any means of transport and the sun is the only companion I have apart from Amethio for an eternity. It is only when an ungracious ascent begins that a sigh escapes me and Amethio¡¯s gaze settles briefly on me. Most of the time, his mind seems to be elsewhere. The heat doesn¡¯t cause him to break out in a sweat.

    ¡°You¡¯re probably used to warm weather,¡± I try to start a conversation again, endeavouring to ignore my surroundings.

    ¡°It¡¯s often warmer in some regions. Paldea, for example.¡±

    At least he answers me, so I can actually concentrate on something else. ¡°Paldea... I wonder what Pok¨¦mon are there. Is your ... knight from there?¡±

    He raises his eyebrows briefly before realising my question. ¡°Ceruledge? Yes.¡±

    I nod, half in thought. Watching the Pok¨¦mon of other regions and recognising the differences sounds like a lot of fascination. In the end, I¡¯ve already been surprised by a Grimer here that I hadn¡¯t identified in this way before. There must be more of these different Pok¨¦mon of the same basic type.

    It¡¯s only the thought that gets me through the walk, so that the full two hours of walking ultimately only seem like thirty minutes. The sun is now at its highest point and Amethio dares to shield his eyes and take a look at the sky.

    ¡°We¡¯ll rest here.¡± His statement makes me purse my lips. A quick glance at the Rotom Phone supports my expectation.

    ¡°Why? It¡¯s only two o¡¯clock. We could keep looking around.¡±

    Amethio¡¯s eyelids lower before he nods his head and points to the small farm in front of us. ¡°That¡¯s Paniola. We¡¯ll ask questions here and see.¡±

    I have to look at the farm again. Sure enough, the place is big. There are six houses and a Pok¨¦mon Center here, but it just doesn¡¯t give the impression of a community that should have its own name. It¡¯s reminiscent of a tiny settlement where people only stay for a short time before moving on, not a village.

    Fences clarify that this area belongs to someone and as the trampled earth beneath my feet becomes a little more even, I even believe for a moment that something like a small village surrounded by tall grasses indeed exists here.

    The first house turns out to be Amethio¡¯s destination and while he tells me curtly that he will book us rooms, I turn my attention to my own interests. As long as Amethio is busy, my little Pok¨¦mon research takes centre stage. If I want to become a professor, then I should get to know as many Pok¨¦mon as possible. After all, there are probably a dozen that I don¡¯t know yet.

    So it drags me back to the high meadows in front of the fence that marks Paniola¡¯s entrance. It¡¯s easy to spot Pok¨¦mon in such good light. I just have to be careful. Still, the stems of grass are waist-high in places and as I venture in, I think I hear it rustling on the other side.

    With one hand on Raya¡¯s ball, I sneak ahead ¨C assuming I can ignore the noticeable whispering of the meadow. I hold each breath for a moment before exhaling. Goosebumps spread.

    And just as I think the Pok¨¦mon must have fled, a brown head appears in front of me. Its snout full of grass, the thing in front of me chews for a moment before narrowing its eyes into slits and snorting. My movements freeze on the spot.

    It¡¯s not big, but it reaches up to my chest. Brown fur and light-coloured patches make it barely noticeable. Somehow, it just blends in with the brown trunks of the banyan trees in the background. Only the black mane and the far too long, upright ears give it away.

    If I don¡¯t move, it might forget that I exist and just keep on eating. Without knowing what attacks this Pok¨¦mon mastered, confronting it would be like committing suicide.

    ¡°Mudbray. Donkey Pok¨¦mon. Ground-type. The mud on its feet provides enough grip to support its powerful run. If there¡¯s no mud nearby, it eats soil to make mud and stick to its hooves.¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± I hiss to Rotom, but the Pok¨¦mon¡¯s snort leaves no room for doubt.

    I¡¯m finished.

    While the Pok¨¦mon jumps forwards, I turn round and take flight. Letting Raya out in this meadow is out of the question. She wouldn¡¯t see anything and might even set fire to the grass. My only option is to run away, and while I chase off like a frightened Pidgey, Mudbray enjoys teasing me ¨C along with my stupid Rotom.

    ¡°It may be slow, but it¡¯s very strong. Mudbray can carry about 50 times their own weight. But if you stress them, they wallow in the mud and stop obeying commands.¡±

    ¡°Thanks for the unhelpful information!¡± I snap back as I jump over the fence within reach and race frantically through Paniola. The houses recede into the background, Amethio rushes past me, and when I finally stumble past the Pok¨¦mon Center, I almost land on my stomach in a meadow that only reaches my knees this time.

    The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

    ¡°Someone should set up some Miltank here,¡± I groan, leaning on both hands and bending my upper body forwards. The ground is probably leaving brown stains on my knees.

    However, I am not allowed a break as a menacing growl reaches me. I slowly lift my gaze and sweep my eyes across the grass until I spot a small Lillipup at the edge. Head bowed, it looks at me with sparkling eyes, and I can¡¯t deny that my shitty situation has just turned into another disaster.

    Before the Pok¨¦mon can attack me, I grab Raya¡¯s ball and let her out. Her size and the guttural growl she gives the Lillipup in response make it flinch briefly. However, the desire for war is greater.

    In one leap, the mutt leaps towards Raya and my snapping breath commands a hasty ¡°Ember!¡±. Growlithe complies, intent on shooting down the enemy Pok¨¦mon in flight so that it hits the ground as a fireball.

    Howls fill my ears and the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. Fire engulfs the Pok¨¦mon¡¯s fur, spreading the charred smell of hair and hot urine. Panicked, I crash onto my bum and slide back. The flaming figure rolls, screams, begs for help, which I can¡¯t give. I don¡¯t know how!

    My heart is racing, and the pain in my chest is numbing my senses. Voices are hitting me. Far away. Close. My name comes up. Someone is looking for something. A headache throbs behind my temple and in the next moment, Amethio chases past me and throws a can at the burning Pok¨¦mon. Steam spreads and the flames suffocate. What remains is a furless, coal-black creature with pink, fleshy patches of charred flesh peeking out. The breath catches in my throat.

    ¡°I-it attacked me and...¡± Then I killed it.

    The image that unfolds before me is clear. The Lillipup is no longer moving.

    ¡°It¡¯s alive,¡± Amethio replies curtly, and before I know it, he¡¯s typing something into his Rotom Phone.

    A few seconds later, a nurse rushes out of the nearby Pok¨¦mon Center and takes charge of the case. She will probably be able to save the Lillipup. They also helped Raya. But the uncertain heaviness inside remains and doesn¡¯t dissipate, even when the Pok¨¦mon is carefully taken away.

    ¡°That ... shouldn¡¯t have happened.¡± It¡¯s a stupid statement. I was playing with fire and, of course, I set something ablaze that is burnable. Raya¡¯s force shouldn¡¯t be underestimated. Yet, it¡¯s something I should have seen coming. Cases like this aren¡¯t uncommon. Countless trainers kill Pok¨¦mon when they¡¯re training their own or defending themselves against wild opponents. That was an element I factored in and was sure wouldn¡¯t be a problem. But seeing it with my own eyes is something completely different.

    Only when Amethio reaches out to me do I snap out of my mental trance and let him pull me to my feet. The soil on my trousers can be patted off.

    ¡°You don¡¯t want to see something like this,¡± I say. ¡°This world is so beautiful and Pok¨¦mon battles are so commonplace that you sometimes forget how much these creatures suffer. How deadly some attacks are and how brutal they unleash.¡± A groan escapes me. ¡°And some have been devoting themselves to this spectacle since the age of eleven in proper schools.¡±

    ¡°The rules are different there,¡± Amethio replies tonelessly.

    That may be true, but it makes little difference. Official fights have rules. So do unofficial ones. Pok¨¦mon are always injured, but none die. All thanks to the resources of healing and countermeasures. Pok¨¦mon are a part of society and can be found in many corners of the world. Young trainers who seek strength in the fresh air are often discouraged by their elders. Training in halls with various items is favoured, as are battles with each other. Because then there is refreshment, which avoids the worst.

    You solve the problem before it can grow.

    But not all young trainers find themselves in training halls, and not everyone enjoys the rules within a battle. Pok¨¦mon die. You sometimes read about it in the newspaper and sometimes on the bottom banner of the TV news. Annual statistics claim that 30,000 Pok¨¦mon were killed for fun in battles last year alone. The number of unreported cases triples that.

    My lungs fill with a deep breath. I can¡¯t change the statistics. My only option is not to encourage it. This Lillipup is another lesson I have to accept.

    A quick glance at the Pok¨¦mon Center pushes my shoulders down regardless. ¡°I hope it pulls through and makes a good recovery.¡±

    Amethio doesn¡¯t make a sound. But he has the kindness to wait until I feel ready to go with him. I mustn¡¯t let such impressions put me off. Distraction is exactly what I need right now.

    ¡°Were you able to book rooms for us?¡±

    He nods casually. ¡°They¡¯re about to serve lunch.¡±

    It¡¯s incredible how quickly time flies. It still seems far too early for lunch and yet I can feel the emptiness in my stomach, as if I¡¯ve skipped breakfast. So I head for the lodging, only to find myself sitting opposite Amethio at a table a little later. His glance at the menu with the various options for feasting captivates my gaze. In those seconds, he seems only half as stoic.

    When I look at what¡¯s on offer myself, my attention is ultimately caught by the baked Whiscash, combined with salad and asparagus. Amethio¡¯s interest leads him to a classic steak.

    ¡°Have you been with the Explorers for long?¡± Half in thought, I try to make conversation with him again. If I¡¯m planning on travelling with these people for a while, then it¡¯s good to know who I¡¯ve fallen in with. Sure, the realisation comes rather late, but the escape was more important.

    ¡°For a while now,¡± he replies. His willingness to communicate is fantastic. It feels like I have to pull every damn answer out of his nose.

    I tighten my mouth briefly before a sigh escapes me. ¡°And your Pok¨¦mon? You seem to have been together for quite a long time, the way you fight together.¡±

    ¡°A few years.¡±

    Conversation with the nearest wall has the same appeal as with Amethio. There must be something he responds to, but all my ideas go in the same direction and everything else seems almost desperate. I have no choice but to inspect him ¨C his even face framed by wavy hair that reaches just below his chin. The fact it is parted in a wild zigzag and the velvety black on one side contrasts sharply with the silver on the other makes me wonder whether he colours his hair or whether Mother Nature takes pleasure in the suffering of others. At the very least, it¡¯s unusually striking and goes well with his violet gaze.

    Considering we have the same eye colour, it¡¯s incredible how different the expression behind them looks. Whenever I examine myself in the mirror, it¡¯s a glamour that craves freedom. With Amethio, it seems as if there is a wall behind his gaze, behind which deep whirlpools of unfathomable thoughts spread out.

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    His words jerk through my body as I realise that I¡¯ve been staring at him a little too intently. I raise my hands in a flash. ¡°Nothing. I was just wondering how old you are. Probably not much older than me.¡±

    ¡°Nineteen,¡± he returns and for the first time, I can raise my eyebrows at him in surprise.

    When we first met, I already had the feeling that he was no older than twenty. The fact my assumption is correct is a pleasant change. Simultaneously, it only raises more questions.

    How long has he been travelling? Did his parents just let him go when he told them he was going to explore the world? Or did he attend a traditional school to prepare him for the world of Pok¨¦mon before deciding to explore?

    I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if it turned out that he was a Pok¨¦mon researcher or even a professor. The trivia surrounding him could be so varied that I would love to get lost in it. Not having friends has pushed my thirst for knowledge into unhealthy territory. It¡¯s wiser to take things step by step and get to know everyone in the troupe slowly.

    So far, I at least know the key facts. This team has several headquarters, researches Pok¨¦mon, uncovers the secrets of this world and is led by a nineteen-year-old. They are also part of an organisation called Explorers. Slowly a picture emerges and so far I can¡¯t find anything that puts me off. On the contrary, they are in my age group and taste freedom. What more is there to wish for?

    In the end, I give up asking Amethio any more questions and leave it at lunch. The peace and quiet that settles on my shoulders in time erases the incident with the Lillipup. At least, the image in my head is now just a vague memory and I can believe with a clear conscience that the nurse at the Pok¨¦mon Center will make sure the dog gets back on its feet.

    At three o¡¯clock, the dishes are cleared away, and only Amethio and I remain at the table. Reaching into his trouser pocket, he pulls out a key, which he immediately holds in front of me. With one hand outstretched, I take the jingling metal. He spares me the obvious explanation behind it.

    ¡°What now? Shall we ask around?¡± I play with the metal in my fingers for a moment.

    ¡°Most of Paniola''s citizens are not here today,¡± Amethio replies. ¡°We can¡¯t question them until tomorrow morning.¡±

    Also means the rest of the day is in my hands. I can do whatever I want. I should probably feed my Pok¨¦mon. This place will certainly have a little something. And then it¡¯s a case of washing off the day¡¯s sweat, hanging out the clothes and hoping that the interviews will go well the next day.

    It could be so easy.

    But the strange cold on my body won¡¯t let up.

 Chapter 13: Knowledge behind fading leads IV

    Cold. I remember the cold. A blizzard with screams lurking behind its beads of ice. My teeth are chattering and the yellow summer dress can¡¯t keep me warm.

    A blurred shadow grabs my arm. Something barks in the background. Fire devours ice. A Hoppip leaps in my direction, but I can¡¯t even brush it with my fingers before it is engulfed by the flames. The green on its head flickers briefly. The rest turns black. A sharp yelp rings in my ears.

    I think I can see it crying.

    Tripping over my little feet, the hand makes sure I don¡¯t fall. So I look around, at sky-blue walls, their wallpaper rippling under the heat of the fire ¨C but the warmth doesn¡¯t reach me.

    My heart is pounding so fast against my ribs that I can¡¯t hold back the tears. The water in my eyes bathes my surroundings in mosaic.

    And the hand just drags me onwards.

    I wake up in a cold sweat. The goosebumps on my arms make me shiver briefly before my gaze glides over the room¡¯s furnishings. The previous day has passed uneventfully and both my Pok¨¦mon and my body have enjoyed the break. At least halfway. The sore muscles make me groan.

    At the same time, I try to cling to the dream, but it is no longer within my grasp. The images are just pale facades that shatter when I try to approach them. The Lillipup incident is probably hitting me harder than I thought.

    I should go to the Pok¨¦mon Center to ask about it, but then what? It¡¯s not mine and it certainly won¡¯t be happy to see me.

    Shaking my head I push the thought away. Amethio certainly doesn¡¯t want to waste time, which also means I should forget about what happened yesterday. That¡¯s better than dwelling on things that only make me feel guilty.

    I sweep the duvet aside and push myself onto the warm wooden floor, straight into a neighbouring bathroom. The quick shower removes the sweat from my skin before I throw on my clothes and tie my hair into a bun. The front strands frame my face and although every muscle in my body aches, I feel the same drive that was my best companion on the first day.

    Equipped with my usual things, I make my way to the lunchroom, where only Amethio is sitting and drinking tea. Looking off into the distance, he doesn¡¯t seem to notice the way his two Pok¨¦mon are staring at him while stuffing their faces with Pok¨¦ Beans.

    ¡°Good morning,¡± is the first thing I say. Thanks to the Rotom Phone, I haven¡¯t missed the fact it¡¯s just after eleven.

    Amethio¡¯s gaze wanders in my direction. ¡°Good morning.¡±

    ¡°Have you had breakfast yet?¡± I slowly settle into the chair opposite him.

    ¡°No,¡± he replies, before pointing curtly at his Pok¨¦mon. ¡°There¡¯s enough for everyone.¡±

    I nod briefly before grabbing my balls and throwing my team at the food. Amethio¡¯s Pok¨¦mon make no move to reject my party, and as Raya¡¯s head disappears into the food bowl, I¡¯m sure nothing will happen.

    ¡°How much time do we have before the inhabitants of Paniola disappear again?¡± I lean on the table more focused than before. Maybe we¡¯ll find out something about Rayquaza today.

    ¡°I¡¯ve already questioned most of them,¡± replies my counterpart. ¡°We¡¯ll meet with the last one in an hour.¡±

    I purse my lips briefly. He has done most of the work alone. Which also raises the question of why he needs me at his side at all. Perhaps I would have been better off with Conia and Lillie. Not least because my information-gathering skills are non-existent.

    ¡°Do you even want me to come with you?¡±

    ¡°He asked for you.¡± Barely a muscle stirs on his face as he takes a sip of his tea. ¡°If you¡¯re not there, he won¡¯t utter a word.¡±

    My mouth opens automatically, but the words don¡¯t come. The fact there¡¯s someone who won¡¯t say a word if I¡¯m not there turns my stomach. Yet my heart is pounding. There are a thousand reasons why he wants me there and part of me is curious enough to want to jump up and get hold of the solution. But my legs remain motionless, so the server comes to the table and takes the order for breakfast. Rushing things is the one element my body clearly curses ¨C at least in these breaths.

    Only the roasted Magikarp pulls me out of my thoughts. The sweet and sour smell dispels my doubts. Simultaneously, voices reach my ears, even though there is no-one else in range apart from Amethio and me. With my eyes fixed on the Magikarp, a blurred scene from a sultry afternoon plays in my head. Back then, a woman leant down to me and raised her finger to tell me something I didn¡¯t want to believe at first. Later, she made me look it up in an ancient book and all her stories held true.

    It¡¯s a vague memory of something that sends a shiver down my spine and forces me to look at Amethio all at once. He probably won¡¯t be interested in my question any more than all my other attempts, but hearing someone else¡¯s view seems like the only support I can find in these seconds.

    ¡°Did you actually know that there were once creatures on this planet that weren¡¯t Pok¨¦mon?¡± I tilt my head. ¡°Some of these animals still exist. They don¡¯t have any special abilities and can¡¯t be used in Pok¨¦mon battles. You can¡¯t even catch them with a ball and there are no evolutions.¡±

    This time Amethio¡¯s eyes widen a little and I¡¯m sure I finally have his attention.

    ¡°They say they¡¯re at least as rare as legendary Pok¨¦mon these days. Unfortunately, I can¡¯t remember if I¡¯ve ever seen one of these animals and I have to admit ... I haven¡¯t paid attention to them for a very long time.¡±

    ¡°I know what you¡¯re talking about,¡± Amethio replies, making me forget about my breakfast. ¡°Some people have already seen them. Some say that the Pok¨¦mon classifications are based on these creatures.¡±

    ¡°Have you ever seen one?¡±

    ¡°A butterfly.¡±

    Without further ado, I lean forward. So the stories from back then aren¡¯t just part of my twisted world! ¡°If they modelled the varieties of Pok¨¦mon after them ... do you think they¡¯re remnants of a world before our time?¡±

    He seems to think for a moment before lowering his eyelids. ¡°It¡¯s possible.¡±

    ¡°Then I wonder ... where they came from and how our Pok¨¦mon came to be.¡± The idea alone is so intriguing that I lean back half in thought. ¡°Maybe they are the predecessors of our Pok¨¦mon. Maybe these creatures have evolved, which also means that every Pok¨¦mon was once something completely different hundreds of years ago.¡±

    ¡°Maybe.¡± Amethio doesn¡¯t allow himself to be distracted from his omelette. ¡°They say that some Pok¨¦mon bear a strong resemblance to the legends of that time. But that¡¯s nothing more than speculation.¡±

    ¡°We could get to the bottom of it!¡± My head is so warm that my cheeks are burning. It¡¯s impossible to suppress the slight excitement. This world is literally sitting on a mystery that has been left unexplained, and it seems to me like something that could bring a great deal of insight into the world of Pok¨¦mon. But my counterpart just shakes his head.

    ¡°Many have tried their hand at this research and given up.¡±

    ¡°Which doesn¡¯t mean we can¡¯t find anything.¡±

    ¡°No state funds research like this.¡±

    My shoulders slump instantly. It¡¯s incredible that all of humanity has given up, it seems to me. Unravelling the mystery behind the Pok¨¦mon and their ancestors remains a distant dream for the time being, one that I will mourn until I come up with an idea to find out something after all. For now, I¡¯ll just have to give up and concentrate on the main topic: Finding Rayquaza.

    <hr>

    ¡· W H I S P E R S ¡¶

    <hr>

    The heat of Alola makes it difficult to breathe calmly. The humidity in this place weighs heavily on my lungs and although I pluck at the collar of my blouse a few times, nothing improves.

    Amethio, by contrast, isn¡¯t bothered by the weather. His destination is at the top end of Paniola Town, to the side of the Pok¨¦mon Center. I follow him, my eyes fixed on the wooden house he¡¯s aiming for. All at once, the fact the man will only talk within these four walls if I¡¯m there comes to the fore. Something about me must have tempted him to take this step and the knot in my stomach won¡¯t let go. Instead, it tightens further as soon as we enter the property and Amethio knocks on the bulky wooden door of the entrance. His straight posture and tense shoulders are nothing like my uncertain fidgeting. You can tell he¡¯s been through seconds like this before.

    When someone opens the door, I hold my breath and dare to look past Amethio to a man who must be about the same age as my father. His short blond hair is adorned with white streaks and the checked shirt on his body exudes the charm of a man in his forties. He doesn¡¯t look like someone who belongs on this farm, but his furrowed brows and the deep wrinkles on his cheeks make it hard to see him as part of the city.

    ¡°There you are.¡± Before Amethio can say anything, the man steps aside. ¡°Come inside. We¡¯ll go to the backyard.¡±

    In fact, we both hesitate for a moment before accepting the invitation ¨C straight into a sparse interior that contains only the bare essentials. It reminds me of home. These places have no hint of homeliness. They only serve as a means to an end.

    The backyard opens up in front of us a little later with an open space and a few bushes with small oranges growing on them.

    ¡°My name is Powell,¡± the stranger begins. I can¡¯t help but watch his every move. ¡°You¡¯re here because you want to know about the Black Rayquaza.¡±

    No answer is needed. All his words are nothing more than pale statements. He goes over the facts as if to make sure he¡¯s not forgetting any of this.

    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you what I saw if I get something in return.¡±

    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

    ¡°And that would be?¡± Amethio¡¯s calm is the only thing that seems unthreatening in these blinks. His presence defuses the crushing feeling in my chest. It¡¯s good to know I¡¯m not standing here alone, trying to answer questions.

    But when Powell points his finger at me and deep furrows form between his brows, all I can do is swallow dryly. ¡°I want a Pok¨¦mon battle against you.¡±

    That¡¯s why we¡¯re in the backyard. That¡¯s why I needed to come along. This man is challenging me, and even if the gesture seems exciting, I can¡¯t take much pleasure in it. There is absolutely no reason to compete against me. I¡¯m not a celebrity ¨C at least I hope I¡¯m not ¨C nor have I fought in the neighbourhood. Unless, of course, he saw me fighting the tourist. Perhaps he was so fascinated by my handling of the icy wind that he sees me as a respectable trainer.

    ¡°All right!¡± Without further ado, I reach for a ball. I¡¯ll show him how nimble my partners are.

    As she has already proved herself in the last fight and her nature is just as fiery as her element, I decide in favour of Raya again. According to the Rotom Phone, she loves fighting, so I try to fill her heart with fond memories of victories.

    But when my opponent sends a Carbink into battle, I hold my breath for a moment. I can¡¯t remember if fire Pok¨¦mon have a weakness to rock, or if I can breathe a sigh of relief. I remember that fire is weaker than ground, but the rest is hidden somewhere behind a thick wall of black fog.

    ¡°Time for a little payback.¡± My counterpart stiffly crosses his arms in front of his chest. But he doesn¡¯t give me time to think about his words before his Carbink attacks.

    Its floating form, barely taller than Pikipek, moves back and forth in serpentine waves. Its body, a rock, gleams subtly due to the unevenly embedded crystals. Meanwhile, its cotton-like collar puffs out above it.

    ¡°Smack down!¡± My opponent¡¯s first move follows immediately afterwards and while the little Pok¨¦mon is using its invisible powers to break a chunk of rock out of the ground and make it float above its head, Raya puts her ears up.

    ¡°That shouldn¡¯t be a problem,¡± I whisper. ¡°Dodge and as soon as the opportunity presents itself, ember!¡±

    Raya¡¯s barking pauses only briefly before the human-sized chunk is hurled in her direction. She immediately starts moving. A gallant leap to the side causes the clumsy attack to miss, while in the very next blink of an eye, she throws a small fireball at the Carbink. A direct hit that lands in the centre of the Pok¨¦mon, but does no damage. The flames roll off like water.

    Using fire attacks against this small piece of stone will be tough.

    ¡°Bite!¡± With a snort, I point at our opponent. At a man who just shakes his head before pointing in my direction with a nod.

    ¡°Harden. Make sure that Growlithe bites its teeth out on you.¡±

    The shimmering glow of the reinforcement makes Carbink¡¯s stony rabbit''s ears quiver. In the next breath, Raya appears in front of it, snatching at the fur collar. The sound that thunders in my head is reminiscent of fingernails on a blackboard. It¡¯s a scream that even Growlithe shrinks back from and elicits another fireball from her, which has just as little effect as the previous one.

    However, the rock-hard fa?ade doesn¡¯t even end when Raya lands on the ground, ready to launch the next attack. Before I can say anything, before I find a gap in the middle of this defence, my opponent snaps his fingers. The brief tremor beneath my feet causes Growlithe to sway. She stumbles to the side, about to catch herself again, when the ground beneath her cracks and bends upwards. It happens so quickly that the stone edge crashes hard against her ribs, eliciting a yelp from her.

    The momentum carries her a few metres upwards and although I want to run forward to catch her, I know Powell won¡¯t accept intervention. I have no choice but to watch Raya hit the ground while the tightness in my stomach brings nausea to my throat.

    Maybe I should call her back and try Coro or Ying. But watching Raya struggle to heave herself back onto her paws and let out a low growl makes me hesitate. She doesn¡¯t even have to look at me to tell me she doesn¡¯t want to give up. As a trainer, I should be the last person to stand in the way of my Pok¨¦mon¡¯s wishes. It¡¯s better for Raya¡¯s pride if I grit my teeth and see that we somehow turn the tide. The only problem is that we don¡¯t have time.

    Before either of us can get a grip on ourselves, our opponent¡¯s loud voice announces the ¡°ancient power¡± attack.

    ¡°Raya, ember! Shoot the stones and bite!¡±

    We have no attacks that can do any actual damage. Still, we have to stay on the ball and while fist-sized stones are being shot at Growlithe like projectiles, my Pok¨¦mon charges forward.

    I can see her breath puffing out her chest before she spits out small fireballs and pulverises her opponent¡¯s attack. The heat from its short snout hasn¡¯t completely dissipated when it reaches Carbink and bites. Flames blaze, her attack combines flames with sharp teeth, and although it seems like an unknown attack out of desperation, there is no visible damage. Instead, the Carbink makes a sweeping turn and shakes Raya off.

    She flies in my direction, ready to land skilfully. But the ground shifts just before she lands and she twists one paw. Raya unintentionally crashes onto her side and this time, she can¡¯t get up.

    ¡°Carbink, sma-¡°

    ¡°Come back,¡± I interrupt my opponent¡¯s next move. Growlithe can no longer win this fight. It¡¯s time to rely on Ying.

    But as soon as I have called her out of the ball, hidden behind the illusion of another Growlithe, I realise that this fight isn¡¯t for her. Memories of Bonsly bubble to the surface of my senses and the sudden racing of my heart forces me to wipe my sweaty hands on my trousers.

    In contrast to Bonsly, Carbink seems much more robust. What¡¯s more, it floats and its attacks are tougher than ¡°tackle¡± and ¡°copycat¡±.

    My mouth opens, ready to give a command, but the words don¡¯t come. I don¡¯t know which attack would be best. Even when Ying glances in my direction, my body can only surrender to the quivering cold suddenly engulfing me.

    Clenching my teeth, I wait. It¡¯s easier to react than to make the first move.

    ¡°Stone edge!¡±

    He plans another raise. Another blow to my Pok¨¦mon¡¯s ribs. I swallow.

    Ying holds herself on her paws better than Raya when quaking. Balance isn¡¯t a problem. The rest is in my hands.

    ¡°You need to be careful! The attack is coming from below!¡±

    I won¡¯t fall for this game a second time. With Ying, I will win, even if it seems difficult.

    Her gaze is fixed on her paws, intent on dodging when the edge flicks upwards. Expectations are high between the sound of crunching stone. And when the attack is released, my breath catches.

    The stone edge doesn¡¯t rise under Zorua. Instead, it soars sideways a few steps beside her. We both react too slowly, too shocked by the betrayed expectation to act. The only thing I can see is the sharp edge digging into Ying¡¯s side and taking her breath away. Blood bursts from her mouth, splattering to the ground in tiny beads, eclipsing the audible crack. Her illusion fades.

    ¡°I give up!¡± The fight no longer matters. Instead, I run towards Zorua. Her panting breath and clearly dented side convey that her ribs have been broken. We need to get to a Pok¨¦mon Center immediately.

    ¡°You still have a Pok¨¦mon that can fight!¡± Powell, instead of letting me go, juts his chin. His wide-legged stance allows no argument, but his desire rolls off me.

    ¡°I said I give up!¡±

    I¡¯m too scared to call Ying back into the Pok¨¦ Ball. In there, I can¡¯t see what¡¯s happening to her. So I carefully pick myself up with her in my arms. Her weight tugs at me, familiar and yet completely alien.

    ¡°And I said you have another Pok¨¦mon!¡± This time he roars and I can¡¯t understand what¡¯s wrong with him. He conveys the image of a madman and my parched throat knows no other words to get past him. In return, he takes the freedom to launch Carbink at me.

    ¡°Smack down! Give that brat a reason to run!¡±

    With Ying in my arms, I can¡¯t possibly run away, dodging flying rocks and making sure I don¡¯t cause her any more harm. Still, the ground shakes and as a large rock threatens to break out beside me, my steps falter. My fingers tremble. Zorua suddenly weighs heavy as lead and my eyes are glued to the rock that will probably kill us both. A quick glance at the Carbink¡¯s cool pearly eyes tells me that this isn¡¯t the first time it¡¯s gone too far.

    The only chance I have is to press Zorua lightly against me and brace myself. Running away isn¡¯t impossible.

    Just as the rock the size of a Blastoise hovers over the Carbink, I suck in the air.

    We both wait.

    Staring at each other.

    And as it moves the rock, it is the sudden, lightning-fast movement of another Pok¨¦mon that takes the tension out of the moment.

    Dark armour, fiery blades. Human-sized, yet with eyes that couldn¡¯t be less human.

    With my mouth open, I watch as the Carbink¡¯s ear breaks as if it is just a porous piece of wood. The image shocks me just as much as it shocks the Pok¨¦mon, whose attack collapses, so the stone falls straight down ¨C burying the Carbink beneath it.

    ¡°Carbink!¡± Powell also suffers temporary gasping before turning to Amethio, whom I had completely forgotten about. ¡°Who said you could interfere?¡±

    Instead of stopping at my post, I hurry to my companion. I want to get past him, want to save Ying, but he catches me by the arm before I can disappear.

    ¡°Hey!¡± I hastily turn my head in his direction, but Amethio merely gives me an indefinable sideways glance. With his other hand, he reaches into his trouser pocket to pull out a small vial.

    ¡°Mix this with water and give it to your Pok¨¦mon.¡±

    He doesn¡¯t have to say any more. His gesture prevents me from causing Zorua any more pain by running to the Pok¨¦mon Center. It also relieves my panic for a moment. The powder he gives me seems to solve all my problems.

    So I carefully lay Zorua down at his side. The rattling sound of her lungs is wheezing by now, so I run in a flash to the first available tap, pull open the cupboards and grab a bowl. The powder dissolves within seconds and when I get back to Zorua, she already seems to know I have an aid. She tries to lift her head but fails. I have to support her carefully with one hand before I can put the medicine to her snout. In the meantime, I listen to the conversation between the other two.

    ¡°You seem to overstep the mark a lot. They talk about it in Paniola.¡± Amethio¡¯s rigid expression makes his opponent visibly grind his jaw. At the same time, the rock breaks in two and Carbink emerges. But its stamina is exhausted and its form cracked, so it lands on the ground next to its trainer.

    ¡°Like I care about the words of those good-for-nothings out there!¡± Raising his voice, Powell spreads his arms. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with teaching someone a lesson?¡±

    I can¡¯t ask, even though I have no idea what he¡¯s talking about. I¡¯d rather focus on Zorua. Her panting is heavy and the whimpers leaving her body make me shiver to the bone. The only good thing is that I recognise the reason behind her suffering.

    The ribs bulge. The previously crushed side gains shape, and any injury heals within seconds. The effect is so great that Ying finds up on her paws barely two breaths later and looks at me as if I have worked magic.

    ¡°A lesson?¡± At the same breath, Amethio lets slip the question I would have liked to ask.

    ¡°Indeed!¡± Powell¡¯s hands drop. ¡°People like this girl have yet to learn Pok¨¦mon are valuable and not toys.¡±

    ¡°I never saw them as toys!¡± I interject.

    ¡°And what was that about the Lillipup you set on fire? If your friend hadn¡¯t been here, you would have watched that poor Pok¨¦mon die.¡±

    Words I cannot deny. My body was so rigid in those seconds that I couldn¡¯t do anything. And even if the shock hadn¡¯t hit me like that, what could I have done? I don¡¯t have a water Pok¨¦mon or a burn heal. Better, I have nothing on me that can help, and I had sworn to be smarter than that.

    I can¡¯t help but lower my gaze. With what little money I have, I can buy a potion at best, or two antidotes for some ailment I can¡¯t possibly foresee. In Lillipup¡¯s case, a simple potion would have done nothing. But with a burn heal in my pocket, this fight would never have happened.

    Clenching my hands into fists, I bite my lower lip so that Zorua¡¯s wet nose nudges my cheek. She tries to understand my emotional state and even though I want to swallow it all, I can only justify myself.

    ¡°I was unprepared,¡± I confess meekly. ¡°The Lillipup attacked me and my Growlithe was just there. What happened next ... what was I supposed to do? It¡¯s a Pok¨¦mon in the wild. Things like this ... they happen.¡±

    Sometimes it¡¯s hard to admit mistakes, but besides the fact I was inept in those seconds, it¡¯s also a fact Pok¨¦mon often die horrible deaths in the wild ¨C and on purpose under the watchful eyes of other trainers. In my case, it was an accident.

    ¡°They don¡¯t have to happen!¡± Powell stomps with vigour. ¡°You should watch your back when you turn around. As soon as your friend here looks away, I¡¯ll-¡°

    Ceruledge¡¯s blade stops just short of the man¡¯s nose, causing the words to stick in his throat. Amethio has probably enough of the shouting.

    ¡°You said you saw Rayquaza.¡± The calm of his body remains unwavering, as if he has nothing to do with any of this. ¡°Where?¡±

    ¡°As if I-¡° Again, Powell¡¯s words are cut off as Amethio¡¯s Pok¨¦mon slides the blade just past his neck. The heat from its body frizzes his hair and the burnt smell spreads through the surrounding area.

    He swallows a few times as he stares at Amethio. Part of him seems to be weighing his options. The rest of him trembles under Ceruledge¡¯s proximity. He probably realises that his counterpart won¡¯t hesitate to hurt him if it comes down to it. Despite this, Amethio doesn¡¯t otherwise give the impression of condoning senseless violence.

    ¡°Route 7,¡± Powell finally says. ¡°It was there. Briefly.¡±

    Without answering, Amethio calls his Pok¨¦mon back into the ball. The Carbink can no longer fight, Powell is no threat in his eyes, and as he turns to leave, I jump up and call Zorua back. At the Pok¨¦mon Center, I¡¯ll have my team nursed up and then the journey will continue.

    The next breath chases deep into my lungs. I have to forget this moment. I have to learn from the mistake and move on. That¡¯s the law of this world out here. A fact I have to swallow.

    ¡°Domino.¡±

    My whole body flinches as I suddenly look towards Amethio. He¡¯s already standing in the doorway, on his way out, while I¡¯ve stopped somewhere in the middle. But my stiff behaviour and uncertain smirk don¡¯t seem to reach him. Instead, he points to a commode a few steps away from me.

    ¡°Take it with you.¡±

    Then he turns and disappears outside, while my gaze lingers on an egg the size of a football.

 Chapter 14: Knowledge behind fading leads V

    My eyes wander over the offers in the shop integrated into the Pok¨¦mon Center. I have three hundred Pok¨¦mon Dollars.

    A potion would help me last longer, but most of the time I¡¯m struggling with status problems. What¡¯s more, a simple potion only helps with minor injuries, but not with the serious damage I usually take. This brings the various antidotes to the fore. I could buy one antidote and one burn heal to protect wild Pok¨¦mon from Raya ¨C but is that the right way to go? I should take more care of my own Pok¨¦mon than strangers. My team is more important than anything else in the world.

    ¡°I... would like...¡± The decision kills me inside. But a brief thought shifts my focus in a different direction. ¡°I¡¯ll have a potion.¡±

    ¡°With pleasure!¡± The shop assistant, who has been waiting at least twenty minutes for me to say something, seems relieved. Simultaneously, I cling to my decision.

    A potion isn¡¯t much, but it can save my Pok¨¦mon. A potion can help me keep them alive until I find a Pok¨¦mon Center. It¡¯s only a small step, but it¡¯s one I¡¯m determined to take.

    When the shop assistant hands me one of the hand-sized, square containers in which the blue liquid sloshes back and forth, I breathe a sigh of relief. I have everything I need. The Center¡¯s nurse, Joy, has given me a small backpack in which I¡¯ve just about managed to fit the egg. It will be safe when Amethio and I move on.

    ¡°Now I just need to get some money so I can do more for my Pok¨¦mon.¡± I clutch the potion tighter. I¡¯ll do better next time.

    But when I turn round, it¡¯s a startled leap backwards that makes my heart stumble and my breath hitch. The shock only lasts a blink, but I still feel like my emotions have taken a momentary hit.

    ¡°Are you ready?¡± Amethio¡¯s gaze rests unmoving on me, as if nothing could upset him. That¡¯s better than being pierced or looked down upon ¨C even if it¡¯s still not ideal. Meanwhile, his attention briefly fixes on the potion I¡¯ve bought, so I quickly stash it in the side pocket of my backpack.

    ¡°I¡¯m ready,¡± I say hastily and although he looks at me a little longer, he remains silent and turns round. Whatever is going through his head, I can¡¯t understand, let alone hear it.

    Our path leads us out of Paniola Town, straight onto Route 5. The greenery to our sides in form of forest and meadow only shrinks at the sight of the towering mountain directly in front of us. It¡¯s a pleasant change from the hell this farm has brought with it. Another tool to push everything that has happened off my shoulders and forget about it.

    But we don¡¯t get far when the shouting of someone else forces us to stop. A glance over my shoulder brings Conia into view. She is trotting the last few steps in our direction.

    ¡°Is there any news?¡± Amethio takes exactly one step towards her.

    ¡°No, not much. A few people have referred to Route 7 and the volcano.¡± She shields her eyes as she looks up at the rock monster. ¡°But I don¡¯t think it can hide up there.¡±

    ¡°Where¡¯s Lillie?¡± No matter where I look, she¡¯s nowhere near.

    ¡°She got stuck in a boutique,¡± sighs Conia. ¡°And I couldn¡¯t get through with the Rotom.¡± She digs out the red smartphone. ¡°The reception on this island is terrible. So I had to come here and hope I could catch you before you went to Brooklet Hill.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Amethio¡¯s gaze glides briefly over our surroundings as he suddenly lingers on a figure that has set its sights on us.

    Conia and I follow his interest, only to get stuck on a boy our age. His light blonde hair shimmers just as strikingly under the sun as Lillie¡¯s. But his grim face and the dark clothes on his body remind me more of the team of idiots I¡¯ve met twice before.

    He comes within a few metres of us before he stops and crosses his arms in front of his chest. With his nose raised, he seems to look down on us ¨C albeit with pathetic success.

    ¡°Where is she?¡± His voice is loud, demanding, but not at all intimidating. Conia simply puts her hands on her hips and Amethio stares at him as if the way to the self-help group is in the other direction.

    ¡°Who?¡± Conia answers the question.

    ¡°Lillie. She¡¯s with you, isn¡¯t she? I¡¯ve seen you together.¡± His visible eye narrows to a slit. He hides the other under far too long side fringes.

    ¡°Depends on who wants to know.¡±

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t mess with me.¡± In a flash, he pulls a Pok¨¦ Ball out of his trouser pocket. ¡°Otherwise you¡¯ll regret it!¡±

    He must be pretty sure of himself if he thinks he can take on three trainers. His behaviour is like madness. And in Amethio¡¯s eyes, we don¡¯t have time to mess with lost gang kids. His flowing hand movement and the ball that slips away from him are answer enough. Wordlessly, he sends Ceruledge into battle. The sleek, bright flames give it a pleasant glow and as Conia shakes her head, it is clear this stranger is no match. Not least because this outlander is sending a Zubat into battle.

    ¡°Psycho cut!¡± Amethio doesn¡¯t bother asking questions, nor does he care that Ceruledge is far superior to the Zubat. With lightning speed, his Pok¨¦mon chases forward long before the opponent¡¯s Pok¨¦mon can fulfil the supersonic command.

    Dark energy is released from the Pok¨¦mon¡¯s blades, travelling in sharp wings towards its opponent. It is an attack that slices straight through the Zubat¡¯s body but doesn¡¯t cause any visible damage. Only when it breaks out in a choking cough and blood drips to the ground, do I realise what effect psycho cut has.

    In the next breath, the Zubat crashes to the ground and Ceruledge gains distance ¨C just in time before the stranger can chase his next Pok¨¦mon into battle.

    The light from the Pok¨¦ Ball brings out a shape that leaves a strange tingling sensation on my skin. Just the sight of it is enough to send shivers down my spine. Even Conia wrinkles her nose. What has built up opposite Ceruledge carries the whiff of a failed experiment like oppressive perfume. Its charm exudes the idea of an insane creation, a bit like Frankenstein¡¯s monster; as if several parts of various Pok¨¦mon had been sewn onto it.

    ¡°What¡¯s that...?¡± I slowly pick up my Rotom, but all it can tell me is: ¡°No entry available. Unknown Pok¨¦mon.¡±

    ¡°Unknown?¡± Conia¡¯s gaze wavers in my direction before she moves closer and scrutinises my display. ¡°It¡¯s actually an unknown Pok¨¦mon?¡±

    ¡°Looks like it,¡± I reply. ¡°Or it¡¯s... one made of many...¡±

    She presses her lips together before looking back at the battle, in which the unknown creature is fighting Ceruledge¡¯s blades with all its might. But the fight is so one-sided that it harbours nothing but grief. The boy doesn¡¯t get to say the right attacks and his Pok¨¦mon is too busy defending to attack.

    ¡°It really looks like it was... thrown together wildly,¡± Conia finally says. ¡°Just the thought...¡± - makes her swallow.

    I feel the same way, and when Ceruledge lands a powerful blow to the head of the strange Pok¨¦mon, the beast collapses weakly. It is enough for the boy to call it back into its ball and take two steps back. His teeth grind. The displeased expression on his face brings reddened cheeks to the fore. Whatever he wants from Lillie, he doesn¡¯t seem to be a pleasant fellow.

    His eyes dart across the landscape behind us, thoughts probably racing. He knows he can¡¯t hold a candle to Amethio and yet he opens his mouth to spit out new ideas ¨C interrupted by the laughter of others.

    ¡°Jesus Christ, the fact a bimbo like that is even allowed to be a member of Team Skull is ruining our whole fucking reputation! No honour, that victim!¡±

    My gaze flits to the rock wall in a flash. They haven¡¯t been sitting on the narrow ledge they¡¯ve taken for long, but the fight hasn¡¯t escaped them. They must have joined us when the tragedy began.

    ¡°I can¡¯t imagine a loser like you being able to kill a Totem Pok¨¦mon,¡± one of them calls over to the blond.

    ¡°No way, he¡¯ll cry to mum first!¡±

    The laughter between the two continues until they have slid down from the ledge and skilfully landed. With leisurely steps, they head in the direction Conia has come from ¨C as if their only goal is pure entertainment in someone else¡¯s misery. They don¡¯t think they¡¯ll be stopped, nor do they seem to have much interest in anything other than our opponent. It¡¯s hard not to categorise them as idiots who are standing on the spot.

    Only slowly do I turn my gaze back to the blonde, whose eyes are glued to his trainers. His teeth pressed together and his hands clenched into fists, he avoids countering ¨C as if he believes the words of the two wannabe gangsters. Until two minutes ago, he probably thought he was the strongest man in the world. Instead, his daydreaming has mockingly moved away from him.

    Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

    ¡°Next time, I¡¯ll kick your ass.¡± Lifting his gaze briefly, it¡¯s a sombre green eye that measures Amethio with final distaste before he simply turns and leaves. It resembles a sulking child who couldn¡¯t get over the wall in front of its nose.

    ¡°You¡¯d almost think the people of Alola are all insane.¡± Conia¡¯s sigh brings normality back to our surroundings, and when Amethio calls Ceruledge back, the events of a moment ago already seem forgotten.

    ¡°I just hope Lillie doesn¡¯t run into his arms,¡± I add.

    Whatever this guy wants from her, it¡¯s safe to assume he¡¯ll bring nothing but trouble. Lillie isn¡¯t a trainer and I¡¯m not sure if Nebby can fight. Most of the time, it seems more like a harmless little piece of universe.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take her back to the ship with me,¡± Conia replies. ¡°Who knows what will happen if we lose one of you while your request is being checked.¡±

    ¡°While you¡¯re at it, see with Zir if there¡¯s a reason for the Rotom¡¯s malfunction,¡± Amethio finally interjects, and it doesn¡¯t take a blink of an eye before Conia straightens her shoulders and nods.

    ¡°I¡¯ll let you know when we¡¯ve got to the bottom of it.¡±

    ¡°Would you take this with you?¡± It¡¯s the best chance I have to make sure nothing happens to the egg. Besides, I doubt she¡¯ll just throw it away ¨C not least because Amethio wanted me to bring it. So I take off my backpack and unload it, holding it out to her in half-request. ¡°It ... moves ... I think ... sometimes. And who knows what else will happen on the way to the Brooklet Hill. It¡¯s safer with you.¡±

    Conia eyes the yellow shell with the pink dots for a moment. Her indecision threatens to make the silence between us uncomfortable until she finally accepts it. ¡°Do you know what¡¯s inside?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± I shake my head.

    A short grumble escapes Conia¡¯s throat before she presses it against her. ¡°I¡¯ll prepare a place for it near the pipes. There ... it¡¯s warm.¡±

    For a moment, she seems lost in thought. The soft touch in her voice and the gentle nuance of her thoughts reveal that interest is germinating in her. She wants to know what¡¯s inside that egg and I can hardly blame her. If I wasn¡¯t attracting so many problems, my focus would be on it too.

    Conia nods stiffly to her superior one last time to underline she will carry out the task assigned to her. Then she makes her way back and leaves us behind. My thoughts, however, once again cling to the task ahead of us, while I can¡¯t get the boy¡¯s strange Pok¨¦mon out of my mind. Behind it, the words of Team Skull¡¯s two idiots ring out, and before Amethio can go any further, I whirl in his direction.

    ¡°We could question them!¡±

    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± He stops in mid-motion, his eyes fixed on my every movement.

    ¡°The guardian deities of the islands. I¡¯ve already heard the one on Melemele, so I¡¯m sure it applies to the others as well!¡± I clap my hands in anticipation. ¡°Maybe they can tell us something about the black Rayquaza.¡±

    ¡°If we come across one, you¡¯re free to ask.¡± He doesn¡¯t seem half as convinced of my idea as I am, and as he begins his ascent, I have no choice but to follow. Still, I don¡¯t want to dismiss the hope that one of these special Pok¨¦mon knows where we need to go to reach our destination.

    However, my determined anticipation barely lasts longer than five minutes. The way up pulls at my lungs, my calves and my mind. Paniola eventually disappears behind the greenery of the trees and the early noon blasts us with a heat that would have set even a freaking Squirtle on fire. The sweat on my body is soaked up by my blouse and as I raise my arm to wipe it off, I feel like I can feel my heat.

    Amethio, meanwhile, merely loosens the string on his collar to undo the top button of his shirt. Watching him do this makes me briefly suspect that he is a Sandshrew in disguise. The heat isn¡¯t suffocating him, nor are there any noticeable sweat stains. You could say he¡¯s made of a completely different material than I am.

    Only when the sound of rippling water reaches my ears do I regain my vigour. A short bend brings us directly onto the straight path leading to the lake, and it takes barely another ten minutes before we are finally standing in front of the water. The sight elicits a gasp from me. The sun is so high in the sky that the light movements of the lake sparkle like diamonds. The natural phenomenon in this place is mesmerising. The stone has formed bowls that flow into each other and yet form independent pools that slope down towards each other like shifted steps.

    ¡°Shall we take a break?¡± I turn briefly to Amethio, whose gaze also lingers a little longer on the water before he nods. Settling down in this place for a moment is the best option we have. There¡¯s probably nothing to find here, but it¡¯s another place we can tick off the list.

    Sighing, I settle down on a small rock and do the same as Amethio, whose eyes hang in the distance. Simultaneously, he lets his Pok¨¦mon out of the balls to give them a chance to drink. It¡¯s the first time I take a closer look at his second Pok¨¦mon.

    A thought that I quickly shake off.

    I immediately let my team loose on the pools of water and it¡¯s not long before all of them are jumping around refreshed. Raya enjoys chasing Pikipek around, while the latter seeks refuge under the irritated giant bird of Amethio. It flaps its wings a few times as Raya chases between its legs.

    ¡°What kind of Pok¨¦mon is that?¡± In the end, I do ask and Rotom is immediately at my service.

    ¡°Corviknight. Raven Pok¨¦mon. Flying/Steel-type. No one dares to challenge it for Galar¡¯s skies, as its shiny, steely plumage intimidates opponents. Although its wings are partly made of steel, it flies through with ease. Thanks to its great flying skills and high intelligence, it is often used as a taxi service in Galar. In Paldea, however, it is not used because natural enemies of the Corviknight could endanger the guests.¡±

    Just the thought of being carried through the air by such a bird makes my heart beat a few octaves higher. Flying must be wonderful. The entire world is suddenly at your feet and the people are instantly all small.

    Ying¡¯s quiet howling at my side distracts me from the entry. Amethio has fascinating companions. There¡¯s no denying that. But my team will be just as great one day.

    I gently stroke my Zorua over the fluff on her head so that she sits down and easily follows my movements with her body. Her calmness settles unconquerably on my shoulders and everything else fades into the background. With her by my side, it¡¯s easier to forget the problems from Paniola. Together, we can overcome everything.

    The air in this place is so clear I could sit here forever. Sure, Amethio is already getting up again to continue on his way ¨C certain he won¡¯t find anything in this place, but I just can¡¯t pull myself together. Not even when something shoots a hard jet of water in my face.

    Raising an arm, my gaze falls to the shore where a small fish with beady eyes stares stubbornly in my direction. The Rotom automatically makes its contribution. ¡°Wishiwashi. Small fry Pok¨¦mon. Very weak and extremely tasty. If it gets into trouble, its eyes water. The resulting glamour attracts other fish of the same species.¡±

    ¡°So we could catch you and barbecue you, huh?¡± I like the idea so much that Zorua jumps to the fish without a command and swats at it with her paw. Unfortunately, the Wishiwashi is faster than Ying, so all she does is splash water.

    ¡°We¡¯re moving on.¡± Behind us, Amethio takes out his Pok¨¦ Balls again to collect his companions.

    A thought I don¡¯t want to follow as I raise my hands and give a small pout. ¡°Two more minutes.¡±

    ¡°Finding Rayquaza is our top priority.¡±

    ¡°It won¡¯t disappear if we stay a little longer. It¡¯s hot...¡± I demonstratively pluck at my blouse to produce some cool air for my body. ¡°A little cooling off is good for the Pok¨¦mon, too. You should give them a treat now and then.¡±

    My gaze briefly shifts to his companions. Ceruledge carefully taps one foot in the water, while Corviknight is already taking a hearty dip. Not the best idea, as it probably makes his feathers heavier than thirty kilos of brass, but the sun will remedy that. A fact that Amethio cannot deny.

    ¡°An hour,¡± he then brings himself to say. ¡°After that, we¡¯ll move on.¡±

    He¡¯s not happy with my idea, but he doesn¡¯t seem to be a fan of discussions either. That means it¡¯s not impossible to convince him of smaller things.

    I cheerfully use the time to slip out of my boots and pull my jeans over my calves with difficulty. Then I join Ceruledge and imitate it in its attempt to come into contact with water before taking a step into it. As expected, the water reaches just above my calves, so the hem of my trouser legs soaks up moisture with every movement. The ground beneath my soles is made of smooth stones and while Zorua sits on the edge, Coro splashes into the water, beak first. When he resurfaces, his eyes shine and his chest rises and falls in seconds.

    ¡°You¡¯re really enjoying this, aren¡¯t you?¡± A giggle escapes me. Immediately afterwards, I turn to Zorua and splash a handful of water at her. ¡°Afraid to sink?¡±

    Her distorted bark jumps at my provocation for a second, then she wags her tail, sucks up some water and tries to blow it in my direction in a beam ¨C completely unsuccessfully. Raya watches her with her head tilted back. Attention that makes Ying hide her face behind her paws. She is so cute I can hardly laugh at her. The warmth in my chest thanks the circumstances and when Coro lands on my shoulder, the world could hardly be more beautiful.

    ¡°Amethio!¡± My daring reaches new heights. ¡°Come into the water. It¡¯s really nice.¡±

    ¡°No, thanks.¡± He closes his eyes briefly. Pushing him would only ensure that he forces us to move on immediately ¨C at least I wouldn¡¯t put it past him. And if he doesn¡¯t want to refresh himself, I¡¯ll leave that entirely up to him.

    Spreading my arms out to either side, I turn round in circles a few times. Corviknight, meanwhile, leaves the water and shakes itself before settling down to dry off in the sun. Coro is on the lookout for fish and my interest lingers on the holes, the size of which allows room for an Onix; and the bottom of which cannot be seen. Presumably these are places where fishing is worthwhile. If I had a fishing rod, I¡¯d give it a try.

    My feet carry me to the end of the bowl so I can look out to the sea. From here, the blue surface seems to stretch to the end of the world ¨C an incredible expanse ¨C which I would love to reach one day. The world beyond the horizon must be marvellous.

    Only when the water sloshes into the bend of my knee, do I detach myself from the sight in front of me and turn round to face the others. Everyone except Coro and me is sunbathing or playing around on the shore. The brief break gives them plenty of pleasure. I want to join them, to be part of it all, but barely a step later the water is sloshing up to my knees again.

    My gaze wanders over the surface. Coro puffs up. Something is wrong and as the Pok¨¦mon on the shore start to listen, I feel my heart beat faster. I hastily push forward. The ground seems to tremble under my feet. Even Amethio gets up to inspect.

    However, we only notice our opponent when it¡¯s too late.

    As something breaks through the surface of the water, I slip on the stone. I gasp at the sharp pain that shoots through my bum and up my back. A sound that I draw out as I catch sight of the Pok¨¦mon, its faint glow reminiscent of the Raticate that almost took Raya from me.

    Its powerful form resembles something of a Wishiwashi. But it is far too huge and its mouth is big enough to swallow us all in one bite. However, it has no interest in those standing on the shore. Instead, its fixed gaze reaches in my direction and a deep roar hits me.

    ¡°Poison!¡± Its scales seem to tremble as it turns its body, larger than a simple farmhouse, in my direction. ¡°You are poison!¡±

    In the next blink of an eye, it launches an water gun in my direction and my body is too stiff to move. Mother Destiny definitely has a problem with me. And her way of showing it is to try to kill me. There¡¯s no other way to explain my approaching death.

 Chapter 15: Knowledge behind fading leads VI

    I can¡¯t breathe.

    The smoke scratches my lungs and the hand holding me prevents me from jumping back into the flames.

    Wooden beams flicker, ash flutters through the air, and I have to cough. Every breath burns in my throat. Someone tugs at my arm as my little fingers try to reach for the far door. It is open.

    If I could just get a little further...

    ¡°¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö ¡ö¡ö¡ö ¡ö¡ö ¡ö¡ö¡± My voice breaks through the smoke, but I can¡¯t hear anything.

    The next breath barely makes it into my chest.

    And for a moment, I know I¡¯m going to suffocate.

    I hastily break through the surface. The powerful cough burns like fire in my throat and the brief unconsciousness caused by the water gun is driven away by the rising adrenaline with every passing second. Still, I¡¯m wobbly on my feet and the monster in front of me doesn¡¯t give me a chance to gasp for air.

    ¡°I will swallow you!¡± the threat thunders in my skull and although I can hardly believe this Pok¨¦mon is supposed to be special, it¡¯s difficult to process that this thing is probably an oversized Wishiwashi.

    Just as it flaps its mighty tail fin and the waves slosh up to my waist ¨C the water has long since gone far ashore ¨C I realise, however, I need to join the others. If I stay here, this Pok¨¦mon will drown me ¨C with pure pleasure.

    A slap on my thighs awakens the stiff muscles and allows me to get moving. But my reactions are slow, leaving me with only my Pok¨¦mon.

    ¡°Raya! Provoke it with ember! Coro, you¡¯re hitting its body with your beak!¡±

    Zorua can¡¯t do anything. She still lacks attacks for long-range, so I can only rely on the other two. A quick glance at Amethio brings Ceruledge to the fore. He has called his Flying-type Pok¨¦mon back. But the circumstances turn out to be unsuitable for him too. Corviknight is still too wet to fly and Ceruledge, like Zorua, seems to be bound to land.

    The only hope we have is my speedy return to land so we can pack our things and leave. But the Wishiwashi monster doesn¡¯t care about the little fireballs that bounce off it like raindrops, nor about Coro¡¯s powerful blows from his beak. All it needs is a strong turn, and Coro is forced to dodge the mighty cascade of water. The Pok¨¦mon¡¯s tail fin rises so high it sends the water shooting towards me in a wave as it comes down. It reminds me of surf, only that this creature doesn¡¯t go with the wave.

    I can hold my breath just in time as the water crashes down on me. Simultaneously, the wetness tugs at my body, following a wave and sweeping me away before I can escape. The whirlpool, which forces me straight to Wishiwashi, squeezes the breath out of my lungs. My fingers struggle to claw at the ground, but the pull is too strong for me to get up and run away. The waves convey the image that this pool is filled up to the shoulders. It¡¯s already slapping against the stone that encloses the shore.

    It¡¯s amazing that a pool in which I could previously cool my calves suddenly seems as deep as the sea. And the maelstrom the Wishiwashi has conjured drains all my strength.

    I am going to die. For sure. My hands can no longer hold on. Each finger is slowly slipping.

    But when I actually lose hold, nothing happens. I can¡¯t see anything and can barely hear, apart from the rushing water. The only thing I notice is how the maelstrom briefly lets go of me and someone pulls on me with force. The next moment I bump into warm fabric.

    A cough escapes my throat as I gasp greedily for air and catch sight of Amethio, who supports me until my legs can carry me halfway.

    ¡°We have to get out of here!¡± He¡¯s at least as dripping wet as I am, so he brushes his hair out of his face in one movement and pulls me along behind him. But my legs wobble terribly and he has to grab my shoulders twice to prevent me from falling flat on my face. Only when we reach the shore, I believe I can step firmer and before I know it, we are both sitting behind a rock, panting and soaked to the bone.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± I gasp out between rattling breaths. ¡°But how... did you manage that?¡±

    He wrings the water out of his hair. ¡°Ceruledge took a leap to attack it from above.¡±

    ¡°And where are-¡° I don¡¯t get to ask my question as Ying and Raya appear next to me. Only Pikipek is still trying to launch an attack or two.

    Ceruledge lands in front of us barely a second later.

    ¡°And now what? If we try to run away, it will surely catch us with a water gun and push the water even further over the shore. It will get us.¡± Just the thought sends shivers down my spine. ¡°And we don¡¯t have an Electric-type Pok¨¦mon.¡±

    ¡°It might calm down if we wait and see.¡±

    ¡°I doubt that. It¡¯s angry. Really angry. It called us poison and tried to ¡®swallow¡¯ me.¡±

    ¡°You can hear it?¡± Amethio¡¯s eyes widen slightly. He sees something I can¡¯t make out, so I just nod.

    He glances round the rock briefly before taking a deep breath. We both know it¡¯s just a touch of mercy that this monster hasn¡¯t fired an water gun to shatter this rock.

    ¡°Find the source of its rage,¡± Amethio finally demands. ¡°This is our best chance.¡±

    I don¡¯t want to go back out there, I really don¡¯t. But he¡¯s right. We have no other choice.

    A sigh escapes me one last time before I raise my hands in the air and slowly scramble to my feet. The Pok¨¦mon stares at me for a moment, but quickly realises that I am completely unarmed. At least it seems to want to hear my last words before it rips my body in two.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry if I did anything to upset you.¡± When you have no idea why someone is angry, apologising works nine times out of ten. ¡°You said I was poison. Why?¡±

    My words cause its body to bloat. Simultaneously, calm seems to return and the next water attack doesn¡¯t materialise.

    ¡°You understand me?¡±

    ¡°Yes... But that¡¯s not normal... Normal people can¡¯t hear your words.¡±

    Water bubbles as it sinks slightly in its place. ¡°And now you want to beg for mercy?¡±

    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

    ¡°I want to know what made you so angry.¡±

    It hesitates for quite a while before its deep voice sloshes back into my senses. ¡°You humans are polluting our home. The tourists throw money and cans into our water, sometimes food that has killed some of my comrades.¡± It rises again. ¡°You throw things at us, laugh, and don¡¯t care about our pain!¡±

    I understand its problem, but there is nothing I can do. Stopping all humans from doing wrong is as impossible as catching all the criminals in the world. This Pok¨¦mon carries anger I can¡¯t ease.

    ¡°Look at my body!¡± the misshapen Wishiwashi continues. ¡°They threw a stone at me and it got stuck between my scales.¡± It turns to the side so I can see blue bumps and a reddened area that almost fades into the background. ¡°It hurts. Day in, day out. And before I knew it, my body had grown and grown! I can hardly find food because I¡¯m too big for the edges and nooks. I had to eat other Wishiwashi to survive!¡±

    My hands drop. This creature has been driven into a corner. Its appearance is nothing more than a mutation. It suffers from the careless actions of humans and it gives the strange impression of no longer being angry. The sadness beneath its scales is greater than the rage.

    ¡°There¡¯s not much I can do for you,¡± I begin slowly as I take a step towards the Pok¨¦mon. ¡°But if you let me, I¡¯ll heal this spot for you. Who knows, maybe you¡¯ll even change back.¡±

    We are probably both aware none of this will help change people¡¯s behaviour. But the Wishiwashi now exudes a calm that at least conveys it no longer blames me for what has happened. It lets me walk to the shore without saying a word and only when I stop does it speak up again.

    ¡°I won¡¯t attack you again,¡± it promises. ¡°I believe you.¡±

    Its reassurance is comforting, but I have to admit my need for water is covered for the next four years. Still, I force one foot in front of the other, finally lower my hands and come to a halt next to the mutated Wishiwashi.

    A closer look at the reddened scales brings a water-blue stone to the fore. My fingers want to reach for it, but flinch as I realise that Wishiwashi only moderately trusts me.

    ¡°I¡¯ll get it out now. It will probably hurt, but please try to stay calm.¡±

    It doesn¡¯t answer, so I place one hand on the Pok¨¦mon¡¯s side and grab the stone with pointed fingers of the other. Its slippery exterior makes it difficult to get a good grip and I slip twice without success. In the end, I grab the hem of my blouse and pull it up high enough to grab the foreign object. The sticky fabric makes things easier, and before I know it, I¡¯m plucking the problem out with a tug.

    I can feel the Wishiwashi breathe a sigh of relief and as I take a step back, I hold the stone right in front of its eyes. ¡°Mission accomplished.¡±

    ¡°Thank you. Thank you!¡± There is a gleam in its eyes.

    ¡°Next, I¡¯ll heal you. I just have to go to my backpack and get the potion.¡± Which I bought with all my money and which will now be spent on another Pok¨¦mon. My luck is truly limited.

    But when I turn around, Amethio is standing behind me, holding the same phial he gave me. The powder inside is powerful.

    ¡°That will be enough.¡± He doesn¡¯t ask, instead he¡¯s gauged the circumstances and just gives me some of the stuff I¡¯ll probably never be able to afford.

    ¡°Thank you.¡± I have no choice but to accept his offer if it means I get to keep my potion. Unlike me, he seems to have enough of this miracle powder.

    As I turn my attention back to the Wishiwashi, the other thoughts fade into the background. ¡°I¡¯m going to sprinkle this on your tongue and then you¡¯ll have to swallow ... water.¡±

    It sounds stupid, especially as this Pok¨¦mon is a fish. But it seems to understand my description and opens its fanged mouth a little so I can spread the powder. It dives immediately afterwards.

    ¡°I hope it goes back to normal,¡± I murmur quietly.

    ¡°Has it changed because of the stone?¡± Amethio hears me anyway and his gaze fixes on the crystal resting in my hands.

    A second glance at the culprit reveals it must be a Z-Crystal and this time Amethio¡¯s Rotom is faster than mine on land.

    ¡°Waterium Z. Can trigger a Z-Move with a water attack.¡±

    ¡°Another one of those useless things I can¡¯t use.¡± My sigh seems endless as my companion picks up the Rotom and reads through everything it has to say about Z-Crystals. As I know from experience, that¡¯s not a small amount.

    The next moment, the Wishiwashi reappears. ¡°Bitter...¡±

    My brows lift only briefly before I turn the situation in a different direction. As nice as everything is improving right now, I can hear this Pok¨¦mon and that also means I can gather information.

    ¡°Do you have ... by any chance ... a Ray-¡° I stop. Maybe the Pok¨¦mon has no idea what a Rayquaza is. I can hardly blame it. After what this tourist has told us, it¡¯s hard to shake off the thought. ¡°Have you perhaps seen a black dragon?¡±

    ¡°A dragon?¡±

    ¡°Something ... like an ... oversized Dragonair.¡±

    It looks at me for a moment, as if I¡¯m suddenly speaking a distinct language. However, I don¡¯t know any Pok¨¦mon that is typical of Alola and can be compared to Rayquaza.

    However, Amethio sees the circumstances differently. It¡¯s probably easier to describe Rayquaza in terms of water Pok¨¦mon in general. ¡°Longer than a Milotic, with a head that remotely resembles a Golduck.¡±

    Wishiwashi remains silent for a little longer until it finds certainty in its thoughts. ¡°I think so.¡±

    ¡°It was here?¡± The sudden hope that makes my heart beat faster pushes everything else aside.

    ¡°It was here to drink,¡± the Pok¨¦mon replies. ¡°Its presence intimidated me ... so I stayed underwater.¡±

    The air I had been unconsciously holding is forced out of me in a gush. As for Amethio¡¯s stare, it¡¯s a sign of patience I shouldn¡¯t overstretch.

    ¡°It was here, but apart from that, Wishiwashi doesn¡¯t know anything either.¡±

    ¡°That means we¡¯re on the right track.¡± There still seems to be hope in him, which is why he turns and wades through the water back to the shore.

    I say goodbye to the Pok¨¦mon before following him. Back on land, Ying and Raya bring me my boots and as I sit down on the wet stone ground, sun drying doesn¡¯t seem so wrong. Part of me doubts Wishiwashi will try to drown my sorry ass again.

    ¡°Shall we stay a little longer?¡± Tilting my head to the side, I turn my attention to Amethio. He¡¯s still holding the Rotom and when he looks up, all I get is a curt nod. His clothes are sticking to him just as much as mine are to me.

    ¡°As soon as we¡¯re drier, we¡¯re going back to Paniola Town.¡±

    ¡°Do we have to?¡± I¡¯d hoped never to set foot in that hellhole again ¨C not least because of the argument we left there. ¡°Isn¡¯t there anywhere else to rest?¡±

    ¡°None nearby,¡± Amethio crushes my ray of hope. ¡°Conia will meet us at the lodging and bring clothes.¡±

    At least that¡¯s good news. After all, I¡¯m wearing my spare clothes right now and have nothing left that shouldn¡¯t be in the wash first. Even if Conia will probably only bring a few worn scraps of cloth for me, that¡¯s good enough.

    Half in thought, I scratch over my arms until I notice the bumpy skin. The crust, which has grown thick over the scratches, has softened. The areas I¡¯ve carelessly peeled off are bleeding slightly. The rest itches unbearably. I briefly entertain the idea of trying out the healing potion for my Pok¨¦mon on myself. However, I¡¯m definitely not in the mood for any more problems, so I discard the tempting idea and lean my head back.

    Alola¡¯s sky is as blue as the sea; as blue as the eyes of some people, in whose vastness you can lose yourself. The sun is giving my skin a light tan and I¡¯m sure I¡¯ll soon look like Hau and disappear among the inhabitants of this island. Amethio¡¯s pallor will hardly do otherwise, although part of me believes he will remain on the lighter side of the possibilities.

    I would argue it¡¯s peaceful enough in these seconds to want to stay. The rush I felt at my father¡¯s side fades with each additional breath I spend away from him. I¡¯ve been on the loose for three days now ¨C running away from my promise like a bratty child ¨C and the urge for adventure no longer crushes me. I still want to see the world and be free, but there are many things here I need to deal with at the same time. Little things I imagined would be easier ¨C like the fights with my partners. The moment between Ying, the Magnemite, and me was the last glorious one, I would say.

    Since then, nothing but crap has happened and all I can do is run away and make the wrong decisions. The clearer my thoughts become, because I¡¯m no longer just thinking about escaping, the better I understand I¡¯ve been cocky. Everything I thought I would do better than other deluded kids turns out to be more and more stumbling blocks; problems that complicate my circumstances. I¡¯m hardly better than most of the other runaways.

    The sigh on my lips weighs heavier than a Geodude. I can¡¯t think about the things I¡¯ve messed up. I have to look ahead and move on. Lessons can be learnt without always thinking about failures. That¡¯s why I simply forget them ¨C or rather, I do so with some force.

    The clear air and the heat dry our clothes in almost half an hour. My hair is sticking out a little and my bun is definitely loose, but it¡¯s nothing compared to Amethio¡¯s tangled waves, which have probably become knotted.

    I don¡¯t want to know how much a brush hurts at a time like this.

    As he rises under my gaze and circles his shoulders, it becomes clear we¡¯re about to leave. Today has probably been stressful enough and I¡¯m fine with that. As long as they keep me and pay for my room, I will obediently follow the tasks assigned to me. Even when I can think of better things to do than wander around the island.

 Chapter 16: Knowledge behind fading leads VII

    When I arrive in Paniola Town with Amethio, it¡¯s already late afternoon. Our reservation is still in place. He knew we would be back. The only difference is that Conia is waiting for us in the entrance area and that I look over my shoulder from time to time. No one promises me Powell won¡¯t just turn up and attack.

    ¡°Welcome back, sir!¡± Straightening her shoulders, Conia is the perfect picture of the sidekick. A woman who knows how to master her tasks.

    ¡°Were you able to find out anything?¡± Amethio, however, cares little for the small formalities on the sidelines. His focus is still on results, but Conia cannot provide them.

    ¡°Nothing relevant, sir.¡± Her shoulders slump. ¡°Just that there are a few teenagers scattered around the islands who belong to a gang called ¡®Skull¡¯. Nothing more than a couple of troublemakers. Presumably this blond was also part of the gang.¡±

    Amethio briefly puts a hand to his chin. In his mind, he was probably hoping for more than the meagre haul Conia brought. Then again, she has probably walked the whole distance ¨C assuming she wants to protect a possible Flying-type Pok¨¦mon. In this heat, I wouldn¡¯t want to inflict excessive flying on a Corviknight either. And who knows what Pok¨¦mon Conia has in her luggage?

    ¡°We¡¯ll finalise our destination for tomorrow over dinner and discuss the next steps. Be on time.¡± Instead of losing himself too deeply in his focus, Amethio pushes the problem to the side before leaving Conia and me behind.

    Her posture immediately relaxes and for a moment I want to believe she¡¯s just trying to cut a good figure in front of her boss. Perhaps there is such a thing as promotions within the Explorers too, which can be gained through hard work. It would be a pleasant bonus and another goal I could cling to.

    ¡°Is Lillie here as well?¡± Half in thought, I turn to Conia. Her blue eyes, in a light pink glow, immediately wander in my direction.

    ¡°She¡¯s here. I¡¯m supposed to tell you to stop by and see her when you arrive,¡± she replies slowly. ¡°But she¡¯s probably already fallen asleep. She¡¯s pretty exhausted from the walk.¡±

    ¡°And the egg?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s on the ship with Zir. He¡¯ll watch it.¡± She puts her hands on her hips. ¡°I hope it doesn¡¯t hatch in his presence.¡±

    An amused snort on my part agrees with her. We¡¯d probably both like to be there when the shell cracks and the Pok¨¦mon comes out. With any luck, the little creature will be patient.

    ¡°Which room can I find Lillie in?¡±

    ¡°Up the stairs, the fourth door on the right.¡±

    With a curt ¡°Thank you¡±, I break away from Conia and thus from any further conversation. If Lillie wants to see me, there are certainly a few things to report and I have to admit, having someone by your side at the end of a day like this makes an adventure more enjoyable. Not that I¡¯m complaining, but everyone needs someone to talk to at some point.

    My legs hurriedly carry me up the stairs to the second floor. The first room on the left is mine. Amethio probably has his next door or opposite.

    I pause outside Lillie¡¯s room and knock against the dark wood. It takes an eternity for her to open the door. Her blonde mop of hair looks a little tangled and her half-lowered eyes carry dreams I can¡¯t reach. She rubs her eyes in delayed reaction. ¡°Domino. You¡¯re back. Hello.¡±

    There¡¯s a rustling in the background and I don¡¯t have to ask to know that Nebby is rushing around back there.

    ¡°Conia said you¡¯d like to see me.¡± My shoulders shrug before I give a wan smile. All at once, part of me just wants to go to bed. Seeing Lillie so sleepy brings my aching muscles into sharp focus. Somewhere between Brooklet Hill and Route 5, I thought I¡¯d forget about the pain in my thighs, arms and bones in just a few steps.

    Lillie, meanwhile, regains her spirits as she opens her eyes fully and the green glow implies anticipation. ¡°Come in!¡±

    As she turns round and leaves me in the doorway, it¡¯s me who trails after her with a delay. The wood just falls into the lock behind me before the blonde turns to me and clutches the handles of two paper bags. She heaves the bags onto the bed with a flourish. Then she turns her attention to me.

    ¡°I was in a boutique today,¡± she begins, ¡°and I saw so many beautiful things. I thought a new image might help me surpass myself and when I was putting together an outfit, I came across some things I think will suit you.¡± She takes an eager step to the side. In those seconds, the shy girl with the strong insecurity disappears. She blossoms within those moments.

    With dragging movements, I force myself to the bags and look inside. My fingers feel jeans and light fabric, probably as soft as the mist of a Gastly. When I pull it out, it¡¯s a pair of blue jeans that will reach just above my knees, combined with a white top in a slightly short cut. However, the printed purple floral pattern makes a nice impression and can also be found at the top of the trousers. Overall, it looks like a solid outfit ¨C until I see the underwear.

    ¡°How do you even know my sizes?¡± The thought hits me like a bolt of lightning. ¡°Can you just guess?¡±

    ¡°N-no!¡± She hastily waves me off. ¡°Conia and I left later because Zir wanted to give her something back. They said you probably wouldn¡¯t be back on the ship for a while, so I wanted to bring your things. But you didn¡¯t have any spare clothes ... only underwear. And I didn''t know whether I should just put it with my stuff or not.¡± A slight blush settles on her cheeks as she clenches her hands into fists and looks at me. ¡°So I checked the tags in your clothes and tried to buy the same sizes in the shop so that I don''t grab something from your things that doesn''t belong together and so on....¡±

    Again, my eyes fall on the clothes she bought me. She¡¯s just as shy about the underwear as I would have expected. Everything is white and somehow innocent and would probably suit Lillie better than someone like me who likes a bit of colour.

    ¡°D-Don¡¯t you like it?¡± On the side, Lillie falls into her old pattern, so I turn to her and put on a big smile.

    ¡°On the contrary, you¡¯re saving my life with this. And I think you have good taste.¡±

    Her face brightens again. ¡°Thank you! You¡¯ll find the rest in the other bag.¡±

    She has thought of everything. In addition to the usual clothes, she has bought brown shoes with thick soles to ensure good grip on a hike. They also reach over my ankles, so I don¡¯t have to worry about twisting my feet. Underneath, I pull out a straw hat.

    ¡°Because of the heat,¡± Lillie explains immediately. ¡°The shop assistant told me it¡¯s better to wear a hat during the day so you don¡¯t get sunstroke.¡±

    ¡°Good idea,¡± I comment curtly before grabbing the belt as the last item. ¡°And this one?¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it pretty?¡± She folds her hands at chest height. The beige suede design looks pretty, and the attached pocket, just big enough to hold the essentials, makes it easier to access my balls and potion. ¡°I figured this would be easier than a backpack.¡±

    I nod. ¡°And how much will I have to pay back?¡±

    Actually, it¡¯s a terrible thought to harbour, especially as I don¡¯t know how I¡¯m going to get any money yet. But I can¡¯t possibly take all these things ¨C just like that. Lillie is fourteen. She shouldn¡¯t be spending money on anyone other than herself.

    But she waves it off. ¡°It¡¯s a gift.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s too much. I can¡¯t accept it all.¡±

    ¡°You have to!¡± she protests. Her determination shines through clearly. ¡°Take it as thanks for always helping me and Nebby and ... for taking us on this journey.¡±

    It would be wrong to argue with her. In these breaths, Lillie makes every fibre of her body push through. So I nod.

    ¡°Fine by me. I¡¯ll accept your gift because I rescued Nebby and captured it once.¡± With a sigh, I put my hands on my hips. ¡°But you started this journey. I didn¡¯t take you with me. You chose to. You should be proud of that.¡±

    The sparkle in her green eyes settles enchantingly between us and as she sits down happily on the edge of the bed, she seems to have gone through another small evolution.

    ¡°You know, while you and Amethio were looking for information, I had a chance to study some herbs with Rotom and Conia. They grow everywhere by the wayside and there are so many different ones!¡± She tilts her head back. ¡°And that¡¯s when I realised what I want to do when I get the chance.¡±

    More interested and, above all, more awake than before, I settle down next to Lillie and wait for her to continue after an artistic break. But before she does, she turns her gaze in my direction and everything inside her seems to blossom with hope.

    ¡°I want to become a Pok¨¦mon trainer. And alongside that, I want to go into botany research and invent lots of tools to make life easier for Pok¨¦mon.¡± Her shoulders lift slightly. ¡°Then I can make my future team and all the Pok¨¦mon in the world a little happier!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a nice dream.¡± It really is. It¡¯s a very different direction from the one that¡¯s solidifying in me, but it¡¯s something she can blossom behind. A dream that I want Lillie to keep. If I can, I¡¯ll support her at every turn.

    ¡°You still want to be a professor?¡± Her question pushes her dream into the background.

    I nod. ¡°A little more with every step. It was actually just a thought that sounded quite nice. But there are many things still unexplored. Lots of little things which could be improved if we researched and understood them. In research, I can indulge in all the questions no one else wants to answer or that have been abandoned.¡±

    ¡°I can imagine a lot of secrets waiting to be uncovered. Nebby, for example.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s special, isn¡¯t it?¡± After all, I can hear its voice, so there must be something about it no ordinary Pok¨¦mon possesses.

    Lillie sinks into her thoughts for a moment and even though I can¡¯t hear her, I¡¯m sure everything revolves around that little Pok¨¦mon.

    ¡°It just ... appeared one day. And when it was in trouble, I gathered up all my courage and saved it.¡± A small smile forms on her lips. ¡°I hope one day I¡¯ll understand it better.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you will,¡± I reply softly before grabbing the bags and forcing myself to let the time together end.

    It¡¯s not evening yet, but my muscles are burning and everything inside me wants to throw itself into some corner and relax. This gives me time to learn a bit about Pok¨¦mon on the net. Maybe I¡¯ll study the Pok¨¦dex that Rotom has integrated ¨C at least according to the theory it was the same with older models.

    ¡°I should go now,¡± I start again. ¡°I¡¯ll see you at dinner.¡±

    Lillie nods vigorously. ¡°I¡¯m looking forward to it!¡±

    With a smile, I finally push my way out of her room before taking a deep breath and then hurrying to my room at a faster pace. Everything in me longs for a shower not consisting of a mighty water gun that could have ripped my upper body from my hips.

    As soon as the door slams shut behind me and I disappear into the small bathroom, however, the day chases over my head once again. I¡¯ve been threatened. I¡¯ve sent my Pok¨¦mon into another hopeless battle and had to watch them get hurt; an egg has literally fallen into my lap, a Wishiwashi has almost killed me and I can¡¯t deny having the vague feeling that adventurers are out to get me.

    And not in a good way.

    As I strip the clothes from my body, I realise the fishy smell I¡¯ve been carrying all this time. Wishiwashi¡¯s water gun really came from the depths of its body.

    Only the thought makes me wrinkle my nose. With pointed fingers, I toss the fabric aside and push myself under the hot water ¨C no comparison to the near-trauma that fell around my neck today. Simultaneously, the second when Amethio grabbed me by the arm comes to the fore. Without him, all of this could have been so much worse. He threw himself into the water for my sake ¨C or rather, so he wouldn¡¯t have to answer his boss¡¯s questions about why the girl with the Pok¨¦mon voices in her head died.

    A sigh settles on my lips. Whatever the Explorers are planning, I hope they¡¯ll accept me as a member. I may be green behind the ears, but I can learn. One day, I¡¯ll be able to approach things as calmly as some trainers do daily.

    The shampoo provided by the house smells of coconut and as I massage the stuff into my hair, I cling to Amethio again. I should thank him. Not only did he save my life, he also intervened when I lost the fight against Powell. He gave me some of his cure ¨C some of the powder so I wouldn¡¯t have to waste my meagre potion. Not to mention how he extinguished the Lillipup, whom I could do nothing but harm.

    His every action improves the predicaments I conjure and, though I hate to admit it, my father was right. Without someone like Amethio, this wouldn¡¯t be an adventure to challenge me, but the nightmare of any greenhorn who hasn¡¯t prepared well enough.

    I can only shake my head at my former arrogance. I suppose you can never be prepared enough as an unworldly girl.

    I lean my head back briefly and allow the water to splash on my face. I owe Amethio more than a simple ¡°thank you¡±. I just don¡¯t know what I can do to return the favour.

    Hopefully, I¡¯ll get a chance soon.

    <hr>

    ¡· W H I S P E R S ¡¶

    <hr>

    The safest way up the mountain is past the Battle Royal Dome ¨C a building where trainers can indulge their passion for fighting together with their team. It¡¯s a little stopover and yet it¡¯s also a place I¡¯d like to run away from right now.

    Despite the heat, I can¡¯t shake off the goose bumps. Lillie¡¯s clothes make the dry air and burning sun more bearable ¨C the hat even provides decent shade for my face and with the small bag on my hip, I feel ready for an out-of-the-ordinary adventure. However, fact is my muscles are burning like fire, every breath hurts and my hands are soaked in sweat as I follow Amethio through the heavy concrete arch.

    He looks unchanged. His waves are perfect and his clothes seem too warm for the sun of Alola ¨C although I¡¯ve known since yesterday that the fabric of his dark, matt purple shirt is thin. It probably lies light as a feather on his shoulders. Even the black cloth trousers with the purple arrow running from one leg to the waistband no longer send the message of burning him underneath. Only the brown, gently upturned shoes, which clearly tell everyone he is travelling on business and not for pleasure, make him unusually noticeable among the worn sandals and flip-flops of the residents.

    ¡°Are we just going to ask around here?¡± Eventually I break the silence between us. Part of me wants to go back to Lillie and Conia, who are still sitting in the lodging, probably enjoying a glass of iced tea in the sun.

    Amethio doesn¡¯t even glance over his shoulder as he answers me: ¡°No. We¡¯re going to meet someone here.¡±

    My brows lift. ¡°Have you been able to find anyone who has the information we¡¯re looking for?¡±

    His steps slow down, allowing me to catch up and fall in line beside him. Only then does he give me a measured sideways glance. ¡°Were you even listening at breakfast?¡±

    The quiet sizzle in his voice makes me sweat. I definitely wasn¡¯t listening, which was mainly because I was too tired to follow anyone. The previous day took more out of me than I¡¯d like to admit, and yet I was thrown out of bed at eight this morning by Conia to attend the incredibly important breakfast.

    ¡°I think ... I just didn¡¯t understand most of it,¡± I start ¨C a nice middle ground before I have to admit I¡¯ve deliberately blanked him out.

    Meanwhile, Amethio¡¯s eyelids droop a little. His brows draw together and even though I¡¯m sure in these breaths he doesn¡¯t believe a word I say, I smile wryly.

    ¡°An informant from the Explorers got in touch last night. We often do business with him,¡± my companion finally begins. ¡°He¡¯s been here for three weeks, fighting his battles in the Dome.¡±

    ¡°So we meet with him and he tells us about Rayquaza?¡± I tilt my head. ¡°Just like that?¡±

    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to take part in the next show with him.¡±

    ¡°Hah?¡± I stop for a moment. The corners of my mouth twitch uncontrollably and I think for a breath my body radiates more heat than the goddamn sun. Simultaneously, I¡¯m frozen stiff somewhere in the middle.

    ¡°He can¡¯t afford to come last in any of the fights again. You¡¯ll be there to support him and lose to him,¡± Amethio says.

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°The prize money.¡±

    I gasp briefly. It¡¯s hard to believe Amethio is trying to explain to me now we¡¯re helping an unsuccessful rat succeed in hope to gain some information we don¡¯t yet know. On top ¨C I really can¡¯t deny it ¨C I¡¯m a bloody failure at fighting. My success rate is probably less than fifty per cent when my opponents are really out to beat me with everything they¡¯ve got. Not like against Hau, whose Popplio was as beginner as Ying and me, and not like against the tourist who dropped out in time. These fights probably fall more into the category of Raticate and Wishiwashi with a dash of Carbink.

    ¡°No way,¡± I finally decide as I raise both hands and shake my head frantically, causing my loose tail to sway from side to side. ¡°I¡¯m not going to set foot in there and fight anyone.¡±

    Rations or not, I don¡¯t want to watch one of my Pok¨¦mon get hurt again. And I don¡¯t want to do it while hundreds of people watch and cheer as if we are in a boxing match in a cage.

    ¡°It will give you battle experience,¡± Amethio finally counters. My reluctance leaves him cold. ¡°If you don¡¯t learn in practice, moments like the one against the Carbink will happen again.¡±

    There are two thousand curses I want to utter in those seconds, but he¡¯s right. To get better and make sure my Pok¨¦mon and I never have to stumble through hell again, we need to gain experience in battle. What¡¯s more, the Dome Royale is probably safer than a battle in the wild. Still, I find it hard to agree.

    The last results were simply too bad, too cruel, and too thoughtless. Maybe that¡¯s why Amethio wants to push me into it. I have to learn to stay calm in a problem situation ¨C even if I¡¯m slowly but surely losing interest in the fights. Of course, I want to become a good trainer. But a slower pace would be desirable.

    I shake my head inwardly. All this back and forth is something I shouldn¡¯t be worrying about. It¡¯s silly to stress about it when the Battle Royal Dome is safer than the outside world. If I can learn on a civilised field with rules, then that¡¯s better than watching my partners die. Amethio certainly won¡¯t always be by my side to save my ass.

    ¡°How does a fight like this work?¡± Crossing my arms in front of my chest, I rejoin my companion so we can continue on our way. The otherwise open field with a road and a large green area with benches in the centre offers only brief distraction. Instead, the magnificent structure of the Dome draws closer.

    ¡°Four trainers compete against each other at the same time with one Pok¨¦mon. The last one standing wins,¡± explains Amethio. ¡°Your job is to pave the way for our informant.¡±

    I grimace briefly. I don¡¯t have a choice. Ultimately, I want to be part of the Explorers and this will only work if I pull myself together and do what is asked of me. Even if every single cell in me is gearing up to make all my nightmares a reality. On top, I have to embarrass myself in front of many people, which doesn¡¯t really help the game.

    ¡°What about my other Pok¨¦mon? Do I have to give them away?¡±

    He nods curtly. ¡°They¡¯ll store them for you.¡±

    I¡¯ve never parted with my Pok¨¦mon before, and the mere thought makes the heat on my skin suddenly bitterly cold. What if they get lost? Someone could steal them. Some Pok¨¦mon disappear without a trace and are sold on black markets, as you can sometimes hear on the news.

    In an instant, I fish two of my balls out of my pocket and hold them out to Amethio. His gaze fixes briefly on my palm, where the two balls clack against each other with every step. Then he takes them. His black-gloved hands accept my worries without a word, so at least I can be sure nothing will happen to my partners. Someone like Amethio, who has two magnificent Pok¨¦mon at his side, doesn¡¯t need companions like Zorua and Growlithe.

    Still, my arm feels heavy as I lower it and we cross the last steps to the Dome. The entrance area beckons with bright blue floor tiles in an eye-catching pattern. The floodlights on the sides are still switched off at this time of day ¨C fair enough at eleven in the morning. The colourful entrance and the mighty sign above it probably attract enough attention. They barely reach me behind the cotton wool of my thoughts.

    As soon as we pass the entrance, my heart starts to race. The reception area has been kept simple. In the corners are display windows with prizes and photos of winners. Two mighty staircases at the sides lead up one floor. In between, people are chatting, buying tickets, queuing or communicating with their Pok¨¦mon. Everyone is preparing for the next battle and I don¡¯t have to turn to Amethio and ask to know we¡¯ve come here just for this hour. The next fight starts in thirty minutes.

    Lips pressed together, I approach the free registration desk and, although it would be my job to say something, Amethio takes the lead. He has probably already noticed the uncertainty in my demeanour.

    I didn¡¯t think fighting in front of an audience paying for the show would make me so uneasy. But it¡¯s also the first time. In my memory, there is no moment when I have ever stood in front of more than five people ¨C and I wasn¡¯t even the centre of interest. Now it¡¯s different, and talking to each other is definitely not like a Pok¨¦mon fight.

    ¡°Domino!¡± The sharpness in Amethio¡¯s voice snaps me out of my thoughts. It¡¯s nothing more than a brisk whisper, but it reaches me and takes my breath away for a second.

    When my eyes meet his, it¡¯s a small card he¡¯s holding out to me. Once again, I force myself to smile wryly as I take the ticket. ¡°I assume you¡¯ll be among the spectators?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll accompany you to the preparation room,¡± he replies, and even though I want to believe he¡¯s doing it so I don¡¯t turn round in the middle, it¡¯s obvious he has to introduce me to his informant.

    Slowly, I push my way through the corridor unlocked for us and this time it¡¯s me who moves faster than Amethio. My legs just want to get it all over with and the rest of my body agrees. So I¡¯m the first to land in the large, circular room. A few trainers have sat down on fixed benches and only one of them turns his attention in my direction.

    When he stands up, I hold my breath. His movements have me in their sights and it means he must be the man I¡¯m supposed to be backing. He is quite unremarkable, although clearly the oldest in the room. Presumably in his thirties, he strolls along as calmly as if victory would fall into his lap today ¨C which is a fact.

    ¡°Well, well, well. Ammy and a little doll.¡± He stops just in front of me and leans down towards me. The broad grin on his lips brings snow-white teeth to the fore, canines as sharp as an Arbok¡¯s. ¡°I suppose you¡¯ll be giving me a lot of support today, huh?¡±

    It¡¯s hard to imagine there¡¯s anyone on this planet who would call Amethio ¡°Ammy¡±, but this guy in front of me, two heads taller, doesn¡¯t care about the little things. Amethio¡¯s stare doesn¡¯t change either, and for a split second I¡¯m left with the thought of this being the way things always are between them. So I nod.

    Without further ado, the stranger straightens up before tapping his chest and introducing himself as ¡°Bellro¡±. I don¡¯t miss his black painted fingernails or the brief opportunity to scrutinise his clothes. The black shirt and baggy trousers of the same colour make him a shadow of the streets you¡¯d best not follow. His red eyes are the only colour I can make out in all this.

    ¡°Now then, little one. You bring me the victory and I¡¯ll bring you up to standard. Sounds fair, doesn¡¯t it?¡± Without further ado, he turns to Amethio. ¡°I reckon your boss will be pleased if you throw something of value at his feet. Otherwise you¡¯ll fail again.¡±

    Shortly, Amethio¡¯s lips press together. Whatever he would like to throw in his opponent¡¯s face, he swallows it down. Presumably, this connection only works because silence ensures no one takes a swing at the other.

    With a sigh, I reach for my remaining Pok¨¦ Ball. Pikipek and I will have to do our best not to fail. I can only hope the other fighters in the room are weaker than me and my stumbling attempts.

    Before I can turn my attention back to the boys, Bellro has already put an arm around my shoulders and pulled me close. ¡°I¡¯ll give her back if she survives this!¡±

    I can¡¯t even object as he pushes me away from Amethio and heads straight for a spot next to the door that will propel us in front of the crowd. His choice of words clings to me, and the fear of not being the slightest bit of help chokes my throat.

    ¡°Now calm down, doll!¡± Bellro bends down and leans on his knees. The broad grin on his face never fades. ¡°This is the lowest level of fighting. Practically the league of eternal losers!¡± He snorts. ¡°Along with Amethio, I could have applied for the advanced ones, but his offer was really stiff. Either I take you with me to the beginners, or my information will be paid for with the same amount of money I usually get.¡±

    ¡°Oh...¡± is all I can manage. The Explorers, and by extension Amethio¡¯s group, are cutting costs by sending me, and since I have a lot to learn anyway, it¡¯s clear I¡¯m being sent ahead. The picture comes together.

    ¡°Boring, isn¡¯t it?¡± Bellro continues to grumble. ¡°But never mind. The beginner class isn¡¯t as simple as you might think, and many who are much better than beginners sign up here for easy wins. The concept should be revised a little, but people love a certain lack of fairness. What would life be if we couldn¡¯t get unnecessarily upset about some nonsense?¡±

    The Battle Royal Dome system sounds like the nightmare of anyone who came here with certain ideas about fighting. It also means my worries still hold true, because no one can promise me we won¡¯t face at least one pro despite everything.

    ¡°You¡¯re getting paler and paler. Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re nervous!¡± Bellro lets out a short laugh and when I hastily glance over my shoulder, I realise Amethio is no longer there. So from now on, the problems are all mine.

    I immediately lower my eyelids and try to take deep breaths. The pounding in my chest hasn¡¯t subsided yet and the unfamiliarity within seconds makes my hands sticky. The hope I might still be lying in bed, dreaming, rushes past me briefly, but disappears when I hear the announcement from a loudspeaker in the top corner of the room that the next battle is about to begin.

    Time has passed far too quickly.

    My fingers tighten around Coro¡¯s ball and when Bellro stands up, I have no choice but to follow him out of the door.

    For a moment, the bright, artificial light blinds me. The radiant colours creating an exciting grandstand scene also bring the crowd to the fore. It¡¯s easy to imagine that absolutely every tourist on Akala comes to this place to watch the fights or witness them from afar. No doubt some local residents also make their way here ¨C on their lunch break or after work, on days off or whenever they can get away from their duties. The roar of the crowd rings in my ears and the stifling heat penetrates deep into my body.

    The stage rises in front of us. A huge fighting area with four colourfully illuminated corners, where each of us can find a place as we please. I get caught somewhere in the green area. Bellro enjoys the red glow on his skin. Our opponents, running close behind us, rest under yellow and blue. Above the centre of the fighting area, which would be enough to seat three hundred people, a voice echoes from another speaker. But the words barely reach me. Instead, my consciousness clings to the stands leading diagonally upwards. Some spectators look down on us from six metres and clap, although they probably don¡¯t see as much as they hoped. It feels like we¡¯re at an exhibition ¨C an auction where we have to prove how much we¡¯re worth.

    I swallow. I¡¯m probably just taking it all too seriously.

    In the background, the announcement blares through the loudspeakers and we let out our chosen Pok¨¦mon in unison. Pikipek jumps in front of me to give his opponents a look. The choice is wide. A Rockruff stands legs apart in front of one unknown. A few steps further on, a Slowking raises its head as if it is the king of the world. The intelligent gleam in its eyes is unpleasant. Its owner grins a bright white smile.

    Bellro¡¯s partner is a Marowak. Its brown body, just one metre tall, with a light-coloured belly, looks almost cute if it weren¡¯t for the focused gaze and the bone in its paw. The skull, which almost seems to be its own, reflects the artificial light as if it had been polished. Bellro seems to be making a great effort for his partner and yet I am not necessarily in good spirits when I hear the growling on the other side.

    To my surprise, however, it¡¯s the owner of the Rockruff who gives me a serious nod and when I glance at Bellro again, his contorted mouth is all the hint it takes to push the snob with his Slowking to the fore. I don¡¯t know what it is, but the knot in my stomach won¡¯t ease, and as I look closer at our Pok¨¦mon, there¡¯s this thought that this Slowking is no rookie.

    In the next moment, the battle starts and I have no plan on what to do. My breath builds up in my lungs, but Bellro doesn¡¯t let me freeze on the spot.

    ¡°Grab that oversized, pink monster!¡± he roars. His demand is so clear that my shoulders shrug and I glance at Pikipek.

    I want to say something, launch an attack, but seeing Coro¡¯s tiny form compared to a Pok¨¦mon much bigger than me dries up my throat. For a moment, all I can do is watch. The snob¡¯s lips move, but the words don¡¯t reach me. Instead, all I can do is follow the fight.

    Rockruff chases ahead. With a powerful leap, it pounces on the Slowking, ready to bite. Its small but powerful teeth aim for its opponent¡¯s tail, but fail to catch it. Slowking simply takes a few steps to the side, dancing from one foot to the other, so that Rockruff¡¯s attacks remain nothing more than fruitless attempts. Simultaneously, Marowak intervenes, jumps in and swings a bone, only to almost hit Rockruff on the snout.

    ¡°Oh, dear.¡± Suddenly, the voice of our opponent sends a shiver down my spine. I swallow. This Slowking can talk!

    I have to blink several times to bring the fight back into focus and look at the attacks. They are uncoordinated. Brown fur mingles with white bone, but never really with the pink mass of the Slowking. Its movements resemble a dance, the skill of a real fighter who has little in common with Pok¨¦mon. If I remember correctly, that¡¯s because of its intellect. It is clever. Smarter than is good for us all.

    Before I can judge it better, it lashes out with a paw and smashes it straight against the Rockruff¡¯s chest. The Pok¨¦mon flies backwards against the barrier and even if it''s enough to divert my attention, Marowak doesn¡¯t let itself get distracted. I hastily focus on the fight again and notice the comments in the background, but I can¡¯t hear them. It¡¯s loud. Far too bright. Far too hot.

    I wipe my hands on my trousers as the Marowak¡¯s bone crashes against the Slowking¡¯s shoulder. Voices overlap in my skull. Hissing joins with whimpering, with demands and with encouragement. With fear. Hate. Confusion. Tiredness. My stomach turns. Throbbing behind my temple. The Marowak is knocked to the ground with a heavy headbutt. Bellro shouts something.

    They all shout something...

    ¡°Domino, darling, are you all right?¡± Violet eyes scrutinise me. Long hair shines. I hold out my hands but can¡¯t reach them.

    My mouth opens, but I¡¯m left with silence. My head is pounding. No matter how hard I dig my fingers into my temples, it doesn¡¯t stop.

    ¡°Headache?¡± the stranger asks me. Her voice is like honey on my senses.

    And then, suddenly, I think I feel her hand on the top of my head. A gentle touch that presses warmth into my chest and gently caresses me. Affection that glides over my skin completely foreign to me. ¡°Domino, it¡¯s very simple. You-¡°

    ¡°Wake up!¡±

    I flinch. My body is electrified, the voices in my skull have faded, and as I stare at Bellro with my mouth open, every cell in my body feels like it¡¯s drying out.

    ¡°Do something, or you can stick your info up your ass!¡± he hisses, barely audible to me ¨C and possibly to the people nearby.

    I watch the fight again, but I don¡¯t have time to get a picture. Slowking¡¯s body is already threatening to pounce on Pikipek¡¯s.

    ¡°Such primitive attacks,¡± its comments on the sidelines don¡¯t improve the circumstances one bit. ¡°There¡¯s a lack of genuine talent, really.¡±

    And this from a Pok¨¦mon that would be nothing more than soup without Shellder¡¯s poison!, I exclaim inwardly, before clenching my hands into fists.

    ¡°Echoed voice!¡± I give the immediate order and Pikipek seems almost relieved that he¡¯s finally allowed to do something. His wings begin to beat and even though the echo rings in its ears, it¡¯s hardly enough to stop our opponent. Instead, the Pok¨¦mon shakes off the attack as if it is nothing more than a slightly unpleasant breeze.

    However, it is enough to call Marowak back into the programme. It hurls its bone with vigour. A throw that Slowking catches easily ¨C only to be confronted by Marowak in the next blink of an eye. It snaps its head back and prepares for a headbutt. But Slowking beats it to it. Its chest swells, its cheeks fill up and in the same breath Marowak swings its head forwards, a water gun smashes into its face with such force its head is snapped back again.

    This time Marowak lands on its feet and as Bellro yells a ¡°fling¡±, Slowking also moves. Its jumpy movements hurriedly dance across the battlefield as it pulls a berry from under its striped collar.

    ¡°Rotom!¡± Without further ado, I dedicate myself to analysing the berry.

    ¡°Chilan Berry. Halves damage when the wearer is hit by a Normal-type attack.¡±

    My throat hurts as I swallow. Headbutt is already of little use. This berry will make it even more invincible. There¡¯s no way we can let it get to the point of eating it.

    ¡°Coro! Grab this berry!¡± Somewhere in the back of my mind, there is the certainty that Coro likes to steal. If that¡¯s what can make the fight easier for us, then it shouldn¡¯t be up to me. Pikipek is allowed to realise its full potential as a professional thief.

    As my Pok¨¦mon rises into the air and circles, waiting for its moment to strike, it¡¯s Rockruff that gets involved again. This time, it puts its whole body into it. The attempt to catch Slowking with a tackle works, but has little effect. It is too powerful to be flustered by such a weak attack. Before it knows it, Slowking grabs it by a paw and hurls it against one barrier. The impact elicits a yelp from the Pok¨¦mon and our opponent only lets out a soft sigh ¨C careless seconds in which the berry in its paw disappears without a trace.

    ¡°Oh?¡± Its head tilts upwards to Coro, who devours the berry with wild pecking. ¡°A waste, that is...¡±

    It¡¯s a starting signal for Rockruff to attack once more, even though it¡¯s limping and panting. Its trainer should give up, but the heat of the lights makes his form waver and his behaviour vague. His body movements are sluggish. Sweat leaves dark stains on his shirt; and Rockruff attacks again with a bite.

    Visibly annoyed by the lost berry, Slowking turns round briefly to face its opponent. The Rockruff¡¯s teeth dig deep into one of the Pok¨¦mon¡¯s arms. A sacrifice helping him to pull the dog towards itself and thunder its skull with force against the Rockruff¡¯s.

    Howls ring in my ears, the crowd cheers and the goose bumps on my skin burn. Rockruff goes down for good, hits the ground and stays there without moving. Blood sticks to the fur on its head and its body trembles. Its trainer barely moves, merely collects it with the help of the Pok¨¦ Ball and in the next moment turns to a nurse who has the same style as Nurse Joy. She has rushed to the edge to pick up the injured Pok¨¦mon in the ball and prevent anything worse from happening.

    I can only take faint comfort from the scenario as Slowking¡¯s blood drips to the ground and it lets out a drawn out yawn. The fight seems to offer it nothing. It wipes us out as if we are a side task.

    Yet, giving up is out of the question. We need the information. Coro is still doing well and Marowak seems more robust than expected.

    ¡°Sugar doll.¡± When Bellro turns to me, I know I have to deliver more than just obligatory help. ¡°You¡¯re going to give it your all now. Attack with your Pikipek and make sure this beast only thinks about your Pok¨¦mon. I¡¯ll take care of the rest.¡±

    Maybe I should have gone into this battle with Raya. Her attack power is stronger than Coro¡¯s. Or Ying. Her flexibility would have been a big help. Instead, I chose Pikipek and even though he doesn¡¯t look strong, he probably doesn¡¯t want to shine any less than the other two. This also means we have to give everything our small repertoire can offer.

    ¡°Coro, beak! Hack at the Slowking, upset it!¡± Without further ado, I point at our opponent. Meanwhile, Pikipek only gives me a quick glance. He has understood his task and the short chirping resembles a child¡¯s war cry.

    In a flash, he chases down his opponent, the tip of his beak aimed at the back of Slowking¡¯s neck. Of course it dodges, takes a step to the side and strikes at my partner ¨C but Coro is more skilful than expected. A half turn avoids an unfavourable collision and yet his beak leaves a clear scratch on the Slowking¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡°How unpleasant...¡± it mumbles just loud enough to be heard.

    But that¡¯s not all.

    While Slowking conveys a slight hint of surprise for the first time in this fight, Coro shoots at it again. His speed is so high even our opponent¡¯s dancing doesn¡¯t escape without damage.

    The heart racing in my chest becomes so strong I feel dizzy and yet somehow I stay on my feet. We can win. We can defeat this opponent.

    But just as Pikipek comes hurtling down on the Pok¨¦mon in a straight line, Slowking¡¯s chest swells.

    ¡°Coro, you need to dodge!¡± My command comes in time, but my judgement is wrong. Based on the movement, I guessed a water gun. But what follows is something else.

    It squirts water out of its snout, draws circles in the air and forms rings of water floating away from it in quivering waves ¨C straight towards Pikipek.

    ¡°Water pulse,¡± my Rotom explains. It spares itself the rest. In these seconds, it is clever enough to assess the situation.

    Coro lands in the middle of these rings, which inflict a kind of pain on him I can¡¯t see. He squints his eyes, breaks off his dive and shortly afterwards chirps noisily.

    ¡°I¡¯ve already said attacks like this are terribly unpleasant. You may give up now.¡± With a flinging motion of its paws, the water pulse shatters and Coro loses all tension.

    His small body slides to the ground, hits the tiles, but only briefly captivates me when I catch sight of Marowak. It tries to prevail against Slowking with a powerful headbutt, but every effort is met with a sigh. It only needs to slap its opponent, and Bellro¡¯s Pok¨¦mon lands next to mine.

    ¡°Weaklings should not fight. This calling is solely for the-¡° it breaks off. In the midst of its dismissive speech, Marowak¡¯s bone crashes against its skull ¨C or rather, against the Shellder it wears as a crown.

    The force of the attack detaches the Pok¨¦mon from the Slowking¡¯s head and before it can reach for it, it crashes to the ground.

    Slowking¡¯s eyes widen. Its movements slow down. The striped collar simply falls off. The intelligent gleam in its eyes fades and as it stands on all fours, all intellect seems to be gone from its body. It only lets out a yawn before retreating to its horrified trainer.

    Marowak meanwhile pulls itself back to its feet ¨C staggering but still conscious. Coro, however, raises his head briefly and looks in my direction. A quick shake of my head gives him the knowledge he needs to remain motionless.

    The heat is still on my cheeks and the headache is clearly noticeable, but the stone falling from my heart is worth more than any information.

 Chapter 17: Knowledge behind fading leads VIII

    The thunderous applause from the crowd worsens the throbbing behind my temples. Bellro turns in a circle several times with his arms outstretched, bows and takes the praise he doesn¡¯t deserve on his own ¨C even though he is an excellent trainer. The dismissive hiss of the last-placed player sends a brief shiver down my spine. In the next moment, we are all herded back into the waiting room, where two new trainers are already waiting for their turn. The rest of this group will probably come later.

    Only when Bellro and I arrive in the entrance area and the nausea in my stomach has subsided a little does the reason for this theatre come to the fore again. The fight disappears behind curiosity about what this guy knows about the black Rayquaza, and after all the hardships he¡¯s put me through in battle, it¡¯s fair to ask him before Amethio shows up.

    ¡°What information do you have?¡± Crossing my arms in front of my chest, I stand still. Bellro does the same, tilts his head and rolls his eyes briefly, as if I¡¯ve made an unusually stupid joke.

    ¡°Impatient like Ammy. You two seem to have sought and found each other.¡±

    I wouldn¡¯t say that Amethio is impatient, but I don¡¯t know him well enough to know what makes him tick. So this guy in front of me could be right ¨C I don¡¯t know. Maybe he¡¯s just impatient when he has to deal with Bellro. So I just raise a brow.

    ¡°You¡¯re looking for the black Rayquaza, I¡¯m told,¡± he continues in a hushed tone. ¡°This creature landed on the volcano not so long ago. It seems to have been looking for something there. Some hikers who climbed the volcano could hear its screams. Angry screams.¡± His grin fades. ¡°This Pok¨¦mon is really pissed off, and whatever it wants, it¡¯s not going to be satisfied with just flying around and screaming when it doesn¡¯t like something. Rayquaza is a powerful Pok¨¦mon, and this anomaly is hardly going to be an exception.¡±

    Lips pressed together, I don¡¯t even want to think about the damage this Pok¨¦mon could do if it¡¯s actually consumed by rage. When I first saw it, it seemed like a creature that was just looking for something. Now, however, its mind seems tense and I don¡¯t want to know how long it will stay that way.

    ¡°If you want to look for traces and clues, climb the volcano and have a look. If you can¡¯t find anything there, I can only recommend the Lush Jungle,¡± Bellro continues as he runs his fingers through his black hair. ¡°It¡¯s dark there and hardly anyone dares to go in because the Pok¨¦mon are prone to pranks, and it¡¯s easy to get lost. If Rayquaza wants to sleep off its anger or is simply looking for a dark place before it flies on, that¡¯s where it will be.¡±

    His words sound like the first, real possibility of meeting Rayquaza again. Only the thought of meeting this Pok¨¦mon in the darkness of a jungle makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. But I don¡¯t get a chance to say thank you or anything clever before Amethio steps out from behind Bellro. I simply missed him before.

    ¡°So it¡¯s still on this island?¡±

    ¡°One hundred per cent sure, Ammy!¡± Another grin settles on Bellro¡¯s features before he puts an arm around my shoulders again. ¡°As sure as the fact that the sugar doll here has talent in battle ¨C even if she is sometimes rash. She¡¯s an enrichment to your team. Where did you get her from? Did the leadership say they were sending you an angel, or did she fall into your lap?¡±

    Instead of answering, Amethio turns and heads for the exit as if Bellro isn''t worth a second thought. The information about the Rayquaza is more important. An action I can only agree with as I disengage from Bellro and unceremoniously thank him for his efforts. Then I hurry after my companion and as soon as I find myself next to him, he hands me the two Pok¨¦ Balls I¡¯ve entrusted to him. They join Pikipek¡¯s in a flash.

    ¡°What do we do now? Shall we go back to the shelter and tell Conia and Lillie to come with us?¡± The reception on the island seems to have improved, but you never know. It would mean we¡¯d have to walk a long way back, but that¡¯s better than not letting anyone in on it.

    ¡°No need.¡± Amethio doesn¡¯t even bother to worry as he strides down the path to the Royal Dome. The Pok¨¦mon Center a few metres ahead invites us to take a few cool breaths of air ¨C maybe even a little lemonade in the integrated caf¨¦. But my companion takes the path to the left instead.

    My breath catches when I see a road leading straight to the volcano. A quick glance at my Rotom reveals that it¡¯s now lunchtime ¨C one o¡¯clock. That means there¡¯s still plenty of time left in the day, but I don¡¯t think we can survive a hike without provisions. So I grab the sleeve of his shirt and force him to stop.

    Amethio¡¯s focus is so firmly anchored on the volcano that it takes a few breaths before he can relax the tense posture of his shoulders and look at me as if I am the boring post with yesterday¡¯s daily reports. Still, I force myself to smile slyly.

    ¡°We should at least buy some water and make sure we have something to eat when we rest.¡±

    He looks up at the volcano once more before giving a curt nod. ¡°It¡¯ll be a while before we get to the top.¡±

    ¡°Probably. Two or three hours ... if I had to guess.¡±

    ¡°Ten minutes if we¡¯re flying,¡± Amethio adds, and my heart jumps an octave.

    Surely, I can easily get through a hike in the ankle-high brown boots Lillie got for me. The soles are thick and my energy is there, but Amethio isn¡¯t equipped for hiking. He probably has no problem going up there in these clothes, but the heat is burning and Rayquaza won¡¯t wait for us for hours. Even if Corviknight will have slight difficulties in the heat, it¡¯s wiser to rely on a Flying-type Pok¨¦mon right now than on your own legs.

    Amethio is probably thinking the same thing as he calls his Pok¨¦mon and the gentle croak of Corviknight reaches me. It¡¯s beautiful and, for a moment, the thought of flying on a Pok¨¦mon of this type myself is extremely tempting. However, I¡¯ve already found out from my Pok¨¦dex research that Pikipek¡¯s evolutions won¡¯t be much help in this area. It¡¯s far too small to fly on.

    Still in my thoughts, I only vaguely notice Amethio holding out his hand for me. He is already sitting on his Corviknight and the invitation he silently offers me triggers an unfamiliar tingling sensation under my skin.

    I am allowed to fly!

    The next breath finds its way deep into my lungs as I try to brace myself for what¡¯s coming. I¡¯ve never seen the world from above and even though I¡¯ll be sitting behind Amethio, it doesn¡¯t change the fact that I¡¯m about to experience a tiny adventure ¨C at least for my heart.

    Determined, I grab his hand and let him pull me onto the back of his Pok¨¦mon. I immediately wrap my arms around Amethio¡¯s waist. The feathers of this bird offer little comfort and yet harbour a certain softness you would expect from such wings. They graze my bare calves and also part of my arms, where the scratches now leave pink patches under the crust. Then, without a word from Amethio, the bird takes to the air and my stomach presses down ¨C at least according to the nausea forcing me to lean my forehead against Amethio¡¯s shoulder. Throwing up would only cause them to drop me back to the ground. Not my thing from the sudden height.

    It takes a moment to disengage from Amethio¡¯s shoulder and look at the world below. The wind tugs at my hair, as it did on the roof, and my hands clutch tighter at the fabric my companion is wearing. All I can hear from him is a faint sigh.

    Voices come at me in a matter of seconds, press themselves into my skull, and disappear completely in the next blink of an eye. Goosebumps remain.

    Within a few seconds, the mountain is within reach and it is suddenly very easy to follow the path upwards ¨C at least my eyes quickly reach the top. Every breath is easier than the one before. The air up here is different ¨C thinner, but full of ideas and fantasies I¡¯d love to indulge in.

    Distant shimmering draws my attention to a point slightly behind the peak, and before I know it, I¡¯m addressing Amethio. ¡°Do you see that?¡±

    ¡°What are you talking about?¡±

    ¡°The thing th-¡° I want to point at it, but the dot that had previously mesmerised me has disappeared. So I lower my hand and remain silent. Fortunately, Amethio doesn¡¯t ask questions.

    Once again my gaze wanders over the world below us and it¡¯s easy to notice that Corviknight is aiming for one of the highest points, which has been marked out with gates, as if there really is something to see.

    Half in thought, I reach for the Rotom Phone and open a map of the island. If I¡¯m at least half right, then we¡¯re heading for the Wela Volcano Park right now ¨C a notably dry patch of withered grass that¡¯s still reasonably robust.

    When we land, the damn heat of the island, the sun, and the volcano sticks to me twice as much as before. Even Amethio¡¯s collar shows a thin, dark rim of sweat within a few seconds. So he¡¯s not completely immune to this hellish weather after all.

    In stark contrast to the man who immediately sets his sights on us as soon as Corviknight is back in the Pok¨¦ Ball.

    Dark brown skin and brown hair with patches of red push their way into my view and the skimpy clothes on the stranger¡¯s body make me raise my eyebrows. Thanks to the heat, it¡¯s understandable why he leaves his upper body bare, showing off every muscle beneath sweaty movements ¨C yet it¡¯s something you probably don¡¯t see anywhere else, if not necessarily in private gardens or swimming pools.

    ¡°Welcome!¡± Hands on his hips so his claw-like shoulder tattoos are clearly visible, he juts out his chin. ¡°I am Kiawe. You¡¯re here to see the Marowak dance, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°The ... what?¡± My disbelief rises as Amethio lifts his hand.

    ¡°We¡¯re here because we were told a black Dragon-type Pok¨¦mon was here.¡±

    Kiawe puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. ¡°I definitely haven¡¯t seen it.¡±

    It¡¯s one of those statements we should have expected, but it remains disappointing. Rayquaza is supposed to have been here and yet no one has seen it. You¡¯d think we are chasing a shadow.

    ¡°But if you¡¯re already here, you should check out the Marowak dance. These Pok¨¦mon perform it with ... pride.¡± Before Amethio can protest, Kiawe lets out a loud whistle. In the next moment, three Marowaks position themselves on a small rocky elevation and take up their poses.

    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    They definitely look different from the ones I remember from Johto. Or the one from Bellro. Their bodies are darker, their gazes more serious, and their bones are wrapped in ghostly flames reminding me distantly of Ceruledge¡¯s aura. Then they start dancing, and even Amethio has no choice but to show some basic courtesy.

    At least, that¡¯s my first thought. My second involves nothing more than a surprised twitch as his fingers wrap around my wrist and he turns round. Just like that. The Marowaks have barely lifted their bones to wow us. Amethio¡¯s frustration at the lack of information is probably greater than that of a Jigglypuff in front of a sleeping audience. I can hardly blame him. The Marowaks, however, do it long before Kiawe can warn us that disappearing is a bad idea.

    A distant shout from the dancers makes the withered, knee-high grass rustle, and it only takes the blink of an eye before we are surrounded by black Pok¨¦mon ¨C one of them particularly large. The Rotom perceives it as a job offer, which is why it rises and prepares us for what threatens us ¨C albeit rather late.

    ¡°Salandit. Toxic Lizard Pok¨¦mon.¡± I swallow at this statement. ¡°Poison/Fire-type Pok¨¦mon. Produces poison gas from its bodily fluids, which is dizzying. It is led here by Salazzle of the same species and type. Evolution of Salandit. According to research, there are only females among them, which are worshipped by the male Salandits. The pheromone gas they emit is diluted and used as a perfume in industry. Salazzles stun their enemies with poison gas and then beguile them to use them as servants later.¡±

    ¡°All I hear is poison!¡± My shoulders slump. If there¡¯s one thing I¡¯m not in the mood for, it¡¯s another rendezvous with poisonous substances likely to harm my Pok¨¦mon. This also means I¡¯d rather run away than throw one of my partners into this absurd scenario.

    ¡°I actually wanted to warn you...¡± Kiawe interjects, before reaching into his dark red shorts and pulling out a Pok¨¦ Ball. ¡°These Marowaks performing their dance here... they¡¯re nice, but they don¡¯t like it when you don¡¯t appreciate their acts.¡±

    It¡¯s impossible not to cast a quick glance in Amethio¡¯s direction, sweat beading on his brow.

    ¡°They have made friends with the Salandits here and Salazzle takes great pleasure in the dances of these three... So... this was to be expected,¡± he finally finishes, before scratching the back of his head. In these seconds, he barely looks older than Amethio ¨C he lacks the confidence of a proper adult who should have all these things under control.

    ¡°Does that mean we have to fight this group?¡±

    ¡°Otherwise they will punish us for our ... your offence,¡± Kiawe confirms, and a quick sideways glance at my companion reveals his clenched fists holding together the last bit of patience he can muster.

    Still, I refuse to take out my Pok¨¦mon. Instead, I turn to Amethio, whose gaze wanders over the mass of Salandits. The sweet scent spreading through the air makes my heart beat faster, and the fear that this is what lurks like a memorial in the back of my mind makes me take two steps in his direction before I grab him by the arm. His attention immediately swings towards me and the mere sight of me brings a gleam to his eyes, wordlessly commenting on my presumably chalk-white skin.

    ¡°Can¡¯t we just run away with Corviknight?¡± There¡¯s no need to fight. Kiawe probably knows these Pok¨¦mon better than we do, and he¡¯ll be able to tame them better than we can.

    ¡°They¡¯ll attack as soon as we try. Corviknight won¡¯t get away fast enough.¡± Amethio¡¯s answer is terribly simple and yet something I don¡¯t want to admit. A fight against a bunch of Pok¨¦mon that will probably beat us with sheer mass is hopeless.

    The thought circles mercilessly in my head as my breaths become shorter and my footing unsteady. Amethio also forces himself to take deep breaths, while the edge of his collar is now a dark shade of grey. Mist clings loosely to our skin and the only one who doesn¡¯t seem to have any problems in all this is Kiawe.

    ¡°You should leave,¡± the stranger suggests in the same breath. ¡°I¡¯m immune to the poison, and I can hold them off until you¡¯re gone.¡±

    It would be appropriate to ask what will become of him then ¨C for the sake of kindness. But no matter how I turn it, I just want to get out of here. Amethio hardly seems to feel any different as he lets Corviknight out of his ball, grabs me by the arm and we both fly up. Our escape is immediately met with resistance. Salazzle points at us and the horde of Salandits chases straight in our direction. Only Kiawe and his Flying-type Pok¨¦mon, a somewhat medium big, reddish bird, which manifests in the same blink of an eye, stand in the way.

    A wing beat later, we are already in the air.

    My hands tremble, still clutched tightly in Amethio¡¯s top. The heat from his body tells me he¡¯s probably no better off than I am. The best decision possible in these breaths is to fly back and put this behind us. Corviknight can¡¯t stay in the air too long if we want to avoid leaving it completely drained under the biting heat of Alola. Yet, I cast a glance over my shoulder.

    Kiawe is indeed confronting the pack, which is now attacking him as if he is the only dinner on the menu. His bird hurls small balls of fire at the lizards, but the crowd simply seems to swallow up all the heat. Wild wing beats carry it forwards and backwards, its body ramming some of its opponents, and Kiawe moves further and further backwards. It¡¯s probably the first time he¡¯s been attacked by so many Salandits at once, and yet I can¡¯t imagine that these Marowaks he presents with so much love are really this ungrateful to him.

    Indeed, it would be wisest to fly back to the Royal Dome. But I can¡¯t take my eyes off the spectacle. The air up here makes it easier to breathe than between the poisonous clouds of mist on the ground, and as I clutch Amethio a little tighter, his attention seems to wander to our aide.

    ¡°We should help him,¡± I suggest, as soon as I¡¯m sure the situation has reached my companion.

    Amethio, however, only lets out a soft click of his tongue. He¡¯s probably harbouring the same thought I had two seconds ago. But simply leaving Kiawe behind is impossible. We have to help him!

    ¡°Corviknight can¡¯t carry a third person,¡± he then reveals to me. ¡°Two are already more than enough.¡±

    ¡°Then we attack from above. Maybe Corviknight knows an attack?¡± I glance briefly at Amethio before turning my attention back to the battle. ¡°Or I could send Pikipek in to help. Maybe my Growlithe could throw a few fireballs at the Salandits from up here.¡±

    Once again, there is a brief silence between us. He doesn¡¯t even seem to consider my suggestion. Instead, his eyes glide over the chaos below us and when he suddenly points to the Salazzle, it is clear he won¡¯t go the extra mile, but will take the easiest route.

    ¡°Our target is the leader. If we force her to retreat, the Salandits will follow her.¡±

    His thought actually sounds like a better method than what I had in mind, so I pull out Coro¡¯s ball and release him into the air. His hasty wing beats and the way he tilts his head several times distracts him for a moment ¨C until Corviknight lets out a caw running through every feather.

    Pikipek immediately turns his head in my direction and follows my hand as I point at the Salazzle. ¡°Attack it! But you cannot stay near her for too long. Attack and retreat, Coro. No more.¡±

    He puffs himself up briefly before swooping down towards Kiawe, and I put some distance between me and Amethio. I still hold onto his shoulder with one hand, but otherwise I move far enough away to give Raya some space between us.

    In a sitting position, she finds her footing on Corviknight¡¯s back and when I give Amethio the ¡°okay¡±, he guides his Pok¨¦mon down to the wild Salandits. The Marowaks, which had previously been standing on the dance floor, are now sitting behind the stone stage, their heads ducked as if they already know how dangerous a battle on this scale could be for them.

    We chase just a few metres above the black crowd with their red stripes on their backs. Simultaneously, I give Raya the command for ember, so she shoots off a few Salandits ¨C for the sake of Kiawe¡¯s strange bird ¨C before fixing her gaze on Salazzle.

    A tense hissing sound echoes through the crowd, ringing in my ears and making me press my legs tighter against Corviknight. Vapour releases from Salazzle¡¯s skin, forming small clouds threatening to rise towards us, causing Amethio¡¯s Pok¨¦mon to gain a few metres in height. Heat eats through my clothes. Raya¡¯s temperature only makes it worse, and yet neither of us can afford to lose concentration.

    At the latest when Salazzle bares her teeth and tells us she¡¯s going to destroy us, it¡¯s Coro who rams his beak into her thigh. Immediately afterwards, he shoots upwards again, far away from the tantalising scents and poisonous mists. She hisses again, her nose quivering, and as Raya draws a breath for her next wave of fireballs, Salazzle seems to realise this fight isn¡¯t one she can win. This spectacle is costing her more than she wants to give. It¡¯s clear, considering how many of the Salandits already have scorch marks shimmering reddish through the black of their skin. The squeaking, hissing and groaning around the edges also shake her senses.

    Consequently, Salazzle lifts her nose before letting out a rasping cry and the Salandits pause in their movements. It is only an instant, a moment of absolute stillness, before the black wave disappears with a tapping sound back into the tall, withered meadow as if it had never been there. Salazzle gives us one last look instead, before she too turns round and disappears. She is probably already plotting her revenge.

    Meanwhile, Corviknight¡¯s powerful wing beats clear the poisonous fog with little effort. It almost seems as if nothing has ever happened and we land on this spot for the first time. But as we get down and Amethio¡¯s Pok¨¦mon lets out a huff, we realise the effort has taken its toll and we are once again in a place likely to cause us problems.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t think ... you guys would help me out. You are amazing...!¡± Before Amethio can say a word about our situation, Kiawe has already arrived. The necklace around his neck, a strange construct made of pearl leaves and a talisman vaguely reminiscent of a shamrock, sways back and forth. ¡°This would have been really difficult without you.¡±

    His bird already seems to be back in the ball and Amethio doesn¡¯t waste another minute before he calls Corviknight back and sets his sights on Kiawe. He isn¡¯t interested in this stranger ¨C he has too little information for that ¨C but at least he isn¡¯t going to just turn round again.

    ¡°Normally, the Marowaks avoid something like today.¡± A little more helpless than before, Kiawe scratches the back of his head. ¡°But they¡¯ve been practising for their new dance for so long that they¡¯ve probably just become ... angry at the lack of interest.¡± He immediately raises his hands before laughing. ¡°They probably would have intervened before it got worse.¡±

    Certainly not. The three culprits are still sitting behind the rock of their dance floor, not moving. They would surely have waited for Kiawe to be carried off and then crawled quickly into their holes ¨C wherever that might be.

    ¡°I can¡¯t give you much to express my thanks. But a small gift you don¡¯t have to look for yourself has its value, doesn¡¯t it?¡± Without further ado, he rummages a crystal out of his shorts and everything in me wants to turn round and run away on the spot. The groan just about sticks to my tongue. ¡°I have no idea where the Pok¨¦mon you¡¯re looking for is, and I don¡¯t know what the Z-Move is ¨C if you¡¯ve ever asked yourself that question ¨C but maybe this will help you on your travels.¡±

    With a reluctant smile, I hold out my hand to receive the crystal. The shiny rhomb, gleaming red and marked with a black flame, gives me hope it¡¯s not completely useless. Not like the other three damned stones.

    ¡°A Firium Z. It can boost attacks enormously if you give it to a Fire-type Pok¨¦mon ... or a Pok¨¦mon with a Fire-type attack,¡± Kiawe explains. ¡°Unfortunately, it¡¯s the only one I have, but it¡¯s better than none, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    Without further ado, I hold the crystal out to Amethio. After all, he was the one who used his Corviknight to save us, which also means he can probably use the crystal. On top, his Pok¨¦mon are much stronger than mine, which is likely to benefit the crystals. But my partner raises his hand in disapproval.

    ¡°You need it more,¡± is all he gives me back, and even though I should be grateful, the arrow in my heart is sorer than anything else. I realise I¡¯m weak, but being told directly is definitely a low blow to my remaining dignity ¨C even though he¡¯s right.

    ¡°Fine.¡± Mouth twisted, I turn my attention to Raya, who has spent her time sniffing the ground. She is so engrossed in her task it takes a moment before she turns her attention to me.

    When she settles down in front of me, I hold the crystal out to her and this time, I am rewarded with a reaction. As my Growlithe tilts her head, the crystal lights up. The red colour intensifies. The ring, which I have stuffed from one pocket to the next, vibrates gently and when I pull it out, the crystal shatters into thousands of pieces. The blood-red particles disappear into the fixture and before I know it, it is a simple red leather necklace adorning Raya¡¯s neck. The gemstone, flame-like, gleams on her chest.

    ¡°Great! Looks like you now have a reason to wear this ring!¡± Kiawe¡¯s enthusiasm makes me feel like I¡¯ve finally taken a step forward, even if I have no idea what comes next. ¡°It can be triggered with powerful emotions, but I think you already know that. That¡¯s if you and your Pok¨¦mon are on the same wavelength and your emotion matches the element of your attack.¡±

    So I probably need to become just as addicted to fighting as some trainers on this island. The conditions aren¡¯t exactly favourable, I have to admit. But I should consider myself lucky. My abilities can take on an unimagined form with this. So I put the ring on my right middle finger.

    ¡°Would you like to watch the Marowak da-¡°

    ¡°We¡¯re going.¡± Before Kiawe can fully express his offer, Amethio has already turned around. We have to escape the heat of the volcano and return to the Royal Dome. Our options in relation to Rayquaza¡¯s stay aren''t zero yet. We still have the Lush Jungle left!

 Chapter 18: Knowledge behind fading leads IX

    Using Corviknight for a return flight is tempting, but it¡¯s out of the question. That Pok¨¦mon has already had enough of Alola¡¯s heat. The only way back is on foot ¨C a short hike through the withered volcanic landscape, where I can learn endless things.

    Whenever I get the chance, I try to take photos of passing Pok¨¦mon, but I don¡¯t manage more than a decent shot of a Fletchling ¨C the pre-evolution of the bird I saw at Kiawe¡¯s side ¨C and a Marowak from this island.

    Maybe it¡¯s my lack of concentration. Whenever the opportunity presents itself, I look at Amethio. He walks along the shady areas whenever possible. It¡¯s probably his way of avoiding heatstroke. If he hadn¡¯t been in such a hurry, I would offer him a bottle of water now. But we don¡¯t have any provisions, and the brief glances he casts in my direction from time to time probably don¡¯t spell good news.

    Although he tries to be discreet, I sometimes catch him staring at me for longer than necessary. There are probably ten thousand things going through his head right now. Not only does Rayquaza dart from place to place like a shadow, making it almost impossible to trace, but he also has Lillie and me on his tail. The curses that are probably running through his head are most likely endless.

    Luckily for me, the tense mood passes the moment we get back onto a solid road leading straight into the open area around the Battle Royal Dome. We don¡¯t need to make a deal to agree on heading for the Pok¨¦mon Center.

    Ten minutes later, we step into an air-conditioned reception area.

    I hurriedly turn towards the integrated caf¨¦ and stumble the few steps straight to the counter, on which I clumsily put my hands down. ¡°Something cold, please!¡±

    The old, scrawny man behind the wooden counter nods in sympathy before grabbing a glass and opening a door underneath. ¡°Hike?¡±

    ¡°Down the volcano, yes.¡± As I confirm the question, Amethio appears beside me and signals with a curt wave of his hand that my order should be laid out for two.

    ¡°Oh, long way.¡± The old man snorts as he sets both glasses down on the bar and places two bottles of ice-cold lemonade next to them. ¡°Takes a lot of energy and a lot of water.¡±

    Nothing I can deny, so I¡¯m left with a wry grin as Amethio pays the bill. We sit down together at one of the three small tables.

    The silence between us remains comfortable. Besides the lemonade running down my throat and relaxing my throbbing legs, there is time to look at the ring I will now probably wear forever. Having a stone capable of triggering the Z-Move ¨C whatever that may be ¨C sounds tempting. Raya¡¯s necklace at least tells me we are now one step closer to the secret of this power. All that¡¯s left is to explore it.

    A small smile comes over me. Becoming a professor is looking more and more like an option with each passing day. As I have already told Lillie, this idea seems to be getting closer to forming part of my future and I can hardly wait to mould this aspect with my own hands.

    <hr>

    ¡· W H I S P E R S¡¶

    <hr>

    The next day brings no fresh sense of adventure. After the brief break at the Pok¨¦mon Center the day before, we headed back to the lodging and, after a shower and some sleep, I thought everything was fine.

    Then came the pain.

    The cramps in my legs kept me awake for half the night and the headache at the start of the day was so bad I had to skip breakfast.

    Now, two hours later, I¡¯m sitting on a small chair next to the entrance to our accommodation and enjoy the warmth of the early afternoon on my body. Thanks to a Petilil leaf tea, the pain has subsided dramatically. All that remains is to wait for Amethio and hope I make it up the path to the Lush Jungle.

    Closing my eyes, I lean back and place one hand on my small travelling bag. Lillie is already off on her own little research and Conia is gathering some information on the side that might lead us to Rayquaza. However, the internet keeps going down, and she¡¯s travelling more often than she¡¯d like.

    As I open my eyes again, the door next to me swings open. Out comes my companion ¨C in completely different clothes. The black lace-up boots ¨C just high enough to graze his calves ¨C have a thick sole and the dark grey trousers loosely covering his legs have several pockets. My eyes travel along every inch of his body. It¡¯s somehow strange to see him in such loose clothing.

    ¡°Are you coming?¡± His request sounds like a question, but it doesn¡¯t allow for a ¡°no¡±, which is why I slowly push myself off the chair and take a deep breath. Then I fall into line next to him.

    Yet, after the first few steps, I am overcome with listlessness. My shoulders shake and my feet drag across the dusty floor with more difficulty than usual. If only we had a Pok¨¦mon that could be ridden...

    ¡°Do you even need me?¡± Another sigh escapes my lips. ¡°After all, I wouldn¡¯t say I¡¯m much help.¡±

    ¡°Conia is already busy with Lillie and it¡¯s easier to search the Lush Jungle with two people. Your ability can help us.¡±

    For a moment, I just want to blow my brains out of my ears and give them to Amethio, hoping that my strange skill is buried somewhere in there. But I¡¯m not capable of that, nor am I an Alakazam who has mastered some wacky attack to transfer problems like mine to people like Amethio.

    ¡°Can we take a break if we don¡¯t find Rayquaza? Like ... for a week? Or four?¡±

    Without further ado, he glances over his shoulder. ¡°No.¡±

    Well, no, it is. It was worth a try.

    We leave Paniola behind us once again at a strolling pace and a glimpse back at this little patch of earth reminds me that I stopped thinking about Powell somewhere in the middle of our wanderings. He¡¯s nowhere to be seen and part of me is relieved he¡¯s decided not to harbour a grudge against us.

    ¡°Have we decided where to look if we don¡¯t find Rayquaza here?¡± My gaze shifts back to the front, where Amethio has taken the lead.

    He doesn¡¯t even turn round to face me as he replies: ¡°Then we¡¯ll leave this island. There are no more hiding places or people here who can help us.¡±

    Another leap that takes me away from home. I can¡¯t complain. Yet I don¡¯t want to do anything else as our path winds upwards and we get closer to Brooklet Hill. I just about manage to grit my teeth until we reach the bend, which could take us back to the water. This time, however, we follow the path uphill, and it takes a few minutes before we reach the beginning of the Lush Jungle.

    Here, the thick trees twist up towards the sky and the canopy is so dense it seems dark underneath. During the day there is clear shade, but at night you probably can¡¯t even see your own hand in front of your eyes.

    Amethio also looks at our destination for a moment while he subtly adjusts the white turtleneck top with its purple rhombi print. There seems to be a small glimmer of hope in both of us that just won¡¯t go away, so we slowly start moving. This time I immediately fall into line next to him and keep pace. Getting lost in a forest is the stuff horror films are made of ¨C sore muscles or not!

    The worst part, though, is when we end up at a fork, offering us the path to the right or left. That means if Rayquaza is here, we¡¯ll have to walk both paths and that will consume precious time.

    ¡°Are we splitting up?¡± I glance briefly over at Amethio. His gaze rests on the two wooden arrows that someone has knocked crookedly against a pole.

    ¡°No,¡± he then decides. ¡°You¡¯re no match for Rayquaza, so we should stick together if it¡¯s really here.¡±

    He¡¯s not wrong. But it¡¯s still bitter. His statement makes me feel like the miserable fight in the Royal Dome was worthless. And yet I did actually achieve something, even if it was only a small thing and I was representing rather useless merchandise apart from that.

    On reflection, the thought of the fight with Bellro makes me gulp. I didn¡¯t think about it yesterday because I was glad everything had ended. There was also the tiny problem with the Salandits afterwards. But now, a day later, looking back soberly, my performance is just a drop in the ocean. I did about as well as a Magikarp trying to use anything other than splash.

    Lips pressed into a thin line, I try to shake off the thought. Sure, I may be a Magikarp now, but one day I¡¯ll become a Gyarados and then no one will fool me! Hope is there. I just need to take the first step in the right direction somehow without falling flat on my face, burning something down, watching my Pok¨¦mon die or panicking. All beginnings are difficult ¨C or about as simple as catching an Abra with a whistle.

    Without further ado, I tighten my shoulders and stare holes into the ground. I urgently need to think about other things. And just as Amethio decides which way to go, the crack of a branch reaches my ears. The thin twig has broken under the sole of my companion, so the brief shock in my limbs subsides and I close my eyes. Every fibre in me is tired.

    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    ¡°Where did that come from?¡±

    ¡°You stepped on a branch,¡± I reply briefly before casting a questioning glance at my companion.

    His eyelids slightly lowered, Amethio looks at me as if I¡¯ve lost my mind. He doesn¡¯t need to say a word to ask me if I like stating the obvious.

    ¡°You asked,¡± I elaborate as I shrug my shoulders.

    ¡°I can smell them.¡±

    ¡°Hah?¡± My mouth twists. Amethio¡¯s lips haven¡¯t moved and the voice I¡¯ve just heard is deeper than my partner¡¯s. ¡°I-I take it you didn¡¯t hear anything?¡±

    Instantly, his shoulders tense, and he takes a step towards me. ¡°You can hear it?¡±

    I nod.

    ¡°Where is it coming from?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know...¡± Tracking voices isn¡¯t in my skill set. The words just pop into my head and could be coming from anywhere. Even as I try to listen, Rayquaza¡¯s words seem to echo throughout the jungle.

    ¡°Humans.¡± A disdainful snort reaches me. ¡°Weaklings. They don¡¯t know where I need to go. I¡¯m sure they don¡¯t.¡±

    Coldness stretches across my body before I point in any direction. Whether it¡¯s the right way is written in the stars, but the tightness in the pit of my stomach finds the darkness of one side more oppressive than the other.

    Amethio doesn¡¯t even bother to ask before he runs off, forcing me after him. The speed and the weakness of my limbs make it difficult to follow, however, and after a few metres, I run out of breath. Panting, I stop, gasp for air and watch as Amethio is swallowed up by the shadows. I am left with a hungry loneliness driving a shiver down my spine.

    My legs want to give way, sit down and never have to get up again. My heart, meanwhile, is pounding so hard I keep glancing over my shoulder. I want to leave these woods ¨C the entrance to this mess can¡¯t be far ¨C and get back to the lodging. I¡¯d even face Powell if that¡¯s what I¡¯m asked to do.

    ¡°Foolish brat!¡±

    Animalistic roars chase my body into a dead straight posture.

    ¡°No room. No space.¡± Rustling can be heard in the distance, branches break, an avalanche seems to roll through the jungle. ¡°Next time I¡¯ll kill you!¡±

    I hold my breath. The avalanche is getting closer. My body stiffens.

    And then Rayquaza flies over me.

    It¡¯s so sudden I stumble back and crash onto my bum as the Pok¨¦mon¡¯s black body sweeps over me like it¡¯s an unexpected storm.

    ¡°I¡¯ll find him...¡±

    I can hear myself gulp. It¡¯s still searching ¨C for someone. Its journey seems far from complete and although I want to follow it, Amethio comes to mind again.

    I hastily pull myself to my feet, barely noticing that Rayquaza¡¯s body has disappeared above me. It has followed the path out, while I have to go further in. For a moment, the aching muscles and shortness of breath are forgotten. My throat burns and the darkness strains my senses, but I must find Amethio.

    I call out his name several times, stop and listen, but can¡¯t hear anything. Only when I desperately jump over a fallen tree trunk and land in some kind of clearing, do I catch sight of him. I immediately cover the last few metres before coming to a halt next to him.

    His hands are clenched into fists, and his head is bent back. His gaze is fixed on the impenetrable canopy of leaves above us and the lack of light can¡¯t tell me whether he¡¯s pale with shock or red with rage. Ceruledge is nowhere to be seen.

    ¡°It saw me and wanted to attack,¡± Amethio begins out of nowhere. ¡°Before I could call Ceruledge, however, it decided to flee.¡± He presses his lips together. ¡°Its interest in a fight with me...¡±

    ¡°It was too confining for it,¡± I interject. It¡¯s the truth, and probably better than the unspoken thought that Rayquaza never took Amethio seriously for a second.

    He doesn¡¯t answer for a breath. He simply swallows what¡¯s happened before his fists loosen and he turns his body to face me. ¡°We¡¯re going back. We can still track it.¡±

    His calm voice, the pressed sound of his words, his tense shoulders and his hasty steps in the direction we¡¯ve come from ¨C it¡¯s the little things that give him away. The encounter with Rayquaza and the Pok¨¦mon¡¯s actions doesn¡¯t leave him cold.

    I look after him briefly before my body can muster the strength to follow. By now, every fibre in my body is throbbing and dizziness makes my steps unsteady. But I wanted to be part of all this. Weakening now is out of the question. Yet every junction looks like the next. Trees line up next to each other, grass grows too high in places, moss covers everything in sight, and nowhere is that damn post with its arrows to be seen.

    In hopes Rotom might distract me, I glance at my mobile phone. It¡¯s barely noticeable in the partly gloomy shadows, but we¡¯ve certainly been wandering around this place for an hour or two. My stomach hangs in the hollow of my knees, thirst claws at my throat, and my legs give way after every third step.

    ¡°Amethio...¡± In the end, I just stop. ¡°I can¡¯t keep going.¡±

    As my eyes take in his body and I fixate on him for a moment, I realise he¡¯s no different. Even in this oppressive semi-darkness, his skin looks pale as a sheet. Sweat stains his top and his tense jaw reveals what he doesn¡¯t want to say.

    We¡¯ve lost our way.

    ¡°We should call Conia and ask her to help us,¡± I continue. ¡°Otherwise, we¡¯ll probably never get out of here.¡± A sigh escapes me as I look up. ¡°Or we could use Corviknight and just fly out.¡±

    ¡°That won¡¯t work,¡± he replies dully. ¡°The canopy is dense enough to prevent any birds from even thinking about breaking through.¡±

    ¡°But Corviknight is big... And its feathers are halfway made of steel. That ... must be enough...¡± I don¡¯t want to give up hope. This damn canopy is our best way out of here. But Amethio only lets out a meaningless sigh, so I turn to Rotom.

    Finding information about the Lush Jungle is easy. However, the reports and warnings remain sobering. The canopy is too thick to break through. Using force would injure both trainer and Pok¨¦mon. Of course, fire is out of the question and the Pok¨¦mon attacks take strength and hours of labour to catch even a glimpse of light.

    We can¡¯t put any of that into action and it at least explains why Rayquaza didn¡¯t just make room to fight.

    ¡°That leaves us with Conia.¡±

    Instead of answering, Amethio points his index finger at my Smart Rotom. I should probably give it a try. I don¡¯t have Conia¡¯s number, but I can reach Lillie ¨C until I realise we¡¯re in a dead zone. He must have thought of my idea while I was still counting the stems of grass on the path.

    ¡°What now?¡± Raising my brows, I look at him. His gaze glides over our surroundings as he listens to the rustling of the leaves.

    ¡°We¡¯re resting.¡± Without further ado, he moves again. ¡°There must be water around here somewhere.¡±

    I have no idea what makes him think there¡¯s water here. Yet everything is so green and the moss is so damp I want to believe his thoughts. He has probably just heard something, or he sees things in our surroundings, which sometimes seem to move.

    The thirst is probably driving me mad.

    Trotting along behind Amethio still feels like I¡¯m a slain Doduo in the middle of a desert. My body is numb, my perception fuzzy. The faint sensations only subside when I catch sight of the dark liquid my partner is kneeling in front of. His hand finds its way out of his glove, descends into the wetness and tests it until he utters ¡°water¡±.

    I immediately fall to my knees next to him. My hands cup the cool wetness and even though it isn¡¯t completely clean ¨C there¡¯s earth and a little green in the middle ¨C there¡¯s nothing to stop me from drinking eagerly.

    Amethio does the same, albeit in a much more controlled manner. A sideways glance brings his long, slender fingers to the fore. It¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve seen him without gloves and the faint hope he¡¯s trying to hide scars or tattoos fades. He has nothing more to hide than well-groomed hands that seem almost a little delicate.

    As I let myself fall onto my rear, I feel a rush of relaxation, as if I¡¯ve been exposed to a Parasect¡¯s sleeping powder ¨C only not as strong. I lean my head back and study the canopy of leaves. ¡°And now what? How do we get out of here?¡±

    He slips his gloves back on. ¡°Your Growlithe. Maybe your Zorua too. They can find their way out.¡±

    I grimace briefly. ¡°Then why have we been wandering around here for so long?¡±

    He doesn¡¯t answer, and it¡¯s easy to work out that a certain amount of pride must have played a part. At first, he probably didn¡¯t think of this option because everything in him wanted to catch Rayquaza. But I¡¯m sure after the first half hour, he just didn¡¯t want to admit that something had gone drastically wrong. The coolness of his personality and the fact he always keeps things in perspective can¡¯t compete with the biting passion driving him after the Rayquaza. He wants to achieve something ¨C almost desperately ¨C and perhaps this is the reason Bellro perceives him as impatient. Amethio certainly has that side.

    ¡°Since our fate is in my hands now, I¡¯m all in for a break. I can¡¯t stand any more.¡±

    ¡°Absolutely not!¡± He disagrees with my idea in the same breath. ¡°We have to get out of here and Ray-¡°

    ¡°No,¡± I interrupt him a little louder. His voice, which was previously so firm, even bossy, stops immediately. ¡°We¡¯ve been wandering around here for too long. Rayquaza has probably already found another place and won¡¯t spend two hours flying over the forest waiting for you. You¡¯re too uninteresting for that Pok¨¦mon.¡±

    Any idiot would realise ¨C that¡¯s what I tell him, and as soon as I finish, my words feel too harsh. Amethio¡¯s gaze is glued to me as if I have thrown his Ceruledge into the sea. The piercing violet of his eyes bores through my body. We both know I¡¯m right, but we also realise that he really cares about Rayquaza and that I shouldn¡¯t even be here.

    The circumstances drown the space between us in silence. Finally averting our eyes from each other, I pluck the grass to my side. I want to get away from this place, from Amethio, from this shitty situation, but my bones ache worse than a Zubat¡¯s screech in my ears. The only thing I can pull myself together to do is to examine a mushroom that looks edible.

    But as soon as I move closer, I see the small, colourful spots on the cap and slump my shoulders. Spotted mushrooms are rarely edible.

    But the disappointment only lasts an instant. The gentle glow of my ring lures my interest in a different direction. The further I crawl, the more intense the glow becomes. It leads me to an old tree stump whose roots have grown half over the ground. Moss covers a considerable area. In between are green hardenings with little lustre and yet as hard as stone. They react to the flashing of my ring, shimmer gently, but nothing else moves.

    It is only when I break off a piece and take a closer look that I am overcome by the tingling feeling of having found a crystal. Rotom helps me out with my question.

    ¡°Grassium Z, unprocessed form. Triggers the Z-Move in combination with a Grass-type attack.¡±

    ¡°I knew it!¡± The misshapen, leafy green stone somehow seems more charming than the other processed variants. I don¡¯t have a Pok¨¦mon capable of doing anything with it, but if I¡¯m already collecting Z-Crystals, this brings me closer to a complete set. It¡¯s slowly looking like I¡¯ll be able to make friends with it.

    A quick glance at Amethio reveals he hasn¡¯t moved. He is still staring holes into his surroundings, his legs drawn up and his arms wrapped loosely around his knees. His expression tells me he¡¯s somewhere in thought, and even if I don¡¯t want to break the silence, it¡¯s wiser for us to leave now. I just want to go back to the shelter and spend the rest of the day whining.

    Before I turn my attention to Amethio, however, my gaze falls on a few pretty flowers next to the uplifted tree roots. Some of them look special. Lillie would certainly be pleased to have more material to research. So I drag myself over to the plant, but my fingertips barely graze a leaf when a mushroom sitting next to it jumps towards me. I can just make out the soft pink colour before I close my eyes and raise a hand to ward off the attack. In fact, it¡¯s only a light impact against my forearm sending jolts through my body and when I open my eyelids, it¡¯s shiny spores making me sneeze.

    In the next breath, I lower my arm and stare at a Pok¨¦mon, its three pretty mushrooms shimmering softly. The small, pale yellow body with tiny black eyes seems to analyse me for a breath. Simultaneously, I have the feeling my face is sinking into numbness. A leaden heaviness settles on my eyelids, my shoulders lose all tension, and this tiny thing in front of me bobs up and down joyfully.

    ¡°A...methio...¡± I don¡¯t want to be the first to break the silence between us, but my body collapses. My mouth can barely move and although I¡¯m sure my eyes are open, blackness overcomes me.

 Chapter 19: Knowledge behind fading leads X

    I can¡¯t see her eyes.

    It¡¯s as if a black bar is covering her gaze, while her face is nothing more than an unclear mosaic of black and white. Just like everything else in this place.

    I don¡¯t know if she is above me or if we are facing each other. Only the smile on her lips reassures me she is happy to see me.

    ¡°It¡¯s all right, Domino.¡± Her soft voice settles on my body. Part of my heart wants to cling to her, but the pain behind it takes my breath away.

    I could ask her a thousand questions to put this picture back together ¨C for the sake of clarity. But not a single word passes my lips. Every clear thought hangs vaguely between me and my body. We belong together and yet we are far from being one.

    When she reaches out for me, I want to back away. She hasn¡¯t answered my questions yet and letting a stranger touch me can¡¯t be right. But my body doesn¡¯t obey. Her fingertips graze my cheek, warm against my skin, and make my soul follow her affection. My head settles into her touch.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to be afraid anymore,¡± she whispers. The corners of her mouth twitch. The smile fades.

    What has happened?

    Cawing sounds penetrate my consciousness in the background, unable to drown out the sudden, powerful crying of a child. My crying.

    I am that child.

    In the next breath, the oxygen seeps so deeply into my lungs that it burns. A cough escapes my throat and as my body rears up and the darkness is interrupted only by a small campfire, the barely perceptible dream sequence fades into oblivion. I can¡¯t hold it any longer.

    ¡°What happened?¡± I rub my eyes several times before my gaze falls on Amethio. He is sitting cross-legged in front of the campfire, his interest only half turned in my direction.

    ¡°You inhaled the spores of a Morelull and fell asleep.¡± Eventually, he addresses me fully. ¡°You¡¯re lucky it was only a small amount.¡±

    ¡°Because?¡±

    ¡°You may never wake up again if you inhale too much of it.¡±

    I swallow. This little mushroom looked anything but dangerous and yet it could have sent me into a very unpleasant sleep that probably surpasses Sleeping Beauty. Rumour has it that Sleeping Beauty¡¯s condition was also triggered by a mysterious Pok¨¦mon she fell over in fright after pricking herself on a spindle. Presumably they are referring to Morelull.

    When, out of nowhere, Raya¡¯s wet nose nuzzles against my arm, I flinch. Then I catch sight of her and Ying, both freed from their Pok¨¦ Balls.

    ¡°Why are we still here?¡± My brows lift. If Amethio released them, surely his plan was to get us out of here. With my Pok¨¦mon¡¯s noses, that shouldn¡¯t be a problem and yet here we are, sitting in front of a campfire, staring holes in each other¡¯s bellies.

    ¡°Your Pok¨¦mon refused my orders.¡± His eyelids lower as he casts a frustrated glance at Ying. ¡°At least they were willing to help with the fire.¡±

    That¡¯s better than nothing, though I have to admit I¡¯m pleased by my Pok¨¦mon¡¯s reluctance. I must be something special in their eyes. The one trainer they listen to without giving someone else a moment of their time. Sure, I feel sorry for Amethio too, but it¡¯s his fault that we got lost in this jungle.

    I pick myself up more cheerfully than before. It¡¯s time we get out of this damned forest. But Amethio doesn¡¯t move an inch and when I raise my eyebrows to ask, he sighs.

    ¡°We won¡¯t see anything in this darkness.¡±

    He sees right through me without me having to say anything. Mouth agape, I look around. It really is dark enough that you can¡¯t see your hand in front of your eyes. Even the campfire seems to struggle to defend itself against the shadows. The glow of the Rotom Phone won''t be enough; in addition, a glance at the display reveals the battery has barely more than two per cent left. The situation is unlikely to be any different for my companion; and with a torch, the risk of tripping and burning down the whole jungle is high. But I can feel the stinging in my stomach. The hunger is still there, and it doesn¡¯t seem like it¡¯s going to leave me in the near future. Without something to eat, this evening is going to be a long one. That said, this forest doesn¡¯t look like it¡¯s home to much food, which doesn¡¯t provide a lot of resistance. So staying is not an option.

    ¡°If we go slowly, we can make it. We just have to stick together and ... show some patience.¡± I resolutely put my hands on my hips. ¡°We can¡¯t stay here. In the worst case, we¡¯ll be attacked by Morelulls in our sleep and never wake up again ... or whatever.¡±

    Amethio looks unconvinced. His eyes are fixed on me as if he¡¯s communicating with a particularly uninteresting person. He probably believes less in our eternal sleep than in the security a night in the jungle gives us. However, like so many things, he has calculated without me.

    It¡¯s no use asking him for permission, so I turn to Zorua. Her dark figure disappears completely into the darkness and she has to approach the campfire so I can see her. Amethio¡¯s words make sense, but there¡¯s no way I¡¯m going to spend the night in a thicket where I don¡¯t know what¡¯s trying to kill me next.

    With pointed fingers, I pick up a branch from the campfire ¨C one that still looks fresh and hasn¡¯t been lying on the flames for too long. The wood is damp, not burning properly, and on closer inspection, I notice how much smoke is rising. Without moving the whole fire, it actually seems impossible to get out of here.

    ¡°Can you let Ceruledge out?¡±

    ¡°What are you up to?¡± By now Amethio¡¯s brows have drawn together. He probably just wants to sit out the night in peace.

    ¡°It¡¯s got a bit of fire to it, doesn¡¯t it? Means you can see it and follow it. Ceruledge, in turn, can communicate with Zorua. That¡¯s how we get out of here.¡±

    For a moment, nothing happens. The wood cracks and the likelihood of him helping me out decreases with every passing second. Still, I tighten my shoulders and wait, silently hoping that he will give in.

    And indeed, Amethio gives in to my idea. However, his sigh is so sharp I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll throw me out of the Explorers if it goes wrong. My life as half an adventurer hangs on these two Pok¨¦mon.

    Ceruledge seems to have no problem recognising Ying¡¯s gentle sounds. Amethio and I, in turn, can easily see his Pok¨¦mon. This gives us a chance, the trial of which begins when my companion extinguishes the campfire. Suddenly, it is so dark that only Ceruledge¡¯s blades and the narrow outline of his face are visible. In the next breath, I feel something warm wrap itself tightly around my hand. My body flinches, my breath catches. I want to say something, but Amethio¡¯s voice, so close to my side, soothes the terror. It¡¯s not a wild Pok¨¦mon attached to me ¨C just someone I¡¯m stuck in this place with.

    As Ceruledge starts to move, I follow, pulling Amethio gently behind me. We tiptoe through the Lush Jungle, always careful not to be attacked by wild Pok¨¦mon. But Ceruledge¡¯s ghostly light seems to prevent them from even looking at us or forming a plan. They are there, you can hear them, but they emit no suspicious sounds or odours. This transforms the uncertain walk through engulfing darkness into a kind of twisted stroll in the middle of an invisible jungle. Endlessly. With a pounding heart, because every further step seems like a leap over the cliff.

    Now and then I tighten my grip on Amethio¡¯s fingers, take a deep breath, and release the tension. It¡¯s impossible to stay calm and in some breaths, I wonder if Amethio feels the same.

    Is the darkness scaring him?

    Is he concentrating on our connection and on Ceruledge¡¯s gleam?

    In some seconds, the light of his Pok¨¦mon is blinding. It flickers. Twists and turns playfully in non-existent breezes. Rustling licks icy across my skin. My shoulders shake. Restlessness. The desire to run away. Faster. Slower. Stop and stand still. Hold my breath.

    As I swallow, saliva runs down my throat, dry as dust. My stomach growls softly, and the pain makes me catch my breath. I tilt my head back and want to close my eyes for a moment ¨C but I am distracted by the magnificent starry sky.

    This time I pause, count the lights above me, and hardly dare to continue the thought. It takes two breaths before I look back ahead and the soft moonlight bathes the world in gentle brightness. Outlines can be recognised. Even Ying is easy to make out in the darkness.

    ¡°We¡¯re out...¡± A breath escapes me. Immediately, I turn my attention to Amethio. He, too, looks at the sky for longer than necessary before focusing on me.

    Moonlight shimmers in his eyes, giving them a lustre that captivates me. My mouth opens, but I can¡¯t say anything. The seconds between us are silent. I want to give him a smile, but I don¡¯t get the chance before he averts his eyes and slips his hand out of mine. The strange closeness in which we agreed for once disappears. What remains is a silent walk back along the winding paths. His Ceruledge disappears back into the ball. It somehow widens this strange gulf between us, so I leave Ying outside. Her quiet paws still eclipse her presence within a few minutes.

    It is impossible to survey the surroundings and be happy about our success. My eyes are glued to Amethio¡¯s back, to his easy gait, to the fact he has taken the lead in guiding us both safely the rest of the way to the lodging.

    There¡¯s no point in trying to talk to him; there''s simply nothing more to say tonight. It¡¯s probably because of the words I lost in the Lush Jungle; because I hear things he can¡¯t and that rob him of facts provoking his proud and curious nature. The fact Rayquaza hasn¡¯t given him a second thought only adds fuel to his flames. Blazing fire whose source I cannot identify. It¡¯s probably a story that took place before we met. Perhaps it has something to do with his first meeting with Rayquaza. It can¡¯t be ruled out, considering how much he¡¯s stuck to this task. He is prepared to turn over every stone if it brings him even one step closer to this Pok¨¦mon.

    His attitude is admirable and yet ¨C what can I do to help? How can I live an adventure in the hands of the Explorers without feeling like a Snubbull on a leash because I don¡¯t want some things about this journey as much as the others?

    Maybe it¡¯s a matter of habit.

    Maybe I just need more time to adjust to this journey.

    <hr>

    ¡· W H I S P E R S¡¶

    <hr>

    The tea supposed to help with my cramps tastes awful. The Petilil that gave its leaves to make it was either bad-tempered or ancient, judging by the flavour.

    Wrinkling my nose, I scrutinise the green liquid, which I would prefer to give to the nearest potted plant. But as awful as this stuff tastes, it helps. The night I returned with Amethio, we were greeted reproachfully by the old lady who looks after the lodging. She was just as aware of my companion¡¯s pallor as she was of my tired steps and before we knew it, we were being served snacks and medicinal teas.

    Although the worry about my place with the Explorers never left me for a moment, it was these minutes together in the dining room of the dosshouse that improved the bond between me and Amethio. When I close my eyes, his voice still whispers in my ear.

    ¡°That was good work.¡± He leans back in his chair, his eyes fixed on the cup in his hands. The plate in front of him has long been empty.

    ¡°The thing in the Lush Jungle?¡± I ask. Part of me wants to make sure before I reopen the situation between us.

    He nods, a confirming sound in his throat. Silence follows as I try to choke down the small bites of bread. My hunger is now satisfied, but I have to do something. Sitting here staring holes in the air is unpleasant.

    I¡¯d like to ask him a thousand questions, get to know him better so I can understand what makes him tick and why he¡¯s so obsessed with Rayquaza. His expression is so deep in thought, dissatisfied with the circumstances in his most stubborn way, that I would love to sneak into his mind. Into his reflections, to understand more of what seems completely alien to me.

    Yet I know he will never talk to me about it.

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    And yet, for a brief breath, I think I¡¯ve opened a tiny crack to his world. His voice, when he thanks me, is barely audible. It just sneaks in between. It is there. As if it¡¯s in exactly the right place.

    A day has passed since then that I¡¯ve mostly slept through. Lillie has popped in twice to make sure I¡¯m still alive and Conia has also poked her head through the door once to see if I need anything. I also found out that even Amethio used the day to think.

    It¡¯s now Saturday and, after a lot of care and relaxation, I¡¯m almost ready for the next adventure. The only problem is that we don¡¯t have any clues. A few people in Paniola claim to have seen Rayquaza flying towards Melemele. But that doesn¡¯t mean it has settled there. A little further on lies Ula¡¯Ula Island. Perhaps it also took a detour and headed towards Aether Paradise. It¡¯s all possible, and no matter how hard Conia tries to find a fixed point of reference, she can¡¯t land anything. It¡¯s no different with Amethio. We¡¯re practically sitting somewhere in the middle of nowheresville and getting no further.

    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

    With a sigh, I lean my head back and stretch my legs before putting my tea down on the table. Sitting alone in the dining room is almost pleasant, if it weren¡¯t for the desire to do something. If I drag out my break for too long, the sore muscles will punish me again. Now is the perfect time to conquer them.

    Maybe I should catch a new Pok¨¦mon, or do a bit of research to gain some knowledge for my intended job. It sounds like an option I can work with, and would also allow me to improve my reactions and learn how to deal with wild Pok¨¦mon without causing a disaster.

    Without further ado, I pull to my feet as the Rotom on the table right next to my cup ¨C I had completely forgotten about it ¨C starts to vibrate. The next moment it rises and hovers in front of my nose to show me a message from Lillie.

    They are brief words that don¡¯t sound like her at all, and yet they are an invitation that sounds quite interesting. The road is a good distance from here and just as I give her my approval, a shiver runs down my spine. I turn round hastily, only to see the unimpressed look on Amethio¡¯s face. He¡¯s dressed in his usual attire ¨C dark trousers with a purple arrow, matching shirt, a little too busy for a region like Alola.

    ¡°Can I help?¡± Brows raised, I turn to face him fully.

    ¡°Zir will take the airship to Konikoni City. We¡¯ll travel on from there.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that a diversion?¡± We could just go back to the harbour and fly on from there.

    ¡°Conia was able to get in touch with Bellro. He¡¯ll give us new clues by this afternoon, if possible.¡±

    ¡°And if he doesn¡¯t have any?¡±

    ¡°Then we¡¯ll contact someone else.¡± He simply turns round. I probably don¡¯t need to know more, but I stop him from leaving when I catch him by the sleeve.

    ¡°Lillie asked me if I¡¯d like to drop by the research lab. It would be a way to find out exactly what I need to do to become a professor.¡±

    He sighs as he closes his eyes before looking at me again. ¡°It¡¯s on the way.¡±

    It¡¯s something of an offer, giving me fifteen minutes to dash back to my room and pack up everything I¡¯ve brought with me ¨C nothing, really. Still, I want to tidy up as much as possible.

    Only then do we check out of the shelter ¨C for good ¨C and Amethio sacrifices the well-being of his Corviknight to get us out of Paniola Town. It takes barely more than half an hour before we land in front of the Diglett¡¯s Tunnel. This is where I dismount and give Amethio a brief nod. His gaze lingers on me a little longer, as if he¡¯s trying to make me realise I¡¯m now on my own. Then he urges Corviknight to fly on and I¡¯m left alone on Heahea City¡¯s main street.

    From here, it¡¯s only a short walk to the research institute. Each step forward is faster than the one before and when I arrive at the entrance and catch sight of Lillie, my breath is heavy on my lips. She is standing at the door of the building, staring upwards along the windows. Nebby floats around her feet.

    Eventually, I settle next to her and her thoughts burst like a bubble as she turns in my direction and holds her breath for a moment. Her eyes immediately search for the small cloud at her side and when she spots Nebby, her tension eases.

    ¡°That was quick,¡± she begins our conversation and makes me smile briefly.

    ¡°Amethio gave me a lift. A Flying-type Pok¨¦mon is really handy.¡±

    Her nod is cheerful, even though she keeps her hands clasped tightly around the shoulder bag straps as if they are about to be snatched from her at any moment. Understanding Lillie seems harder than usual in these seconds. She is hiding something and yet many of her ideas are literally on the tip of her tongue. However, she doesn¡¯t address what is bothering her. Instead, we step inside the research institute and take the lift to the third floor. As soon as the heavy metal door slides aside, we are greeted by the stale smell of an almost sterile room in which computers are humming and cables have been carelessly left tangled in the corners.

    After taking two steps into the room, we are greeted by a man who is clearly in his early thirties. The broad, white smile on his face is charming and his tanned skin peeks out from under a snow-white lab coat to reveal a bare torso. His relaxed demeanour seems to be part of his attitude, making it easy to want to trust him straight away.

    ¡°Wooh! You managed to get here, Lillie! I was wondering if Hala wasn¡¯t asking too much of you.¡± He puts his hands on his hips and looks down at her as you would expect an adult to do to a child. Immediately afterwards, he taps the screen of his white cap and nods at me. ¡°Welcome to the Dimensional Research Lab, or D.R.L. for short. Lillie already told me you¡¯re planning to become a professor.¡±

    ¡°Yeah...¡± I sound terribly awkward. The wavering of my voice is unmistakable, my heart is hammering against my ribs and the reason is solely because of this environment.

    Men scurry from one corner to the next. Women are gathered in front of a screen and try to figure out something that is completely incomprehensible to non-experts like me from a diagram. Everyone here knows exactly what their job is and they are all doing research for themselves and simultaneously with many others. It¡¯s a kind of togetherness I hadn¡¯t imagined and it creates nervousness where there shouldn¡¯t be any.

    ¡°Pretty exciting here, isn¡¯t it?¡± He laughs briefly before holding out his hand to me. ¡°I¡¯m Professor Kukui. I specialise in Pok¨¦mon and their attacks. There are so many moves that you¡¯ll never get bored.¡±

    I timidly take his hand. ¡°Domino.¡±

    ¡°I take it you have no idea how to become a professor, do you?¡± The smirk on his lips tells me he¡¯s already figured me out. And it¡¯s true. I have no plan about what it takes to become a professor. Maybe I have to go to a certain school and do years of training before I¡¯m allowed to set foot in this field.

    The thought alone makes my forehead sweat. That would mean I can no longer take part in adventures. The Explorers will leave me behind and my father will have a better chance of dragging my volatile ass back home. An end I don¡¯t want.

    But Kukui waves it off the very moment my mouth twists. ¡°You don¡¯t have to go to school!¡±

    He seems to have no trouble reading my thoughts, as if every aspect has been neatly written on my forehead.

    ¡°You used to have to go to school and learn theory for a long time. However, a few years ago it was decided that professors work better and achieve their goals if they can get to know the world. That¡¯s why most of them start out as Pok¨¦mon trainers. You get to know the Pok¨¦mon and their world and from the age of sixteen, you can take part in the exams,¡± Kukui explains with a raised finger. ¡°However, most people take their exams later than that. And the few who take them straight away, if possible, are usually brought up to do so from an early age.¡± He waves it off. ¡°So you can start making your wish a reality at any time.¡±

    Lillie seems to have told him enough about me, so he doesn¡¯t even have to ask my age. That makes things easier, although I have no plan on how to answer. Of course, I want to complete the exams mentioned as quickly as possible. However, it still feels like I¡¯m treading water.

    So Professor Kukui takes the initiative and puts a hand on my back. His angular face, nicely cut and with a chin beard, moves a little closer and for a moment I even think I see a gleam of anticipation in his eyes, which he hides behind sunglasses with green side frames. Then he pushes me mercilessly over to the other researchers.

    He leaves me standing next to a table before turning the corner ¨C into a neighbouring room, half-separated by a wall ¨C intent on targeting a small group of other professors. I can only see them with difficulty as I stretch slightly to the side, careful not to leave my post. Immediately afterwards, he returns with a woman at his side, looking almost chic compared to his casual appearance in knee-length jogging pants. Her white hair pushed up with a green metal ring at the back of her head, she exudes a little wildness you wouldn¡¯t otherwise believe.

    ¡°So you¡¯re Domino.¡± She snaps her fingers as if she¡¯s solved a riddle. ¡°My name is Burnet, founder of this facility and professor in interactions and relationships between Pok¨¦mon of this world and other dimensions like dreams.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s also my lovely wife,¡± Kukui adds, and the soft blush colouring her ears elicits a soft, timid snort.

    For my part, I can hardly follow her introduction. I have no clue what a dream dimension is supposed to be, nor can I imagine that there are other dimensions. But there is research into this and I can¡¯t deny that the mere thought is exciting.

    ¡°Anyway,¡± Burnet starts again, ¡°I¡¯ve heard you want to be a professor. I assume Kukui has already explained to you how easy it is to take the required steps. The real challenge lies in the exams themselves.¡±

    Without further ado, she gestures for me to come closer so the two of us can stand in front of a computer screen.

    ¡°I¡¯ve already taken the liberty of registering you as a future professor.¡± She gives me a smile. ¡°With that comes a few minor obligations.¡±

    Silently, I raise my brows. Straightening my shoulders, my stomach turns. Part of me is bracing myself for the worst news of my life, though Burnet doesn¡¯t convey in a breath I need to worry.

    ¡°Now that you¡¯re pre-registered, you need to take your first exam within the next six months. That¡¯s how it is with each of them. After each exam, you have six months to take the next one. Of course, you can take them all at once or at shorter intervals. You just can¡¯t go over the time limit.¡± She puts a hand on my shoulder before clicking to open a page, listing the tests and benefits. ¡°Every test you pass is rewarded, of course. There are funding, perks and small gifts that can help you on your way to becoming a professor. Once you have passed all six tests, you will be added to the register, receive your ID card and become an officially recognised researcher!¡±

    It really seems quite simple. The time window is large and therefore not a problem. The content of the exams will probably not be simple, but if you want to pass in this field, you need to prove your knowledge. That was foreseeable, and it remains fair. I also like the perks. The open page is vague, but it gives me a few clues about what to expect if I pass.

    ¡°You can also take an exam right here in Alola. The Aether Foundation has set aside some rooms for this purpose to encourage young people. Before, you always had to travel.¡±

    I raise my hands in a flash. ¡°I think it¡¯s still too early for that.¡±

    ¡°Do you already know which area of research you want to go into? Maybe something new and undiscovered?¡± She moves a little closer and when I suck in a sharp breath, she smiles. ¡°Of course, you have enough time to decide. It¡¯s important that you end up finding something you love.¡±

    ¡°Like you and the dimensions?¡± There are a thousand things I could ask Burnet, but it¡¯s easier to start at the beginning. Learning something in her field might help me find my direction. Right now, I just want to learn about the world of Pok¨¦mon, but that¡¯s not enough.

    Her grin widens a little as she turns to the large screen on the wall, which many of the others are also standing in front of. ¡°Like dimensional research, yes.¡±

    She steps a little closer to the data, which is incomprehensible to me, before turning to me again. ¡°Can you imagine that there are Pok¨¦mon coming to us from another dimension?¡±

    I shake my head. In principle, I know far too little about Pok¨¦mon and by now, I can no longer say it¡¯s all down to my father. The memory gaps that haunt me are just as suspicious as the flight behaviour that has dragged me from one place to the next for years.

    ¡°Sometimes rifts just open up in the sky and a Pok¨¦mon climbs through,¡± explains Burnet. ¡°This causes Alola¡¯s network to collapse all the time. I hear it¡¯s so rare in other parts of the world that people hardly ever talk about it. It¡¯s different here.¡± She puts a hand to her chin. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s because our story is based on a Pok¨¦mon from another dimension. At least, that¡¯s the only explanation we can find so far.¡±

    ¡°The history of Alola?¡±

    She nods. ¡°Every region has its own special Pok¨¦mon. They¡¯re so different from what we know, with abilities that don¡¯t seem to come from this world...¡± Her gaze pierces straight through me. ¡°They say centuries of years ago, Necrozma also came from another universe to give us the Z-Moves. Of course, this part is just speculation and needs to be researched further, as all the books about this creature were burnt back then, but ... it¡¯s a different story with the legendary Pok¨¦mon Lunala, which once came from an Ultra Wormhole, a passageway to other dimensions. The guardian deities saw it as a threat and fought it.¡± A quick shake of the head makes Burnet pause. ¡°They lost.¡±

    As her eyes drop to the floor, I hold my breath. If there are such things in this world that can be explored, then I want to unravel every conceivable mystery. If there¡¯s an area to do so, then I¡¯ll instantly occupy ¡°Pok¨¦mon history¡± with every fibre of my body.

    After Burnet takes a breath, she seems ready to tell me more about the world out there. ¡°After the deities fell, Lunala gave them a gift. A Z-Crystal. Lunala also brought a second Pok¨¦mon through the Ultra Wormhole ¨C Solgaleo ¨C to create another Pok¨¦mon with it and the Tapus. The Tapus were supposed to look after it and raise it. Unfortunately, we don¡¯t know much more than that... But that¡¯s what I¡¯m here for!¡±

    ¡°And you¡¯re absolutely amazing. No doubt you¡¯ll solve the mystery surrounding this story, wooh!¡± Kukui intervenes out of nowhere, and this time, the simple compliment he pays Burnet makes her blush. Pushing her lower lip forward, she looks at him for a moment as if he is her hero.

    My thoughts, meanwhile, drift off. The story about alternative dimensions, and therefore presumably worlds, makes me wonder whether Rayquaza might be one of them. The probability that it also came from an Ultra Wormhole a long time ago comes into question.

    Just the thought of it makes me want to run to Amethio immediately and report to him. His interest in this Pok¨¦mon is even greater than mine and the fact there are more Pok¨¦mon like it out there ¨C for sure ¨C won¡¯t leave him indifferent. Unless he only believes the things he sees.

    ¡°I think Nebby is from another place, too.¡±

    It is Lillie who lures me out of my thoughts and directs my gaze to the side. Somewhere in the middle of Burnet¡¯s remarks, she has positioned herself next to me. The Pok¨¦mon at her side is back in the bag. ¡°That¡¯s why I wanted to go to the ruins on Melemele.¡±

    ¡°Because you think Nebby came from there?¡±

    She nods. ¡°It just turned up one day, and I had to save it from ... danger. I¡¯ve been looking for its home ever since and it seems to be attracted to the ruins of Tapus. Perhaps it believes it can be sent back from there, and I want to help it.¡±

    ¡°Sounds like you have a plan, at least.¡± I purse my lips, barely realising. ¡°But then, why did you come with me? The Explorers could fly off in a different direction or disappear from Alola at any time and then your plan with the ruins would be over.¡±

    She shakes her head. ¡°Conia said that there¡¯s a very high chance of exploring the other islands, too. She didn¡¯t want to go into too much detail ... but her boss, someone above Amethio, seems to be interested in the guardian deities. Rayquaza still comes first ... but they will explore the ruins briefly, even if it flees this region.¡±

    That¡¯s news.

    Amethio refrains from talking to me too much and special information is none of my business, anyway. Probably because I¡¯m not yet a recognised member and therefore nothing more than an obstacle. Then again, it would have been kind of cool to know they were interested in the deities. So it¡¯s clear that not only Rayquaza has a certain added value for them, but that special Pok¨¦mon are worth the Explorers¡¯ time in general.

    ¡°I assume you have got another plan for today?¡± In the meantime, the flirtation between Kukui and Burnet seems to be over. The former has turned towards us ¨C his wife is already back in her research ¨C a broad smile on his face. ¡°Do you want me to take you somewhere?¡±

    ¡°N-no, thanks,¡± Lillie hastily waves it off. ¡°We¡¯re walking.¡±

    ¡°Then I hope you enjoy the trip!¡±

    He probably would have given us a lift if we¡¯d asked. Walking to the next town in this heat isn¡¯t exactly what I¡¯d hoped for, but thanks to Lillie¡¯s refusal, I can no longer raise any objections. Instead, we say goodbye to him and somehow also to Burnet, who hardly notices anything, and leave the research institute.

    Outside, we are greeted by the sun, its merciless rays burning our eyes. Lillie¡¯s grip on the bag is once again as tight as ever, but her face seems to be flaming with new determination. She radiates that exhilarating, excited aura of a girl who believes she can conquer the world.

    ¡°To get to the others, we have to go through the Diglett''s Tunnel,¡± she suddenly starts and I can only manage a weak smile. I don¡¯t know whether I should be happy about the sun protection or afraid of a bunch of wild Pok¨¦mon.

    Still, we set off together as if there is no danger within reach. But you can never be safe on these islands. That¡¯s one thing I¡¯ve realised in the last few days. The world of Pok¨¦mon is fascinating, diverse, but definitely not without danger.

    ¡°W-We don¡¯t have to be afraid of wild Pok¨¦mon, by the way,¡± Lillie starts again. Her eyes are turned towards me and the helpless smile on her face makes her seem almost more fragile than she is. ¡°I ... bought a lot of repel sprays.¡±

    My lips immediately pucker. She¡¯ll probably be carrying these sprays in the same bag as Nebby. ¡°No wonder your Pok¨¦mon keeps trying to disappear.¡±

    Her eyes widen. ¡°Do you think that¡¯s why Nebby always jumps out of the bag? Does it feel ... u-uncomfortable?¡± Lillie immediately opens her bag and digs Nebby out. Clutching it tightly to her chest, she doesn¡¯t seem to know what to do with it for a moment.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, but I think that if you have the cans right in front of your nose, you can smell what¡¯s inside.¡± I shrug my shoulders. ¡°You should really put Nebby in a Pok¨¦ Ball. Or get a second bag.¡±

    Lillie¡¯s eager nod is the only sign of agreement I get. It seems like she wants to keep the little Pok¨¦mon in her arms for now, and even though it shouldn¡¯t bother me, I can¡¯t help but keep glancing over at her. With enough bad luck, it jumps off her arm and we have to chase it through the tunnel. Just the thought of it makes the warm weather slightly chilly.

    However, my hunch strikes before we even reach the tunnel. Nebby¡¯s sound of protest elicits a soft exclamation from Lillie ¨C plagued by uncertainty and a gentle desire for help ¨C before the Pok¨¦mon can free itself from her arms. It glides to the ground as light as a feather, the two long puffs on its head bend backwards and instead of running away, it floats backwards.

    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Lillie¡¯s nails dig into the strap of her bag. ¡°Is everything all right?¡±

    My gaze follows the Pok¨¦mon for a moment too ¨C before they come.

    The voices.

    Endlessness hits me. Sounds ring in my ears, throb in my head, push so hard against my skull I gasp and press my hands against my temples. My brain seems to pop out, my teeth grind. Squeezing my eyes shut, I try to hold out. Heat builds up in my body and somewhere in the background I hear Lillie.

    Her words, which make no sense because they only come to me as static. Her touch on my shoulder, which seems extremely hot and makes me open my eyes in hope it will get a little better.

    I lift my eyelids just a crack, look up, and get stuck in the sky. At a rift running through the air, as if we were living in a world of cloth. The jumbled voices in my skull grow louder, flattening out, high and low, before a bright beeping drowns out every other sound. My eardrums threaten to burst.

    And the crack in the sky grows.

 Chapter 20: Knowledge behind fading leads XI

    ¡°Wh-what ... is that?¡± This time Lillie¡¯s voice comes through to me clearly, overpowering the beeping in my ears but not allowing me to breathe a sigh of relief.

    My whole body trembles. A few hairs have wrapped themselves around my fingers and every wrong movement seems to tear directly at my scalp. It¡¯s impossible to take my eyes off the crack in the sky; the blackness lurking warningly behind it. Purple flickers somewhere in between and although it seems insane, it threatens to burst out in flashes ¨C like flames, only sharper and more dangerous.

    ¡°No. Please.¡±

    For a breath, my body stiffens. Between all the confusion, a voice emerges, and it¡¯s not the first time I¡¯ve heard it. Instantly, I take my attention away from the crack in the sky and look down at Nebby, slowly moving towards the danger. Lillie tries to stop it, but all she can do is reach out for it. Her legs threaten to give way.

    ¡°Stop it,¡± whimpers Lillie¡¯s Pok¨¦mon. ¡°Don¡¯t. Not ready yet.¡± Its little body trembles. ¡°Fine. It¡¯s fine.¡±

    Once again, I look up at the dimensional rift. Sure enough, the edges seem to be contracting and whatever lurks beyond is at risk of being trapped again. It¡¯s hard to believe, but Nebby is proving an influence on this hole, on this abnormality ¨C and that¡¯s probably why I can hear it. This Pok¨¦mon is something special, I can¡¯t deny it.

    The next moment, the crack closes. The confusion in my skull collapses and I¡¯m left with an exhausted void, so I lean on my knees and take a deep breath. Meanwhile, Lillie¡¯s legs give way and she lands with her bum on the ground.

    ¡°Was... Was that a...¡±

    ¡°Dimensional crack,¡± I confirm. ¡°Luckily, it didn''t turn into an Ultra Wormhole.¡± Then my gaze falls to Nebby. ¡°What are you?¡±

    Slowly, it turns in my direction and looks at me with beautiful yellow eyes. Its glamour and the shimmer of its somehow unsteady form make it look terribly powerful for a moment.

    ¡°Unknown,¡± Rotom interjects. ¡°There¡¯s no record of this Pok¨¦mon. If you find out anything about this creature, you can send a note to the main professors¡¯ department. They will check the entry and ensure one is made for my database.¡±

    Without blinking, I keep my eyes fixed on Nebby. From what I¡¯ve seen, Rotom¡¯s entry isn¡¯t surprising. But part of me believes I can get information directly from the Pok¨¦mon itself if I ask the right questions.

    Meanwhile, Nebby is getting closer, and my hopes are rising. If it could, it would probably be looking at me sideways right now. Immediately afterwards, it replies, ¡°Hello.¡±

    ¡°Hello,¡± I respond. ¡°Can you tell me where you¡¯re from?¡±

    Its lively wiggling back and forth is almost provocative. ¡°Have a nice day.¡±

    ¡°Please... You¡¯d be helping Lillie a lot so she can bring you back. To where you belong.¡±

    ¡°Lillie!¡± It wiggles around a little more happily before floating over to my companion and snuggling up to her. ¡°Lillie good!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s probably not going to work...¡± With a sigh, I scramble to my feet.

    ¡°What did Nebby say?¡± Lillie¡¯s eyes are glued to me.

    ¡°Nothing special. It doesn¡¯t seem to form complete sentences often. And it doesn¡¯t seem to ... understand me properly either.¡± Mouth agape, I scrutinise Nebby. It seems to be at the level of a toddler ¨C never older than two or three. ¡°But it¡¯s glad you¡¯re okay.¡±

    ¡°Nebby...¡± Lillie immediately embraces her Pok¨¦mon and lets the moment pass by. I, for my part, turn my gaze to the sky again.

    There¡¯s no trace of the dimensional rift left and whatever tried to get out, I don¡¯t want to think about it any longer. The only thing I know for sure is that Amethio has to show interest in all this. It certainly may not have been Rayquaza, but by now we have new ways to spin theories and the more we learn about this world, the easier it will be to understand and cope with.

    ¡°We should keep going,¡± I decide after a few minutes, during which Lillie has slowly picked herself up and is still cuddling Nebby close to her face. My decision elicits only a murmur of agreement from her and although we should proceed with caution, slowly and without stress showing, my steps are quick. Everything in me just wants to get to the next town and report on what has happened.

    A little later, we cross the threshold into the tunnel. The uneven stone floor crunches underfoot and the light chain attached to the ceiling provides enough light to find our way comfortably. Hammering echoes along the walls and if I stretch my head far enough, a handful of workers can be seen on one side. Their picks and chisels smash stone while muffled conversations trickle through the breaks.

    The hustle and bustle slows my steps, causing Lillie to pause breathlessly beside me. Yet she doesn¡¯t complain once and it¡¯s almost amazing to know she won¡¯t let it get her down. This journey is just as shaping for her as it is for me.

    Our movements echo off the stone walls the deeper we go into the tunnel. The main path is marked by small signs. There are warnings about turn-offs if you don¡¯t have an escape rope. The Digletts, to whom this tunnel was named, are probably lurking somewhere along the way.

    ¡°It¡¯s not far to the exit,¡± says Lillie. ¡°Turn twice, go up the stairs and you¡¯re already outside.¡±

    ¡°Did Kukui tell you about this?¡±

    She nods hastily. ¡°H-He wanted to make sure I didn¡¯t get lost.¡±

    Compared to my father, the people of this island are so friendly it¡¯s almost too good to be true. Then again, maybe that¡¯s just normal. I can¡¯t say I really know anything about normality.

    ¡°D-Do you hear that?¡± When Lillie suddenly stops, the thoughts in my head fade. Instead, I pause too.

    I try to listen for a moment. My head is still throbbing, albeit not as bad, so it¡¯s hard to hear the sounds creeping quietly through the atmosphere.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± In the end, all I can do is ask.

    But Lillie doesn¡¯t answer. Her gaze rushes through our surroundings, causing her to turn round once before she puts her head back on her neck and sucks in a sharp breath of air. Not a single sound leaves her lips. I have no choice but to look up as well. And my breath catches in my throat for a moment.

    ¡°Lillie... Did you use the repel spray before we entered the tunnel?¡± The sweat on my hands tingles all the way to my fingertips.

    ¡°N-No.¡± The tremor in her voice is almost remorseful. ¡°I-I¡¯ll ... do it now.¡±

    I don¡¯t need to tell her we shouldn¡¯t move too fast. Those Pok¨¦mon up there on the ceiling have already noticed us, but they¡¯re happy with us standing still. The little creatures¡¯ gleaming teeth are so striking I just want to sigh miserably. But that would send about seventy Zubats after us, which I can¡¯t handle with my team alone.

    Meanwhile, in the background, I can hear Lillie opening the bag. The zip whirs. The spray cans rattle. We¡¯ve almost made it ¨C when a scream nearby makes the screeching of the Zubats ring in my ears.

    I¡¯m about to ask what idiot is making such a noise when two guys turn the corner; members of Team Skull. And the worst thing: I know them both from the berry farm, which they tried to take over like wannabe gangsters.

    They run towards us at full speed. The Zubats above us are already flapping their wings and, as if that isn¡¯t enough, the two Skull dorks bring a cloud of smoke with them, which only at second glance turns out to be an angry crowd of Digletts.

    ¡°Shit...¡± is all I can manage. A simple statement that Lillie underlines as the spray can slips from her hand.

    As soon as it hits the ground and sends some serious noise through the tunnel, the Zubats above us are almost unstoppable.

    This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

    ¡°Run!¡± My voice thunders through the tunnel, far too loud and yet barely loud enough to compete with the Pok¨¦mon. In the next blink of an eye, Lillie and I have already grabbed our legs and are running for our lives ¨C at the same instant as the two boys line up next to us.

    ¡°Shit man! They said catching Digletts was easy.¡± One of them looks over his shoulder in panic. ¡°They probably short-circuited when we tried to shave one¡¯s hair!¡±

    It¡¯s hard to put into words how incredibly stupid that sounds. Whatever these two guys were planning, it went very wrong. The Digletts are right on our heels and the Zubat swarm is threatening to catch up with us.

    We just barely reach the stair leading up to the next one. The exit is within our grasp and as soon as we emerge into the sunlight, we all jump to different sides.

    ¡°Fun!¡± While Nebby cheerfully comments on our chaos, I roll onto my back.

    The Zubats have paused within the last few inches of darkness before fleeing back, and the Digletts are nowhere to be seen. They probably don¡¯t think much of chases outside their territory.

    ¡°Dude, what the fuck? These things are wild.¡± The Skull guy who has landed next to me scratches the back of his head. His blue hair almost glows under the sun. ¡°The boss is gonna make slugs of us if we don¡¯t go full hard.¡±

    ¡°Then you should try to gather your seven senses first...¡± Mouth twisted, I can¡¯t keep a comment to myself.

    It seems to be the one moment when he realises I¡¯m actually here. Lillie is lying on the opposite side with the other idiot, panting. They are both almost more unathletic than our side.

    ¡°Yo, you¡¯re the odd one from the farm, man!¡± Instantly he jumps up and I do the same. If he¡¯s looking for a second fight, he¡¯s welcome to it. ¡°How about leavin¡¯ your Pok¨¦mon over here?¡±

    Giving him a chance to grab his Pok¨¦ Balls and make our lives more difficult is out of the question. These guys are no challenge. They¡¯re nothing like a wild Pok¨¦mon that knows special attacks and could bite or burn me. There are moments when you have to prove yourself and against Team Skull it¡¯s easy to pretend I¡¯m the queen of the world.

    So I leap forward and grab the boy by the arm as he tries to reach for his teammates. His eyes widen and his shoulders shrug. My heart leaps, but doesn¡¯t get a chance to race before I step on his foot. He gasps, hunches forward slightly and comes down far enough to catch a headbutt from me ¨C hard enough to make him stumble back and fall on his bum.

    The pain throbs in my skull too, but thanks to the headache from before, it¡¯s easier to grit my teeth. Part of my body tingles in protest, but yields as I turn and sprint to the other side of the meadow. Without further ado, I grab Lillie by the hand and pull her to her feet. Her astonished squeals ring in my ears, Nebby firmly squeezed against her chest with her other arm, and as soon as she is on her feet, we take off running. Away from Skull and away from this tunnel that no longer matters.

    ¡°Do you know w-where we have to go?¡± Lillie¡¯s breath is getting thinner. Her panting clearly reaches my ears.

    ¡°We¡¯ll just follow the path!¡± It¡¯s easy to find Konikoni. There¡¯s only a track leading away from the tunnel and when I see cobblestones on the right, the town seems close enough to touch.

    With Lillie¡¯s hand firmly in mine, I can feel sweat forming between us. Still, we don¡¯t stop until we¡¯ve passed through the heavy gates of Konikoni City ¨C past the four pillars, under the magnificent roofs. The stone main path echoes our footsteps with a light clack and the people standing everywhere, selling their wares behind stalls, bring colour with them.

    ¡°I-it ... is ... very nice ... here,¡± Lillie gasps several times. Her hand slips between my fingers before she props up on her knees and collects herself.

    My eyes linger on the market, on the ornate buildings with their curved rooftops, and on the colours. It is probably the most unique city I can remember; the most colourful and also the liveliest. It¡¯s captivating enough to push Team Skull aside. The encounter was just one of many problems that don¡¯t matter.

    ¡°Do you know where we need to go?¡± I take in the atmosphere one last time before turning to Lillie and tilting my head. Amethio hasn¡¯t explained where we¡¯ll meet them should we arrive in Konikoni.

    ¡°N-No... Conia just said we¡¯d find her in this city.¡± Slowly, Lillie straightens up and looks around. Her eyes also linger on the goods, the stalls, the colours, but she doesn¡¯t find anyone at first.

    We push on wordlessly. Each of us sets our sights on one side. Heavy perfume mingles with incense, the scent of fruit and notes I can¡¯t categorise. The hustle and bustle is infectious. Lillie and I get into a rhythm, a steady flow of small steps and pauses, bringing CDs and candles to the fore ¨C until I get caught on Conia¡¯s grey-blue hair.

    I immediately put a hand on Lillie¡¯s shoulder before walking towards Conia. Bodies bump against mine, probably my companion¡¯s too, and the air seems hard to breathe.

    ¡°Conia!¡± Only when I almost reach her do I call her name and her eyes immediately dart over her shoulder. When she recognises us, however, her eyebrows rise before she holds out her hand to me. A kind of saving rope, which I immediately take so she can pull us towards her with a tug.

    ¡°There you are,¡± her greeting almost has a hint of relief. Her reproving look, however, suggests little in that direction. ¡°Our boss has settled in Maho¡¯s family restaurant. Zir is looking round the natural medicines, and the ship has docked at the lighthouse.¡± She points briefly to the other end of the town.

    ¡°And w-what is this?¡± Lillie, who has somehow managed to squeeze in next to Conia, holds an oval fragrance tin in front of our noses.

    ¡°Smoke,¡± explains Conia. ¡°It attracts wild Pok¨¦mon, can calm them down, put them to sleep and more. It can be used in many ways.¡±

    Smoke ¨C another thing I¡¯ve never seen before that seems incredibly helpful. According to Conia¡¯s description, these products can be used for almost anything. The only pity is I don¡¯t have the money to buy any of it. My team would certainly appreciate some relaxation help.

    ¡°I-I think I¡¯ll stay with Conia and then ... visit the boutique.¡± The gleam in Lillie¡¯s eyes looks like the chase never happened. ¡°What about you?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to see Amethio.¡± Reporting back to him is the only goal directly in front of me. After that, I can still think about what to do next. Maybe there¡¯ll be enough time to do a bit of research.

    They both dismiss me with a nod, so I drop back into the crowd and end up on the centre path a little later, looking for the restaurant Conia mentioned. In fact, Konikoni offers only five houses and a Pok¨¦mon Center. What really brings this town to life are the traders who have set up their stalls in every corner.

    The sign ¡°Maho¡¯s¡± is emblazoned above one entrance. It brings me a whole step closer to Amethio and as I stride through the door, I am greeted by the warmth of a room where people are chatting and food rolls out of the kitchen on a constant loop. Dark red furniture stands out against the cream-coloured tiled floor, making everything look a little posh and homely in equal measure.

    My gaze wanders over the guests, the dishes, the ceiling lights and finally over Amethio¡¯s mop of hair. He sits alone at a table for four, his eyes fixed on his Rotom Phone. He doesn¡¯t notice me sneaking up on him. Instead, a barely perceptible wince runs through his body as I grab the chair opposite him and settle down. His interest is immediately focused on me, even if it is only subtle. At least one question is on the tip of his tongue, but he doesn¡¯t ask it.

    ¡°The research ... did you know there are Pok¨¦mon from another dimension?¡± It¡¯s hard to broach the subject when he doesn¡¯t ask questions. But mine is interesting enough to engage him in conversation.

    ¡°I¡¯ve heard about it... More or less.¡± His eyes widen a little. ¡°That other dimensions exist is a long-held belief constantly being researched. The results can be read in the associated magazines.¡±

    ¡°And they write about Pok¨¦mon travelling here?¡±

    He shakes his head gently. ¡°They share the results, but no costs or side effects they can¡¯t confidently explain and present.¡±

    ¡°We... Lillie and I saw a dimensional rift.¡±

    ¡°At the research institute?¡± He raises his brows.

    ¡°Outside.¡±

    For a moment, Amethio opens his mouth, but makes no sound. His eyes widen, his grip on the Rotom Phone tightens ¨C and I can understand him. What I¡¯m telling him is an issue that could hardly be more interesting. Other dimensions mean other worlds, other Pok¨¦mon, other options, and other people.

    ¡°It was only brief, but it was there,¡± I continue. ¡°The history of Alola tells us that some Pok¨¦mon came through the Ultra Wormholes a long time ago.¡± My eyelids droop. ¡°Maybe... I mean, could it be... What if the black Rayquaza also came from another dimension?¡±

    My question hits the mark as Amethio leans back and puts a hand to his chin. It¡¯s an option. An idea. An adventure worth experiencing if the Explorers are interested. But when Amethio finally lets out a small sigh, the imagined adventure seems to collapse.

    ¡°It¡¯s possible,¡± he begins slowly, before looking at me again, ¡°but that doesn¡¯t matter for our search. First, we have to catch Rayquaza.¡±

    Everything else comes after that ¨C his simple summary.

    ¡°Does that mean it¡¯s of no interest to the Explorers yet?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll pass it on,¡± he replies. ¡°Our superior will decide what to do with the information.¡±

    My hopes aren¡¯t completely lost. It¡¯s a small success, but it makes me smile. That¡¯s all I can do for now. What remains is for me to find a task to fill this day ¨C assuming Amethio doesn¡¯t need me.

    ¡°Has Bellro turned up yet?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯ll be here soon.¡±

    ¡°Should I stay?¡± It¡¯s a stupid question, so I quickly change my choice of words. ¡°Do you require me for anything, or can I look around the surrounding area a bit?¡±

    ¡°You can-¡°

    ¡°Sugar doll!¡± It¡¯s Bellro¡¯s chirpy voice, making me jump up and whirl around in one movement. The sudden shock fades as quickly as it came. Still, I give him my chair. My time in this place has run out, and it doesn¡¯t seem as if Amethio needs me.

    Bellro, however, is a different problem. His broad smile and hasty steps in my direction make me stumble back ¨C until Amethio grabs me by the belt of my bag and forces me to stand still. My gaze only darts briefly in his direction, though, completely blocking out the tugging of his fingers.

    ¡°So, have you tried to conquer the world since we last saw each other, or are you too scared?¡± Bellro leans down right in front of me. His eyes pierce my body with a gleaming mischief I can¡¯t escape.

    ¡°I ... haven¡¯t got round to it yet.¡± The wry smile on my lips is probably not very convincing. Bellro¡¯s grin flattens and when he straightens up again, I know that I no longer play a role, at least in these seconds.

    So I can turn my gaze to Amethio, who is no longer restraining me. Instead, he expresses with a curt gesture for me to leave. Nothing stands in the way of my little research.

    I make a hasty retreat out of the family restaurant and into the heat, which welcomes me with open arms. Only then do I pull out the Rotom and look at what can be found near this town ¨C apart from the Diglett¡¯s Tunnel. There isn¡¯t much on display. The only place worth visiting is the Memorial Hill, which leads up to the Ruins of Life. A destination Lillie will probably soon set her sights on if she really hopes to find a solution for Nebby.

    Perhaps there are answers we can pursue.

    Answers to tempt me.

 Chapter 21: Knowledge behind fading leads XII

    It¡¯s only a short distance to the Memorial Hill. The walk along the path, through the meadows, leaves little time for thought. Before I can drift off, the first graves come into view. Some visited by a few people, others left behind and covered in moss.

    Low hedges offer privacy, immersing the resting place in a world where you can actually spend two minutes in solitude. Something that I only savour briefly before my eyes glide over the gravestones. On some, people mourn Pok¨¦mon. On others, deceased people have been buried near their favourites. Names upon names in a small field of silence. Not even the surrounding knee-high grasses dare to rustle. Yet I am sure there are Pok¨¦mon nearby.

    In slow steps, I walk through this world of the deceased, surrendering to the silence and following the labyrinth of small hedges - until I discover a figure crouched next to a grave in a corner. A middle-aged man. His restlessness makes him constantly rock back and forth. His shoulders tremble, he sobs quietly and as I step closer, he only raises his head briefly before shaking and lowering it again.

    ¡°Are you all right?¡± I carefully get down on my knees to place a hand on his leg. ¡°Do you need anything? Can I-¡°

    ¡°Go!¡± he answers far too loud, pulls his head up and looks at me out of cloudy eyes. The dark bags under his eyes look almost black. ¡°Leave!¡±

    I don¡¯t know what to do. On one side, he looks like someone who needs help. On the other, like a person who is long past any hope. It would probably be better if I left him alone, but my common sense suggests staying. Leaving him in this state would be irresponsible.

    ¡°Can I help you?¡±

    ¡°N-No. N-No help...¡± His gaze drops to his shoes. ¡°I-It¡¯s daytime, b-but ... they¡¯ll come. They always come. I-It won¡¯t stop those monsters.¡±

    I swallow. ¡°What are you talking about?¡±

    ¡°The cursed ones,¡± he replies in a pointed tone. ¡°The monsters who will rise. The cursed ones, you understand?¡± This time he moves, grabs my arms and pierces me with his gaze. ¡°You have to let them go! Run away! Hide somewhere! Before they rise again!¡±

    His roar forces my body to flinch. Flight reflexes kick in. Part of me wants to run away, but the rest of me is lost in his eyes. Dark. Inconceivable. Incomprehensible. Whatever he¡¯s talking about, he seems insane. Too crazy for me to believe him. So I free myself from his grip and stumble back a few steps. He looks after me, his hand outstretched in my direction, only briefly, before he buries his face between his fingers. It seems as if I have never spoken to him and yet my heart is hammering against my chest in such panic that I can no longer find peace in the sight of the graves.

    The silence drives me away, far from the graves and even further from the stranger who won¡¯t budge. The surrounding meadows begin their scattered rustling under barely perceptible breezes and the heat on my skin sticks to me as a shuddering cold until I reach the straight path on the other side of the cemetery.

    From here, it is possible to hike to the Ruins of Life and a quick glance over my shoulder makes the ascent seem more tempting than having to think again about who the ¡°cursed¡± are. Only the name gives me goose bumps. It¡¯s better not to listen to some fairy tales before lying awake at night with nightmares and questioning your life choices.

    I shake my head.

    The way up tugs at my muscles. In the end, I¡¯m still sore and the further I get, the more I want to turn back. Scary stories on the flat are more comfortable than adventures in the hills. However, I don¡¯t come to a decision until I¡¯m halfway up the climb and come face to face with a girl who is probably somewhere around my age.

    ¡°White hair, purple tips, doesn¡¯t look like she¡¯s from around here...¡± Without further ado, the stranger tilts her head. ¡°You must be the girl the other two told me about.¡±

    ¡°The other two?¡± The question leaves my lips faster than I can control. Judging by the look on her face, there¡¯s a vague thought in the back of my mind, but part of me doesn¡¯t want to believe it until she says it.

    Meanwhile, my counterpart crosses her arms in front of her chest and sighs. The long side braids sway, clinging to her movements, and for a moment I admire how neatly she has divided her hair into four sections, wearing one half in vibrant pink and the other in piercing blonde. It¡¯s different, wild, and eye-catching enough thanks to her black outfit that it¡¯s hard to look anywhere else.

    ¡°The two from the berry farm. They told me how you jumped in and attacked them,¡± explains the stranger. ¡°I¡¯m Plumeria, a member of Team Skull. I ... keep the gang together. I¡¯m like the big sister of everyone there.¡±

    I could ask her a thousand things, but the fact she¡¯s getting in my way like this doesn¡¯t bode well. And my irritation grows as she lowers her black-painted eyelids.

    ¡°You¡¯ve probably noticed that most of Team Skull aren¡¯t the brightest,¡± Plumeria says. ¡°But I like to think that¡¯s what makes them adorable in their own way. That¡¯s why I can¡¯t just stand by and watch someone tease my cute siblings.¡± Her eyes open again and the white powdered rims emphasise her harsh stare. Simultaneously, she pulls a Pok¨¦ Ball out of her black, loose-fitting jogging pants. ¡°I think you understand what I¡¯m getting at?¡±

    A rematch. A fight in which one of us will suffer a defeat. Not necessarily a game I¡¯m keen to get involved in, considering we could settle this easily with our fists. But it¡¯s her decision, and if she sends her Pok¨¦mon forward, there¡¯s nothing I can do about it.

    ¡°Fine.¡± I grab one of my Pok¨¦ Balls too. A quick glance at the worn spots gives me a faint smile. Ying is perfect for occasions like this and she takes in the situation with a glance as I let her out.

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    Plumeria, meanwhile, sends a Salazzle into battle. The hissing of her long tongue reminds me of the Salandit¡¯s raid, which we had to fend off with more effort than necessary. But that¡¯s not the worst of it. In my memories, I am certain that Salazzle is a Fire and Poison-type Pok¨¦mon. The latter is a problem we need to be wary of.

    ¡°Ying, scratch!¡± The first thing to do is to measure Salazzle¡¯s strength.

    In quick leaps, Ying overcomes the distance to her opponent and extends her claws. Salazzle watches her, barely moving and only raising her long arms at the right moment to fend off the attack. Zorua¡¯s paws strike black lizard claws, bounce off, and her small body flies back in my direction.

    She barely catches her breath when I hear Plumeria¡¯s voice. ¡°Toxic!¡±

    ¡°Dodge!¡± The command rolls over my lips so quickly that Ying only twitches her ears before daring to jump aside - far too soon.

    Salazzle hasn¡¯t fully gathered her poison yet. Ying¡¯s sudden movement gives her a chance to adapt and as she spits her sticky slime over to Zorua, Ying narrowly escapes the corrosive saliva with another leap. Purple colour eats into the ground to leave dark stains and elicit an audible gulp from me.

    ¡°Tackle! Ram your opponent with force and then scratch!¡± I keep trying. Salazzle¡¯s mere body is already a problem. It¡¯s so dangerous that for a moment I consider myself lucky to have gone into battle with Ying. Pikipek, being a boy, would probably have fallen for the tantalising smell of her skin.

    ¡°Don¡¯t let it get to you! Flame burst!¡±

    As Ying charges at her opponent again, Salazzle takes a deep breath. In the next blink of an eye, she shoots small fireballs at my Zorua, their speed high but unremarkable. Ying realises without hesitation that she has to dodge and just as she makes the first leap back, a whimper escapes her. The fireball hitting the ground sprays sparks, burns her paws and fur. Zorua¡¯s staggering brings her closer to me.

    ¡°You need to dodge wide!¡± I shout at her, catching her quick glance and clenching my fists. I would prefer to intervene. Solving this damn problem with my fists is almost too tempting.

    ¡°Your strength isn¡¯t that remarkable,¡± Plumeria resumes. She doesn¡¯t mock me, nor does she seem surprised at my weakness.

    ¡°I¡¯m still practising,¡± I reply tensely. Punishing her with silence would only complicate the situation unnecessarily. I have to stay relaxed. We¡¯re still in the game. We haven¡¯t lost yet. This situation can end in my favour. I just have to stay alert.

    Meanwhile, Ying dodges more fireballs. She has found her rhythm, easily escapes the sparks and just as Salazzle runs out of air, Zorua chases ahead. My previous command still stands and as she thunders head first against her opponent¡¯s body, I can only swallow a small exclamation of joy with difficulty.

    Salazzle staggers back two steps. Ying¡¯s claws threaten to land a direct hit. But instead of causing damage, her paws scrape through unsteady, retreating mass. In the next blink of an eye, Salazzle has disappeared into the ball Plumeria is holding out in her direction.

    ¡°You¡¯re giving up?¡± Brows raised, my shoulders slump. The tension evaporates and although I have no idea what¡¯s going on, my heart jumps up and down.

    ¡°There¡¯s no reason for me to put up a serious fight against you.¡± Plumeria shrugs nonchalantly. ¡°You¡¯ve annoyed members of Team Skull and I¡¯ll pay you back in equal coin.¡± She comes towards me in ambling steps. ¡°The rest is in your hands. If you prove yourself halfway competent, maybe you¡¯ll learn your lesson.¡±

    And with that, she leaves me standing there. No further explanation leaves her lips. Her words make no sense. Sure, the fight could have been tough, but if she backs off in the middle of it and thinks I¡¯ll learn a lesson, she¡¯s no less competent than the rest of Team Skull.

    Sighing, I turn my attention to Ying and spread my arms wide. This is our victory, and she deserves all the praise in the world. Her joyful tail wagging brings me to my knees. Some days, she is especially cute. She puts one paw in front of the other, starts to jump, gives a strangely cranky sound - and then she just falls over. A sound of disbelief escapes my throat as I lower my arms and watch her. Her hind legs spasm, gasps escape her little snout and as the first pink bubbles of foam appear, I hold my breath.

    Poison.

    My thoughts are racing. In a flash, I stumble to her side and press her to my chest. My heart is pounding wildly.

    ¡°Ying? Ying, can you hear me?¡±

    She rolls her eyes. Rattling in her throat makes her wheeze, and while I¡¯m looking around for help, Plumeria pops into my head. She knew it.

    I can¡¯t locate anyone within range. Putting Zorua in her ball and taking her to the Pok¨¦mon Center is out of the question. The poison is faster than me.

    There¡¯s nothing useful in my bag. Still, I open it. Balls. Rotom. My potion. Maybe it¡¯ll give me a chance, a little more time.

    And then I catch sight of something strange.

    With nimble fingers, I fish out thick napkin paper. A note slips to the floor between them. Curved words have been written, but only two of them burn into my retina: heals everything.

    I immediately open one packet and pull out what looks like a biscuit. Without thinking, I hold it up to Ying¡¯s snout. Her tongue licks it, then she nibbles off a corner. With every crumb she eats, her breathing becomes calmer. The spasms subside. The foam disappears. She recovers and the knot in my chest bursts. My body collapses as I inhale and exhale shakily while Ying gently wags her tail.

    Pressing my lips together, I think of Salazzle and the poison. Plumeria was probably waiting for Zorua to hit with tackle so her Pok¨¦mon could release toxic through its skin. It¡¯s hard to believe, but on closer inspection, I was fooled.

    ¡°Shit...¡±

    I haven¡¯t been on the loose for long, but I want to believe that I¡¯ve already learnt a few things. So why do the same missteps always prove to be the most effective? It¡¯s always similar problems putting me in scary situations. There is no improvement in sight.

    My teeth grind at the realisation, so I shoo the thought away and push it to the back of my mind. Then I turn my attention to the note that has slipped out while I massage Ying¡¯s thigh with one hand.

    Lava Cookies, heals everything. So you¡¯re better equipped.

    No name. Just the bare essentials. Yet I know this small gift has to be from Amethio. He was the one fumbling round my bag while I was trying to get away from Bellro. It didn¡¯t escape his notice that I don¡¯t have enough money to buy more than a measly potion, even though I also wanted antidote or burn heal. His gestures are barely noticeable, but they know how to draw attention at the right moment.

    ¡°Why does everyone else have a better handle on my life than I do?¡±

    My head lowers so it almost lands on Ying¡¯s. The defeats are piling up. I want to do so much at once, take so many leaps and achieve so incredible things that every setback is like a reminder. The fun of travelling is slowly fading, and it¡¯s only been a week since my escape.

    Suddenly it makes sense that many people return home after a hasty attempt at adventure. Some don¡¯t make it over three days. Most fail between one and two weeks.

    Is that why my father hasn¡¯t tried to call or contact me? Because he thinks I won¡¯t last longer than that, anyway?

    ¡°Damn...¡±

    I should keep walking, but my legs won¡¯t move. I¡¯m not ready to get up and pretend everything is fine.

    My heart needs a little more time.

    And for a second, I want to believe it¡¯s okay to want to go home.

 Chapter 22: Knowledge behind fading leads XIII

    My breath hangs heavily on my lips by the time I reach the entrance to the ruins. Ying is safe in her ball. I still have some cookies Amethio gave me and after my brief rest, I¡¯m ready to tackle the next hurdle. At least my heart is no longer pounding with fear and, thanks to Amethio, I feel a certain security that had previously passed me by. He¡¯s probably the only reason this journey is halfway working.

    ¡°Are you coming in?¡±

    Goose bumps rise on my body. The soft girl¡¯s voice in my head settles gently on my skin.

    ¡°Or are you going to stay there?¡±

    ¡°Who are you?¡± My eyes wander uneasily over the green surroundings before I take another step towards the entrance. ¡°Are you coming out?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s pretty hot,¡± is the reply. ¡°Come on in. You have questions, don¡¯t you?¡±

    The invitation I receive is tantalising and the creature in this place is right: there are endless questions burning on my tongue. So I answer the call. My feet push forward, the archway passes over me and before I know it, I¡¯m standing on stone slabs leading straight to another entrance. Only when I have also walked through the second passage, do I end up in a room made of stone. Well maintained, clean, a greenish mat on the floor. Two staircases lead to a platform. A pillar offers the opportunity to store something valuable. There is something homely about it and yet there is a tightness in my chest.

    ¡°Where are you?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m here.¡±

    Something touches me on the shoulder and as I whirl around, it¡¯s big blue eyes sparkling at me in a friendly way. The Pok¨¦mon opposite me is a large creature ¨C no bigger than me, but certainly the size of a toddler ¨C pink with black skin. Its lower half looks like it¡¯s sitting in a pink jug and its long pink curls give it a girlish appearance.

    ¡°I am Tapu Lele.¡± It tilts its head. ¡°I noticed you the moment you arrived. Your battle against that other girl ... you¡¯re not very good at fighting, are you?¡± A giggle echoes through my head. ¡°You¡¯re a bit like me, only weak.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re like.¡±

    ¡°You haven¡¯t been in this place long.¡± It floats around me in slow moves. ¡°They say I¡¯m pretty friendly. But they also say I have trouble holding back in my playful fights. Sometimes I hurt others without meaning to.¡±

    ¡°And what is comparable to me?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re pretty friendly,¡± Tapu Lele replies, ¡°but you¡¯re bad at judging fights and don¡¯t know when to hold back. You want to be strong, but you overestimate yourself just as often as I underestimate myself.¡±

    All I can do is make a trivial sound between laughter and sadness. Tapu Lele is attentive, I have to admit. That also means it can probably find a lot of information and share some of it ¨C if I¡¯m lucky.

    ¡°Can you tell me about the black dragon Pok¨¦mon that was above Akala?¡±

    Tapu Lele shakes its head back and forth for a moment. ¡°You mean the black Rayquaza?¡±

    I nod. The gentle buzzing in my head conveys uncertainty. Lele seems to be assessing whether it really wants to share what it has seen with me. Then it snorts.

    ¡°I saw it, yes ... when it arrived here, just before it rested in the Lush Jungle.¡± Tapu Lele¡¯s eyelids lower. ¡°It is a creature consumed by hate. Its rage ... oh, its rage is devastating. I cried when I saw it, and the thought of its voice ... almost brings tears to my eyes again.¡± It places its round, black hands on its bowl. ¡°It seems to crave destruction more with each passing day.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡±

    The first moment I saw Rayquaza, it didn¡¯t seem like an angry Pok¨¦mon. Not much time has passed since then, and yet the change was already noticeable the last time we met. Its desire to kill Amethio echoes in my head.

    ¡°Rayquaza is looking for someone, but I can¡¯t tell you who it is,¡± replies Lele. ¡°I watched it try to fly through a dimensional rift one night. They¡¯re not strong enough to build up into proper Ultra Wormholes and yet it wants to take the risk of travelling through one of these unstable gates.¡±

    ¡°Is it possible ... that it¡¯s coming from another dimension?¡± My heart thunders against my ribs all at once. The answer seems close enough to touch.

    But when Tapu Lele shakes its head, my shoulders slump, and all the tension disappears from my body. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡°Do you know anything about the Ultra Wormholes?¡±

    ¡°I have no memories of them.¡± This time, the Pok¨¦mon lowers its head. ¡°It was long ago and everything that happened then is a blur.¡±

    The step ahead I was hoping to take no longer exists. I¡¯m treading water. The heaviness on my shoulders is probably what Amethio feels whenever Rayquaza slips through his fingers.

    ¡°But I can tell you it¡¯s got a lot worse lately,¡± the Pok¨¦mon adds. ¡°All I know is that the Aether Foundation is making the cracks worse. It has been for a few months now.¡±

    ¡°The Aether Foundation?¡±

    Lele¡¯s gaze lifts before it nods eagerly. ¡°They stole a Pok¨¦mon that didn¡¯t belong to them and refused to join them, and the rifts have been gaining frequency ever since.¡±

    My hopes take a leap. This is information I hardly thought I¡¯d ever get my hands on. The Aether Foundation is a clue that could bring many more answers ¨C a company dedicated to save and help Pok¨¦mon in the Aether Paradise. A spectacle you can see repeatedly on the Alola news.

    ¡°That helps me a lot. Thank you, Tapu Lele.¡± The tingling on my skin just wants to get back to Amethio and Lillie. If the Aether Foundation knows more about these rifts, then maybe they have a solution for Lillie and Nebby.

    ¡°Would you like to know more?¡±

    ¡°Can you tell me more?¡± My eyebrows rise.

    ¡°Not much,¡± Lele replies, ¡°but a few members have been hanging around the Hano Grand Resort a lot lately.¡± There¡¯s a gleam in its eyes. ¡°It¡¯s very nice there!¡±

    I don¡¯t know what to say. It¡¯s probably the first time since I¡¯ve been on this trip that someone has almost thrown the answers at my feet. I don¡¯t have to fight for it; I don¡¯t have to struggle and I don¡¯t feel like I¡¯m wasting my life; I have gained something of value.

    It could hardly be better.

    When Tapu Lele tilts its head back and pretends to listen, I hold my breath for a moment. It takes a while for it to tell me its thoughts.

    ¡°Go now. Share your knowledge. But be careful,¡± it moves a little closer, ¡°not everyone is as good-hearted as you.¡±

    It¡¯s hard to say what Lele is implying, but in those seconds I take in everything it says with joy. I thank it one last time before turning away and running off.

    The way back passes me by in a flash. Getting down the mountain is easy. The sun is now setting. Deep orange kisses the sky and the warmth settling on my senses pushes the chaos of the day into the background. So the route through the cemetery is no longer frightening. I don¡¯t even look for the man I left behind earlier. None of that matters as I leap over a low hedge and feel my throat drying out. Freedom fills my body and disappears as soon as my footsteps hit the cobblestones of Konikoni City.

    The wheezing coming from my lips gets heavier with every step. It only takes a few breaths to reach Maho¡¯s family restaurant. Still, I hesitate when I reach the entrance. I straighten my hair in a flash, wipe the sweat from my forehead, and collect myself. Only then do I enter.

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    Nothing seems to have changed in my absence and a glance across the tables brings Amethio into view. He is still sitting in the same place, typing away on his Rotom Phone. His features look tense.

    I bridge the distance in long strides and settle down opposite him. This time, he doesn¡¯t flinch. Instead, he raises his eyes and looks at me as if he¡¯s simply expecting a justification for why I¡¯m already back here ¨C when I¡¯ve been gone for at least two hours.

    ¡°I was at the Ruins of Life,¡± I begin. ¡°And I had a chat with Tapu Lele.¡±

    ¡°The guardian deity of this island?¡± His brows lift and the Rotom in his hands lands on the table. His attention is assured.

    I take a quick breath. ¡°Tapu Lele didn¡¯t know much about Rayquaza ... just that it¡¯s looking for someone and trying to get through a dimensional rift. The Aether Foundation is worsening these rifts and ... it¡¯s possible they might know something about all this.¡±

    With each passing second, his gaze pierces me more intensely, causing me to repeat the entire conversation in stammering half-sentences. Only when every word has reached him does his stare ease.

    Our next destination has been decided. He doesn¡¯t have to say it, but we both know it. The Aether Foundation is the only place where we will get anywhere.

    <hr>

    ¡· W H I S P E R S ¡¶

    <hr>

    The wind tugs mercilessly at my hair. The beating of Corviknight¡¯s wings rustles. Sometimes the heat of the island elicits a huff from it, and whenever I think of the clothes under my actual outfit, a smile creeps onto my bitten lips. With my hands wrapped around Amethio¡¯s waist, I look at Akala. There are ten thousand things I could say, but the shining sea on this day allows no words. It simply sweeps away the sluggish start to the day.

    After a rest in the flying ship at Konikoni, we are now on our way to the Hano Grand Resort. According to the information on the internet, Sunday is one of the busiest days on the beach. Still, I hope we can find a spot among the crowds to enjoy the water ¨C even if our goal is different. I want at least a chance to try out the bathing suit Lillie gave me ¨C stolen from her mum and yet unable to wear it herself. It¡¯s beautiful. Daring. Grown up.

    The fresh air shoos the thought to the back corner, to all the other unimportant, heavy considerations. What remains is the anticipation for the resort ¨C the hope of cold water and some relaxation.

    When we land, Corviknight disappears into its ball on the spot. All that remains is the gigantic hotel in front of us, cream-coloured tiles surrounded by neatly trimmed hedges full of white flowers. Dancers stretch under the sun, doormen stand on either side of the double-door entrance, and I have to shield my eyes to make out the windows on the upper floors.

    ¡°Wow...¡± is all that slips past my lips. Amethio, however, remains unmoved, as usual. He barely gives me the chance to take it all in. Instead, he continues on his way, aiming for the entrance and paying no attention to the surrounding people.

    So we step inside, lined with dark wood and warm carpeting. People gather in cosy seats. Opposite the double doors, a woman stands behind a counter, a thin smile on her lips. She greets Amethio with a shallow Alola and while he makes his request, I look around. The people in this place must have paid a fortune to afford a holiday like this.

    ¡°We¡¯ll have to wait and see.¡±

    Amethio¡¯s sudden words snap me out of my observations. Eyes widening, I shake my head. ¡°Because?¡±

    ¡°Members of the Aether Foundation haven¡¯t been announced until later. We¡¯re too early.¡±

    For a moment, I wonder why we don¡¯t just fly to them, but they certainly don¡¯t allow intruders without notice. Which means my wish is about to come true.

    ¡°Then we should settle down on the beach. Sitting around here would only make us tense ... I think...¡± A wry smile comes over me. Sometimes it¡¯s hard to find the right words unobtrusively.

    But he doesn¡¯t argue, doesn¡¯t ask or even say a word about my destination. Instead, he closes his eyes for a moment. ¡°For a while.¡±

    I take the lead and although I should probably be worrying about something else, all I can think about is that today will be pleasant ¨C far away from anything that threatens to darken my mind. One under the star of joy, where I¡¯m not worried about anything other than unwinding. Yesterday, the path to here ¨C I can¡¯t say there have been many moments when I¡¯ve been so eager for positive entertainment.

    My lips press into lines. Is it the gaps in my memory, the knowledge I have no clear recollections, that drive me to catch up on things I wouldn¡¯t otherwise have had the chance to?

    Once again, I shake the thoughts from me as I cross the threshold to the outside and take the left-hand path. The sound of the sea is audible. Every step makes my heart beat faster and as soon as the sand crunches under my soles, freedom seems within reach. In those seconds, I no longer have to swallow to shake off the memories of yesterday. For a breath, it doesn¡¯t matter what negative aspects hit me. Today is what counts.

    It¡¯s easier to live in the present and forget what happened.

    ¡°Have you brought your swimwear?¡± More detached than before, I turn to Amethio, who takes a quick look over the sunbeds and finally decides on a pretty table with chairs and a white and blue striped parasol. He doesn¡¯t even answer as he sits down and takes a deep breath, as if he wants to savour the peace for a minute. That¡¯s probably all I¡¯ll get from him. It¡¯s unlikely that he has any swimwear with him, anyway.

    So I make myself comfortable with him for a moment to take off my clothes. I¡¯m wearing Lillie¡¯s swim suit ¨C or rather her mum¡¯s ¨C underneath. The tight-fitting black clinging to me makes me hardly wait to get wet and while Amethio looks at me as if I¡¯ve taken leave of my senses, I stretch my arms and enjoy the weather.

    Then I sprint off towards the water.

    It takes barely more than the blink of an eye for cold wetness to nestle against my skin. My mind is a blank slate. The tension that has secretly crept into my body disappears. Suddenly everything seems so easy.

    It¡¯s been like this since this morning. After yesterday¡¯s defeat and the exciting information that spurred me on, a knot seems to have burst. Everything inside me is shifting the thoughts threatening to plague me. Positivity is all I need. It¡¯s all I can cling to. The only thing that gives me strength besides strange nightmares, perceptions, and ideas that won¡¯t let me go. The gaps in my memory don¡¯t matter. The fact I ran away from home is irrelevant. In these seconds, I am free. Weak, but free.

    Whistling cheerfully, I stroll along the low water¡¯s edge ¨C at least until I spot a small, black something. On closer inspection, it turns out to be a Pok¨¦mon with pink horns and a white fluffy tail, just big enough to fit in both my hands. I gently poke it with one finger. Its body wobbles.

    ¡°Excuse me?¡± Out of nowhere, a stranger approaches me. His trousers rolled up to his knees and a cap on his head, he smiles at me. ¡°You seem to have found a Pyukumuku.¡±

    Once again, I look at the Pok¨¦mon ¨C Pyukumuku. Then I straighten up. ¡°Are they something special?¡±

    ¡°No, no.¡± He waves me off with a laugh. ¡°They just keep getting washed up on the sands and we beach workers spend most of our time throwing them back into the water. Unfortunately, it¡¯s a never-ending task.¡± He sighs heavily. ¡°As a result, we¡¯re looking for temporary staff now and then. Interested?¡±

    The thought of throwing this little Pok¨¦mon back into the sea because it would otherwise probably dry out and die under the Alolan heat doesn¡¯t inspire disapproval. All I can do is nod eagerly.

    ¡°Great! Just ... run along the beach a bit and throw what you can into the sea. There should be about five Pyukumukus lying around here somewhere. Unless the last wave has delivered supplies. I¡¯ll watch out for newly washed up ones. When you¡¯ve thrown back those five, let me know.¡±

    I give him another nod and watch as he disappears to a high seat, from where you can probably see into endless distance. The next moment, I grab the little Pyukumuku and take a swing. With momentum I throw the creature back into the sea, watch it splash into the water and can¡¯t help but be secretly happy about the good deed.

    Further along the sands, I keep my eyes wide open for more creatures. Small bodies with pink horns living in their very own way and which I can hardly imagine anyone using for a Pok¨¦mon battle. However, people barely care about little things like that. My father often told me about anglers who catch Magikarp to train them. Fish that end up on the plate elsewhere when they¡¯re no good.

    It¡¯s almost a little cruel.

    A humorous snort escapes me. It is cruel.

    And it¡¯s another thought that I push to the back of my mind as I search for Pyukumukus, find them, and throw them back into their world. Finding five and returning them to the safety of the sea is a good feeling. The light breezes caress my hair, the splashes of wetness tickle my skin, and the lightness warms my heart. I should go back and let my Pok¨¦mon out so they can experience the same thing and yet ¨C in this moment, it¡¯s fine the way it is.

    When I report back to the man from before after what feels like four minutes ¨C an hour has probably already passed ¨C he greets me with a broad smile and the thankful statement that no more Pyukumukus have been washed up. And he has nothing more to tell me than that I have earned my reward.

    Twenty thousand Pok¨¦mon Dollars.

    That¡¯s more than I¡¯ve ever held in my hands ¨C I think.

    With hasty thanks, I retreat to Amethio. He has his legs stretched out, hanging on his Rotom Phone, lost in a world I don¡¯t want to deal with in these seconds. He¡¯s too attached to his work, and I can¡¯t help but wave until he looks up at me.

    ¡°Are you going into the water with me?¡±

    He raises his eyebrows, opens his mouth, closes it again without a sound. Then he shakes his head. ¡°We¡¯re not here to be distracted.¡±

    ¡°Just a little water. Letting go a bit can do some good.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m staying here.¡±

    He¡¯s too stuck. Sure, the search for Rayquaza is important, but right now we¡¯re waiting for someone who won¡¯t come any faster just because we¡¯re frozen in one place. So I grab him by the arm, pull him to his feet and rise above his reluctance. He has no choice but to follow me to the water, where I let him go and take a few leaps forward.

    ¡°We can also wait by enjoying this!¡±

    His eyes are glued to me. Then a sigh escapes him. He is so stiff I splash some water on him. The drops settle darkly on his shirt and make him flinch. Irritation clings to his features and simultaneously his shoulders slump as if I¡¯ve told him an exceptionally bad joke. Still, I think I can see the corners of his mouth twitch. Silent, secret amusement that doesn¡¯t overwhelm him and still makes him pull out a Pok¨¦ Ball.

    I should probably take cover. And yet I can¡¯t deny I love his presence in those seconds. It dispels the loneliness, the restlessness inside and also the voices in the back of my head that are still trying to blame me.

 Chapter 23: Knowledge behind fading leads XIV

    Water is still dripping from the ends of my hair as my breath rushes heavily over my lips. Inside the safety of a changing room, I¡¯ve been able to swap the swim suit for underwear and my regular clothes, but that hasn¡¯t changed the exhaustion that¡¯s still making waves inside me.

    Amethio didn¡¯t bat an eyelid as his Corviknight chased me across the beach. The pleasant wet and the little teasing drained me. My companion got away with it in comfort ¨C well protected under the parasol and careful not to get sunburnt.

    By now, the two of us are sitting at a table in the resort¡¯s dining room waiting for our orders. Bread lies in a basket. Drinks have already been served ¨C we have both chosen still water ¨C and the cool air makes breathing easy. My hair in a tangled bun, I gradually calm my breaths until the silence between us becomes more present than my strain.

    As our food finds its way to the table, I dare to start a conversation. ¡°Do you think they¡¯ll be arriving soon?¡±

    Bending over his ordered steak, Amethio lets out a barely perceptible sigh. ¡°Probably. It¡¯s afternoon. According to information, they tend to arrive here for lunch at this time of day.¡±

    ¡°And they just told you that?¡± I raise my eyebrows.

    ¡°The Explorers, like many other organisations, are well known to some people who work in such areas. Information is put out quickly for our kind, in hopes of forging new alliances and making the world a more understandable place.¡±

    In other words, they always have an easy time with information that is not simply presented to normal people. A fact I can only recognise with a casual nod of my head. The smell of my potato gratin is too distracting.

    Once again, we both fall into silence ¨C this time, however, savouring the sight of our lunch and it is only when I put my fork aside after my order has been consumed that my mind seems to detach itself from the dishes and glide around the room.

    We don¡¯t fit into this ambience ¨C none of us do. The tourists here wear either shirts with colourful floral patterns or airy summer dresses in such bright colours that some fabrics resemble a painting by Smeargle. Not necessarily beautiful, but so eye-catching that Amethio and I disappear and yet look like boring blobs in the middle of cheerful splendour.

    Only when a man enters the room, his snow-white clothes ¨C a knee-length coat and old-looking shoes with golden soles disappearing under flared trousers ¨C shining among the colours like a memorial, do we seem like nothing more than an out-of-place afterthought. Accompanied by two men whose clothes are no less radiant, he strolls past the tables as if he owns the hotel. Only at ours he stops.

    ¡°I heard someone asked for me and I see they¡¯ve sent children. Are the Explorers short of staff?¡±

    Without blinking, Amethio wipes his mouth with one of the countless napkins before standing up. The twitching corners of the stranger¡¯s mouth convey impatience.

    ¡°I¡¯m an admin and I¡¯m here as part of an investigation into the Aether Paradise.¡± He extends his hand to the stranger. ¡°Amethio.¡±

    Under the absurdly large green glasses covering half of his face, our target¡¯s eyes narrow as a grin creeps onto his features. Only then does he return Amethio¡¯s gesture. ¡°Faba. Aether Branch Chief and brightest mind of the Aether Foundation. At least you seem to have manners and be good for something if they make someone as young as you an admin. How old are you? Sixteen?¡±

    ¡°Nineteen,¡± Amethio replies, and I can only marvel at the way he doesn¡¯t bat an eyelid. The calmness he radiates in these seconds is exactly the same as when he questioned me and I can¡¯t deny that it¡¯s only now that I realise I know him a little better than before.

    ¡°Interesting. I¡¯ve heard a lot about the Explorers. You¡¯ve been in the business a long time, haven¡¯t you? Always looking to uncover secrets and track down the rarest Pok¨¦mon in the world.¡±

    Their hands separate and although neither of them shows it, the tension is palpable ¨C at least judging by the goose bumps on my arms. So I stand up too, but try not to attract attention. The thought that this strangely distorted look behind these glasses might notice me sends shivers down my spine.

    A noticeable sigh draws all attention back to Faba, who is adjusting the grass-green, wide sleeves of his gloves with pointed fingers. ¡°Actually, I wanted to treat myself to lunch here, but isn¡¯t it much more exciting to get down to business? I suppose you¡¯d like to take a look inside to understand what exactly we do, wouldn¡¯t you?¡± He raises his hand. ¡°Of course you would.¡±

    His gaze swings briefly in my direction. ¡°I take it you¡¯re one of them?¡±

    Before I can open my mouth, Amethio answers for me. ¡°She¡¯s one of my subordinates. Domino.¡±

    A curt bow on my part as a greeting, followed by a ¡°Nice to meet you, Sir Aether Branch Chief¡±, is all I can manage. But it¡¯s enough to elicit a delighted nod from my counterpart.

    ¡°The Explorers¡¯ minions seem to know how to talk to their superiors. Some of the ... employees in my area always seem to forget my title. How is anyone supposed to know how important I am to the Aether Foundation if they don¡¯t use my title? After all, I don¡¯t have it for nothing.¡± He snorts. ¡°Well then, let¡¯s make our way back. Today we¡¯re eating at the Aether Paradise.¡±

    Without further ado, Faba turns round and takes the lead, so Amethio and I can only follow. His hasty steps guide us purposefully out of the resort, along the centre path, up to a few steps ending in a jetty made of luxurious marble. The small yacht Faba takes us to seems big enough to house five people comfortably. We fit in perfectly here.

    Jumping onto the motorboat makes my heart beat faster and as we are led inside, rustic but with cushioned seating and a table full of snacks, the circumstances seem almost too good to be true. And they probably are, because Faba¡¯s upturned chin, the hunched posture and smug grin make him less than trustworthy. Still, I settle down on a bench next to Amethio.

    ¡°The journey will take about an hour,¡± Faba tells us the next moment, before taking a few small, well-formed blocks of rice reminiscent of sushi, but with some kind of grilled meat instead of fish. ¡°Help yourselves. Spam Musubi are and remain extremely popular in this region.¡±

    Neither Amethio nor I move. Instead, we watch as Faba sits down on the opposite bench and crosses his long legs gallantly. ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll enjoy the Aether Paradise. It¡¯s an artificial private island built just for Pok¨¦mon ¨C in the middle of Alola¡¯s seas, to prevent eager trainers from getting their fingers burnt by our security system ... like those dolts from Team Skull, who probably can¡¯t even tie their own shoes.¡±

    ¡°Team Skull tried to break into your building?¡±

    ¡°Not at all, silly,¡± Faba simply waves my question away. ¡°They don¡¯t even have the capacity to venture that far out onto the water. But if we were on land, they would certainly be confident enough to challenge us. The fact a few ... less talented members of the Aether Foundation complete their work to a rather mediocre standard aside, they¡¯re quite good in Pok¨¦mon battles. Team Skull would never be a match for us. And even if they made it to me, one foundation of this facility, they wouldn¡¯t stand a chance of getting past.¡±

    His words are dripping with arrogance and yet I can¡¯t help but soak up his every word. Just how little he thinks of his staff is clear from how busy they both are steering the yacht instead of one of them popping in and joining us. Perhaps I should join them, because I¡¯m nothing more than ¡°staff¡± myself.

    ¡°Anyway, the Aether Paradise serves as a refuge for every imaginable Pok¨¦mon. It¡¯s a kind of safe haven for all those that are in danger of extinction, are being hunted or have been terrified by humans,¡± Faba finally finishes.

    These are exactly the same words you hear in the daily news ¨C whether on the radio or on television. It¡¯s a hot topic in this region, and although I never paid attention to it before, because news is for those who don¡¯t venture outside the door themselves, I seem to remember my father often watching the reports. He always wanted to be up to date, wanted to know what was happening in the world and what we had to watch out for in this region when we stepped outside the door ¨C when I stepped outside the door.

    He probably did the same in all the other regions we lived in. Who knows how many there were, but I¡¯m sure he never took his eyes off the TV on some days. Generally speaking, televisions have always been the only thing in our house with reasonably up-to-date technology. Unlike the things I have now, like the Rotom Phone. Who knows what technical wonders are yet to come? An artificial island is almost unbelievable, but I don¡¯t know enough about it to categorise it.

    While Faba is busy munching on the snacks, I allow myself to take a deep breath. The hours on the beach were so enjoyable that I am now overcome with fatigue at the sight of the peace of this yacht. And as we¡¯ll be trapped in this boat for an hour, there¡¯s no reason not to close my eyes for a few seconds; just until exhaustion lets go.

    I slowly lower my eyelids and lean back. The cushion of the bench rests securely against my body and as I cross my arms in front of my chest, I¡¯m sure I make an almost thoughtful, rather than sleepy, expression. So Faba won¡¯t think of me as useless personnel at Amethio¡¯s side ¨C after all, you don¡¯t rest half asleep in cases like this. My disguise is perfect.

    <hr>

    ¡· W H I S P E R S ¡¶

    <hr>

    At least I thought it was perfect. However, when someone finally grabs me by the shoulder and I startle awake, I realise while still in a doze that I¡¯ve not only fallen asleep but also slipped off. Amethio is still sitting next to me and it seems his shoulder has served as my pillow.

    I don¡¯t want to know how much I¡¯ve ruined his image in Faba¡¯s eyes.

    In a flash, I stand upright and wipe the sleep from my face. ¡°Sorry. That was ... not really my plan.¡±

    ¡°Faba went ahead.¡± Instead of responding to my concerns, Amethio rises from his seat and heads for the exit. He doesn¡¯t care at all about my slip-up and part of me doesn¡¯t know whether he¡¯s going to punish me with indifference or whether we¡¯ll pretend it never happened.

    I follow him with hurried steps, out of the yacht and into a white underground area where boats can easily dock. Meanwhile, the walls appear a clinical white. Everything is so clean it¡¯s hard to believe you¡¯ll find anyone in this place at all.

    This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

    ¡°I welcome you to the fortress that is Aether Paradise.¡± Faba spreads his arms as if he owns all of this. He doesn¡¯t turn round to face us once.

    His face only becomes part of the overall picture again as we hurry over a slightly separated section of the floor. The waist-high control panel suggests a kind of lift, but for my taste, the protective walls are missing. Faba enters something into the console and pulls a card through a slot in the panel. The next moment, bars rise ¨C enough to prevent us from accidentally tipping over ¨C enclosing us in the shape of a triangle and offering us a sense of security as we are lifted.

    Our floor slab rises slowly but steadily, through a matching hole in the ceiling, into an area that seems almost welcoming. Counters stretch out on either side of the room. The fruity aroma of Pok¨¦mon food hangs in the air and the previously stifling atmosphere is replaced by bustling activity.

    ¡°You can leave your Pok¨¦mon here if you want them to recover a little. Or you can get them some food. Just tell the staff I sent you if you want anything.¡± Faba raises his chin again as if he¡¯s looking down at us. It¡¯s frightening that his pompous attitude just won¡¯t burst, even in the middle of this facility.

    His offer in mind, we follow him to a counter. As he taps his knuckles on the top wooden board, the woman behind it jolts up so quickly from her crouched position over a box that she hits her shoulder noisily on the edge.

    ¡°B-Branch Chief ... how can I ... help you?¡± Her body trembles. Every fibre seems to resist reaching for her aching shoulder, and I don¡¯t even want to think about what will happen if she fails.

    ¡°Have you seen Wicke? She could show our guests around a bit.¡± Faba turns to us with a smile. ¡°As much as I¡¯d love to do it, important men have important things to do.¡±

    Going on this tour with someone else is probably the greatest blessing we can receive, and before she even knows how to reply, a mauve-coloured mop appears next to us. Her hair is so strikingly dark that Faba¡¯s light blonde strands, in the shape of a shallot, are barely noticeable. Every movement she makes causes the volume on her head to bob, as if Nebby has taken up residence there.

    ¡°How can I help?¡± The friendly tone of her voice is a pleasant change from Faba¡¯s arrogantly sharp tongue. In addition, her pink jumper brings a soft colour into play, not trying to impose on anyone.

    ¡°Show these two round,¡± Faba replies. ¡°They¡¯re an admin from the Explorers and his assistant. They¡¯re interested in the Aether Paradise and, as we all know, you can never gain enough allies with projects like ours.¡±

    ¡°I see. Sure, I¡¯ll take care of it!¡±

    She gives Faba a slight bow before he simply walks away. He doesn¡¯t even leave a word of farewell behind, and only the certainty behind it makes me exhale louder than necessary.

    ¡°Don¡¯t hold it against him, he ... is a brilliant man.¡± She adjusts her glasses briefly with her fingertips. ¡°Now, how about I show you the place where we keep the Pok¨¦mon?¡±

    Amethio merely nods before giving me a quick glance. It¡¯s impossible to guess what he wants from me, but ultimately we¡¯re here to find out about the Ultra Wormholes. That also means we both have to keep our eyes open.

    Meanwhile, Wicke takes us to a room almost like an entire park. Green spaces and trees stretch out in fenced-off areas to our sides. Small bridges lead over enclosures. Water gurgles and if I wouldn¡¯t know better, I would probably forget there is a ceiling and we¡¯re not out in the open.

    ¡°This is the sanctuary, the place where all Pok¨¦mon are safe. We put all the ones that get along together and make sure we save the ones that are dying out. Of course, even ordinary Pok¨¦mon find a home in this place.¡±

    Her explanation brushes me half in the background. My eyes wander over the Pok¨¦mon, my ears listen to the cheerful sounds escaping them, and Faba is forgotten in the next moment. I systematically dig out my Rotom ¨C buried under the well-sealed bag with Lillie¡¯s swim suit inside ¨C and collect the entries for four Pok¨¦mon. These include a Staryu ¨C whose core can communicate with the stars in the sky at night ¨C and a Corsola ¨C which has a tough time with its predators in Alola.

    What there is to learn here seems endless, and Tapu Lele¡¯s words hardly seem credible. It¡¯s hard to imagine an organisation like this catching a Pok¨¦mon against its will and making the Ultra Wormholes worse. Yet there¡¯s still the warning it left me with. Not everyone is nice.

    ¡°Ah, how convenient!¡± Wicke¡¯s suddenly joyful exclamation snaps me out of my thoughts. ¡°The president is here too! I think it would be wise for you to talk to her. If the Explorers are really interested in the Aether Foundation, then she can explain everything important to you.¡±

    With a wave, Wicke signals we should go to her. There is no objection, no refusal and before we know it, we are standing opposite a woman whose radiantly beautiful smile could hardly fit better into this ambience. With one hand on her hip, she examines us with deep green eyes containing the same attentiveness as Lillie¡¯s.

    ¡°Who are you bringing to me?¡±

    ¡°Visitors from the Explorers, President. An admin.¡±

    ¡°Ah, the Explorers!¡± She claps her hands briefly. ¡°I¡¯m delighted to welcome you here ¨C albeit unexpectedly. I heard you were in Alola, but coming here... You¡¯re an organisation working with the Devon Corporation, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°We help them occasionally,¡± Amethio replies curtly, ¡°but we stand on our own feet.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± she nods eagerly. ¡°Means the Explorers aren¡¯t just hungry for knowledge, but also skilful at trading their wares. It¡¯s nice to see that some people use their passion to build something big in which others also have a place. Like the Devon Corporation in Hoenn, or the adventurer association in Sinnoh, which has already created wonderful groups.¡± Her eyes close as she shakes her head and waves her waist-length, light blonde hair from side to side. ¡°I think I can count myself among them.¡±

    As she turns away from us to watch the Pok¨¦mon in their enclosures, her face loses life. It seems as if she is living in a dream for a breath.

    ¡°Seeing how many Pok¨¦mon die in a year because of battles ... how some of them are used and thrown away without anyone saying anything, because it¡¯s so terribly normal to consider a creature that can¡¯t communicate with us as less valuable ... I wanted to make a change. In my eyes, Pok¨¦mon should be treated with respect and gratitude for their sacrifices. They all deserve so much more love. And if they can¡¯t get it out there ... then I¡¯ll give it to them.¡± She turns to us again, and the smile is back on her lips. ¡°That was always my dream, and that¡¯s how the Aether Paradise came about.¡±

    She makes it seem like you just have to reach for your dreams and maybe that¡¯s actually the case. I might try it too, provided I can find some courage to jump over my shadow.

    ¡°Sorry, I haven¡¯t even introduced myself yet. My name is Lusamine.¡± The white dress with the sun-yellow, almost see-through fabric over it shines softly as she positions herself better under the artificial light. Her high gold heels click. ¡°Would you like to look around a b-?¡±

    She doesn¡¯t get any further before she stumbles to the side. I feel the same weakness in my legs as I bump into Amethio, who instantly grabs onto the upper edge of the dividers. Unease runs through the Pok¨¦mon, triggering startled exclamations and screams amongst the tremors as we all try to find our balance.

    It only takes a few breaths, during which the floor beneath us seems to shatter, before the shaking stops just as abruptly as it started ¨C as if someone had set off two hundred Voltorbs nearby. Still, my breath catches as voices echo wildly in my head and I glance at Amethio, but can only see past him ¨C straight to a tear in the centre of the room.

    ¡°Oh God...¡± is all that rolls over my lips, and it¡¯s probably all that makes the others look in the same direction.

    I can¡¯t make out any reactions out of the corner of my eye. My entire perception hangs on the crack that opens wider with every blink. This time, Nebby isn¡¯t here to help us and the crack is taking shape. It changes, flickers, disappears and reappears. A headache threatens to split my skull in two. My teeth grind somewhere in between. For seconds, until silence falls with a single breath. The voices remain distant. The crack doesn¡¯t reappear.

    And in the next moment, another image flickers ¨C unusual, accompanied by a single voice whose whispering sends goose bumps over my body. It is an unintelligible sound, as if someone is breathing into my ear, wordlessly. It takes a moment before I think I can make out a thing.

    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Simultaneously, Amethio takes a step back. His eyes widen, watching the strange creature warily.

    ¡°Where?¡± Tentacles, falling like a white cloak, twitch. ¡°Why?¡±

    Its head is almost reminiscent of a well-formed Tentacool, adorned with six-legged stars. I can¡¯t make out any eyes, nor can I think of a decent name for this creature. It¡¯s hardly comparable to the few Pok¨¦mon whose existence I¡¯ve remembered alongside all the gaps. My knowledge in this area is so muddled, I can¡¯t even tell if it might be related to a Pok¨¦mon from our dimension.

    ¡°Where?!¡± The Pok¨¦mon¡¯s nervousness increases and the more it swings its tentacles around, the harder my heart pounds.

    So I step forward. In these seconds, the most important thing is to bring calm to the situation and even if I can¡¯t get much together, I can talk well. So I raise my hands and take two steps towards the strange apparition.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to be afraid,¡± I begin. ¡°You landed here through a ... portal. Together, I¡¯m sure we can find a way to bring you back.¡±

    A gasp runs through my head. ¡°It¡¯s talking.¡±

    ¡°Can you hear me?¡±

    ¡°Sounds, nothing but sounds.¡±

    ¡°What are you?¡±

    ¡°What does it want?¡± It whips. ¡°What do you want from me?¡±

    Its voice gets louder and the certainty it can¡¯t understand a word I say forces me three more steps closer. If I can¡¯t communicate with it in the conventional way, then I need to show it we¡¯re harmless. Maybe it¡¯s open to some kind of temporary friendship, so it doesn¡¯t panic the other Pok¨¦mon here any further.

    The sweat on my forehead prickles. Amethio¡¯s hiss completely passes me by. The only thing I can cling to in these seconds is my relatively even breathing.

    Then I hold out my hand to the Pok¨¦mon. It¡¯s a simple gesture, an invitation, but it doesn¡¯t come across as such.

    ¡°Does it want to touch me? Why?¡± It backs away. ¡°What do you want from me? Whatwhatwhatwhatwhat?¡± Its questions tumble over each other.

    I stop for a moment, trying to show I won¡¯t risk making a move if it doesn¡¯t agree.

    ¡°Expectations. It expects something.¡± Long-drawn snorts rush through my skull. ¡°I will not submit!¡±

    Before I can pull my head back in confusion, it retracts its shortest tentacles under its head. In the next breath, it spews purple liquid in my direction.

    Something immediately pulls me off my feet. Hips first, I crash to the ground, heat behind me, but my eyes remain glued to the attack, which eats through the ground like acid. In the next blink, I recognise Amethio¡¯s voice behind me.

    ¡°Ceruledge, psycho cut!¡±

    In a flash, his Pok¨¦mon darts forward, its armour shimmering darkly under the fiery light of this suddenly terribly stuffy room. Half in a trance, I pull myself back to my feet ¨C Amethio is already standing again ¨C and reach for a Pok¨¦ Ball. The next moment I let Pikipek out. If I can¡¯t do anything, I only have my partners left. Maybe I can give Amethio some support.

    Ceruledge¡¯s psycho cut misses as the unknown Pok¨¦mon dodges and sprays the same liquid in its direction as in mine. No challenge for Amethio¡¯s companion, however. It fends off the attack with a single slash of a blade.

    ¡°Coro, distract it!¡± My command follows immediately. Opening a window of attack for Ceruledge is all I can offer. It could probably do all this without me, but we have to avoid damage. The longer the battle lasts, the greater the risks. ¡°Echoed voice!¡±

    Pikipek immediately pumps air into his chest, before throwing a sonic wave at the unknown creature in a loud scream, gaining all attention for himself. It begins another venomous surge, but is thrown off balance by a second wave of echoed voice. The squeaking sound it makes is impossible to translate. All I can hear in my head is static.

    ¡°One more time, psycho cut!¡± Luckily for me, Amethio quickly realises my plan is based solely on supporting him, and he takes the opportunity as the strange Pok¨¦mon backs away from Pikipek ¨C straight into Ceruledge¡¯s attack.

    Its blades seem to come loose, smashing dark energy through our opponent¡¯s body, and just as I think the creature is going down, it begins to flicker again. Its next attack fails to materialise. It disappears in exactly the same way as the dimensional rift, and when we¡¯re sure there won¡¯t be another flicker, a general sigh of relief escapes.

    Calling our Pok¨¦mon back, I exchange a quick glance with Amethio before we turn our attention to Lusamine. Her eyes are still glued to the spot where the Pok¨¦mon appeared. Her hands clasped in front of the shiny, black and blue stone of her dress, she holds her breath. Then, suddenly, it escapes her.

    ¡°It was beautiful.¡±

    ¡°Beautiful?¡± It¡¯s Amethio¡¯s disbelief that makes me shake my head in his place. Nothing about this creature was beautiful. The danger was just too great.

    ¡°It probably couldn¡¯t manifest properly.¡± Lusamine doesn¡¯t respond to us, however. ¡°This poor Pok¨¦mon was certainly confused. That¡¯s exactly what I was talking about before.¡± She immediately looks at us both. ¡°Even Pok¨¦mon like this, which has strayed from a distant world to ours, deserves to be loved. For creatures like this, I take on the role of a mother and show them they¡¯re worthy of my love.¡±

    ¡°But they need to be ... tamed. They seem quite dangerous.¡± I can barely push the thought from my shoulders. Worry that completely bypasses Lusamine. The longer I look at her, the more insistent her presence becomes.

    ¡°That doesn¡¯t matter. There are no hurdles that can¡¯t be overcome,¡± she replies slowly. ¡°A Pok¨¦mon from a ... what do they call it at the institute? Ultra Wormhole?¡± She nods to herself, as if trying to think of new terms. ¡°This Ultra Beast deserves a place to retreat. It doesn¡¯t have to be tame for that.¡±

 Chapter 24: Break through at Team Skull I

    Ultra Wormholes. Ultra Beasts. Beings we can¡¯t measure and yet they crawl into this world and unleash new dangers we can¡¯t predict. I don¡¯t know how to summarise things, but it¡¯s hard to argue the worries behind everything that¡¯s happening aren¡¯t slowly floating to the surface after all. It¡¯s probably one of those events I can¡¯t just push away like unwelcome Pok¨¦mon food.

    Half in thought, I tighten my grip on Amethio¡¯s waist.

    Then there¡¯s this problem with my head. Ever since the strange apparition, I can¡¯t get the noise out of my ears ¨C that one voice I¡¯ve had an image of before.

    Without further ado, I close my eyes and swallow the emerging thought.

    After Lusamine introduced us to the Aether Foundation with all its goals and wishes, we travelled back to the Hano Grand Resort with Wicke ¨C on the same yacht we had arrived in. Amethio left behind the Explorers¡¯ contact details, which will probably never be used, and then we flew off with Corviknight ¨C luckily the sun was no longer high in the sky. Everything we¡¯ve been able to find out has raised even more questions.

    Why has a dimensional rift opened up in the middle of the Aether Paradise? Why did no one but us try to protect the Pok¨¦mon? And how can Lusamine be so sure that the next Pok¨¦mon from another dimension won¡¯t just make her disappear? The corrosive liquid I¡¯ve almost made acquaintance with is certainly good for getting people out of sight.

    The sigh on my lips probably weighs more than Corviknight does. Now I¡¯m treading water with Amethio and the circumstances just aren¡¯t getting rosier.

    The colourful roofs of Konikoni can already be made out in the distance and the hope that soon I can consider the day over is growing. The evening bathes the edges of the horizon in deep purple. Not much longer and Alola will be plunged into darkness, giving us no new clues.

    ¡°Do you think we¡¯ll get a chance to find out more?¡± Finally, I turn my thoughts to Amethio. ¡°There¡¯s a lot we could do, but I don¡¯t think any of it will help us with Rayquaza.¡±

    ¡°Because it¡¯s connected to the Ultra Wormholes?¡±

    Mouth twisted, I rest my chin on his shoulder for a moment before realising that we¡¯re far from being friends and my behaviour probably doesn¡¯t belong. ¡°That too.¡±

    A brief silence spreads between us and slowly I get used to the thoughtless quietness we¡¯re producing.

    ¡°It could be Rayquaza comes from another world and once we¡¯ve solved this riddle, we might be one step ahead of it. Catching it doesn¡¯t mean we¡¯ll find out where it¡¯s going, where it came from, or why it¡¯s so damn angry,¡± I add slowly. ¡°Of course, I could ask it, but as soon as you let it out of a Pok¨¦ Ball, it¡¯ll probably lash out. And locking it up would certainly only make things worse.¡± Another sigh escapes my lips. ¡°Then again, maybe Rayquaza doesn¡¯t come from another world, but just wants to get away, which makes our digging around in relation to the Ultra Wormholes kind of pointless, since it¡¯s supposed to be caught before it disappears.¡±

    ¡°But if it gets away, we could find a way to follow it,¡± Amethio disagrees. ¡°We don¡¯t know enough to let leads like that slip through our fingers.¡±

    ¡°And if we catch Rayquaza ... then what?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s for Master Gibeon to decide.¡±

    Gibeon, the boss of the Explorers. It¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve heard his name and yet I realise open communication isn¡¯t the top priority here. Amethio probably only knows a certain amount. He¡¯s supposed to secure a Pok¨¦mon so it won¡¯t cause any damage that it would otherwise ¨C for sure. Still, keeping a Pok¨¦mon locked up isn¡¯t a solution either, especially as Rayquaza isn¡¯t small enough to be stowed in a handbag. No matter how you look at it, there are too many unexplained details I can¡¯t assess. Maybe that¡¯s exactly what we need at this moment: A goal with no questions asked.

    It¡¯s smarter to go step by step instead of losing sight of a plan and not knowing what to do next. Still, I don¡¯t know what to cling to.

    ¡°What do you think is going on with the Pok¨¦mon that was stolen?¡± I ask. ¡°After all, Tapu Lele said the Aether Foundation took it against its will. Since then, the dimensional rifts have been increasing. What if it¡¯s this Pok¨¦mon that¡¯s causing these cracks?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s hard to theorise here.¡±

    I could tell him about Nebby; about how it closed one of those rifts somehow. It¡¯s one of those tiny details I left out because it was hardly important at the time of my report. Nebby belongs to Lillie. Telling something she might not agree with seems wrong.

    Pressing my lips together, I watch the rooftops approach. The flying ship is almost within reach and I don¡¯t have time to weigh up which way is right before we land.

    As I slide off Corviknight, my legs almost give way. It feels like I¡¯ve been made of pudding. Compared to Amethio, it¡¯s easy to see I¡¯m new to adventures. Flying, walking for kilometres, sending Pok¨¦mon out to battle ¨C there are too many things that are becoming part of my life all at once, and getting used to all these things in just over a week is almost impossible.

    Still, my legs drag me into the airship, straight into the lounge, where Lillie is sitting on a sofa nibbling on a biscuit. Nebby is resting on her lap, bobbing happily back and forth, and when I drop next to her, she gives me a beaming smile.

    ¡°Were you at the beach?¡± is her first question, and it makes the corners of my mouth twitch. In her presence, it seems almost too easy to push everything else into the background.

    ¡°For a while, yes. I was allowed to help throw Pyukumukus back into the sea. After that, I wanted to enjoy the sea with Amethio, but he decided to throw Corviknight at me...¡±

    ¡°It attacked you?¡± Lillie¡¯s eyes go round.

    ¡°It created waves I could have surfed on...¡± I reply. ¡°But nothing dangerous. We were just playing so Amethio could crawl back into the shadows.¡±

    ¡°That sounds great!¡± She grabs another biscuit. ¡°Conia and I baked after nothing else happened.¡± Without further ado, she grabs the bowl of baked goods and holds it under my nose. ¡°The Pok¨¦mon can eat them too!¡±

    It¡¯s an invitation I can¡¯t refuse, so I let my partners out and give them some space. Ying immediately settles down next to me on the sofa, while Growlithe jumps around the room a few times before she notices the biscuits. Coro, meanwhile, stretches his legs and settles down on the backrest. They all get two or three biscuits before I allow myself one and savour the hazelnut taste on my tongue.

    ¡°Did you find out anything?¡± Eventually, Lillie takes up the subject again.

    ¡°We were able to meet with a certain Faba who brought us to the Aether Paradise. The head of the whole thing, Lusamine ... she has big plans.¡±

    ¡°Does she?¡± Lillie¡¯s gaze drops.

    ¡°At least that¡¯s what she says. Even when a dimensional rift opened up and a Pok¨¦mon came out, she-¡°

    ¡°A rift opened?¡± Immediately, her interest is glued to me again, and I can¡¯t help but nod helplessly. ¡°Amethio could drive the Pok¨¦mon away.¡±

    ¡°And nobody got hurt?¡±

    ¡°Everyone got away without a scratch. It was basically ... no big deal. The battle was over in a few moments and the creature disappeared without a trace.¡±

    ¡°I see...¡± Lillie clenches her hands into fists on her lap and takes a deep breath. Nebby looks up at her briefly, but finds much more pleasure in continuing to bob.

    Suddenly, our conversation seems stuck, and I can understand why. We also faced a rift once and only escaped without a fight, thanks to her companion. The things happening are problematic. Pok¨¦mon can hurt people who are just going about their business. On top, we know nothing about Nebby. The guardian deities of the islands may have little good advice, and if all this continues, Nebby won¡¯t end up being the only Pok¨¦mon likely to be held captive in this world.

    ¡°There are still places we can search,¡± I begin. ¡°There are other guardians I can question. Tapu Lele is just one of them. It¡¯s too early to hang your head now.¡±

    For a breath, Lillie looks at me out of her big green eyes and seems to steal some of my determination for herself. Then she nods eagerly and gives me a smile. ¡°You¡¯re right! Our journey has only just begun!¡±

    ¡°Here you are!¡± In the end, it¡¯s Conia who appears behind us and gives the situation new momentum. ¡°Our next destination is set.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re exploring the islands further?¡± Lillie¡¯s curiosity grows as Conia puts her hands on her hips.

    ¡°You could say that.¡± She purses her lips. ¡°We will look for clues on Ula¡¯Ula in relation to Rayquaza and visit a small laboratory that also deals with the Ultra Wormholes hoping to get any reports and information. If we come across an Ultra Beast, it would be wise to capture it ¨C but this part is secondary. It could help us if we hand such a creature over to some professors for research in order to find out more.¡±

    Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

    Only the thought has a certain appeal. It¡¯s probably not possible to say exactly what world they come from, but we could find out what sort of world they live in. What does it look like there? What distinguishes the Ultra Beasts from the Pok¨¦mon of this world?

    ¡°We¡¯ll be flying all night. Most likely, we won¡¯t arrive until tomorrow evening. Until then, we should feed the Pok¨¦mon and get some rest.¡±

    Instead of answering, both Lillie and I let out a sound of agreement, so Conia turns on her heel and leaves us alone. We finally have some time to catch our breath and part of me hopes the pace of this journey will slow down once the Explorers have what they need.

    That also means making preparations. I should see if I can divert some of this ship¡¯s resources. On top, I still haven¡¯t thanked Amethio for the Lava Cookies and overall it would be wise to pick up some books and study so I can complete my first Professor exam at some point. There¡¯s an entire mountain of things I need to get done. And I need to make the most of every minute.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go to my room then. Study. Organise my life. That sort of thing.¡±

    ¡°Would you like to take the biscuits?¡± It may be a question, but it¡¯s an invitation that doesn¡¯t allow for refusal. Lillie even hands me the bowl again and I have no choice but to take it.

    Only then do I signal my team to leave and they all follow me in wild unison, each careful not to get in the other¡¯s way.

    <hr>

    ¡· W H I S P E R S ¨C The Pok¨¦mon keep it to themselves¡¶

    <hr>

    ¡°Domino...¡± Pale skin, pale lips. I think it¡¯s raining. ¡°Please, Domino...¡±

    A knock on my door sends an electric shock through my body. The image breaks away from my previously attentive thoughts and when I open my eyes and see the saliva on the paper in front of me, I realise I must have fallen asleep. In a flash, I rub the slumber from my eyes before jumping up and rushing to the door. Lillie isn¡¯t here.

    When I open the metal, it¡¯s Conia who looks at me and blinks several times.

    ¡°You have ink on your cheek.¡± She points to her own, as if I¡¯m too sleepy to understand the simplest things. ¡°Are you coming for breakfast?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be there in five minutes...¡±

    She acknowledges my statement with a nod before I close the door and make sure I look less exhausted in the bathroom.

    We arrived at Ula¡¯Ula last night, but remained inside the ship. This has given me more time to study, and even though I think I¡¯m starting to understand more about Pok¨¦mon, it still feels quite shaky. At least I now know all the names of the Pok¨¦mon that have been spotted in Alola. That¡¯s more than I could ever have claimed at the beginning.

    ¡°Domino...¡±

    Determined, I clap the flat of my hands over my face and shake off the voice in my head before striding back into the room and look at my team. They¡¯re all scattered around and although they get along, I can¡¯t shake the feeling we¡¯re not yet a unified team. I suppose that¡¯s something that comes with time.

    So I call them back into their Pok¨¦ Balls and make my way to the common room. The corridor already smells of fried bacon ¨C the hint of herbs makes me think of Lechonk ¨C and when I arrive, the table is filled with sandwiches, hot bacon, boiled eggs and pickles.

    Lillie waves happily to me before a hearty ¡°Good morning¡± escapes her, and when Conia puts down a pot of tea, Zir also seems to float through the entrance, lured by the aroma. His eyes look as thin as lines and his morning greeting resembles the mumbling of a Shellder.

    Settled on the cushions, no one asks to start breakfast.

    ¡°Is Amethio joining us?¡± Cheeks full of ham rolls, I turn to Conia.

    ¡°He should be here any minute.¡±

    ¡°Is he struggling to get up?¡± Lillie tilts her head too.

    But Conia waves it off. ¡°The master wanted a report from him. He¡¯s been on his feet for a few hours to prepare everything and get new orders ¨C if anything has changed after the events of the last few days.¡±

    It almost slipped my mind, but Amethio isn¡¯t at the head of the Explorers. He only leads this team. There¡¯s someone else above him and I¡¯ll probably meet that someone one day ¨C assuming I¡¯m accepted here.

    Fortunately, my thoughts don¡¯t get a chance to drift off when I hear my name called behind me and I glance over my shoulder. Amethio is standing in the frame, his eyes fixed on me.

    ¡°Master Gibeon wants to speak to you.¡±

    ¡°Now?¡±

    ¡°Right away.¡±

    I hastily shove the rest of the roll into my mouth until I look like a Raticate and heave myself to my feet to stumble over to Amethio. He, meanwhile, turns around on the threshold and walks ahead.

    Getting my breakfast down before we arrive at our destination is a battle against time, and I barely manage to choke down the remains before he pauses outside a door. We are somewhere near the storeroom. The rest of me has lost orientation somehow.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to go in here and-¡°

    ¡°Alone?¡± My mouth twists.

    ¡°Alone. The master wants to have a few words with you. He never has much time, so keep it short ... if possible.¡± His gaze wanders away from me. ¡°And don¡¯t touch a thing in there.¡±

    ¡°Okay...¡± I draw the word out far too long. Everything he throws at me is so vague I hardly know what to do.

    In the end, all I can do is close my eyes and go ahead, as Amethio opens the door for me and lets me in.

    While he closes it behind me, my gaze lingers on the hologram in the middle of the room. It¡¯s large, incomplete and only shows me an uneven column behind which an unsteady smile seems to flicker.

    ¡°H-Hello?¡± I don¡¯t know if he can hear me, but it¡¯s worth a try.

    And sure enough, someone responds to my question ¨C with an unexpected deep voice. ¡°You must be Domino. The girl with the voices in her head.¡±

    Saliva hangs dry in my throat. ¡°I am. Domino Simpell... Seventeen... I¡¯m from-¡°

    A thunderous clearing of the throat interrupts me, silencing me instantly. ¡°I¡¯ve already gathered all the important information about you. No further introduction needed. Instead, I¡¯d like to welcome you as part of the Explorers.¡±

    My shoulders tense. It¡¯s exactly what I wanted, and yet it feels almost too easy.

    ¡°Amethio has been watching you and told me the voices in your head are real. I also learnt from other sources your abilities are no lie,¡± Gibeon continues. ¡°I¡¯m pleased to have a talent like you as part of our organisation.¡±

    I want to ask him who else knows I can hear some Pok¨¦mon, but Amethio has warned me and these seconds don¡¯t make me feel like I have anything to say. My question probably wouldn¡¯t even get through to him.

    ¡°As part of the Explorers, you get access to our resources. Pok¨¦ Balls, food, potions, you name it,¡± he explains to me a blink of an eye later. ¡°Your accommodation and food will be taken care of too. In return, your task is to assist the Explorers and help them as much as you can. You¡¯ll sacrifice yourself for our goals.¡±

    ¡°Under Amethio?¡± The question escapes me faster than I realise, but I have to ask it. The thought of being thrown into another group out of nowhere turns my stomach. I¡¯m only just getting used to this.

    ¡°Under Amethio, if that¡¯s what you want. You can go your own way as well. A girl with your skills shouldn¡¯t be forced to work with someone when she might do better on her own.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m quite happy here,¡± I reply.

    ¡°Then stay there, as professor of the team.¡±

    I want to protest, to explain that I¡¯m only just making my first attempts at running in this field, but I don¡¯t get a chance. Gibeon¡¯s interest is no longer with me. All he has left for me are brief instructions.

    ¡°When you arrive at headquarters, there will be a uniform ready for you to use as you please. Amethio will provide you with other necessary items. Let him know your account details, so you¡¯ll be included in future distributions.¡± He sighs. ¡°If you have any concerns, contact Hamber.¡±

    And with that, the hologram switches off automatically, as if I have no right to understand even the slightest of what is being said. I don¡¯t know who Hamber is, nor has he said anything about Lillie.

    With a loud groan, I inspect the room to distract myself. Not much has been put up. There¡¯s just a two-metre disc on the floor that has created the hologram. Apart from this, there¡¯s just a desk full of buttons and levers I can¡¯t do anything with, followed by seven flat screens that could watch an entire castle.

    There¡¯s nothing for me in this room, no answers and no new hopes. So I sneak back into the corridor, where Amethio is waiting with his arms crossed. When he sees me, the question already seems to be in his eyes, so I just shrug my shoulders.

    ¡°I ... have been accepted as a member of the Explorers ... but you probably already know that. And I¡¯m staying here...¡±

    His posture loosens. ¡°Questions?¡±

    ¡°What about Lillie?¡± Hamber only matters when I want something. Asking about him now has no added value. Lillie is the only relevant mystery I want to solve in these breaths.

    ¡°She¡¯s not suitable to be part of the Explorers.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°Master Gibeon hasn¡¯t given details.¡± Half in thought, he puts a hand to his chin. ¡°He just said her background check turned out to be inappropriate.¡±

    So it¡¯s something I can only find out if I ask Lillie directly. On top, someone has to deliver the bad news to her.

    Amethio seems to notice my train of thought. ¡°She already knows.¡±

    My brows lift. She looked far too cheerful for his statement to be true.

    ¡°She merely asked to travel with us. Everything she needs, she¡¯ll get herself.¡±

    ¡°And your ... our? ... The boss authorised this?¡±

    ¡°Whether she flies with us or not is my decision.¡± He closes his eyes briefly before piercing me with his gaze again. ¡°I see no reason to send her away.¡±

    He¡¯s friendlier than I expected. Still, it¡¯s crushing to know that she¡¯s not allowed to be part of this organisation. Then again, it¡¯s probably for the best. She is still far too young to be travelling the world alone. At fourteen, you should be gently pushed onto the right path by your parents.

    ¡°Domino, please... stay with me...¡±

    I press my lips together. Everything in me tries to cling to Lillie instead of drifting off into images that mean nothing to me. The thought also brings the certainty that I know absolutely nothing about her to the fore. Neither where exactly she came from, nor how far she plans to go. Has she run away from home, like me? Just for the sake of Nebby? Or is there another reason for all this? Anything seems possible.

    ¡°What¡¯s on the agenda today?¡±

    ¡°I have to investigate a tip. The rest of you can inspect the island until we get more specific clues.¡± With a wave of his hand, Amethio makes his way back to the common room and, with a few steps, I settle next to him.

    But there¡¯s nothing to say. Ula¡¯Ula is an island that can take us a step further. The guardian deity here may know more than Tapu Lele. If I find it ¨C certainly together with Lillie ¨C I can only hope that it is talkative.

    Back at the food, Amethio devotes himself to his breakfast, while Lillie tells me how happy she is for me. I¡¯m only half aware of her words until she mentions Ula¡¯Ula and I prick up my ears.

    ¡°Conia said there¡¯s a garden there!¡±

    ¡°A garden?¡±

    It is Conia¡¯s affirmative hum that draws my gaze in her direction. She takes a sip of her tea before elaborating on her plans. ¡°There are some plants there that might ... be of interest to Lillie.¡± Her gaze wanders in another direction, as if she can¡¯t admit she enjoys spending time with her. ¡°It¡¯s supposed to be a pretty place with some peaceful Pok¨¦mon. We could go together.¡±

    ¡°And you could take the egg with you,¡± Zir interjects, his mouth slightly pursed. ¡°It moves back and forth every five minutes...¡±

    ¡°Maybe it¡¯ll hatch soon!¡±

    Lillie¡¯s excitement rises and as much as I would like to ask her completely different questions, I can¡¯t help but join in the cheerful chatter. I can always find out more about her later. In these seconds, it¡¯s enough to just relax, enjoy the good weather outside and swallow every other thought.

    ¡°Domino...¡± Simultaneously, this voice lingers in my head. Behind it, a picture. A smile, the black bar over someone else¡¯s eyes, hands that keep reaching for me. Everything this tiny film of a woman does in my mind conveys an act of caring and although I don¡¯t want to think about it ¨C not the milliseconds that usually go by ¨C I hear her. ¡°Just let it happen...¡±

 Interlude: The PokèŒ…mon keep it to themselves

    Coro, the Pikipek

    Her body won¡¯t rest. The blanket has long since slipped off her shoulders and a few pens she was trying to note Arceus-knows-what with are scattered across the floor. It¡¯s incomprehensible to me how she can sleep sitting at the table. But it is even more unbelievable to me how she sleeps even though her body is under tension and she lets out a pained sigh every two minutes. Sometimes she breathes out disjointed words and I don¡¯t know if this is normal for humans or if she is ill.

    Is that what she is? Ill? My trainer?

    Snorting, I scrape my claws across the top of the cupboard where I¡¯ve been sitting for two hours. This other girl, Lillie, is lying in bed, hugging this strange cloud of fog from no-man''s-land tightly. We haven¡¯t exchanged a single word yet and if I¡¯m honest, it can stay that way. This creature isn¡¯t normal. The aura that surrounds it differs from that of my unwanted companions.

    I fix my eyes on Domino again. I wonder what happens in the dreams she can¡¯t remember lately.

    ¡°Ca... Can¡¯t you s-sleep?¡± A hesitant breath reaches up to me and a glance down ¨C at Domino¡¯s feet ¨C brings Zorua into view. Ying, as she is called.

    ¡°I watch over our trainer,¡± I return, puffing out my chest. In this way, she will surely realise the importance of what I do, so much so she can admire me in silence.

    But Ying doesn¡¯t seem to think much of admiration, or of silence, when she has something on her mind. ¡°I-it¡¯s caught your eye too?¡±

    My wings press tighter against my body. ¡°Of course it has. Only dolts wouldn¡¯t realise she¡¯s not well.¡±

    ¡°Raya didn¡¯t ... notice,¡± Ying replies.

    ¡°That¡¯s because Raya is a dolt.¡±

    ¡°A what?¡±

    I can¡¯t suppress a snort as Growlithe¡¯s shaggy existence raises its head. She was lying in front of the bed sleeping so nicely before and now she¡¯s looking at me with her stupid expression, as if I¡¯ve choked on a Pok¨¦ Bean. I can¡¯t understand how Domino decided to take this hairy, barking thing with her.

    ¡°A dolt,¡± I repeat. ¡°Not like you bean-brain would understand.¡±

    ¡°But what am I supposed to understand?¡± Growlithe tilts her head.

    ¡°That you¡¯re a dolt.¡±

    ¡°And what am I supposed to understand about that?¡±

    ¡°Oh Arceus, help me...¡± I systematically flap a wing in front of my face so I don¡¯t have to keep looking at Raya. This camouflaged Magikarp isn¡¯t worth my worries, my sanity, my nerves.

    ¡°Y-you seem unhappy to me...¡± It¡¯s Ying who makes me lower my wing and scrutinise her more closely. The red fluff on her head keeps distracting me.

    ¡°What makes you think that?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re very ... u-unfriendly,¡± she returns before taking a few steps closer. ¡°Is it because Domino rarely summons you?¡±

    ¡°No!¡± The answer escapes me faster than I intended, while the tightness in my chest seems to pull my feathers inwards. Presumably none of this escapes this Zorua. Faking it will only raise more questions. ¡°Perhaps.¡±

    ¡°I-I¡¯m sure she likes you, anyway.¡± Her eyes gleam warmly in the incoming moonlight. ¡°You helped us a lot once, and apart from that, you¡¯re very strong.¡±

    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    ¡°Not stronger than me!¡± Raya interjects. ¡°He doesn¡¯t appreciate fighting enough for that!¡±

    ¡°Whatever,¡± the grumble escapes my throat.

    ¡°What is it ... that ... depresses you?¡± Ears slightly tilted back, Zorua gestures to the Growlithe with her paw to be quiet, and although Raya, with her head cocked, probably understands as much about that as a Slowpoke understands about life, she is silent.

    I can¡¯t say I like either of them, but I can¡¯t claim that I like to keep things bottled up either. Sure, I can keep a secret, but talking to someone has always helped. That¡¯s how it was back in the Pikipek swarm I lived in ¨C awkward and unhappy. Some of them listened to me anyway, if only with a vague shake of the head. But Ying is different. We are in the same boat and have both decided to go on a journey. With Domino.

    ¡°She doesn¡¯t believe in me,¡± I explain. ¡°And she has every right to do so.¡±

    There are thousands of things I could say. My plumage makes me look powerful, but I realised a long time ago that I¡¯m smaller than other Pok¨¦mon. Worse still, I¡¯m smaller than other Pikipeks. In my swarm, they were constantly pecking me on the head. Now, on this adventure, it¡¯s even worse.

    ¡°I was defeated in the fight against Slowking. Of course, I could have carried on, but ... she didn¡¯t want me to.¡± My gaze clings to Domino again. ¡°And against that thing from another world ... she didn¡¯t even consider that I could destroy it all by myself! Instead, I acted as a distraction. She relied entirely on that Pok¨¦mon in armour...¡±

    I¡¯m great, a real catch. My feathers are magnificent and I¡¯m strong. Certainly not invincible, but I can do more than just distract.

    So why doesn¡¯t my trainer rely on me?

    Am I not good enough? I can learn.

    Not big enough? I¡¯ll eat more to grow!

    ¡°I-I think ... Domino doesn¡¯t know how to act...¡±, Ying starts slowly and although I don¡¯t want to look at her, my gaze creeps to her red eyebrows. ¡°Domino... We¡¯ve been together for a long time. S-she¡¯s chaotic and rarely knows what to do. Because of an incident back then ... she lost all c-contact with Pok¨¦mon. She still has to ... learn how much we can be trusted with and what ... she mustn¡¯t forget.¡±

    ¡°I think so too!¡± She held out for a long time, but putting Raya on mute forever is probably impossible. ¡°She panicked when I set fire to our opponent in a fight.¡± She wags her tail. ¡°I tried to help her, but she was totally ... how do you say?¡±

    ¡°Shocked?¡± I hang on listlessly, and while Raya nods eagerly, I realise it might be true. After all, I¡¯ve been watching her.

    How she saved Nebby. How she and Ying were prepared to go to extremes. How careless she can be. She expects too much of Ying. Raya¡¯s abilities frighten her.

    And she doesn¡¯t trust me enough.

    When she was willing to put herself in danger to save that suspicious cloud, when she defeated her opponents one by one, even when she faced the Raticate, she won me over. She¡¯s the one I want to go on a journey with to see another world. And even though I¡¯m a great catch, I know I have flaws.

    Still, she has accepted me. We are a team. And while she expands our universe, I want to protect her freedom.

    The tightness in my chest pulls to the tips of my feathers as a whimpering sound slips from my trainer¡¯s lips. If I can¡¯t protect her in her sleep, at least I can protect her here.

    I hastily flutter down to the floor to grab the blanket. The weight tugs at my body, my wings seem heavy, and yet I flap so hard I slowly reach shoulder height, the fabric in tow. Her hair blows around a little as I drop the blanket on her shoulders to make her comfortable. Then I land on the backrest.

    Carefully, I rummage through my feathers with my beak until I find a pretty feather and pluck it out. The pain jolts briefly through my body, but fortunately disappears quickly. And then I use the feather to put it under the blanket.

    I can¡¯t give her any more to make this piece of fabric softer, but I hope that this part of me will keep her a little warmer. Even on days when the sun doesn¡¯t shine and on nights when even I¡¯m freezing.

    ¡°I-I understand you...¡± It¡¯s Ying who snaps me out of my thoughts. ¡°Protecting Domino ... I want that too. And I¡¯m sure she¡¯ll learn on this journey ... how to be a good t-trainer and how to trust us.¡±

    She¡¯s probably right.

    ¡°I¡¯ve never thought about it,¡± Raya interjects, ¡°but I love fighting and I love how proud she is of me when we win! I don¡¯t want that to stop... I¡¯ll do anything she wants for that!¡±

    She may be completely messed up, but Growlithe isn¡¯t the worst help in this very simple plan to protect Domino. Her strength isn¡¯t to be underestimated, and deep down, she¡¯s probably a loyal soul.

    I can hardly believe it as my eyes narrow to slits, but for my trainer, I can even handle working with these two. If we all do our best, we can protect Domino¡¯s freedom until our adventure ends one day.

    Maybe, just maybe, then she will manage a smile reaching her eyes. One of those shiny ones that somehow make people special.

    Yeah ¡­ maybe.

 Chapter 25: Break through at Team Skull II

    The warmth in this place seems to be different to that engulfing the entire island. Peace settles into my fibres and whenever a pleasant sigh slips over my lips, I have the feeling the world is turning a little slower.

    The meeting with the hologram, with Gibeon, has no further significance. I am now part of the Explorers, a member who can go on adventures to discover this world. I get to stay with this team, Lillie won¡¯t leave us, and for a moment that makes the rich green grasses a little more idyllic.

    Pok¨¦mon loll about sporadically in this place. Now and then you see a Cutiefly flying past or a Surskit jumping over the water. Chirping fills the background and as I lean back a little to take a look at the sky, I can hardly believe I¡¯m on the run or that strange Pok¨¦mon could appear anywhere at any moment. The world seems too peaceful for that.

    But I know better. So does the voice in my head. It has been silent since I left the ship with Conia and Lillie. My name no longer spreads in a strange echo through my skull. Still, the image won¡¯t let me go. This woman talking to me in these scenes ¨C the more I see her, the more I want to feel her touch on my skin. She conveys warmth I can¡¯t grasp.

    ¡°I could sit here forever...¡± It is Conia who finally breaks the silence between us and adjusts the Pok¨¦mon egg on her lap.

    As there is no need for us to investigate, she is wearing a sky-blue summer dress with black accents, combined with a hat. In that sense, she and Lillie seem to share tastes, even if Conia¡¯s clothes do hug curves the blonde lacks.

    ¡°I wish I could let Nebby out here. But ... it would probably get lost somewhere,¡± Lillie adds, resting the flat of her hand on her shoulder bag. As quiet as her Pok¨¦mon is, it¡¯s probably asleep, which also means she might not be carrying any more repel sprays around with her.

    ¡°We can stay here until Amethio gets in touch,¡± I finally start, but get no further when Conia puts her head back in her neck.

    ¡°He¡¯s efficient with his work. We certainly won¡¯t get much more time.¡±

    ¡°Maybe we¡¯ll be lucky and collecting his planned information will prove difficult.¡±

    ¡°You want him to have trouble?¡± Her gaze slowly wanders in my direction, so I wave it off.

    ¡°I wish him a hunt involving the capture of a Diglett. As fast as they can disappear underground, he¡¯d certainly be busy for a while.¡±

    A smirk crosses Conia¡¯s lips as she closes her eyes for a moment, possibly imagining the scenario. ¡°He would certainly find a quick solution. And maybe that¡¯s for the best. I mean ... don¡¯t you want to go back to him soon?¡±

    ¡°Why would I?¡± Without further ado, I raise my eyebrows.

    I¡¯ve spent more than enough time with Amethio since running away from home, and I can¡¯t deny that I enjoy a bit of time with Lillie and Conia. Lillie is a pleasant travelling companion and Conia is turning out more and more to be a friendly young woman who has her seriousness, but apart from that has a kindness in her that somehow holds this bunch together perfectly.

    ¡°Because you two are a ... nice team...¡± She frowns briefly before a slight blush creeps onto her cheeks. ¡°You ... well ... I¡¯d say the boss has his cool sides...¡±

    ¡°You ... like Amethio?¡± I immediately sit up straighter. It¡¯s unexpected that Conia would approach me in this way. So I raise my hands immediately. ¡°If you¡¯re worried, I can assure you I¡¯m not interested!¡±

    Conia¡¯s eyes widen with every word and although I would like to assure her even more, only a wordless breath escapes my lips. It takes a moment before she raises a hand. ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant.¡±

    My shoulders slump. ¡°Then what?¡±

    Only after she¡¯s cleared her throat and thus caught herself does she dare to attack the subject.

    ¡°You two spend a lot of time together and you seem to understand each other,¡± she begins slowly. ¡°I don¡¯t know either, but ... what¡¯s it like with you two? Are there tensions?¡±

    I hardly dare to ask because it¡¯s obvious. Conia is trying to figure out if Amethio and I feel a certain attraction to each other or if I like him ¨C the way girls sometimes like boys their age. It¡¯s one of those phenomena I¡¯ve never dealt with ¨C at least according to my memory ¨C and when I summarise my time with Amethio, there¡¯s one thing I can say in particular: short.

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing,¡± I mutter in reply. ¡°I mean, we haven¡¯t been on this journey together very long and ... I wouldn¡¯t say there¡¯s anything to suggest that we¡¯re ... getting closer...¡±

    ¡°Of course not...¡± Conia¡¯s sigh sounds almost disappointed. ¡°The thought of someone taking the place at his side and watching over him was just too tempting.¡±

    ¡°Do you often worry about Amethio?¡±

    Her eyelids droop. ¡°Sometimes. He¡¯s helped Zir and me a lot.¡±

    I could ask questions, go on, but the mood we¡¯re in leaves no room for anything deeper. In addition, I am now part of it all. I can ask her another time how she and Zir fell over Amethio.

    Meanwhile, a quick glance at Lillie brings her bright red head into view. Her gaze fixed on her clenched fists in her lap, she makes no sound.

    ¡°Is everything all right?¡± I lean forward cautiously to glimpse at her face.

    ¡°W-Wonderful.¡± Her uncertainty gets the better of her again, even though I had almost thought she had overcome this hurdle. ¡°But ... I¡¯ve never talked to friends about ... l-love.¡±

    ¡°And now you want to tell us you¡¯re in love with Amethio?¡±

    She raises her head in a flash and shakes it so violently her hat falls to the ground. ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant!¡±

    Conia also leans forward. ¡°Then what?¡±

    ¡°Love... I-I¡¯ve never been in love... N-Not like adults.¡± She lowers her eyes again. ¡°But talking about it ... it feels like I have Butterfrees in my stomach...¡± Without further ado, she puts her hands to her face. ¡°I-I don¡¯t know how to say this...¡±

    ¡°The thought fills you with joy,¡± Conia summarises. ¡°When you¡¯ve never been in love and you¡¯re young ... there¡¯s often this thought that love must be something great.¡±

    ¡°You talk as if you¡¯ve lived half your life...¡± I add. ¡°You¡¯ve been in love before?¡±

    She purses her lips. ¡°Once. For a fortnight.¡± Then a smile creeps onto her features. ¡°When I think back, it was probably stupid, but everything was new and he was pretty. I think that¡¯s where it all starts.¡±

    ¡°With new and pretty?¡±

    She hums in agreement. ¡°Maybe you¡¯ll feel the same way one day. And Lillie, too. You¡¯re both new to travelling ¨C and to the Explorers ... more or less.¡±

    I can¡¯t say Amethio is ugly. Yes, his appearance and style are unconventional, but he¡¯s nice to look at, I¡¯ll give him that. It¡¯s probably not a healthy combination considering Conia¡¯s words, but even if I fall victim to him, two weeks is bearable.

    Just the thought makes me smile, while Lillie lets out a restrained laugh that sounds as shy as the way she talks about love.

    Just as I¡¯m about to change the subject, my Rotom emits a sound. It burrows out of my pocket before sliding into my hands and opening a newly received message. Amethio¡¯s name is emblazoned over the few words.

    There are clues in Tapu Village. Maybe you¡¯ll find the guardian deity there ¨C it sometimes makes an appearance.

    No big explanations about who I should meet or what to expect. All I can gather from his message is that I¡¯m supposed to go to a village alone to collect unreliable information. Simultaneously, it¡¯s the first mission I¡¯m pursuing as a member of the Explorers.

    ¡°It looks like we¡¯ve conjured up the end of the idyll with our idea.¡± I struggle to get to my feet. Part of me doesn¡¯t want to let go of this garden, of the wondrous tranquillity you probably won¡¯t find anywhere else so quickly. Still, there is a job to do and I have, more or less, promised to be useful.

    ¡°So he got in touch...¡± Conia¡¯s statement conveys the same air of listlessness hanging over us all. None of us are longing for wild events right now ¨C and maybe there aren¡¯t any ¨C but we still have to comply.

    ¡°T-there¡¯s a boutique nearby. I¡¯ll probably ... stop by there if none of you need me.¡±

    Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to gather uncertain information,¡± I reply.

    ¡°And I need to do some shopping,¡± Conia adds.

    So we all have a goal and parting ways suddenly seems easy. Still, I look back at the Malie Garden with a whimper.

    My short walk takes me past sheltered car parks, straight to a crossroads, with signs pointing in three different directions. I have to step closer to realise the possibilities. Tapu Village lies south of Malie City ¨C an eternally long walk along Route 12 and 13.

    ¡°Where? Why?¡±

    It¡¯s a soft whisper reaching my ears and making the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. I recognise this sound, this desperation, the distorted sound of a creature that would have almost killed me if it hadn¡¯t been for Amethio.

    My gaze wanders uncertainly over my surroundings. I don¡¯t know where the voice is coming from or how to find it.

    ¡°Stone. There¡¯s rock everywhere... Why am I here?¡±

    Again, I look at the information on the sign. Rock means it might be somewhere near the high mountains found on this island. Mount Lanakila is so high, however, you can only vaguely make out the top from down here and I don¡¯t think a voice can reach me from so far away. That leaves Blush Mountain to the south and Mount Hokulani to the west.

    ¡°Beings. More of these ... creatures!¡±

    Does it mean humans? Pressing my lips into a line, I scrutinise the information on the sign. Blush Mountain doesn¡¯t give much of a clue, but there¡¯s an observatory on Mount Hokulani. That¡¯s the only lead I can take.

    Amethio won¡¯t be thrilled that I¡¯m burning his indirect instruction, but my curiosity wins out. The snort on my lips prepares me for my endeavour ¨C and before I know it, I¡¯m heading straight ahead.

    It¡¯s only ten minutes to Route 10, and yet I¡¯m panting slightly as I quickly find a spot in the shade. My top is all sweaty. I pluck at the fabric around my chest with my fingertips to create some cool air, then take a look at the path in front of me.

    Trees and bushes nestle against each other. Meadow sprouts along the side of the main path. A couple whispers to each other as if a Haunter is about to emerge from the shadows at any moment and when I notice an old lady sitting on a picnic blanket, sniffling, I can¡¯t help but approach her. I know my goal is different, but ignoring someone in this state is wrong.

    As soon as I get a better look at her, her thick ankles catch my eye. Her hands are shaking and she is wiping her wet eyes with a handkerchief.

    ¡°Can I help you?¡± Without further ado, I move a little closer before kneeling down. ¡°Do you need anything? Do you want me to get help?¡±

    Her blurry gaze lifts and although she sees me, it seems as if she¡¯s looking right through my body. Still, my mere presence is enough to raise her eyebrows.

    ¡°My child, have you perhaps seen some Stuffuls?¡±

    ¡°Stuffuls?¡± The corners of my mouth turn downwards. Apart from the garden, I haven¡¯t seen a single Pok¨¦mon on this island ¨C especially not small, pink fluffy ones.

    ¡°We were going to have a picnic, and I let them all out to play,¡± the lady explains, ¡°but they are very careless and wander off rashly. I wanted to guide them back to the blanket, but ... I could only get to two of them before my legs swelled up.¡± Her fingers move to her ankles. ¡°The heat is really getting to me. I should have got some help for this trip...¡±

    ¡°Shall I try to gather your Stuffuls back together? Maybe you can call someone to help you in the meantime.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s very sweet of you, dear.¡± She puts on a wry smile. ¡°But I don¡¯t have anything to call...¡±

    Without further ado, I grab my Rotom Phone. ¡°I can lend it to you.¡±

    ¡°You would do that? Thank you! For someone to go to so much trouble for an old woman ... thank you. I don¡¯t know what else to say...¡±

    ¡°Not worth mentioning.¡± People in need deserve help. That¡¯s one thing I know is right. Someone taught it to me once, and it remains a lesson I¡¯m happy to follow if I can put a smile on someone¡¯s face at the end.

    ¡°How many Stuffuls am I looking for?¡±

    ¡°Eight. There are eight of them.¡±

    A hesitant nod comes over me. Eight is a house number. Alone, this could take forever, which means all help is welcome. So I let my partners out of their balls before finding a picture of the playful Pok¨¦mon from the net ¨C easier than I thought ¨C and showing it to my team.

    ¡°Can you help me find eight of these fluffy Pok¨¦mon? This old lady could really use our help.¡±

    Always careful to keep their distance, my three companions now press close together and look at the photo. Only when they have memorised every hair do they each make a different sound of confirmation before they storm off to explore Route 10. In the meantime, I hand my Rotom Phone to the stranger.

    ¡°We¡¯ll send them back to you when we find them.¡±

    The old woman¡¯s eager nod is enough confirmation for me, so I also set off on Route 10 to search. Finding Stuffuls is probably difficult, but it¡¯s not impossible either.

    Sauntering along the path, I scrutinise the meadow and the knee-high stones, occasionally straying from the path to inspect some corners. Quivering shadows are inspected ¨C no matter how pointless it seems ¨C and even a glance up at the trees, at places left open by the foliage, isn¡¯t left out.

    At least until two large eyes look back, causing me to stumble back a step and, in the next breath, something rushes towards me. The startled cry sticks in my throat. But before I can raise my hands, before the Pok¨¦mon seriously injures me, someone rams it in the side.

    I have to blink several times before I recognise Ying. Her small body stands wide-legged in front of my attacker ¨C a Fearow ¨C and her hissing seems almost frightening. She probably hasn¡¯t gone far because she prefers to stay close to me, and in these seconds I can¡¯t be thankful enough for that. The injuries caused by the Spearows are almost completely healed. I need no more battle scars.

    ¡°Scratch!¡±

    Ying¡¯s ears twitch. My command sets her body in motion and as she dashes at the Fearow, wild flapping is its response. The Pok¨¦mon¡¯s long beak tries to peck at Ying, but proves terribly inaccurate at hitting a body as nimble as Zorua¡¯s. The moment she delivers two powerful blows to the Fearow¡¯s face, tearing out a few feathers with her claws, is our decision. The Pok¨¦mon flees in an instant.

    In a hurry, I find myself next to Ying to stroke her soft fur, and when she raises her head, the warmth in my heart can hardly be contained. I have a feeling she¡¯s blossoming lately. She doesn¡¯t disguise herself in the Explorers¡¯ ship, and even when we were fighting Plumeria, she was just herself. She seems to be getting more confident, to have a clear goal in mind. This journey is shaping each of us.

    ¡°Let¡¯s keep looking.¡±

    This time with Zorua by my side, we turn our attention back to the runaway Stuffuls and it is indeed thanks to her eyes that we locate two of these fluffy creatures.

    Our little rescue mission works brilliantly ¨C until I round a corner and spot two guys from Team Skull waiting at a bus stop. Unfortunately for me, one of them has a Stufful tucked under his arm so he can cover its muzzle as well.

    ¡°Anything else would have been too easy-going, wouldn¡¯t it?¡± My teeth grind. The heat aside, Team Skull is the last thing I want to see.

    Groaning, I run both hands over my face. Only then do I dare to walk straight up to the two idiots and put a hand on my hip.

    ¡°Would you be so kind as to let the Stufful go?¡± Raising my brows, I jut my chin. It¡¯s important to exude dominance in front of these guys, even if I might be weaker.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Although he¡¯s wearing a skull scarf over his mouth and nose, he rubs the latter as if it would have any effect. ¡°The Stufful is ours, all right so far?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± I reply stiffly. ¡°This Stufful probably belongs to an old lady. Either you give it to me or I¡¯ll have to take it.¡±

    It¡¯s amazing how big my mouth can get when I need it the least, but if they won¡¯t give me the Pok¨¦mon willingly, my only option is to fight.

    ¡°Did ya hear that?¡± Giggling, my conversation partner turns to his mate.

    Both are absolutely average, if it weren¡¯t for their blonde hair with a terrible yellow shade. With every passing second, their appearance gives me more and more hope of having a chance.

    ¡°Still hasn¡¯t realised who¡¯s in charge here, huh?¡± comments the other. ¡°Hey, if ya think you¡¯re bold enough for a battle, then just come and take it. But don¡¯t come crying at the end, got it?¡±

    Only a raspy sound of agreement escapes my throat before Ying stands in front of me. She understands exactly what our task is, and she doesn¡¯t even flinch when the two guys send a Munchlax and a Growlithe into battle.

    We have to be especially careful. Simultaneously, I seize the first move. ¡°Ying, bite!¡±

    She obeys on the spot, charges forward and opens her little mouth as-

    ¡°Dodge!¡±

    The targeted Munchlax sways heavily to the side just in time before Ying can ram her teeth into its body. The next command echoes through the air immediately, bringing Growlithe to the fore. However, the ember it tries to spew at my Zorua¡¯s feet misses when Ying gallantly leaps backwards ¨C in the same blink of an eye when a small body thunders like a projectile, beak first, against the Fire-type Pok¨¦mon¡¯s head.

    A loud howl rings in my ears while I recognise Pikipek. His quick wing beats give him the chance to hack at our opponent two more times before he retreats. The Growlithe, however, jumps backwards and hides behind its trainer¡¯s legs.

    ¡°Hey, man, you¡¯ve got to get that thing! It¡¯s just a bird!¡±

    But the Growlithe refuses to fight any further and the Munchlax won¡¯t budge an inch without instructions. Orders that aren¡¯t given to it, because its trainer jumps forward squealing like a Miltank. His leg is on fire. Raya stands behind him, tail wagging as if no cloud could disturb her.

    The terror loosens his grip on the Stufful¡¯s snout and when the Pok¨¦mon bites mercilessly into his hand, all he can do is let go. As it lands on all fours, the guy lets out one curse after another.

    ¡°Shit! What¡¯s going on now?¡± Blood drips to the ground. ¡°That stupid creature bit me!¡±

    ¡°Should definitely have it checked!¡±

    ¡°Now?¡±

    ¡°I think so...¡±

    They are both so confused it takes a moment for them to turn to me.

    ¡°Then take the rabid beast. Doesn¡¯t bring much cash, anyway!¡±

    And with that, they leave. I, for my part, look after them for a while before approaching the last Stufful. My Pok¨¦mon have already included it in their ranks and it seems to feel comfortable enough to be taken in my arms.

    Its seven kilos are straining my muscles, but it¡¯s not very far back to the old lady. I press it against me the whole way, whenever the noise in my head gains strength, without uttering a word.

    When I reach the stranger, she is already waving at me from a distance ¨C surrounded by seven other Stuffuls. And when I reach the blanket, I finally lower the Pok¨¦mon back down to the ground.

    ¡°Thank you!¡± Her gleam makes me grin. The heat on my cheeks is unfamiliar. ¡°I managed to reach my daughter. She¡¯s going to pick me up. Until then, I¡¯ll take good care of my little friends.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m glad to hear that.¡±

    She immediately rummages around in her handbag, a worn, large one she previously used as a back support. The next moment, she pulls out pastries wrapped in paper ¨C the grease stains give it away.

    ¡°It¡¯s not much, really, but it would make me happy if you accepted this as thanks.¡±

    I can¡¯t refuse. This lady is too friendly for that.

    ¡°These are malasadas,¡± she explains eagerly as she hands me the four pieces. Each one is almost the size of a plate. ¡°They are a speciality in Alola and are also very popular with tourists.¡±

    ¡°Thank you!¡±

    My good deed for the day is done. Now all that remains is the noise in my head, which I try to follow.

    Meanwhile, my team is enjoying the malasadas and savouring the gift before I call them back into their balls and resume my journey. Once again, I head for the bus stop, where I study the notice for the next one. If I am patient, I could easily make the ascent. A glance up the path reinforces my decision. There¡¯s no way I¡¯m going to attempt a hike uphill when it feels like fifty degrees.

    The malasada in my hand is the ideal way to pass the time. The sweetness and the crispy baked dough give the slightly spicy finish an energising note. I could get used to the food here.

    But my peace doesn¡¯t last long as my Rotom vibrates and I glance at the display. It¡¯s a call from Conia.

    When I answer, it¡¯s breaths she huffs in my ear before her quivering voice gets through to me.

    ¡°Domino?¡± I can hear her gulp. ¡°The egg has hatched.¡±

 Chapter 26: Break through at Team Skull III

    ¡°Hatched?¡± My voice is only a whisper. That the Pok¨¦mon would break through the shell so quickly is unexpected and yet it was foreseeable. Zir had kept it warm the whole time before.

    Conia, meanwhile, presses a soft sigh through the line. ¡°It¡¯s ... incredibly cute...¡±

    I want to ask her what it is, what it looks like, what it feels like ¨C but these are all little things I¡¯d rather save until I can see them for myself.

    ¡°I hope this doesn¡¯t take too long,¡± I reply. ¡°I can¡¯t wait to see what¡¯s looking at me when I get back!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be careful until then.¡±

    It¡¯s only a brief conversation, but it refreshes the heat and makes my detour less reprehensible. If Amethio has anything to criticise, I simply show him the hatched Pok¨¦mon and all his criticism simply disappears ¨C or something like that.

    To be honest, I can¡¯t imagine it, but a girl can dream.

    At least I can say that the waiting time feels like it passes in two breaths with all the ideas about what might have been in the egg. When the bus stops and a friendly man issues a ticket for me, the noise in my head briefly fades into the background.

    Until I hear a scream.

    Drawn out and distorted with rage. No words, just sounds pounding hard against my skull. The closer this bus gets to the observatory ¨C labelled on a large passing sign ¨C the louder the wailing becomes. It is anger that raises the hairs on my arms and forces me to clench my hands tightly together.

    I can barely hold on to my seat until we reach the top. There is no sense of time. The bus driver just manages to open the door, so I don¡¯t crash into the glass in my hasty attempt to get out of the vehicle. Still, I trip over feet and cling to a low metal fence separating the pavement from the road. The observatory is right behind me, unable to catch my interest. The screams in my head and the whispering of people take over. Somewhere, rocks are cracking. Nobody knows where to go. No one can recognise the noises that can barely compete with the screeching in my senses.

    By now, the pain is reaching my fingertips. The feeling of closing my eyes so as not to go mad overwhelms me. And in the middle of the flickering blackness behind my eyelids, a path flashes. A pale road trying to lure me towards it. The headache threatens to knock me out and yet, this offered route is all I want to cling to.

    On shaky legs, I follow this idea, open my eyes and stagger along the front of the observatory. To one side, a low fence separates the safe area from a narrow side path. A road to Neverland, if you look at the vastness of the mountain ¨C in the middle of which is the Pok¨¦mon, whose attack almost cost me my life.

    In an instant, I jump over the fence and follow the slender mountain path until I have to press my back against the stone wall ¨C the Pok¨¦mon always in view. It lashes out, thundering its tentacles against the surrounding rock faces, accompanied by the distorted chirping of its existence. It doesn¡¯t match the trembling, the wailing and screaming it embodies in my perception.

    Only when I think I¡¯m close enough do I raise my voice. My words are so loud they drown out even the roaring in my skull. ¡°Over here!¡±

    The silence following in the next breath leaves my head in a feverish heat. Simultaneously, the Pok¨¦mon slowly turns to face me.

    ¡°You?!¡± Shrill phrases ring in my ears. ¡°This creature... It¡¯s from this white place...¡±

    The fact it recognises me is a good sign ¨C at least it saves me from having to start from scratch. So I reach out to the Pok¨¦mon. ¡°You don¡¯t have to be afraid of this world! Come with me! Then we¡¯ll find a way home ... together!¡±

    For a moment, I think I recognise my voice as an echo. The Pok¨¦mon in my head doesn¡¯t react, nor does anything else move. Instead, it gives me time to swallow the adrenaline under my skin and assess my situation.

    My legs tremble. Unyielding rock presses against my back. The abyss looms before me should I slip. My body is surrounded by thousands of things, making my forehead sweat. One wrong move and my adventure ends.

    ¡°What does it want?¡± Finally, the Pok¨¦mon¡¯s voice starts again. It seems to be scrutinising me more gently than before. ¡°Can¡¯t fly and just stands around. What is it planning?¡±

    I twist the corners of my mouth briefly. Trying to talk to it was a stupid attempt. It already didn¡¯t understand me in the Aether Paradise. If I want to communicate with it, it needs someone who at least speaks a similar language. The decision is obvious. Pok¨¦mon understand each other ¨C research has proven this for years. So if anyone can help me, it¡¯s one of my partners.

    In slow motion, my hand moves to the pouch on my hip and digs out Pikipek¡¯s ball. He can fly. There¡¯s hardly any danger for him here.

    Fortunately, I don¡¯t have to throw the ball to let Coro out. His hasty wing beats and tilted head give me new hope.

    ¡°Coro, you need to tell this ... this Ultra Beast that we want to help. Nobody wants to hurt it. I want to help it get home.¡± I swallow dryly. ¡°We might even help Nebby that way.¡±

    My Pikipek¡¯s gaze is slow to wander to the Ultra Beast, its movements vaguely defensive. We can¡¯t get any closer without running into even greater danger, and we can¡¯t hope for it to come towards us until it has fully understood the message.

    In the next moment, it is Coro¡¯s chirping breaking the silence between the fronts. It sounds so out of place with the situation that it is only my partner¡¯s stare convincing me the message has the right undertone.

    ¡°Help me?¡±

    The Pok¨¦mon¡¯s voice reaches me again and I can hardly breathe a sigh of relief. My request has been heard. We can form an alliance here and now that will help both sides.

    ¡°Back home...¡± The voice hums before a scornful snort emerges. ¡°Is it their fault I¡¯m here?¡±

    I want to say something, to contradict and give Coro more information, but my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. Nervousness dries me out and before I can get a croak past my lips, the creature starts lashing out again. This time, however, in our direction.

    I press myself firmly against the rock while Pikipek flies aside for safety. He¡¯s not stupid enough to draw the Pok¨¦mon¡¯s attention directly in my direction. Then he gives me a quick glance and I know I have to do something ¨C but what?

    Without further ado, I suck the warm air from my surroundings deep into my lungs. I can think about the consequences later. In these seconds, I have to act. I have to adapt.

    ¡°Echoed voice! Pay back the headache I had to suffer!¡±

    His feathery chest swollen, Pikipek seems to gather all his breath before throwing a sonic wave at the Ultra Beast in a loud scream. The surrounding stone walls and the depths at my feet provide enough unfilled space to catch the sounds and echo them back. Each individual sound combines to form a cacophony of noises, throbbing behind my temple and causing even the alien creature to tremble all over. Simultaneously, Coro doesn¡¯t give it a second to recover. His beak produces one echo after another, like a siren travelling over this entire mountain.

    The rocks begin to shake, gently, but enough to roll small stones into the abyss. Meanwhile, my hands rest on my ears, my eyes narrowed to slits, barely able to suppress the headache and its nausea. Dizziness clouds my vision and my legs can only hold my weight with numb difficulty. However, I can¡¯t look away.

    The Ultra Beast makes nothing more than suffering noises. They overpower the roaring in my head and the screeching of my partner. Not even when I open my mouth to give Pikipek the command ¡°peck¡± is there anything to be heard other than the gasping sounds of the creature in front of me. I¡¯m not even sure if my voice is loud enough to reach Coro.

    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

    Only when he looks in my direction and nods, barely perceptibly, does the narrow success reach me. In the next blink of an eye, he flutters so hastily that he rushes towards the Ultra Beast like a projectile. Beak first, he grazes the creature¡¯s body, but misses a good spot when it pulls its body aside with a tentacle.

    A second later it lashes out, aiming for my partner ¨C but hesitates in its action as a flicker erupts over its body.

    ¡°Coro, back!¡± I quickly remove my hands from my ears and reach for his Pok¨¦ Ball again, which has gone back into my pocket somewhere in the meantime. However, Pikipek doesn¡¯t make it back into his ball before the Ultra Beast lets out another scream ¨C this time clearly audible to everyone.

    The walls tremble again and while the figure disappears and Coro shakes his head as a small shimmer remains in the strange Pok¨¦mon¡¯s place, the narrow path beneath me breaks.

    My body follows the depths. My hat flies off. Bile presses into my throat and a part of me believes my heart is no longer beating. Every breath weighs like lead ¨C until I hit my left shoulder on the edge of a rock. My body is jerked to the side. I¡¯m still falling and the sound of pain rings in my ears. I gasp for air several times, feel the throbbing in my back and the burning tears in my eyes.

    I¡¯ll probably die before I reach the bottom.

    Chirping above me makes me look up. Pikipek shoots towards me, his tiny feet outstretched, a pleading gleam in his eyes. My breath isn¡¯t enough to resist, so I grab his skinny little legs. His fluttering is so weak that after two attempts, he can barely flap his wings to counter the tugging wind anymore. A mere second that fills me with warmth. No panic, no more tears. My skull aches like pins and needles, but at least I¡¯m not alone. My feelings no longer lie divided in a bowl of scales ¨C they are drowning; in strangely hypothermic acceptance.

    Coro¡¯s screeching chirp snaps me out of the two breaths in which I¡¯ve lost myself. His feathers shimmer. Light envelops him. Every flap of his wings becomes firmer and for a breath, I think I¡¯ve lost contact with him. My fingers glide through nothing as Pikipek is left in flickering light ¨C like a rainbow ¨C before he breaks out of it and shoots towards me once more.

    My eyes widen. Particles of light pearl off his feathers and when he offers me his foot again for me to grab, I almost feel hopeful. But Coro, although bigger now, is still too weak.

    Yet he isn¡¯t willing to give up. With his head back, he lets out a cry, four long sounds that echo through the abyss as if this fall will never end. But a glance over my shoulder brings the ground into view. Green meadow. Concrete paths.

    Maybe four seconds until impact.

    Three seconds until my adventure ends.

    Two seconds Coro fills with defenceless cawing as he pulls at my clothes.

    Only one more when I close my eyes.

    Then sharp pain follows.

    The sudden pain shoots through my upper body, turning my stomach and bringing tears to my face. It takes a whole breath before I open my eyelids a crack and look straight into Amethio¡¯s stare. His brows drawn together, he tightens his grip on my shoulder, so I almost cry out.

    ¡°Are you insane?¡±

    It¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve heard him so loudly, and I can¡¯t say my headache is grateful for it.

    ¡°I wanted to help the Pok¨¦mon...¡± I whimper quietly, averting my eyes.

    Corviknight has already propelled us a few metres back up.

    ¡°Do you even think before you act?¡±

    I feel like a toddler. He¡¯s right, sure, I wasn¡¯t thinking. But making the right decision with the voices in my head is harder than I expected. Or maybe it¡¯s just me. I can¡¯t deny I sometimes rush into things.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry...¡± is the only thing I can say, and it seems to take an eternity before Amethio lets out a sigh.

    ¡°What were you doing up there? You were supposed to go to Tapu Village.¡±

    ¡°Voices,¡± I reply, still averting my eyes. ¡°I heard this creature and thought it was more important to go and see. It was angry. If it had come out any further, it could have hurt the people up there. I thought I could calm it down and maybe even ... catch it?¡±

    I swallow a few times before moistening my dry lips with my tongue. ¡°Where did you come from?¡±

    ¡°Observatory.¡± Amethio¡¯s grip loosens, but that doesn¡¯t help ease the pain. ¡°Someone has built a machine to summon Pok¨¦mon.¡±

    ¡°Is it suitable for Rayquaza?¡± My gaze slowly find his. Amethio, however, briefly lowers his eyelids.

    ¡°Only Electric-type Pok¨¦mon.¡±

    ¡°Not much help... That means you also noticed when I fought the Ultra Beast?¡±

    He snorts. ¡°Trumbeak¡¯s scream drew my attention to you.¡±

    Trumbeak, huh? The evolution of my partner, conjured up out of stress. The calmness with which he flies after us doesn¡¯t suggest that we were just fighting for my life. It¡¯s probably because of Corviknight. In its presence, safety seems to be the norm. Or it¡¯s because of Amethio¡¯s closeness; the fact I can feel the warmth of his body as I lean against his chest and no longer feel like I¡¯m falling into a hopeless abyss.

    ¡°Besides, I could catch this.¡± On the side, he holds out a misshapen stone to me.

    ¡°Looks like an unprocessed ... Z-Crystal...¡±

    I don¡¯t dare grab my Rotom and investigate. All I can do is put it in my pocket and wait. Amethio silently takes note.

    In these breaths, I just want to forget the weakness in my limbs and digest everything slowly. There is protection in Amethio¡¯s arms where I can take this time. I don¡¯t have to change places or anything else. My position remains in front of him, my head resting on his shoulder, unable to move a muscle.

    The wind in my hair seems cool; an unnatural feeling under the heat of Alola. Corviknight resists its exhaustion, but it will likely need a well-deserved rest after this flight.

    Burying a hand in the fabric on Amethio¡¯s chest, I wait until the throbbing in my shoulder numbs my flesh before loosening my grip. The headache finally subsides. What remains is deep-seated exhaustion. It¡¯s tempting to fall asleep now, but I mustn¡¯t cause my companion any more trouble. For today ¨C no, for the next four weeks ¨C I¡¯ve overstepped the mark.

    Still, I can¡¯t avoid the daze of my senses. My mind drifts into blackness a few times. Tiredness elicits a slight yawn. My nose buries itself in Amethio¡¯s shirt and my eyelids fall shut regularly. It¡¯s a game that goes on almost forever until the wind stops pulling my hair and I think I can see houses in the immediate vicinity. The ground beneath us is earthy. Caravans have set up near the rock walls and there is a house in one corner, big enough and with a large enough sign to offer shelter to at least twenty people.

    ¡°Are we in Tapu Village?¡± With difficulty, I detach my head from Amethio¡¯s shoulder and rub my eyes. It¡¯s the same moment he uses to dismount, so I can¡¯t use him as a pillow again.

    ¡°Route 13,¡± he returns. ¡°The section further ahead is called Tapu Village.¡±

    So we¡¯re going to rest, even though it¡¯s only afternoon and we could do a lot more than relax now. We are probably only taking this break for my sake. The tiredness sits too deep.

    I finally slip sluggishly off Corviknight¡¯s back so Amethio can call his Pok¨¦mon back. Immediately afterwards, I drag myself alongside him to the accommodation, through the door and into a rustic reception room where two old ladies are chatting in a hushed tone. Meanwhile, the man behind the bar nods to the words of a blond guy and, if I didn¡¯t know any better, I would simply label him as a guy with poor taste in fashion. The truth is, however, that the ragged clothes with their red accents belong to someone who¡¯s got in our way before ¨C full of arrogance, with the confidence to take on Amethio.

    Barely noticing, I position myself behind my companion. I am definitely not willing to be at the centre of this argument, should it break out.

    In fact, the boy turns to us as the man behind the counter throws a friendly smile in our direction. Amethio returns the narrow gesture with a simple nod, his eyes fixed on the blond.

    ¡°So we meet again.¡± Jutting his chin, our counterpart buries his hands in his trouser pockets. ¡°And I assume you still don¡¯t know where Lillie is.¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Amethio barely engages in the conversation. Instead, he checks in under the other¡¯s critical gaze and hands me a key to my room in the next breath.

    It could be so simple. We turn around, walk up the stairs to the rooms, and leave all our problems behind. Tomorrow we start a fresh day. The circumstances seem a little better and nobody has to jump down each other¡¯s throats.

    Reality takes a different shape, though, as the stranger slams his hand down on the surface of the counter and draws his brows together until a small crease forms between them. ¡°I¡¯m only going to tell you this once, but I hope strongly that you¡¯re looking out for Lillie.¡±

    Amethio¡¯s gaze sweeps over him as if to ask, ¡°Or what?¡±. In the next blink of an eye, the temperature between the two of them drops twofold. Still, the stranger isn¡¯t fazed for a second as he puts a hand on his hip and purses his lips.

    ¡°Team Skull is looking for her. Or rather, the Pok¨¦mon she has with her.¡± He fixes Amethio a little more insistently. ¡°Who knows what they¡¯ll do if they get their hands on Lillie... And she avoids me, so I guess I¡¯ll have to turn to you.¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you part of this gang yourself?¡± I finally slide in next to Amethio, my arms crossed in front of my chest. My whole body hurts. Thinking back to our last encounter, there¡¯s no doubt in my mind that he¡¯s one of them ¨C even if he¡¯s not exactly on friendly terms with some of them.

    ¡°To achieve my own goals, yes. The Lillie issue is something else.¡±

    ¡°How do you know her?¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter.¡± He waves it off, becoming another unknown component in the overall picture.

    Lillie is fourteen and carries more secrets around with her than a girl of that age should. There is Nebby, whom she wants to help. The Explorers¡¯ rejection because her background check doesn¡¯t fit. This boy who must be somewhere around our age and doesn¡¯t look like someone you could imagine by her side. All the while, I can¡¯t get over his looks.

    The same eye colour. The same hair colour. Similar facial features shining through particularly clearly when he¡¯s not busy staring at us like we¡¯ve been insulting him for hours. When I take a closer look, they could hardly look more alike.

    ¡°You ... are related, aren¡¯t you?¡± The question escapes me unplanned. Still, I cling to his expression, to the second when he looks away and furrows his brows even further.

    ¡°Take care of her, will you? If you don¡¯t, you¡¯ll get to know a different side of me.¡±

    Without further ado, he ignores my question and turns away, storming out of the shelter, leaving nothing more than a mere hint of certainty that I might be right. In the end, I think I¡¯ll have no choice but to ask Lillie as soon as I see her again.

    Amethio, meanwhile, doesn¡¯t let the situation hold him back any longer. Instead, he heads for a floor above and I have no choice but to follow. Freezing here won¡¯t change the situation. We can both just wait and see and fulfil the Explorers¡¯ actual goal. It¡¯s not up to me to decide which strings are connected.

 Chapter 27: Break through at Team Skull IV

    ¡°It¡¯s dark...¡±

    My hands rest against my skull. The throbbing behind my forehead threatens to break through the bone.

    ¡°Where am I?¡±

    Pressing my lips together, I squeeze my eyes shut a little tighter.

    ¡°Where are the others?¡±

    The bed beneath me seems anything but soft or comfortable. It doesn¡¯t promise peace and quiet, nor does it give me a place to retreat from the voices in my head ¨C and the burning pain in my back won''t let up.

    ¡°I want to get out of here.¡±

    Noise. A television seems to switch channels.

    I remember.

    ¡°And in the next episode of ¡®Pok¨¦mon Super Ranger¡¯: No power to bullies!¡±

    The television flickers. Dad always says that one day it will probably just stop working and we¡¯ll have to buy a new one, even though he¡¯s so reluctant to part with old items. He thinks we should appreciate aged things because they have history. But if you have to decide what¡¯s more important, you should always choose the future over the past.

    My attention slowly drifts away from the screen, which was previously showing my favourite series and is now broadcasting the news. Something about Pok¨¦mon. Something about conflict. Something.

    I shakily pick myself up on my numb legs, stride across the wooden floor and listen to the creaking planks. Mum always complains about them, because it means she can¡¯t sneak up on Dad to scare him.

    Mum.

    ¡°Boo!¡±

    My heart leaps into my throat as I back away and crash onto my behind. The loud laugh from the woman in the doorway is so warm that crying is out of the question. Instead, I puff out my cheeks. ¡°Not cool!¡±

    She is beautiful. At least I don¡¯t know a more beautiful woman than my mum. Her light brown, almost golden hair shimmers in the daylight and her smile is so warm that her pointed nose hardly looks dangerous ¨C a stark contrast to the moments when she reprimands me. The sparkle in her violet eyes expresses amusement, and in the end I have to laugh.

    ¡°Where have you been?¡± Stretching my legs away from me, I look up at her and watch as she squats down.

    ¡°I bought something wonderful for you today.¡± She lowers her eyelids a little. ¡°Your father and I have been thinking about this for a long time, but we¡¯ve never been able to decide how to approach it. I mean ... what if you don¡¯t like your present? What if a different partner would have been better for you? Questions and questions.¡± She sighs. ¡°But I saw it ... no ... I saw her, and I thought you¡¯d be perfect together.¡±

    Whatever she¡¯s talking about, my curiosity is piqued!

    When she leans back briefly to grab something next to the door, behind the wall, I crawl to my knees. I swallow audibly, my damp little hands clenched into fists on my lap.

    And then, in the next breath, she pulls out a Pok¨¦mon. All black, with red eyebrows and eyelids and feet and a fluffy head. It¡¯s not notably big, but I think it fits perfectly in my arms.

    ¡°It¡¯s a Zorua,¡± my mum explains. ¡°She¡¯s only a year old and I¡¯ve been told that if she makes friends with someone, she can be very playful. The previous owner called her Ying. But we can probably give her a different name if you don¡¯t like it.¡±

    Ying. A Zorua. By far the cutest Pok¨¦mon in the world. Probably.

    ¡°For me?¡± To make sure, I look at my mum a little more firmly.

    ¡°For you,¡± she confirms. ¡°She¡¯s going to look after you from today ... as your little sister. Be good to her.¡±

    ¡°Shit...¡± I want to claw my eyes out of my head as heated tears gather on my eyelids. My skull seems to be bursting and these vague memories from goddamn no-man''s-land aren¡¯t making it any better.

    Simultaneously, these images, these conversations, tug at my heart. The more I try to think about my life before Alola, the more gaps I find. I¡¯m missing too many memories. Too many years. Too many stages of life.

    The sobs inevitably break free from my throat. Until two seconds ago, I didn¡¯t even remember what my mum looked like ¨C I couldn¡¯t put her voice or her appearance into the pictures before. She was the one who touched me with love. The woman who looked after me when something occurred, which of course I can¡¯t remember either.

    What happened to her?

    I also knew that Ying and I had always been together. We¡¯ve been sharing this mess of a life for years. But remembering now that I got her when I was seven, the day the last episode of my favourite children¡¯s show was on before they cancelled it out of the blue, hits me differently. She¡¯s eleven now.

    My Zorua is eleven years old.

    How many more years does she have?

    Once again, I toss and turn on the mattress. The floral scent of summer blossoms fills my nose and yet leaves no peace. My insides are on fire. Everything inside me wants to jump up, wants to bang my head against the wall and hope it costs me consciousness. I¡¯m too tired to get through another day if I can¡¯t get a wink of sleep.

    Still, I run my palms over my face and sit up. There is no hope of sleep in these seconds. So I swing myself out of bed and throw on my clothes. Maybe some fresh air, a walk ¨C anything to calm my nerves ¨C will help. Amethio spoke of a Pok¨¦mon Center nearby. I should stock up. Thanks to the little beach job, I have some money I can use. For balls, potions, and all kinds of healing items.

    My steps stagger like those of a Spinda. I have to find my feet before I can walk in a straight line. But I only gain my balance when I catch the door handle and push myself into the corridor.

    The silence of the accommodation brings my breathing to the fore and the circumstances almost remind me of the night I tried to run away from home. A glance at the Rotom, however, tells me it¡¯s only just past midnight. Fortunately, Pok¨¦mon Centers are open around the clock and so are the integrated shops. It¡¯s a small ray of light of distraction that I can throw myself on.

    Outside, on Route 13, I can hear the chirping of distant Pok¨¦mon. Birds make low sounds and a faint breeze turns the night heat pleasant. My legs carry me forward in ambling steps, straight to Tapu Village, where there is almost nothing to be found except the bright lights of the Pok¨¦mon Center. The glow draws me in like a lost Venomoth, and as I step over the threshold, my headache seems to sting less. My eyes are burning, though, and while I give the nurse a gentle nod, it¡¯s the man behind the sales counter under the blue shop sign who gains my full attention.

    His welcoming smile greets me warmly at this hour, even though I¡¯m sure the shift staff would rather be doing other things at this time of day than standing around hoping someone will buy something from them.

    ¡°What can I offer you?¡±

    ¡°I ... need some balls.¡± Just to be on the safe side. The few I packed at the start of my journey are in the airship along with most of the other things I squeezed in my backpack at the start of my trip. ¡°I¡¯d also like three potions and a cure that removes all health problems.¡±

    ¡°What balls would you like? I can offer you normal Pok¨¦ Balls, Great Balls, Ultra Balls, and we currently also have Dusk Balls and Moon Balls in stock.¡±

    My head is spinning. Sure, I know there are different types, but the list this man is throwing at me goes right over my head. So I allow myself a long breath.

    Pok¨¦ Balls are out of the question. The only reason I don¡¯t mix up Ying and Coro is because my Zorua¡¯s ball is worn out, old and shabby. If I want to expand my team, it¡¯s smarter to use one I don¡¯t already have.

    ¡°Which ball would you recommend apart from Pok¨¦ Balls?¡±

    ¡°That depends on the use. Great Balls are more stable and can withstand stronger Pok¨¦mon. Ultra Balls are a step above that. Both kinds are suitable for catching Pok¨¦mon whenever you want.¡± Thoughtfully, he puts a hand to his chin. ¡°However, if you want to catch a Pok¨¦mon in the evening or in a dark place, it¡¯s more likely to stay in a Dusk Ball. And if you have your eye on a Pok¨¦mon that only evolves with a Moon Stone, then it¡¯s best to use the Moon Ball.¡±

    After Coro evolved into Trumbeak, I simply pushed the issue away, but not every Pok¨¦mon evolves under the same conditions. A Moon Ball would be a good buy if I ever find a suitable partner. Then again, I¡¯m inexperienced and I don¡¯t have a specific Pok¨¦mon in mind for my team.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take ... five Great Balls.¡±

    ¡°And what potions would you like? Normal ones? Super potions? Hy-¡°

    ¡°Any that will push my Pok¨¦mon from ¡®almost dead¡¯ to ¡®lively¡¯.¡±

    ¡°I think hyper potions will make you happy.¡±

    For my last wish, we agree on Lava Cookies, which are available here in large bags. Considering they are baked goods, the best-before date of half a year is surprisingly long.

    With everything packed in a bag, I pay for my first real purchase and tense my shoulders. In those seconds, I have every reason to be proud of myself. This is probably a step my father would never have expected me to take.

    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    ¡°I ... don¡¯t really want to get involved, but would you like to buy some repel?¡± Finally, the salesman moves back into the picture. ¡°Just to be on the safe side, if your circumstances require it.¡±

    ¡°In what way?¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you planning to go to the abandoned supermarket to survive a little test of courage or catch a Pok¨¦mon?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t even realise this was a thing...¡±

    A sigh escapes him. ¡°Many trainers have set themselves the goal of exploring the abandoned supermarket over the years. Some leave with a few of the still-usable goods there, if they can.¡± He lowers his eyes. ¡°It¡¯s quite dangerous there, though. Ghost-type Pok¨¦mon consider this place their habitat and love to haunt you if they¡¯re friendly.¡±

    ¡°And if they¡¯re not?¡±

    He looks at me again. ¡°Four trainers have disappeared without a trace in the last year alone.¡±

    My eyes widen. ¡°And the place is still standing?¡±

    It¡¯s hard to believe, considering the lives that have already been claimed. The islanders surely will have protested, making the very existence of the supermarket seem distressing.

    ¡°It does,¡± confirms the shop assistant. ¡°They wanted to demolish it after the first incidents. Then there were tensions on many sides. The families of the disappeared believe they are still there somewhere. The government wanted to remove the building, anyway. However, a few protests stopped the construction workers from labouring because many wanted to protect the Pok¨¦mon there. They said it was the fault of the people who wanted to hold their stupid test of courage there that the Pok¨¦mon had acted up.¡± Without further ado, he shrugs his shoulders. ¡°In the end, they left the place standing and put up a sign. Anyone who thinks they need to go in does so at their own risk. What¡¯s more, the shop now serves as an examination site for those who are taking part in the island challenge. But there is always a supervisor present...¡±

    A glance at the door makes the circumstances even more tempting. An abandoned shop full of Pok¨¦mon I¡¯ve never faced before sounds like a place where I can distract myself. On top, I¡¯m not alone and not careless enough to get spooked ¨C I think.

    And I have to learn to cope with certain circumstances ¨C on my own, without Amethio as a rescue plan. And if I mess up, I still don¡¯t have to be afraid.

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll take a repel spray!¡±

    <hr>

    ¡· W H I S P E R S ¡¶

    <hr>

    Route 14 is perfect if you¡¯re planning to give someone the fright of their life. All that¡¯s missing is rain and a thunderstorm and anyone in their right mind would keep a distance of two kilometres.

    The sand under my soles is pitch black. At this late hour, it seems to form a mass with the night, ready to devour its victims when no one is looking. Only the crunching of my footsteps takes the weight off this delusion, but it doesn¡¯t improve the sight in front of me. A road leading to an old car park next to the shop has collapsed. Everything lies fallow, grass is squeezing through the cracks and the entrance door to the market is barely hanging on its hinges.

    Still, I dare to climb the steps up to the entrance and look inside. It is so dark I have to use Rotom to help me. The integrated light gives me a glimpse of dusty goods, checkout lanes and shelves with broken wood in some places.

    I slowly push my way in, holding my breath, hoping to hear something. But the silence seems to muffle even my steps. Every additional centimetre forward drives the air out of my lungs and before I know it, the eerie effect of the shop is hardly worth mentioning. However, I keep my eyes open as I stroll past the expired snacks and inspect the Pok¨¦ Dolls. Jigglypuff and Munchlax, covered in dirt, are waiting for greedy children¡¯s hands. Moisture presses against my fingers as I stroke one doll. For being more or less at the mercy of the weather, they are holding up well.

    ¡°Welcome... home...¡±

    In a flash, I look over my shoulder but can¡¯t see anyone. Instead, I feel the pain in my back. The only certainty I harbour is that the scratchy sounds weren¡¯t in my head.

    In slow motion, I detach myself from the dolls and glance round a shelf ¨C into an empty corridor. In the next breath, I hear metal rattling. My heart leaps faster and my body automatically presses against the rotten wood, eliciting a groan ¨C from me and the shelf. Only then do I push myself towards the checkout.

    The cash register belt is running.

    ¡°Ghost-type Pok¨¦mon, huh?¡± Quietly to myself, my attention wanders along the window front. The dirt makes it impossible to see the outside world.

    Then I try to pull away. My fingers feel the wood behind me. Tins of food. Something damp.

    I hastily pull my hand back, wrinkling my nose, and turn round. My gaze collides with blood-red eyes. A broad grin greets me. My heart seems to stop.

    ¡°play ... ing...¡±

    A shiver settles over my whole body as I take a step back from Gengar. The light blinds it for a moment, giving me the chance to turn round and start running. But I don¡¯t get very far. Heat bites through my body. Goosebumps take over every fibre of my being, and as I crash to the ground, I realise the sudden, dark explosion behind me. My hands tremble. Every muscle screams. My breath catches and I barely manage to grab Raya¡¯s ball before the Gengar dares to attack again.

    I shouldn¡¯t be playing with fire, not in this place, but here Raya can give me a security I don¡¯t expect from anyone else. I wouldn¡¯t be able to see Ying in the darkness, and Pikipek ¨C no, Trumbeak ¨C is hardly less dark.

    ¡°Ember! But try to aim right at the Gengar. We can¡¯t miss!¡±

    A sound of approval escapes her before she gathers the fire in her chest and shoots straight at our opponent. The Gengar¡¯s eyes widen before it raises its hands, but is shot down by the small fireball. Its corpulent body topples backwards, landing on its back and depriving it of its freedom of movement for a moment. Things are going better than expected.

    Until something emerges from the darkness next to me.

    A small, black body. Fangs. A quick whisper causing the veins in its eyes to swell and burst. White eyeballs turn red. I can¡¯t look away. I can only stare at this curse while my surroundings are shrouded in light.

    It is burning. My whole surroundings are on fire. Heat flickers over my skin and although I want to believe that this is all just a dream, a vicious attack by Gastly, the heat burns the hair on my arms.

    ¡°Raya?¡±

    I look around hastily. Has she attacked a second time and missed the Gengar? Smoke burns in my eyes and a quick glance back at the Gastly brings emptiness into view. It has fled.

    ¡°Raya!¡± Once again, I ask for my Growlithe, but I can¡¯t see her anywhere. Instead, the world blurs before my eyes. Tears make it impossible to see even the slightest thing and as the first cough escapes me, all I can do is put a hand over my nose and mouth.

    I have to find her.

    I have to help her.

    Mum.

    My body falters. Not a single movement comes over me.

    Shouldn¡¯t I be looking for a Pok¨¦mon?

    I squint my eyes for a moment and shake my head. Only then do I turn my attention back to the fire, the smoke, the screams and commands in the background. If I act now, I might be able to help them.

    But how?

    My head is throbbing.

    ¡°Domino...¡± My mum¡¯s voice wraps around me. ¡°She¡¯ll look after you from today...¡±

    She¡¯ll look after me. Whenever I need her, she¡¯ll protect me. Even when the heat threatens to engulf me, she¡¯ll just grab me by the arm and save me.

    ¡°Ying!¡± The cry escapes my childish voice in a pointed tone, chasing along the walls and bringing a glimmer to the foreground that makes my blurred vision a little more hopeful.

    The next moment, something grabs my wrist. But when I look, it¡¯s not Zorua.

    ¡°Who are you?¡± Irritated, I pull my nose back. ¡°Where is Ying?¡±

    ¡°Helping...¡± replies the Pok¨¦mon in front of me. It has the appearance of a Pikachu and yet this outfit is more than obviously just a worn-out costume. The ends are already ragged.

    Still, I follow the Pok¨¦mon and let it lead me out of the flames until we find shelter behind a shelf in a dark corner. To be on the safe side, I hug the little creature tightly to my chest. Then I close my eyes and slowly count down from ten. The air seems to become clearer. Someone strokes my head. My sobs penetrate the suddenly strange silence twice more and when I open my lids, there is no longer any sign of the fire. Everything is exactly the same as before. Darkness in the supermarket. Raya is sitting next to me.

    A relieved sigh escapes my lips as I lean my head against the wood behind me and bring the trembling of my body under control.

    ¡°So this is what happens when you let a Pok¨¦mon curse you...¡±

    ¡°Poor memory ... smudge with reality.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t already have enough nightmares I guess...¡± A small snort escapes me before I suck in a sharp breath and hold the Pok¨¦mon I was hugging to my chest far away from me. Its small body barely fills the lower half of the costume, while the non-Pikachu¡¯s head hangs askew. The stains on the fabric and all the dust do the rest.

    For a moment, we just look at each other. We¡¯re probably both at a loss for words, especially as I¡¯m slightly surprised that this Mimikyu is talking. Most Ghost-type Pok¨¦mon somehow master this with a lot of practice, but this one doesn¡¯t look like it has spent much time in the company of humans.

    ¡°You helped me,¡± I finally put in.

    ¡°I apologise,¡± it replies. ¡°You ... unlike many.¡±

    Thinking about it is probably bad, but the way it¡¯s behaving, it seems like it¡¯s put all this on my heels. Then again, it¡¯s hard to be angry with a Pok¨¦mon that realises its mistake and does the right thing in the end.

    ¡°Why did you do that? It was you, wasn¡¯t it? Gengar and Gastly probably wouldn¡¯t have ... beaten me otherwise.¡±

    ¡°I apologise,¡± it repeats, ¡°defence.¡±

    ¡°From what?¡±

    ¡°Humans. Coming here ... attacking us. Laughing. Mean. Catch friends and throw them away if not enough.¡± Its eyes gleam wetly. ¡°We been fighting back for long time. Fend off mean. Make bad away.¡±

    They kill their opponents, their enemies. I don¡¯t have to ask to understand that much. This little Mimikyu in my hands is defending itself from those who are performing their test of courage here to escape further suffering it never conjured. It¡¯s no secret that some trainers attack even friendly Pok¨¦mon in order to gain more battle experience. Here they do the same, hurting the Pok¨¦mon present and laughing at them. Some are caught. Others are abandoned.

    ¡°Do you also attack those who are taking their test here?¡±

    ¡°Test?¡± Its crooked head tilts even more ¨C I have to stop looking at the wrong face. ¡°Sometimes strong Pok¨¦mon. Chase us into corners. Other Mimikyu ... says we safe while it there. But often goes away. Rarely comes here. Trying to fill space.¡±

    To protect the others.

    If someone had tried to explain to me not too long ago that Pok¨¦mon have their own systems and problems, I would have just raised my eyebrows because I know absolutely nothing about this side of the coin ¨C apart from scraps from the news, which are meagre and vague. But the books on board the Explorers and the voices in my head have made it easy to understand the Pok¨¦mon. The fear of the creature from another dimension. Nebby¡¯s carefree attitude and its love for Lillie. Tapu Lele and its friendly talkativeness. The mutated Wishiwashi and its anger.

    They all come together to form a picture tightening my chest. The world can¡¯t be perfect, certainly not, but to see some beings suffer in this way ¨C shouldn¡¯t we change something?

    Carefully, I set the Mimikyu down on my legs.

    ¡°Did they do the same to you? Abandon you here?¡±

    It bobs slightly. The gentle scratchiness in its voice gives it a childlike charm. ¡°Twice. But I understand.¡± Its little eyes get even smaller. ¡°Me ugly ... weak ...¡± Tiny beads of water are sucked in by the fabric around his eyes. ¡°Me lonely.¡±

    I immediately press it back against my chest. ¡°You¡¯re not ugly. No Pok¨¦mon is. Every creature out there has its own charm.¡± Gently, I rest my head on its costume. ¡°Maybe some people don¡¯t like you because everyone has different tastes. But there are certainly many out there who would love you if they saw you.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Guaranteed.¡± This time, I loosen it just a little from my chest. ¡°Don¡¯t we all deserve someone out there who ... loves us?¡±

    Barely noticeable, a black arm with long claws slides out from under its costume and rests on my chest. ¡°You lonely?¡±

    Am I? Lonely?

    Gaps in my memory pick at issues I¡¯m only slowly becoming aware of. There¡¯s the problem with my mum, who I don¡¯t know where she is. The memory of a burning house that was probably once my home. The day I got Ying. The happy family life I remember only vaguely.

    The world has probably changed a lot since then ¨C I don¡¯t know, I¡¯m just getting to know it. Travelling with the Explorers as a permanent member now gives me hope of filling in the gaps one day, while living the adventure I¡¯ve wanted since we left Nowhere for Alola.

    In the process, I met Lillie; got two new partners and experienced things with Ying. Conia is thawing and isn¡¯t half as strict as she pretends to be when she doesn¡¯t have to. Zir is fun to watch. Amethio saves my ass more often than I¡¯d like. There are so many people around me. And yet...

    ¡°Sometimes.¡±

    A second claw slips out from under Mimikyu¡¯s costume but rests on my head. ¡°Two not lonely?¡±

    ¡°You want to go travelling with me?¡±

    ¡°Journey creepy.¡± It seems to pull its nose back. ¡°But two not lonely.¡±

    I¡¯ll probably give the other four Great Balls to Lillie if she ever decides to catch a Pok¨¦mon. The one I need, I dig out of my pocket and hold it up to Mimikyu.

    ¡°It probably won¡¯t be easy. I¡¯m not a great trainer ... but I¡¯m trying. So if you want to come with me ... this ball is yours.¡±

    No more questions. No doubts. Instead, it places a claw on the front button and allows itself to be sucked inside as matter.

    Now we are less lonely.

 Chapter 28: Break through at Team Skull V

    ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m a bit ... late this morning...¡± I finish my story between two bites of a honey bun.

    Amethio¡¯s eyes are glued to me as if I¡¯ve committed the next big, stupid offence, but he can¡¯t reprimand me. All he can do is stare, his teacup firmly in both hands. I¡¯ve come back in one piece, have a new partner who¡¯s gobbling down their breakfast Pok¨¦ Beans with the others, and my headache is gone. He doesn¡¯t need to know about the pain in my shoulder and the numb feeling in my arm.

    In the end, Amethio¡¯s silence is neither admiration nor interest. It almost seems as if my entire story has passed him by while he is lost in thought and making plans. The fact I could have saved my breath makes the corners of my mouth turn downwards.

    ¡°Have you been listening to me?¡±

    ¡°Most of the time,¡± he sighs before emptying his cup.

    ¡°And what was I talking about?¡±

    ¡°Debauchery in a place where people disappear.¡± The chair creaks as Amethio stands up. ¡°It¡¯s time to get on with our duties.¡±

    His reply leaves me dumbfounded as he packs up his Pok¨¦mon and begins the march to our next stop. Everything I¡¯ve told him seems to have rolled off.

    Eyelids lowered, the certainty pushes heat into my cheeks. There are few things more embarrassing than telling someone something and yet only disturbing them. Talking to Amethio about my little adventures is worthless. I should have known, even if I was gripped by euphoria.

    My shoulders weigh heavily as I collect my team of four. Each food bowl has been emptied, everyone seems to get along and the new day can begin. So I follow Amethio out of our lodging onto Route 13.

    The short walk to Tapu Village remains silent. The few people who occasionally clean the beach below or tend to a few plants along the way are of no interest to Amethio. His destination leads us along a path between meadows and the vast sea to a white building that screams ¡°laboratory¡± so clearly it doesn¡¯t even need the small golden sign at the entrance. Yet it provides information revealing it is a branch of the Aether Foundation, which has joined forces here with several professors from Akala¡¯s research facility. They are an almost independent institute.

    Behind the entrance, we are greeted by white walls next to white benches and white doors. Even the reception is white and the man behind the counter almost disappears. His nasal voice is the only thing standing out as he greets Amethio and smiles wryly.

    ¡°If you would come with us? The order for Master Gibeon will be taken care of immediately.¡± He puffs out his chest. ¡°We are very pleased our research has attracted the attention of such an excellent organisation.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re not gathering intel?¡± Brows raised, I cast a quick glance at Amethio.

    ¡°Only by the way. Master Gibeon wants to test the cloning technology for Pok¨¦ Balls in this industry.¡±

    I don¡¯t ask more questions. It¡¯s probably unnecessary. Cloning Pok¨¦ Balls sounds like a good business ¨C if there are ones that are rare in their production. It might even be worthwhile for simple balls to reduce the burden on the factories. It¡¯s a fascinating field, but ultimately not a topic for me. Not in those seconds when Amethio tells me to wait for him here.

    He has no use for me ¨C again ¨C and the question of why I am following him comes to the fore. In the time it takes him to investigate his clues, I could search for the guardian deity of the island. We would make much faster progress that way. Maybe I¡¯d even find out the secret behind Team Skull¡¯s hunt for Lillie and Nebby. Right now, there are so many things dangling in front of me like a loose thread I¡¯d much rather go my own way. Amethio doesn¡¯t care about my presence anyway ¨C so why not deliver results on my own?

    Crossing my arms in front of my chest, I purse my lips. The longer I think about it, the more tempting it becomes. Then again, I shouldn¡¯t push my luck. If worse comes to worst, Amethio could throw me off the ship and I don¡¯t know how many opportunities the Explorers will give me ultimately. Surely someone will help me out of Alola, but then I¡¯m on my own and I don¡¯t even know who Hamber is.

    All I have left is a long-drawn-out sigh until the front door opens. The first thing I hear is a sharp sniffle. Shortly afterwards, a little girl in fluffy summer clothes follows ¨C dirty to the tips of her hair. Hiccups interrupt her whimpering sounds and when she sees me ¨C the only human soul within reach ¨C she stumbles towards me with round, red-rimmed eyes.

    As soon as she stands in front of me, she grabs my wrist. ¡°C-can you help me?¡±

    I slowly crouch down. ¡°With what?¡±

    She pulls her nose back loudly. Her little body trembles. ¡°They ha-have Zagsi...¡±

    ¡°Zagsi?¡±

    ¡°The mean boys... They stole my Z-Zagsi!¡± Pushing her lower lip forward, she holds back the tears with all her might. ¡°They were mean to mum and dad and then ... they just took Zagsi. It¡¯s our pet Pok¨¦mon.¡± A tear trickles down her dirty cheek. ¡°I wanted it back, but then they pushed me and I fell and-¡° Her words turn into an unintelligible wail.

    All I can do is stroke her brown mop of hair until she calms down; minutes that drag on like hours.

    ¡°Mum and Dad said they can¡¯t help Z-Zagsi.¡± She smears some of her snot on the back of her hand. ¡°But they said there are s-strong trainers here.¡±

    ¡°There certainly are,¡± I reply gently. Amethio is one of them, even if he surely doesn¡¯t give the impression of helping a small child when it asks nicely.

    ¡°Can you get Zagsi?¡± The girl¡¯s moist eyes pierce me. ¡°P-please.¡±

    ¡°Can you tell me who the boys were or what they looked like?¡±

    ¡°T-They¡¯re called Skull. Mum is always angry at them.¡±

    Of course it¡¯s Team Skull. I shouldn¡¯t have expected anything else.

    ¡°And Zagsi? What kind of Pok¨¦mon is it?¡±

    Her eyes get a little rounder. ¡°I-it... is Zagsi...¡±

    I probably shouldn¡¯t expect more from a girl who, at maybe five years old, is completely distraught and filthy and goes to a lab alone to rescue her Pok¨¦mon. Her parents probably don¡¯t even know where she is and are drowning in worry. Anything seems possible, and yet I can¡¯t do anything if I don¡¯t even know what I¡¯m looking for.

    ¡°Does Zagsi have anything on it to recognise it by?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s wearing a helmet,¡± she answers me a little more calmly. ¡°Dad made it.¡±

    I can¡¯t miss a helmet, at least that¡¯s something. ¡°And do you know where they¡¯re taking Zagsi?¡±

    She shakes her head wildly. ¡°Mum always says they live in a town. Behind the water.¡±

    We are quite close to the sea, which means her mum is probably talking about this area¡¯s beaches. The black shore doesn¡¯t allow for a long swim, the rocks are too close together for that. This leaves only the sea near this laboratory. A nearby island can be seen from outside. There¡¯s a good chance this is where I¡¯m supposed to go.

    If Amethio doesn¡¯t need me, then at least this child does. ¡°I¡¯ll take care of it. But can you do something for me in return?¡±

    Only an attentive sound escapes her throat.

    ¡°If a boy comes out of that door there,¡± I point to the doorway Amethio has disappeared behind, ¡°with black and silver hair, and he should actually look like he¡¯s looking for someone, tell him I¡¯ll get Zagsi back, yeah?¡±

    Her eager nod is all I need. I¡¯ve already snatched a Stufful from the hands of two Skull members. A Pok¨¦mon with a helmet will probably prove equally easy.

    Without further ado, I stroke the girl¡¯s mop of hair one last time before setting off. However, the warmth of the outside world overwhelms me and it takes a whole two minutes before I can force myself to put one foot in front of the other.

    To the right, down the small slope to the water, gives me a good view of the place I need to get to. However, the only way to get to the other coast is by swimming. There are no boats in sight and no people with Water-type Pok¨¦mon. The only figures you can see from here are merry swimmers.

    With a sigh, I strip off my clothes down to my underwear and tighten my shoulders. The sharp pain shooting through my back in the next blink brings tears to my eyes. As I feel the throbbing spot with my fingers, burning heat presses against the tips. The cooling of the sea is unlikely to cause much harm.

    Tying my clothes together with the bag belt, I place the package on my head. Then I step into the water. It takes a while for my body to feel the wetness and when I start to swim, the only thing burning apart from my barely mobile, numb arm seems to be my face. My skin has turned a clear tan by now ¨C a sunburn is out of question ¨C and for a moment I wonder how Amethio manages to stay so pale. Even Conia looks like she¡¯s got some colour and I don¡¯t even want to mention Lillie.

    How strong is Amethio¡¯s sun cream?

    The first small island is within reach and with it, my first break. A brief spectacle, which I perform each time exhaustion eats away at my body or the pain becomes too intense. An eternity seems to pass before I reach the other side. The sun is even hotter than before and only when my clothes are back in place ¨C the wet underwear will leave its mark ¨C do I drag myself forwards.

    Passing a Pok¨¦mon Center, which advertises fresh drinks from the integrated caf¨¦, I make my way along a narrow avenue. Behind it lurks a sea of flowers through which footbridges have been built. The view is almost as enticing as the Malie Garden, were it not for the shallow pink mist.

    The sweetness spreading on my tongue has the flavour of flowers. According to my studies, the blossoms on the islands of Alola produce different-coloured honey, which is especially popular with Oricorio ¨C even if it has a type-changing effect. Some islanders enjoy the honey as well, but they don¡¯t offer it in their accommodations. If I wanted to try some, I would have to visit a market or ask a trader in Konikoni. The locals know how to sell their specialities. All it takes is a laborious approach and people show interest.

    Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    In slow steps, I stroll along the wooden path. I can hear rustling between the flowers. Pok¨¦mon emit noises and a part of me would like to stay longer to admire the pink sea.

    Somewhere in the middle of this thought, I stop. No one can stop me from taking a brief break. Amethio isn¡¯t here to chase me around and I don¡¯t have an Explorers assignment to mess up right now. So I soak up the floral splendour, lose myself in the pink mist and savour the sweetness on my tongue, which increases whenever I lick my lips.

    ¡°Maybe we should take advantage of the circumstances.¡±

    A sideways glance brings Amethio into view. His eyes dwell on the sea of flowers, lost in thought, and it takes a breath before he turns to me.

    ¡°How should we use them?¡± I ask.

    ¡°There¡¯s something romantic about it.¡± He takes a step closer, throwing the scent of fresh coconut in my direction. ¡°What defines romantic scenes for you?¡±

    With my eyelids only half open, I can clearly feel the goose bumps on my body. ¡°I don¡¯t know. Depends on ... the moment. Kisses. Dances. Sometimes just a moment together.¡±

    When he holds out his hand to me, all I can do is blink several times. ¡°Maybe a dance will suffice as an apology for my lack of interest earlier.¡±

    Pursing my lips, I scrutinise him. Amethio is not the type for such actions and yet he stands before me, offering me intimacy as if his mere presence is enough to erase all his faults.

    It makes me smile. Maybe it really is enough. If he finally becomes more open and we can get along better without one of us wanting to run away, then I¡¯ll take what I can get. In this case, his hand.

    ¡°I¡¯m not good at dancing ... I think.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll lead.¡± He removes any worry I may have and as I snuggle up to him, acknowledging his steps as my own, calm sits deep in my bones.

    For a moment, there is nothing in the world that can shake me ¨C I have nothing to prove to anyone, no need to run away, no unanswered questions. There is only the moment I share with Amethio as he leads me along the wooden walkway with gallant steps. The lightness of his movements can¡¯t be compared with the normality that is usually part of every human being ¨C especially as Amethio doesn¡¯t exactly convey the image of a dancer. But his movements are so precise and his guidance so controlled it seems as if I am drifting with the waves.

    Half in thought, I release my hand from his chest and yet cling all the tighter to our connection. As I do so, I dig my partners out of my pocket and let them out. We should savour the moments, the time we have before the adventure continues. In the next breath, I put my hand back on Amethio¡¯s body and let him take a step back before he leads me into a sweeping turn. The joy in my body makes my heart beat faster. My blood-red dress puffs out like a bell and combines with the blackness of Amethio¡¯s suit.

    As we stop for a moment to catch our breath, the sudden exhaustion deep in my muscles, Amethio¡¯s fingers glide through the ends of my hair. The white shimmers gently under his grip, looking dull at the purple tips. The strands glide between his gentle touch, resting against my chest.

    I can¡¯t remember the last time I wore my hair loose, but in these seconds it fits better with my dress ¨C with this absurd perception seemingly crazy and yet giving me no reason to question it. Even my Pok¨¦mon are enjoying the moment.

    Zorua soaks up the sight of the pink flowers. Coro digs around in some calyxes with the tip of his beak, while Raya hits them with her paws to loosen the pollen. They are all together. All except Mimikyu ¨C Mirra, as I called her just before going to bed after she got an entry in the Pok¨¦dex and Rotom told me about her abilities and other things.

    I turn in circles several times. The surroundings blur into a mosaic of pink shades. Amethio doesn¡¯t stand out in all this ¨C maybe he¡¯s gone too ¨C and the dress peels off my body like rose petals. But I can¡¯t see Mirra anywhere. Neither among my Pok¨¦mon, nor in the sea of flowers.

    The edge of the wooden walkway draws closer. My breath burns; on my lips, under my skin, and in my throat. Every step is unsteady. The throbbing in my shoulder comes to the fore, reminding me how painful a single movement can be. The heels of my shoes lose their grip. The image in front of my eyes turns, facing the horizon.

    The sun is blinding.

    But I don¡¯t fall.

    Immediately, I turn my gaze away from the sky and let my vision wander over my outstretched arm. My wrist is firmly in the grip of black gloves and when I recognise Amethio, this time in his traditional clothes, only the white handkerchief in front of his nose and mouth seems to bring change.

    He swiftly pulls me into an upright position, but doesn¡¯t offer me another dance. Instead, he reaches for my bag, grabs the Pok¨¦ Balls and collects my partners.

    A smile appears on my lips. All this looks much more like him. The seriousness on his face, the upright posture, the purposeful actions ¨C he could hardly be more real.

    As soon as he has put the balls back in my bag, he grabs me by the hand. A blink of an eye later, we are hurrying along the wooden walkway, past the splendour of Ula¡¯Ula¡¯s flowers, until I vaguely decipher Route 17 on a small wooden sign. Yet we only stop when the surrounding greenery thins out. Low meadows are all that remain, dotted with ornamental trees ¨C in between a small building, next to which we settle down in the lush greenery.

    ¡°Why did we leave?¡± The world only reaches me through a fuzzy filter. ¡°We still had time.¡±

    ¡°You wasted two hours in the meadow.¡± A sharp sideways glance from Amethio makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. ¡°We¡¯re wasting time on unimportant things because of you.¡±

    ¡°Nobody forced you to come here. I would have solved this on my own.¡±

    ¡°When? In four days?¡±

    ¡°I would just have enjoyed the time a...¡± I falter. In my mind, I¡¯ve been in this place for maybe ten minutes. ¡°Two hours? I was there for two hours?¡± Eyes wide, I stare at Amethio. My throat is parched. ¡°That was never two hours!¡±

    Instead of answering, he holds his Rotom Phone under my nose, closely followed by a bottle of water, which I greedily empty. According to the display, it¡¯s now late afternoon. This also means, no matter how hard it is to believe, that two hours have gone by.

    Snorting, I massage my temples. The cotton wool in my head slowly loosens and when I spot Mimikyu in front of me ¨C she seems to have been sitting there for a while ¨C I inevitably tighten the corners of my mouth. ¡°You got Amethio for me, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°No good?¡± Her costume head tilts.

    ¡°It is...¡± I carefully stroke a finger over the part I think is her body. ¡°You¡¯re a great help.¡± Lowering my eyelids, I look at my companion. ¡°But ... I could still have managed somehow. If you don¡¯t want to be here, no one¡¯s forcing you.¡±

    The sigh on his lips weighs almost as heavily as my bruised shoulder. ¡°What were you thinking?¡±

    ¡°The girl needed help, and it aligned with my questions. Team Skull is after Lillie and Nebby ... at least according to that guy from yesterday. So why not free the little girl¡¯s Pok¨¦mon and find out why they¡¯re after them?¡±

    ¡°Your approach is dangerous...¡± Without further ado, Amethio leans back, resting his weight on his hands.

    ¡°How was I supposed to know this meadow would warp time?¡± Pushing forward my lower lip, I wrinkle my nose. ¡°Pretty sneaky.¡±

    ¡°For tourists, yes,¡± he replies. ¡°The Ula¡¯Ula Meadow is used for pain therapy. The scent it gives off is considered a naturally occurring morphine ¨C but it also triggers hallucinations. The same can be said about the honey produced here.¡±

    ¡°How do you know that?¡±

    His reproving look reveals I could probably have found out for myself if I¡¯d been paying more attention. ¡°The owner of the accommodation warned us. At breakfast.¡±

    While I rambled on without a dot or a comma. That¡¯s probably why he pushed my report away as if it was the least important thing in the world ¨C because I wasn¡¯t paying enough attention to my surroundings and was missing out on important information that could have saved me trouble.

    My tongue clicks as I run both hands over my face, trying to empty my head and start at the beginning once more. There are so many things I need to learn that the little details are starting to go over my head. I need to be more mindful, think ahead, not just act and try to stop living from one day to the next. In essence, this journey requires a complete change on my part, and I don¡¯t know if that¡¯s the right way to go. I don¡¯t want to adapt to something that only holds value within an organisation. However, I could learn to mix things up. It¡¯s not impossible to prepare for anything if you carry enough medicine around. Means I just need to work on my awareness.

    ¡°Now what?¡± Lowering my eyelids, I try to take the important aspects to heart. Minor changes to help me and my team can¡¯t be wrong. ¡°I¡¯m going to get the girl¡¯s Pok¨¦mon back ... she¡¯s relying on me.¡±

    Determined, Amethio rises from his seated position before glancing up Route 17 and putting a hand on his hip. ¡°I¡¯m coming with you. Team Skull occupied Po Town a few months ago. The island¡¯s police can¡¯t stand up to them ¨C or rather their leader, Guzma. He¡¯s taken over the Shady House there.¡±

    The fact we¡¯re already so close to the leader is unexpected. Basically, I thought Team Skull would be hiding somewhere underground. However, the fact they¡¯ve taken over an entire town puts them in a much more dangerous light. I don¡¯t even want to know what makes this Guzma tick, but I can imagine he¡¯s not a pleasant person to be around. It¡¯s reassuring to have Amethio by my side.

    Eventually, I get to my feet. The path to the town isn¡¯t far, given the high walls visible from here. Still, it takes a little over an hour to reach the mighty entrance gate, whose iron doors are firmly locked. Even when I rattle the handles, nothing moves.

    ¡°I think, without a plan, we-¡° My words stop instantly as I turn round and catch sight of Corviknight. The poor Pok¨¦mon really has nothing to laugh about in Alola¡¯s heat ¨C it¡¯s not for nothing that the Skarmory hide in the treetops of the islands during the day.

    Amethio doesn¡¯t need to mention we¡¯re flying over the obstacle, so I follow his silent request without a word and slide onto the Pok¨¦mon¡¯s back behind him. In the next breath, Corviknight flaps its wings so strongly that we find ourselves metres up in the air. Suddenly, the wall is no longer a hurdle and as we glide over the town, it¡¯s chaos facing me.

    Skull members have spread out, spraying graffiti on house walls, on the ground or on window panes. Some are engaging in small Pok¨¦mon fights, while others are throwing food at each other. Car roofs are used as sun loungers and stiff, loveless laughter reaches us.

    ¡°This group is bigger than I expected,¡± I whisper quietly to myself. ¡°How many children of the islands have escaped to become part of this?¡±

    ¡°Enough not to land.¡±

    To disagree would be insane. The likelihood of us being able to take on fifty members at once isn¡¯t high, even if Amethio is pretty strong. What¡¯s more, he¡¯s probably planning for us to face Guzma. After all, he¡¯s the head of this gang and therefore knows best why they want to capture Lillie and Nebby.

    ¡°Will you let me handle the fight?¡± My hands tighten around Amethio¡¯s waist. ¡°I was the one who wanted to help the girl and ... I think it would be wise if I learnt how to handle a fight better.¡±

    We both know he can step in if I fail. It¡¯s a fair deal and an opportunity I don¡¯t want to miss.

    ¡°One Pok¨¦mon,¡± he replies. ¡°After that, I¡¯ll take over and you find the girl¡¯s pet.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    It¡¯s an offer I have to take, and it becomes inevitable the moment Corviknight bursts through a window of the Shady House. Red carpet leads to a closed door and as we land ¨C at the same moment a young Team Skull boy jumps aside in panic and hides under a narrow table ¨C it flies open as if by magic. Another member stands in the frame, his eyes round as marbles. In the background, someone shouts an order I can barely understand and before we know it, we are let in without resistance.

    In the middle of a surprisingly small room, there is a messy bed and two steps leading up to a platform on which a chair resembling a throne has been placed. Next to it is a treasure chest full of Z-Crystals. Their green colour shimmers in the twilight of the only window.

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t expecting visitors.¡± With a broad grin on his lips, we are greeted by a man whose easy-going demeanour suits Team Skull perfectly. ¡°Have they sent children ahead now because they¡¯ve run out of ideas?¡±

    His laughter echoes throughout the room, causing me to grimace and wipe my sweaty hands on my trousers.

    ¡°So, what do you want from Guzma, the strongest trainer in Alola and destruction personified?¡± Without further ado, our counterpart raises his chin, and it becomes more difficult to judge him with every passing second.

    His clothes give him a youthful appearance, but the circles under his eyes and the edges of his face put him in the same category as Kukui ¨C a man in his thirties. Straightening my shoulders, I shake off the thought. All that matters now is the stolen Pok¨¦mon and collecting important information.

    ¡°We¡¯re here to retrieve a Pok¨¦mon your thugs stole,¡± I begin slowly, my voice as firm as I can make it. ¡°Besides, there are a few questions you could answer for us.¡±

    ¡°A Pok¨¦mon, huh?¡± He raises his brows and nods as if he understands. ¡°Yo, what have you got lately?¡±

    The boy who let us in winces. ¡°Not much, boss. We stole something from the Tapu Village. Nothing too fancy or anything.¡±

    ¡°Show me!¡±

    In an instant, Guzma¡¯s henchman grabs a ball and lets out a Pok¨¦mon I can only recognise as Zagsi. However, I have no idea what it is. Its shaggy fur and the fact it looks like it¡¯s been dragged through several puddles of mud give it a pathetic appearance. Bent on its hind paws like an old man, its eyes gleam a deep orange colour. Only the small helmet it wears, which emphasises the strange oval coin on its forehead, gives it a certain pride.

    ¡°That one?¡± Guzma looks at us again, his lips twisted into a wry grin.

    ¡°That one,¡± I reply stiffly.

    ¡°So you want that Pok¨¦mon back?¡± Another laugh escapes him before he jumps up and gets so close Amethio takes a step in front of me. ¡°Sweet, you brought your boyfriend so he can show you what a great guy he is, huh? Makes no difference though. Heard you guys are causing a lot of trouble.¡± Hands on his hips, he takes two steps back. ¡°Look, I¡¯ll watch out for this bunch of misfits! Nobody crushes my gang unpunished, you see? So I¡¯m going to smack you guys now!¡±

    It¡¯s my cue. My task. A chance Amethio gives me as he gains some distance. He¡¯ll probably use the time of the fight to get Zagsi into our possession.

    Lips pressed together, I realise I need to draw the strongest card I have. Zorua is great, but if I want to win, I need a Pok¨¦mon that knows how to honour a battle. Raya is perfect for this game.

    At least until Guzma lets his partner out and a shadow settles over us.

 Chapter 29: Nebby I

    ¡°A Growlithe? Is that a joke?¡±

    Guzma¡¯s laughter thunders in my ears. His colossal Pok¨¦mon ¨C over two metres tall ¨C sends a shiver down my spine. The silvery armour, the heavy claws, the shape of a bug capable of destroying everything in one fell swoop; it could hardly be more intimidating. Yet it is a battle we have to fight. Although I can rely on Amethio, if I approach it scared, I will never grow as a trainer. I need to achieve more, deliver more, show more skill.

    ¡°Raya, ember!¡± Eventually, I snatch the first move.

    Growlithe¡¯s chest puffs out slightly before she throws a thin stream of fire at our opponent, which I scan with Rotom on the side. Simultaneously, the opposing Pok¨¦mon retreats.

    ¡°Golisopod. Type: Bug/Water. Hard scale Pok¨¦mon. It uses its six arms skilfully in battle. With the help of its huge claws, it can even slice through air and salt water with a single blow. The hard armour on its back is as tough as diamond. It will stop at nothing.¡±

    I swallow. If it knows just one good water attack, we¡¯re screwed. No fire in the world can win against a flood. What¡¯s more, this Pok¨¦mon is like a fortress that Raya can only burn down with great difficulty.

    ¡°Ridiculous!¡±

    When I look up, Guzma has pursed his lips. To him, my attempt to win this fight is nothing more than a dance with a flame that will burn me.

    ¡°Golisopod, razor shell! Show these losers who¡¯s knocking down who.¡±

    Guzma isn¡¯t impressed by Raya¡¯s attack or my unshakable gaze. He and his Pok¨¦mon seem to be of the same type ¨C something that complicates the battle when I order Growlithe to dodge. Meanwhile, the Golisopod pulls two clam shells from its armour, the edges so sharp they gleam like freshly honed knives.

    In the next breath, it throws its blades at Raya, and while she dodges one of them, she blasts the second into pieces with a fireball. What remains is a shimmering cloud of dust in the light of the setting sun.

    ¡°Try to attack it at the grey-brown parts!¡± Immediately, I point at our opponent. ¡°Fire fang included!¡±

    ¡°What a cute strategy!¡± Guzma is still not convinced by what we¡¯re offering him. ¡°Golisopod, show these two what destruction means! Sucker punch!¡±

    While Raya is still leaping forwards, her opponent lets out a snort. In the next blink of an eye, it stands in front of Growlithe, one arm raised to smash her down and end the fight. The two black claws are so long they could impale her. It makes me hold my breath. Heat builds up under my skin. This way we¡¯ll lose.

    ¡°Forward, Raya. Tackle!¡±

    Golisopod¡¯s claws slash down at my Growlithe in the same breath as she throws herself with force against its chest. The black talons miss her; its body bends forward. In the next blink of an eye, four slender arms wrap around Raya, robbing her of her freedom and pressing her against the enemy.

    ¡°Look, what an intimate embrace!¡± Guzma bursts out laughing again. ¡°I wonder how tightly you can hug a Growlithe before it turns ugly...¡±

    His thought, loosely tossed into the room, is nothing more than a subliminal command to Golisopod. The bug¡¯s arms instantly wrap tighter around Raya¡¯s body. She struggles; her paws trying to create scratches that have no effect on the opposing Pok¨¦mon, and all I can do is bite down hard on my lower lip. His way of fighting is anything but fair.

    ¡°What? Was that all for such a big mouth?¡±

    My eyelids lower. I mustn¡¯t panic. Raya isn¡¯t conveying any sign of being unable to fight yet. I don¡¯t need to intervene. She needs my trust.

    ¡°Is trust all you have? You¡¯re not a normal child, little girl.¡±

    The heat under my skin rises. Every breath feels icy on my lips. The deep voice in my head drips like honey on all my thoughts ¨C on the frustration underneath. It¡¯s always the same. Someone breaks the rules, and a battle erupts between Pok¨¦mon, who suffer instead of their trainers. When you¡¯re on the losing side, you quickly notice these aspects.

    ¡°Come on, girl! If you don¡¯t pull something off, I¡¯ll break your Growlithe into pieces.¡±

    I slowly open my eyes. Raya¡¯s breathing is heavy. I can see the trembling resistance of her body against Golisopod¡¯s firm embrace. Something has to happen. It needs a plan, a way out, an idea.

    My teeth grind.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to lose, little girl.¡±

    ¡°Raya, gather your fire and spew it at this beast with all your might!¡± If all we have left is brute force, that¡¯s exactly what Guzma gets.

    Growlithe doesn¡¯t have enough breath to gather as much fire as I imagine, but when she presses her snout firmly against Golisopod¡¯s torso and in the next moment a flame flares up, more than ember and less than flamethrower, I can hear myself breathe a sigh of relief. Golisopod lets out a sharp screech and as it releases its arms, Raya seems to get away. A misconception spitting in my face as the Bug-type Pok¨¦mon lashes out in the same blink of an eye and thunders a heavy arm against Growlithe. A harsh bark escapes her. A second later, she hits the wall with force, unable to howl.

    ¡°Do you want to see her die?¡±

    As soon as she hits the floor, I feel a rush in my body. Everything in me wants to run to her, help her, do something ¨C and yet I remain motionless. This time I¡¯m prepared!

    Without further ado, I reach into my bag and pull out one of the hand-sized bottles sloshing with pink liquid. A clean throw in Raya¡¯s direction allows her to catch the hyper potion and bite into the thin plastic. The healing kicks in immediately, bringing her back to her paws and setting the fire in her eyes ablaze.

    Clenching my hands into fists, I shoot a glance at Guzma. I never thought I would have to act so impersonally towards my Pok¨¦mon. I would much rather have taken Raya in my arms and given her the potion from my hand. Battles like this are nothing more than a poor joke. A statement that people don¡¯t dare put themselves on the front line.

    ¡°That¡¯s exactly it. Humans are cowards.¡±

    The heat in my chest rises.

    ¡°Boo hoo! The way you¡¯re looking, it almost seems like you¡¯re really trying to knock me down now!¡± Guzma¡¯s amusement makes me grit my teeth. ¡°Got another trick, or are you really as weak as expected?¡±

    I¡¯d like to slap him, grab him by the collar, shake him and ask what all this is about. Then again ... why all the work? If Guzma disappears, Lillie won¡¯t have to worry anymore and all of Alola will be free of Team Skull.

    A fleeting look at my hands supports this thought. The ring on my finger has a reddish glow. The fire in my chest flares up to my throat. In these seconds, it seems as if I could destroy everything ¨C together with Raya.

    ¡°Take it, my power, little girl. Take it and burn your enemies to the ground.¡±

    My shoulders shake under the tension in my body. Raya wants to win this fight. Anger ruffles her fur and makes my heart race. The stone on her collar glows crimson. Out of nowhere, a gaunt hand seems to lay itself on mine. My body reacts, raises my arm. Hissing fills my skull as I realise my almost soundless voice.

    ¡°Raya... Inferno overdrive!¡±

    ¡°Inferno what?¡± A snort overcomes Guzma. ¡°Are you creating new a-¡°

    He gets no further when he notices Raya. Every hair on her body quivers. Her muzzle opens, she gathers the fire into a ball ¨C an all-devouring monster that only stops growing when it has reached the size of a medicine ball. The seconds freeze. Every movement remains non-existent; and yet, in the next breath, the fireball chases towards Guzma.

    The carpet burns. Someone behind me screams ¨C presumably Guzma¡¯s henchman. Meanwhile, the boss jumps to the side, saves himself on the bed, probably only feeling his burnt trouser leg, while Golisopod catches fire. The collision with the Pok¨¦mon causes the flame ball to burst. The sudden brightness is blinding, sparks fly. A flickering pillar rises and breaks through the ceiling with a loud bang. Stone crashes to the floor and lightness floods my heart. Now the heat only exists on my cheeks, dancing through my hair and caressing my body in tiny fire blossoms, eliciting a smile.

    In these seconds, the battle between us is beautiful. I can¡¯t hear the Golisopod wailing. All I can see is Guzma pulling out a ball and calling his Pok¨¦mon back. The tremor shooting through us all seems to affect him, too.

    As the pillar of flame dies down, we are left with the burning carpet and opaque smoke. The wood in the room threatens to catch fire and, as a cough shakes through me, the unexpected flight of fancy falls away. Suddenly there is no more beauty left here ¨C just smoke, blackness and the wide-open eyes of Guzma, who can¡¯t make a sound.

    This is our chance.

    I hastily call Raya back, then whirl round to Amethio. He¡¯s holding the Pok¨¦ Ball with Zagsi in one hand ¨C a Z-Crystal between his fingers ¨C while he puts the other in front of his mouth and nose. A nod of his head signals authorisation to flee. There¡¯s nothing left here but burn scars and the certainty I¡¯ve gone too far.

    Along with that voice in my head.

    Lost in thought, I run after my companion to the window through which we broke in. A little later, we jump through the broken frame, mindful of the shards, and mount Corviknight on the fore-roof. A wing beat later, we¡¯re in the air.

    From above, the damage I¡¯ve done only looks half as bad. There¡¯s a hole in the roof and the flames are flickering out into the fresh air, but it¡¯s a far cry from the room below.

    Lips drawn into a line, I rest my forehead on Amethio¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Sorry.¡±

    ¡°What was that?¡± The calm in his voice seems brittle.

    ¡°I ... used the Z-Move ... I think...¡± I explain, drawn out. ¡°Somehow ... it just got the better of me.¡±

    Telling him about the voice makes no difference. It doesn¡¯t change the fact this victory was brought about by the power of the crystals.

    Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

    Amethio only grumbles wordlessly at my explanation. All his thoughts are probably centred on how this power works and how much damage it can do. No one can guarantee that a fire from Raya won¡¯t eventually be big enough to burn down an entire island.

    The thought makes my skin crawl, so I pull away from Amethio¡¯s shoulder and take a look at the roads below us. The meadow is barely recognisable behind its thick layer of mist and the distance I had to swim seems insignificantly short up here. However, it takes until nightfall before Corviknight reduces the altitude. The calm I found in this long hour turns into a shallow palpitation at the sight of the lab. Guzma and the battle fade into the background. For a moment, I just want to be proud of myself. I¡¯ve brought Zagsi back ¨C albeit with help ¨C won the fight and kept my promise. This time I haven¡¯t failed to achieve my goal.

    When we land, I¡¯m the first to slide off Corviknight¡¯s back. Amethio takes more time, but doesn¡¯t hesitate to press the unfamiliar ball into my hand; the little sphere that will brighten a child¡¯s eyes in a few breaths.

    Straightening my shoulders, I climb the stairs and burst inside. The girl ¨C placed like a dirty doll on a white chair ¨C looks immediately in my direction. Her eyes, red-rimmed, gleam hopefully as she pushes herself out of her seat and runs towards me.

    ¡°Did you save it? Is Zagsi all right? Did they hurt it?¡±

    Without answering, I put the ball in her hands. Immediately, a sniffle escapes her before she lets the Pok¨¦mon out and the strange creature with a helmet on its head appears.

    Almost casually, as she embraces her Pok¨¦mon, I check the entry in the Pok¨¦dex and, to my surprise, the little fellow turns out to be an evolutionary form of Meowth. A Galarian Meowth, to be precise. Instead of becoming a graceful Persian, it has evolved into a Perrserker.

    ¡°Thank you!¡±

    The moment the girl turns back to me, the Rotom lands in my pocket. In the next, she wraps her arms around me so I can pat her on the head. At least for two breaths, I¡¯m like a hero to someone in this world. That¡¯s more than I ever dared to hope for.

    Just as Amethio is about to intervene, probably to urge us onward, the image of my marvellous, heroic deed is shattered by the buzzing of my Rotom. It darts out of its hiding place without being asked, and as it accepts the call by itself, my breath catches.

    ¡°Domino?!¡± Conia¡¯s animated voice thunders through the line. ¡°Lillie... They¡¯ve taken Lillie!¡± An agonised sigh escapes her. ¡°There were five of them. I ... just didn¡¯t stand a chance...¡±

    It¡¯s Amethio who suddenly stands next to me and seizes control. ¡°Who took her?¡±

    ¡°Rabble from Team Skull. A Plumeria, sir.¡±

    ¡°Did they say where they were going?¡± I manage, but Conia¡¯s snort doesn¡¯t allow a glimmer of hope.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take care of it.¡± Without giving Conia the chance to give a decent answer, Amethio hangs up and presses the Rotom into my hands.

    Eyes round as eggs, I press it to me. ¡°You¡¯re taking care of it even though Lillie isn¡¯t part of the Explorers? Doesn¡¯t that contradict your actual goal of not wasting time you could devote to Rayquaza?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t misunderstand.¡± His rigid expression leaves no room for questions. ¡°If the assumption that Rayquaza comes from another dimension is correct, any research into dimensional rifts will be to our advantage. Team Skull wants Lillie and her Pok¨¦mon. We¡¯ve been warned about this. In addition, her behaviour towards the Aether Foundation is questionable. Something¡¯s not right.¡±

    ¡°Her behaviour? You¡¯ve ... seen it?¡± Amethio sees Lillie so rarely it¡¯s like a fever dream to hear him say something like that. Everything else in his comment slips right past me.

    ¡°When I told her she¡¯d been rejected as a member of the Explorers,¡± he replies. ¡°She panicked when I suggested that the Aether Foundation might be a better option for her Pok¨¦mon.¡±

    ¡°Panicked? Lillie?¡± My head is spinning.

    ¡°She said her Pok¨¦mon needed help, not fake affection.¡±

    For the blink of an eye, I let Amethio¡¯s statement melt on my tongue. Associating false affection with the Aether Foundation reminds me of Lusamine¡¯s speech about every Pok¨¦mon being worthy of her love. Words Lillie probably hasn¡¯t heard in that context. The news keeps it short. The reports are neutral. There are probably photos of Lusamine somewhere; but her statement about love?

    My lips feel like dead leaves. ¡°You think ... Lillie ... Team Skull and the Aether Foundation are connected?¡± It sounds idiotic, but the boy who warned us makes a lot more sense that way. Then there¡¯s Tapu Lele¡¯s statement. ¡°Ever since a certain Pok¨¦mon was taken against its will ... the dimensional rifts have become more frequent...¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll look into it.¡± Instead of waiting for me to come up with a conclusion, Amethio turns away and aims for the exit.

    But the possibilities opening up paralyse me. I can¡¯t even turn towards the girl, who has now broken away from me to look around in confusion. All I can see is Amethio¡¯s back, the way he falters briefly because the sensor hasn¡¯t opened the door yet, and the moment his eyelids droop slightly. In the next breath, someone rushes inside and grabs him by the collar. The blond is unmistakable.

    ¡°They¡¯ve got her!¡± the boy gasps in Amethio¡¯s face. ¡°They¡¯ve got Lillie!¡±

    His chalk-white face turns briefly in my direction as he tightens his grip on Amethio¡¯s collar. He is barely taller than my companion and yet he forces him onto his toes.

    It¡¯s only a brief happening, however, before Amethio grabs the guy by the wrist. ¡°Hands off!¡±

    A gap forms between the two of them in an instant, causing the blond to wipe his face uneasily with both hands.

    ¡°I told you to watch her,¡± he finally says before lowering his hands. ¡°Instead, she¡¯s with Team Skull now.¡±

    ¡°And you know why,¡± Amethio states coldly.

    A sideways glance from the nameless boy threatens to trigger a fight between the two until his eyes fall to the ground, exhausted. ¡°They¡¯re after Cosmog.¡±

    ¡°Cosmog?¡± My brows lift. ¡°Do you mean Nebby?¡±

    Without answering, he confirms my question by continuing. ¡°If this Pok¨¦mon falls into the wrong hands ... it could cause a worldwide catastrophe ¨C starting with Alola.¡±

    ¡°In whose hands?¡± Amethio remains unimpressed. Only his hands are clenched into fists, showing tension.

    The blond hesitates briefly. ¡°Into the hands of the Aether Foundation.¡±

    ¡°What do they want with Cosmog?¡±

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter right now!¡± Raising his voice, he snaps at Amethio before looking back and forth between him and me. ¡°Fact is that Guzma has told me that Cosmog is in his possession and that a large part of the group is to meet up. It¡¯s my signal to get out. I can¡¯t leave Lillie hanging.¡± He presses his lips together briefly. Then his gaze lingers on me. ¡°She¡¯s my little sister.¡±

    The delayed answer to my unintentional question in the accommodation. They are siblings ¨C the complete opposite of each other in terms of character.

    ¡°I knew you would come here. There¡¯s no other place worth mentioning,¡± he continues. ¡°Actually, I wanted to beat you up for your failure, but,¡± he grits his teeth for a moment, ¡°if you¡¯re planning to help Lillie, I¡¯ll take you with me.¡±

    ¡°Of course we want to help!¡± Me out of friendship, Amethio, because of his instructions.

    A glance at my companion doesn¡¯t raise objections. He probably knows that we won¡¯t get more information out of him, but will have to piece together our own picture. One that is becoming clearer and clearer. Amethio was right. Skull, Lillie, and the Aether Foundation are connected. The latter party wants Nebby, which the first one got. Probably a well-paid job to keep the gang afloat for a few months. Now we just have to find out how Lillie and her brother fit into the picture.

    The unnamed guy who impatiently forces us out of the lab introduces himself a little later as Gladion ¨C an eighteen-year-old troublemaker who is pursuing his own highly secretive goals. All the while, he sets the Aether Paradise as our goal.

    Thanks to Amethio¡¯s Corviknight and a Skarmory at Gladion¡¯s side, we reach a remote, unofficial docking port on the other side of the Ula¡¯Ula almost two hours later, but night is already hanging low over the island and the darkness is swallowing up what it can. In the meantime, I have contacted Conia. Amethio has instructed her to go back to the ship and wait for further instructions. The focus keeps us all from asking wild questions, making statements, theorising, and acting. So none of us say a word as we make our way to a yacht hidden under a tarpaulin, waiting to be used for shady deeds. The badge of the Aether Foundation is emblazoned on the side of the boat like a warning.

    The interior has the same level of comfort we experienced alongside Faba. So it¡¯s hardly surprising that Amethio and I sit next to each other again while Gladion takes the wheel.

    The hum of the yacht reaches deep into my bones. Tingling clings to my skin. Excitement seems to be in my every pore and yet I can¡¯t help but close my eyes and surrender to exhaustion. The stress of the day has drained me and awareness begs me to settle into a more comfortable position. The pain in my shoulder has become an unceasing throb somewhere between the meadow and now. So I consciously drop my head onto Amethio¡¯s shoulder. He is free to complain.

    But he remains silent.

    <hr>

    ¡· WHISPERS ¡¶

    <hr>

    Only a soft murmur reaches me as Amethio wakes me with a gentle shake. When I open my eyes, it¡¯s so dark I can¡¯t see my hand in front of my eyes and I have to cling to his shirt to avoid falling flat on my face.

    Thanks to him, we both arrive silently on the jetty of the Aether Paradise ¨C on the lowest floor, which is sealed off from prying eyes at night with an electric gate. Gladion probably has an ally here if we¡¯ve made it behind the barrier to dock next to another yacht. We are unlikely to be noticed.

    Light shimmers in the distance. Conversations filter through to us. The late shift is presumably trying to contain the contents of the piled-up boxes, which have been stacked a good two metres high and spread out all over the place. It plays into our hands and yet I don¡¯t dare let go of Amethio¡¯s shirt for a moment. My grip only loosens when Gladion appears next to us, his stare fixed toward the light.

    ¡°I assume our destination is the lift.¡± Without further ado, Amethio breaks the silence between us, his voice lowered.

    Gladion barely manages a nod. ¡°Unseen, if possible.¡±

    No plan. Nothing to cling to as the two boys take the lead and I¡¯m left rooted to the spot for a moment. What these two are trying to do is dangerous and yet neither of them has any doubt of success.

    With a barely perceptible sigh, I follow, straight along behind boxes, plagued with constant palpitations. Yet I can¡¯t help but glance over our low hiding places and watch the workers in their white uniforms, which, in constant motion, offer more than enough gaps to slip through. The fact we sneak through the goods unseen like shadows in the night becomes less surprising with every step we take. Even Team Skull could easily have managed this small break-in up to this point.

    The first hurdle only becomes apparent the moment we reach the lift. Gladion immediately takes over the control panel, but fails to set anything in motion.

    ¡°Damn...¡± Huffing, he turns to us. ¡°We need an employee¡¯s card to set this thing in motion.¡± His mouth twists briefly. ¡°As you¡¯d expect...¡±

    As Amethio¡¯s shoulders slump, it¡¯s clear creeping around is no longer an option. Probably because he always approaches things with a plan in mind, ready to get problems out of the way if he¡¯s given no other choice.

    ¡°You stay here.¡± He doesn¡¯t even let Gladion¡¯s stunned gasp get through to him as he turns on his heel and heads straight for the voices.

    Tensing my whole body, I listen as the sounds get louder. Pok¨¦mon make noises. Shouts echo in the distance and when Amethio emerges from the shadows ¨C Ceruledge close behind him ¨C I don¡¯t even want to know which Pok¨¦mon he has crushed so he can show us two identification cards. Both in different colours.

    Gladion accepts them without a single question and as his eyebrows rise, the corners of my companion¡¯s mouth pull down. ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°One of these cards can take us to the basement,¡± Lillie¡¯s brother replies. ¡°Which also means new goods have arrived for testing. No Pok¨¦mon ... they usually take care of that first. Probably lab supplies that might raise questions if anyone else gets a look at them.¡±

    ¡°Does that mean we¡¯re going down?¡± I can¡¯t help but cross my arms in front of my chest to keep the chill from creeping out. ¡°What do we want there?¡±

    ¡°If one of the three internal researchers is up here, the others are probably taking a break in the cafeteria.¡± Gladion presses his lips together briefly. ¡°I don¡¯t know enough about Cosmog. Only that it can trigger a catastrophe. Maybe we¡¯ll find out more in the research labs.¡±

    ¡°And what if something happens to Lillie in that time?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯ll be fine,¡± he affirms stiffly. ¡°But we still have to hurry.¡±

    A quick glance at Amethio reveals his lack of enthusiasm, and he is probably right. There is no added value in taking a detour. It could end up costing us valuable time.

    ¡°We¡¯re going up,¡± my partner suddenly decides.

    ¡°Do you want to face the people from the Aether Foundation unprepared?¡± Firming his chest, Gladion holds the cards in front of him. A weak move, putting Amethio in possession of both plastic passes.

    ¡°No one will ask us questions about an unknown Pok¨¦mon.¡±

    ¡°But who knows how they can use it against us?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll find out.¡±

    Some days it¡¯s hard to believe, but Amethio is so goal-orientated he tends to tune everything else out. Trivialities that don¡¯t promise guaranteed success are just as worthless as a plan that fails. He is dealing with these islands of Alola in order to gain information about Rayquaza¡¯s whereabouts. Without Gibeon¡¯s orders, he wouldn¡¯t even willingly deal with Lillie and her disappearance, which, in the grand scheme of things, is terrifying. When he wants something, tunnel vision seems to dominate. Everything else is just a component he¡¯s saddled with, so he doesn¡¯t get lost in the middle of his deadlocked search.

    All Gladion can do is submit to Amethio¡¯s pressure. In the end, we all pursue the same goal ¨C more or less ¨C so the lift takes us to the top in the next blink of an eye.

    It¡¯s just as uncomfortable as the first time. My stomach seems to press into the backs of my knees and the palpitations turn to deep breaths to suppress the slowly building nausea. That¡¯s all I have left before our ascent stops and we find ourselves in the entrance area of the Aether Paradise ¨C Faba right in front of us.

    His arms folded at chest height, he grins broadly. ¡°Predictable, Gladion. You¡¯re just as calculable as ever, as if you¡¯ve learnt absolutely nothing in the last two years. Not that I¡¯m surprised, considering you were with those dimwits of Skull.¡± Giggles escape his throat, buzzing in my ears. ¡°But this is the end of your rope.¡±

 Chapter 30: Nebby II

    ¡°You probably thought I wouldn¡¯t suspect you¡¯d betray Team Skull if it came to that.¡± Faba¡¯s shrug is so indifferent it¡¯s hard not to look at him in disgust. ¡°And now you¡¯re standing here, unable to do anything.¡±

    ¡°Who said that?¡± Gladion snaps back, his hands clenched into fists, his voice like a bark.

    ¡°I say so,¡± replies our opponent, arms raised. ¡°I¡¯m the strongest trainer here and I¡¯m the only one who has the pass to reach your goal. You can¡¯t counter my intellect, nor my strength.¡± His smug grin grows. ¡°Not even with a stolen experiment that wasn¡¯t all that incompetent.¡±

    Neither can I follow Faba¡¯s last statement, nor does Amethio¡¯s faceless impatience escape me. Only the fact Ceruledge steps in front of him, ready to put up another fight, conveys a sense of escalating circumstances.

    As I take a step back for safety, Gladion reaches for a Pok¨¦ Ball too. He sends none other than the strangely mixed Pok¨¦mon into battle. The sound of its aggressive appetite sends shivers down my spine.

    ¡°So you think you¡¯d stand a chance with two of you? That¡¯s ridiculous. Children really do always think they¡¯ll get what they want.¡± Faba is also moved to use a Pok¨¦mon.

    ¡°Are you joking?¡± His brows furrowed, Amethio lets out a click of his tongue.

    Gladion doesn¡¯t see it any differently, but takes Faba¡¯s mockery of competing with a Ledian much more lightly. ¡°Are you deliberately trying to lose?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re too full of your non-existent skills. I don¡¯t need to bother my own Pok¨¦mon to beat weaklings of your level.¡±

    One moment, it seems as if the boys are teaming up solely for the sake of his statement, setting their sights on the same target with demonic hunger. The next, chaos breaks out. Before even one of my companions can utter a sound, the Ledian is gone. Its lightning-fast body is barely visible despite its size and only when Faba points his finger upwards with a giggle does it return to the picture ¨C in the same breath as it flaps its wings with a loud whirring sound.

    Raising its shoulders, Ceruledge¡¯s eyes narrow to slits, while Gladion¡¯s Pok¨¦mon shakes its head. Bug buzz hardly hurts them, but neither of them knows how to shake off the attack.

    ¡°Psycho cut!¡± Unimpressed by his opponent, Amethio gives the first command and although all my hopes are pinned on him and Gladion, I can only gulp.

    Ceruledge, meanwhile, swings its swords. The pressure builds up and crushes the bug buzz, causing the Ledian to retreat warily, waiting for Amethio¡¯s partner to sharpen its blades in a cross cut until they detach like dark shadows. An attack with speed and yet far too slow for Ledian¡¯s rapid movements.

    Before psycho cut hits, it has flown round the dark mass ¨C in a rigid dive towards Ceruledge. Blades raised, ready for defence, Amethio¡¯s partner solidifies its stance. The buzzing of the Bug-type Pok¨¦mon stings in my ears. However, it fails to attack.

    It stops short of Ceruledge. Tilting its head, it backs away, discarding its thought of an attack and thus escapes the powerful front claws of its second opponent, the force of which cracks the ground beneath us.

    ¡°Null, back off!¡±

    My gaze flashes to Gladion. His jaw tense and his hands clenched into fists, he looks like a boy whose whole life is at stake.

    While Ceruledge lowers its blades and moves to the side, Null only gets a glimpse of Ledian before it is pulled off its feet. It hits the ground sideways, letting out a gasp from beneath its helmet and shakes under the force of the impact on its body. Traces of blood are visible on its dark torso.

    ¡°You should give up before I have to get serious,¡± Faba says. ¡°That was a very gentle air slash that Type: Null took. Next time it could lose its head.¡±

    With his chest thrust out, Faba¡¯s hump almost disappears. In his eyes, none of this is a challenge and even if I¡¯d like to do something ¨C with Raya and the Z-Move, we¡¯re certainly capable of it ¨C another Pok¨¦mon in this turmoil serves more as an obstacle.

    ¡°As if...¡± A sharp hand gesture from Amethio shifts my vision again. ¡°Ceruledge!¡±

    Out of nowhere, Ceruledge emerges from newly created darkness behind Ledian. One of its blades ready to strike, it slices through the air in the next breath ¨C narrowly missing its enemy. Still, the sinister waft detaches from its blade to impact just beside Null, enveloping us all in a cloud of dust and splintered tiles.

    Raising my arms, I try to see something, but can only make out Amethio and Gladion. They are barely audible, but Amethio¡¯s contorted face and the drooping corners of his mouth make it clear something is amiss. Gladion¡¯s reaction is hardly any different. A snort seems to escape from both of them ¨C one head more stubborn than the other ¨C and when the view slowly clears, it is Amethio who takes the first move.

    ¡°Psycho cut!¡±

    My lips press together. A frontal attack against Ledian, after all that dust, might work, but my hopes are low. Not even when I catch sight of Ceruledge, its shadow just detaching from its swords, do I see a victory within reach.

    ¡°Ledian, show these fools what endurance means. And then ... get rid of them.¡± Faba¡¯s dismissive hand gesture comes into view, a bored sigh on his lips that almost reminds me of the Slowking from the Royal Dome.

    Simultaneously, the Bug-type Pok¨¦mon raises its white, round hands. The glamour building up in front of it immediately afterwards comes at just the right moment. In the next, Ceruledge¡¯s psycho cut crashes into reflect, pressing through four barely perceptible plates before only a pale remnant of the attack reaches the Pok¨¦mon. The damage remains only as a dark breeze. And yet it is precisely this moment that causes the most damage, as Gladion dares to take a step forwards and shouts ¡°now¡± far too loudly.

    Light shimmers behind our opponent. The last clouds are clearing. The psycho cut hasn¡¯t yet completely faded. However, my gaze lingers on the electric arrow shooting upwards. Ledian narrowly dodges to the side, half-caught in a spin to push reflect in Null¡¯s direction ¨C unable to avoid the icy beam following.

    Its wings flap wildly, trying to fight the freezing cold paralysing its body and penetrating reflect. Clenching its eyes shut, it seems to be searching for an alternative, and when it opens its eyelids, its gaze is fixed on Null. On the Pok¨¦mon, flames blazing in front of its form ¨C compressed into a ball, shooting a hot beam at Ledian in the next breath and devouring it. It is no longer visible behind the erupting fire.

    Only when it hits the ground, a scorched black mass, and no longer even twitches, is the outcome of this battle clear.

    A fight that sends shivers down my spine. I had almost forgotten how cruel such things can end.

    ¡°T-This can¡¯t be happening!¡± Faba stumbles backwards in hasty steps. His hands reach for more Pok¨¦ Balls, but the shock of this defeat robs him of his strength. Every Pok¨¦mon able to help him rolls to the ground in its ball.

    Faba follows barely later when his legs fail and he crashes onto his bum. As soon as his big mouth no longer has support, he loses all superiority. In those seconds, he is nothing more than a laughingstock, hastily handing over his pass to Amethio to escape Ceruledge¡¯s fiery blades.

    Watching my companions fight has taught me more than all my own attempts. Maybe I can use some of it so my next fight doesn¡¯t end in a pillar of fire.

    A few blinks later, we continue on our way, Ceruledge and Null still out of their balls. Amethio passes the card on.

    The expectation of further resistance is shattered when we stop in front of a gate whose heavy metal opens on both sides immediately after Gladion slams the card onto the scanner.

    What awaits us behind it takes my breath away.

    The light-coloured, stone central path leads straight to a small castle. Placed in the centre of the Aether Paradise, it cannot be seen from outside. Waist-high lanterns dot the main route ¨C with a good thirty members of Team Skulls between them.

    They are all sitting or standing along the side fences, unsure of where to go. Some are scuffing their feet, others have their heads resting on their bent knees. None of them exudes the will to fight. Merely their eyes follow us.

    Only at the end of the path does someone stand with their legs apart, hands buried in their trouser pockets. The closer we get, the more clearly Guzma comes into view.

    ¡°So we meet again!¡± The words are directed at me, and only then does he give the others a look. ¡°As you can see, my little thugs are almost shitting themselves at the sight of you. All because I was actually destroyed by a child!¡±

    His roaring laughter is so warped it scares some of Skull¡¯s members further into the darkness.

    ¡°This time we¡¯ll turn the tables! I¡¯ll show you who rules true destruction here!¡± He demonstratively rummages a Z-Crystal out of his trouser pocket. The green colour is comparable to those of the Shady House. ¡°Buginium Z. If you can do it, I can too! I¡¯ll knock you down so hard, Lusamine will thank me!¡±

    Instead of giving it to me, Amethio takes up the challenge. The boys are so fired up that I just seem like the little sidekick next door. Still ¨C you can never learn enough from a fight and here¡¯s my chance to memorise. More than before.

    As expected, Guzma sends Golisopod into battle ¨C good as new, even though Raya seriously injured it the last time we met. The thought of how much a good potion can fix is scary. I¡¯ve seen it with my own eyes on Zorua and yet the surprise lingers. Maybe that¡¯s why no one is bothered by their Pok¨¦mon¡¯s injuries. You can easily heal them ¨C just like that.

    ¡°So I have to crush you first before I can get my revenge?¡± Putting his hands on his hips, Guzma juts his chin. ¡°Your Pok¨¦mon will probably be destroyed today!¡±

    ¡°Big words from someone who lost to a Growlithe.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d like to hear that line again when your Pok¨¦mon is on its last leg!¡±

    Guzma¡¯s laughter seems to shake the neighbourhood and the further the members of Team Skull crawl away, the closer I get to Amethio. Perhaps I should flee as well, or follow Gladion, who slips unseen to the other side of the fight to get to the castle entrance.

    ¡°Psycho cut!¡± Meanwhile, Amethio grabs the first move ¨C a classic opening Guzma mimics as he suggests razor shell to his Golisopod.

    In the same breath that dark wafting is released from Ceruledge¡¯s blades, its opponent throws razor-sharp shells. Lime crashes into concentrated energy, breaking into a thousand pieces and failing to stop the attack. The Psychic-type attack is aimed straight at Golisopod, controlled, perfectly timed, and fails when the Bug-type Pok¨¦mon raises one of its heavy arms, causing psycho cut to shatter on its armour.

    ¡°Is that all?¡± Guzma¡¯s grin stretches from ear to ear. ¡°How about a little more physical action?¡±

    ¡°Ceruledge!¡± Unfazed, Amethio prompts his partner and the brief eye contact ¨C the split second in which they share all understanding ¨C tells it all it needs to know.

    Then it turns away, moves, but only gets so far to create engulfing darkness before Golisopod stands before it. The snort escaping from under the short sensors over its mouth resembles a laugh. Lashing out with one arm, it slams its sharp claws down on Ceruledge in a sucker punch immediately afterwards.

    Instead of using phantom force, Amethio¡¯s partner raises its sword arms. Claws thunder onto blades, sending a screech across the area that makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. Only Ceruledge¡¯s resistance keeps Golisopod at a minimal distance. But a follow-up blow crashes against the bug¡¯s impenetrable armour. The temporary test of strength between them, the attempt to find out whose resources will break first, only lasts for a short time.

    As Golisopod¡¯s chest tightens and it holds its head down to the side, both Amethio and Ceruledge realise their only option is to retreat. His partner leaps in our direction a few steps before the Bug-type Pok¨¦mon spews a torrent of water onto the ground. However, the wetness at its proportionally small feet poses no danger, so Ceruledge takes up the attack again ¨C willing to break its blades on the bug¡¯s armour.

    As soon as it is close enough to its opponent to attempt a sideways slash, Golisopod deflects with one arm. In the next blink, the water beneath them rises, and before Ceruledge realises its position, the liquid rushes upwards in a half-round blade. Crunching sounds reach my ears. The fire swords billow. Smoke rises, hissing as the water vaporises, but with enough force to pull Ceruledge off its feet.

    Its body chases between Amethio and me, crashes somewhere on the ground and elicits an unintelligible huff from my companion as he turns to his Pok¨¦mon with widened eyes. Ceruledge is still intact, moving but barely getting to its feet.

    In the same breath, Guzma demands my attention. ¡°Hey!¡±

    As soon as my eyes wander in his direction, I catch the crystal in his hand ¨C flashing like a warning light. In the other, he holds a bracelet in the same design as my ring. He lets me watch as he puts it on and the crystal shatters in two, strengthening the bond between him and his Pok¨¦mon. One part fuses into his bracelet. The rest forms into an armoured belt, custom-made for Golisopod¡¯s waist.

    ¡°Never thought I¡¯d really have to use this power against some losers. But why not? No one can say that destruction doesn¡¯t make for great entertainment.¡±

    Silence falls from my mouth as Golisopod¡¯s armour glistens. The belt at its waist gleams. For a moment, I can only stare.

    Can Guzma recognise the voice I once heard? Is it also whispering something in his ear to get him in the right mood? Am I the only one in these seconds whose head is buzzing like an old radio has gone off tune?

    His twisted giggle thunders in my ears. Golisopod is waiting for his command, for the perfect moment to release the pent-up energy.

    But nothing happens.

    They wait ¨C almost an eternity ¨C and just when it seems good enough, Ceruledge emerges from the shadows beside Golisopod. With the fire blazing in its eyes, it takes a swing. Dark energy sharpens its swords. In the next blink, it sinks a blade halfway into Golisopod¡¯s side. A deep rumble escapes the bug¡¯s throat before Ceruledge rips the edge right through its waist. In the next move, it slams the flat of its other arm into its opponent¡¯s face, sending them stumbling back violently and colliding with Guzma. The almost transparent liquid oozing from its wound stains his black trousers a darker colour.

    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

    I have to blink several times to realise that we have to seize the opportunity. Before Guzma and his Pok¨¦mon can get back on their feet, we have to find Lillie and get a grasp on the situation.

    A glance at the entrance to the castle brings Gladion to the fore, whose Pok¨¦mon has already smashed the double doors to pieces with a few swipes of its claws. Amethio rushes ahead and finally my body moves as if in a trance. I mustn¡¯t stop them.

    Inside the building, we are greeted by a white marble floor, leading to two staircases at the sides, which presumably ascend to the second floor. Gladion¡¯s goal, however, is the panel at the end of the entrance area, placed in front of a steel grid. Type: Null lands in its ball and as soon as he sets foot on the metal, his body disappears. What remains is my racing heart and Amethio¡¯s order for Ceruledge to return to the ball.

    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Before he can disappear, I grab him by the arm.

    ¡°A warp tile.¡± His gaze grazes me only briefly. ¡°They¡¯re always connected to a counterpart in a five hundred metre range.¡±

    I swallow dryly. There are more questions overwhelming me, but we don¡¯t have time. It¡¯s enough I¡¯ve almost wasted a precious minute with this question. So I let go of Amethio and he steps onto the tile and disappears. I only follow when the saliva no longer scratches my throat and I dare to take a gentle leap into the unknown with my eyes closed.

    My body loses its grip. Everything seems to be floating ¨C my thoughts, my weight, and when I open my eyelids, it is faded colour surrounding me before gaining shape and substance. However, I have to blink a few more times before I find myself in the dull glow of a room in which everything brighter catches my eye. Including Lillie¡¯s snow-white dress and Lusamine¡¯s blonde mop of hair. Amethio stands within reach. Gladion has crouched down next to his sister.

    ¡°More good-for-nothings.¡± Lusamine wrinkles her nose in disgust, holding a closed iron cage in one hand, no bigger than a lantern. ¡°If I¡¯d known you guys were connected, I wouldn¡¯t have welcomed you with my love. So much waste...¡±

    ¡°Please,¡± Lillie¡¯s plea is barely audible, ¡°let Nebby go... You¡¯ll hurt it...¡±

    ¡°So? If I can have my beautiful Ultra Beasts in return, I¡¯ll gladly sacrifice a useless, ugly Pok¨¦mon like this one any time.¡±

    Lost, Lillie opens her mouth, but can¡¯t get another word out. Gladion doesn¡¯t dare to interfere, and it¡¯s only when Amethio steps forward that someone seems to take charge.

    ¡°What does the Aether Foundation intend to do with this Pok¨¦mon?¡±

    Brows raised, Lusamine seems to look down at him from her position. ¡°This little prison here, it¡¯s going to soak up all the energy Cosmog gives off when it gets stressed. And that very energy will open Ultra Wormholes all over Alola so that my adorable Ultra Beasts can reach me! Then we¡¯ll be united forever!¡±

    ¡°And the humans here? The danger that these Ultra Beasts exude?¡± I can¡¯t help but stand next to Amethio. All these creatures have proven is how dangerous they are when you put them in a place they don¡¯t belong. The confusion, the fear, the hatred ¨C they lose their home in a single breath. Just like that. Because she wants it that way.

    ¡°What do I care about the people of Alola?¡± Wrinkling her nose, she purses her lips. ¡°What do I care about a bunch of people who always turn their backs on me? Children,¡± her gaze falls on Lillie and Gladion, ¡°who stab their own mother in the back and trample her love all over? Pok¨¦mon, who die too soon?¡±

    She spreads her arms out wide, taking in the entire room, and it¡¯s only in these seconds that I notice the glass boxes ¨C full of Pok¨¦mon. They are all resting in blocks of ice, their faces questioning or surprised, as if they haven¡¯t yet realised the end. Overhead lights shimmer on smooth surfaces and yet this exhibition, compared to Lusamine, is just one thing of many. As if my mind can¡¯t process everything at once, so most of it just fades out. A bit like back then. In the fire.

    ¡°You don¡¯t deserve my love!¡± Without further ado, Lusamine snaps me out of my staring. ¡°Only my Nihilegos are worthy of my affection!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not true!¡± Eventually, Lillie finds her voice again. On shaky legs, she pulls her nose back, her eyes red-rimmed. ¡°Ever since Dad disappeared, you¡¯ve been obsessed with the Ultra Wormholes, whether you harm anyone or not!¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯d asked me to find another way back then, I might have listened to you,¡± Lusamine counters. ¡°Instead, you stole Cosmog and ran away!¡±

    ¡°But-¡°

    ¡°Shut up, you ugly thing!¡± Lusamine shakes the cage in her hands menacingly. ¡°All you ever want to do is take from me. My family, my love, my hard work ... and when you get what you want, you just throw me away. But the Nihilegos are different. They need me. They need someone who loves and protects them and to whom they can give back the same.¡±

    ¡°What about us?¡± Gladion rushes forward two steps. ¡°Where were you when we needed you? When our family-¡°

    ¡°I have no family,¡± Lusamine interrupts him. ¡°I no longer accept you as my children! You are not a part of me. You¡¯re just remnants of something ... that I once thought was beautiful.¡±

    The cage slips from her hands. A powerful rattling pains my ears. Lusamine kicks the metal with force; squeals erupt inside, but Cosmog¡¯s voice doesn¡¯t reach me. It seems as if this cage is intercepting everything between me and this Pok¨¦mon. Or it is silent; all alone with its suffering.

    The moment Amethio reaches for his Pok¨¦ Ball, chirping echoes through the room. It¡¯s familiar, sends a shiver down my spine and floods my head with static.

    ¡°Where?¡±

    Flickering distorts the surroundings, painting a crack in the room behind Lusamine. Every breath seems to widen the gap, to shape it ¨C until a black, round hole appears, its blue shimmer, under a surreal, white net, reminiscent of the universe in the far distance.

    ¡°Looks like I¡¯m just in time for the party.¡±

    I turn round in a flash. Guzma is dragging himself in our direction, his clothes dirty and soaked in his Pok¨¦mon¡¯s blood. His breathing is heavy as lead, and the sweat on his forehead makes him look older.

    ¡°It¡¯s time to get rid of you.¡± Lusamine, meanwhile, isn¡¯t distracted. A soft, bell-like laugh escapes her ¨C beautiful and yet full of pinpricks. ¡°This worthless thing has done its job if my beloved Nihilego is already here.¡±

    She shamelessly kicks Nebby¡¯s cage aside, so it crashes against a block of ice. Lillie¡¯s twitching reveals how much she wants to run after Cosmog to free it, but the circumstances don¡¯t allow for any missteps. The Ultra Beast shrieks. Its words distort into an unintelligible mantra and Lusamine doesn¡¯t let herself be stopped as she lets out one of her own Pok¨¦mon ¨C a Bewear, its size casting menacing shadows.

    ¡°I really hate to make this suggestion,¡± Gladion turns to us, ¡°but we have no choice but to do something. I¡¯ll take Guzma. We still have a score to settle.¡± His gaze falls on Amethio. ¡°The Ultra Beast or Lusamine?¡±

    Without further ado, Amethio glances at me. He probably wants to make it my decision. After all, I¡¯m the one who communicates with Pok¨¦mon; just not with the thing Lusamine has affectionately christened Nihilego.

    ¡°They don¡¯t understand me,¡± I retort. ¡°You¡¯re probably strong enough to push it back ... or catch it!¡±

    Understanding. No nod. No response. A single action as Amethio sends Ceruledge into battle once more and turns his attention to the Ultra Beast.

    ¡°Take down! I don¡¯t have time for worthless games.¡± Lusamine, meanwhile, doesn¡¯t hesitate. She¡¯s the only one left after the split, so she becomes my responsibility.

    My options are broad. Ying is nimble enough to buy time for a plan. Raya knows how to fight. Coro is stubborn. But as my hand slides to my pocket in a flash to grab one of my partners, it¡¯s Mimikyu¡¯s ball that gets caught between my fingers. The Pok¨¦mon that saved me from the flames of the curse and seems to have enough bite to take on a two-metre-tall monster whose quick steps make the ground tremble beneath my feet.

    ¡°Stop it,¡± the ball slips from my hand, ¡°please!¡±

    White light forms, darkness gathers in front of it. The second Mirra materialises, she stops Bewear¡¯s take down with a shadow ball. In the blink of an eye, the exploding darkness envelops the opposing Pok¨¦mon, causing it to stumble back a few steps ¨C unharmed. As soon as it regains its balance, it shakes off the aftershocks as if nothing happened.

    ¡°This is going to be harder than I hoped.¡± Fixing my gaze on Lusamine, I cling to the thought of reading her actions before she can command her Pok¨¦mon.

    To my disappointment, however, the Pok¨¦mon acts on its own. It runs towards us, causing my focus to slip. Mimikyu¡¯s second shadow ball is already awaiting it.

    ¡°Not worry. Me ... can do.¡± Her distorted child¡¯s voice gives me reassurance. Mimikyu is smart enough to win this fight.

    Once again, bursting darkness keeps Bewear at bay and just as I am about to praise her, a bang drowns out my voice. Rock cracks somewhere above me and as I lean my head back, the bursting ceiling comes into view.

    Nihilego dodges a few oversized stone slabs; now and then even Ceruledge¡¯s blades, which are probably responsible for the mess. Simultaneously, rocks crash to the ground, kicking up dust and eliciting a panicked scream from Lillie somewhere. I can only raise my arm to avoid getting dirt in my eyes. My legs don¡¯t move, damned to stay stuck in this one spot.

    But I¡¯m unharmed when the rubble settles. Quite unlike the frozen Pok¨¦mon. Shattered and crushed, their fragments sparkle beneath the stones. I would like to mourn them, but maybe it¡¯s for the best.

    My gaze doesn¡¯t linger on my surroundings for long. Amethio is fine. Guzma and Gladion are clearly busy fighting. Lillie is cowering in a corner, quivering, and Lusamine stands still at her position, her frown visible.

    ¡°Pestilence!¡±

    Her angry exclamation makes my breath catch. I can¡¯t see Bewear anywhere. Only when its much too large body emerges from the last clouds of dust, a stone slab its size in its paws, do I realise my predicament. In the same blink that it throws the slab at Mimikyu, I jump aside. The unexpected distance between us puts each of us on our own ¨C Bewear fixated on Mimikyu. I hastily scan the surroundings once more. Debris covers part of the floor. The walls are littered with cracks. And a few metres away, half-buried under a stone, lies Nebby¡¯s cage.

    ¡°Watch!¡± Mimikyu¡¯s sudden sound startles me.

    In the next instant, I see lorry-sized rocks flying towards me ¨C unable to dodge. Raising my arms, I hold my breath. My throat is parched. Sweat itches on my forehead. A purple streak runs through my vision. The stone shatters.

    Blinking, I lower my arms and notice the Mismagius in front of me. Its body is dirty and trembling, having acted as a defence against the attack, yet it looks ready to fight as it turns to me. Its small face scrutinises me briefly before I turn to Amethio and then to Gladion. Whoever this Pok¨¦mon belongs to, I¡¯ll have to thank them if we get through this.

    ¡°Tha-¡° When I turn back to Mismagius, it has disappeared. All that remains is the image in front of me: Bewear against Mimikyu. Behind them, Lusamine in front of an Ultra Wormhole, through which, to our blessing, no other Pok¨¦mon has slipped.

    ¡°Mirra, moonblast!¡± Raising my hand, I point to the sky.

    ¡°The moon is barely visible!¡± Lusamine¡¯s comment cuts through the space between us with a sneer.

    ¡°And yet the light is enough!¡±

    It really is. Mimikyu wraps itself in the moon¡¯s faint glow before throwing its pent-up energy at Bewear. It¡¯s just a slight attack, a moment of distraction that I use to slap my thighs and start running.

    I leap over the rubble, over to Cosmog¡¯s cage. I don¡¯t know whether it will do any good, whether Nebby is still alive at all or is taking its last breaths, badly injured. With difficulty, I free the metal, the top handle firmly in my hand. My next target is Lillie ¨C in the unreachable distance when I hear Lusamine¡¯s laughter. Her frown has disappeared. Instead, she crosses her arms in front of her chest and looks at me with a smile that I can¡¯t return.

    ¡°You almost make it too easy!¡± Her shoulders lift. ¡°I wonder how much you insignificant thing can take.¡±

    A questioning sound chokes in my throat as dark shackles wrap around my body. Trapped in this grim embrace, my gaze falls on the Mismagius ¨C on the contorted grimace it presents to me.

    ¡°Pain split.¡± Lusamine¡¯s command follows barely a breath later. In the next, the shackles tighten.

    Air escapes my throat as a cracking sound travels through my arms. Razor-sharp pain courses through my body, crushing my bones and pressing my ribs into my core. My vision blurs. Gritting my teeth, I lean my head back and try to breathe.

    Simultaneously, the noise in my head fades. Voices come crashing down on me. A wild confusion and I can¡¯t tell where it¡¯s coming from. The Ultra Wormhole? Nebby? Part of me clings to the thought of finding Cosmog amongst all the noise. I want to forget the pain, the taste of blood on my tongue. Pain split won¡¯t kill me, certainly not. It¡¯s a level I can endure. All this is nothing compared to what Mismagius had to put up with.

    The voices get entangled. I can filter out a few sentences. Someone praises life. Another curses the rigidity in which he lives. In between lamentations, laughter, something that sounds like Rayquaza and-

    ¡°Lillie...¡±

    I open my eyes wide. The cage is still firmly between my fingers. Nebby is alive. But the weakness in its voice begs for help.

    ¡°Something...¡± A hiss escapes me. ¡°Someone...¡± I swallow. Not just anyone. ¡°Ying!¡±

    It is an attempt, a hope that is combined with my inner prayer, which is answered when Zorua independently escapes from her ball. Her small body materialises in the blink of an eye. Her fur puffed out, she doesn¡¯t hesitate to attack Mismagius with extended claws. But before her paws can get close to her opponent, she is catapulted straight back to the ground by a dark whip. The impact is so hard that the stone beneath her body cracks.

    However, Ying gets up again in a flash, ready for the next attack. Another attempt, which is fended off in the same manner. Dirt gets caught in her fur. A slight limp follows her movements after the third defeat ¨C but she refuses to give up. Eyes fixed on her opponent, she seems to forge a plan. One that gets her nowhere.

    Every lash of the whip throws her back to the ground until blood sticks to her paws. Courageous leaps become hesitant, her panting audible, and just as I¡¯m about to stop her from trying again, a scream escapes her. Long. Wild. Furious.

    Every hair on her body quivers, grows longer, begins to shimmer and engulfs Zorua from head to toe. The shadowy figure of her posture straightens, grows in size, width, impression. Only when the light bursts and the shimmering beads brush against her red mane, do I dare to notice Ying¡¯s change. She is still the same and yet someone else.

    She glances at the three sharp claws on her front paws. The certainty of an improvement gives her new strength. Once again, she attacks the Mismagius and before the whip can get her at a distance, she grabs the dark substance. The twitch in her opponent¡¯s body shows, spreading shock from which it cannot escape before it lands between Ying¡¯s powerful teeth.

    Her bite is so strong that she bites through the Pok¨¦mon. Almost black blood drips to the ground, my shackles loosen and it¡¯s enough for Zoroark to spit out her opponent. The contorted body of Mismagius, meanwhile, falls lovelessly to the ground and although I would like to help it ¨C it has only carried out orders ¨C the fate of this Pok¨¦mon isn¡¯t in my hands. There¡¯s no time for that. It won¡¯t stop.

    And Ceruledge hits the ground next to me out of nowhere.

    Holding my breath, I watch as its body twitches, unable to get up. The fight against Golisopod has already drained it ¨C one potion can¡¯t solve all problems, it seems ¨C and the Nihilego is no easy opponent. Its triumphant chirping resembles a screech.

    Another glance at Gladion brings another growing obstacle to the fore. Type: Null grinds its teeth on Golisopod. We are losing. All of us. And I don¡¯t want to know what will happen if we admit defeat.

    My heart races as my gaze darts to Lusamine. Her challenging smile is overpowering. Mimikyu is still holding Bewear at bay. Ying could attack her, but she¡¯ll have more Pok¨¦mon at her side.

    Swallowing hard, I dry my damp hands on my trousers. My shoulders shake. Everything in me wants to run away, find a solution, save Alola from the Ultra Beasts. But with what power?

    ¡°They will all die.¡± The grim voice in my skull seems to take pleasure in my circumstances. ¡°And it¡¯s all because you¡¯re weak.¡±

    I could try the Z-Move again, but I don¡¯t know if it will work the way I think it will. On top, I¡¯m too scared to be angry.

    ¡°Just think of all the screams... You¡¯ll be able to listen to them forever!¡±

    Images flit through my mind. Bodies being trampled under heavy feet. People fighting for their lives. Ultra Beasts frantically searching for a way home, yet can only find creatures they don¡¯t understand. Someone will break this vicious cycle eventually, but until then, lives that we can save here and now will dwindle. Clenching my teeth, I lower my gaze. My racing heart chokes me. No clear thought makes it into my head. There are only twisted ideas, my sweaty forehead and the panic of what comes next.

    ¡°A fair price for your ridiculous science.¡±

    Too high!, is all I can think about. Any life, human or Pok¨¦mon, is too much to take.

    ¡°Not fear.¡± It¡¯s Mimikyu who suddenly appears beside me and grabs my hand with her claw. ¡°Me can do.¡±

    My eyes burn. I want to believe Mirra, want to trust her and wipe away any doubts ¨C but I can¡¯t. The lump in my throat threatens to suffocate me and no matter how tightly I clutch Mimikyu¡¯s billowing, strangely cold touch, it doesn¡¯t get any better.

    ¡°We can¡¯t win...¡±

    ¡°Mirra can!¡± she confirms. ¡°For love. You. Fair price.¡±

    My eyes widen. The last two words are so crushing I want to put her in a Pok¨¦ Ball right now. But she breaks our connection as her blackness slips from my hand, leaving only a crystal behind ¨C a Z-Crystal.

    The ring on my finger reacts, and before I can protest to Mirra, the two parts fuse. Mimikyu receives a purple bow, completely different from the dark grey crystal, studded with a heart-shaped gemstone on the knot.

    The tightness in my chest increases as I realise how Mimikyu is ramming the Bewear with her whole body. All the while, there is the flashing of the stone; wafting darkness gathering around Mimikyu¡¯s body before it forms a shadow ball.

    For the blink of an eye, I want to believe nothing much is happening, but as Mirra shoots the ball upwards and the mass increases in size, all hope fades. Instead, a suction is created, strong enough to swallow up the rock in the immediate vicinity. It gains strength with every passing second until it pulls at my hair, at my clothes, almost at my very soul. My throat is now so dry I no longer dare to swallow. The black hole above us threatens to destroy everything. The darkness of the night is nothing in comparison.

    ¡°Mirra!¡± Hands clasped to control the trembling, I call out for my partner. ¡°Come back! We have to get out of here!¡±

    The sound of my words seems to fade into the maelstrom as well. Mirra keeps both her claws pointed towards the black hole. Everything else is irrelevant.

    Even Lusamine realises the danger in these moments. Bewear and Mismagius are no longer out of their balls and even Guzma has Golisopod boxed. The darkness, though, is spreading. Every tremor reaches into my marrow. I can¡¯t breathe. I want to get out of here.

    ¡°We have to run!¡± Amethio grabs my wrist, but I can¡¯t look at him.

    My body doesn¡¯t move. All I cling to is Mirra. Her little body. Her stupid statement. We barely know each other, yet she¡¯s willing to throw all that away ¨C because I was kind to her.

    ¡°I¡¯m not leaving without Mimikyu,¡± I whisper, probably barely audible, but Amethio¡¯s grip tightens.

    ¡°We can¡¯t stay!¡±

    ¡°Then go!¡± I try to break away, make him understand I¡¯m waiting for my Pok¨¦mon, while Nihilego disappears through the Ultra Wormhole and the portal to another world slowly fades away. Simultaneously, Lusamine rushes towards the passageway, with Guzma close behind her.

    If Mimikyu stops now-

    ¡°My power can¡¯t be stopped once it starts.¡± The voice in my head giggles. ¡°You lack control, little girl. Pay the price.¡±

    I can¡¯t say anything back, don¡¯t even know who to look at. Only when Zorua ¨C no, Zoroark ¨C appears in front of me does a decision seem to be made. Without further ado, she grabs me by the waist and half-lifts me over her shoulder. A stretched howl in Mimikyu¡¯s direction resembles a farewell.

    Then she runs off.

    Away from Mirra.

    Away from a mistake made at my expense.

    Again.

 Interlude: You, my trainer

    Mirra, the Mimikyu

    I don¡¯t have much to give.

    My costume is dirty and ragged. Human speech is difficult for me. I¡¯m ugly. And I¡¯m probably bad at fighting. If it were any different, my trainer wouldn¡¯t be afraid.

    I can feel it, the palpitations, sweaty skin, rapid breathing, trembling. It¡¯s got the better of her and there¡¯s nothing I can do to stop it. I haven¡¯t even thanked her yet ¨C for the food, for the affection, for a place at her side, even if it was only for one day. Domino is good to me.

    With one swipe, I keep the Bewear at a distance. My claws just bounce off it, but it¡¯s enough to buy time. It¡¯s not much, but I hope it¡¯s worth trying.

    It wasn¡¯t enough for my last trainer.

    My costume made him laugh. I think that was good.

    Every day, I ate the small portions of food he gave me. I was always praised for it. And I think that was good too.

    Then when he gave me this crystal, I just had to become strong to be loved. But I failed. The hidden power never worked between us.

    I think that was because of me.

    Because I¡¯m weak.

    I still remember how angry my trainer¡¯s face was when I failed at an important task. We had lost. A pretty woman with dark skin reprimanded him, and our journey became rough. Later, he put me in a sack. I¡¯ll never forget the stuffy air ¨C days without food or water. Probably a fair punishment for my failure.

    And then one day he threw me into the supermarket, trapped in this fabric prison. The other Pok¨¦mon freed me. But my trainer was gone.

    I probably deserved that, too.

    A quick glance at Domino reminds me of all these things; that my fear differs from hers and yet we both know this feeling. I am not alone with this emotion by her side. She is a light that keeps me warm. There is room in her heart for something like me. The curse of Gastly proved it ¨C her words, her panic, her search for something. Like a long-forgotten Pok¨¦mon, she has roamed, just like most of the others. And maybe that makes us strong together. Maybe we can create something of our own, so we don¡¯t have to be afraid.

    Bewear stumbles back a few steps as I dare a quick retreat and appear at Domino¡¯s side.

    ¡°Not fear,¡± I breathe to her in my distorted voice. As I do so, I carefully slide a hand out from under the costume and take hold of that of my trainer. Her fear flows like oil into my body. ¡°Me can do.¡±

    For a moment, she just looks at me. The trembling in her body doesn¡¯t fade. Even when she opens her mouth to say something, nothing comes out. Instead, she tightens her grip on my hand, filling me with warmth and gratitude no one has ever given me before.

    Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    ¡°We can¡¯t win...¡± Domino finally forces out. She doesn¡¯t believe in herself. Not in me. Not in us.

    I can understand that. My weakness is clear. But to protect Domino, to guard the warm light, I¡¯ll do anything. Even if I fail... Maybe I can buy enough time to give her new possibilities.

    ¡°Mirra can! For love. You. Fair price.¡±

    Her eyes widen and her panic settles deep inside me. It is the power I will use to be useful. So I press the Z-Crystal into her hand and gain distance.

    The bow around the neck of my costume is another old memory. But this time I don¡¯t feel like it¡¯s just a pretty accessory for an ugly thing like me. The stone weighs heavy and every frightened fibre in me seems to want to break free.

    Anxiety overwhelms my body, driving me forward so I ram the Bewear with all my might. It crashes to the ground and gives me time to become one with my trainer. Every spark of energy, every bad memory, everything that has ever frightened us ¨C I gather it into a ball. Dark and repulsive and threatening, constantly growing. A shadow ball that isn¡¯t one. Yet I throw it upwards as if it were.

    The mass grows larger. Lightness settles over me. The all-consuming maelstrom seems to wash away all my mistakes.

    I hope my trainer feels it too.

    ¡°Mirra!¡± Her voice reaches me from a distance ¨C only a whisper. ¡°Come back! We have to get out of here!¡±

    My raised hands twitch. She wants to run away with me, away from this place and the people she sees as enemies. I am more important to her than victory.

    That¡¯s nice.

    But she deserves more than defeat. If I can bring her victory, then I¡¯m happy to stay here. With this power, I can make her proud.

    She will praise me for it.

    Because I was useful.

    Still, I glance over at her. She doesn¡¯t look happy. Ying, who used to be a Zorua, grabs and throws her half over her shoulder. Then she turns to me.

    ¡°Just come back!¡±

    Warm. Trust settles over the fear in my body. Someone else wants me to do this and make everyone proud. This Zoroark is a nice creature. Like Domino.

    Maybe that¡¯s why they¡¯re so close.

    It almost makes me a little sad.

    And the darkness above me begins to lose its shape. The power that was previously so secure in my hands is disappearing. It has reached its limit, and this is probably the point at which I have to change something.

    ¡°Press the hole together. Bring it back to its original shape.¡±

    The dark voice reaching me is unfamiliar. It¡¯s a Pok¨¦mon, that much I realise, but I can¡¯t see it anywhere. The other humans have taken their partners and run away. My trainer and her many friends are no longer here either.

    Only I am left.

    And that voice.

    Still, I try to follow the advice. My hands try to touch, against all the resistance trying to stop them. Meanwhile, the hole above me shrinks.

    ¡°What will happen if it¡¯s another shadow ball?¡± Maybe I can talk to the unknown voice. Then it won¡¯t feel so lonely.

    ¡°A black hole that closes brings aftershocks.¡±

    ¡°Aftershocks?¡±

    ¡°A dark column of pure, negative energy. Enough to wipe out a small village.¡± A snort escapes the voice. ¡°If you do it faster, you could kill them all.¡±

    ¡°But then I¡¯ll hurt my trainer.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯ll throw you away one day, anyway. The humans hate you.¡±

    ¡°She doesn¡¯t. She likes me.¡±

    ¡°And if you fail?¡±

    My eyes feel watery. ¡°Then I¡¯ll deserve it if she abandons me.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re a stupid thing.¡±

    I probably am. But part of me has this hope that I won¡¯t have to be alone anymore because Domino is different. She¡¯s not special, but she¡¯s friendlier than anyone I know.

    The certainty makes it easy to shrink the hole into a ball ¨C so tiny you can barely see it. In the same instant, I realise how the power is slipping away. I can no longer control it. Neither the shockwave that sweeps over me as the ball bursts, nor the dark energy released, which hits me like an explosion.

    It spreads so quickly I can¡¯t even think about running away. I only have one question left.

    Will Domino be proud of me?

 Chapter 31: Nebby III

    Ying¡¯s grip is as hard as steel. No matter how much I struggle, I can¡¯t escape her. There¡¯s no turning back, no way to call Mirra into her Pok¨¦ Ball now. Instead, she stays behind while we jump onto the yacht Gladion has already started.

    Zoroark barely finds a foothold before the boat moves and we disappear from the Aether Paradise at breakneck speed. Only when we have put a few metres between us and the shaking building, does Ying let go of me. Her snort tugs at my attention, but I can¡¯t take my eyes off the paradise.

    The next thing I notice is a flash of light. In the next breath, a dark pillar thunders down on the building and rises into the sky high enough so I can¡¯t see the end. Walls break in two, rubble crashes into the sea like an avalanche and the entire artificial island threatens to sink. The sight sends an electric shock through my body. Mimikyu is still there, somewhere between the rubble and the endless waters of Alola.

    Without further ado, I suck the air deep into my lungs. The pain in my shoulder is nothing compared to what Mirra is probably feeling right now. I have to reach her.

    My head switches off. I can barely feel my left arm. Every fibre in me is trembling. Yet I push past Ying, shove her off me, and jump awkwardly over the railing. Wetness ensnares me, combining with darkness that robs me of my orientation. Only when I break headfirst through the surface of the water and catch sight of the floating remains of the paradise in the dim glow, does it become easier to swim towards them.

    My legs have to work harder than usual. The clothes on my body weigh heavy as lead and my battered side refuses to keep me afloat. However, I manage not to sink until I reach the first driftwood of the foundation and finally cling to the worktop of a desk.

    Gasping, I gather my breath. Mimikyu¡¯s name lies loud on my tongue and with every call she doesn¡¯t answer, my throat tightens. After the fourth cry, I can barely breathe. Tears sting my eyes, but I can¡¯t cry. I haven¡¯t given up yet.

    As the whirring of the yacht approaches in the background ¨C Zoroark must have reported my dangerous action ¨C I heave myself onto the wooden board and let my gaze drift. Thousands of pieces make it impossible to get an overview and yet ¨C a few metres away, I think I can make out a faint flickering light. I immediately crawl forwards, slide back into the water and bridge the distance with sluggish movements. Immediately afterwards, I cling to something that looks like the remains of a reception desk and move closer to the faint light.

    Mirra is hard to make out. The head of her costume is missing. The fabric is shredded, causing black mass to squeeze between the tears. The pretty bow is just a burnt piece of silk and the stone is losing its lustre with every passing second. I cautiously reach out to Mimikyu. My fingers get hold of some of the costume and as I slowly pull her towards me, I think I hear a faint wheeze.

    She is alive.

    ¡°Domino!¡± Amethio¡¯s voice distracts me for a second. The yacht is getting closer. Gladion has switched off the engine and now he¡¯s hanging over the edge with my companion and Zoroark, ready to collect me.

    Instead, I hand them Mirra. ¡°She¡¯s not dead!¡±

    Contrary to my expectations, Ying takes her, while the boys grab my outstretched arms and drag me back onto the boat with force. The jolt hurts so badly that I shed an unseen tear; and that one is enough to break the barrier.

    The lump in my throat makes swallowing impossible. My body is too weak to get up ¨C the day has been far too long and the adventures too much. Still, I hurriedly dig a hyper potion out of my bag. Everything is so wet I hardly dare take a look at anything else. I¡¯d much rather gesture Zoroark to bring Mirra to me, and as her little body lies on my lap, it¡¯s my tears that wet her.

    I try to open the potion with my thumb ¨C it¡¯s actually quite easy, you just have to press on a lid ¨C but I fail. So I try with my index finger, but my nail slips. Several times. In steady rhythm with the growing palpitations.

    Until Lillie puts a hand on mine and Amethio takes the potion from me. Somewhere in the background, Gladion throws a blanket around my shoulders. Carefully, Amethio dribbles some of the potion onto Mimikyu. The liquid can be absorbed through the skin, but Mirra doesn¡¯t move a bit.

    ¡°She¡¯ll be all right, won¡¯t she?¡± This time I can¡¯t hold back the sobs. ¡°We¡¯ll fix her, won¡¯t we?¡± My gaze settles on Amethio. He avoids looking at me. ¡°Say something!¡±

    I want to reach for him, to force the answer out, but all I can manage is a brief shrug of my shoulders. My sobs get louder, my breaths shorter. Mimikyu doesn¡¯t move, my heart is racing, Amethio doesn¡¯t answer and although I¡¯m sure my Pok¨¦mon is still alive, everyone seems to want it to die. The world before me blurs. The taste of blood irritates my tongue. Darkness engulfs me all at once and before I realise what is happening, I hear a dull thud. Voices call out to me, disappearing into the distance. Nobody comes back.

    And suddenly I am alone.

    <hr>

    ¡· W H I S P E R S ¡¶

    <hr>

    When my eyes snap open, it feels like I¡¯ve spent the night in a sandstorm. Every blink burns like fire. Groaning, I put one arm in front of my face and let the upcoming tears soothe the pain. The rest of my body is numb.

    As soon as I lower my arm, I notice the flickering darkness. Only a small bedside lamp in the shape of a Sunkern gives me a faint light so I can make out the outline of the room.

    I¡¯m not in the accommodation where Amethio registered us last. I can smell the fragrance of Pok¨¦mon food. The thought alone makes me sit up straight in bed. In a flash, my fingers move to my waist ¨C where neither my bag nor my trousers are. A pink nightgown hangs on my body.

    I moan and push myself out of the sheets. My legs wobble ceaselessly and I just manage two steps before I hit one knee and clench a hiss between my teeth. It takes a moment for me to pull myself together and keep walking ¨C until I reach the door, the handle of which gives me support.

    Opening the barrier a crack, my gaze wanders down an illuminated corridor, its soft white and pink colours reminiscent of Melemele¡¯s Pok¨¦mon Center. Only the thought of being in this place, surrounded by a nurse, brings bile to my throat. The handle slips from my hand as my body slides to the floor. Every breath weighs a tonne. The last thing I remember is Mimikyu¡¯s motionless body. Amethio couldn¡¯t look at me. I don¡¯t have to make assumptions to know what that means.

    ¡°D-Domino?¡±

    The soft voice of another makes me look up. The door to the room opens a little further and as Lillie pokes her head into the room, a thin smile forms on her lips. ¡°You¡¯re awake...¡±

    ¡°Where are you going? Where¡¯s my team?¡± My voice is toneless.

    ¡°I¡¯m heading to Conia. Do you ... want to join me?¡± She extends her hand in my direction. ¡°To our room?¡±

    She doesn¡¯t have to ask me twice. I immediately grab her hand to help me to my feet. Maybe I¡¯ll find something good in their company; pleasant minutes in which I can forget ¨C as I usually do with unpleasant things. I¡¯ve only known Mimikyu for a day. It can¡¯t be that hard to shake off the incident, no matter how much it hurts. I knew it from the start: I excel at running away.

    With dragging steps, I follow Lillie two doors down into a guest room. The two-storey bed looks alive thanks to the rumpled sheets and when I catch sight of Conia sitting on a chair with her head back, I can only manage an evening greeting.

    ¡°You¡¯re awake!¡± She jumps up immediately.

    ¡°You¡¯re both acting like I¡¯ve been gone forever.¡± I drop plumply onto the bottom bunk.

    ¡°Basically, you were,¡± Conia counters. ¡°It was... I don¡¯t know how to put it into words.¡± She lowers her head. ¡°Most importantly, Mimikyu is alive.¡±

    My eyes widen. The goosebumps creeping over my body reach down to my bones. ¡°She¡¯s alive?¡±

    A confirming nod. ¡°After you lost consciousness, the boys and Lillie did what they could to keep it alive. It was enough to get here to a Pok¨¦mon Center on Poni Island.¡±

    Her words are running through my head. She¡¯s alive.

    The heaviness in my chest tightens further. Alive doesn¡¯t mean she¡¯s okay.

    ¡°How is she?¡± I ask.

    ¡°It¡¯s been under treatment since you arrived. That¡¯s eighteen hours now. Whenever they think your partner is stable, the vitals collapse. The attack it¡¯s taken is like a curse eating away at its life force.¡± She lets out a sigh. ¡°They don¡¯t know when this effect will wear off, if it will even get that far, and how Mimikyu will recover afterwards.¡±

    ¡°Can I see her?¡±

    Conia shakes her head. ¡°Nurse Joy will let you know when visits are allowed.¡±

    So all I can do is wait and swallow the tremor inside me.

    ¡°How are you? Are you feeling ... okay?¡± Folding her hands in front of her chest, Lillie moves closer. ¡°You can talk to us about it. It must have been ... terrible...¡±

    I could tell them so much. There¡¯s the knot in my stomach, the heaviness in my chest and the lump in my throat. The images of Zoroark taking me away haunt the back of my mind. Mirra¡¯s determination to help, even though we barely know each other. I gave her nothing. Our journey has only just begun, but my incompetence has put her life in danger. Fear triggered a disaster I could do nothing about.

    I want to tear my hair out, cry and scrape my fingernails across my face to get out of my skin because I hate my useless ass. I hate my arrogance; this pathetic attempt to repress everything I don¡¯t like; my half-hearted approaches; my fucking inability to show courage and skill when it counts.

    I hate myself.

    ¡°I can deal with it. We¡¯re travelling and I¡¯m ... inexperienced. Sometimes ... a bitter awakening comes and you learn things the hard way.¡± A wry smile settles on my features. There¡¯s no need to tell anyone what¡¯s going on inside me. I don¡¯t want to burden them with any more worries. I¡¯m not important enough for that in these seconds.

    ¡°But could you tell me what happened? Our next steps? My things? Any information I¡¯ve missed?¡±

    Lost in thought, I watch as Lillie walks to the desk.

    ¡°We had to throw away most of your clothes,¡± she begins. ¡°It would have been too much work to get the b-blood out of the fa-¡°

    ¡°What blood,¡± I interrupt her.

    ¡°You had a severe nosebleed after you collapsed. The nurses said it was from too much strain and stress.¡±

    The corners of my mouth twist. It¡¯s not like I had a damn choice but to exhaust myself completely.

    ¡°I¡¯ll get you some new clothes tomorrow,¡± Conia interjects. ¡°I¡¯ve already found someone who sells nice things!¡±

    It¡¯s strange, but her relaxed, friendly nature reveals nothing but tension. Lillie is hardly any different. It feels like they¡¯re laughing in death¡¯s face as sticky tar drags them down. Everything seems a little forced.

    ¡°The belt is hanging outside to dry, your shoes are next to it,¡± Lillie explains. ¡°From what you were carrying ... Rotom is fine. The Lava Cookies are gone, though.¡±

    ¡°And the balls?¡±

    ¡°Safely stowed away!¡± She opens a drawer containing all my things. The ring, the crystals, my purchases and Rotom.

    Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.

    ¡°Why are we on Poni?¡± One topic finished, I immediately move on to the next.

    ¡°To help Lillie,¡± Conia speaks up. ¡°And on Master Gibeon¡¯s instructions. He wants to see what the Ultra Wormholes are capable of and whether they can be used in humanity¡¯s favour. That means we¡¯ll stay on the case until we¡¯ve caught the president of the Aether Foundation. Also, we should definitely catch a Nihilego.¡±

    As far as I know, Lusamine has disappeared into an Ultra Wormhole and I don¡¯t even want to think about what that means for us. Chasing after her means enduring even more danger, the cost of which is merciless.

    ¡°When do we leave?¡±

    ¡°You will stay in the airship and rest,¡± Conia explains with a dismissive gesture. ¡°Amethio has already agreed to this.¡±

    ¡°Why? What am I supposed to recover from?¡±

    ¡°Your shoulder injury!¡±

    My eyebrows rise. It¡¯s nothing new that it hurts, but it¡¯s nothing more than a bruise.

    ¡°It should have been treated a long time ago,¡± Conia continues to grumble. ¡°It was so badly swollen that a few of your nerves were compressed. Blood has pooled, and a bone is probably cracked.¡±

    ¡°But not broken,¡± I reply. ¡°I ... don¡¯t want to stay here. A bit of activity would be nice, even if it¡¯s just useless running around.¡±

    Her sigh takes up the entire room. ¡°I can¡¯t stop you if you want to leave, but I can tell you Amethio won¡¯t agree to it.¡±

    ¡°Because he¡¯s worried?¡±

    ¡°Because he¡¯ll see you as dead weight.¡±

    Of course he will. I wasn¡¯t anything else from the start and I can no longer blame him for this attitude. I have never delivered a thing of value on any day. That probably won¡¯t change in the near future either. I can only try to get better and cause fewer mishaps.

    ¡°Then let him complain that I¡¯m disobedient dead weight who brings nothing but misfortune.¡± Snorting, I lower my eyelids. ¡°It¡¯s not like I care much about his opinion.¡±

    ¡°Domino...¡±

    We both know that¡¯s not true, but in these seconds, I want to let it stand as the truth. Actually, I want nothing more than not to be in anyone¡¯s way, but I need a distraction. Anything, even if it¡¯s arguing with Amethio, so I don¡¯t have to deal with Mimikyu.

    ¡°Where¡¯s my team?¡± A glance at Lillie makes her blink several times.

    ¡°They¡¯re all in their balls... with Amethio...¡±

    The world seems to declare war on me.

    ¡°Why with him, of all people?¡±

    ¡°After you collapsed, he took care of your Pok¨¦mon. Zir and I arrived here hours later on the flying ship and ... Lillie¡¯s focus was on Cosmog.¡±

    Basically, Amethio just kept my team with him to make sure no one else fails at anything. My list of thank yous to this guy is growing and I can¡¯t claim that even a second of this is pleasant. If this keeps up, I¡¯ll be in his debt for life.

    A drawn-out sigh escapes my throat as I drop onto my uninjured side. ¡°When do we take the next step?¡±

    ¡°The day after tomorrow,¡± Conia begins. ¡°We need to open an Ultra Wormhole. There¡¯s ... a lot to do.¡±

    ¡°And that¡¯s all right with you?¡± My gaze wanders to Lillie. ¡°She doesn¡¯t seem ... to have been a good mum.¡±

    She shakes her head in a flash. ¡°She was a great mum! It¡¯s just ... she changed after my father disappeared.¡± Her eyelids droop. ¡°I didn¡¯t understand it then, and I still struggle with it, but I think I¡¯m about to realise her true nature. And if I¡¯m right ... then she deserves to be saved. She is my mum, after all.¡±

    ¡°What ... happened between you, anyway? Only if you want to talk about it, of course,¡± Conia raises her hands in defence. ¡°After all, it¡¯s not ... usual to run away from home, which turns out to be the Aether Paradise.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not,¡± Lillie confirms. Her steps carry her slowly to my side, where she settles down. Every muscle in her body is visibly tense. And when she starts to talk, it sounds like the story of a girl in whom Lillie no longer recognises herself.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got it! I¡¯ve finally got it!¡± She lifts the little cloud in her hands as if she has found something special. Something that brings change. The truth is, however, that since Lusamine has had this Pok¨¦mon, everything has become a little worse.

    Slowly, Lillie pushes her way inside the room. ¡°You were successful?¡±

    Her mum¡¯s beaming face immediately turns to her. ¡°I was! I can open the Ultra Wormholes with this Pok¨¦mon!¡±

    Her hands bury themselves in the fabric of her white dress. Lusamine¡¯s fingernails dig far too deep into the Pok¨¦mon¡¯s body and the whining sounds it makes send shivers down her spine.

    ¡°You¡¯re hurting it...¡± she finally says.

    ¡°That¡¯s a good thing.¡± Her mum glances at the Pok¨¦mon. ¡°This stupid thing won¡¯t open the holes willingly, so I had to use a bit of force. Faba realised the gases it emits when it¡¯s stressed are for our benefit.¡± Her eyelids lower. ¡°Why are you looking so horrified? Don¡¯t you know what that means?¡±

    Lillie wants to answer, to say something, to ask her mum to stop the madness, but not a single word passes her lips. It¡¯s always been like this. She can¡¯t stand up to her mum.

    ¡°I¡¯m just worried...¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to be!¡± Lusamine comes closer in an instant. Along the way, she puts the Pok¨¦mon into a ball. ¡°Lillie, my angel, with this Pok¨¦mon we can be a family again. We can save your father from Ultra Space. Everything will be fine.¡±

    When Lusamine¡¯s hand rests on Lillie¡¯s head, the tightness in her chest seems almost unbearable. What her mum says sounds nice, but this family is broken.

    Back then, when her father Mohn was sucked up by an Ultra Wormhole, nothing but shock was left behind. It was one of his researches to learn about the Pok¨¦mon of other worlds and gain new experiences about different dimensions. Things that Lillie never fully understood, but that seemed fascinating ¨C until it tore her family apart.

    Lusamine explained the pact she made with Faba afterwards as follows: ¡°He gets to pursue his research called Null for helping me overcome the great danger of the Ultra Wormholes.¡±

    Null is a Pok¨¦mon. Lillie realised this two weeks later when the alarm went off in the lab and everyone panicked. The next day, her brother Gladion was no longer there and the last Type: Null that Faba hadn¡¯t ¡°removed¡± by then was missing.

    The memory forces Lillie to snuggle up to her mother¡¯s body. She still has the same warmth and the same smell. ¡°Is Gladion coming home then?¡±

    Lusamine immediately takes a step back and places Lillie¡¯s head between her hands. It¡¯s a gentle touch that doesn¡¯t harmonise with her clouded gaze.

    ¡°No,¡± she replies, ¡°Gladion betrayed me. He caused me a lot of trouble and refused to stand behind me. Yet I¡¯m doing everything I can to bring this family back together. And instead of relying on me, he does stupid things.¡±

    Lillie swallows. If she takes the Pok¨¦mon tonight, her mum will put her on the same level. She won¡¯t see the problem. Maybe staying would be smarter. But then this creature, Cosmog, will die and probably it wants to go home as much as her father does.

    ¡°Lillie,¡± her mother snaps her out of her thoughts, ¡°I love you. And I love your father. But my heart can¡¯t take any more things like this.¡± She runs a thumb over Lillie¡¯s cheek. ¡°I¡¯m fighting for us as best I can. Maybe I¡¯m neglectful right now and not a good mum, but I hope you¡¯ll forgive me. Just a little longer and everything will be fine. Then no one will ever leave us again.¡±

    She knows about the fear her mum has felt since her father disappeared. Whenever Lillie sleeps in a bed with her, because the smell of Lusamine has a calming effect, she hears and sees the tears that are shed at night. This struggle wears on her and yet ¨C is it right to destroy someone else¡¯s life for her own happiness?

    The little cloud is weak. It whimpers very often. It looks like a baby that has been torn away from its mother and if Lillie were in its role, it would wish to be rescued.

    ¡°Promise me you¡¯ll never be as stupid as your brother.¡± Lusamine slowly breaks away from her. ¡°You¡¯re far too clever for such things.¡±

    ¡°Mum ... will you ever forgive Gladion? Please?¡± Instead of answering, Lillie clings to her dress.

    ¡°If you ask so sweetly ... how could I deny you that wish?¡± A gentle smile forms on Lusamine¡¯s lips.

    ¡°You promise?¡±

    ¡°I promise. I¡¯ll forgive your stupid brother if the chance of a reunion arises.¡±

    Lillie doesn¡¯t need more than that. After all, they are family. Now, at fourteen, she understands that. Gladion had to do what was right in his eyes two years ago. Her mum will forgive that.

    But Lillie has to grow. Beyond herself and her fears. When it rains tonight, when the storm outside gets even worse, her journey will begin. Then she will no longer dance in the rain with her mum, but jump over the cliffs and hope that one day she, too, will be forgiven. Maybe Gladion will put in a good word for her.

    The life of a Pok¨¦mon is no less valuable than the life of her family. If that¡¯s the price they have to pay for their actions, then so be it.

    ¡°That day ... I betrayed my mum and stole Nebby¡¯s Pok¨¦ Ball at night and set it free. I destroyed the ball and ... then we got on a motorboat in a storm and set off. Until it came to shipwreck.¡± Lillie¡¯s lips curl briefly. ¡°We stranded on Melemele and stayed with Professor Kukui.¡±

    The silence covering the room like a shroud suffocates every thought. It¡¯s so uncomfortable that I pull myself up into a sitting position and lean my head back. There are two sides to Lillie¡¯s story and I think I can understand them both. Lusamine just wants her family back ¨C although her daughter¡¯s betrayal has changed that significantly. She probably doesn¡¯t see the point in saving anyone anymore. She¡¯s burnt out.

    But then why the Ultra Wormholes?

    ¡°That¡¯s why you want to save her,¡± says Conia in the background. ¡°You love her.¡±

    ¡°I never hated her,¡± Lillie replies. ¡°And I hope ... that she sees that ... that I find the right words when the time comes.¡±

    Lusamine is not the bad guy in this story; that¡¯s probably what Lillie wants us to realise. But Conia and I have seen too little of everything to judge. In my world, her mother is a problem, a woman who backed us so far into a corner that Mimikyu had to put herself in mortal danger.

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we be talking about ... nicer things?¡± Voice pointed, Lillie tightens her shoulders as she glances around our little circle, and Conia is the first to jump at the idea.

    ¡°That reminds me, you haven¡¯t even seen the hatched Pok¨¦mon yet!¡± She hastily pulls a Pok¨¦ Ball out of the pocket of her waist-length grey jacket. Then she lets out the newest member of the Explorers.

    Looking at me is a fluffy brown something with beady eyes shining so enchantingly that I can¡¯t help but smile. The sight of this Eevee, just half the size of Raya, banishes everything bad from out of the room for a moment. The tension between the three of us eases and when it turns to Conia, it seems to adore her, wagging its tail.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it adorable?¡± Conia¡¯s excitement makes her voice quiver as she puts a hand to her cheek and looks at the Pok¨¦mon like there¡¯s nothing cuter in the world. ¡°It¡¯s almost as cute as Sprigatito!¡±

    ¡°Sprigatito?¡± Lillie follows up.

    ¡°A Pok¨¦mon ... like Persian and Liepard.¡± A heavy sigh creeps over her lips. ¡°I had to look after a little brat¡¯s Sprigatito for a while and ... it was love at first sight.¡±

    Eevee¡¯s tail droops. I don¡¯t know if it understands us, but it seems to sense that Conia isn¡¯t talking about its pretty fur or its way-too-long ears.

    ¡°Did the Sprigatito like you too?¡± Lillie, meanwhile, surrenders to curiosity.

    ¡°It ... was very wilful... The relationship between us ... just wasn¡¯t meant to be. But if I ever get the chance to get my own Sprigatito,¡± she clenches her fist and raises her chin, ¡°no one can stop me from winning it over.¡±

    While Lillie lets out a soft laugh, I can¡¯t take my eyes off Eevee. It¡¯s still staring at Conia, but the gleam in its eyes has dimmed and its ears are drooping. I should point it out, but the Pok¨¦mon doesn¡¯t give me a chance to catch the word. Instead, it turns to me and sits down. Its stare pierces me as if it¡¯s demanding something specific, and a part of me wants Mirra by my side.

    I swallow dryly. There it is again. The topic that has a firm grip on me and cannot be suppressed.

    Clenching my hands into fists, I try to give Eevee a wry smile. ¡°What do you want?¡±

    Its chittering sounds ring in my ears as it puffs its chest and continues to stare me down. Only when Lillie shifts closer to me, does it put its head back a little to look bigger.

    ¡°I think it likes you,¡± she states. ¡°Could it be that you want to go travelling with Domino?¡±

    Once again, it makes a sound ¨C approval causing me to raise my eyebrows. Until two seconds ago, its attention was focussed solely on Conia. The fact it suddenly comes to me means it¡¯s planning something. It seems to have an idea at the back of its mind I can¡¯t follow.

    ¡°You¡¯re sure?¡± I lean forward slightly so as not to miss any of the Pok¨¦mon¡¯s facial expressions. But Eevee exudes nothing but certainty. It wants to go on a journey with me ¨C for its own reasons.

    ¡°Is that okay with you?¡± Without further ado, I look at Conia, who waves me off casually.

    ¡°Amethio actually pushed the egg onto you and I wouldn¡¯t say that an Eevee is a good match for me. It¡¯s cute, but ... that¡¯s all it is.¡± Her gentle look at the Pok¨¦mon reveals affection, but not enough for more. She¡¯s not interested in adding it to her team.

    That¡¯s probably what the Pok¨¦mon has realised. Travelling with me will give it experience and perhaps the opportunity to win Conia over.

    When Lillie hands me my Rotom Phone, I don¡¯t pass up the opportunity for more information. I¡¯m not unfamiliar with the entry, but knowing that Eevee is a boy and only knows three attacks is a good start to our teamwork.

    In the next second, Conia tosses me the Pok¨¦mon¡¯s Ultra Ball ¨C presumably classic Explorers¡¯ equipment ¨C and Eevee returns to its new home.

    ¡°Now the only question that remains is ... are the boys all on the ship?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± With a dismissive gesture, Conia crosses her legs. ¡°Amethio and Zir are on the ship. Gladion is sleeping in accommodation on the island.¡±

    So there are no friendly conversations between the boys, though Amethio and Gladion have been working together like it¡¯s the most ordinary thing in the world. Ultimately, outside of a joint battle, they are nothing more than strangers, teaming up when they have to, but preferring to go their own way away from it.

    ¡°I think ... there¡¯s something else you should know,¡± Lillie begins, before standing up and going to her shoulder bag, which she has pushed halfway under the table. ¡°When you brought Nebby¡¯s cage ... it¡¯s alive...¡±

    In fact, I haven¡¯t thought about Cosmog at all. It means too little to me for that. But when Lillie pulls out the bag and opens the zip, no small, sleepy cloud emerges. Instead, a handful of metal floats out ¨C as if Cosmog has been reduced to its core.

    ¡°After I opened the cage ... this came out. It¡¯s still Nebby, I know it is, but something happened to it and I just don¡¯t know ... if it¡¯s okay. Can you ask?¡±

    For a moment, I want to agree and fulfil her wish. Then I suddenly realise that I haven¡¯t heard Nebby once since I¡¯ve been in this room. Usually, it can hardly be quiet. But now it¡¯s hovering calmly over the bag, nothing more than an oval thing in a golden frame, its universe reduced to the bare minimum.

    ¡°Can you ... even talk to me anymore?¡± My hands clench in the sheets. The silence in my head is oppressive in the face of expectations.

    To make matters worse, Nebby shows no reaction. It doesn¡¯t move, nor do I get an answer.

    ¡°It¡¯s... I... There¡¯s nothing,¡± I say with difficulty, causing Lillie to lower her eyelids.

    ¡°So it¡¯s really not well...¡± She carefully pushes it back into her bag. ¡°I hope we can find a solution if we save my mum. Maybe one of the legendary Pok¨¦mon can help us.¡±

    ¡°Lunala and Solgaleo?¡± Crossing her arms in front of her chest, Conia tilts her head. ¡°In what way?¡±

    ¡°Well... As I told you this afternoon... If we try to summon one of them, it might help us find my mum. They¡¯re both from Ultra Space and should be able to create holes as they need to. If Nebby is from that dimension too... I just have hope they know more than we do.¡±

    A fair thought. In the end, it was Cosmog that tamed a dimensional rift and saved us a lot of trouble. With an ability like that, it must be more special than a Nihilego. Maybe it knows the two legendary Pok¨¦mon. My lips press together as my thoughts go one step further. Considering Burnet¡¯s story, it¡¯s obvious that Nebby is the Pok¨¦mon that was passed on to the Tapus as an egg from Lunala and Solgaleo. It seems strange, but Cosmog could be the result of a union ¨C the offspring of two powerful beings.

    A wondrous theory that I prefer to keep to myself. My body groans with every movement and I don¡¯t want to discuss possibilities that won¡¯t help us here and now. The tasks ahead of us are too important for that.

 Chapter 32: Tidal melody I

    Nurse Joy¡¯s painkillers have turned the screaming of my body into a dull throbbing. However, I can barely shake off the tiredness, and breakfast slides down my throat agonisingly slowly.

    Sitting together with Lillie and Conia in the integrated cafe is a distraction, but apart from that I can¡¯t help but keep glancing at the reception desk, behind which a nurse is waiting for patients. Hopefully, one of them will allow me to visit Mirra soon.

    I put my fork down with a sigh. The fruit salad can¡¯t get me to eat. My stomach seems to be tiny and full of stones. The rest of me is barely noticeably shaking, although I can¡¯t identify any problems.

    ¡°They¡¯re coming...¡± As Lillie sits up straighter and tightens her shoulders, my attention falls to the entrance of the center.

    Amethio, Gladion in tow, is just crossing the threshold. They take long strides towards our table, causing Conia to jump up, ready to take orders. Lillie, meanwhile, is slow to rise, unable to look her brother in the face.

    ¡°Were you able to find anything?¡± Her hands clasped so tightly that her fingertips turn red, Lillie finally lifts her eyes. Her brows are drawn together, giving her a terribly unfamiliar determination.

    ¡°Some of the Aether Paradise workers survived the collapse. Including Miss Wicke,¡± Amethio begins as I struggle to get to my feet. ¡°She couldn¡¯t share many things with us, but she knew a way to open Ultra Wormholes.¡±

    ¡°A legendary Pok¨¦mon,¡± Lillie breathes in the next gasp.

    Amethio nods. ¡°To summon this Pok¨¦mon, we need two flutes that have to be played on an altar on Poni Island.¡±

    ¡°So we have to get these flutes first?¡± Just the thought makes Conia¡¯s shoulders slump. ¡°Are there any clues?¡±

    ¡°Many,¡± Gladion interjects as he pulls a golden flute from his red belt pouch. Dark orange traces a pattern across the metal and the protruding sun emblem gives it a certain grace befitting the islands of Alola. ¡°I already have one.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s...¡± Lillie¡¯s eyes widen. The faltering of her words provokes a silence no one dares to interrupt until she herself regains her composure. ¡°Mum used to play it sometimes ... at night when she was alone.¡± A forlorn smile creeps onto her lips. ¡°It was a gift from dad because...¡± She breaks off.

    ¡°Because she¡¯s as beautiful as the sun in his eyes,¡± Gladion finally finishes her sentence before putting the flute away. ¡°We just need the counterpart. Supposedly, the sailors here know where to find it. That would save us a trip to the library.¡±

    It seems quite simple. We grab the other flute, summon Lunala or Solgaleo, rescue Lillie¡¯s mother, help Nebby, and make sure that no more uncontrolled Ultra Wormholes are opened. Then again, it¡¯s seven o¡¯clock in the morning, the day only has twenty-four hours, and spending each of them in motion seems to be a nightmare for my body. Staying here would probably be the wiser option and yet, one look at Nurse Joy makes the bile rise in my throat. I don¡¯t want to wait for someone to take away the bad feeling inside me.

    While the others start moving, I cling to the edge of the table with one hand. ¡°Amethio!¡±

    He¡¯s the only one who stops and looks at me. Lillie merely glances over her shoulder while Conia pushes her towards the exit. To where she won¡¯t notice the discussion I¡¯m having here.

    ¡°I¡¯m coming with you,¡± I begin, pressed. ¡°I can probably contribute a thing or two. Especially in relation to the legendary Pok¨¦mon.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re staying here.¡± His answer is exactly what Conia warned me about.

    ¡°That ... wasn¡¯t a question.¡± Sighing, I loosen my stance. ¡°I¡¯ll come with you and try not to be a drag.¡± Every other word gets a little quieter until I¡¯m just mumbling. ¡°Not like it¡¯s going to make any difference to you...¡±

    ¡°Your condition will slow us down,¡± Amethio replies coolly. ¡°If you want to be useful, stay here and wait for orders. It may be incomprehensible to you, but your ability to communicate with Pok¨¦mon is too precious to waste here.¡±

    My mouth twists instantly. He shows it to me often enough and I can usually overlook it, but this situation leaves no room for ignorance.

    ¡°Is that all?¡±

    He raises his eyebrows in surprise. ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°My ability may be special, but it¡¯s nothing great. And if I can help, I¡¯d rather be involved than sit around here. What¡¯s going to happen?¡± A soundless snort escapes my throat. ¡°More problems that might get me killed this time? Gibeon wringing your neck, should I get lost? The fear that I¡¯ll ruin everything?¡± My hand clings tighter to the edge of the table. ¡°Sometimes I wonder if I¡¯m anything in your eyes other than an assigned waste of time. In the Lush Jungle, in the meadow, in all those moments when I would have preferred to take a break rather than go on ¨C have you ever once thought about investing a little more time in something? Taking detours to get other information? Would you have come into contact with the Ultra Wormholes in any other way, or would you already be in another region to get your hands on Rayquaza?¡± I close my eyes briefly. ¡°Maybe I should have told Gibeon that I¡¯m doing my thing and setting myself apart from you. So I could learn. Maybe then the mistakes I make would weigh heavily enough to make me question my future decisions more harshly.¡±

    ¡°Domino...¡± He tries to interrupt me, but fails.

    ¡°You¡¯re an ice-cold control freak, and we saw where that leads in the Lush Jungle. And right when I think you¡¯re just being headstrong, you remind me how much better off you¡¯d be without me.¡± My hand comes away from the table. ¡°I¡¯m inexperienced and at a clear disadvantage compared to many who grew up with Pok¨¦mon and were prepared in schools. That¡¯s no secret. I¡¯m chaotic and indecisive and unprepared. But that-¡°

    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t give you the endurance you need to help us with the legendary Pok¨¦mon,¡± he finally interjects, his voice raised to match mine. ¡°You put yourself in irrationally dangerous situations because you act and don¡¯t think! Disobeying my orders on Ula¡¯Ula so you almost fell to your death. Your hallucinations in the meadow, which could have ended worse. Jumping off the boat to save your Pok¨¦mon. You could have drowned!¡±

    ¡°But I didn¡¯t!¡±

    ¡°Because we got you out of the water in time!¡± His hands clench into fists as he calms himself under tension. ¡°It¡¯s my job to watch out for you.¡±

    ¡°An order from Gibeon?¡±

    This time he frowns. ¡°A request from Hamber, because you¡¯re inexperienced but could achieve a lot.¡±

    ¡°Then just ignore it if it¡¯s just a request anyway and I¡¯m too much trouble for you.¡± My gaze drops to the amethyst around his neck, which he wears in a triangular silver setting. ¡°I¡¯ll come with you.¡±

    Silence engulfs us for a moment. All the words between us are said and I can¡¯t help but wonder at my pent-up frustration. I thought I had accepted Amethio¡¯s behaviour, but the truth seems to be different. Mirra¡¯s condition has pushed me to the edge of my repression skills and now I¡¯m standing here, annoyed with the boy who fascinates me on other days.

    Eventually, Amethio¡¯s sigh snaps me out of my thoughts, so I look at him again. His eyes are glued to me, but contain an understanding that gives him strange warmth. ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°I need a distraction,¡± I confess dully. ¡°If I stay here and wait...¡± my eyes dart to the reception desk, ¡°I¡¯ll go mad. The thing with Mimikyu... I don¡¯t want to think about it. Her little body, her determination ... her life ... she gave everything she had to help. I can¡¯t sit here and ... do nothing...¡±

    Amethio closes his eyes briefly. The decision inside him is set and as he reaches into his trouser pocket to pull out three balls, my next breath is much easier. My team returns to my possession.

    ¡°If you need a break, you say something,¡± he then starts. ¡°No fights. You¡¯ll let me know if you¡¯re feeling worse or if anything else is wrong.¡±

    ¡°Of course...¡± I¡¯m already pushing him to the back of my mind as I tuck my team into my belt pouch ¨C back to my potions and Rotom ¨C until he grabs me by the arm.

    The next words slip hesitantly from his lips. ¡°You¡¯re part of the Explorers ... of my team.¡±

    ¡°And worthless without my ability.¡± After all, I would never have become part of this organisation without it. Something even Amethio can¡¯t deny, so he lets go of me.

    But as he turns to leave, he leaves a hint of doubt at the thought. ¡°No one of us is worthless.¡±

    Before I can follow him, even find words to stop this moment from ending, it is someone else¡¯s exclamation interrupting me. A hasty glance to the side brings black hair into focus, cut short ¨C a young woman who looks vaguely familiar.

    ¡°I really didn¡¯t want to spoil your argument,¡± she stops next to me and puts a hand on her hip, ¡°but I overheard your little conversation just now and thought I had to intervene.¡±

    Her far-too-large sunglasses bring her friendly smile to the fore before she sighs at my raised eyebrows. Amethio, meanwhile, shifts back to me and the tension between us is clearly not yet off the table.

    ¡°You fought me. On Akala. Do you remember?¡± Immediately, she points to her face. ¡°You were looking for information about the black Rayquaza and I wanted a fight.¡±

    ¡°The tourist with the Glaceon!¡± I gasp. ¡°Your hair was blonde...¡±

    ¡°It was. There was ... a little undercover mission with my partner and we thought we¡¯d try a makeover so neither of us would stand out!¡± Her smile widens. ¡°I¡¯m Sina and I think I can give you a tip.¡± A clearing of the throat emerges before she grows more serious. ¡°I¡¯m an assistant to Professor Sycamore, out to research Fairy-type Pok¨¦mon. This was supposed to be a holiday until I heard that the guardian deities of the islands are also of this type. As a result, my partner Dexio and I stumbled across a few dodgy statements from Team Skull, which somehow got tangled up with the Aether Foundation, or rather the Aether Paradise.¡±

    Her appearance from back then is taking shape. Presumably, she was already on the trail of those schemes when we first met her.

    ¡°I actually wanted to see if there was anything I could do to get to the bottom of it, but now that the Aether Paradise has blown up and I can see who¡¯s responsible, I¡¯m sure I don¡¯t need to extend my ¡®holiday¡¯ any further,¡± explains Sina. ¡°You¡¯re looking for the Moon Flute, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    She reads us as if we were the daily newspaper ¨C just as she did the first time we met. This time, however, Amethio doesn¡¯t let on whether he is annoyed or disturbed by the circumstances. Instead, he puts a hand on his hip and raises his eyebrows in expectation.

    ¡°I see you¡¯re developing a bit of patience!¡± Sina¡¯s smirk makes the corners of his mouth twitch downwards, nonetheless. ¡°If you want the Moon Flute, you¡¯ll have to go to Exeggutor Island. It¡¯s a small isle nearby and can be reached in half an hour by motorboat. The islanders built an altar there a long time ago, on which the flute rests. Practically an open secret.¡±

    ¡°And we can just take it?¡±

    ¡°Normally you shouldn¡¯t do that if you don¡¯t want to end up on some list of wanted criminals, but you have good intentions.¡± Smiling gently, Sina tilts her head. ¡°I think the inhabitants of Alola will forgive you if you put the flute back after your adventure.¡±

    ¡°The Sun Flute too?¡±

    ¡°It is, more or less, under protection of the Aether Foundation. A decision that was made with a lot of money.¡± She shrugs her shoulders. ¡°Not important to you.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± is all Amethio can manage before he simply turns away and heads for the exit again, behind which the others are presumably slowly succumbing to nervousness.

    ¡°Boys. Some of them really are a thing of their own.¡± Crossing her arms in front of her chest, Sina looks after him and for a moment I can¡¯t help but think that she would get on much better with Amethio in my shoes. ¡°Take care of yourselves. Not all legendary Pok¨¦mon are friendly. Who knows how it will be with Lunala or Solgaleo.¡±

    I don¡¯t manage more than a weak nod before Sina heads off to her own business and I have to make sure I¡¯m not left behind. More exhausted than before, I drag myself out of the Pok¨¦mon Center into the scorching sun of the region. The others have gathered a few steps away from the entrance, ready to divide up the tasks that Amethio has probably already passed on in brief words.

    ¡°I¡¯ll accompany Lillie and Domino,¡± he explains, just as I come to a halt beside him. ¡°Conia, you and Zir will take care of the delivery from the research lab. Master Gibeon¡¯s balls mustn¡¯t get lost.¡±

    ¡°And I¡¯ll take care of a map of this island so we can find the altar for summoning,¡± Gladion adds.

    It¡¯s a quick, clear division accepted by everyone as a matter of course. The next moment, our group splits up and I stay behind with Amethio and Lillie. The latter lifts a small key.

    ¡°Gladion gave us the yacht,¡± she begins, her body full of vigour. It¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve seen her like this. There is hardly anything left of her shy demeanour. Instead, she looks like she can handle any adventure thrown at her. In light blue shorts, a white top and matching boots, she seems like an angel on a journey ¨C a thought that makes me smile.

    As she takes the lead to take us to where Gladion has docked, I still have to take one last look over my shoulder. Conia has brought fresh clothes for me. The pain in my shoulder is kept in check, and I am reunited with my team. The questions and mysteries start to unravel. But no matter how well the circumstances develop, I can¡¯t get Mimikyu out of my head.

 Chapter 33: Tidal melody II

    In the last forty minutes, the sky has turned an ugly grey, gloomy and windy, as if something is about to happen nobody expects. Maybe it¡¯s because bad weather is a rarity on Alola. Rain and thunderstorms can be counted on both hands every year ¨C and even then, the colourful hustle and bustle of the people here is unstoppable. The news seems to be proud of that.

    The ground crunches under the soles of my black ankle boots as I leave the yacht and look around the small island. You can cross Exeggutor Island once in half an hour. There is nothing here except a few tall palm trees and bushes colouring the otherwise barren ground green.

    If I squint, I can make out an altar on a hill. But I can¡¯t tell from down here whether the flute is there, too. Lillie, her hands clasped tightly around the pink straps of her backpack, dares to take a few steps forward. She breathes in the air of our surroundings deeply, as if tasting freedom for the first time, and for a moment I can empathise with her. The feeling of being freer with every further step is incredible ¨C but it never lasts long. Unfortunately.

    As soon as Amethio appears behind us, we set off. None of us are in a hurry, so we walk at a leisurely pace towards the rocky elevation. The small cave forming underneath leads just a few steps inside. There is nothing to discover here, at least if you ignore the trembling palm trunks.

    I have to blink several times before I realise I¡¯m not just imagining the barely perceptible movements. It¡¯s only when the sturdy lower section of a tree rises and two chunky feet with claws appear I pause.

    ¡°Domino?¡± Lillie¡¯s gentle voice barely reaches me.

    My gaze wanders along the brown body, up to yellow coconuts, causing me to gulp. They are so high up that it¡¯s easy to miss the round googly eyes; and it¡¯s only when one of these coconuts opens its mouth that a choked snort escapes me. Only then do I point to the Pok¨¦mon I have finally spotted.

    It takes a mere breath before my companions understand my hint and look up as well. In the next breath, Amethio orders us to take two steps back while he grabs his Pok¨¦ Ball ¨C just the moment the Pok¨¦mon makes a sound similar to badly tuned guitar strings.

    Lillie and I immediately move closer together to follow Amethio¡¯s will and keep our distance. Simultaneously, I can¡¯t help but dig my Rotom out of my pocket and scan the creature that turns out to be Ceruledge¡¯s opponent.

    ¡°Exeggutor. Alola variant. Grass/Dragon-type Pok¨¦mon. The inhabitants of Alola claim this variant is the original form of the Pok¨¦mon. However, so far, it has only been discovered that the climate of this region provides the best conditions for growth. Exeggutor attacks opponents by swinging its long neck like a whip. But it quickly becomes dizzy.¡±

    Just as Rotom finishes, the Exeggutor lashes out with its long neck before attacking Ceruledge agonisingly slow. It is so sluggish it poses no challenge to its opponent¡¯s quick movements.

    ¡°I¡¯m still sad ... to see Pok¨¦mon suffer in battle,¡± Lillie suddenly starts beside me and I can¡¯t help but look at her. ¡°I felt that what trainers do is terrible. Maybe because I thought they¡¯d all become like my mum, eventually. But ... since I¡¯ve been travelling with you, I¡¯ve been able to get to know so many things.¡± Her eyes shift to me so they scrutinise me in a green glow. ¡°The way you and your Pok¨¦mon have always tried to get closer to freedom ... seeing how Mirra has done everything she can to help us ... and how you care about your team. I saw it with Conia, too. She has a Golduck, and it loves her with all its heart. You can see it if you watch them for a bit.¡±

    She takes a breath, collects her thoughts, and catches herself before continuing. ¡°I¡¯ve realised being a trainer goes along with some Pok¨¦mons¡¯ desires. Some crave fame and recognition, others want to travel with their favourite human, and many are looking for a friend. I think I¡¯ve realised in our short time together that trainers and their Pok¨¦mon can be a wonderful thing.¡±

    Without further ado, she glances back at Amethio, whose Ceruledge is just disappearing into the ball as the Exeggutor crashes to the ground. It was a quick fight, probably not even enough to warm up. Still, it gave Lillie time to share some of her thoughts with me. I should feel honoured, but her newly achieved views bounce off me. Perhaps because I find no beauty in being a trainer in these breaths. Mimikyu is in a terrible state, Lusamine¡¯s Pok¨¦mon have been crushed in their icy prisons, and Nebby has been through torments I can barely imagine. Still, I smirk as Lillie smiles at me and says ¡°Thank you for that¡±.

    She is thanking me for something that deserves no thanks.

    I don¡¯t want to rob her of her rosy illusion of a wonderful Trainer-Pok¨¦mon world. Surely there are people out there who have it much easier than I do at the moment. Trainers who don¡¯t have to worry about their injured Pok¨¦mon because nothing ever happens that can¡¯t be fixed with two potions. Part of me hopes Lillie is one of them; that she never has to experience this confinement, this guilt and this loathing of oneself. She has gratefully accepted my remaining four Great Balls. There is no doubt she will catch Pok¨¦mon herself one day.

    As soon as Amethio gives us the signal to move on, the conversation seems long lost in the past, and my thoughts drift back to the altar and the flute that we need to retrieve. However, we barely walk two steps before rain falls. Before it starts to pour down like a torrent, we take shelter in the small cave.

    ¡°They had announced bad weather...¡± Lillie¡¯s gaze is fixed somewhere on the horizon and although I would like to do the same, my attention wanders to Amethio.

    Standing next to him brings the tension between us to the fore. Our argument is still making waves ¨C at least inside me. Unseen, I wipe my sweaty hands on my beige shorts before tugging at the hem of the purple top, whose white floral pattern radiates no peace. Even when I briefly loosen the collar from my neck, no relief overcomes me. There are just too many things I¡¯d like to say to Amethio; that I was too harsh and that he has every right to want to lock me in a box. I don¡¯t want to keep travelling with this tension.

    ¡°Domino?¡±

    My lips press together as I look down at the floor. After everything I¡¯ve said in the heat of the moment ¨C no matter how right it may have felt ¨C I feel like one of those pathetic trainers who realise too late that an adventure needs more bite than a mere desire to see the world. If you want to get to know other regions, you go on holiday. However, if you want to explore the world in all its splendour, be it in its strength or its secrets, you become a trainer.

    I still have a lot to learn. Giving up isn¡¯t an option. But if I no longer want to be a burden to people like Amethio, I have to learn to make smarter decisions. The Z-Move has to play into my hands. I have to be in control and not let it go for a second. For the sake of my Pok¨¦mon, the Explorers, and myself.

    ¡°Domino!¡±

    My whole body flinches as I recognise Lillie¡¯s voice and realise she¡¯s talking to me. In a flash, my attention is focussed in her direction and her brows furrow slightly in concern.

    ¡°Is everything all right?¡±

    ¡°I was just thinking,¡± I reply, wiping my hands on my shorts once more. ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°I was just wondering... Do you know what you want to do when Alola is behind you one day?¡± Without further ado, she looks back at the sky. ¡°Something besides the exams to become a professor?¡±

    I follow her gaze. The grey sky is slowly clearing. The rain won¡¯t last much longer. ¡°I want to become a better trainer, solve mysteries... I¡¯m not sure. Thinking about my future ... was never really on my mind. It¡¯s something I still kind of ... have to deal with.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve never thought about your future?¡±

    ¡°I never had the chance. The memories are hazy, but before I knew it, it was easier to live from one day to the next and let things roll by.¡±

    ¡°A life without goals...¡± The thoughtful tone in Lillie¡¯s voice makes me listen to the silence for a moment before she sighs softly. ¡°I think I know what you mean. When I was still with my mum, I never thought about it either.¡±

    The difference, however, is that she is three years younger than me. As the older of the two of us, I should probably set a good example, but I¡¯m already happy everything is slowly falling into place. My wish for an adventure has come true. There is a goal for my future. I don¡¯t have to commit to anything or decide straight away. Yet there is a faint hint of admiration for Lillie in me. It¡¯s no less stressful and complicated for her. But it looks very easy when she selects a path. Just like in those seconds when she is clutching the straps of her backpack tightly and gazing at the dark clouds.

    ¡°It¡¯s different now,¡± the blonde starts. ¡°Domino ... once we¡¯ve rescued my mum, I want to become a trainer alongside my desire to help the Pok¨¦mon. More specifically, I want to be a medic who can go on an adventure to discover new methods of healing Pok¨¦mon.¡± She straightens her shoulders. ¡°And until that time comes, I want to learn to be braver. My journey ... my path ... it all starts here and now.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll be great...¡± My hands fold in front of my lap. ¡°And I hope your dream comes true.¡±

    Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

    Her eager nod leaves no doubt in her mind. In the next breath, she turns in my direction, but looks past me. ¡°We can¡¯t have just the two of us committing!¡±

    Brows raised, I turn slowly to Amethio, who looks at Lillie as if none of this concerns him.

    ¡°What¡¯s your goal? Apart from finding Rayquaza?¡±

    He opens his mouth in a flash, but doesn¡¯t make a sound. Only when he puts a hand to his chin and seems to ponder the question does a satisfied smile curl across Lillie¡¯s features.

    ¡°There is someone I want to beat in a fight,¡± Amethio finally replies. It¡¯s not the biggest goal he could name, and yet it sounds like a hurdle he¡¯s failed at more than once. This person must be an ace at fighting.

    It is also a confession that fuels Amethio¡¯s restlessness. Almost unseen, he shifts his weight from one leg to the other, his arms crossed in front of his chest. In these seconds, he proves stubborn humanity, and I need a moment to take my eyes off him.

    The rain keeps us trapped in one spot for half an eternity and only when the drops subside to a drizzle do we dare to climb up to the Moon Flute podium again. The humid air is heavy to breathe and my gasps weigh more than a Graveler. The flute, carefully secured on a holder, shines like the depths of the sea beneath the rain-filled clouds. Its dark blue colour and the crescent moon adorning it lend it a sombre grace.

    It is Lillie who picks it up and looks at it for a moment, so I move closer. I run my fingertips over the emblem of the moon ¨C overwhelmed by the sounds, among which Nebby¡¯s voice comes through to me.

    ¡°Not right...¡± it breathes softly. ¡°Power. Used wrong. Wrong thought. Wrong.¡±

    My legs give way. Lillie can¡¯t grab me fast enough. Only Amethio saves me from hitting my knees. But instead of asking what happened, he stays silent. The quiet between us remains.

    <hr>

    ¡· WHISPERS ¡¶

    <hr>

    My hands tremble. The goosebumps on my arms are shivering and the door handle between my fingers seems colder than ice. A glance out of the window to reassure myself brings the bad weather to the fore. We¡¯ve just made it back to the Pok¨¦mon Center before the rain once again poured down over the island.

    I turn my attention to the door once more before I bring myself to push down the handle and enter. I¡¯m immediately hit by the clinical odour of a hospital ¨C except there are Pok¨¦mon here that can¡¯t simply be nursed back to health with a few potions.

    All too slowly, I push my way inside to the only occupied bed, which is reminiscent of a cr¨¨che. The pink sheets add some colour to the otherwise clinical room and as I look over the wooden wall, I recognise Mimikyu. Hanging from her body is a shapeless, pink piece of fabric resembling a small sheet with holes cut out for her eyes. Two black claws peek out from underneath and the tightness in my chest chokes my throat. Nurse Joy has explained to me why Mirra looks like this, but it only makes her look more sickly.

    Carefully, I place my hands on the top edge of the wood. ¡°Hey...¡±

    Of course, Mimikyu doesn¡¯t answer. I know that, but hope refuses to fade.

    ¡°They said you¡¯ll be better soon. You¡¯re out of danger... Great, right? We ... can still go travelling. You just need to ... wake up...¡±

    According to the report, this is the nasty part of Mimikyu¡¯s condition. No one knows when or if she will ever wake up again. Not only has the Z-Move severely drained her, but the attack is still leeching her life energy. Pulling her from the threshold between life and death has consumed vast amounts of potions and revives. All we can do now is wait and hope. Physically, she is as good as new. Only her mind and psyche are lingering.

    ¡°I ... can stay with you for today,¡± I continue quietly. ¡°The others will stay with Lillie until then. The nurse thinks that if too many come to you ... it could stress you out subliminally.¡± Saliva hangs dry in my throat. ¡°Tomorrow we¡¯re going to climb the Vast Poni Canyon to try our luck with a legendary Pok¨¦mon. I wish you could come with us.¡±

    But the chances are far too slim. Even if she wakes up, she won¡¯t be able to go with us.

    ¡°Zir and Conia are still busy with a delivery of Pok¨¦ Balls. It¡¯ll be longer before they¡¯re back here, given the lousy weather.¡± I shake my head. ¡°It¡¯s pouring buckets outside. We can¡¯t climb the Canyon like this. It would only hurt more people.¡±

    My shoulder is stiff and numb. The nurses at the Pok¨¦mon Center have done their best, but they don¡¯t specialise in people. Instead, I had to wait for a doctor to come all the way from the bottom of the Canyon to treat me. All in all, the shoulder is cracked and the build-up of blood eventually cancelled out most of the pain, but the circumstances could have ended unpleasantly. The nurses acted well and correctly with their first aid and overall, I can expect my shoulder to be as good as new in about six weeks. Until then, I¡¯ll be living on lozenges ¨C painkillers made from Ula¡¯Ula honey.

    Before I continue talking to Mimikyu, I find a chair. As I sit down next to the cot, I reach inside to hold her claws.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to be happy about you saving us this way ... but ... thank you. Thank you for being there to help us out of trouble, even if it was a drastic measure. No one can say what would have happened otherwise.¡± Slowly, I run my thumb over her form, fluffy but soft as jelly against me. ¡°When you wake up ... you¡¯ll need a new costume. I¡¯ll make you one, depending on what you want.¡±

    I can¡¯t sew. My father used to do these things. But I¡¯m sure with practice I can make something suitable for Mimikyu. The chances of her wanting to explore the world without a costume are slim.

    ¡°I¡¯ll try ... to make you happy.¡± I rest my forehead lightly on the edge of the wood. ¡°You haven¡¯t had much luck with trainers so far, but you deserve better. I know what I said ... I still have a lot of things to learn myself and get my life on track ... but I¡¯m confident I can do it.¡±

    My eyes close. The idea of becoming good enough with my team to have nothing to fear is attractive. Together we could achieve great things if I improve a few of my traits. I¡¯m willing to fight any weaknesses if it means my Pok¨¦mon will be better off. In my dreams, that¡¯s possible. But I know that reality won¡¯t make it easy for me.

    <hr>

    ¡· WHISPERS ¡¶

    <hr>

    Sweat clings to my body, and every breath weighs heavily in my chest. My hands clutched tightly around the straps of my backpack, which Conia brought from the airship, I drag myself along behind the others.

    Meanwhile, Amethio¡¯s assistants aren¡¯t just looking after the airship, they¡¯re also monitoring strange activities ¨C Ultra Wormholes, for example. So there are only four of us walking through the first cave of the Canyon, which we finally reach after two hours of travelling.

    Every step echoes back to us and the next ascent greets us just beyond a small exit that leads us deeper into the heart of the mountain. The scorching heat forces me to walk in the shade and although Amethio has also chosen more suitable clothing for hiking, the sweat stains on him suggest excessive exertion.

    However, we all wordlessly agree that we should drink while walking and not waste the time we can use. Only when we leave a second cave behind us, which leads us straight to another ascent, Lillie stops. With her hands resting on her knees, she fans some air into her face the next moment.

    ¡°We¡¯re ... probably ... more than halfway ... up,¡± she gasps, before sitting down on a stone. ¡°We should ... take a break.¡±

    ¡°Yes, please.¡± Without further ado, I drop beside her, so Amethio and Gladion have no choice but to join us.

    Together in the shade, we all find a few moments to breathe in the thin air. I dig out the honey drops from the side pocket of my backpack to soothe my pain, and somewhere in between I hear rustling at my side. Lillie is unpacking her sandwiches. Amethio, meanwhile, empties a water bottle. He¡¯s wearing the same outfit he chose when we visited the jungle ¨C the only difference being that this time it¡¯s a grey top with a purple arrow on it. It emphasises his slim sporty look, for which a little extra baggage makes no difference. His dark brown bag contains more than mine and Lillie¡¯s put together. Not only does he carry lunch for me, he has also thought of snacks in case I need a little energy boost in between.

    Following Joy¡¯s instructions, it quickly became clear I wasn¡¯t allowed to lift or carry heavy things around. So it was a matter of course for Amethio to pack my things, although Lillie agreed to help. The only thing he left for my bag was a small water bottle, my painkillers, and my team.

    ¡°It¡¯s kind of a shame the altar is so rarely visited,¡± Lillie begins in the middle of two bites into her bread. ¡°Otherwise a lot more people would come here and ... appreciate all this.¡±

    ¡°They probably didn¡¯t build it for that,¡± I reply as I accept the baked roll Amethio hands me.

    ¡°Still, somehow ... a shame.¡±

    We sink into silence again, completely focussed on our food. On the side, I take a look at Rotom. It¡¯s now three o¡¯clock. It will probably be another two hours before we reach the Altar of the Tides and part of me isn¡¯t sure I¡¯ll survive that. Sure, it was my absurdly stupid idea to go along, but the exhaustion is gnawing at me.

    ¡°We should watch our stuff.¡± When Amethio speaks up, my eyes are glued to his lips.

    The tension between us no longer exists, but every action with him feels strangely uncomfortable. A bit like we¡¯re trying to hide a secret drinking contest that has sent us both into a two-week coma in our underwear in the middle of the city.

    I avert my eyes in a flash. Staring at him for too long could only lead to another awkward conversation. So I try to see what he¡¯s spotted and get fixed on a small group of Murkrows.

    ¡°They¡¯re probably hungry,¡± Lillie begins, but catches lightning-fast glances from us. ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Murkrows are ... voracious. They would chase us if they realised we had something to eat and willingly shared it with them. If we stop before our supplies run out, they¡¯ll attack us.¡± I grimace. ¡°They also love to steal jewellery and anything that glitters.¡±

    ¡°Does the Pok¨¦dex state that?¡± Her sandwich almost falls out of her hands.

    ¡°Not everything.¡± I shake my head. ¡°You get that information from fans of Flying-type Pok¨¦mon. I came across it by chance.¡±

    She nods slowly. The thought of feeding these little monsters immediately disappears from her face. What remains is stiff chewing, so a thin smile appears on my lips. She returns it, but we spend the rest of our break in silence. Neither of us knows what will happen when we reach the altar and play the flutes. If the summoning doesn¡¯t work, we¡¯ll need another plan to save Lillie¡¯s mum. Our last hope here is Cosmog. However, we have no real alternative.

    It¡¯s four o¡¯clock when we finish our break and tackle the Canyon again, whose path leads through another cave where the semi-darkness dispels some of the heat. Only after this passage do we finally seem to be closer to our goal. We can¡¯t see the altar, but according to Gladion¡¯s map, a tall tree with strong roots leading down to a clearing gives us hope of reaching the end.

    My gaze briefly wanders in his direction. He is just as silent as Amethio ¨C even worse. He can¡¯t get a single word out and the tension between him and Lillie is at least as uncomfortable as between my partner and me. It¡¯s hard to believe, but this group here could hardly be more dysfunctional.

    Down the vines, into the next cave, is just as unspectacular as the way up here. Only a small shrine made of misshapen stones catches my attention.

    ¡°Is there something special to honour here?¡±

    Lillie follows my gaze. ¡°Not really.¡±

    Without further ado, we step closer so we can spot the well-placed, misshapen crystal, whose sea-blue tone and slight lustre are strongly reminiscent of a Z-Crystal. And when my ring reacts with delay, no further questions arise. Instead, I pick it up.

    ¡°I¡¯ll see what it¡¯s for later. Maybe it¡¯ll fit my team.¡±

    No one objects, no one wants to say anything. My words almost feel stupid. All I can do is put the crystal away and sigh. It would be better to lighten the circumstances here and now before we throw ourselves into a task that is bigger than us. But I can barely get a sound past my lips before a stone hits next to me ¨C bigger than Zoroark.

    A breath later, three Pok¨¦mon surround us, heads bowed and teeth bared.

 Chapter 34: Tidal melody III

    Hisses buzz through the cave. Lillie moves close to me, her hands pressed tightly to her chest, full of hope and yet only able to watch silently as Amethio and Gladion reach for their balls.

    I would like to help, but my partner¡¯s warning still stands: fighting is no option for me. And maybe it¡¯s for the best. I might be able to take on a few opposing Pok¨¦mon, but the memory of Mimikyu and the distraction of her still lying in her cot in the Pok¨¦mon Center and not moving would put my team members in danger. Another mistake I can¡¯t afford to make. Leaving it to the other two is the smarter option.

    Clenching my hands into fists, I let my gaze wander over the bodies of the three Kommo-o. They are big enough to look most people in the face and the colourful scales on their bodies ¨C often as big as their heads ¨C armour any part that could serve as a weak point in a fight. Raising their powerful front claws, each one lets out a shuddering sound, causing even the ground to tremble; and as Ceruledge swings one blade, Type: Null takes a step back.

    In the next breath, the Pok¨¦mon charge towards each other, and although I should take the chance to learn, I can¡¯t help but close my eyes and take a deep breath. I don¡¯t want to watch; I don¡¯t want to hear the sounds and screams settling on my skin like fire. In those seconds, I want nothing more than to run away. But Lillie is behind me and my legs are numb.

    The blackness behind my eyelids is the only safe place I can find, and yet it¡¯s a place that threatens to swallow me up as my thoughts seep through the cracks of my inner loneliness. Mimikyu¡¯s determination flares. The moment Lusamine spread her arms to claim this world as hers alone. The blinks in which the Pok¨¦mon are shattered in their glass prisons ¨C long bound to death.

    Behind it lurks the flaming house, the rippling wallpaper, the child pulling me by the arm. My screams, because I use all my strength to tear myself away. The Hoppip burns. I turn the corner into the living room where I¡¯ve always watched my favourite series.

    The look on my father¡¯s face.

    My mum¡¯s screams.

    The laughter of a man.

    My whole body flinches as someone puts a hand on my shoulder, and I open my eyes. Lillie looks at me with her round, green gaze and it takes a moment for my racing heart and parched throat to realise I¡¯m still standing in this cave. The memory settling in my skull is just a pale mosaic of days once lived.

    ¡°Is everything all right?¡± Slowly, her fingers slip from my arm. ¡°Do you need another break?¡±

    Two of the Kommo-o have disappeared. One lies unconscious on the ground, its hind legs twitching. The battle has passed me by and a part of me is grateful for the time jump I have subconsciously experienced.

    ¡°Everything¡¯s fine,¡± I mutter. ¡°Fighting just isn¡¯t one of my favourite things to watch right now.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure Mirra will feel better soon!¡± Lillie¡¯s enthusiasm bubbles over to me. ¡°Besides ... please always remember that this wasn¡¯t your fault. You tried to do what you could and Mimikyu made that decision.¡±

    One she might not have even considered had I thought of something better, and had I not allowed her to use this power that has cost some people their lives in the middle of far too long a night. Not everyone got away. We all know that, even if no one talks about it. It¡¯s amazing how quickly people start to keep things quiet so as not to have to bear the weight of the consequences.

    But those are a thousand thoughts I can¡¯t tell Lillie. We have a more important goal in mind. If we want to summon a legendary Pok¨¦mon, we can¡¯t allow ourselves to be distracted. Clinging to what¡¯s happened here and now won¡¯t help. None of us. So I put on a small smile and nod.

    Lillie is right. Mirra will get well.

    And then I¡¯ll do better.

    Behind the exit of the cave, the long-awaited altar is waiting. The only thing separating us from the upper area is what feels like three hundred steps, which elicit a long, drawn-out sigh from Gladion. It¡¯s one of those climbs you only consider if your life depends on it, and even then you can¡¯t help but have second thoughts. Still, we dare to take on the challenge. Little by little.

    The stone clacks under our soles. Every metre up seems to take us to the top of the Canyon. On the horizon, the sky slowly turns a shallow red colour and even though it will take a while longer, the darkness already reaches out for us.

    By the time we leave the last step behind us, the clock strikes six. It is still bright, but the redness at the edges of the world is creeping steadily in our direction. Rotom lets us know, casually in passing, as if it is looking for something to do because it had no other use for the day.

    ¡°What now?¡± Questioningly, Gladion turns his gaze in Lillie¡¯s direction. She seems to be the only one who knows what we¡¯re supposed to do up here and how to go about it. She¡¯s probably done more research than anyone else.

    ¡°They say that Solgaleo rules the day, while Lunala watches over the night.¡± She glances briefly at the reddish clouds above us. ¡°I don¡¯t think anyone would listen to us now if we asked for help.¡± She turns swiftly towards Amethio and me. ¡°We should wait until it¡¯s dark.¡±

    It will be at least another two hours before the sun sets. That¡¯s time we have to spend up here, between thin air and too much silence. So I move around, lost in thought.

    The Altar of the Tides has the charm of a forgotten garden. The almost white stone tiles, which have long since turned grey at the edges, allow us to stand firmly a few metres away from a stone disc carved into the rock like a cross. Short steps to our sides lead up narrow paths, past parched earth and dry grass, up to small podiums that were probably once surrounded by water. Now there is nothing more than dust.

    With my fingertips, I dig another candy out of my pocket. The sweetness numbs my tongue and as I try to savour the taste for longer than two seconds, I turn to the others. Lillie is also roaming around, absorbing the image and enjoying the freedom so far above the island. Amethio¡¯s eyes are glued to the Canyon and Gladion has settled down on the ground, enjoying a second rest.

    Each of us is silent in our own way and this time I am overcome with the will to break this stillness ¨C at least between me and Amethio. I want to resolve this tension before it¡¯s too late. No one knows how much chaos we will really be thrown into to help Lillie¡¯s mum.

    It takes two breaths before I¡¯m standing next to him, staring at the same rocky wall. ¡°I ... didn¡¯t even thank you for a lot of the things you did for me.¡±

    His attention is slow to shift in my direction.

    ¡°All this time, I wanted to somehow ... repay you for the help and the Lava Cookies you gave me. But ... I can¡¯t say I¡¯ve been useful since I came here.¡±

    He doesn¡¯t answer, just listens; hears my words as if they are actually valuable in these seconds. So I turn to him.

    ¡°Thank you.¡± My eyelids lower. ¡°For a lot of things. You believed me when I said I could hear some Pok¨¦mon. You passed on my request to Gibeon and often reached out to me. I know it¡¯s your job to watch over me as long as I choose to travel with your group, but ... you never had to give me things for my Pok¨¦mon.¡±

    ¡°I merely do what is asked of me,¡± Amethio replies. The harshness of his voice is the same as before, but looking at him reveals more. He keeps his gaze averted and the tension in his shoulders has relaxed. Only slightly, barely noticeable, but for a moment, it seems awfully obvious.

    ¡°And I¡¯m sorry ... for what I said ... at the Pok¨¦mon Center.¡±

    He only glances at me, but he can¡¯t seem to find the words. There are probably moments when he is awkward, too. This whole moment, this conversation between us ¨C it could hardly be stranger. He avoids too much emotion, while I almost seem to be talking to myself. But the longer I look at Amethio, the clearer it becomes that he is listening. He registers my words. What previously seemed so terribly dismissive now turns out to be his way of lending an ear.

    It¡¯s almost interesting to explore him in this way and I can¡¯t help but add a little fuel to the fire ¨C for the sake of my own studies.

    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    ¡°If it¡¯s easier or more comfortable for you, I¡¯ll ask Gibeon or Hamber, whoever I have to turn to, for another team. Or I¡¯ll set off on my own.¡±

    ¡°You won¡¯t last a day out there.¡±

    ¡°Wanna bet?¡±

    A quick snort escapes him before he turns to face me fully, as if he wants me to understand every word that comes out of his mouth clearly. ¡°You can stay.¡±

    Three words. A single statement, as if he understood my intentions and my doubts at the same time. He takes my apology, my thanks and everything I throw at his feet to make me realise that I¡¯m still welcome. Despite my mistakes, despite the extra work I put him through, and despite our conflicts. As if none of this is work for him. As if I¡¯m the only one who spends all this time worrying about it and not knowing how to fix any of it, while my fickle heart sometimes wants to believe I¡¯m not doing as badly as my brain wants me to believe.

    ¡°You really know how to make someone swallow their pride, don¡¯t you?¡± It¡¯s Gladion who interrupts us. His seat is less distant than it looked and the way he glances at us is reminiscent of a judgemental Jigglypuff.

    ¡°Is everything all right?¡± Lillie, who seems to sense every hint of slight change, appears straight out of nowhere beside us.

    ¡°Perfectly fine,¡± Gladion grumbles in reply, before getting to his feet and taking a deep breath. His flat hands pat the black ripped jeans several times before he crosses his arms in front of his chest. ¡°You¡¯re... still avoiding me, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    Lillie¡¯s eyes widen. For a moment, I can¡¯t help but push myself closer to Amethio so as not to become part of the conversation. Only the thought of Gladion making a similar decision to mine is sobering.

    ¡°I... A little,¡± Lillie finally admits. ¡°I haven¡¯t seen you for two years. You disappeared when mum got worse and made her feel ... betrayed.¡±

    ¡°That wasn¡¯t my intention.¡± Gladion¡¯s dismissive attitude loosens. ¡°I didn¡¯t know ... that it would get worse. Everything I saw back then was Null.¡±

    ¡°The Pok¨¦mon you fought with in the cave?¡±

    He nods. ¡°Faba created it to stand up to the Ultra Beasts. He wanted it to adapt to any type. A Pok¨¦mon perfectly equipped for any battle. The result was Null.¡± He presses his lips together briefly. ¡°They created three of them and everything went well at first ... until they showed defence reactions. Suddenly, they were no longer compatible with the type change. The experiment got out of hand, people got hurt ... and the Pok¨¦mon were punished.¡±

    ¡°You ... heard them scream, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Often,¡± he confirms. ¡°You know, I watched the research a lot. I was there when they used electric shocks to drive Null into a corner to put a control mask on it.¡±

    I have to swallow. All that metal encasing its head, as if it¡¯s not sitting properly on its neck underneath, is nothing more than man-made restriction.

    ¡°When the experiment failed, they put the three experiments into a kind of ... cryogenic sleep, so they could be easily disposed of. I...¡± He lowers his head. ¡°I could only save Null.¡±

    His Null. The Pok¨¦mon he took because its life seemed more important than his own. Leaving his sister behind was his only option. I can¡¯t put things together any other way and Lillie seems to feel the same way as she buries her fingers in the hem of her loose top and looks at her brother like he''s her childhood hero.

    ¡°You had to save Null,¡± she whispers softly before taking a deep breath. ¡°Just like I have to save Nebby and our mother.¡±

    In his place, she probably wouldn¡¯t have acted any different. No one would have. It¡¯s hard enough to get by on your own without money, I know that. It would have been the same for me if I hadn¡¯t found shelter with the Explorers. Gladion had to struggle for two years, always unsure of what the next day or his future would bring. They¡¯ve both made their way, and while I don¡¯t think they¡¯ll ever embrace each other, the tension between them seems to have finally faded. Each of us has taken a step forward. Now we just have to make everything right ¨C even if nothing seems off.

    ¡°Domino, would you take the other podium?¡± Lillie also focusses on our task again. She skilfully digs one flute out of her bag and hands it to me. ¡°Together, I think ... we can do it.¡±

    I want to trust her words, so I take the Moon Flute and look at it for a moment before my eyes wander to the horizon. The darkness creeps further and further across the land. The last light threatens to fade. It¡¯s our chance to ask for help.

    Lillie and I nod briefly at each other. We are in unspoken agreement. We don¡¯t have to coordinate with each other to know who will take which podium. Instead, we get over our respective paths and push through our backs. The next look we have for each other conveys determination. Then we put our lips to the metal of the instruments.

    I¡¯ve never played the flute before. Music is one thing I used to listen to on the radio now and then whenever I was travelling with my father ¨C from one place to the next. And yet I breathe into the housing, place my fingers over a few selected openings, and create a sound whose melancholy, dull tone is nothing compared to the whispering Lillie produces. Still, our melodies seem to connect as I uncover one hole and block another. Probably my performance sounds awful, but I¡¯m not alone and with the two of us, my lousy playing hardly seems noticeable.

    The few clouds above us clear. Moonlight envelops the stage. For a moment, I marvel at the full moon, even though it shouldn¡¯t actually be visible ¨C not even half of it. But it embraces us in all its splendour, while a tremor runs through my body and my arms sag powerlessly. Our melody falls silent and before I can look over at Lillie, I am surprised by a soft glow from below.

    Where previously only dust had rested, water now sloshes in a blue play of colours ¨C a monotonous rainbow that still takes my breath away, before the shaking runs more forcefully through my body and I realise the whole Altar of the Tides is trembling. In the next moment, the light spreads, travels up to the rock disc, ensnares it, opens it. What I once thought was a stone slab turns out to be a portal. The light gathers in it, shines, seems to absorb the moon¡¯s gleam deep within itself before casting a colourful beam onto the platform where we were all waiting before. Gladion stumbles back a few steps. Amethio braces himself against the gust of wind.

    The beads of light bouncing off to all sides remind me of Coro¡¯s evolution, of the miraculous drops that rolled through his feathers when he became Trumbeak. The same goes for Ying. It brings to mind the transition to a new stage ¨C a change that makes a Pok¨¦mon grow.

    ¡°Nebby!¡± Lillie¡¯s sudden cry pulls my attention to her, to the moment Cosmog breaks free from its backpack and shoots towards the light.

    For a minute, it seems to bathe in the portal¡¯s beam, absorbing the energy it has been missing since Lusamine¡¯s torture. Then, barely a breath later, the two components seem to merge. Brightness dazzles each of us. A snow-white glow envelops us in the cool embrace of the moon; until it shatters. What¡¯s left are droplets falling to the ground as Nebby rises in all its splendour ¨C no longer small and lost.

    The cry leaving its throat sends shivers down my spine. It is beautiful, dark as the evening sky, and yet blessed by the soft glow of the moon. Gigantic wings are framed in golden crescents; another forms the Pok¨¦mon¡¯s tail. Stars seem to hang from the tips and its comparatively small claws are clenched into loose fists.

    ¡°I can move... The exhaustion ... it¡¯s gone!¡±

    A young woman¡¯s voice, deep and melodic, settles in my head and I breathe a sigh of relief. I can hear it. I can hear Nebby again!

    Lillie and I immediately bridge the distance to the Pok¨¦mon to stand next to Gladion and Amethio. They both look at the creature in front of them as if it is the most extraordinary thing in the world.

    As Nebby¡¯s eyes turn to us ¨C shining like rubies ¨C it takes a moment before it appears to crack a smile on its shapely, if pointed, face.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± it then begins. ¡°You and Lillie ... you gave me warmth and love when I couldn¡¯t take care of myself.¡±

    My lips press together. We all stare at it, but I¡¯m the only one who understands, and though I should pass on its words, my tongue sticks motionless to the roof of my mouth.

    ¡°I know you can understand me, Domino. You¡¯ve tried to talk to me before and passed my words on to Lillie.¡±

    It remembers.

    ¡°Domino, what does it say?¡± Lillie¡¯s excitement snaps me out of the dreamlike scenario. The two boys stare at me just as intently.

    But I don¡¯t want to answer. In these seconds, I don¡¯t want to open my mouth and share a conversation when I¡¯d like to ask ten thousand questions myself. Yet I am the only one here who understands Nebby in this way and that makes it my fate not to find a place in this exchange.

    ¡°It-¡°

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to speak for me,¡± the Pok¨¦mon interrupts me, causing me to stare at it with widened eyes. ¡°Your summoning has given me the power to become Lunala. I hold the light of the moon within me and, like Mother Mahina herself, I am connected to the depths of all the hearts in this world.¡± The next moment, it turns to Lillie. ¡°Forgive me for not addressing you. These powers ... I must learn to control them subtly.¡±

    The silence spreading is only interrupted when Amethio lets out a soft ¡°It speaks...¡±. With this, he emphasises Gladion¡¯s horrified expression. Lillie, meanwhile, pulls her nose back and collects herself before clutching the straps of her backpack tighter.

    ¡°Nebby... Thank G-God ... you¡¯re all right...¡± A smile creeps onto her lips. ¡°But please don¡¯t ever do that again! I was so worried about you!¡±

    ¡°You worry about me too often, dearest Lillie.¡±

    ¡°Maybe...¡± Her shoulders slump. ¡°But I also never thought that the flutes would give you so much power ... or that you would evolve into a legendary Pok¨¦mon!¡±

    ¡°It was meant to be. Solgaleo and Lunala created an egg for this dimension, this timeline, this world. They created me for this day.¡± A strong flap of its wings elicits a sound of amusement from Nebby. ¡°I¡¯m so glad to have seen a small part of this world alongside you! The Tapus always sheltered me in the same place, and I longed for the world. Maybe that¡¯s why I fell into your mother¡¯s hands. Fate brought us together.¡±

    ¡°My mother...¡± Lillie¡¯s gaze drops. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t ask you to do this... But please, Lu- No. Please, Nebby, I have to see my mother again!¡±

    ¡°If that is your wish, I will fulfil it. You deserve this hope, dearest Lillie.¡±

    Another flap of wings drives a gust of wind between us. With vigour, Lunala takes off towards the sky. A third eye shimmers on its forehead, eliciting a screech from it, which it turns towards the portal before lifting its wings and embodying the image of the moon. Immediately afterwards, energy gathers around its essence, which it hurls in a powerful beam at the now closed stone slab.

    An Ultra Wormhole forms out of nowhere, lightning-fast, quite unlike the dimensional rifts that have threatened Alola ¨C a clean passageway that clings to our world with snow-white branches.

    ¡°I can only take two of you with me, should I need to carry two more back.¡±

    A simple statement. We all know Lillie will go. But just as Gladion steps forward as her brother, Lunala chases down towards us. Its wings wrap around the blonde ¨C and around me. I want to scream, fight back, make it clear to Nebby I¡¯m not ready to fight, but my voice fails and only the protesting sound of Amethio is audible; disappearing into the background, however, as the light of the Ultra Wormhole fades into blackness and Lunala¡¯s hard wings are all that seem to protect me.

 Chapter 35: A mothers failure I

    Beads of water echo whenever they burst on the ground. Every sound here sends a shiver down my spine, dries out my throat and devours the seconds it takes for Lunala to release us. The world around us resembles a stalactite cave. Deep darkness is illuminated by dimly glowing crystals and when I look up, there is only blackness. Rocks in the shape of flowers give our surroundings the charm of the deepest seas, and yet there is no water anywhere.

    ¡°Are we ... in a cave?¡± Lillie is also unsure of our surroundings.

    ¡°It¡¯s a crevice,¡± replies Lunala. ¡°A long time ago, a Pok¨¦mon stole the sun from this dimension. It only left a few of the glowing stones behind, which will also fade away one day.¡±

    ¡°And you are from this place?¡± Without further ado, Lillie turns to the Pok¨¦mon. ¡°Or is that what the guardian deities told you?¡±

    It nods stiffly. ¡°The Tapus told me about it. About this world, this dimension. You humans named it the Ultra Space. But in truth, this is just one place of many in the cosmos that was once created.¡±

    ¡°That means ... my father is in some dimension ... one of many...¡± Lillie¡¯s gaze drops. ¡°Mum must have searched for a long time.¡±

    ¡°She did,¡± Nebby confirms. ¡°She realised that all the dimensions and all the worlds that have been created are connected through us Pok¨¦mon. She thought she could force me to open an Ultra Wormhole to find him, but it¡¯s not possible for me to find someone in another world if they¡¯ve travelled through a hole I haven¡¯t opened.¡±

    It¡¯s our luck that Lusamine slipped through the Ultra Wormhole that Cosmog created. Otherwise, Lillie¡¯s chances of seeing her again would be slim.

    ¡°Then it¡¯s time to look for her!¡± Straightening her shoulders, she sets her sights on the only path ahead.

    ¡°I¡¯ll wait for you here,¡± Lunala adds. ¡°If I stray too far from this hole, it will close. It¡¯s safer to keep this connection between this dimension and yours as long as it exists.¡±

    I can¡¯t say I like going without Nebby, but it¡¯s one of those hurdles I have to overcome. Lillie is already striding ahead, braver than ever, and all that¡¯s left for me to do is watch her go.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to be afraid,¡± breathes Nebby behind me. ¡°I¡¯ve been watching you because Lillie really likes you. Your strength lies in your adaptability, your ability to learn, and your reckless courage. You may have a long way to go, but if you maintain your fire, it will change you into someone who will never have to hide behind others again.¡±

    ¡°And you think I can prove that here and now?¡±

    ¡°I believe you need to have faith here and now that Mimikyu will recover and that your partners will learn with every fight. You aren¡¯t taking this journey alone. The burdens of defeat don¡¯t lie solely on your shoulders.¡± Lunala slowly lowers a bit towards me. ¡°Give them a chance to fight battles they won¡¯t regret.¡±

    I swallow. It¡¯s right, and yet the weight doesn¡¯t leave my heart.

    ¡°It never will,¡± the Pok¨¦mon throws in. ¡°And you¡¯ll grow.¡±

    I clench my hands into fists and take a deep breath. I can¡¯t hide forever, I know that. My body is weak and drained. Regret gnaws at every fibre of my being. A lot of things are going over my head, but I have to get up; pull myself together, knock off the dirt, and move on. There is no other way I have a chance of becoming someone who will one day show my father that he has worried for nothing.

    I want to reveal to him how I can face this world and even if I feel like a toddler in front of a Graveler, every step will carry me forward. I¡¯ve whined enough for the moment. Now it¡¯s time to help Lillie.

    So I follow along the poorly lit path in quick strides until I catch up with her, panting. Her smile is cheerful, but the cold sweat on my skin still can¡¯t make friends with this dimension.

    The echo of our footsteps is thrown back to us threefold and only when someone else¡¯s loud exclamation slips in between do we pause. For the blink of an eye, all we hear is a single breath. No one is within reach. No one is hiding behind us.

    ¡°Up here!¡±

    A quick glance up the stone wall brings Guzma to the fore. Settled on a ledge, one of his legs dangles listlessly. His white hair sticks out more wildly than usual and it seems to take him an eternity to gather the last of his strength and come down to us.

    He bridges the distance with swaying steps ¨C his eyes even darker rimmed than usual. The glass of the shades on his head is cracked and his clothes smell like he hasn¡¯t showered in four years.

    ¡°You¡¯re stupid, aren¡¯t you?¡± A soundless laugh escapes him. ¡°Really bloody dumb! Where do you think we are? I don¡¯t even want to know how you got here. But I can tell you to get lost. Now.¡±

    ¡°Do you know where my mum is?¡± Unfazed, Lillie takes a step forward. She is ready to confront her counterpart without batting an eyelid. ¡°I need to see her.¡±

    Instead of laughing at her, Guzma leans down a little closer. Despite the two heads he towers over us, in these seconds he seems frailer than any human I¡¯ve ever seen before.

    ¡°Lillie... That was your name, huh?¡± He raises his dark brows. ¡°You should turn around and run. Your mum ... is ... out of her fucking mind, to say the least. She¡¯s worse than ever.¡±

    ¡°And yet you followed her to this place,¡± I add, crossing my arms in front of my chest. The goose bumps are slowly but surely driving me mad.

    ¡°Because sometimes, as an adult, you do things for reasons ... that make little sense to you children.¡± He wrinkles his nose. ¡°Whatever. I followed because I wanted to spend time with her. She knows how to get people on her side...¡±

    ¡°And what¡¯s changed?¡± Lillie tilts her head.

    Guzma, meanwhile, straightens up again. His eyes dart back and forth as if he¡¯s expecting an unpleasant visitor. Then he swallows dryly. ¡°We arrived here and Lusamine ... she was laughing. She seemed happy ... for a moment. The high didn¡¯t last long until she sat in a corner in despair and started talking to herself. At first I thought: ''Hey, give her a treat and catch a few of those Nihilego-things''.¡± His body trembles. ¡°They¡¯re beasts, I tell you. I thought I¡¯d be able to mess with them, but they crushed Golisopod until I ran out of potions. My partner ... has been knocked flat ever since and no matter how long I look for an exit, I always end up back in the same spot.¡±

    Without asking, Lillie takes off her backpack and pulls out a hyper potion. ¡°I-I hope that¡¯s enough. I can also give you a second or third. All ten of them, if you need them.¡± She looks at him and Guzma seems unable to comprehend her for a moment. ¡°Every Pok¨¦mon deserves help!¡±

    She places the potion in his trembling hand and, while he looks at the plastic canister, he presses his lips together. His larynx quivers as if he¡¯s wrestling with himself and as he lets out a pitiful sigh, puts the potion away and rests his head between his hands, a fresh wave of memories seems to wash over him.

    ¡°Lusamine became one with the Nihilego,¡± he continues. ¡°She wanted to give them love and suddenly ... they were one. But that¡¯s not all ... these creatures change her. They turned Lusamine into someone ... else. Like she¡¯s losing her humanity, more and more with every breath, until there¡¯s nothing left of her.¡±

    ¡°They ... have become one?¡± The disbelief on Lillie¡¯s face crosses my lips at the same moment. That humans and Pok¨¦mon can become one sounds like one of those horror stories where bodies change and the damage can no longer be undone.

    ¡°Did you know you can fuse with Pok¨¦mon? It¡¯s a bit like returning them to their Pok¨¦ Ball, except their cells implant themselves in our bodies.¡± He presses his head tighter between his hands. ¡°Lusamine told me about that. As half Nihilego ... as if she¡¯d always known.¡±

    As I hold my breath, Lillie purses her lips. Brows drawn together, she looks like she¡¯s watching a Pok¨¦mon die; and maybe that¡¯s the case. If her mum has bonded with a Nihilego, she can¡¯t possibly be unharmed. If it were otherwise, many people would consider fusing. But the fact there¡¯s never been a word about it anywhere ¨C and I¡¯ve been very attentive to news and newspaper reports lately ¨C doesn¡¯t bode well.

    ¡°Where can I find her?¡± she finally asks again. Her hands clenched into fists, she stares Guzma down. All he can do is surrender.

    ¡°This way,¡± he turns to the path ahead and seems to point to the end, ¡°and you¡¯ll meet her. She likes the clearing. She has ... enough room there.¡±

    I would prefer to make a plan first. Lusamine is strong. She and her Pok¨¦mon know how to fight, which means she shouldn¡¯t be underestimated as a Pok¨¦mon mixture ¨C probably. But Lillie wastes no time. Guzma¡¯s statement propels her forward. Her hurried steps turn into running and all I can do is follow her and hope my body doesn¡¯t fail.

    It¡¯s not far to the aforementioned clearing. The path between the high stone walls is short. The dark ground at our feet is lit up here by a soft glow above us ¨C but I can¡¯t locate the source. There are probably more glowing stones up there than down here. The rock blossoms unfold further than in the narrow crevice, looking like closed artichokes, their flesh shimmering through the outer shell in bright colours. The charm of an underwater world envelops our surroundings like a veil, but shatters into pieces when Lusamine emerges from nowhere, settles on a large stone and touches the light as if she can perceive it otherworldly. At her side, four Nihilegos float around. Creatures through which every drop of brightness glides in a ghostly fashion.

    ¡°Mother!¡± It¡¯s Lillie who shatters the idyllic picture in front of us and directs Lusamine¡¯s gaze in our direction.

    ¡°No...¡± is the first thing that escapes her lips, her green eyes strangely dark. ¡°What are you doing here?¡± She gets louder. ¡°Can I have absolutely nothing to myself? Do you always have to turn up and ruin everything? How dare you even set foot in this beautiful world created for Nihilego and me?¡±

    ¡°Please ... come home.¡± Lillie¡¯s soft sound stings even in my chest, but Lusamine doesn¡¯t seem to notice her.

    Instead, she stretches her arms out and looks up at the faint glow, as if finding warmth in it. ¡°Everything I want ... everything I asked for ... I have everything I need right here. This world, these Ultra Beasts, they¡¯re mine. They do what you and your brother failed to do. Everything else is nothing more than an annoying triviality. I¡¯m so sick of you. Sick of every one of you!¡±

    Part of me is ready to jump in front of Lillie and guard her as Lusamine¡¯s arms sag. However, instead of continuing to talk to her mum in a gentle voice, Lillie clings to the straps of her backpack.

    Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

    ¡°You¡¯re sick of us?¡± Her legs push her closer to Lusamine. ¡°You know what? I¡¯m the one who¡¯s sick of you, mother! Children are not objects that belong to their parents! Pok¨¦mon are not objects a trainer can do whatever they want with!¡± Her hands detach from the straps to settle on her hips. ¡°I am a living being! Nebby is a living being! Nihilegos are living beings! We¡¯re not objects you can just collect!¡±

    ¡°How can-¡°

    ¡°We weren¡¯t made for you to throw us away when you get bored with us,¡± Lillie interrupts her mum brashly. ¡°Only the thought makes you cruel, mother!¡±

    A brief click of the tongue escapes Lusamine before she raises her chin. ¡°Cruel? Me? What makes me any different from regular Pok¨¦mon Trainers you see out there every day? Trainers like your incompetent little friend here?¡± She snorts. ¡°What do we do with Pok¨¦mon we can¡¯t use because they¡¯re too weak or downright useless? We throw them out of our team.¡± The corners of her mouth twist briefly. ¡°Whatever. Enough of this nonsense! Get out of here! I¡¯ll never forgive you for stabbing me in the back! I don¡¯t need you here!¡±

    ¡°I saved you from killing a Pok¨¦mon!¡±

    ¡°You betrayed me!¡± Lusamine¡¯s teeth grind so clearly I can hear it. ¡°You were so obedient when you were little. Back then I saw beauty in you, love, warmth ... look what you¡¯ve become. I can only repeat it, but you ... are unbelievably ugly, Lillie!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re just selfish!¡± Her hands are shaking and if I didn¡¯t know Lillie better, I would try to comfort her. But I have no place in these seconds ¨C not in a family argument that has been going on for ages.

    ¡°You should have stayed in your ugly world.¡± An exhausted sigh creeps over Lusamine¡¯s lips. ¡°Now, with the power of Nihilego, I will show you what a great fool you have been to follow me!¡±

    A flick is all it takes to lure one Nihilego from the ranks of the others. Its graceful form hovers above Lusamine, then sinks down onto her as she stretches her arms towards it. For a split second, they seem to want exactly the same thing and as a dark storm breaks free from the connection ¨C almost sweeping Lillie and I off our feet ¨C the next thing we see is a figure standing between two worlds.

    Pitch-black hair glides through a weightless bubble, with Lusamine¡¯s face in between. Her body seems to be covered in decay up to the waist, her laughter thunders shrilly in my ears and her eyes, piercing yellow, drill through us. She is ready to put an end to all this; to put an end to us.

    My hand immediately reaches for my pocket, but stops at the top flap. I don¡¯t want to fight. Yet Lunala¡¯s words and the fact I can¡¯t rely on anyone else in these seconds don¡¯t allow for a second hesitation. So I grab my comrades¡¯ balls and let them out. Against Lusamine, I have to take all the help I can get.

    ¡°Lillie!¡± I hastily turn to the blonde. ¡°I ... can¡¯t promise she¡¯ll get out of there without damage.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s okay.¡± With her hands folded at chest height, Lillie keeps a firm eye on her mum. ¡°Whatever happens ... it¡¯s okay.¡±

    ¡°Enough of this worthless chatter!¡± Lusamine¡¯s voice sounds so distorted, I can barely understand her. It¡¯s only the following scream that hits me.

    ¡°Raya, give me your best flamethrower! Ying, Coro, support her!¡± In the same breath as I give my command, Lusamine raises her four claw-like arms, mindful eyes resting on their inner surfaces.

    Her movement causes the ground to tremble, breaking rock off our surroundings, off the rock blossoms and ledges. In the next moment, she hurls hundreds of stones in our direction, causing me to run and catch Lillie by the wrist. We barely make it behind a boulder before she can be impaled. Meanwhile, my team shows some skill. Eevee jumps into a safe hiding place, Trumbeak dodges with gallant wing flaps and Zoroark uses the rocks as a jumping opportunity to get closer to Lusamine.

    Her nimble movements bring her to eye level with her opponent, who strikes at her with two claws but fails as flames tear part of her body back. Raya concentrates her flamethrower into small balls, the sparks of which even singe Lusamine¡¯s hair. She can only shake her head, her eyes fixed briefly on Raya in the same instant, as Zoroark gathers dark energy around and sends it in a torrent towards her.

    However, the new attacks don¡¯t get a chance to take effect before they roll off like tiresome trivialities and elicit another distorted scream from Lillie¡¯s mother. Immediately afterwards, she knocks Zoroark out of the air, causing Ying to hit the ground with force and kick up dust. Growlithe, meanwhile, narrowly escapes two slabs of rock to crush her between.

    ¡°I need a plan...¡± Lost in thought, I bite my lower lip. ¡°She must have a weak point.¡±

    ¡°Not one you¡¯ll find before you¡¯re all dead.¡±

    It visits me again, the voice of a Pok¨¦mon I can¡¯t see anywhere. It fuelled my rage when I went up against Guzma with Raya, and it also sparked the power between me and Mirra I would have otherwise preferred to swallow.

    ¡°I¡¯ll find a way,¡± I murmur softly.

    ¡°You can beat her. With my power.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t set off Raya¡¯s flames. As much as I don¡¯t care for that woman ... she¡¯s Lillie¡¯s mother. Killing her isn¡¯t my goal.¡±

    ¡°Domino, who are you talking to? Is it my mother¡¯s Nihilego?¡±

    In a flash, my gaze swings in Lillie¡¯s direction. The Nihilegos are silent and I don¡¯t think I should worry her with another stranger in my head. ¡°It¡¯s more like talking to myself.¡±

    ¡°Do you think ... you can do this?¡±

    I don¡¯t know, that would be the most honest answer. Instead, I give her a wry smile. ¡°I¡¯ll do my best. You just stay here!¡±

    Unable to deal with her anymore, I jump out of our hiding place and run towards my Pok¨¦mon. Ying is back on her feet. Raya is waiting for the right moment. Trumbeak tries his best echoed voice while dodging Lusamine¡¯s wild blows.

    ¡°Your Growlithe wouldn¡¯t have an advantage over that creature anyway,¡± the voice snorts. ¡°How about a game? I¡¯ll give you exactly what you want. In return, one day I¡¯ll take the light you¡¯re carrying.¡±

    I don¡¯t reply. Maybe it will stop talking to me if I keep quiet. All the while, I try to track Lusamine¡¯s movements. She has four arms, each equipped with an eye, so no attack escapes her. Although she seems clumsy in her defence, she fends off every attack with ease. The four tails she carries around, though, seem harmless. They only provide further vision.

    ¡°Coro! Aim for the eyes of her tails. Poke them out if you have to!¡±

    Sounds of approval reach me. Coro chases down to his target like an arrow. Raya tries more pyro balls while Zoroark leaps to my side. My safety remains her priority.

    Fire sprays as Lusamine fends off the flames with her arms before releasing a film of acid from her skin and splashing it onto Raya ¨C who gains distance just in time. In the same breath, Coro hits a tail with his beak, but leaves no damage. He can¡¯t even retreat before Lusamine grabs him and smashes him full force against the nearest wall. The stifled cry of pain filters through to me in muffled tones just before Trumbeak goes down and stops moving.

    He¡¯s too far away for me to call him back, but Eevee grabs him by the tail feathers and pulls him to safety with all his might. Now I only have two Pok¨¦mon left in this battle. The chances of saving Lusamine are dwindling. Still, giving up is out of the question.

    ¡°What I want is an attack that separates Nihilego and Lusamine. Something that disrupts that bond and doesn¡¯t hurt Lillie¡¯s mum too much. Not the same thing Mirra went through,¡± I finally address the voice in my head. It¡¯s been patient ¨C probably because it could see our opponent is too powerful for us.

    ¡°Child, the only reason Mimikyu failed was because you used the wrong power. We combined ghost with dark.¡± Amused snorts course through my senses. ¡°Now we¡¯re combining dark with ghost ¨C a much weaker combination. So go and break off some of the light crystals.¡±

    My only option is obedience. If I want to achieve something, I have to take the leap into the unknown and trust that voice as long as Raya can keep Lusamine at bay. So I rush to the nearest wall and point at the first light stone I see. A well-aimed blow from Ying breaks it into pieces and as I grab a chunk that fits neatly into my fist, the voice overpowers me again.

    ¡°Press it to your chest and let your feelings towards this woman flow into the stone.¡±

    ¡°How?¡±

    ¡°You just have to think about your emotions. I create the connection, the change and the deviation.¡±

    ¡°Just like that?¡±

    ¡°Our agreement.¡±

    ¡°And nothing more than that?¡±

    ¡°Creating a suitable Z-Crystal will cost you some of the light of your life energy.¡± It seems to scratch impatiently in my head. ¡°Nothing you can¡¯t regain through some quiet.¡±

    It will probably cost me strength, of which I have far too little at the moment. I can only hope that Lillie doesn¡¯t end up having to drag me to Lunala.

    ¡°Whatever.¡±

    Determined, I press the stone to my chest and watch Lusamine. Raya is doing her best, but exhaustion is slowing her down drastically. We don¡¯t have much time left. Yet I feel that my views towards Lusamine are immature and confused.

    When I look at her, I want to hate her, but there is no fire in my heart. If it were otherwise, I wouldn¡¯t be able to help Lillie. Behind that lurks compassion from the story Conia and I were allowed to hear. This woman there has been robbed of one of the most important people in her life. The thought clings heavily to my shoulders, my soul, crushes my chest, but it isn¡¯t enough to want to embrace her.

    She did the wrong thing. But we all do at some point.

    She made two Pok¨¦mon go through hell. But many trainers are just as bad as her.

    She rejected Lillie. And I can¡¯t find any justification for it.

    Not when I think of Lusamine. But that decision wasn¡¯t hers alone.

    Nihilego manipulated her, twisted her, literally infected her with its charms, as if it can mould a mentally unstable person according to its own ideas. It is this tongue on the scales that immunises Lusamine against all logic and all well-intentioned words. I would even argue that it is Nihilego¡¯s fault for clouding her mind. She wanted to find and save her husband. Instead, she throws herself into the abyss.

    Thanks to this Pok¨¦mon, she pushes Lillie away. It made the circumstances worse, backed us into a corner ¨C led Mirra to this terrible attack.

    When I see Lusamine in the middle of this Nihilego ¨C this fusion between two worlds ¨C I realise how much she is being used by this vile creature. I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if Nihilego plans to eat her once she¡¯s completely lost her mind.

    My eyelids droop. For a breath, I think I sense a hardness in my heart. Rejection and disgust towards a being I once offered my hand to.

    ¡°You do not disappoint me, human girl.¡±

    The rumbling in my skull hurts, so I squint my eyes briefly before opening them a slit wide and looking into my hands. A purple stone rests in them, shapely and sharp-edged. Simultaneously, a drop of blood splashes onto the surface, causing me to touch my nose, trembling. The world blurs before my eyes. My body sways, but I find no haste in my movements. My heart sits quietly in my chest and as Zoroark looks at me, I am aware of her feelings. She harbours the same contempt, the same loathing for the Nihilego as I do.

    The newfound Z-Crystal in my hands reacts to our connection, clinging to Ying¡¯s ear as a silver creole earring and connecting to my ring. In these blinks, power engulfs us, a hot stream of dark clouds we surrender to.

    ¡°Raya, retreat!¡±

    My command seems long awaited. Despite her battered body, Growlithe throws herself behind the rock to Eevee.

    ¡°Ying ... end this tragedy.¡± With one hand, I point at Lusamine, whose attention slowly slides in our direction. ¡°Never-ending nightmare.¡±

    Ying advances almost in slow motion. The energy releases from her body, the crystal shines. In heavy drops, the dark mass surrounding us splatters to the ground and burns into the rock, spreading out at lightning speed. Darkness swallows the ground, on which Zoroark maintains her stance before raising a paw, pointing at her opponent with a snort.

    Hands chase out towards Lusamine on endlessly long arms. The hiss on her lips joins with widened eyes and hasty slashes towards the grim fingers reaching for her. But each attack glides meaninglessly through the ghostly mass. She cannot defend herself as claws dig into her thighs and arms wrap around her upper body ¨C suffocating her. A strangled scream escapes her throat before she is smashed to the ground in one sweeping movement. Stone cracks, a howl escapes Lusamine¡¯s lips and as the darkness floods her entire body, I think I hear her whimpering underneath.

    Simultaneously, the black mass piles up, twists and tears open in places, revealing violet light. I only have one breath before it breaks through the cracks in the darkness and erupts in a stormy cloud to all sides. Only Ying, who is standing in front of me, prevents me from being swept off my feet.

    Still, the dizziness wraps its claws tightly around my neck, causing me to stagger two steps to the side and bump my good shoulder on the wall to find my footing. Heavy breaths burn in my lungs and my skin is sticky with sweat. The nosebleed drips onto my top in thicker and stronger beads.

    I have to blink several times before I can focus on Lusamine again. Her body trembles with every breath. She can barely stay on her feet, let alone float. Blood shimmers on her lips. Sweat glistens on her forehead. Her entire form seems to flicker, unsure of which world to cling to. Finally, Nihilego detaches from her body. Lusamine¡¯s black hair turns back into a light blonde, her eyes gleam a dull green, and only black fingertips remain as a reminder of the fusion. In the next blink of an eye, she collapses.

    With faltering steps, I drag myself to the rest of my team, who are still sitting behind the rock. I pat Eevee on the head gratefully. Coro is still out of action, so I can only hug Raya and Ying to thank them for all their efforts. Meanwhile, Lillie runs behind me to her mum and although I don¡¯t want to eavesdrop, she¡¯s far too close.

    ¡°Mother... Mum, can you hear me?¡± She bends down low to Lusamine. ¡°Are you okay?¡±

    It¡¯s incredible how Lillie just pushes all the differences aside and devotes herself to her mum with all her love. She¡¯s by far the kindest girl I¡¯ve ever seen ¨C not that I can remember many acquaintances in my life.

    ¡°We managed.¡± However, I can only lean against Zoroark with a smile. My whole body aches and my new top catches one drop of blood after another.

    My head is throbbing. Every fibre in me longs for rest ¨C but we¡¯re still in this dark place and there are two boys in our world waiting for us to come back. At least I hope Amethio is waiting for me.

 Chapter 36: A mothers failure II

    ¡°Mum, can you hear me?¡± Lillie¡¯s pleading gets louder with every gasp and I hold my breath for a moment, hoping that everything will be okay. My nosebleed slowly subsides.

    ¡°I hear ... you...¡± As Lusamine¡¯s voice faintly filters through to us, I can hear Lillie and I both sigh with relief.

    ¡°We¡¯re going home now. And then ... you¡¯re going to rest.¡± She casually takes her mum¡¯s hand between hers. ¡°Besides, you need to take responsibility for what you¡¯ve done. Do you understand that?¡±

    Instead of answering, Lusamine lifts her other hand and places it gently on Lillie¡¯s cheek. For a moment, the two of them just look at each other.

    ¡°It¡¯s strange ... but when I look at you like that, there seems to be beauty in you, after all. Different from back then...¡±

    ¡°Because I¡¯m not a little girl anymore.¡± Lillie¡¯s wry smile makes me chuckle as I pack up my team.

    She¡¯s incredibly mature for her age. In the short time we¡¯ve spent together, Lillie has grown far beyond herself. Her courage and righteousness have turned her into someone who is hardly comparable to the girl I met on the crumbling bridge.

    ¡°I wish it was ... different,¡± Lusamine whispers before her arm falls weakly back to the ground. ¡°I wish everything was different. You¡¯re getting older. And I knew one day you¡¯d go your own way...¡± Shakily, she sucks in the air. ¡°I wanted something for eternity... Something that would be mine alone and that would give me the same love I have to give.¡±

    ¡°I ... would stay with you forever, if that¡¯s what you want...¡± Lillie¡¯s lips twist. ¡°We¡¯re family, right?¡±

    But Lusamine shakes her head lazily. ¡°You said it yourself: you¡¯re a living being. I can¡¯t stop you just because I¡¯d be alone.¡±

    ¡°But-¡±

    ¡°I wanted your father by my side. Forever. Till death do us part ... that was our promise,¡± her mother interrupts her. ¡°Then he disappeared into an Ultra Wormhole and ... I was alone. As much as I love research, it never filled that hole in my heart. And everything I did to find him ... was criticised. I know I¡¯ve gone too far ... but isn¡¯t that something anyone would do for that one person?¡±

    Lillie doesn¡¯t answer. She knows just as little as I do about what such feelings mean and what they trigger. The conversation in Malie Garden has shown that and even if I believe that one day she will feel exactly the same love, it is still too soon.

    ¡°You¡¯ll understand one day, Lillie.¡± Lusamine seems to agree with me. ¡°I just hope you¡¯ll be smarter than me.¡±

    ¡°Why the frozen Pok¨¦mon? Why the Nihilegos?¡± Eyelids half-lowered, Lillie tilts her head. ¡°What were they to you?¡±

    ¡°Your father was gone. Gladion ran away. The way you looked at me ... I knew you¡¯d leave me behind, too. One of my Pok¨¦mon got sick... I was afraid of losing more, so I froze them so they¡¯d stay with me forever. So that ... someone would stay.¡± She laughs helplessly. ¡°And when I saw Nihilego for the first time ... I thought it was talking to me. In its very own way."

    ¡°And it told you to catch it?¡±

    ¡°I think it wanted to show me where your father is ... at least at first. I had to have it ... so badly. But when I touched it once, a year ago, I thought it was terrified. So I took it in my arms and ... I felt needed. Not pushed away and left behind. This Pok¨¦mon ... needed me. It seemed more grateful to me than anything else in my life.¡±

    ¡°It certainly was ... for a moment.¡±

    Lusamine snorts. ¡°It was my imagination because everything else seemed bleak, exhausting and ugly. It was so much easier than facing reality and admitting I¡¯d failed.¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t fail.¡± Instantly, Lillie squeezes her mum¡¯s hand. ¡°You just lost your way for a second.¡±

    ¡°You way to-¡±

    A sudden tremor interrupts Lusamine¡¯s words. Rock breaks from the walls and pushes me to my feet. We¡¯ve been in this place long enough.

    ¡°Will you take me with you if I help?¡± Simultaneously, Guzma speaks up, coming towards us in limp strides. ¡°Didn¡¯t mean to interrupt, but we should get out of here before those Nihilegos come back and destroy us.¡±

    In a flash, Lillie jumps to her feet, giving Guzma an eager nod. As a result, he takes Lusamine and carefully pulls her body onto his back. The next moment, we are rushing back.

    The way to Lunala doesn¡¯t take much time, but the screeching of the Nihilegos is audible. We have to get out of here before things get worse. Fortunately for us, it¡¯s no problem for Lunala as it spreads its wings, gathers momentum and wraps its arms around us all in the next blink before diving through the open Ultra Wormhole.

    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    The darkness gives me a breath of peace, challenging my exhaustion. My clothes look terrible. My strength is at its end. I just want to go to bed and never have to get up again ¨C a stupid thought.

    When we land in our world and Lunala spreads its wings to hand us over to the night and Gladion and Amethio, I can barely keep my eyes open. My body throbs dully.

    ¡°You¡¯re back!¡± It is Lillie¡¯s brother who comes rushing towards us. Beyond that, he is at a loss for words.

    Somewhere in between, Guzma suggests taking Lusamine to a hospital. Lillie has no objections and although she hesitates, she lets him go ahead ¨C with her brother as a bodyguard. That leaves us and Amethio, who comes closer but has no praise to offer.

    ¡°What happened?¡± Instead, he throws in a question and Lillie¡¯s cautious glance in my direction makes her eventually answer.

    I guess I look worse than expected. A glance down at me sends gratitude to the darkness ¨C you can barely see anything ¨C and the sudden faint blue glow of the moon makes me raise my brows.

    ¡°I bless you, Domino,¡± Lunala starts behind me, making me whirl around to face it. ¡°For your Mimikyu. The next time you meet, this blessing will give her the strength to travel with you again. She will be exhausted and will need to rest, but the light I give you will heal her. A little more every night.¡±

    ¡°Thank you...¡± I don¡¯t know what to say or how to react. Joy would be appropriate, but my soul is drained.

    ¡°Try to learn,¡± Nebby continues. ¡°The Z-Move is a power deeply connected to the light of the heart and soul. Understand its nature and learn to use and control it properly.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m working on it.¡±

    Lunala¡¯s head lowers. ¡°You haven¡¯t used it correctly once. Your path was the wrong one.¡±

    ¡°And which one is the right one?¡±

    ¡°You will have to find out to become stronger. Just know you are not alone. The light of the moon will always be with you.¡± Its chest swells. ¡°If you ever need help, call for me and I will come to stand by your side. This is my thanks for your kindness and friendship towards me and Lillie.¡±

    My insides tighten with every word. I want to believe in Lunala. I want to think Mirra will be okay and I now have a powerful Pok¨¦mon as a friend who will come when even Amethio doesn¡¯t know what to do. Yet the certainty crushes me. It feels like I¡¯ll use up this help tomorrow.

    ¡°Believe in yourself, Domino. You¡¯re a girl who values adventure.¡± Once again, Nebby mixes into my thoughts. ¡°Setbacks are normal. You started small and, after your first successes, you threw yourself straight at much stronger opponents ¨C rashly and convinced you were immortal.¡± It seems to smile at me in rebuke. ¡°Don¡¯t suppress your mistakes. Accept them. Analyse and think them through. That¡¯s the only way you¡¯ll grow.¡±

    Nothing has changed. I need to learn, act smarter and make better decisions. My team needs guidance to grow. They know how to fight, but finding the right strategy isn¡¯t always easy.

    My shoulders slump. Suppressing is easy, but if I¡¯m honest, I want too much. I can¡¯t fulfil my dream of an adventure on my own. In this world, people need to trust their partners. Although I would rather protect and guard them, I have to trust them with my life. Just like I imagined it with Ying at the very beginning. The two of us against the rest of the world. I for her and she for me, whoever has to take the damage. Now we¡¯re more than just two and I think that makes our hurdles a little easier.

    Out of the corner of my eye, I see Lillie turn to Nebby and I know my time with this Pok¨¦mon is up. So I focus on Amethio, whose gaze is fixed on me.

    ¡°She told you everything?¡± I move closer to him.

    ¡°You did ... an outstanding job,¡± he replies. ¡°Without you, not all of you would have come back.¡±

    His words shouldn¡¯t make me so proud, but they feel like balm on my soul ¨C like I¡¯ve finally done something right. The tightness in my chest loosens slightly, leaving me with a tired smile.

    ¡°But I hope I won¡¯t have to go hiking again anytime soon.¡± I pat my shoulder gently with one hand. My whole body is exhausted. ¡°I can barely stand upright ... and I think some rest is the best for me after all.¡±

    ¡°Won¡¯t be a problem.¡± His eyelids lower. ¡°Rayquaza doesn¡¯t seem to be in Alola any longer. There¡¯s a good chance it¡¯ll turn up somewhere else soon.¡±

    ¡°And you know where?¡±

    ¡°Speculation,¡± he replies. ¡°But there is a group that is likely to come into contact with it soon. They¡¯re tracking it just like we are. With more luck. If they find it ... I¡¯ll catch it.¡±

    His explanation is terribly short on information, but I¡¯m too exhausted to follow up. It¡¯s enough to have a hint.

    ¡°And what are we going to do until then?¡±

    ¡°You recover.¡± His gaze shifts briefly to Lunala. ¡°I need to finish a few things in Master Gibeon¡¯s name. After that, we¡¯ll leave Alola.¡±

    That¡¯s enough for me. It¡¯s something I can cling to.

    ¡°Domino...¡± When Lillie approaches me from the side, Amethio automatically distances himself. Simultaneously, I see Lunala disappear into the night sky. ¡°How are you?¡±

    ¡°I think I¡¯ll manage.¡± My eyes only slowly move away from the stars.

    ¡°Nebby will now set off on its own journey.¡± With her hands folded behind her back, wet sadness reflects in her eyes. ¡°But it has promised to come back to me one day. Later, when I¡¯m in full bloom, it said.¡± A giggle escapes her. ¡°I hope that won¡¯t be long.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure it won¡¯t.¡± In my eyes, she already is in full bloom, and yet I can understand Lunala. Lillie is only at the beginning of her growth.

    ¡°I hope it sees a lot of the world.¡± Her hands loosen. ¡°And I ... will see part of my world again tonight.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re spending time with your mum?¡±

    An eager nod confirms me. ¡°I¡¯m going to stay with her tonight and see how she is tomorrow.¡±

    The journey back is going to be tough. Corviknight can only carry two of us. Sending Lillie through the Canyon alone is absurd and even Amethio probably won¡¯t want to walk back alone in the dark. The sigh weighs like lead on my lips and just as I am about to step forward bravely, the distant shout of someone else reaches me. It takes ages before I catch sight of Zir on his Skarmory. They glide almost gracefully through the air in a nightly glow and when they land, my heart lifts.

    ¡°Here I am, sir!¡± Straightening his shoulders, Zir climbs off his companion and looks at Amethio as if he can hardly wait for the next instructions.

    The following steps are quite simple. Zir flies Lillie to her mum, while Amethio and I return to the airship. This saves us the miserable walk.

    The night can¡¯t harm the Steel-type Pok¨¦mon ¨C only stars twinkle in their feathers and on Skarmory¡¯s robust body. A spectacle I can¡¯t follow. Leaning my forehead against Amethio¡¯s shoulder, I am overcome by fatigue.

    I¡¯ve done enough for today.

 Chapter 37: A mothers failure III

    It¡¯s late afternoon when I pull the loose, dark green top to fit my body and strap the beige belt bag around my hips. After sleeping for almost twelve hours straight, the world seems to be turning slower. My worries are still there, but they¡¯ve changed for the better since Zir and Conia offered to help me train and Amethio made a sound of approval.

    My team is rested, my things are sorted, and I¡¯ve packed up my remaining Pok¨¦ Balls to give them to Lillie later. Thanks to the Explorers¡¯ resources, I don¡¯t need them anymore and I couldn¡¯t cope with another Pok¨¦mon in the same ball as Coro and Ying, anyway. Besides the Great Balls I¡¯ve already given her, I¡¯m sure she won¡¯t say no to a few more, albeit simpler ones.

    I take one last breath before tightening my side ponytail and finally leaving the room. Breakfast is already done. My only destination for the rest of the day is the Pok¨¦mon Center. I¡¯m going to visit Mirra and hope that Lunala¡¯s blessing helps ¨C that I wasn¡¯t just dreaming.

    The warm air of the outside world, combined with the salty sea breeze, makes me groan. I briefly shield my gaze with my hand and look up at the Canyon, which looks impressive even from a distance. Then I make my way to Mimikyu.

    The Pok¨¦mon Center is only a few minutes away from the airship and yet I¡¯m sweating buckets as I step under the cool ventilation at the entrance and stop to dry my clothes. Nurse Joy is already waving to me, so I give her a small smile. She accompanies me to the room where my Pok¨¦mon is resting. Quietly, she tells me she¡¯ll be back in a few minutes to discuss further action. Until then, I have time to tell Mirra about my little adventure.

    Just like last time, I settle down on a chair next to her cot and place one hand on the ugly pink sack. A light blue sheen trickles down on her like powdered sand.

    ¡°I¡¯m back,¡± I begin softly. ¡°We were able to save Lillie¡¯s mum. And Nebby ... you don¡¯t even know it ... unfortunately... It was the Pok¨¦mon we wanted to save together with Lillie. After we tried to summon a legendary Pok¨¦mon, it evolved and became Lunala.¡± My fingers stroke the fabric. ¡°I think that made me realise that my ability is limited to legendary Pok¨¦mon. Beings with very special missions in life ... at least I think so.¡±

    Whether each of these creatures has a mission in life is just a guess on my part. Ultimately, I don¡¯t even know what Lunala¡¯s purpose is. On the other hand, it could be the connection of different dimensions and thus worlds, and therefore the management of every soul trying to jump from one place to another.

    Sighing, I shake off the thought. ¡°Anyway, everything turned out well and everyone did their best. Besides, I think I finally know how to work on myself and that ... we¡¯re all going down this path together. You, me, and the rest of the team.¡±

    ¡°Travelling far?¡± Her sudden voice sends an electric shock through my body.

    ¡°You ... are awake...¡±

    ¡°I tired, but here.¡± A black claw creeps out from under the fabric and rests on my hand. ¡°Happy, you here.¡±

    ¡°How could I not be here?¡± I bow my head. ¡°You¡¯re part of the team. My job is to wait for you when you need that time. I...¡± Swallowing is difficult. My eyes are burning. ¡°I¡¯m glad you¡¯ve woken up. How are you?¡±

    ¡°I better,¡± she replies. ¡°I been good? In fight?¡±

    ¡°You were fantastic...¡±

    ¡°Heard voice. You were unhappy.¡±

    ¡°Because that should never have happened.¡± I squeeze her black mass. ¡°You should never have to sacrifice yourself for me. You deserve more than that. Together ... we¡¯ll always find a way out from now on, okay?¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Her little eyes sparkle moistly and the pink fabric darkens at the edges.

    ¡°You still need a new costume ... if you want one.¡±

    ¡°I happy if okay.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s always okay.¡± My eyelids lower. ¡°What kind would you like? Pikachu again?¡±

    ¡°Like?¡± She straightens up slowly and although I¡¯d love to stop her, I have to trust she knows her limits. ¡°You like Pikachu?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know... I¡¯ve never seen one in real life and from what you read in articles, they¡¯re nothing ... special.¡± I briefly put a hand on my cheek. ¡°It¡¯s fine with me if you don¡¯t wear a costume. I like you just the way you are, Mirra.¡±

    ¡°I ugly,¡± she replies.

    ¡°Do you feel more comfortable in a costume?¡±

    Instead of answering, she nods. It¡¯s her decision, and if she¡¯s not ready for life without a costume, then I¡¯ll set up an entire wardrobe for her if necessary.

    ¡°Zorua,¡± she finally utters. ¡°Zorua is pretty. You like Ying. But she tall now. I small. I weak, but sturdy.¡±

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t try to replace someone.¡± A smile creeps onto my lips. ¡°Just be you.¡±

    ¡°Mirra is Mirra. But Mirra pretty like Zorua then.¡±

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll make a Zorua costume for you.¡±

    This time the gleam in her eyes seems to sparkle with joy and I¡¯d love to hug her tight and let the others out, who care at least as much about Mimikyu as I do. But Nurse Joy will give me hell if I put Mirra through too much at once.

    When the door opens a little later, I¡¯m still holding Mirra¡¯s claw. Joy is standing in the doorway, Mimikyu¡¯s Great Ball in her hands, a brief look of astonishment on her features. It¡¯s a change in her usually friendly face that disappears as a relieved smile flits across her lips. ¡°I see the patient has woken up. That¡¯s nice.¡±

    ¡°It is,¡± I confirm. ¡°How long will she have to stay here?¡±

    ¡°You can take her with you,¡± replies Nurse Joy. ¡°She would have been discharged today, anyway. There¡¯s nothing more we can do. Your Mimikyu is out of danger. Now she just needs to regain her strength.¡±

    A quick glance at my partner gives me relief. Lunala¡¯s blessing will help her get back on her feet. The nights will be restful for her and maybe she¡¯ll be as good as new in a month¡¯s time.

    ¡°You should give your Pok¨¦mon the rest it needs. Being so close to death is unsettling for many. Take good care of each other and try to process what has happened.¡±

    Process it. Don¡¯t swallow it and tuck it away somewhere in the back of your mind. One difficulty that needs to be overcome.

    As soon as Nurse Joy gives us both the ¡°okay¡±, I stow Mimikyu in her ball and make my way back to the ship. Despite the improved conditions, the heat is not a bit more bearable and I have to dry my hands several times on my knee-length jeans before I dare to touch the wheel.

    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

    In the lounge, Zir is dusting a few shelves while his Rhydon balances the books. Conia is sitting on the sofa, sipping a cup of tea as if she can¡¯t be bothered. Yet her gaze immediately turns in my direction as soon as I cross the threshold.

    ¡°How is Mimikyu?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s awake and has been officially discharged,¡± I reply before nodding at Zir. ¡°Spring cleaning in summer?¡±

    ¡°A lost bet,¡± Conia smirks. ¡°By the way, Lillie turned up earlier. She¡¯s in your room. You ... should see her.¡± Her eyelids droop for a moment. ¡°She wanted to wait for you.¡±

    ¡°All right.¡± I raise my hand briefly to say goodbye to the situation before disappearing into the corridor where our room is.

    As soon as I arrive, I knock so as not to startle Lillie before I enter. I am greeted by the scent of fresh flowers, closely followed by a sunny breeze in a sky-blue dress. With half her hair tied back in a pretty knot at the back of her head, Lillie¡¯s wondrous green eyes scrutinise me as if we are meeting for the first time.

    ¡°Domino, you¡¯re back!¡± The book in her hands slides into a small box. Next to it is the bag in which Nebby once spent a lot of time ¨C full of clothes. ¡°How is Mirra?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s recovering well. I was allowed to take her with me.¡± Although I can understand her curiosity, I don¡¯t want to talk about Mimikyu in these seconds. I¡¯m more concerned about Lillie¡¯s neatly packed things. ¡°Are you sorting things out?¡±

    The smile on her lips fades. ¡°I¡¯m not good at sorting out.¡±

    ¡°How¡¯s your mum?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s recovering. But she¡¯ll need follow-up treatment. A fusion with a Pok¨¦mon ... is dangerous.¡± She glances at the box. ¡°Treatment, far away from here.¡±

    ¡°And that¡¯s why you¡¯re packing your things...¡±

    It¡¯s obvious, and yet I don¡¯t want to admit it. We haven¡¯t had much time together and even fewer opportunities to really get to know each other. I don¡¯t want to say we haven¡¯t become friends, but we could learn a lot more about each other. Many questions remain unanswered. I don¡¯t know what her favourite colour is or which Pok¨¦mon she finds cute apart from Nebby. The travelling and my focus on preparing for my wish to become a professor have prevented late-night girl talk. We were both far too excited and far too tired. Now we¡¯re met with missed opportunities.

    When Lillie finally nods, I feel my heart sink.

    ¡°Guzma made a few phone calls and was referred to a guy called Bill. He knows a thing or two about fusing with Pok¨¦mon ... at least he used to and, more or less, still does.¡± Lillie casually squats down and closes the handy box. She¡¯s bought ten times more in her short time with the Explorers than I have. ¡°We could reach him with an email and ... he offered to help us. But we have to go to Kanto for that.¡±

    My hands clench into fists. ¡°So ... you¡¯re going on your own journey.¡±

    ¡°I will.¡± Her gaze lifts. ¡°Gladion and I ... we¡¯ll accompany Mum until she¡¯s better. At least I¡¯ll be there every step of the way. And while I¡¯m at it, I¡¯ll start training Pok¨¦mon and ... I¡¯ll learn more. I want to help the Pok¨¦mon as quickly as possible. And I want to be able to protect someone when it counts.¡± She pulls herself back to her feet. ¡°You¡¯ve helped me out of trouble so many times when I was stuck. The others have also stepped in when I couldn¡¯t do anything. I ... don¡¯t want to be rescued from the easiest situations anymore.¡±

    She feels the same as me. We both want to go one step further and not be a burden to anyone. That means our paths must part, no matter how nasty the feeling in my stomach revolts.

    ¡°And the three of you will manage?¡±

    A restrained giggle escapes her. ¡°Guzma will join us. He says he¡¯d like to help my mum because she was so good to him before all these things happened.¡±

    ¡°And you think that¡¯s safe?¡±

    ¡°He made breakfast this morning.¡±

    ¡°Guzma can cook?¡±

    ¡°No!¡± This time she has to laugh. ¡°The toast was so burnt Gladion had to show him how to set the toaster properly. Then he burnt his hand on the pan and the fried egg was still uncooked, but he did his best. I saw mum looking happy for the first time in years and ... somehow it was a wonderful moment, even though not everything is resolved yet.¡± Her cheery glow fades. ¡°My brother and mum ... are very awkward with each other. Gladion is only accompanying us because he wants to make sure we get to Bill safely. After that, he wants to go his own way. I just hope ... that he and mum ... have made up by then.¡±

    ¡°And if not, then maybe another day,¡± I reply. ¡°Some things take time. Not everyone can just jump over their shadow. I¡¯m sure one day you¡¯ll be reunited as a family. Maybe not like the old days, but you¡¯ll feel you¡¯re in the right place and I think ... that¡¯s what matters.¡±

    ¡°Thank you...¡± She kneads her hands, lips pressed together. It takes a blink before she takes a shaky breath and steers our conversation in a different direction. ¡°Are you going to visit your father before you leave Alola?¡±

    He hasn¡¯t contacted me since I left. He probably still thinks that someone will soon find me scared and abandoned and take me home. He¡¯s too stubborn to give up after such a short time. And admittedly, I¡¯m no less stubborn. So I shake my head.

    ¡°If he wants something, he can contact me.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you think he¡¯s worried?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s probably dying of worry,¡± I reply. It¡¯s always been like that. My father knows little other than fear and caution towards me ¨C as if I am a porcelain vase. ¡°But I think that¡¯s exactly what he needs. He has to learn to cope with this worry and believe that I can manage. I have something to prove to him and he ... needs to learn I won¡¯t let him lock me up.¡±

    ¡°I hope one day you can reach out to each other.¡±

    We probably will. Until then, I want him to try and catch me as soon as he realises I¡¯m doing great without him. I will show him I can grow ¨C beyond myself and his demands.

    ¡°The others have already said goodbye to me,¡± Lillie explains before pulling a Rotom out of her bag. It seems completely different to the device she used before. ¡°I thought ... we could keep in touch.¡±

    Without saying anything back, I reach for my Rotom Phone and connect with Lillie. Even if she¡¯s no longer sharing this room with me, we¡¯ll still have a connection and maybe things will feel less lonely then.

    ¡°Tell me about all your successes ... and your family.¡± Without further ado, I dig the Pok¨¦ Balls out of my bag. ¡°It¡¯s not much ... but I¡¯ve been collecting them for years so that one day I can put together my team. They¡¯re just Pok¨¦ Balls, but I think ... they were the start of my big plan. I hope they¡¯ll help you make great friends among Pok¨¦mon.¡±

    I drop them into Lillie¡¯s open hands and she clutches them tightly to her chest, as if they are worth much more than the Great Balls I left her. ¡°I¡¯ll do my best! And you too! Tell me about all the adventures you have. Maybe one day we can go on one together ... when I¡¯m stronger.¡±

    When we are stronger. Without Amethio, I probably wouldn¡¯t last four weeks out there. Reality has proven that being a trainer and discovering the world are two hard steps to be prepared for. As someone who hasn¡¯t attended Pok¨¦mon school, I start off helpless. The arrogance of being able to do everything no longer exists. Alola has put me in my place.

    ¡°Do you want me to help you carry the box out?¡± We have to move on, and it¡¯s probably easier if I take the first step. But Lillie points to her bag.

    ¡°If you want to help, you can take this. You¡¯re not allowed to lift anything heavy.¡±

    Curse that shoulder. So I grab the bag and hang it on the ¡°healthy¡± side before Lillie lifts the box and I open the door to the corridor for her. Neither of us says another word until we have left the airship. The silence weighs heavily and despite the certainty that she won¡¯t change her mind, part of me hopes Lillie will stay with us for a little longer.

    But Gladion is waiting outside the ship, his hands tucked into a pair of black shorts; a green tank top on his body for a change. He greets me briefly before taking the box and Lillie relieves me of the bag. Then she looks at me one last time.

    ¡°See you soon, Domino.¡±

    I can¡¯t reply in time before she turns away from me with a flourish. Her blonde hair flows like the night we met, leaving me speechless and at a loss for words to say goodbye. I can only look after her. It¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve consciously parted ways with a friend. It¡¯s harder than I could ever have imagined. I want to run after her, grab her wrist and hug her, begging her not to go.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡±

    My whole body shrinks into itself as Conia suddenly puts a hand on my shoulder. It takes a few breaths before the shiver leaves me and I nod.

    ¡°How much longer are we going to stay?¡± Lillie is gone. It¡¯s time for me to make plans.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± She puts a finger to her chin. ¡°Amethio said it might take us a fortnight to get out of here. The tasks Master Gibeon gave him seem to be time-consuming.¡±

    I let out a sigh. The fact he probably hasn¡¯t told anyone what to do means none of us is needed to help. This means I can waste time with Mirra¡¯s new costume and maybe learn more about the Pok¨¦mon of other regions. With a bit of luck, I¡¯ll get enough different species in my skull to decide which moves are the right ones in a battle. On top, there¡¯s my upcoming training. Time will fly by ¨C hopefully.

    ¡°By the way, you¡¯ll be meeting Hamber soon,¡± Conia continues. ¡°If possible, our next stop will be the main headquarters in Unova. That¡¯s where you¡¯ll get your uniform.¡±

    I press the air between my lips again. It takes a while to get to Unova. I remember spending ages on a ship when we travelled to Alola. The airship will be quicker, but I don¡¯t expect to arrive within a day.

    Straightening my shoulders, I finally turn to Conia completely. ¡°Are we going to do some training?¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re ready for some losses?¡±

    We share a smile, and in those breaths, I know I¡¯ll grow alongside the Explorers. A little more with each passing day. Until eventually they can rely on me.

 Interlude: And with you we will grow

    Ying, the Zoroark

    ¡°And this is band-aid number six.¡± Trumbeak¡¯s gasp sounds as distorted by pain as Domino¡¯s whimper as she stabs the needle into her finger. ¡°She¡¯s massacring herself! Somebody get that needle away from her!¡± He slides up and down on the back of the chair. ¡°If this goes on, she¡¯ll hit a vital point and bleed to death!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just ... her fingers,¡± I reply as I hand my trainer a handkerchief. Her apologetic smile warms my chest. The little girl has grown into a young woman and I love watching her grow every day.

    ¡°You¡¯re clearly too relaxed!¡± Feathers fluffed up, Coro stares at me.

    ¡°I know her. And it¡¯s ... just a few pinpricks.¡±

    ¡°That she keeps shoving into her fingers!¡±

    ¡°Coro, you¡¯re too loud,¡± Domino rebukes him the next moment as she wraps another band-aid around a finger and turns her attention back to Mimikyu¡¯s costume.

    ¡°She¡¯s going to kill herself!¡± curses Trumbeak, and I can¡¯t help but let out a sigh.

    Luckily, Raya is curled up on the bed, sleeping off the fatigue of the last training session. Golduck has been hard on her, but the more we compete against the other trainers on this ship, the better we get. Domino is learning to trust us, and we are all focused on finding our own strategies and ways through hard battles. We are growing. Each and every one of us.

    Next to her rests Lum ¨C the newly named Eevee, whose sometimes rather silly ideas are met with Raya¡¯s complete enthusiasm. He seems to be an unbalanced mix between Growlithe¡¯s love of fighting and Coro¡¯s terribly sharp tongue.

    The only Pok¨¦mon sitting next to us at Domino¡¯s side is Mirra. She has found a place on the desk and watches silently as our trainer does her best to create a presentable costume. She was already over the moon with the first attempt ¨C a lopsided something with loose seams, so the head fell off the first time she wiggled it.

    ¡°Why doesn¡¯t she just commission it?¡± Raising his wings hysterically, Trumbeak tilts his head back.

    ¡°She wants ... to do something for us,¡± I explain. ¡°Domino ... likes to take things into her own hands when she can do them herself.¡±

    ¡°Has she already done the same for you?¡±

    I nod. ¡°A long time ago ... I once fell into some g-glue that Domino¡¯s father ... kept in a bucket. I think ... it was for the walls.¡± My ears droop at the memory. ¡°My fur was so ... stuck together, they had to shave me. Domino crocheted ... a ju-jumper for me.¡±

    ¡°She can crochet?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± I watch as she shakily drags her fingers through the fabric, trying to follow the tutorial Rotom keeps playing for her. ¡°It was ... hideous ... and my pride and joy.¡±

    If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    ¡°At least she can¡¯t hurt herself crocheting,¡± Coro snorts.

    ¡°She once ... pulled so hard on a thread ... she almost stabbed the crochet hook ... in the eye.¡±

    Trumbeak¡¯s eyes widen and the following shake of his head reflects all his irritation. I can understand it. Domino is bad at fine craftsmanship. She can build wonderful little houses for small Flying-type Pok¨¦mon, but she fails at the cooker. She¡¯s as skilful as a Mankey at climbing, learns quickly and knows how to build a trap to catch a Pok¨¦mon. However, she likes to overestimate herself. She is clumsy when she has to show skill and some days she doesn¡¯t know her right from her left. She is a loving mess. She¡¯s been that way since she was little.

    ¡°It ... at least looks straight...¡± She holds up Mirra¡¯s new costume, scrutinising it.

    The dark grey fabric fits her body beautifully, and the head looks sturdy. The ears are probably a little big, but they stand. Even the face looks okay. The eyebrows and eyelids are red ¨C as is the nose, but that¡¯s probably what they call artistic freedom. I¡¯m sure she¡¯ll scribble over the problem later with a black marker.

    ¡°But somehow it looks ... empty.¡± Domino¡¯s sigh weighs heavily as she puts her head down on the table for a moment. ¡°I should buy some felt.¡±

    Probably to mimic the fur I once wore much shorter.

    ¡°Mirra.¡± My ears twitch as I think she¡¯s looking at me. ¡°Would you like ... fur instead of f-felt? It would look ... more real.¡±

    ¡°Fur? But where from?¡±

    I carefully put a paw on Domino¡¯s shoulder. I don¡¯t quite trust this body yet. It¡¯s much bigger and chunkier than my old one and the claws are terribly sharp. I can¡¯t retract them any more.

    When my trainer looks at me, I reach for my mane and hold it under her nose before pointing at the costume. No matter how much she cuts off, fur grows back.

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± She frowns. ¡°But what if Mimikyu ... ruins it in battle?¡±

    There¡¯s nothing you can¡¯t fix with a bit of glue spray ¨C the stuff girls sometimes spray in their hair to make it withstand strong winds ¨C and a comb. Domino probably understands this too, which is why she reaches for the scissors.

    She carefully removes hair from the end of my mane, matching the bobble I once wore on my head, and from the centre, where it looks especially black. Then she picks out a new tutorial to see how to work hair into fabric. She probably won¡¯t get it right, which would mean she¡¯s already ruined seven costumes, but I have faith she¡¯ll get it right before there¡¯s nothing left of my mane.

    ¡°You realise she could shear you straight away, considering how badly she performs?¡± Coro looks at me as if I¡¯ve lost my mind.

    ¡°It will ... grow back,¡± I reply.

    ¡°And until then, you¡¯ll have to wear an ugly jumper that she crochets for you, and she¡¯ll probably poke her eye out!¡± His cawing gets louder. ¡°Am I surrounded by lunatics who don¡¯t realise how dangerous all this is?¡±

    ¡°Coro, don¡¯t be so loud!¡± Domino clicks her tongue briefly before turning to him. ¡°I can¡¯t concentrate when you make such a noise.¡±

    He looks at me in a flash. ¡°Do something, Ying!¡±

    Maybe I should. So I carefully take Trumbeak in my paws and put him in front of the door. When he looks at me with round eyes and tilts his head, I lean down low towards him.

    ¡°If you want ... Domino to stop hurting herself ... bring some of the ... p-powder that Amethio is carrying.¡± I look briefly at my trainer. ¡°I-it will heal all ... her wounds.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± His eyes narrow to slits. ¡°You¡¯re not just trying to be a mean little Zorua?¡±

    I shake my head. ¡°W-word of honour. But only you ... can get it. Mirra has to stay with the ... costume. The other two ... sleep. I¡¯m too eye-catching. But you¡¯re ... quick and fast.¡±

    Trumbeak immediately fluffs his feathers. ¡°If you beg me like that, I¡¯ll take care of it and save our trainer with this miracle powder!¡±

    In the next blink of an eye, he¡¯s gone, and I close the door. Coro isn¡¯t stupid enough to fall for a simple trick with no truth in it. The powder really exists, I¡¯ve already received it. It¡¯s also true that Amethio possesses it. However, Coro doesn¡¯t need to know that the trainer in question is currently travelling ¨C somewhere on Akala Island ¨C and that he won¡¯t just hand over his powder to a hasty Trumbeak.

    I¡¯m not a mean little Zorua.

    I¡¯m a clever Zoroark.

 End of Act 1: Bonus chapter

    Fact 1:

    The scene when Domino crashed through the bridge with Nebby was so vivid in my mind that it alone inspired me to draw it.

    Three attempts and a very toxic on-off relationship with my temperament later, this is what happened.

    Fact 2:

    Domino was originally supposed to start without a partner. However, I think she would have been eaten by a Rattata somewhere then.

    So the choice quickly fell on my favourite Pok¨¦mon number three: Zorua.

    Fact 3:

    Domino¡¯s birthday is on the eighth of June. This makes her a Gemini.

    I¡¯ve actually set an age and a date of birth for almost all the characters.

    Fact 4:

    As some of you may know, English isn¡¯t my first language. I¡¯m writing this story in two different languages and you don¡¯t know how much of a pain in the ass it is to look up all the Pok¨¦mon and character names.

    Anyway, I fell in love with the name ¡°Nebby¡±.

    Why?

    In my mother tongue, Lillie calls Cosmog ¡°W?lkchen¡±. If I translate that into English, it¡¯s ¡°Little Cloud¡±, or, if we go by Lillie¡¯s logic, ¡°Cloudy¡±.

    Nebby just sounds cuter.

    I can probably draw characters in front view better than any other pose on this damn planet... I really like Domino here!

    The flowers killed me, though.

    Fact 5:

    In the fight against Carbink, Zorua was actually supposed to do better.

    Then came the stone edge.

    I didn¡¯t see that coming either...

    Fact 6:

    The banyan trees really do exist! It took me a bloody hour to find greenery in Hawaii that looks like it does in the game.

    Fact 7:

    Bellro was named that way because I couldn¡¯t think of a better name. So I took the dog''s name ¡°Bello¡±, which is well known in my country, and slapped an ¡°R¡± into it.

    I couldn¡¯t have been more creative. Really.

    Fact 8:

    Amethio¡¯s reaction to Kiawe¡¯s stupid Marowak dance is taken from my own. I hated that part of the game. Was the point where I wished arenas back.

    And here you can see Domino grabbing Amethio by the arm, unsure what to do after Salazzle appears.

    Fact 9:

    Thanks to the battle against Slowking, I¡¯ve become really fond of the Pok¨¦mon. Now I have my own in Pok¨¦mon Go with the affectionate name ¡°Muten Roshi¡±.

    Fact 10:

    Amethio and Domino were supposed to spend the night in the Lush Jungle, snuggled up close together because it¡¯s cold.

    Then I remembered that it¡¯s not cold in the evening in Hawaii in June. So I thought a romantic evening flight would be great! They burst through the leaves. Domino has a branch in her hair, Amethio removes it...

    THEN I realised that I¡¯ve made this goddamn leaf canopy so dense that not even Rayquaza can get through it.

    Case closed.

    Walk it is.

    Drawing Amethio in new clothes gave me a real kick, even if I ruined it, haha!

    Fact 11:

    I shortened the scene when Domino throws Pyukumuku because I just couldn¡¯t stand it in English. In my language, they¡¯re called ¡°Gufa¡±.

    The change from ¡°cute¡± to ¡°monkey noises¡± was ... fascinating...

    Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

    Fact 12:

    For those who didn''t know: Spam Musubi is a real thing. I found the dish immediately so disgusting (I hate spam) that I thought it would go really well with Faba.

    Fact 13:

    When Domino joined the Explorers, I was constantly mixing up Gibeon and Hamber.

    Editing was hell.

    Fact 14:

    Actually, I didn¡¯t want to write any Pok¨¦mon chapters, but shortly before it was too late, I thought it might be fun.

    I have no regrets!

    Fact 15:

    Malasada really does exist.

    I knew it was, but relied on the game and thought from all the variations that it was some kind of handy pizza.

    So Domino bit into her slightly spicy pizza with pepperoni, cheese, and salami until I looked it up again to make sure.

    Malasada is a sweet dish.

    At least I was allowed to keep the ¡°spicy¡±...

    The girls in Malie Garden. Lillie and love are two things I¡¯m going to make fit one day!

    Fact 16:

    After Domino hit her shoulder, the detail slipped my mind for a whopping three chapters before the thought occurred to me: ¡°Say, shouldn¡¯t she be starting to have a hump by now?¡±

    Fact 17:

    The chapter when Domino brought Mimikyu into the team almost made me cry.

    Mimikyu is my favourite Pok¨¦mon! The poor thing has suffered so much ... and of course I had to add salt to it...

    Fact 18:

    Between Tapu Village and Po Town, I had to realise that time calculation and I were at war.

    Domino needed six hours to get to Po Town, left around one o¡¯clock in the afternoon, and arrived at three o¡¯clock in the afternoon.

    Yes, that¡¯s how I looked at it, too.

    And here you can see Domino in the meadow, with Amethio, if he wasn''t such a block of ice.

    Pictures taken from the side are my personal nightmare.

    Fact 19:

    The fight against Guzma has ensured that my universe will receive a story for his sake. And I don¡¯t even like Guzma that much ... but I have a thing for ¡°problem children¡±...

    Fact 20:

    The voice in Domino¡¯s skull during the fight against Guzma came so unexpectedly from off-screen that I banged my head on the table.

    I now know who ¡°Mysterious Something X¡± is, but ... I honestly don¡¯t know who gave it permission to speak...

    Fact 21:

    The trio was actually supposed to go to the cellar in Aether Paradise and collect information about Cosmog.

    What can I say?

    I was Team Gladion.

    Amethio won.

    The moment when Gladion and Amethio joined forces against Faba.

    Fact 22:

    The plan was for Domino to fight Guzma in Aether Paradise so she could learn something important about the Z-Move.

    Well... I forgive Amethio because I really like him.

    However, when Guzma pulled out his shitty Buginium Z... I was forced into an ass pull by Ceruledge.

    Let me put it this way: when Guzma¡¯s story comes, he¡¯ll burn for it.

    Fact 23:

    I didn¡¯t realise that the Pok¨¦mon can also hear the voice of ¡°Mysterious Something X¡±.

    When Mimikyu heard it, people could probably hear my groans of despair from 4 streets away.

    It¡¯s been a miserable day.

    Fact 24:

    Amethio and Domino¡¯s argument, which led to a very unpleasant interaction, only happened because I wasn¡¯t paying attention for two seconds.

    Do you know what it¡¯s like when you tell two people to apologise and they both look away, offended?

    I was about to throw one of them off the Canyon.

    AND THEN GLADION CAME ROUND THE CORNER!

    Guzma, when he couldn''t believe how cruel Lusamine had become.

    Fact 25:

    I knew Domino would use the Z-Move against Lusamine to separate her from Nihilego.

    But I didn¡¯t realise that I¡¯d completely missed the fact that Domino didn¡¯t have a matching Z-Crystal.

    THEN I realised Mimikyu had accidentally been carrying around the WRONG one and I actually had the right one for Zoroark. However, half of the battle scene was already written. All that was missing was the surrounding elements...

    Led to an ass pull of the century when she had to MAKE one to minimise the damage.

    What¡¯s wrong with me?

    Domino''s current team.

    I didn''t finish the picture because ... I just didn''t have the nerve anymore...

 Chapter 38: Tragedy I

    I don''t understand much about friendship or love as it''s seen everywhere.

    But I know that both need a certain freedom,

    and that we sometimes forget where the boundaries are.

    <hr>

    Everything I don¡¯t have on me ends up in a box Conia shoved in front of me after the airship finally departed from Poni Island. That was almost a week ago and I could have had everything packed by now, but apart from my studies and preparations to fly to Unova, I hadn¡¯t prepared for a change of course.

    Sighing, I tape up the carton and wipe my forehead with the back of my hand. My senses are spinning.

    We have spent almost three weeks doing nothing in Alola. Time in which Amethio has fulfilled his mission. The balls ordered by Gibeon are resting in two boxes in the pantry and the original instructions are still lurking above us: we are to arrive at Unova¡¯s headquarters. However, a subtle hint from Bellro has changed our course. Suddenly we¡¯re gliding through the Galar region and I¡¯m not sure I¡¯ve understood half of what Zir has told me, somewhere between boxes and training battles.

    We¡¯re tracking a group called the Rising Volt Tacklers. According to Amethio, they¡¯re troublemakers with the same goal as the Explorers. The only difference is they have advantages, which he didn¡¯t want to explain to me any further and I didn¡¯t ask. The point when I¡¯ll be seamlessly introduced and finally realise what¡¯s going on here will come. I¡¯m sure of it.

    ¡°Domino?¡±

    I raise my eyes in a flash. Conia has poked her head into my room and raised her eyebrows.

    ¡°Are you done now?¡±

    ¡°I am.¡± My hand taps on the box. ¡°Everything tucked away neatly.¡±

    She nods, barely noticeable. ¡°We¡¯ll land in five minutes and switch to another vehicle.¡±

    ¡°How long will it take to move everything?¡±

    ¡°The stuff is being sent to Unova by other members of the Explorers,¡± she replies. ¡°We¡¯re only moving what we have with us.¡±

    In my case, that¡¯s just my team, Rotom, two hyper potions and a repel spray that I¡¯ll probably never use.

    ¡°Will someone finally enlighten me?¡±

    ¡°Amethio.¡± She pushes a little further into my room. ¡°He¡¯ll give you the key details once we¡¯ve confirmed the location of the Rising Volt Tacklers with Bellro.¡±

    ¡°Is there a reason for the delay? The last few days would have been good enough to explain.¡±

    A sigh escapes her lips. ¡°You¡¯ve hardly seen him lately. Zir and I ... don¡¯t know what he wants to tell you. I would ramble on endlessly ... and Zir is quick to stray off topic.¡±

    So they left it to Amethio to save time and not keep me in suspense on what would probably be a six-hour story. That¡¯s almost a nice thought, if it weren¡¯t for the problem that I¡¯m the only one completely in the dark.

    A brief shock pushes my thoughts aside. We¡¯ve docked. Conia doesn¡¯t need to say it. One last look at the room I shared with Lillie not so long ago leaves me with the heavy feeling of saying goodbye. The next moment, I tighten my shoulders and leave all this behind.

    Conia leads us in hasty steps to the exit, which Zir is about to open with the help of the wheel and two powerful pulls. In the next wink, warm sunlight filters inside and the certainty that Melemele Island is far behind me grows.

    Galar isn¡¯t nearly as hot as Alola. Dark green can be seen in the distance. Slight elevations promise an ascent to a nearby town. There are many things to see here, no doubt, but we¡¯re not here to settle down and watch more time pass. The lonely harbour where we have landed has three jetties and a small storage hut, which I pay no further attention to. Instead, my gaze lingers on a submarine, which Conia points out and which we head for resolutely. A quick walk takes us to the huge metal monster, which casts distinct shadows beneath the surface of the water.

    ¡°It¡¯s a bit cramped in the main corridor,¡± Conia starts, ¡°but the rooms offer enough space to not feel trapped.¡±

    All I can do is nod. I¡¯ve never seen the inside of a submarine before and I don¡¯t think the Explorers have stuck to a classic interior design. I can only climb up the metal steps on the side and follow Conia down through the upper opening.

    A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    Artificial light burns in my eyes briefly, and it takes a few blinks to get used to this new environment. The main corridor is indeed cramped. It¡¯s not big enough for a second person to walk alongside ¨C if I stretch my arms out, I can touch the walls with my elbows.

    ¡°Has all the food been put away?¡± Zir¡¯s voice thunders down at us from above and even though it doesn¡¯t echo down here, everything seems a little louder.

    ¡°I gave the order yesterday. They said everything was done,¡± Conia shouts back, and I¡¯m almost relieved when Zir joins us finally.

    ¡°Instructions?¡±

    We walk close behind each other in line, Conia in the lead.

    ¡°Control room,¡± she replies, before activating the automatic sensor of a doorway after two closed passages and leading us into a room filled with a steady hum.

    Monitors stretch out over a control panel that has more buttons than Alola has Pok¨¦mon. A wide table in the centre of the room stands out thanks to its anti-reflective glass and a glance at the blackness behind it makes me guess at another screen. There¡¯s so much technology here that I hardly dare lift a finger, while Conia and Zir throw themselves onto swivel chairs and enter data I can¡¯t follow. I was already out of place in Alola, but this feels like a technical home for a Marowak ¨C we¡¯re rather simple-minded.

    ¡°Are all the preparations made?¡± As Amethio enters the room, I move a little closer to the nearest wall so as not to be in the way.

    ¡°Everything necessary is in place, sir,¡± replies Conia.

    Zir, meanwhile, turns to face him. ¡°Someone is asking for a video chat.¡±

    ¡°Who?¡±

    ¡°Hamber... sir...¡±

    ¡°Put him on the screen.¡±

    Without further ado, Amethio steps closer to the monitors until an older man in a suit appears on one. His grey hair is neatly groomed, giving him the appearance of a wealthy man. One eye covered by a thick fringe, he seems to scrutinise Amethio. He would probably like to sigh, but his posture remains upright, unwilling to give in to careless reactions with no room for a snort.

    ¡°You¡¯ve strayed off track,¡± he finally announces in a raspy voice. His closed eye allows for no speculation. ¡°Master Gibeon has ordered you to travel to Unova without detours. Why the diversion?¡±

    ¡°The Rising Volt Tacklers seem to have found an interesting lead that could not only lead us to the black Rayquaza, but also give us more information about the pendant that the girl is carrying.¡±

    ¡°Acting on your own to this extent without prior consultation makes you appear untrustworthy.¡±

    ¡°That doesn¡¯t matter.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve been removed from the hunt for Rayquaza. Your target is Un-¡°

    ¡°Enough complaints!¡± Amethio leans on the edge of the control panel, more heatedly than before. ¡°The pendant is within our grasp. Are we really going to waste this opportunity?¡±

    Well played! Tilting my head, I watch as Hamber ¨C the man I¡¯m supposed to turn to if I need anything ¨C freezes in his stance. Instead of continuing to latch onto the Rayquaza, Amethio focuses on something else that seems just as important to the Explorers as the Pok¨¦mon. This makes it almost irrelevant that he shouldn¡¯t pursue Rayquaza any further. Encountering it would be nothing more than a nice side chance.

    Finally, Hamber lets out a soft sigh. ¡°I take it your destination is Galar?¡±

    ¡°An unconfirmed location there, yes, sir,¡± Conia speaks up. ¡°The information comes from Bellro.¡±

    As the old man nods, Bellro moves further and further into the image of a reliable informant for me. He really does seem to know his stuff.

    ¡°I assume, as always, he has refrained from sharing said knowledge with the others if he has already sold it to you,¡± Hamber replies. ¡°That means you have the advantage. Very well, I¡¯ll let Master Gibeon know. Your goal is the pendant. Everything else is irrelevant. Do what is needed to get it in your possession. As soon as you know more, send me brief messages about the situation at regular intervals.¡±

    Before Amethio can find the breath to protest, the transmission switches off. Still, his hands clench into fists before he stands up.

    ¡°You¡¯ve heard it. Our target is the pendant. Everything else comes after.¡±

    He has a wonderful way of turning ¡°is irrelevant¡± into ¡°comes after¡± and for a moment I find it hard not to grin. The knowledge that I¡¯m not the only one to fail at his stubbornness is liberating.

    ¡°How are we going to proceed, sir?¡± Brows drawn together, Zir tilts his head.

    ¡°I¡¯ll decide that as soon as we have the exact location of the Rising Volt Tacklers.¡±

    ¡°Meaning, while we¡¯re waiting, someone will explain the things I still don¡¯t understand?¡± I barely noticeably raise a hand. Before we come into contact with this troupe, I should learn at least part of the story.

    For a moment, three pairs of eyes rest on me. The next, Zir and Conia turn to the screens again, while Amethio bridges the distance to me in three steps.

    ¡°About three months ago, we were instructed to secure a pendant whose mysterious powers seem to be important.¡± He puts a hand on his hip. ¡°Originally, we were supposed to bring the girl wearing this pendant with us. However, the Rising Volt Tacklers got in the way and escaped with her.¡±

    In short, Gibeon wants something belonging to someone else and negotiations over it have failed thanks to this third-party.

    ¡°After that, we came into contact with the black Rayquaza during a battle against the group in question. This encounter led to our mission to follow the Pok¨¦mon and capture it.¡±

    In which we all failed miserably, as Rayquaza isn¡¯t a creature easily packed into a ball. The image shapes up.

    ¡°That¡¯s why you were in Alola...¡± And that¡¯s probably why he¡¯s so obsessed with Rayquaza. It must have slipped through his fingers more than once before the islands ¨C or rather, he was so fascinated by it right away that he simply can¡¯t let go.

    His shoulders lose tension. ¡°The pendant could give us an advantage during the hunt, provided we find out how it works.¡±

    We are in a situation where the goal is clear, but the rewards are of uncertain depth. On top, it¡¯s not clear to me why the girl is running away with her pendant ¨C or has she been kidnapped? Judging by Amethio¡¯s calmness, that¡¯s not the case and I¡¯m sure that if she¡¯s younger than me, there¡¯s a good chance a parent is also after these Rising Volt Tacklers.

    ¡°What¡¯s stopping this bunch from doing business with the Explorers?¡±

    ¡°They want to get to the bottom of it themselves,¡± Amethio replies.

    That¡¯s all he throws at me. He probably doesn¡¯t want to admit that he embodies the image of evil from time to time. If the members of the Volt Tacklers are basing their behaviour on that, it¡¯s obvious why the girl doesn¡¯t want to talk.

    ¡°The message has been received.¡± It¡¯s Conia who ends our conversation. ¡°A Galar mine seems to be the target.¡±

    ¡°A mine?¡±

    ¡°Information says the black Rayquaza is hiding there. Apparently, the workers there have spotted a mysterious, large, black Pok¨¦mon causing problems. Since then, some of the work has been cancelled because it¡¯s attacking people.¡±

    They were right. The target between the Explorers and the Volt Tacklers is the same, and it seems the latter is quicker to get started. Means it¡¯s easier for us to follow the opposing side secretly and show up when the opportunity arises.

    ¡°Keep on course. This time, we¡¯ll get the pendant and Rayquaza in our possession.¡±

 Chapter 39: Tragedy II

    Mountains rise on all sides and the small forests ¨C I hardly know what else to call all this greenery ¨C give our surroundings an idyllic touch. The entrance to the mines of this place isn¡¯t far and yet it feels like we¡¯re walking for ages through unknown territory to get there. Half in thought, I wipe my sweaty hands on my dark, calf-length jeans. The bigger the entrance gets, the faster my heart beats. The instructions from yesterday and the confinement of the submarine are suddenly swept away.

    When Amethio first sets foot in the dimly lit mine, I swallow dryly. Then I follow with Zir and Conia. The workers have fixed small lamps to the uppermost corners of the walls at regular three-metre intervals. The orange glow gives the rock a warmth that is hard to find elsewhere in this place. Isolated from the sun¡¯s rays and the cosy breezes, goosebumps spread across my arms.

    ¡°They¡¯re probably already here, aren¡¯t they?¡± As quietly as possible so as not to provoke an echo, I address Conia, who is walking close to me.

    ¡°Likely,¡± she whispers back. ¡°You saw the airship. They won¡¯t waste their time messing around.¡±

    Snorting, I think back to the powerful image of the ship on which the Rising Volt Tacklers are travelling. It¡¯s nothing like the graceful appearance that carried us from one island to the next. Instead, the individual components that have been painstakingly put together are recognisable. A boat that has been extended and polished in order to equip it with a huge air chamber and all kinds of technology to make it fly. Whoever is responsible for this must know something about their craft. At least I can hardly imagine creating something like this with my own hands.

    Meanwhile, Conia¡¯s voice gets a little louder. ¡°But why would Rayquaza come to a place like this?¡±

    ¡°Maybe it just feels comfortable here?¡± Zir¡¯s casual tone doesn¡¯t take our circumstances seriously; as if Rayquaza is nothing more than a handful of Pok¨¦mon harbouring no danger and is only good at playing hide-and-seek.

    ¡°Then maybe we can catch it while it¡¯s sleeping!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t take it lightly.¡± Amethio¡¯s sudden statement snaps me out of my thoughts. The slight sigh that resonates with his words silences the other two. ¡°This is Rayquaza we¡¯re dealing with.¡±

    He turns the previously faint lightness in everyone¡¯s step into crushing unease and I don¡¯t know whether Amethio takes pleasure in this or whether he actually believes he is already close to his goal. So far, there is no voice in my head. Rayquaza can¡¯t be heard. There is no danger.

    As soon as we reach the first cave, divided into three paths, he stops. ¡°We¡¯ll split up. Zir, Conia, you¡¯ll take the right-hand section. Domino will take the left with me.¡±

    Unified agreement is all that exists between us before our routes divide. Suddenly it¡¯s just Amethio and me. His gaze appraises me briefly ¨C my shoulder is still not fully healed ¨C before we too move forward. Asking him if we shouldn¡¯t split up as well is out of the question. In his eyes, I¡¯m still not capable of looking after myself ¨C despite my training and new battle experience. I can only stay close to him and ignore the centre passage as we take the left side.

    However, the tunnel only holds us for a short time before we arrive in another cave, filled with countless corridors that could throw us into a labyrinth from which there is no quick escape. Scattered boxes rest against the walls, filled with tools and safety equipment that have no recognisable value whatsoever. The walls are marked out with thick ropes and sidelights, and glowing rocks come to the fore ¨C small and shimmering like jewels that have been placed here at random intervals. I can hardly take my eyes off them, while Amethio doesn¡¯t even look. He neither scrutinises the magical glow nor focuses his interest on anything other than Rayquaza. His tense nature is still the same.

    ¡°How should we proceed in this mess?¡± Brows raised, I cast a sideways glance at my companion, whose eyes roam over our surroundings. Shortly afterwards, he takes out his Rotom Phone before moving a step closer.

    A map appears on the display, revealing the inner workings of the mines. With this, it suddenly seems very easy to find our way between the rocks and tunnels.

    ¡°We¡¯ll investigate this area,¡± he begins slowly as he circles our territory with his index finger. ¡°Rayquaza could be hiding anywhere here. As soon as-¡°

    ¡°They¡¯re everywhere!¡±

    A roar spreads through my skull and I immediately put my hands to my head and clench my teeth. The coldness on my skin increases and although I should be used to the Pok¨¦mon¡¯s voices by now, this one is so loud it threatens to burst my eardrums.

    ¡°You can hear it?¡± Undecided, Amethio takes another step towards me, his fingers twitching, but he doesn¡¯t dare touch me. Instead, he looks around once more. ¡°Can you tell me where it¡¯s coming from?¡±

    ¡°You traitors!¡±

    ¡°At least I can tell it¡¯s not Rayquaza,¡± I gasp. ¡°It¡¯s a female voice. High-pitched and hissing.¡±

    ¡°Another Pok¨¦mon?¡± His eyes widen.

    ¡°I think we have to follow that way.¡± Uncertainly, I point a finger in the first direction that feels right. It¡¯s like back in the Lush Jungle. All I have left is a vague, sinking feeling in my stomach; the hope that I¡¯m not taking the wrong path.

    But every step I take makes my legs feel weaker. My muscles screech, my fingertips throb and I have to wipe the sweat from my forehead twice while unrestrained screams rain down on me. Distorted with rage. Pointed. Desperate. As if someone is trying to swim to the shore with their last ounce of strength to avoid drowning. Simultaneously, demolished walls come to the fore, adorned with deep scratches someone must have smashed into them with great force. The glowing stones are scattered across the floor. The next breath trembles on my lips. Amethio lets out a harsh snort. I can barely follow his reaction before we set foot in the next cave area ¨C guarded by a man who turns to us with his powerful Charizard and a hopeful ¡°Liko, Roy!¡±. Hope that turns into a wry smile. ¡°Amethio... Of all the places to meet you... And I see you¡¯re in unknown company?¡±

    I have no clue how to behave towards a person who is an enemy of the Explorers but a stranger to me. All I can do is nod my head slightly, like a friendly, curt bow, before uttering a weak ¡°Domino¡±.

    Our counterpart¡¯s expression becomes more rigid. ¡°Hey, hey, this is a bad joke, right?¡± His Pok¨¦mon is already lowering its head. ¡°Domino Simpell?¡±

    The answer sticks in my throat. This stranger there knows my name and although I can¡¯t think of a reason right away, it¡¯s the tightness in the pit of my stomach that almost makes me flee. Moving closer to Amethio, just a single step, is the only thing saving me from doing something stupid.

    ¡°A worried father told us to bring his daughter home... Who would have thought we¡¯d find her with the Explorers of all people...¡± He runs a hand over his face while the corners of my mouth twist. My father is thinking of me. ¡°And then at Amethio¡¯s side too... I haven¡¯t seen you since the last island!¡±

    Amethio isn¡¯t open to conversation; it¡¯s clear when he pulls a Pok¨¦ Ball out of his trouser pocket and lets Ceruledge out the next moment. His silence is deafening and I don¡¯t know if it wouldn¡¯t be wiser to take a few steps back. A fight is inevitable.

    ¡°Oh, boy... It¡¯s been so long and you can¡¯t even say hello?¡± Our opponent¡¯s body tension relaxes as he puts a hand on his hip and steps aside to let his Charizard step forward.

    ¡°Enough banter. Let¡¯s get started.¡±

    ¡°Impatient as ever...¡± He shares the same opinion as probably everyone who has ever run into Amethio. ¡°Charizard, go!¡±

    There¡¯s a confidence on both sides that¡¯s easily beating my best days. Amethio knows what he wants and his opponent seems to be so used to fighting him he doesn¡¯t care much more about the situation. It is as if he has realised running away isn¡¯t an option and he has to take things as they come. His attitude towards such an unexpected encounter is admirable.

    ¡°Get out of here!¡±

    My shoulders shrug as I stumble a step to the side and bump into Amethio. His firm stance holds me, but his attention doesn¡¯t even graze me. Beneath the screeching words in my head is a drawn-out sound from the throat of a Pok¨¦mon as it shimmies along the rock walls towards us. For a breath, our eyes are glued to a passageway to our left.

    In the next, Amethio catches himself. ¡°Ceruledge, phantom force!¡±

    The stranger immediately turns back to us. ¡°Hah! You won¡¯t catch me while I¡¯m looking the other way!¡±

    In the same blink of an eye that Ceruledge disappears into a dark mass at its feet, Charizard lets out an affirmative growl. Its trainer pays full attention while the Fire-type Pok¨¦mon listens quietly. No one is rushing their options, no one is showing a lack of caution ¨C as you would expect from trainers who have already fought endless battles.

    ¡°Fall to your knees and hope!¡±

    It rings in my ears. Whoever has to face this fury, I hope Conia and Zir don¡¯t get themselves into unnecessary trouble.

    In the background, I can hear Ceruledge¡¯s swords clashing against Charizard¡¯s claws, but I can¡¯t concentrate on the fight. Alien gasps cause my body to tremble, and although I shouldn¡¯t interfere, my fingers slowly move to the belt pouch where my team rests. Part of me wants to lull myself to safety, at least with the thought of quick help, because Amethio doesn¡¯t have time to protect us both in these seconds should something break free from the darkness of the passage. One of us has to pay attention to our surroundings. It¡¯s all I can do.

    ¡°Too weak. Too simple-minded. Very different from him. And yet all the same!¡±

    My heart is pounding so hard against my ribs my breath slips past my lips. Deep gasps are impossible. The feeling of suffocation wraps its claws tightly around my throat. My hand is already sliding into my bag. I clutch the first Pok¨¦ Ball I touch as tightly as I can.

    ¡°Get out of here! Just like he did. Get out!¡±

    My next breath trembles. That voice, so loud and distorted with rage, seems to break. What remains is a bland aftertaste ¨C as if all hope has long been nothing but a strange dream out of reach.

    ¡°It¡¯s suffering...¡± I whisper to myself. Unheard and unheeded, while the other two are consumed in their struggle, unable to pay attention to anything but each other.

    ¡°You will regret your intrusion!¡±

    ¡°Amethio...¡± My voice is only a breath. ¡°It¡¯s coming...¡±

    ¡°Really? First you want to play hide and seek and then tag?¡± Our opponent scratches the back of his head as if he¡¯s at the end of his rope.

    And Amethio doesn¡¯t even seem to hear me. ¡°Finish it! Night slash!¡±

    They are both ready for their last move, but don¡¯t get to attack as the first heavy chunks of stone crash to the ground. Tremors shake the mine, reaching into my bones and robbing me of the courage to put one foot in front of the other. In the next blink of an eye, a coal cart chases out of the left aisle, carrying two children and three Pok¨¦mon, pursued by a figure whose blazing flames adorn black grace.

    ¡°It¡¯s beautiful...¡± We all look in the same direction and I¡¯m sure we share at least that thought for a split second. This Pok¨¦mon, which only stops when Charizard throws a flame and captures it in mid-air so that it can cast a sharp glance toward our opponent, is one of the most wondrous creatures likely to be found in a Pok¨¦dex.

    ¡°So that¡¯s what was screaming?¡± Amethio¡¯s widened eyes and slightly open mouth give him the temporary fascination of a child. His clenched hands tremble.

    Meanwhile, the Pok¨¦mon spreads its wings, so it seems impossible to look away. Hot flames combine with oppressive blackness. Billowing energy in a hot flaming pink colour is released and descends on our surroundings.

    ¡°Pests!¡±

    Without further ado, I click my tongue. I want to say something, warn Amethio, do something, but when this creature flaps its wings so vigorously that a whirlwind arises ¨C strong enough to tear down the walls and break through the ceiling ¨C it¡¯s already too late. What remains is a single moment in which Amethio pushes me off with so much force that I stagger back and fall onto my ass. I barely manage to protest before rocks crash between us. Dust swirls up, stinging my eyes. I can¡¯t see a thing. The world blurs.

    I rub my hands over my eyelids several times and slide back even further. The quake is still going on. I can hear the walls cracking. Tears run up both sides, but my legs are shaking too much for me to get up and run away. Instead, I keep listening, my heart pounding in my throat.

    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    ¡°Domino!¡± Only when Amethio¡¯s voice gets through to me do I hold my breath and try to contain my inner turmoil. ¡°Try to get out of here!¡±

    ¡°What about you?¡± I shakily push myself to my knees.

    ¡°I¡¯ll catch up with you!¡±

    It sounds like a promise. A statement he¡¯ll stick to so that I don¡¯t worry. If he says he¡¯ll come, then all I can do is believe him.

    I suck the air deep into my lungs. Then I gather all my shaken strength and push myself to my feet. It feels like I¡¯m standing on a board, ready to catch the next big wave. My first steps are so unsteady I have to support myself with one hand on the rock wall. But every metre gets a little easier until I stumble through the passage at a gentle trot.

    A vibration in my pocket makes me immediately pull out the Rotom Phone. Amethio has found a few seconds to send me the map of the mine. With that, even I can get out of here. But the first passage leading out has collapsed. The only way out from here forces me further into the mine, into the cave where the Pok¨¦mon and the children came from. From there, two paths lead out. So I start walking.

    Every breath hangs raspy in my throat and even though I know I¡¯m alone here, I keep looking over my shoulder. Apart from the damage in some places, everything here looks the same. Not a soul is hiding. Not a single Pok¨¦mon is within range. Not even when I reach the cave where the creature came from does anything change. Tents are scattered between torches of light, but the workers are long gone.

    ¡°They run away like traitors. I look away and they reappear!¡±

    In a flash, my attention is drawn to a passage where the darkness is engulfing. In the next, flames light up, bathing the surroundings in a faint glow and spreading out as soon as they reach this cave. Blue eyes look down on me as if I am the last pest to be eliminated. My skin itches. My shoulders shake.

    ¡°Where are ... the other two?¡± I force out stressed.

    ¡°Gone. Run away. Like they all do. Like he did.¡±

    ¡°Who?¡±

    ¡°You understand me?¡± It lowers its head. ¡°So you¡¯re like him!¡±

    ¡°Like who?¡± Sweat trickles down my temple. ¡°Who are you talking about?¡±

    ¡°Traitors! You¡¯re all the same. Liars! Deceivers! You left me behind!¡±

    It just ignores my questions. Talking to this Pok¨¦mon has no value. Starting a conversation here and now that doesn¡¯t come close to countering the rage in its body doesn¡¯t solve any of our problems. It seems to want revenge, while only getting out matters to me.

    ¡°You could get rid of it.¡±

    Another voice settles in my skull, familiar and yet only a mysterious component I still can¡¯t place.

    ¡°There are so many crystals here ... every one of them is suitable as a Z-crystal.¡±

    A battle in which I once again put everything on the line because I can¡¯t control the circumstances. The amount of fear running through my bones is probably perfect for Mimikyu and her black hole. But the cost is too high.

    ¡°It¡¯s your only chance,¡± the deep hum of my senses replies.

    ¡°It¡¯s not,¡± I hiss. In these seconds, I have no one to protect. Nobody depends on me and my actions. There is no dangerous situation I have to straighten out somehow. It¡¯s just me and this unfamiliar Pok¨¦mon.

    That means running away is also an option. One I take as I gather all my courage and run ¨C away from my opponent, away from its anger, and away from a fight I can¡¯t win.

    Still, the Pok¨¦mon¡¯s screech thunders in my ears and I only just manage to throw myself behind a rock before an explosion knocks more rubble to the ground. A glance around my hiding place brings the debris into view. I am not yet sealed off from the escape route, but if it were to attack again, my situation could quickly turn into unimaginable misery.

    Thoughtfully, I pull my side plait tighter. The tug on my scalp stops me from worrying too much about everything that could happen. I can¡¯t just start running. Conia has hammered that into my head more than once in the last few weeks. But what can I do without putting myself and my partners in danger?

    My lips press together. Thinking in this way is much more difficult than simply following my instincts. I try my best not to throw my progress and the efforts of others overboard, but the exit is only a few steps away. If I jump up now and start running, I could disappear before that Pok¨¦mon sets my ass on fire.

    My muscles tense, I fixate on my way out. I have to jump up and start running. It¡¯s really easy. My fingers dig into the earthy ground. Jump up. Start running. My eyes wander to the Pok¨¦mon. Its gaze wanders over the surroundings as if it is looking for me. I look back at the passage. Jump up. My heart is racing. Start running. I only have this one shot.

    And just as I¡¯m about to force my body to run, I hear voices. Not in my head. Not loud enough for me to understand them straight away. Once again, I dare to look out of my hiding place ¨C straight at the two children and Amethio¡¯s opponent. With four Pok¨¦mon in their luggage and dirty up to the tip of their noses, they confront the creature I was just about to run away from. Now I press myself against the rock and listen.

    ¡°Looks like its anger hasn¡¯t gone away yet...¡± The oldest of them keeps his eyes firmly fixed on the Pok¨¦mon, while the tanned boy lets out a ¡°Galarian Moltres¡±.

    They¡¯ve probably put more pieces together in the short time chaos has befallen each of us than I ever could. I don¡¯t know where Amethio is, nor have Zir and Conia contacted me. I could write to them, but without knowing what situation they are in, it seems wrong to interrupt. Still, I want to contribute something and right now I¡¯m in a situation where that¡¯s possible.

    Far too slowly, I pull out my Rotom while named Moltres lets out a long screech and the group takes a step back. The recording starts.

    ¡°Do you have a plan, Friede?¡± The boy clutches his Pok¨¦mon tighter to his chest.

    Amethio¡¯s opponent nods. ¡°First, we¡¯ll draw its attention to us!¡±

    We¡¯re separated by maybe six metres, and I bet we¡¯d be in a better position if I tried to help. But I¡¯m not one of them. My father sent this group after me, and my legs are as soft as Ditto. I can only watch as the boy sends his Fuecoco into battle ¨C naming it with complete confidence, as if it could actually win against Moltres ¨C and as it joins Charizard in flamethrower that raises the temperature between the rocks significantly.

    Moltres only needs a flap of its wings to dodge the flames so they eat into the rock, half bounce off and cause no further damage. However, smoke is produced, forming a thick, black cloud blocking the Pok¨¦mon¡¯s vision. The girl uses these seconds to send Sprigatito ¨C the Pok¨¦mon that Conia once told us about ¨C ahead.

    Small paws trample around on the ground, causing shimmering green dust to rise ¨C far too slowly. Before it can realise its plan, its opponent sweeps the smoke away with a flap of its wings. In the next, it blows down its feathers so hard that crescents of wind hurtle down on the group. Only the party¡¯s Pikachu manages to dive into the attack in time and disperse the compressed air with an electric shock. Gusts of wind break through the mine, tearing at my hair and forcing me to raise an arm in front of my eyes to avoid getting stones in my face.

    ¡°Sprigatito, leafage, now!¡±

    The Pok¨¦mon¡¯s trampling speeds up. Shimmering dust settles on the ground again. In the next blink, its dark green chest fur glows, seems to peel off and deform into leaves that shoot in a bright beam at Moltres. A dense storm of leaves that bounces meaninglessly off its opponent¡¯s flapping wings.

    ¡°Once more, leafage!¡± The girl, Liko I assume, tries again ¨C with the same success as the first time. The attack fails to reach Moltres, and the contemptuous snort in my head seems almost amused by it.

    ¡°You aren¡¯t travellers. You aren¡¯t like him!¡± It lingers rigidly in its place. ¡°Aren¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Liko, have Sprigatito jump up at Charizard! We¡¯ll try to get as close as possible!¡± Friede remains unfazed, ready to analyse every mistake and find the best way. In this regard, he seems much more thoughtful than Amethio.

    They immediately put his plan into action. Sprigatito finds space on Charizard¡¯s head and the powerful wing beats of the Fire-type Pok¨¦mon carry it near Moltres so quickly that I can barely follow it with my eyes.

    ¡°Circle it!¡± Friede yells after them. ¡°And then flamethrower!¡±

    While Charizard is still adjusting its flight path, Moltres swings gallantly after it in a half-turn. It never takes its eyes off its opponent for a second, dodging the flames in such majestic swings that Charizard can hardly help but follow the absurd dance. Simultaneously, the boy joins in. A second flame is thrown in the Pok¨¦mon¡¯s direction, leaving it no chance to dodge. Fire presses against black feathers, forcing it to remain motionless.

    ¡°Hot! Way too hot!¡± A gasp runs through my whole body. ¡°I¡¯m burning!¡±

    Immediately, my fingers slide into my pocket and feel Ying¡¯s worn ball. If they keep this up, they¡¯re going to hurt this Pok¨¦mon seriously. Its feathers are already ruffling under the fire. It will barely withstand the flames any longer. I have to step in, do something, help this creature and calm it down ¨C if this bunch allows it.

    But I can¡¯t get out of my hiding place before Moltres¡¯ inward scream makes my legs buckle. All at once, it flaps its wings down with such force that the flamethrower shatters into sparks and the following leafage is blown away. Not even Charizard can lean against the storm, crashing heavily into a rock wall and losing Sprigatito, who only makes it to the ground unscathed with the full force of Pikachu¡¯s body.

    ¡°Get out of here! Get out of here! Get out!¡± Moltres wildly snaps its head from side to side before catching itself and fixing its opponents. ¡°Traitor!¡±

    Running away and leaving this Pok¨¦mon behind until it calms down a bit sounds like the only safe course of action to my ears. But instead of stepping back, it¡¯s Liko who bridges a few metres to the Pok¨¦mon as if she is immortal.

    ¡°Please calm down...¡± she begins, ¡°We are not your enemies.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re traitors! All of you!¡± Moltres yells back ¨C completely incomprehensible to this girl.

    Still, she digs a ball out of her breast pocket. A ¡°thing¡± that seems to come from a completely different time. ¡°We have Pok¨¦ Balls ... like yours.¡±

    ¡°And we met Rayquaza,¡± Roy adds. He too is holding one of these strange balls and for a moment, I can understand why Amethio is so interested in this black dragon.

    All the things that are part of this mystery are no less strange than Rayquaza itself; like this Moltres, which once again flaps its wings in rage. A second storm passes through the mine and I barely avoid coughing.

    ¡°Why are you so angry?¡± Liko¡¯s shoulders slump. The ball disappears into her blue jacket. She seems to genuinely want to understand, a bit like Lillie did with Nebby. But there is no understanding here ¨C on either side.

    Moltres¡¯ hatred swells. Bright red flames envelop it, accompanied by an animalistic scream stinging the ears. Friede shouts something, but I can¡¯t hear it. All at once, they take cover and throw themselves behind the rocks that it had previously brought crashing to the ground with its attack. Only Roy remains standing in the middle of the escape. A glance back brings his Fuecoco to the fore, whose short legs have stumbled over a rise. He dashes back to his partner, unable to escape, so Pikachu jumps in. At breakneck speed, it raises the hairs on the back of my neck with its static as it crashes into Moltres like a bolt of lightning, smashing into the Pok¨¦mon¡¯s body with all its might.

    Moltres is torn upwards ¨C crashing into the ceiling. Pikachu, meanwhile, drops and hits the ground hard on its side. Yet it forces itself back to its feet. It¡¯s ready to go further than necessary, and although I don¡¯t want to think about it, I see Mirra in it. In its heroism and its courage to put itself in danger when necessary.

    As Liko moves towards the Moltres again, I shake my head. In those seconds, she puts everyone present in danger. She makes a decision so detached that in the next blink of an eye, I realise how similar we are. Rash and hasty ¨C perhaps even death-defying.

    ¡°Tell me, Galarian Moltres... I want to know... What¡¯s on your mind?¡±

    ¡°Get out of here! Get lost!¡±

    Even if she could understand this creature, there are no words in the world good enough to soothe this Pok¨¦mon. It doesn¡¯t want to talk, doesn¡¯t want to listen, just wants revenge on a memory I can¡¯t grasp. Its wings flap wildly, ready for the next attack, and as Liko lunges over her Sprigatito to protect it, the mysterious ball rolls out of her jacket pocket. A soft click seems to sound in my head, closely followed by a soft female voice cradling me gently in its arms.

    ¡°What has happened to you?¡±

    Golden light shines as a figure emerges from the ball and stands metres tall in front of Liko, spreading its protective leafy arms. Its form is so powerful that Rotom fills this absurd moment with side information.

    ¡°Arboliva. Grass/Normal-type. A very peaceful and kind Pok¨¦mon that usually stays under two metres tall.¡±

    ¡°How big is this one?¡±

    ¡°About five, I guess.¡±

    My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth, parched. This Pok¨¦mon is a giant and its breathy sound, like wind chasing through the cave, reaches my senses in a flood.

    ¡°How far do you want to fall?¡± Arboliva¡¯s whole body trembles. ¡°Where has all your pride gone? How much more damage do you want to cause?¡±

    For a blink of an eye, Moltres seems to calm down. But its eyes narrow to slits and the threatening sound leaving its throat burns in my heart. ¡°Until Lucius comes back and repents for leaving me behind. Until then,¡± its voice grows louder, ¡°I will destroy any traitor who stands in my way!¡±

    Once again, powerful wing beats chase crescents of wind down on Arboliva. They tear at its leaves, at its body, leaving resinous cuts and eliciting a painful groan from the Pok¨¦mon.

    ¡°How are we supposed to fight something like this?¡± Holding his Fuecoco firmly in his arms, Roy lowers his head and again it is Liko who refuses to give up.

    ¡°It¡¯s all right, Roy.¡± She lifts her head and looks at Arboliva, as if thanking the Pok¨¦mon from the bottom of her heart. ¡°Battling isn¡¯t all there is to being a trainer. Finding out how a Pok¨¦mon feels and sharing those feelings with them... That¡¯s ... my path as a trainer.¡±

    My hands claw into the rock that protects me from all of this. This girl is as stubborn and pushy as I am, but she has the same determination Lillie found in herself. Liko is a trainer who knows her way. The certainty elicits a heavy snort from me.

    ¡°Thank you for this decision.¡± Arboliva only glances down at Liko for a moment before it rears up in all its splendour once more. But it no longer speaks.

    Instead, I can feel the ground pulsating. Warmth presses against my knees and my ring flashes at regular intervals. My body feels like it is gaining new strength in the same breath that Sprigatito is wrapped in green light. Its energy overflows, eliciting a sound ready for battle. Then it uses leafage, so dense and full of shiny green pearls the whole mine seems to shimmer. At the same moment, Roy throws a ball, releasing a Flying-type Pok¨¦mon whose small body lingers discreetly amidst the storm of leaves. However, it flaps its wings wildly to carry Sprigatito¡¯s attack, together with Charizard, to Moltres. The scent of flowers fills the entire mine.

    For a breath, leavage cloaks the Pok¨¦mon completely. Its wing beats slow down and the whimpering in my head loses any hint of anger.

    ¡°W-Why don¡¯t you just leave? What do you want from me?¡± Finally, Moltres lands a few steps in front of Liko, no longer overwhelmed by its hatred. The soothing scent in the middle of this attack has dampened the anger. ¡°Why? Come out and tell me why you brought these people here.¡±

    I press myself tighter against the rock. It looks down at Liko, but it doesn¡¯t speak to her. She also realises the circumstances when she pulls out a glowing pendant in amazement. Judging by Amethio¡¯s explanations, it must be the necklace the Explorers wanted to take possession of.

    The glow of the light blue crystal expands. Beads of energy dissolve, float around, and deform the small gemstone all at once. A round head forms, crooked legs emerge, and as it detaches itself from Liko¡¯s hand, the shimmer bursts to reveal a creature appearing just as tall as Mirra. Its dark body gains striking grace through light blue accents. Rings, diamonds, a carapace reflecting the pendant ¨C it hardly seems of this world.

    ¡°I¡¯ve missed you!¡± Its childlike voice reminds me vaguely of Nebby.

    ¡°What are you doing here?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± It tilts its head. ¡°I¡¯m looking for all of you!¡±

    ¡°For what?¡±

    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Liko stands behind them, completely oblivious, and I wonder if she would join in the conversation if she had my ability.

    ¡°To see him again! All of us. He hasn¡¯t forgotten us, I know that. He¡¯s still thinking about us. Of you. Of me. Of the others. One last time. We can say goodbye. I can feel it.¡±

    ¡°After all this time? Just one last time?¡± Moltres¡¯ voice wavers.

    ¡°One last time.¡±

    The understanding between the both of them seems to be based on a shared journey ¨C an adventure they took together a very long time ago. These small, insignificant words are enough to elicit a howl from Moltres. A drawn-out, painful sound that gets under my skin and lowers my eyelids while rain falls as if we are no longer in the middle of a cave.

    Pink mist drifts thickly over the ground and I take one last deep breath. It¡¯s better if I seize the moment to get away. In these seconds, it feels like I¡¯ve already seen everything. So I grab my Rotom, stop the recording and duck through the haze to the passage that will lead me out in a roundabout way.

 Chapter 40: Tragedy III

    My breath feels dry as dust as I bridge the last few metres to the light of the outside world and collide with the tall figure of Zir in the same instant. The shock runs through my body so quickly I stumble straight back, this time with my back against the rock of the mine.

    ¡°Domino, there you are!¡± Conia¡¯s relieved exclamation isn¡¯t enough to rouse my spirits. Part of me is strangely exhausted from everything I¡¯ve seen and experienced. The stress of these instances is gnawing at me.

    A glance over at those present brings Amethio to the fore. He¡¯s busy with Rotom, talking to someone via video chat, and when I hear Hamber¡¯s voice, I move closer.

    ¡°So you¡¯ve made contact with the Galarian Moltres and clashed with the Rising Volt Tacklers... You¡¯re rushing things.¡± Hamber¡¯s shoulders slump just as I glance at the display and Amethio lets out an irritated ¡°Hey¡±.

    ¡°But we¡¯ve received some interesting information,¡± I interject. Amethio will probably rip my head off for this at some point today, but these seconds have to be used and perhaps I can make sure our encounter with the opposing side is recognised as valuable.

    ¡°Information?¡± Hamber¡¯s closed eye robs me of the opportunity to assess his mood. ¡°What kind of information?¡±

    I immediately pull out my Rotom Phone and click on the video I¡¯ve made. However, I lack the technical knowledge to pass it on and I let Amethio do the few clicks, so the recording ends up with Hamber and we all look at what I¡¯ve recorded ¨C including the strange Pok¨¦mon that has emerged from the pendant.

    As a sound of disbelief escapes Hamber, my partner shifts gears and takes in our regained footing. Eyelids slightly lowered, his expression gains seriousness, causing me to hold my breath. ¡°Our mission was to ¡®get a pendant¡¯. So, what is this Pok¨¦mon?¡±

    Hamber¡¯s silence almost seems to serve as an answer, so Amethio¡¯s voice softens. ¡°Are you going to reprimand us for the result and pull us off this mission? It would be a shame to lose this lead again...¡±

    For two breaths, they seem to stare each other down, as if neither side wants to back down in their decision. Yet it is Hamber who finally lets out a heavy sigh. ¡°I see. But first I want to know where the Rising Volt Tacklers are travelling to.¡±

    ¡°They¡¯ve left the airship and are heading for Hammerlocke.¡±

    ¡°Hammerlocke... interesting...¡± Tilting his head to the side, Hamber puts his gloved fingers to his chin. ¡°With the information we already have, we can probably calculate their destination.¡± He turns to Amethio once more. ¡°But in the future, be sure to let me know before you ac-¡°

    ¡°Enough complaining.¡± Without further ado, Amethio switches off the connection and I don¡¯t know whether he¡¯ll get into more trouble for this or whether he¡¯s actually in a position where he¡¯s allowed to ignore his superior¡¯s warnings as he pleases.

    When I take a step back so as not to constrict him any further, he finally turns to the entire group. ¡°We will follow the Rising Volt Tacklers. If we get a chance, we¡¯ll steal the Pok¨¦mon that used to be this pendant.¡±

    It takes a while to get to Hammerlocke on foot. We also have to make sure that nobody sees us. There are problems to consider, which become less important when Corviknight is let out of its ball, and the other two also resort to their Flying-type Pok¨¦mon. I¡¯m the only one who can¡¯t adapt. It¡¯s only when Amethio holds out his hand and tells me I¡¯m going to fly with him again that relief creeps into my heart. Still, I would much rather have my own Flying-type Pok¨¦mon. According to the Pok¨¦dex, Coro is too small to carry me, even with his last evolution.

    One wingbeat later, we are hovering in the air and as I cling to Amethio, my gaze falls on the green expanse of Galar. Compared to Alola, this region is considerably more uneven. Various hills stretch across otherwise flat land, which merges into high mountains in the distance. It is much more chaotic than Melemele or even Akala and certainly cannot be compared with Poni or Ula¡¯Ula, whose mountains are mighty, but few.

    ¡°That just now,¡± Amethio draws my attention back to him, ¡°was good work.¡±

    He doesn¡¯t say it, but the tone of his words is like a ¡°thank you¡±, which brings a faint smile to my lips. It¡¯s good to get something done when you least expect it. Now it just has to become a habit and my journey with the Explorers will be much more productive.

    Again I look around. Conia and Zir have flown ahead. Resting my head on Amethio¡¯s shoulder, I let time glide past me. Corviknight¡¯s steady gliding flight cradles me gently in its arms. The world seems to stand still until we reach a densely overgrown forest. Suddenly, Hammerlocke is no longer of any importance and as we land on a stony path, the city is completely forgotten.

    ¡°Amethio, sir!¡± It is Conia who immediately takes a stance, mouth agape as we dismount and my partner calls Corviknight back. They seem to have already found out more about our opponents, although the pained expressions on their faces hardly bode well.

    ¡°Where are they?¡± Lowering his voice, Amethio addresses his aides.

    ¡°We¡¯ve lost them.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re sorry.¡±

    They both bow, as if the mistake was so grave that they deserve whatever punishment; quite unlike me and my stubborn self ever thought necessary.

    ¡°But they walked this way!¡± Zir resumes the next moment.

    ¡°I see. Good work.¡± Instead of addressing the mistakes, Amethio turns away. ¡°They can¡¯t just have disappeared. Split up and search the area. There must be a clue somewhere.¡±

    It¡¯s probably the first time he doesn¡¯t ask me to follow him in a situation like this. Instead, I follow the same instructions as the other two: split up and search.

    The first steps into the thicket don¡¯t promise any success and it¡¯s difficult to tell what I need to look out for in my search for clues. However, I¡¯m open to experimentation, so I let Ying and Raya out ¨C two good sleuths who might help us.

    I¡¯m greeted by joyful tail wags from both sides, so I give them both a quick scratch behind the ears before putting my hands on my hips and taking a deep breath. ¡°I can¡¯t give you a scent, but would you look for traces with me? We¡¯re looking for ... three people. Their scent should still be fresh. Maybe they haven¡¯t put the Pikachu in a ball yet, or the Sprigatito and Fuecoco are still on the loose. So you¡¯re looking for the combination of people and Pok¨¦mon on the run.¡±

    It didn¡¯t look like Sprigatito and Fuecoco spend much time in their Pok¨¦ Balls, which is why it¡¯s one of the few things I¡¯m leaning on. Probably only a few people have entered this forest in the last thirty minutes. That improves my team¡¯s chances of finding a lead matching my expectations.

    While Raya lowers her head and sniffs the ground at our feet, Ying stretches her nose into the air. They both know which scents they can rule out. They know the smell of the Explorers and their Pok¨¦mon. What remains are all the other aromas, which carry thousands of pieces of information. I expect a lot from the two of them, but it¡¯s the only idea I have.

    We seem to waste almost an eternity at this point before Ying starts moving. Growlithe, meanwhile, takes a different direction and I have no idea who to follow.

    Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    ¡°Are you managing?¡± At the same time, Zir climbs over the bushes I left behind earlier and before my two partners can disappear, I hastily point to Raya.

    ¡°Can you follow her? They¡¯re trying to track down the Volt Tacklers and ... they don¡¯t exactly agree on the direction.¡± I¡¯m already jumping a few steps after my Zoroark. ¡°Maybe one of us will get lucky!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll let you know if we find anything!¡± Without asking, Zir follows my Growlithe and I can hardly put into words how reassuring it is that everything is going so smoothly. My father would probably have asked me thirteen more questions before he would have honoured my request. It¡¯s different here and although I should know by now ¨C after all, I can¡¯t imagine Zir and Conia acting much differently from Amethio in such cases ¨C it still takes some getting used to.

    The cracking of some branches under my soles startles me out of my thoughts in the next blink, so I bridge the last few metres to Ying and stay close to her side. The sun is now much lower in the sky and, as I dare to glance at the Rotom, early evening draws closer. The mine has consumed a lot of time, although it has felt like only a few minutes. The image of the Galarian Moltres will probably haunt me for a few more nights.

    In my mind, this search seems only half as exhausting as my heavy steps suggest. My legs are leaden, but we still have no lead. The sun is sinking steadily, and when we arrive at a stone wall and Ying tilts her head indecisively, I am sure the scent she thought she was following is lost. Darkness descends gently on us, and any hope of success is nipped in the bud.

    Sighing, I run my hands over my face before picking up Rotom. Perhaps Zir has stumbled across something. But before I can write to him, he turns the corner from the other side, so I don¡¯t miss Raya¡¯s confused look as she stops at the wall.

    ¡°You ended up here too?¡± Raising his bushy blond brows, Zir scrutinises me.

    ¡°If my partners both stop at this point ... then there must be something here. The only question is ... what?¡± My eyes glide over the wall, unable to detect any clues.

    ¡°Zir... Domino...¡± In the next breath, Conia climbs over undergrowth to join our little gathering. ¡°Were you able to find anything?¡±

    We both shake our heads, the explanation on the tip of our tongues, unable to utter it before Amethio emerges from a path as well. All together, we seem to have arrived at the same point and a brief exchange reveals some broken branches have also led in this direction. Conia knows how to read tracks and Amethio has ultimately followed our tangled voices.

    ¡°Now we¡¯ve tracked them all the way to this wall...¡± Snorting, Zir puts a hand to his side. ¡°And we find nothing.¡±

    As I call my partners back to their balls, a sound of agreement escapes me. A rasp in my throat that fades behind Amethio¡¯s stunned, ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± A quick glance in his direction brings the wall into focus. He has stopped in front of an area where strange signs protrude, bearing no apparent meaning. Still, he summons Ceruledge, ready to explore the area with psycho cut.

    His partner smashes the dark energy against the rock with enough force to kick up dust. The dense wall of dirt and sand robs us all of our vision briefly until connected rocks are thrown into the air. As soon as they land a few metres to the side, they run away.

    ¡°Was that a Stonjourner?¡±

    ¡°A what?¡± My voice resembles a huff.

    ¡°A Stonjourner. A Rock-type Pok¨¦mon known to line up in circles with others of its kind once a year. For whatever reason.¡±

    The only one of us who doesn¡¯t express any surprise is Amethio. He calls Ceruledge back in the middle of our irritation and walks through the passageway as if we don¡¯t even exist. His tunnel vision is unwavering, his destination is clear, and we have no choice but to follow him.

    Behind the short passage lies an almost endless stone path. Even from a distance, the magnificent castle in which the Rising Volt Tacklers have presumably found shelter comes into view and the sudden palpitations in my chest elicit a shaky gasp. I don¡¯t know what comes next, but I can guess that Amethio is planning an attack. We¡¯re not going to steal the pendant ¨C the Pok¨¦mon ¨C by stealth, but by brute force.

    A dry swallow makes me cough before we switch to Corviknight again and rise into the air. The chilled breeze licks icy across my bare arms, so I wrap them tighter around Amethio¡¯s waist, hoping to find warmth.

    ¡°You¡¯re planning to attack, aren¡¯t you?¡± Instead of turning my attention to the landscape under dark blue, my interest lingers on my companion. Something in this situation demands certainty in me. ¡°Without a plan?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll surprise them,¡± he replies. ¡°They won¡¯t expect us to attack here and now.¡±

    ¡°What if they¡¯re not alone? What if they meet up with someone here? Then we¡¯ll be outnumbered.¡±

    ¡°All we have to do is get our hands on this Pok¨¦mon.¡±

    He ignores our situation. All that¡¯s of value to him right now is this unknown creature walking around like a living gem. We have to take possession of it, fend off counterattacks and successfully disappear. These are three tasks that sound easy but are nothing more than hurdles that we have to overcome.

    The closer the castle gets, the tighter I press myself against Amethio ¨C until he places a hand on my arm and signals me to release the pressure. However, the tension in my body cannot be reduced and when we catch a glimpse of faint light coming through one of the upper gigantic double windows, no one gives me time to prepare for the sudden dive. Instead, we chase straight down towards the closed glass.

    Before we hit it, Corviknight leans back. Feet first, we smash through the pane. Clanging rings in my ears, shards gleam like flames in the faint glow of candles and the stifled sounds of those present send a shiver down my spine. Simultaneously, I slide after Amethio as he leaps from Corviknight¡¯s back, while Ceruledge appears and lands on the broad balustrade. Behind it, almost four metres below, a living room has been set up, occupied by the two children and Friede. Charizard is already rising towards us.

    ¡°Run, you two!¡± Pushing Liko and Roy behind his back, Friede tries to urge them towards an exit they could reach if they followed one of the staircases ¨C blocked by Zir and Conia¡¯s energetic entrance.

    My gaze wanders briefly over the situation until I get stuck on the unknown Pok¨¦mon in Liko¡¯s arms. However, it only reacts when it makes eye contact with Amethio. His attention seems to run through the creature¡¯s body like a surge of electricity, causing it to free itself from the girl¡¯s arms and take a few steps in his direction ¨C separated by our height difference.

    ¡°What are you doing here?¡±

    ¡°The Pok¨¦mon that used to be a pendant...¡± He stares it down.

    ¡°You don¡¯t belong here!¡± The creature¡¯s voice thunders in my skull. ¡°Get out of here!¡±

    Even Amethio understands that something is wrong. His brows furrowed, he seems to be trying to make sense of the Pok¨¦mon¡¯s distorted sounds. Meanwhile, a pink ball with a light blue head jumps out of Liko¡¯s hood, circles the creature and falls to the ground exhausted in the next moment ¨C as if it has been drained of all energy.

    ¡°Get out of here!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s the Pok¨¦mon from the pendant, isn¡¯t it?¡± Instead of continuing to focus on the Pok¨¦mon¡¯s hissing, Amethio addresses the party. ¡°Hand it over.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not going to win!¡±

    ¡°Terapagos!¡± In hasty steps, Liko overcomes the distance to the creature, placing a hand on its crystal-like carapace but unable to calm it down. Again and again it demands Amethio to leave, its voice trembling and its anger rising ¨C as if they are old acquaintances. Whatever he did in his first attempt to get the pendant, he must have attracted this Pok¨¦mon¡¯s anger.

    Maybe I should tell him about it, but it wouldn¡¯t help the situation. At this moment, we are facing a battle that we have to win. Talking to Terapagos isn¡¯t a priority. Still, I open my mouth. If I can persuade the Pok¨¦mon to realise we mean no harm, it might react less angrily. There¡¯s a chance that it will understand our reason and that we can all come to an agreement. However, I can¡¯t get a single word past my lips before someone else¡¯s heavy jumps reach me and Amethio hastily jerks his head to the side. In the next breath, one of the room¡¯s doors bursts open and an Arcanine leaps gallantly through the air ¨C towards Amethio. Conia tries to stop it at the last moment with water pulse of her Golduck, but misses as it spins gracefully in the air.

    ¡°Ceruledge, psycho cut!¡± Temporarily distracted from the scene, Amethio puts up a fight, leaving all other decisions momentarily on my shoulders.

    All at once, the children are ready to flee ¨C led by an old woman who hasn¡¯t been there before ¨C and take flight just as Arcanine hurls flames in our direction. Ceruledge stops the fire with its blades before it can reach us and I only notice out of the corner of my eye how Charizard is called back and an underground passage bursts open, through which they threaten to disappear. Zir and Conia immediately follow in pursuit. Only the old lady stays behind.

    ¡°You¡¯ve made quite an entrance! Who are you, if you don¡¯t mind me asking?¡±

    ¡°We are members of the Explorers,¡± Amethio replies stiffly. Only his fingers twitch, as if he would like to chase after the others immediately.

    ¡°Explorers?¡± Astonishment appears on the stranger¡¯s wrinkled face before her expression darkens. ¡°Now that¡¯s what I call a twist.¡±

    ¡°Ceruledge, attack!¡± Small talk doesn¡¯t matter to him. It has no relevance in the face of our mission, and while his Pok¨¦mon sharpens its blades, the old woman leaps onto her Arcanine and smashes straight through a closed window.

    Glass shatters, shards clatter to the floor and although we should perhaps follow her to find out more about her strangely confusing statement, Amethio has already turned away. His steps lead him to the balcony, where he climbs Corviknight once more, but leaves me behind.

    Unable to comprehend his decision, I sway from one foot to the other. The children and Friede are already being followed. Amethio is probably heading in the same direction. They don¡¯t need me there. So I gather all my courage, call Ying to my side, and take a deep breath.

    My target is the old woman.

 Chapter 41: Tragedy IV

    I can barely hold the scream in my lungs as Zoroark leaps out of the window with me in her arms and lands gallantly on her powerful hind legs two floors below. My heart is pounding up to my neck and when she lets me down, I have to clutch at her sturdy fur to stop myself from collapsing. The stranger is nowhere in sight and the gloomy shadows make it difficult to see our surroundings clearly. A glance along the castle brings a tower into focus, where someone is peering over the edge under bright moonlight ¨C until Corviknight appears behind the figure and the hunt begins its second round. If I follow them from here, there¡¯s a chance I might bump into the stranger again and engage her in conversation.

    ¡°Ying, this way!¡± More determined than before, I point to the tower, where Charizard lets out a cry that is carried down to us by Corviknight¡¯s violent storm.

    The draughts of wind are clearly noticeable even here, tugging at my hair and clothes.

    We set off immediately, creeping along the wall to watch the tower. Ying listens for noises I probably miss and the further we walk, the more intensely my heart thunders against my ribs. The wide windows on the lower floor allow a view into one of the castle¡¯s endless corridors. Closed doors come into view, moonlight shines on the tiles and one window frame has been opened. An invitation I can¡¯t refuse.

    I¡¯m about to gain momentum and heave myself onto the windowsill when I hear voices and abandon my plan. Instead, I crouch down with Ying and try to listen to the words reaching my ears like whispers alongside the sounds of the distance.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been looking for you ... Diana.¡±

    A voice I would recognise anywhere. I¡¯ve heard Hamber so many times since yesterday that his sound seems like a familiar hum.

    ¡°The pendant you¡¯re looking for is gone,¡± the stranger replies. ¡°Give up.¡±

    Pressing my back firmly against the wall, I push myself up a little to look through the window. Sitting on her Arcanine, Diana¡¯s escape is blocked by a majestic Pok¨¦mon whose massive form makes it impossible to get away. The glowing red eye of its elongated head fixes her in place.

    ¡°Yes... I heard it woke up from its long sleep.¡± Hands clasped behind his back, Hamber exudes a calmness that ensnares me with safety. For a breath, he seems to keep everything slipping through our fingers under control. ¡°This Pok¨¦mon will soon be ours.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re with the Explorers... Did I hear that right?¡±

    ¡°Did I not mention it?¡±

    Arcanine¡¯s growl raises goosebumps across my body. Part of me wants to shrink back, but the scene unfolding in front of me doesn¡¯t allow any movement. While Diana takes a step back, her body bent as if she¡¯s flinching from a wild beast, Hamber doesn¡¯t move an inch. He simply stands there, dressed in a dark blue suit with shimmering gold accents.

    ¡°I can¡¯t say I take any pleasure in it...¡±

    ¡°I hope you understand.¡± His voice sounds deeper than the one I¡¯ve been hearing. It¡¯s reminiscent of Raya¡¯s growl before she attacks her prey,

    ¡°Why did you target us? The Explorers... Weren¡¯t they once friends of Lucius?¡±

    My brows lift. I have no idea what they¡¯re talking about or who they¡¯re talking about. An unknown name is thrown in and a connection is mentioned that I don¡¯t know what to do with. It seems like they know each other and at the same time, they¡¯re conveying nothing but a negotiation built on uncertain character traits.

    ¡°If you already understand so much, my job will be easier.¡±

    The Pok¨¦mon at Hamber¡¯s side raises its powerful arms as Arcanine¡¯s fur puffs up. But there is no attack. Something explodes. The thunder in my head makes me press my hands to my ears. A sudden tremor rips through the entire castle, reaching into my marrow and forcing me to crouch. A cloud of dust bursts through the window above me and while Ying lays her body protectively over me, I count down the seconds from five.

    Immediately afterwards, I jump up. Diana has disappeared. Half the wall on the opposite side is missing, and Hamber is struggling to clear his throat. ¡°I asked them to wait ... but they never listen.¡± He shakes his head. ¡°You can come out.¡±

    My whole body is electrified. It takes a moment before I actually push myself onto the windowsill with Ying¡¯s help and finally slide into the corridor. Suddenly I¡¯m face to face with the man I¡¯m supposed to turn to if I need anything. A man who stands above Amethio and presents a completely different picture to my partner, whose temper occasionally goes through the wall. Hamber lives up to his age. Not even the commotion outside seems to rattle him.

    ¡°We should leave,¡± he suggests in the middle of my observation. ¡°There are no more choices for us here.¡±

    Instead of answering, I manage a weak nod. In the next breath, I¡¯m already walking alongside him as our Pok¨¦mon disappear back into their balls. The thoughts in my head are racing and although I would like to start a conversation, there are no suitable topics to begin with. This man doesn¡¯t convey the image of someone who values simple small talk.

    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

    ¡°You seem to be a girl of many thoughts,¡± Hamber begins out of nowhere. He understands me, as if I were speaking all my thoughts. ¡°I take it you have questions?¡±

    ¡°Many,¡± I force out.

    ¡°You¡¯re free to ask me anything that¡¯s on your mind. I¡¯ll answer what I can.¡±

    It¡¯s an offer I can¡¯t resist. ¡°Terapagos... This Pok¨¦mon... Why should we get it?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a legendary Pok¨¦mon from long-forgotten times,¡± Hamber replies. ¡°When it has gathered enough power, it can cause a catastrophe nobody can stop. If it falls into the wrong hands, it could cost many lives.¡± His closed eye gives me no clue whether I can buy this meagre piece of information. ¡°Besides, it once belonged to a friend.¡±

    ¡°That Lucius guy?¡±

    He nods. ¡°He entrusted it to the Explorers a long time ago so we could watch over it. Then, one day, it was stolen by someone we trusted. Since then, we have searched tirelessly for it and finally found it in the hands of this girl.¡±

    It sounds believable, which is why my shoulders loosen a little. The surrounding confusion ¨C another explosion tearing down the tower on which Corviknight had previously directed a storm against Charizard ¨C is forgotten. ¡°And that woman? Diana? She seems to know who the Explorers are, but doesn¡¯t seem to trust them much.¡±

    ¡°She and Master Gibeon have their differences. As an adventurer, she wants to discover the secret behind Terapagos. We, meanwhile, just want to keep it safe.¡±

    ¡°So they¡¯re the ones who could put us all in danger?¡±

    ¡°You could say that.¡± A nod comes over him. ¡°They probably don¡¯t realise how dangerous Terapagos can be and just throw themselves into a situation that seems exciting. They don¡¯t weigh up the outcome.¡±

    My lips press together. In the mines, they have more than clearly conveyed the image of rash actions. Liko has confronted the Moltres as if it were in no way dangerous. That put them all in jeopardy. In general, they faced a powerful Pok¨¦mon without a plan, and even if it ended well in the end, I can¡¯t say I¡¯m convinced of this group¡¯s handling. I know how problematic rash ideas are and how much they can cost in the end. Hamber¡¯s words make sense. They are defending a Pok¨¦mon and investigating its secret without thinking about the consequences. The thought elicits a stifled laugh.

    ¡°Mocking our opponents?¡± Hamber probes.

    ¡°No...¡± With a thin smile on my lips, I look at him. ¡°I¡¯ve just realised I wouldn¡¯t act much differently if I were a member of the Rising Volt Tacklers. Because I ... often act first and think later, and I like to rush things.¡±

    ¡°Amethio told me about it.¡± We walk outside together. The battles are behind us and the rest of the Explorers are probably also slowly retreating. ¡°You have a strong sense of curiosity.¡±

    It¡¯s hard to say whether strong curiosity is deemed good or foolish in his world, but the gentle way he says it and the calmness of his demeanour give him something that leaves me with no negative feelings ¨C like a father who knows exactly how to walk the line between comfort and rebuke.

    ¡°My ¡®strong sense of curiosity¡¯ has put Amethio in one or two ... unpleasant situations,¡± I finally add. ¡°Since then, I¡¯ve at least tried to watch my step a little.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a good decision, but don¡¯t limit yourself too much.¡± A smirk appears on his lips. ¡°You want to be a professor. It¡¯s not a simple path, and every drop of interest you find is a valuable step forward on that journey. Amethio is a capable boy. A little chaos doesn¡¯t hurt him.¡±

    ¡°Because he¡¯s otherwise too focussed on his tasks?¡±

    ¡°He has a terrible urge to prove himself and likes to rush things in his own special way. I assume he faced the Rising Volt Tacklers without a plan?¡±

    ¡°We broke through the window.¡± My shoulders slump. ¡°Just like that.¡±

    ¡°That sounds a lot like him.¡±

    By now there are several metres between us and the castle, and the smoky chaos rising into the evening sky reminds me of the fight against Guzma. Back then, Raya sent a pillar of fire through the roof. Today, Amethio leaves no stone unturned, and it¡¯s amazing how differently we ultimately provoke the same chaos. We are in equal measure. He¡¯s just better at pretending he has everything under control.

    ¡°You seem like a friendly young lady to me,¡± Hamber starts again. ¡°A girl with goals and ideas that should be encouraged.¡± He turns to me. ¡°If you ever need help with that, you can always turn to me.¡±

    I stare at him for a breath, catching the moment when a shallow breeze blows his side-swept fringes away and a tired eye pops out ¨C shimmering with a violet glow.

    ¡°Besides,¡± he continues, ¡°I¡¯d be glad if you¡¯d continue to watch Amethio.¡±

    ¡°Continue to?¡± My shoulders tense. ¡°He¡¯s more likely to watch me.¡±

    A soft laugh overcomes Hamber. ¡°You see him. In your own way. If you realise that he¡¯s going too far and that he¡¯s bringing himself to his knees ... be a good girl and help him up, will you?¡±

    ¡°Why me?¡±

    ¡°Zir and Conia have found a place in this world thanks to Amethio. He reached out to them when they didn¡¯t know what to do. They would never question his decisions.¡± He clasps his hands behind his back. ¡°But he¡¯s not ... very popular with the other Explorers. They¡¯d take any opportunity to get rid of him. You¡¯re the only element in constant proximity that opposes him without wanting to harm him.¡±

    I want to say something, maybe even disagree, but I don¡¯t have the words. He¡¯s not wrong. Harming Amethio isn¡¯t on my list of things I want to achieve in life. Then again, I don¡¯t think there¡¯s any point in paying attention to him. He would never listen to me if I asked him to. His stubbornness won¡¯t allow it. My best reference remains the Lush Jungle.

    ¡°That probably won¡¯t help. I¡¯m ... looking for my own adventure and one day I want answers to some questions plaguing me for some time now.¡± Foremost, I want to fill in the gaps in my memory and understand why my childhood and everything before Alola is a blur. ¡°Amethio, however, wants to catch the black Rayquaza and I don¡¯t think he¡¯ll ever stop.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s stubborn,¡± Hamber replies. ¡°But I¡¯m sure one day he¡¯ll learn that Rayquaza isn¡¯t everything in his life. It¡¯s a long way until then, but I really hope that you¡¯ll stand by him, just like Zir and Conia.¡± Once again, he gives me a small smile. ¡°Deep down, he¡¯s a nice boy who doesn¡¯t want to admit many things, but he¡¯s true to his word.¡±

    The first trees are already covering us with their dense canopy of leaves.

    In the darkness, the castle is just an outline, losing shape at its corners. Here we can neither feel the vibrations nor hear the explosions ¨C perhaps the battle has ended completely by now and everyone has fled in a different direction.

    ¡°You should get back to the others.¡±

    One last time I look at Hamber. His gaze also seems to rest on the ruins. Just a moment longer than necessary before he turns away and follows the path further down ¨C through the tunnel. He leaves me behind and I don¡¯t dare run after him. The conversation between us is over. I don¡¯t want to provoke an awkward silence.

    Hands pressed into my sides, I take a deep breath. Then I pull the Rotom Phone out of my pocket and dial Amethio¡¯s number.

 Chapter 42: Tragedy V

    Conia is already waving from a distance as I approach the submarine. In the darkness, she¡¯s barely visible. We¡¯ve all returned on our own ¨C which means everyone used their Flying-type Pok¨¦mon while I had to walk back. The muscles in my thighs are burning and part of me wants to throw myself into a corner and not have to move another toe. The rest of me drags myself straight over to Conia.

    ¡°I assume the other two are already inside?¡± I gasp at the same moment I reach her.

    ¡°They are.¡± She glances briefly at the heavy metal. ¡°Zir¡¯s sat down at the controls and Amethio ... isn¡¯t talking much at the moment. Losing again has ... ruined his mood.¡±

    A curt sound of understanding escapes my throat as I follow her inside the submarine, listening to my echoing footsteps before we stride into the control room. Amethio is missing.

    ¡°We¡¯re all set?¡± Zir eyes me briefly before turning to Conia. Her barely perceptible nod elicits the same reaction from him. It is time-honoured understanding they share without a single unnecessary word. Almost as if all the audible statements are just for me, so I don¡¯t stand awkwardly on the sidelines.

    Inwardly, I shake off the thought before sliding down the wall to the floor and taking a breath. ¡°What¡¯s the next destination? Are we still going after the Rising Volt Tacklers?¡±

    ¡°Unova,¡± Zir replies without turning to face me. ¡°Conia and I could attach a few small tracking devices with a camera function to the Volt Tacklers¡¯ ship. That way, we know where they¡¯re going. Until they do something suspicious, we¡¯ll follow Hamber¡¯s orders.¡±

    Our original goal comes back into focus. Unova¡¯s headquarters, my uniform, a look behind the scenes of this organisation ¨C thousands of ideas that seem awfully small in the face of the tasks we¡¯re leaving behind. Terapagos is still in the hands of our opponents. They could cause a catastrophe at any time if they find out how to use this Pok¨¦mon properly. Yet Hamber¡¯s calm seems to influence me. He wasn¡¯t too worried about not getting his hands on the legendary Pok¨¦mon today. Presumably, our rivals are still a long way from solving the mystery surrounding Terapagos.

    Snorting, I put my head in my hands. I understand far too little about all this to give it any serious thought. It¡¯s better to trust the others and concentrate on what¡¯s in front of me. It¡¯s better to work with that than with worries that have no added value.

    As I force myself to my feet again, Conia glances in my direction. She seems to be waiting for something, a decision or a question, and I can¡¯t help but give her a crooked smile. ¡°I¡¯m going to get some fresh air. We¡¯re probably not diving, are we?¡±

    She doesn¡¯t answer, just nods, before turning back to her screen and noting a few words. Probably a report for the files, so Hamber can get a better overview of what happened. I watch her for a little longer than necessary before I actually turn away and make my way to the ladder that will get me out of here. But as soon as I grab the metal rods and look up, the unclouded view of the sky doesn¡¯t fit into my world. The hatch is open, even though I¡¯ve pulled it shut behind Conia, and if I didn¡¯t know any better, I¡¯d be worried about an intruder. But fact is, there¡¯s only one person on this ship who might be up there, and I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s wise to join him now. I could turn round and go to my cabin instead. The room is cramped, but it¡¯s enough to get some rest and not annoy anyone.

    My hands clench tighter around the metal. It would be a better decision to move and leave Amethio in peace, but I want to see him. The desire to look him in the face and understand what¡¯s going on inside him right now boils under my skin, pushing me forward and forcing me to climb the ladder slowly.

    The exit draws closer with every breath. It only takes a little further, two last steps, for me to join him. But my movements stop immediately when I recognise Ceruledge¡¯s inaudible murmur and Amethio¡¯s voice reaches down to me in a soft tone.

    ¡°I... I have to solve this mystery...¡± He sounds as if he is about to collapse under the weight of his tasks. Timid, vulnerable, nowhere near his usual rigidity. ¡°I need those answers.¡±

    It would be far too easy to show up now, corner him, and pry until he reveals all his thoughts to me. Instead, I remain in my position and start counting seconds. Two full minutes of crushing silence and the wind from the outside world cooling my skin. Only then do I push myself through the opening, careful to pretend I haven¡¯t noticed a thing.

    ¡°Hey.¡± It¡¯s a stupid, terribly inappropriate greeting. It just doesn¡¯t find a place between us ¨C not here and now. Yet it¡¯s all I can think of.

    ¡°Do you need anything?¡± There¡¯s nothing left of the soft sound of his voice. To me, he is simply the Amethio he always portrays. A little hard with his words and not interested in getting into topics unrelated to our mission.

    ¡°No,¡± I mutter quietly. ¡°I just wanted to get some air.¡±

    In slow steps, I push myself in his direction, my hands clasped behind my back and my gaze fixed on the starry sky. Thousands of lights draw uneven images above us, as if they are creating their own universe for us to observe and admire from down here. In Alola, I paid no attention to the art behind them. Now, at Amethio¡¯s side, I can indulge in this tranquillity.

    ¡°Do you have a plan after we dock in Unova?¡± After a few breaths, I turn to him. ¡°Or are we waiting for Hamber¡¯s next decision?¡±

    ¡°As soon as the circumstances arise, we¡¯ll continue hunting Rayquaza and take possession of Terapagos.¡±

    ¡°Which of the two has priority?¡±

    ¡°Rayquaza.¡±

    He doesn¡¯t have to think twice about my question. For him, it¡¯s clear who he wants to devote himself to and which task lingers secondarily in the back of his mind. As I told Hamber, he won¡¯t give up on this mysterious Pok¨¦mon. Not today, not tomorrow. And I can hardly imagine what would have to happen for him to change his mind about it. Hamber¡¯s words don¡¯t hold water for me right now. Still, I am prepared to follow Amethio. For now.

    The silence of unspoken words circles around us. We both look at the world in front of us, the sea ¨C glittering under the moonlight ¨C and the devouring blackness at the edge of the horizon. We both see the same thing and yet I am certain our thoughts could hardly be more different. He certainly doesn¡¯t think about how beautiful the sky sparkles and how the night changes our surroundings. He probably finds comfort in the sight of this image; a kind of solitude reminding of how sometimes we walk our path alone.

    ¡°I wonder how many people are standing outside right now, like us, musing under the stars.¡± A smile forms on my lips before I dare to glance sideways at Amethio. ¡°In the end, we¡¯re not as alone in our actions as we probably think.¡±

    He looks at me as if the very idea of thinking about others in a situation like this is strange. But he says nothing. Not a single negative sound escapes him ¨C until his shoulders slump.

    ¡°Maybe.¡±

    <hr>

    ¡· W H I S P E R S ¡¶

    <hr>

    It takes about four days to travel from Galar to Unova by submarine. Spending this time in such close quarters with three other people is draining in a way I¡¯m not used to. My head is so heavy I barely notice the tall facades of this city. There is a buzz of voices around every corner, vibrant clothing combines with eye-catching fashion and as we cross the threshold into the interior of a building, a cool breeze seems to hit me. Castelia City stays behind the doors.

    Sighing, I place the back of my hand on my forehead and try to collect my thoughts. There¡¯s a strange buzzing in my ears and although I¡¯ve slept well, I just want to close my eyes.

    ¡°It¡¯s unusual, isn¡¯t it?¡± When Conia appears beside me, I struggle to hum in agreement. ¡°The buzzing inside the submarine tends to get stuck in your head for a long time. Big cities quickly become exhausting afterwards.¡±

    ¡°Is there anything you can do about it?¡±

    ¡°Rest up for the day.¡± Her thumb points towards the exit. ¡°There are lovely coffee shops where you can sit down and let the change take effect.¡±

    Her words sound like a suggestion I can sympathise with. The monotonous corridors with their beige walls and the endless grey tiled floor already convey more tranquillity than the colourful mood outside. Yet the wide pathways seem terribly impersonal and only the signs on the walls, which serve as directions, presumably prevent the staff from getting lost.

    When we stop in front of a staircase, Amethio turns to me immediately. ¡°The Explorers¡¯ rooms are on the first floor ¨C together with a kitchen and a dining room. The rooms on this one are for meetings. On the second floor, you¡¯ll find places to train your Pok¨¦mon, as well as balls, potions, and other resources.¡± With a wave of his hand, he points to a lift a few steps away from the stairs. ¡°You¡¯ll get a staff card. Access to the third floor and everything above will only be granted on Hamber¡¯s instructions. The same applies to the basement where the researchers work.¡±

    ¡°Although I may allow you access to the depths of this building, too.¡±

    Out of nowhere, a warm voice nestles against my senses. My body reacts far too slowly, turning sluggishly so I can put a face to the sound. What meets me is the charming smile of a young man whose clothes seem more striking than those of Amethio. He bridges the last few metres to us in relaxed strides, but doesn¡¯t take his eyes off me for a moment.

    ¡°I¡¯ve already heard we have a new member to welcome.¡± He holds out his hand to me. ¡°Spinel. You must be Domino.¡±

    Before I can comprehend his greeting, Amethio shoves himself between us, causing Spinel¡¯s hand to drop and his eyes to take on a mocking gleam.

    ¡°What are you doing here?¡±

    ¡°I came to say hello to the new girl and give her this.¡± He doesn¡¯t flinch for a second. Instead, he reaches into the inside of his light-coloured uniform jacket and pulls out a card. His dark teal hair, sticking out wildly in places, frames his handsome face playfully as he tilts his head. ¡°Without her card, it might be difficult to open the doors ¨C or even use the lift.¡±

    Without further ado, Amethio snatches the card from him and I avoid commenting as Spinel pushes past him and approaches me again. His narrow but well-shaped eyes scrutinise me. ¡°If you need anything or have questions and Hamber doesn¡¯t have time, you can contact me.¡±

    With a smirk in Amethio¡¯s direction, he finally turns away and goes on his way. I can¡¯t help but look after him before turning my attention to the others. Zir and Conia have assumed a stiff stance, while a nervous twitch in Amethio¡¯s brow increases the tension in the group. He holds his nerve with difficulty before returning to his explanation as if nothing has happened.

    ¡°Your room number is on the card. The things from the airship were placed there.¡± Finally, his next words include us all. ¡°We¡¯ll be staying in Unova for a while. According to the tracking data, the Rising Volt Tacklers seem to be on their way here too.¡± He puts a hand to his side. ¡°It could be they¡¯ve set their sights on Domino.¡±

    Immediately I gasp, ready to ask, but also remember the encounter in the mine. My father has sent this crew after me and now that they know where I am, they¡¯re probably thinking about fulfilling their mission alongside their adventures. It seems like we¡¯re in a game where whoever has the better hand wins. In these breaths, the Volt Tacklers have the upper hand, shoving it straight into our faces.

    ¡°Until further orders follow, you¡¯re excused.¡±

    Conia¡¯s distant suggestion of a coffee shop moves back between my thoughts and while the group disbands and everyone goes their separate ways, I check my bank access. After everything that¡¯s happened in Alola, I¡¯ve organised my things a bit. Old clothes have been washed. My data has been transferred from my old mobile phone to the Rotom Phone and I¡¯ve given the old device to a collector who has reset it in front of me so it can be recycled and displayed in the distant future.

    With the almost 12,000 dollar I have left, I can afford a visit to the coffee shop. It¡¯s not far until next month and my first payout from the Explorers. From then on, I¡¯ll get double what I got from throwing Pyukumuku ¨C all for myself. The cost of my food, my uniform and its replacements, my accommodation and everything for my Pok¨¦mon will be covered by Gibeon. That¡¯s how it is for every member of the Explorers. All in all, I could hardly imagine anything more comfortable than standing on my own two feet, pursuing my desire for adventure, and making some money on the side without having to worry.

    This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    Straightening my shoulders, I finally turn on my heel. I can look at my room later. Every bit of exhaustion that previously put me in my place gives way to new enthusiasm; until I stride back out onto the city streets and the heat of the day burns down hard on me. I shield my eyes with one hand and glance over the people roaming around in friendly chatter. It¡¯s loud. Pidoves jump around on low walls or pick food scraps off the pavement. Cars occasionally pass along the wide streets and the fashion in this place keeps me spellbound for longer than necessary. The residents of Unova think little of floral shirts and loose shorts. Jewellery glitters on the ears and wrists of every other woman. Black garments create strong contrasts with bold colours. Sunglasses cover half of their faces, and every second man is wearing a suit.

    Everyone looks busy in a certain way, and I can¡¯t help but take a step back. I don¡¯t fit into this picture. Not with my airy clothes, the baggy green top and the ruffled jeans that just reach my calves. The pale yellow sandals, which go well with my training bag, look out of place with the rest of my clothes. It¡¯s impossible not to stand out in this crowd. Only the thought gives me the feeling some people are looking in my direction ¨C as if they want to shake their heads.

    Sweat on my forehead makes me swallow dryly as I wipe my hands on my trousers and finally take a step straight into the crowd. Along the way, I reach for my Rotom to get an overview of the city. It hasn¡¯t been long since I was last here. My father and I lived here before we moved to Alola. Still, I only have a hazy recollection of our life here ¨C a mosaic of holes and noise.

    To my left is the city¡¯s Pok¨¦mon Center. If I venture one street further in that direction, there are clothes shops, a Pok¨¦mon massage parlour and a hairdresser. There also seems to be a game shop and, even though I know nothing about video games, it doesn¡¯t seem wrong to try something new. It¡¯s just under fifteen minutes from here to a fairly popular caf¨¦. All options are open to me, so I grab a few scattered strands of hair from my side braid and rub the parched tips between my fingers.

    I am no longer within reach of my father. Little things for myself are possible. I am in a different region that seems almost new, and perhaps this is the point at which I should take a step towards change. My first decision, made in peace. So I head to the hairdresser. My fringes are stinging my eyes, anyway.

    After a few minutes¡¯ walk, during which I keep my eyes firmly on the ground, the beautifully decorated shop rises in front of me. A large pair of scissors is emblazoned above the black entrance door, adorned with curved letters telling me ¡°Hair Today¡±. As I enter, I am immediately enveloped by the sweet scent of rose petals. A breath later, I am approached by a woman with a beaming smile, pointing to an empty seat in front of a mirror. There are two other customers next to me, served by an Audino carrying biscuits on a tray.

    Stiffly, I settle down on the black chair and look into the overly large mirror in front of me. The entire atmosphere is so absurd it only slowly dawns on me I can¡¯t remember a single visit to the hairdresser. Have I ever been in contact with professional scissors? I remember having my hair cut and only the images in my head ¨C as vague as they look ¨C pull the corners of my mouth down.

    ¡°Sorry about the mess. I assume you want to get your hair cut?¡±

    I look at the woman behind me in the mirror for a moment before I let out a toneless, helpless laugh. ¡°I ... yes. I don¡¯t know. I want to change something and ... probably look better ... maybe?¡±

    ¡°I can see you¡¯re not sure what would work?¡±

    A nod overcomes me, so she pulls the elastic out of my hair with nimble fingers and my white strands fall down in disorder. They have grown longer. The front strands reach down to my shoulders and the rest below my chest. My purple tips are completely dried out and look as if a small child has used a felt-tip pen. She can¡¯t miss the split ends either.

    ¡°We¡¯ll have to trim it a bit. Does your hair always fall this well?¡±

    ¡°Only when I tie it in a knot after washing it. Otherwise, it¡¯s rather ... wild and wavy.¡±

    She runs a hand through the mess on my head. ¡°How about I cut your ends, we get rid of the purple and I show you how to shape it? Then it¡¯s worth leaving it loose.¡± The stranger purses her lips briefly. ¡°I should straighten your fringe, too. Your last hairdresser ... made sure it not only falls badly, but is also very uneven.¡±

    ¡°I ... cut that myself...¡± Sometime between our arrival in Alola and my decision to leave.

    ¡°The ... rest of your hair, too?¡±

    ¡°My father...¡±

    ¡°Oh...¡±

    <hr>

    ¡· W H I S P E R S ¡¶

    <hr>

    Changes are strange. At first, you feel unusually self-confident, as if you¡¯ve suddenly become something special. Immediately afterwards, you can¡¯t stop picking at the new features and wondering whether all this was really a good idea.

    The only thing stopping me from ruining the hairdresser¡¯s work are the two bags in my hands containing new clothes I scored in a boutique sale. These treasures bring me one step closer to the people of this region, but the question whether it was really wise to spend six thousand dollars when I¡¯ll probably be wearing a uniform most of the time will probably haunt my dreams.

    However, I cover the last few steps to Caf¨¦ Sonata with more vigour than before. I settle down at the first available seat ¨C a deserted table for four that is now all mine. The bags are placed on either side of me before my hands wander back to my head. My fingertips trace the straight line of my pony as I check once more whether the gentle waves down my shoulders have gone out of shape. Then I let out a sigh.

    While I was getting my hair cut and groomed, this stranger asked me what felt like three hundred questions, most of which I couldn¡¯t answer.

    ¡°Are you doing this little type change for someone?¡±

    I wanted to say ¡°no¡±, but then I had to think about the Explorers and this city and, yes, I probably did all this because I realised I should no longer look like a rowdy runaway.

    ¡°Is the hair colour natural?¡±

    Maybe. Maybe not. At least no colour grows in, so I assume something has gone wrong with me ¨C judging by the fact neither of my parents has white hair.

    ¡°Have you looked at this year¡¯s trendy summer hairstyles yet?¡±

    Fashion isn¡¯t a thing for me. I always wore what my father gave me and then only what I liked. There was never an issue of worrying too much about my appearance. As far as I can remember, my thoughts were always flooded with questions, closely followed by the desire to escape. Everything else never played a role. This is the first time I¡¯ve been able to put other ideas into my head; even the first time I¡¯ve been allowed to sit down in a caf¨¦ with hundreds of people passing by.

    This is the freedom I¡¯ve been looking for. The adventure with all its liberties, the beautiful moments and the opportunity to not have to worry about the next day because your father might suddenly turn up to explain you¡¯re moving again. I can touch Pok¨¦mon. My team is with me. And as I lean back in my chair and look at the clear sky above me, I can¡¯t hold back the wetness in my eyes. Here, my father can¡¯t stop me from smiling at the waitress and ordering a lemonade with a slice of cake. He can¡¯t stop me from stroking a passing Rockruff. He has no more power over me. Not here. Not now.

    ¡°Excuse me, is this seat free?¡±

    My shoulders shrug as a brunette approaches me. She has leant down slightly towards me so her white top almost allows me to see into her cleavage and when I notice the heavy-looking red earrings, I find it even harder to categorise her.

    ¡°Sure,¡± I reply, so she sits down on the chair opposite me, snorting. She doesn¡¯t fit in with the image of this city any more than I do with my clothes. Her outfit reminds me of Kukui¡¯s casual demeanour.

    She combines a green miniskirt with red, well-worn trainers and the grey lab coat on her body was probably once white. Her appearance conveys chaos, which is all too familiar to me, and as the corners of my mouth twitch upwards slightly, her interest wanders in my direction. Raising a thin eyebrow, she studies me for a second before holding out her hand.

    ¡°Aurea Juniper,¡± she introduces herself. ¡°Pok¨¦mon professor. But I think you¡¯ve already noticed the latter, judging by the look on your face. What gave me away? The coat?¡±

    ¡°The coat,¡± I confirm as I take her hand and a charming laugh sneaks onto her red-painted lips. ¡°I¡¯m Domino Simpell. Can you tell me your area of expertise?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be so formal!¡± She waves it off. ¡°I specialise in the origins of Pok¨¦mon ¨C how long they¡¯ve been in this world, where they come from and where they go.¡± She places her order on the side and although my drink and cake appear at the same moment, I hold back. ¡°Are you interested in research?¡±

    I take a sip of my lemonade, feel the tingle in my throat and have to clear it. ¡°To be more precise, I¡¯m on my way to becoming a professor myself.¡±

    ¡°In what field?¡± She leans in my direction again, a curious gleam in her eyes.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know yet. First, I want to take some exams and get to know everything ... evenly.¡±

    ¡°I see. So you¡¯re planning to take your first exam here in Unova?¡±

    It¡¯s the most natural next step for me. It¡¯s time I dare to advance. I can¡¯t wait forever to feel ready for a test, and after all the books and Pok¨¦dex entries I¡¯ve rummaged through, I¡¯m almost certain I can do it. Still, my conscience longs for more certainty.

    ¡°That¡¯s the plan. Is there a particular topic I should prepare for, or will the questions cover every area?¡±

    She briefly puts a hand to her chin. ¡°It¡¯s been a long time since I took the first exam... But I think you stick to basic knowledge about Pok¨¦mon and their habitats on the first run. The last part is a bit difficult. But nothing you can¡¯t find out with a bit of research.¡±

    I breathe a sigh of relief. Asking was the right idea. I can provide basic knowledge about Pok¨¦mon, but I¡¯ll look up the habitats of some of them just to be on the safe side.

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t worry too much,¡± Juniper explains in the meantime. ¡°As long as you get no less than fifty per cent in this test, you¡¯ve as good as passed. The first step is probably the easiest on the path to becoming a professor.¡±

    ¡°That sounds a little worrying for everything that follows.¡± My shoulders slump before I pick up my fork and Juniper is served her coffee.

    ¡°It usually looks harder than it is. The important thing is not to worry.¡±

    The day I can approach an exam with so much confidence will probably be the day I stop worrying about my future, which has elbowed me in the side out of nowhere. Still, I agree with her, because in the end, her view is the right one. Maybe I¡¯ll find some peace in the exam room if I think of it as another adventure with no consequences should I fail.

    ¡°If you need help with anything or would like to barricade yourself in a lab for a fortnight,¡± she pulls her Rotom from a pocket of her lab coat, ¡°you¡¯re welcome to contact me.¡± In the next blink of an eye, she shoves her number in front of me. ¡°Only if you want to.¡±

    I can¡¯t possibly refuse. As a professor, there¡¯s probably never enough socialising and if I start now, it can only benefit me later. So I save her number and write her a brief message so she receives mine, too.

    Within a few moments, Professor Juniper becomes an acquaintance that slowly and gradually gains momentum when she finally asks where I come from and what brings me to Unova. Besides, she also orders cake, so we end up connecting between desserts, several drinks and stories. I tell her about Alola, the Ultra Beasts and Burnet. She, in turn, gives me an insight into her research, which she started as a little girl. She is now almost thirty and her knowledge of Pok¨¦mon is so extensive she can even explain how the Pok¨¦mon Klink must have appeared out of nowhere almost a hundred years ago, as there is no other evidence of its existence before then. Her passion resonates in her every word and as the sunset bathes the window facades in an orange glow, we finally break away from our discussion.

    ¡°The doors to my lab are always open to you!¡± Laughing, she puts both hands on her hips. ¡°I¡¯d love to show you one day how I took my samples and how I tracked the Pok¨¦mon in this way.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll get back to you on that.¡± Maybe, someday, when the time is right and I¡¯m sure I can contribute something to this meeting. That¡¯s not today, not tomorrow, and probably not even next year. But I hope at some point I will be able to talk to others about research and bring my own knowledge to the table. Today, all I can do is raise my hand and wave goodbye to Juniper ¨C gently and barely noticeably, because this city doesn¡¯t approve of excessive movements. At least, I can¡¯t remember a time when anyone here has ever been exuberant.

    With a heavy sigh, I collect my bags, put the money on the table to pay and mourn the fact I am now broke. Still, my day was a complete success. A change happened. I am ready to let go of many things and get to know others and all I need now is a plan for the time I will spend with the Explorers in Unova.

    When we will leave this region hasn¡¯t been decided yet. The Rising Volt Tacklers remain an unknown component of this stay for now, which means we¡¯ll be waiting here for a while. When our opponents get here, there¡¯s a good chance we¡¯ll make the acquaintance of other special Pok¨¦mon in some way. Terapagos will be there and maybe we¡¯ll finally meet Rayquaza again. Anything can happen.

    Slowly, I set off, leaving the caf¨¦ behind and letting my gaze wander. Phone conversations filter through to me in a wild confusion ¨C tense exchanges, shouting on the sidelines, whimpering in the shadows of some corners of the buildings. Everyone faces their day differently. This makes Castelia City a little more colourful, although no less monochrome in its appearance. To live well in this place, it¡¯s necessary to like the reflected heat of the almost all-glass buildings. Under my skin, it leaves the same unpleasant emptiness as Alola. I don¡¯t belong here. This place is just a stopover.

    ¡°I¡¯m telling you, open your eyes!¡±

    Distant sounds of approval draw my interest away from the thoughts of the city. People are cheering, someone is trying to overpower them, and when I recognise a small gathering from a distance, assembled in front of a fountain to listen to a man on the stone ledge, I step closer.

    ¡°They do our work, being snatched from their natural habitats and thrown into spaces that are all too cramped for them. Worse, in fact, some of them spend most of their existence in Pok¨¦ Balls!¡±

    My body squeezes between the onlookers until I emerge in the front row and get a better view of the circumstances. Four men, standing upright with one arm behind their backs to maintain their posture in front of their superiors, stare into the void. Wearing uniform outfits ¨C someone seems to consider the combination of a blue hoodie with a white overlay and black full-body fabric underneath to be elegant ¨C they hold the gloved fingers of one hand near a badge with an ornately embroidered ¡°P¡±. The man, meanwhile, who is giving his speech, wears a wide, purple robe pressing against his lean torso with every breeze.

    ¡°Some catch Pok¨¦mon to put them in a storage system where they stay forever. They stay locked in their balls for years until they die.¡±

    My hands clench into fists. This bunch tells the same story heard on the news. They take to the streets to preach what some people deliberately switch off. They are probably hoping to be heard by all those who would otherwise pretend to be deaf ¨C set up like a small sect to attract attention.

    ¡°Pok¨¦mon should not be treated like cattle by us humans. It¡¯s our responsibility to take a step in the right direction and set them free to restore the balance between humans and Pok¨¦mon!¡±

    A quick snort escapes me. They¡¯re imagining a world in which friendships are prevented and hindered in order to pursue an idea that is far too radical for such a complex world. I can¡¯t imagine what it would be like to no longer have Ying by my side, and I don¡¯t think Mimikyu would be happy to be out there alone again. Not every Pok¨¦mon is made for a life without humans ¨C I¡¯m sure of that.

    ¡°They have big ideals, don¡¯t they?¡±

    When someone approaches me from the side, I turn my gaze in a flash to a boy whose steel-grey eyes rest wearily on mine. His bitten lower lip sticks out red.

    ¡°For many people, such ideals are ... difficult to understand. But I think everyone will realise the goal behind these things one day.¡±

 Chapter 43: Peoples dreams I

    ¡°The goal of separating two sides that belong together?¡± I raise my eyebrows in disbelief as I scrutinise the guy in front of me. His hair is as green as a fresh meadow in spring and at least as unruly as my Zoroark¡¯s mane. ¡°Isn¡¯t that excessive?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s exactly what we need to give the Pok¨¦mon the world they deserve. Otherwise, they are ... exploited, betrayed, and abandoned. Every day.¡± He seems in thought as he reaches for the long necklace with a strange black pendant dangling from the end. ¡°Pok¨¦mon need to be freed from trainers.¡±

    He probably sees the world a little more bleakly than I did after Mimikyu was injured. The daily news reports are unpleasant, I can¡¯t deny it. Deaths are soaring every day, many trainers show no understanding and some missteps by the big names at the top add fuel to the fire ¨C but I also know this is only one side of this world. Amethio and his sidekicks all look after their Pok¨¦mon carefully and lovingly. Lillie has given her all to save Nebby, and even Lusamine, despite her bad choices, has given many endangered Pok¨¦mon a home in Aether Paradise.

    ¡°Some of them for sure,¡± I finally reply. ¡°If we put accidents and wrong actions aside, there are certainly some Pok¨¦mon better off without humans. But that¡¯s not true for all of them.¡±

    ¡°You think there are Pok¨¦mon that like to live under the control of their trainers? Rather than in freedom?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure there are as many opinions as there are Pok¨¦mon in the world.¡± I shrug my shoulders briefly. My point of view from back then remains unchanged: For me, it¡¯s enough if I don¡¯t contribute to the bad statistics on TV. ¡°All I know is my team belongs to me and it probably wouldn¡¯t be happy if I set it free and expect it to forget about me.¡±

    ¡°Anyone would say that.¡± The grip on his pendant loosens, causing his arm to fall weakly.

    ¡°And if you look closely, you¡¯ll know who¡¯s telling the truth and who isn¡¯t.¡± I look up one last time at the man, whose short, white-blonde hair makes his gaunt face look even more haggard. ¡°Instead of preaching about a world that doesn¡¯t favour either side, you should think about changes in the right places. Everything else is just ... over the top.¡±

    In the end, I turn away from the stranger and make my way back to the headquarters. There¡¯s no room for me in this place. I can¡¯t share the opinion of this crowd and my wishes won¡¯t be fulfilled if I put down roots here.

    Painstakingly, I push my way through the crowd once more and let out a relieved groan as I emerge on the other side. My purchases are intact and the conversation fades into the background. Instead, I turn my attention to my walk back ¨C which eats up a whole twenty minutes of my day. The sun is already casting its last rays of light over the city when I arrive at the headquarters and drag myself inside, exhausted. I don¡¯t encounter anyone in the corridors and the card Spinel gave me allows me to ascend to the first floor quickly, where room doors are widely spaced. On my card stands number seven, so I follow the small numbers stamped into the walls until I stop in front of the right doorway and swipe the plastic card through a reader, which allows me to enter my realm.

    Three wide windows on the opposite side let in the last light of the day and the stuffy smell, because the windows have probably been closed for a while, scratches my throat. However, it is clean here, a large bed has been covered with light blue bed linen and a bedside table on each side features a globe to serve as my lamp. My box and backpack have been placed in the centre of the room, so the two shelves and the expansive desk appear bare. Next to it, in a wardrobe, hangs the same uniform that Conia is wearing.

    Before I can concentrate on anything else, I have no choice but to make these four walls more attractive. So I clear out the box, fill one shelf, stow my clothes next to the spare uniforms in the wardrobe, place notepads on the desk and look several times at the almost gigantic computer screen, which seems like a foreign object in my world. The two eyes at the top follow my every move, so I nod at them once before they blink. There can only be a Rotom in this shell.

    It¡¯s already dark outside when I throw myself onto my chair and look at the distant lights behind the windowpanes. They are bright enough that I don¡¯t need to switch on a lamp. A glance at the clock reveals seven in the evening and the growling of my stomach awakens the desire to push myself to my feet and stroll into the kitchen. However, my body weighs so heavily, I remain motionless in my seat and lean my head back.

    Briefly, I close my eyes. The day creeps through my thoughts once again. The encounter with Juniper brings a smile to my lips, while the conversation with the stranger makes the corners of my mouth turn downwards. I can understand his views, but I hope that one day he will realise how much we all benefit from a proper balance. Perhaps these people who are now pleading for separation can one day contribute positively to change. Ultimately, it¡¯s just one of those spectacles you watch from the outside.

    ¡°Out...¡±

    A twitch runs through my muscles, so I sit up straight instantly and survey my surroundings. It takes two breaths before I realise it¡¯s a sound in my head.

    ¡°We have to get out of here. Unseen, before those monsters catch us,¡± a honey-soft voice says.

    ¡°And then? Come back at dawn so they don¡¯t hunt us? I¡¯ll destroy them if I get out of here! Idiots, all of them!¡±

    Snorts thunder through my skull, and a part of me thinks I¡¯ve heard that sound before. But so many things have been coming at me recently it¡¯s hard to sort half of them out. Each Pok¨¦mon has its own sound, its own way of speaking, and many of them I¡¯ve only heard a few times so far. The only creature I¡¯ll probably remember is Nebby. Maybe because it left a different impression than Rayquaza, the Tapu, or even Moltres; maybe because we were talking to each other.

    ¡°We should calm down. Humans can be negotiated with...¡± interjects the soft sound of a female voice.

    ¡°Negotiate? Have you fallen on your head?¡± counters the snappy creature among them. ¡°I¡¯m telling you, we¡¯re not here because they¡¯re up to something good. You should take your kindness and go bury it!¡±

    ¡°I hate to say it, but there¡¯s a point,¡± someone interjects in a low tenor.

    ¡°And this from someone who avoids fights and usually prefers to hide lazily somewhere...¡± Soundless laughter shakes through my bones. ¡°That¡¯s saying something.¡±

    Swallowing hard, I run my hands over my face before pulling myself together. Wherever these voices are coming from, the best-case scenario is that I find their owners and help them. So I slowly make my way into the corridor. The artificial lighting is so bright it stings my eyes for a moment. I have to blink a few times until I no longer feel like I¡¯m standing in a sandstorm. Then I force myself forward.

    ¡°Humans are nothing more than selfish creatures. It was already hard enough to find the good ones in our home. If that plague from outside hadn¡¯t invaded-¡°

    ¡°She has nothing to do with it! You don¡¯t even know her!¡±

    A babble of voices breaks out. Everyone has something to argue, and as I step into the lift to get to the first floor, the volume rises. I want to believe I¡¯m close. But my orientation remains vague.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think so either,¡± interjects the previously most argumentative voice. ¡°She¡¯s kind, a little too gentle for my taste, but a girl with potential who wouldn¡¯t make any nasty plans. She would give her life to help others. Something I have to give her credit for ¨C even if it makes her terribly stupid.¡±

    ¡°That doesn¡¯t change anything!¡± hisses another creature. ¡°She¡¯s joined the parasites!¡±

    ¡°I already told you she¡¯s not clever! Are you deaf?¡±

    ¡°Please ... calm down. We have to stick together to get through this.¡±

    My steps lead me down one of the still unexplored corridors. There are supposed to be conference rooms somewhere here and the door down to the labs is probably lurking somewhere as well. Maybe I¡¯ll find someone to help me find it.

    ¡°As long as you¡¯re arguing, I¡¯m going to curl up in the corner here and close my eyes. It¡¯s been a long time since I¡¯ve been looked at with such curiosity.¡±

    ¡°If you sleep now, people might suffocate you in your sleep. I wouldn¡¯t put it past them.¡±

    ¡°By Arceus, if I wasn¡¯t sitting in this glass box, I¡¯d probably smack you both!¡±

    ¡°We need to stay calm and work together, please!¡±

    The throbbing behind my forehead gets so bad for a moment I have to lean against the wall as my surroundings fade into distorted black flickers. Pressing my lips together, I swallow down the growing nausea.

    ¡°Are you all right?¡±

    When someone puts a hand on my shoulder, my whole body jumps. Hastily, I whirl around, a sharp intake of breath in my throat, my eyes wide open ¨C until I spot Spinel. For a moment, he looks just as surprised as I am, before he tilts his head and lowers his arm.

    ¡°You look like you¡¯ve met a Haunter.¡± A faint smile spreads across his features. ¡°Are you looking for someone?¡±

    Clenching my hands into fists, I try to suppress the shaking of my shoulders before taking a deep breath. ¡°I ... hear Pok¨¦mon.¡±

    ¡°Right now?¡±

    He takes a step closer and puts his hands on my shoulders again. The warmth of another travelling through my body calms my still racing heart. Yet I can only vaguely nod.

    ¡°What are they talking about?¡±

    ¡°They seem to be locked up somewhere and want to escape, but don¡¯t quite know how ... which is why they¡¯re arguing.¡± The scent of roses reaches my nose, mingling faintly with cinnamon as Spinel leans down slightly and examines me seriously.

    ¡°Can you tell where they¡¯re at?¡±

    I open my mouth, but can¡¯t get anything out straight away. It¡¯s only when I break away from his wondrously bright red eyes that my thoughts sort themselves out. ¡°No. I try, but it¡¯s like shouting into the forest, echoing from all sides. I can only guess which direction is the right one.¡±

    It¡¯s a kind of gut feeling that has already put me in an awkward position with Rayquaza in the Lush Jungle. It¡¯s hardly any different here. All I can do is continue to guess blindly, hoping to find the path behind which the answer lurks.

    ¡°And right now? Can you still hear them, those voices?¡±

    My gaze meets Spinel¡¯s again and the tension in his expression seems to join the restlessness inside me. But the sounds in my head have faded. The rushing silence sweeping over my senses doesn¡¯t let another word get through to me.

    ¡°No... not anymore...¡±

    <hr>

    ¡· W H I S P E R S ¡¶

    <hr>

    I can barely keep my eyes open as I try to spread the jam on the toast, awkwardly splitting the slice in two. My breakfast looks as if it has made acquaintance with the cheerful aggression of a Salamence and when I drop the knife clattering next to the tray, I can only put my head between my hands. Last night was far too long.

    ¡°I see you regret not going to bed earlier.¡±

    Gentle words nestle against my senses and as soon as I release my head from the darkness of my palms, Spinel moves into view. He sits down next to me, carrying a bowl of fruit and a perfectly prepared bread roll.

    ¡°A bit...¡± I return, my gaze falling back on my breakfast disaster. ¡°But I was ... hoping to find those voices again.¡±

    Instead of answering, Spinel gives a sympathetic hum and I¡¯m almost glad Amethio and the other two aren¡¯t here to provoke an argument with him. After all, he¡¯s spent half the night looking for the Pok¨¦mon with me and discussing ways to find them. Ultimately, we were unsuccessful, but for the first time in a long while, I didn¡¯t feel alone with the whispers in my senses. Someone was there. And that someone proved to be a nice guy who was genuinely interested in my ability and eager to help me.

    ¡°Did you sign up for your first professor exam yesterday?¡± With pointed fingers, Spinel grabs a strawberry.

    ¡°No,¡± I sigh as I break a small corner off my toast and pop it into my mouth. ¡°I ... just let the city work its magic on me.¡±

    If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    ¡°I could see that.¡± He runs a finger through a strand of my hair. ¡°A type change to shake off Alola?¡±

    ¡°More or less.¡± Telling him about all the things that went through my head would probably bore him. What¡¯s more, we don¡¯t know each other well enough for it to make sense to pour my heart out to him ¨C even if there is something strangely pleasant about his presence.

    When he holds out his bowl of fruit to me, my thoughts fade temporarily. ¡°If you want, I can show you where to go.¡±

    I grab a piece of apple in a flash. The delicious sweetness is nothing like the accident on my plate. ¡°You want to come with me?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve got some time.¡±

    It¡¯s not in my power to refuse his offer. Castelia City is big enough to get lost in, and even if I have Rotom by my side and can use a city map for safety, walking around with someone sounds a lot more pleasant. Whatever Conia and Zir are doing right now, I¡¯m willing to bet they¡¯re busy. I can¡¯t ask them to spend a bit of time with me to give me a chance to get to know them all better. So I take him up on his offer.

    He seems to be able to spend the whole day with me, so we make our way to the research institute after breakfast. Dressed in my uniform, my appearance feels strangely important and although I can¡¯t say I¡¯m comfortable in a knee-length skirt, I can¡¯t say I dislike the overall impression either.

    Spinel too remains in the attire that probably characterises him as an admin and although I find the dark blue short cloak almost a little exuberant, Spinel exudes a self-confidence I can¡¯t counter. While I feel like I¡¯m attracting everyone¡¯s attention, he glides through the crowds like a shadow. Now and then he glances over his shoulder to make sure I¡¯m still there and as the distance between us grows, he slows down to fall into line beside me.

    ¡°You¡¯re not used to cities? I thought Alola had urban centres too.¡±

    ¡°Probably, but I didn¡¯t have time to push my way through them.¡± My shoulders slump as I bump into someone and curtly apologise for not paying attention. ¡°When you¡¯re on the run, cities like this go by quickly.¡±

    ¡°Sounds exciting.¡±

    Before I know it, Spinel grabs me by the arm and pulls me towards him before I can collide with anyone again. However, he only lets go when we arrive at a small area near the fountain, whose colourful boundaries look like a small basketball court.

    ¡°How about a friendly match?¡± Slowly, his fingers slide off my clothes before he glances at his Rotom. ¡°The crowd will die down in half an hour.¡±

    He doesn¡¯t seem the type to get into a fight in the middle of so many people and the slightly raised eyebrows and the gentle twitch of the corners of his mouth reveal he¡¯s only suggesting it for my sake. But it¡¯s also a good way of letting time pass and allowing the busy crowd to fade into the background.

    ¡°One Pok¨¦mon?¡± While I¡¯m still waiting for his answer, I slip backwards into one field.

    ¡°As you wish. We can also send three into battle.¡±

    My team would probably like it if they all got a go. Lately, they only come out of their balls at mealtimes, or when I let them run free for a few hours on the side. There was hardly any room for them in the submarine. Ying has grown too big for me to keep her by my side all the time. Growlithe is too easily distracted and Mimikyu succumbs to exhaustion far too quickly. All that remains is Eevee, whose interest in me is so low he can only be roused for fights.

    ¡°I think one is enough,¡± I finally reply. If I fulfil Eevee¡¯s wish, he might be convinced to befriend me after all.

    During the training sessions against the others, Lum proved his skills. Lusamine was a few sizes too big for him, but he often showed courage against Conia¡¯s Golduck. So I dig his Pok¨¦ Ball out of the barely visible pocket of my black skirt and cradle it between my gloved fingers for a moment. I hope we¡¯ll get along better one day.

    Spinel lets me go first, so I send Lum into battle without a word. His puffy brown fur fluffs up briefly before he looks in my direction, realises the circumstances, and swells his chest to face them.

    My opponent looks at Eevee for a moment before an almost peaceful smile appears on his lips ¨C as if he is remembering something. Immediately afterwards, he throws one of his balls and what I see in my next breath makes Spinel¡¯s expression more understandable.

    Black as night and marked by golden rings in its fur, the mighty figure of an Umbreon looks at us. Eevee could walk upright under it and still have room to move upwards. It¡¯s another opponent clearly towering over Lum, but my partner¡¯s puffed-up tail makes a difference to other fights. He has probably already realised his opponent is one of the many variants he could one day evolve into.

    ¡°Ready?¡± Without further ado, Spinel snaps me out of my musings. He gives me the time I need to mentally adjust to the fight and when I nod, he lets me start our battle.

    ¡°Quick attack!¡±

    Lum¡¯s fur seems to build up a little more before he moves. Whenever his tiny paws hit the ground, he speeds up until a soft shimmer flickers across his body and he disappears from sight. Only when he emerges behind Umbreon, ready to throw his body against his opponent¡¯s, does movement enter the field. Without further ado, Umbreon leaps forward, then to the side to avoid Eevee¡¯s attack. In the next blink, it lets out a drawn-out sound that thunders so violently in the ears Lum falls on his backside and presses his paws against his skull.

    ¡°Copy them!¡± A firm, almost meaningless command from Spinel fixes my gaze on his partner, who can¡¯t stop itself from taking advantage of Lum¡¯s temporary weakness and throwing itself against his body with a quick attack.

    Torn from his position, Eevee flies back, hits the side and gets back on his paws in the same instant. His provocative snarl only elicits a snort from Umbreon. With his next breath, Lum no longer seems to want to wait for orders.

    Bright energy bursts from his body as he charges towards Umbreon and leaps a few metres in front of it. In a gallant half-turn, he smashes the light down on his opponent in the shape of stars ¨C without hitting it. Umbreon¡¯s paws are so nimble it dodges with ease. Every single star smashes into the ground, kicking up dirt but achieving nothing else.

    Just as Lum lands on all fours, Umbreon bridges the gap. It throws itself so hard against Eevee he is torn from his paws again, but this time he flies in my direction. Spreading my arms, I immediately drop to my knees to catch him. But he stops halfway, extends his claws and slams them into the sandy training ground. He comes to a halt two steps ahead of me.

    ¡°Lum, you can¡¯t just attack!¡± We need a strategy. Umbreon is stronger than us. We need better cooperation to win. ¡°Try tack-¡°

    He doesn¡¯t let me finish before plunging back into the fray. Towards Conia¡¯s Golduck, he did everything I wanted. But this Umbreon seems to trigger something in him I can¡¯t control. In these seconds, Lum is fighting alone. All I can do is watch.

    In hasty leaps, Eevee bridges the distance to his opponent. He actually seems to try his hand at tackle and for a moment, I hope we simply had the same thought. But when he suddenly stops, jumps off and sends his hind legs crashing down on the Umbreon in a double kick, the warning sticks in my throat. Spinel beats me to it.

    ¡°Umbreon, foul play!¡±

    Before I know it, his partner raises its front paws, slides Eevee¡¯s legs down too far in a single touch and uses the momentum threatening to yank Lum¡¯s upper body forward to smash a clean kick against its opponent¡¯s fluffy chest with a light jump. The gasping sound of Eevee tugs at me, and when he crashes to the ground and stops moving for a moment, I know he can¡¯t fight any longer.

    With heavy steps, I detach from my position and push myself over to Lum. He struggles to get back on his paws, but the weakness in his muscles gets the better of him. When I lean down to stroke his slightly dirty fur, he averts his eyes. His icy rejection settles like a knot in my stomach. Then Spinel crouches down beside me.

    ¡°It seems a little wilful,¡± he remarks, before placing his hand on Lum¡¯s fur and piquing his interest. ¡°It will probably become very strong one day.¡±

    I hope so. His goal is to become strong enough to attract everyone¡¯s attention ¨C or at least Conia¡¯s. Our teamwork is sufficient. Lum usually does what he¡¯s supposed to do when I ask him to. That¡¯s all I get from him, I suppose, and I think it¡¯s okay. I take him along to fulfil his wish. That¡¯s our relationship.

    Eventually, Eevee pulls himself to his feet. He has no injuries, is just down from the fight, and allows me to call him back to his ball without protest. As soon as he lands back in my skirt pocket with the others, I knock some dust off the fabric and get into an upright position. Spinel follows my example.

    ¡°How about something to drink?¡± He turns towards a kiosk just a few steps away from us. The waiting line is reasonable. ¡°I could get something.¡±

    ¡°That ... would be very kind of you.¡±

    For a moment, I watch Spinel turn away from me. The next, I settle down on a nearby bench and take a deep breath. A strange heaviness inside tugs at my previously light mood and I think part of me can¡¯t handle unexpected resistance from a Pok¨¦mon. The last time no one listened to me, Mimikyu nearly died.

    My hands feel damp as I push a few strands of hair behind my ear and try not to think about it. It doesn¡¯t help anyone if I get hung up on past events. Even if I can¡¯t simply ignore the memory and the feeling, at least I have the freedom to think about them briefly. I think that¡¯s a working strategy. A compromise in which I don¡¯t simply repress and yet don¡¯t drown completely in all the mistakes I¡¯ve made.

    ¡°Your Eevee seems to love fighting a lot.¡±

    My gaze swings hastily to the side as someone who looks almost familiar sits down next to me. His wild green hair is so long it touches the bench.

    ¡°More than you, I¡¯d argue.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re still lurking around here?¡± Instead of answering, my shoulders slump and I lean forward.

    ¡°I live nearby,¡± he returns. ¡°You too?¡±

    ¡°You could say that.¡± I slowly cross my legs and rest my head in one hand. ¡°You saw the fight?¡±

    ¡°From start to finish.¡± His gaze breaks away from me as he turns to the sky. ¡°It wanted to win that battle so badly, to prove it could be better than an Umbreon. Your Eevee has firm ideas about what it wants to be one day.¡±

    ¡°And you could see all that in our short battle?¡±

    ¡°Those were its words. ¡®I¡¯m better than that.¡¯ ¡®One day she¡¯ll look at me and hold me in her arms.¡¯¡± His eyelids lower. ¡°It pines for your love and you ... why do you have this Eevee by your side?¡±

    ¡°Because he doesn¡¯t want my love,¡± I reply softly. ¡°He¡¯s on my team because he wants to get stronger by my side to please someone else.¡± A soundless laugh escapes me. ¡°My affection has no value in his world.¡±

    His attention immediately turns back in my direction. His mouth slightly open, he seems to want to say something, but remains silent. It takes a moment before I realise the circumstances between us and my whole body takes a stance.

    ¡°You understood what Eevee said?¡±

    He merely manages a curt nod as he folds his hands in the lap of his beige-grey trousers. The three golden, angular bracelets on one side clink slightly, while the leather one on the other conveys the same silence as he does.

    ¡°Me too,¡± I mutter under my breath. ¡°Not all of them. Only certain ones among them. Probably only legendary ones. But ... me too.¡±

    His eyes widen and the throbbing in my chest, pushing my breath across my lips in gasps, clings to hope I can barely grasp. Is there really someone who can understand Pok¨¦mon? Even better than me?

    ¡°You¡¯re the first person I¡¯ve met with that ability...¡± His mouth barely moves as he throws the words between us in disbelief, his gaze fixed on me. He believes me without questioning further, so I tighten my shoulders and feel relief flutter in my stomach. ¡°Have you ever spoken to a legendary Pok¨¦mon before?¡±

    ¡°I have.¡± My thoughts immediately turn to Nebby. ¡°It was a ... wonderful creature that promised to help me if I ever needed its help. I think it¡¯s discovering the world at the moment. Maybe it¡¯s back with Lillie too... She isn¡¯t a trainer, but she did everything she could to help it out of a difficult situation. The two of them ended up being friends.¡±

    They certainly did. Lillie always took care of Lunala. They both travelled all over Alola because she wanted to bring it home and no one can deny they both shared deep bonds.

    ¡°Friends?¡± The corners of his mouth droop. ¡°Do you really think they were friends? Or did the Pok¨¦mon perhaps just want to settle a debt?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure of it. What makes you doubt that a friendship between humans and Pok¨¦mon is possible?¡±

    ¡°The news, the cruel battles, the certainty that many Pok¨¦mon want to please their trainers because they¡¯re afraid of the consequences.¡± He lowers his head. ¡°Can we really say they want the things they do for us?¡±

    Retorts die in my throat. I want to reassure him that these kinds of friendships exist, but I don¡¯t have the words. Maybe Lunala really only offered its help because we helped it.

    I barely noticeably shake my head.

    I can say my team is on my side.

    ¡°Then let me say that apart from Eevee, me and my team are building on each other. My Zoru- ... Zoroark has my back without me ever doing much for her. She took the first step and even now she does a lot more for me than I do for her.¡± The thought brings a smile to my lips. ¡°Besides, there¡¯s my Trumbeak Coro. When I lost a fight with Zoroark and didn¡¯t know what to do ... he just jumped out of the meadow and threw himself into battle for me. We¡¯d never met before that. He wanted to go on a journey, just like me. And that victory back then was our first step together.¡±

    His head lifts and his grey eyes scrutinise me as if he wants to make sure I¡¯m not joking. He soaks up every word I say and his attention makes me just keep talking.

    ¡°Besides, some people are very concerned about the well-being of their Pok¨¦mon. Someone gave me a Growlithe because it wouldn¡¯t have been happy on the berry farm where it was. The previous owner knew his Pok¨¦mon liked to fight and when I helped him, he realised his partner would probably get a lot more out of life with me.¡± My face seems to lose its vigour as I exhale gloomily. ¡°Not everything is bad, just as not everything is good. My Mimikyu ... struggled to survive. She was lonely, left behind, and all she wanted was someone to like her. Over time, she learnt to talk and ... as we sat together in an abandoned supermarket ... she was convinced we were less lonely as a duo.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re saying the Pok¨¦mon have a good life in the hands of humans?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m saying that we live in a cruelly wonderful world.¡±

    Something I only realised when I started my journey. I knew I didn¡¯t want to contribute to the statistics you see on TV. The people I met were always good to their Pok¨¦mon. Leaving Melemele proved the ups and downs of the shared world between humans and Pok¨¦mon.

    Wishiwashi, whose polluted habitat led to mutation.

    Lillie, who did everything she could to help Nebby.

    Mirra, who was thrown aside like rubbish.

    The old man who only wanted the best for Raya.

    Guzma, who was worried about his Golisopod in Ultra Space.

    The Nihilego, whose manipulation led to Lusamine¡¯s fall.

    There are thousands of facets behind every event, hundreds of stories that can be told. Pok¨¦mon that are said to evolve out of strong friendship or affection. Some are happy, others are not. Just as it is for some children, some adults, employers and employees. Dividing everything into black and white cannot solve colourful problems.

    ¡°I believe to get a better understanding of all this, you need to go travelling and look around. There are many scenarios you can¡¯t believe if you haven¡¯t experienced them yourself.¡±

    A soft hum escapes his throat before he stands up and takes a deep breath, as if he wants to absorb all that has been said. Then he turns to me once more. ¡°Tell me, if we¡¯re doing so well with Pok¨¦mon, do they really need to be stowed away in balls? Don¡¯t you think our friends¡¯ world must be small in there? I can¡¯t imagine it being comfortable or warm or nice in a Pok¨¦ Ball. They¡¯re probably cramped, and it¡¯s dark. Do you think some of them stay sane if you leave them in a ball for years, collecting dust in some storage system?¡±

    I can¡¯t answer. Nobody knows what it looks like inside a Pok¨¦ Ball. There are a lot of assumptions and many balls have unique characteristics. But I know too little about these little balls to claim the opposite of his statement. Simultaneously, Rayquaza pops into my head. A Pok¨¦mon that was freed from an ancient Pok¨¦ Ball. How long did it wait in there for its trainer and friend? Was the world in which it waited really dark?

    ¡°If one day you find an answer to my questions ... will you tell me?¡± With one finger, he seems to want to loosen the tight-fitting collar of his thin black jumper, which almost disappears under the white shirt. The dark skin briefly peeking out looks unhealthy.

    ¡°I will.¡± My agreement comes with little thought. Finding out more about the world of Pok¨¦mon is one of the few fixed goals I¡¯ve found for myself. As a professor, I can deal with anything piquing my interest. Pok¨¦ Balls are therefore on a constantly growing list.

    The corners of his mouth move upwards only slowly before he takes a few steps back, but continues to look at me. ¡°I ... am N.¡±

    ¡°N? The abbreviation for?¡±

    A soft laugh overcomes him. ¡°Just N.¡±

    And with that, he leaves me behind, turns away and heads off. Part of me wants to jump up and follow him. The conversation between us doesn¡¯t seem to be over yet. But before my legs can move, Spinel¡¯s mop of hair comes into view. The low heel of his blue boots shatters the strange farewell and suddenly all my focus turns to my companion.

    ¡°Is everything all right?¡± He holds a bottle of lemonade in front of me, which I accept with thanks. ¡°Who was that?¡±

    ¡°I ... have no clue.¡± I know his name and appearance, but I¡¯m not sure I can tell who this ¡°N¡± is. He almost seems familiar, although he¡¯s nothing more than a vague acquaintance. ¡°He sat down next to me and we struck up a conversation. Nothing special.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± For a moment, Spinel¡¯s gaze wanders in the direction N has disappeared. He looks after a shadow. Then his world revolves around me again. ¡°We should go. Now might be a good time to sign you up for the exam.¡±

 Chapter 44: Peoples dreams II

    A thin smile on my lips is all I can muster as the camera Rotom takes my picture. My chest is tight and my heart is pounding in my throat.

    ¡°If you pass the test, you will receive discounts on the purchase of all kinds of balls and potions. The integrated shops in Pok¨¦mon Centers and even the big supermarket chains are required to give you discounts as soon as you show your ID card.¡± The woman behind the counter looks at me briefly before she programmes in the last details.

    There are gaps in the questionnaire I had to fill in about myself. For some questions, such as naming both parents, I already wanted to back out. Only Spinel, who stands firmly behind me and prevents me from leaving, is responsible for me being able to accept a thinly laminated card.

    ¡°The date of your test is written on this card. Don¡¯t lose it. It¡¯s basically your ticket to the first professor¡¯s test,¡± the receptionist continues. ¡°I wish you good luck.¡±

    My hands are soaked with sweat. I can barely hold the card steady to get a glimpse of the data. My name, age and the date I will be returning here to take the test are written in straight black letters on a pink background. It¡¯s not much, but it makes the first step much more real. I can hardly wait.

    ¡°Are we heading back?¡± Spinel, his hands folded patiently in front of his lap, doesn¡¯t take his eyes off me for a second. My rigid expression and shaking shoulders seem to give him gentle amusement. All I can do is nod.

    Only when we step outside the door of the mighty building, with the emblem of the Professors¡¯ Association hanging above the entrance, do I dare to breathe a sigh of relief. Then we make our way to the headquarters and, for the first time since I arrived here with the others, I don¡¯t feel completely out of place. The closely spaced buildings and the dark alleyways in between, where the dirt carries unpleasant odours into the crowd, no longer overwhelm me. With every step I take, I become more accustomed to the image of a place I lived in not so long ago ¨C unable to remember more than blurred facades and shades of grey.

    Briefly, I lower my eyelids. In these seconds, I don¡¯t want to dwell on days gone by. There are better hours for that, more opportunities and more suitable circumstances. So I turn to Spinel. ¡°You said when we first met that you could also give me access to the basement. You¡¯re a ... professor? Researcher?¡±

    ¡°Not licensed.¡± A soft laugh washes over him. ¡°I¡¯ve never completed the exams. Research is more of a hobby.¡±

    ¡°What do you research?¡±

    ¡°Technical things. I worked a lot with mechanics, computer programmes and other systems from an early age,¡± he explains. ¡°Followed by training as a computer scientist, which ultimately brought me into the ranks of the Explorers.¡±

    His explanation is brief, but easy to visualise. He doesn¡¯t come across as someone who is content with the simple world of basic computer programmes. Part of him exudes a desire for more ¨C a feeling I can relate to. Sometimes things don¡¯t seem to be enough, so you create new ones, dig deeper and go down abstract paths.

    ¡°To answer your question: At the moment, I¡¯m working on the Terastal phenomenon.¡±

    My eyes widen. I have no clue what he¡¯s talking about, so he eyes me for a breath before a stifled giggle escapes him.

    ¡°It¡¯s a way to make Pok¨¦mon stronger. Similar to the Z-Move, which is mainly used in Alola.¡± He looks straight ahead. ¡°Many regions have their own way of strengthening Pok¨¦mon. Here in Unova, for example, you won¡¯t find many people who are familiar with the Z-Move or even the Terastal phenomenon.¡±

    ¡°What does this region specialise in?¡±

    ¡°Combat power and skill.¡± With a dismissive wave of his hand, Spinel lets out a sigh. ¡°Unova is one region that specialises in normal Pok¨¦mon battles. Trainers here prove their skills in the arenas without using aids. They compete based on pure skill.¡± He tilts his head briefly in my direction. ¡°However, that doesn¡¯t mean that you can¡¯t witness official battles outside the arenas from time to time, in which a wide variety of techniques are used.¡±

    In general, Unova seems to be a place where everything comes together and yet there are favoured ways of fighting that are followed here as a tradition. I can¡¯t say that a battle that¡¯s all about skill sounds boring. After all, it¡¯s hardly any different in Alola, considering how unreliable the use of the Z-Move is.

    ¡°Is this Terastal phenomenon easier to use than the Z-Move?¡± There are probably endless requirements to fulfil for each power.

    ¡°I would say so.¡± Spinel¡¯s words shatter my thoughts. ¡°The Z-Move requires your emotions to match those of your Pok¨¦mon. It also requires them to be strong enough to release the power of the crystals ¨C something many fail on, making this power a hindrance in a simple Pok¨¦mon battle. The Terastallization, however, requires nothing more than a special orb that needs to be recharged after each use.¡±

    It almost sounds too simple. Then again, this Terastal phenomenon may not be nearly as powerful as the Z-Move. I¡¯m missing too much information to compare the two. Maybe one day the Explorers will give me a glimpse of the power of this unknown force. Until then, all I can do is guess.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll be able to assess the differences and the potential uses quickly,¡± Spinel continues. ¡°You¡¯ve already triggered the Z-Move three times, I¡¯ve been told. It certainly takes a fair amount of skill and emotional intelligence to get yourself in the right mood. That makes my research a lot more interesting.¡±

    Heat builds up in my cheeks as I twist my mouth and let my gaze wander over the facades of the buildings so I don¡¯t have to look at my companion. His words are so much more endearing than any praise Amethio has yet mustered, it almost feels strange. However, I can¡¯t find myself in his words. The only reason I could use the power is because of the voice in my head; the being that helped me overflow my anger, fear, and loathing. I couldn¡¯t have done any of this on my own, and the certainty turns Spinel¡¯s compliments into nasty pinpricks.

    When I think about it, I prefer Amethio¡¯s comments. He never praised me for using a fickle power, but for victories at the end of a battle. When I could help Lillie with her mum and also when I got us both out of the Lush Jungle. Those were actions for which I deserved his praise. This, between me and Spinel, leaves the bitter aftertaste of a lie I never told.

    The Explorers¡¯ building draws closer with every blink, and although it is the headquarters, there is no emblem or sign to mark where the organisation is based. They linger quietly and secretly among the citizens of Unova, and perhaps it¡¯s because no one needs an intruder stealing any secrets. It¡¯s different from the Aether Foundation, which had more employees than I could count on both hands. The Explorers seem small. I haven¡¯t met anyone in the corridors apart from Spinel.

    As soon as we leave the entrance behind, I take a deep breath. There are so many things I need to worry about and yet I hardly know where to start. Especially not when I spot a girl my age leaning casually against the wall and looking over at us.

    The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

    ¡°There you are, finally! I thought I¡¯d have to wait forever for you to come back and waste even more time.¡± She snorts. Her nagging voice has a nasal undertone and when she puts both hands on her hips, Spinel and I eventually stop. ¡°Out with the new girl, huh?¡±

    As she takes a few steps closer and I get a better look at her black outfit, all I can do is back away as she leans forward. Her two pink pigtails sway back and forth.

    ¡°Such a bore! She shies away just by looking!¡± She straightens up again with a wry grin, but doesn¡¯t take her eyes off me. ¡°And she¡¯s supposed to be special?¡±

    ¡°You sound like you haven¡¯t read Amethio¡¯s report, Sango.¡± The smile on Spinel¡¯s lips takes on a smug hint, so for a moment, I can only look back and forth between the two of them.

    ¡°Of course I¡¯ve read it. Still doesn¡¯t make sense.¡±

    ¡°Maybe Onyx didn¡¯t read it to you loud enough?¡±

    ¡°I said I read it!¡±

    ¡°Meaning you read it and didn¡¯t understand it, which would explain your question. Then again, you could have read it and in your impatience skipped the most important parts, like you did with the failed mission in Galar.¡± He tilts his head. ¡°Maybe you should go and-¡±

    While Sango is already taking a deep breath to counter Spinel, another member of the organisation intervenes and grabs the girl by the collar from behind. Spinel falls silent. The sudden appearance of the stranger sends unease through my body, which doesn¡¯t subside even when he gives me a barely perceptible nod.

    ¡°Agate has been asking for you. She couldn¡¯t reach you,¡± he explains in a low voice directed at Spinel. His yellow eyes barely convey life.

    ¡°Ah, I must have forgotten my Rotom Phone.¡±

    ¡°You never forget your Rotom Phone!¡± Sango interjects, far too loudly and far too unruly, causing the guy behind her to let out a strained sigh. He lowers his eyelids and I can hardly deny that the dark red strands of hair framing his face and fading into deep black create an exciting contrast to his tanned skin.

    ¡°Maybe I left it behind on purpose,¡± Spinel replies, a half-laugh on his lips, before shrugging his shoulders and waving it off. ¡°I guess this is where we part ways for now, Domino. I hope to see you again soon.¡±

    He doesn¡¯t touch me, doesn¡¯t get too close, and yet his words are so gentle I feel like I can sense his breath on my skin. As goosebumps run down my arms, he turns and goes on his way, leaving me behind with the other two. But before Sango can say anything, the stranger drags her behind him. Her loud protests and wild arm waving, causing her far too long sleeves to fling around, are met with ignorance.

    For a moment, I dare to take a deep breath. This girl is the first exuberant personality I¡¯ve encountered on my journey and being part of the Explorers means she must be good at what she does. Anyone who doesn¡¯t have the same ability as me must have more to offer elsewhere. Amethio is strong, knows how to gather information and is skilful in his hunting. Spinel knows how to fight and certainly shines with his research skills. Zir and Conia are very reliable and I think Sango and her strange companion also bring something to the table that I can¡¯t compete with.

    With a shake of my head, I push the thought away. There¡¯s nothing I can¡¯t learn.

    So my legs push forward, straight to the lift that takes me to the first floor, where I find peace in my room. In this place, I don¡¯t have to brace myself for any encounters, and as I let my team out, these four walls feel almost homely.

    With a flourish, I throw myself onto my swivel chair and lean back. For a breath, all I want to think about is the good things, the progress and the test that will soon judge me. As I close my eyes, scenarios unfold before my eyes on what my future could look like. Me, in a white coat, ready to explore things others have given up on, all in my own lab. In between, adventures and my team that accompanies me on every little mission. Occasional assignments from the Explorers.

    Now and again, time with Amethio and the other two.

    I remember how beautiful the violet colour of his eyes shimmered as we stood together on the submarine and listened to the waves. The starry sky above us and the universe beyond. The seconds when we talked to each other, and I realised we¡¯d probably never be completely alone with our tasks. In between, a breath of loneliness enveloping him as if to keep him warm.

    In those gasps he had been exceptionally pretty ¨C caught in a picturesque image of the night; in the pale glow of all the faults he possesses and cannot shake off. A quiet moment that we let pass silently.

    ¡°That miserable bitch!¡±

    Roaring snaps me out of my idle dream and, as I look around, I¡¯m overcome with a stinging sensation in my head.

    ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for that bloody glass, I¡¯d have shown her who she was messing with!¡±

    They reappear; the voices I heard the day before and whose whereabouts I couldn¡¯t even track down with Spinel.

    ¡°I ... shouldn¡¯t get upset too, but ... if I get out of here, I¡¯ll destroy this woman first. I will ... probably never forget that sharp look.¡±

    It is the two male voices that surround me and only when I hear the sobs of another do I realise they are still all in the same place.

    ¡°We... We have to stay strong,¡± someone whimpers. ¡°We-¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t you see what will happen if we stay here?¡± the angry one thunders. ¡°Who knows if she¡¯ll ever recover!¡±

    ¡°You need to calm down. She can¡¯t help what that woman did,¡± snorts the deep tenor. ¡°Next time, we¡¯ll be prepared. We¡¯ll fight back, break out, and save our friend.¡±

    I want to get up, help them, but I know I won¡¯t find them. My last search already failed and part of me is sure it wouldn¡¯t end any differently this time. Maybe one day I¡¯ll get a lead another way. A possibility. All I can do now is take a deep breath and tune it out.

    But while they argue in my head, it¡¯s impossible to close a single eye. I can barely concentrate on my thoughts, so I push myself off the chair and fall into bed. The next moment I¡¯m digging the Rotom Phone out of my skirt pocket and going through my contacts. Apart from Amethio and the other two, I¡¯ve only saved Spinel and Lillie¡¯s numbers and when I start a chat with her, I don¡¯t know what to say at first. It takes a moment for my fingers to flit across the display automatically.

    Domino:

    I hope you arrived safely in Kanto and could find the man

    to help your mum get back on her feet. I also hope Guzma doesn¡¯t start

    trouble and that you don¡¯t feel too lonely without us or Gladion.

    Have you made friends in Kanto?

    Do you miss Alola?

    We arrived in Unova, a city made of concrete, a day ago.

    Thanks to our search for the black Rayquaza, we previously travelled to

    Galar and, would you believe it, we met a Moltres.

    A Galarian Moltres!

    Unfortunately, I didn¡¯t get to see much of the region itself, as there was trouble

    between the Explorers and a group called Rising Volt Tacklers.

    These are adventurers who possess a Pok¨¦mon that

    can cause a lot of damage, which we naturally want to avoid.

    I¡¯ve hardly been able to make any friends so far. There¡¯s a young

    man called Spinel, who seems quite nice, but when I think about it,

    we don¡¯t know each other well enough to be called friends.

    I would also like to mention that I have signed up for my first exam

    and as part of that I would like to ask you:

    Is there some kind of power-up for Pok¨¦mon in Kanto

    that¡¯s mainly used in that region, or do the trainers

    there rely solely on their skills?

    Wish your mum a good rest.

    As my finger presses send, I take a quick look at the clock. It¡¯s now six in the evening. I should organise food and feed my team. But before I can pull myself together, Raya jumps into bed with so much vigour I think I¡¯m going to fly off. Still, a laugh escapes my throat and as I press her fluffy fur against me, I recognise my entire team. They had kept quiet before, as if they didn¡¯t want to disturb me, but Growlithe¡¯s eagerness has broken the silence between us.

    While Mirra sits down next to me on the pillow and wiggles back and forth, Ying settles down at my side next to the bed. Coro flutters swiftly to the foot of the bed and for a moment we are all together. The voices in my head fade into the background and the certainty I¡¯m not alone eases the guilt of not being able to do anything.

    ¡°All good?¡± As Mimikyu¡¯s costume head snaps to one side, I can¡¯t help but straighten it.

    ¡°It¡¯s all good. As long as you¡¯re here ... there won¡¯t be any problems.¡± My nose buries in Raya¡¯s fur. ¡°But we should go to the kitchen.¡±

    Sounds of agreement reach me, driving the voices completely out of my head and almost drowning out the ringing of the Rotom Phone, which is practically shouting at me. Immediately, I grab the device, hoping to hear Lillie¡¯s voice in my ear in the next moment. But my movements freeze when I recognise the number on my display. I didn¡¯t save it after I gave the old mobile phone away, because it shouldn¡¯t play a role in this phase of my life. But I would recognise these digits anywhere.

    The sweat in my palms sticks the phone case to my fingers so I can¡¯t drop it. Instead, I clutch the Rotom tighter, unable to do anything but stare at the display.

    My father calls. And I know I¡¯m not going to answer it.

 Chapter 45: Peoples dreams III

    My movements are sluggish. The walls of this hideout drive me into a corner, leaving no way out, even though the exit is close by and I could do whatever I want. But I don¡¯t know what to do with myself. Three days have passed since my father called. The hustle and bustle on the streets is still the same, but I can¡¯t seem to connect.

    Sighing, I lean my head back. I can¡¯t find anywhere to train, nor does this city¡¯s library harbour an interesting subject to captivate me for over two seconds. Part of me is tired of reading books all the time and absorbing new knowledge when it¡¯s just as important that my team and I get stronger.

    Zir and Conia have no time to deal with me. I haven¡¯t seen Amethio once during all this, and Spinel is so busy with his research I can¡¯t possibly ask him to spar. I haven¡¯t seen the other two either since they brought Spinel word and apart from these people, I haven¡¯t met anyone who belongs to the Explorers; Hamber excluded.

    In front of the exit, I stop. Wandering the streets again won¡¯t get me anywhere. Sure, my Pok¨¦mon love the walks and enjoy the park where I once chatted with N, but the constant urge to improve and become good enough won¡¯t let me sit still any longer.

    ¡°I have to do something...¡± I gasp as I place a hand on the glass of the doorway and follow the activities of the world outside with my eyes. Then I take a step back. Maybe if I look hard enough, I¡¯ll find someone among these walls.

    And just as I turn away from the exit, it¡¯s Spinel I spot at the other end of the corridor. His attention half focussed on a document in his hand, he raises the other briefly at the sight of me. The smile on his lips looks unchanged.

    We bridge the distance in leisurely steps until I can read the heading on his paper. ¡°Research Results 1/A¡± doesn¡¯t tell me much, but it seems to be one of his important projects.

    ¡°On your way to your room?¡± The paper crackles as he lowers it.

    ¡°On the way to find some kind of work.¡±

    ¡°Amethio didn¡¯t give you a single task?¡± The corners of his mouth twist in astonishment at my state, and I can¡¯t help but sigh.

    ¡°I¡¯m not much help to him. He¡¯ll get back to me when he needs me.¡± If that will ever be the case.

    ¡°Meaning you¡¯d come with me if I asked you to?¡±

    As I raise my brows and tilt my head, only a sound of agreement escapes my throat. Unspoken words that give Spinel¡¯s eyes an unfamiliar gleam.

    ¡°I¡¯m on my way to Striaton City,¡± he then explains. ¡°There are some interesting results regarding a Pok¨¦mon who could advance human medicine.¡±

    He immediately piques my interest. It sounds like something Lillie could use to do her research. A closer look at the circumstances can¡¯t hurt, and I have to restrain myself from agreeing too quickly. So I swallow twice before I push a ¡°sounds good¡± past my lips.

    ¡°I was just about to head out. You should pack a few things.¡± He nods toward the exit. ¡°I¡¯ll wait for you in the car.¡±

    He says goodbye as casually as if we¡¯ve been working together forever and it¡¯s the first time I don¡¯t feel like I¡¯m being taken by the hand. Instead, he makes me feel like a real member of this organisation; someone you can rely on just like everyone else. Trust that I can¡¯t let down, which is why I rush up the stairs and stumble, groaning, to my room. With a few quick movements, I grab an oversized handbag with the Explorers¡¯ emblem and stow away two spare uniforms, as well as underwear, my potion and the Z-Crystals.

    Immediately afterwards, I rush back into the corridor, where Conia is just pausing in front of her door to swipe the card through the reader when she catches sight of me. Raising her brows, she smiles wearily. Zir stands close behind her, unable to keep his eyes open for more than two breaths.

    ¡°You seem to be in a hurry.¡± As soon as I stop next to the two of them, Conia scrutinises me from top to bottom. ¡°Did Amethio give you an assignment?¡±

    I shake my head. ¡°I¡¯m travelling to Striaton City with Spinel to check out one of his research projects.¡±

    ¡°Spinel?¡± Suddenly, they both seem wide awake.

    ¡°He ... invited me.¡±

    ¡±Of course, he¡¯s eyeing you... You should have been warned...¡± Indecisively, Conia puts a hand on her forehead before grabbing me by the shoulders. ¡°Domino, you need to keep your distance from Spinel.¡±

    ¡±Why?¡± I can¡¯t move.

    ¡±Because Spinel can¡¯t be trusted. It¡¯s one of his skills to get close to others and gain their trust before he uses them for his plans.¡± Conia¡¯s penetrating gaze seems to pierce my soul. ¡°Besides, Spinel and Amethio are not on good terms because Spinel is always trying to trick him. Generally speaking, you can¡¯t trust any admin except the one you¡¯ve been put under. So you shouldn¡¯t let Spinel wrap you around his finger.¡±

    Every word she says is difficult to understand. Spinel and Amethio didn¡¯t get along the first time we met. But apart from that, I can¡¯t imagine Spinel spending his free time with me just to get information he didn¡¯t even ask for.

    ¡±Could it be that this is simply a problem between him and Amethio? He seems to get along with the other Explorers. It¡¯s easy to imagine the two of them working against rather than with each other since they are alike. Amethio ... doesn¡¯t seem to be a person who likes to follow the orders of others. Same goes for Spinel.¡± I gently brush her hands off my shoulders. ¡°But I don¡¯t think you have anything to worry about. If Spinel asks serious questions, I¡¯ll refer him to Amethio.¡±

    ¡±It¡¯s about-¡± She falters. Her body loses its tension. ¡°Spinel can be cruel. If he gets the chance to use your ability, he will. No matter what he has to sacrifice.¡±

    ¡±He already had the chance.¡± After all, he was the one who was up half the night with me, trying to track down the voices in my head. He could have chained me up with his knowledge and experimented on me. Instead, we shared lemonade and searched for a solution. ¡°Spinel may be a bit hyper-friendly and enjoy teasing others, but he¡¯s not a bad person.¡±

    ¡°Foremost, he¡¯s not an idiot,¡± Zir interjects. ¡°It would be better if you turned to Amethio and talked to him about Spinel.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll think about that.¡±

    All I can do is smile at the two of them and brush the issue aside. It¡¯s possible that they¡¯ve had unpleasant experiences with Spinel. Amethio doesn¡¯t appreciate being annoyed - in that respect, his match is hardly longer than Sango¡¯s.

    Eventually, I leave the conversation and continue on my way, my bag firmly in my hands, ready to leave Castelia City and discover new things elsewhere. Who knows, I might even remember something. Actually, I don¡¯t want to think about it. I want to forget the past and live in the present, but that¡¯s not the answer to my problems. I chose to repress less. Besides, I¡¯m still interested in what happened. Just because everything seems a little more idyllic right now, doesn¡¯t mean I should let myself be tempted to run away. My next step is another one toward freedom.

    <hr>

    ¡· WHISPERS ¡¶

    <hr>

    It takes about an hour by car to get to Striaton City, and although I wanted to talk to Spinel, I couldn¡¯t take my eyes off our surroundings the whole ride. The long bridge with its four heavy pillars in graceful silver sparkled like stars in the midday light and the nature that has taken over the land starting from Nacrene - a fairly small town a few kilometres beyond the bridge - is almost more magnificent than on Alola.

    Wherever there are no towns or villages, there is forest. Trees tower metres high and the shade settling on the routes turns even the heat of this region into a pleasant breeze.

    When Spinel pulls the silver car into an almost empty parking lot, I can hardly wait to jump off the seat cushion and take in the vastness. The change of scenery feels good. My body seems to have been freed from clothes far too tight and Spinel¡¯s restrained laughter sounds a bit like music to my ears.

    ¡°Do you want to have a look around?¡±

    His offer is so tempting that I press my lips together and sway my head from side to side. ¡°I don¡¯t know. Shouldn¡¯t we do your research first?¡±

    With a casual wave of his hand, he gestures for me to follow, so I quickly fall into line next to him. For a moment, we walk in silence through some buildings with an old yet charming appearance. The ornate stone floor at our feet clacks with every step I take, and as we emerge from between the houses, Spinel pauses. In front of us are buildings with colourful roofs, one of which is clearly marked as a Pok¨¦mon Center.

    Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.

    ¡°On the right side of the center, you can see the city¡¯s gym.¡± He points to the tower block with its deep red steps and elegant front garden, where white flowers stretch their heads. ¡°Trainers from this region come here to fight for the Trio Badge.¡±

    ¡°What do they do with these badges?¡±

    ¡°They collect them.¡± Spinel¡¯s hand lowers. ¡°When they defeat all the gym leaders in a region, they become champions of said. After that, they either follow the goal of becoming world champion by collecting all the badges and defeating the Elite Four of seven other regions, or they replace a gym leader in any city in their region,¡± he explains. ¡°The first gym you beat also gives you your official trainer¡¯s licence.¡±

    ¡°Which probably works in the same way as the professor''s license,¡± I finish. ¡°They get perks for travelling, I assume.¡±

    ¡°That and, depending on how advanced they are, free accommodation too.¡± A sigh escapes him. ¡°The only reason trainers can live like that is because they make a fortune from the spectacle they put on.¡±

    I can¡¯t quite follow him. ¡°The gym fights are watched by spectators?¡±

    ¡°Each gym is equipped with Rotom Cameras broadcasting live streams of the fights or recording them and uploading them later. Anyone interested can get access to said videos for a small monthly fee, just like with all other things. Series. Films. Have you never watched a film online?¡±

    Heat burns under my skin. I remember my favourite TV series from my childhood. Since then, there have been no exact scenes to match his statement and the fact my dad eventually denied modern technology makes me doubt I¡¯ve ever watched a film on the net.

    ¡°Anyway, it¡¯s a cash crop that keeps a gym alive. There are also the big live events staged in the arenas. Usually, the fights involving the Elite Four and the regional champion take place there.¡±

    ¡°And if the champion isn¡¯t there?¡±

    ¡°Most regions have more than one champion to get around this problem. If someone wants to take up the challenge, all the champions of the region will be notified. Those who can spare the time are later thrown into a lottery pot to see who will compete against the new contender.¡±

    ¡°And they all get money from the videos made?¡±

    He nods. ¡°Everyone gets a set percentage. The more famous you become, the more you get.¡±

    Life as a professional trainer sounds tempting. However, I can imagine that it¡¯s only half as easy as it sounds. The gyms shouldn¡¯t be an easy obstacle and I¡¯m sure levels rise with every year. Not every trainer and not every Pok¨¦mon is suited to it. Raya would probably enjoy some gym battles, but I¡¯m sure she¡¯s alone with that joy. Ying would sink into the ground in front of the cameras, despite her increased self-confidence. Mirra does everything she can to make me happy and Coro seems more of an adventurer than a fighter. That said, gym battles would be a dream come true for Eevee. After the defeat against Umbreon, the frustration sits deep in his bones.

    ¡°By the way, that building there,¡± Spinel draws my attention out of nowhere to the grey walls, which seem ancient but well cared for, ¡°is a training school. A small one that mainly teaches children from this town.¡± His finger points to the left, down a street that probably has a special end somewhere if he includes it in his explanation. ¡°Ten minutes this way and you¡¯ll reach the park. If you¡¯re lucky, you¡¯ll find wild Pok¨¦mon there to catch.¡±

    Once again, my gaze wanders over the nearby buildings, over all the skyscrapers in the background, which rise colourfully into the air and thus convey much more life and joy than Castelia City. There are only half as many people on the pavements, there seem to be only a handful of cars, and although it is a city, people greet each other as if they lived in a village.

    I would love to explore all the shops and look at the park, but Spinel¡¯s job comes first, so I clasp my hands behind my back and give him a small smile.

    ¡°And where do you have to go?¡±

    Just as he turns toward a building to give me another explanation, the ground trembles beneath my feet. Glass breaks somewhere. An explosion thunders in my ears and as I raise my eyes, thick, black smoke comes to the fore. It¡¯s seeping out of the window of the second floor of a house that Spinel actually wanted to say something about. The stench of burnt plastic stings my nose and just as I lift a hand to block the odour, a woman stumbles out through the front door. Coughing, she waves her hands around like she¡¯s trying to clear the smoke from her dirty lab coat.

    She takes a few steps back before adjusting her narrow glasses and raising her gaze. For a moment, she studies Spinel and me before blinking several times. Then she straightens up, a sound of joy on her lips. Her legs carry her to us so quickly I can hardly sort out the circumstances.

    ¡°Spinel!¡± Her exclamation is so cheerful that her sunny nature alone suppresses the accident. ¡°You actually came! Was I able to inspire you with my thesis?¡±

    He raises his hand as if he wants to keep her and the smell of burnt hair at a distance. ¡°I¡¯m less interested in clean energy production than in the other possibilities you listed in your report. Like a sleep serum, for example.¡±

    ¡°Ah! I didn¡¯t realise you had a thing for medicine!¡±

    ¡°Not me. Agate asked, but she¡¯s too busy to stop by herself.¡±

    She nods eagerly before turning her gaze in my direction. ¡°And you are?¡± She doesn¡¯t even wait for my answer. ¡°I¡¯m Fennel! As you can see, I work as a professor and scientist. The thing that blew up there was my newly set up lab ... well, more like the machine I was using in it that went off.¡± An apologetic giggle escapes her as she scratches the back of her head. ¡°I¡¯m actually studying Pok¨¦mon training, but I¡¯ve recently become very interested in researching a Pok¨¦mon called Munna. It emits something we call Dream Mist and could lead to many scientific breakthroughs!¡±

    Her excitement spills over, and I want nothing more than to see the creature that could help us make the world a better place. Dream Mist sounds like something I should definitely pass on to Lillie.

    ¡°The only problem is ... my Dream Mist was destroyed in the explosion and ... I have no more to share with you, Spinel.¡± Fennel¡¯s almost ankle-length hair continues to get out of shape as she sways unsteadily from side to side. ¡°For the good of all, new one needs to be brought in, but ... I need to take care of the smoke up there and ... call some people who have been waiting for results. Maybe I should take my Pok¨¦mon to the center, too. She¡¯s been breathing in a bit of smoke...¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you used to have a Munna yourself not long ago?¡± Spinel¡¯s enthusiasm is limited. Little has changed in his expression, but a part of him exudes reluctance towards a task we didn¡¯t come here to do.

    ¡°A while ago, yes. But it¡¯s currently in a lab in Castelia City. Caught a virus ... ugly story.¡± She waves it off. ¡°But you can find Dream Mist in the Dreamyard! Some Munna live there and even if you rarely see them, there¡¯s always a lot of mist.¡±

    ¡°Dreamyard?¡± I interject. Fennel is now talking so fast, I can hardly follow.

    ¡°Ah, yes, an old factory. It¡¯s just ruins now, but children and Pok¨¦mon love to play there. They say you can see things there you can¡¯t find anywhere else. Most experts believe that these are illusions caused by the Dream Mist. That¡¯s probably why this place is so popular with the younger generation.¡± Thoughtfully, she puts a hand to her chin. ¡°If you leave now, you¡¯ll be alone. The children are still at school.¡±

    ¡°Who says we¡¯re going to the Dreamyard?¡±

    Within a breath, both Fennel¡¯s and my eyes are darting in Spinel¡¯s direction. I can understand him, I really can, but the Dreamyard sounds interesting and Dream Mist would make a great gift for Lillie. I could send it to her and see what she makes of it.

    ¡°I take it she¡¯s got you excited about the task?¡± When Spinel turns to me, I hold my breath for a moment. The way he looks at me, the gentle gleam in his eyes as if he wants to fulfil all my wishes, reminds me vaguely of Amethio. In this second, I feel transported back to the Pok¨¦mon Center on Poni Island - between arguments, mean statements, and Amethio¡¯s concern.

    ¡°Domino?¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± I have to blink several times before I realise I¡¯ve lost myself in the sight of him. The memory of Amethio and our argument is probably one of my better ones with him, judging by the way we approached each other. ¡°To be honest, I¡¯d like to look at the Dreamyard. Maybe we¡¯ll be lucky and even see a Munna.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll be there in ten minutes! So it¡¯s not much of a departure. Thank you!¡± Fennel claps her hands cheerfully. ¡°I¡¯ll take care of my ... business and see if my Unfezant has panicked yet.¡± Bell-ringing laughter shakes her. ¡°I¡¯m counting on you!¡±

    And with that, she turns away and storms toward the building, smoke now also creeping out of the entrance. It would probably be wiser to call the fire brigade, but when Spinel moves without batting an eye, I push the thought to the back of my mind. Surely someone will arrive at any moment to deal with the chaos.

    Meanwhile, Spinel leads us to a nearby hotel, where he books two rooms and hands me a key. He doesn¡¯t need to use words to make me realise we¡¯ll get our things out of the car as soon as we¡¯ve been to the Dreamyard; and as I slide the key to my balls, I can feel my heart pounding. I can¡¯t deny I love new things. Exciting little events that don¡¯t guarantee danger are great for exploring your interests. For a change, I don¡¯t have to worry about getting into a gruesome fight or putting myself in peril I¡¯ll probably have to be rescued from. This time I can handle the path with tightened shoulders.

    With Spinel strolling beside me, his Umbreon finally out of its ball, we seem invincible. Briefly, I place a hand on my skirt pocket where my team is resting. I¡¯d like to let someone walk alongside me, but they¡¯re all important to me. Letting just one out doesn¡¯t seem right. However, letting out all of them is too much and switching between them seems too inconsistent, as I don¡¯t want to check the clock all the time. They are safer in their balls.

    The Dreamyard is well hidden between the thicket of trees. The outer walls are still halfway intact and only occasionally infested with thick moss. The factory itself suffers from a collapsed roof. Barrels are standing around, some have tipped over, and the floor inside the ruins has deep, black holes leading to a basement somewhere.

    Despite my interest, my nervousness is endless. The ghostly air of our surroundings makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end and the shimmering pink glow beneath my soles crunches with every other step. At some point, I simply stop. My hands are sweaty. I have no choice but to wipe them on the black fabric of my skirt. My gloves are in the way, but I don''t care. Then I want to wipe my fringe from my forehead, but stop. Lately, I¡¯ve been trying so hard to look better than usual that I don¡¯t want to ruin my efforts with a stupid act.

    But my hair seems to ruffle as I hear whispers in my ear. A shiver runs down my spine, and my heart skips a beat.

    ¡°Are you lost?¡±

    My fingers dig into the black fabric before I slowly turn my head and glance over my shoulder - straight at Spinel, who has leant forward a little to breathe in my ear.

    In a flash, I take a step forward and whirl around. ¡°Not funny!¡±

    A restrained laugh overcomes him. ¡°I couldn¡¯t resist. You looked so anxious.¡±

    Hands on my hips, I can¡¯t help but laugh too. Spinel makes this place a little less spooky and the silence fades behind our amusement. Amethio would be far too serious about something like this. He wouldn¡¯t laugh with me - smiling is a frightening foreign word to him - and he wouldn¡¯t waste his time exploring this Dreamyard if it wasn¡¯t his mission.

    With Amethio, all of this would be much more serious. He would stand in front of me and make sure I didn¡¯t do something stupid. Maybe we would hold hands, like back then in the Lush Jungle. I would be safe at his side in the face of non-existent dangers.

    My eyelids droop as I push a few strands of hair behind my ear.

    I wonder what he¡¯s doing right now.

 Chapter 46: Peoples dreams IV

    Umbreon¡¯s nose twitches uneasily as it tilts its head back and picks up a scent. Its black fur looks like a blur in the shadowy areas of the ruins, threatening to disappear into the ground, and when it notices something that doesn¡¯t fit in with our surroundings, it glances at Spinel. The two understand each other wordlessly, so we follow his Pok¨¦mon past a half-broken wall, through a narrow exit that leads into a barren backyard. Between metal barrels, dried-up soil and stubbornly growing dandelions, pink mist billows ¨C similar to the mist I used to escape in the Galar Mine.

    Just as I step closer to the barrels, Spinel stops me with one arm. His eyes are fixed on one corner. Gentle rustling ensnares us. Airy breezes nestle against my skin and as I try to question him, my voice falters at the unsteady sight of pink mass.

    It floats slowly out from between the barrels, following a constantly moving, white ball that reminds me vaguely of cotton wool, and makes amused noises, like a toddler under water. Its dark pink eyes shine brightly and my fascination clings to the purple floral pattern on its body. In a meadow of Alola, it would disappear.

    ¡°What now?¡± Silently, I move closer to Spinel. ¡°Maybe we could catch it with my Mimikyu.¡±

    He briefly puts a hand to his chin before a confident smile forms on his lips. ¡°That¡¯s a good idea. Umbreon will keep it in check if it tries to escape.¡±

    He is counting on me and Mirra; believes we can do it. The reassurance makes my heart beat a little faster as I wordlessly release Mimikyu from her ball and lean down to her. In her Zorua costume, she looks just as invisible in the shadows as Umbreon.

    ¡°Do you think you can grab that Munna over there? Through the shadows? A bit like you¡¯re using shadow sneak?¡±

    ¡°I can!¡± She puffs out her chest proudly.

    Actually, I should let her rest, but Munna doesn¡¯t seem like a Pok¨¦mon that likes to fight and we plan to catch it, not torture it. On top of that, I haven¡¯t had a chance to use all of Mirra¡¯s attacks and see what I can use them for outside of battle. This situation is our best chance.

    As the shadow beneath Mimikyu darkens and spreads, steady and barely perceptible, I hold my breath. Hands clenched into fists, I can¡¯t take my eyes off it as I scramble to my feet, hoping Spinel harbours as much desire for success as I do. His Umbreon has already sneaked away on stealthy paws to overpower Munna from behind if my plan goes wrong. But Mirra¡¯s steady shadow escapes the creature completely. It is so focussed on the cotton wool it cares little for its surroundings.

    Mimikyu¡¯s darkness spreads into Munna¡¯s shadow. Bumps rise until they form small claws ¨C ready to chase upwards and grab the Pok¨¦mon. But before she can grab it, a chunk of stone hits right next to the Munna, startling it and forcing Mirra to retreat.

    ¡°We¡¯re very sorry, but we can¡¯t let you take this Pok¨¦mon!¡±

    Umbreon¡¯s hiss sends goosebumps over my body as it returns to Spinel in a few leaps. Dust hangs in its fur ¨C otherwise, it is unharmed. Followed by its growling sound, two men step out from behind a ruined wall. One pats off his white coat with a sigh. The other wears the emblem of his organisation with a swollen chest.

    ¡°I can¡¯t imagine what would happen if we allowed you to lock this poor creature in a ball! It¡¯s much better off with us for a noble cause.¡± He brushes a few black strands from his angular face. ¡°Are you leaving willingly, or do we have to force you?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t realise Team Plasma had started catching Pok¨¦mon recently.¡± Spinel isn¡¯t fazed at all. The smirk on his lips looks amused and the restrained laughter makes him seem invincible. ¡°Didn¡¯t you want to release all the Pok¨¦mon in the world?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s still the plan!¡± the black-haired man grumbles. ¡°But humans are stupid and stubborn and don¡¯t appreciate adapting to new things. So let¡¯s make it easy for them!¡±

    His partner nods. ¡°You¡¯re from the Explorers, aren¡¯t you? Then you should know from that mad scientist Fennel that Munna¡¯s Dream Mist can be used for many things. With it, it¡¯s possible to put people into a trance, so they release their Pok¨¦mon of their own free will.¡±

    ¡°You say if you force a dream on people where they release their Pok¨¦mon, that counts as free will?¡± Spinel¡¯s amusement rises. ¡°And next you¡¯ll be telling me you haven¡¯t released your Pok¨¦mon yet because there¡¯s no way to set a good example in a world like this. Followed closely by all the terrible battles you fight with your Pok¨¦mon to take away other people¡¯s partners. A bit arrogant, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    The way he delivers all these little side blows without stumbling over his words once fascinates me. It would probably have taken me a lot longer to come up with a suitable counter-argument. A bit like with N. Spinel switches much faster and the subliminal mockery in his words fuels Plasma¡¯s restlessness even further.

    ¡°Such words can only come from someone who doesn¡¯t understand our noble agenda!¡± Snorting, one of them snatches a Pok¨¦ Ball from his belt, causing his black hair to fall back into his face. ¡°We¡¯ll confiscate your Pok¨¦mon and show you how much happier they are without you!¡±

    With a gallant throw, he sends a Koffing into battle. Its purple skin and the unhealthy yellow clouds it emits with every breath make me sweat. My will to face Poison-type Pok¨¦mon is weak. Yet I dig out Coro¡¯s ball. The poison in the smoke emitted by this Pok¨¦mon can be kept in check with wild wing beats. Simultaneously, Umbreon steps forward, ready to take on the second opponent, which is sent into battle late and turns out to be a lightning-fast shedding Pok¨¦mon ¨C a cheerfully chittering Scraggy.

    ¡°Quick attack!¡± Without further ado, Spinel starts our battle, points his hand at the Koffing, and I can barely follow as his partner chases ahead in the blink of an eye.

    Meanwhile, his opponent puffs up. The bulging protrusions of his body seem to emit even more grey-yellow gases and before Umbreon can break through the fumes, I yell for Trumbeak. He knows what to do, flapping his wings powerfully and forcing the danger towards the two Plasma members. A cough erupts on the other side. At the same instant, Umbreon rams into the Koffing with all its might ¨C in the same eye-blink that Scraggy appears next to it and swings gallantly around its own axis. His small feet threaten to smash into Umbreon¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡°Foul play!¡±

    Spinel¡¯s command happens just at the right moment to cause Umbreon to turn its body in mid-air. It narrowly escapes the kick of its opponent, whose body tilts forward in a swinging motion so Umbreon hurls a paw high up against its face from below. Immediately, the Koffing nearby moves. Violet, viscous saliva oozes from its mouth, ready to spew a poisonous sludge bomb.

    ¡°Echoed voice!¡± I hastily point at the opposing Pok¨¦mon.

    The following scream, which thunders in my ears but only has half the power of the one between the cliffs of Alola, shakes our opponent, causing its slime-filled mouth to open.

    Umbreon takes advantage of the invitation to deliver another quick attack that drives Koffing back, but doesn¡¯t defeat it. It closes its mouth, bloats again and in the same blink as it spits its sludge bomb, Coro shoots towards Umbreon to grab it and drag it from its place ¨C which is crushed by Scraggy¡¯s low kick in the same second.

    The slimy mass slams mercilessly onto the Pok¨¦mon¡¯s yellow body. Screeching fills the space in between, steam rises and Scraggy¡¯s trainer rushes forward ¨C a water bottle in hand to wash off the sticky mass immediately. For a moment, Koffing doesn¡¯t know what to do with itself and when Umbreon rushes at it from above, it can¡¯t defend itself. They collide, Koffing is pushed to the ground and Umbreon uses the soft landing as a jumping opportunity to land at Spinel¡¯s feet.

    ¡°That was a nice trick.¡± He gives me a glance before putting a hand on his cheek. ¡°I¡¯m surprised at how weak the Pok¨¦mon rights advocates are, though.¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Raising his chin, the black-haired man calls his Koffing back. ¡°We¡¯ll show you how to win a fight like this!¡±

    I¡¯m about to get ready for his second Pok¨¦mon when I catch sight of his partner, Munna clutched tightly between his gloved fingers. It is so rigid it doesn¡¯t even kick its tiny feet. Its pointed trunk quivers and the shimmering pink haze trickling from its body and settling everywhere becomes a little darker with every breath. In between, shallow, whirring whistles seep into our surroundings. Out of the corner of my eye, I notice Coro tilting his head and listening ¨C like all of us.

    It¡¯s only when the guy holding the Munna elicits a brief scream from the Pok¨¦mon that our situation takes centre stage again. He threatens to crush it between his hands, squeezing it while drawing his brows together when the pink mist still doesn¡¯t increase.

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me this isn¡¯t stressing you enough!¡±

    I should say something, command Coro, but my body moves automatically. Right now, I don¡¯t need a Pok¨¦mon to fight a battle I¡¯ve already won. The seething in my body is too restless for that. Spinel¡¯s only comment is an interested hum as he shouts something at Umbreon, which my head blanks out. Scraggy lies exhausted on the ground, no longer covered in slime. In these seconds, everyone seems preoccupied with themselves.

    If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    ¡°Now do something!¡± The guy shakes the Munna with such force even his companion lets out a pressed sound of warning. An almost silent exclamation that stifles when he sees me near him.

    He finds no words. Instead, he stumbles back a step as I clench my fist. The heat in my stomach knots. Then I take a swing.

    His mate, meanwhile, looks up, an annoyed hiss on his tongue ¨C interrupted by a punch to the face. My knuckles crash into his cheekbones, meeting resistance, which is released as his head flies to the side. The force knocks him back, causing the Munna to slip from his fingers and gain distance in hasty movements.

    ¡°Where¡¯s your Dream Mist?¡± I say as I grab him by the collar and pull him toward me. Contrary to all awareness, he towers over me by a head. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me this isn¡¯t stressing you enough!¡±

    This guy in front of me isn¡¯t the first one I¡¯ve messed with. The two Team Skull members are similar to this situation, in which I am overcome by sheer violence. Everything in me wants to lash out again, wants to make this idiot realise he¡¯s doing nothing but harm to the Pok¨¦mon he so desperately wants to help. But my fingers are so tightly buried in the rough fabric of his overcoat that I can¡¯t release him.

    ¡°L-Let go of me, you lunatic!¡± With a delayed reaction, he grabs my wrists, unable to loosen my grip. ¡°Noble deeds require sacrifice!¡±

    ¡°Noble deeds require noble actions, not the opposite of what you¡¯re trying to embody,¡± I counter.

    ¡°Only children think that!¡±

    The heat rises to my cheeks. It seems as if the seething inside me is getting out of control.

    ¡°Because you let yourself fall prey to my power,¡± it whispers in the back of my mind. ¡°Use this hatred. It can make you invincible. All you have to do is give your Trumbeak the ord-¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± I push the guy away from me far too forcefully. My hands are shaking, sweating, throbbing as if I¡¯ve been cutting off my blood with a rope for hours. My heart races, my breath rushes through my throat and as I put a hand to my head, hoping the heat will fade, my gaze wanders back to my opponent.

    But there¡¯s no guy from Plasma looking at me like I¡¯m insane. Instead, I look into my mum¡¯s warm violet eyes. The tired smile on her lips seems strangely familiar.

    ¡°Domino ... those voices in your head ... are in your control,¡± she begins slowly as she takes two steps in my direction. ¡°I can imagine it¡¯s difficult for you, but you have to use a filter. Allow what you want to allow and reject what scares you.¡± She lifts her hand, places it gently on my cheek and the headache, the heat and the anger suddenly disappear. ¡°You can do this. You¡¯ve done it before. Do you remember?¡±

    I shake my head lazily.

    ¡°You had a high fever then.¡± Her eyelids droop. ¡°And I told you to let it happen.¡±

    I swallow. It¡¯s a vague memory. A fragment that has already rolled over me once, when I competed with Bellro against two other trainers. Back then, in Akala. Closely followed by the day I was accepted by the Explorers. But I can¡¯t grasp the images. They are blurred and unsteady and can¡¯t be put together, making my throat constrict.

    ¡°I can remember and I can¡¯t at the same time...¡± I gasp. ¡°Everything in my head is fuzzy or gone or behind a black wall or haunting me in my dreams. I know that. There are days when I wake up and think I can grab the images, but they¡¯re gone. Just like that.¡±

    Her hand slips from my cheek. ¡°That will fade one day. You need to figure out what triggers your memories. Until then, you need to learn to look at what you have as a whole.¡± A restrained laugh comes over her. ¡°It was enough to make you remember, wasn¡¯t it? Here and now. To remember me.¡±

    My mouth opens, but I can¡¯t say anything. My mum is there, but yet she¡¯s not. The certainty tugs at my shoulders. My teeth dig into my lower lip and, for a moment, I bury my face in my hands. For just one breath, I want to compose myself, find questions, and understand the circumstances before I turn my attention back to my mother. But she has disappeared.

    ¡°What an unfortunate situation.¡±

    A man¡¯s voice draws my attention back to the two Plasma guys. A stranger has joined them, tall and with washed-out green-grey hair reaching down to his chest in gentle waves. He only looks over at me briefly, but his smile is just as friendly as Spinel¡¯s and for a moment I want little more than to return it. However, the corners of my mouth weigh as heavy as lead.

    ¡°I apologise for the inconvenience you have been caused.¡± He bows his head while the other two gasp. Then Amethio steps to my side and I have to look twice to make sure I¡¯m not mentally replacing Spinel again.

    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± My voice is like a faint whisper.

    ¡°Conia let me know you left with Spinel.¡± A brash sideways glance brings sweat to my brow. ¡°She warned you.¡±

    ¡°And nothing happened,¡± I return tensely before my gaze wanders to the stranger again. ¡°What now?¡±

    The unknown man raises his hands. His magnificent robe, divided into gold and blue, outshines the two other Plasma members. The wide collar, shaped like an oversized crown, gleams in the incoming sunlight and bathes the embedded sapphires in elegance. He conveys the image of a simple king, the emblem of Team Plasma on his chest.

    ¡°We don¡¯t desire trouble with another organisation. We are indeed pursuing a wish, caught in the eternal circle of rejection, that sometimes drives my young companions to deeds far from praiseworthy.¡± A heavy sigh comes over him. ¡°Forgive them for today and may peace be with you. Farewell...¡±

    He only needs a single hand gesture to order his members wordlessly to retreat. Immediately afterwards, he nods to us one last time and as soon as he disappears somewhere in the middle of the ruins, I whirl around to Amethio ¨C who has vanished without a trace. Instead, I spot Spinel a few steps away, his face pale as a sheet.

    ¡°What¡¯s happened?¡± I immediately rush over to him and put a hand on his shoulder.

    Instead of answering, he points to the Munna. Its body is just clearing itself of the last bit of pink mist before it lets out a relieved squeak and goes on its way as if it had never been in trouble.

    ¡°We weren¡¯t paying attention,¡± Spinel then explains. ¡°After you punched that guy, Munna seems to have emitted a lot of Dream Mist at once.¡±

    My brows lift. ¡°Means ... what?¡±

    ¡°That everything except the two from Team Plasma was an illusion.¡± He takes a quick breath. ¡°But everything else...¡±

    He doesn¡¯t need to elaborate, especially as we probably saw different things. But that only explains part of what happened. I more or less know my mother and Amethio, but this unknown man doesn¡¯t fit into the picture.

    Spinel seems to see through my thoughts immediately. ¡°Dream Mist can allow other people to see into your dreams. If you have seen something unfamiliar to you, then it was most likely someone from the other two¡¯s lives.¡±

    ¡°Really...¡± I run a hand over my face. Some of what has just happened is beyond me. Tiredness seeps into every fibre of my body and everything in me wants to curl up in a bed to sleep off the surreal intoxication of my senses.

    ¡°We should ... collect the Dream Mist,¡± I finally mutter. The pink dust scattered all over the floor must be what Fennel wants. ¡°Do we have anything to bag?¡±

    Spinel takes two blinks longer to catch himself. Whatever he saw, it must have been bad.

    When he reaches into his trouser pocket and pulls out a bag capable of holding at least four oranges, I let out a sigh of relief. I immediately turn to Trumbeak.

    ¡°Could you flap your wings a little?¡± I gently take the bag from Spinel. ¡°With any luck, most of it will fly into the bag.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s too messy.¡± With a wave of his hand, Spinel lets a Magneton out of its ball. Then he takes the bag again. ¡°It will create an electric field to lift the powder. It is light in mass and will therefore rise first.¡±

    ¡°And if there¡¯s dirt in it?¡±

    ¡°Fennel will be able to separate it better than we can.¡± He briefly gestures for me to keep my distance and I move back between the walls of the ruins.

    The slight step between the backyard and the concrete corridor serves as a boundary and as Magneton sends his electricity across the floor with all his might, Spinel¡¯s boots almost seem to make sense to me. They don¡¯t direct electricity, arming him perfectly against his Pok¨¦mon, and as he guides the bag close to the ground, I¡¯m left with nothing but admiration for his approach.

    For a moment, my thoughts drift off; to the stranger and Amethio. What would he have seen in the face of the Dream Mist?

    A sigh comes over me. Part of me wants to see him, wants to hear what he¡¯s been doing for the last few days, because I¡¯m part of the team and yet I can¡¯t find my footing. He excludes me, even though everyone supposedly has a certain value in his eyes.

    Shaking my head, I suppress the thought and call Coro and Mirra back to their balls. Spinel does the same when the bag is full. His white gloves glisten a little. Wordlessly, he strolls past me, his smile always the same. The pallor is still vaguely on his cheeks, but it is no longer so obvious and disappears the further we walk to get out of the ruins and back onto the forest path.

    We don¡¯t say a word the entire way back and I¡¯m almost glad about it. My temples are throbbing and the stress of the whole affair twists my every thought. It seems impossible to have a useful conversation here and now.

    Not even when we arrive at Fennel¡¯s do my brain cells seem to have recovered. She greets us once again exuberantly outside the building, whose smoke has now cleared. The wet pavement hints at the fire brigade.

    ¡°Oh, thank you! That means I can get straight on with the ideas on our far-too-long list!¡± She claps her hands happily. ¡°What do you say, Spinel? Fancy a bit of research?¡±

    He raises his hand with a smirk. ¡°Another time.¡±

    Briefly, she puffs out her cheeks before turning to me and reaching into her lab coat pocket. ¡°Then at least give me a hand! I¡¯ve made an inner coating for Pok¨¦ Balls from the Dream Mist.¡± She pulls out one of them and holds it under my nose. The red-purple colour glistens. ¡°Yes, I left a word in the design, too. But apart from that, I¡¯m naming this success the Dream Ball!¡±

    ¡°Dream ball?¡±

    Eager nodding. ¡°The Dream Mist in the inner coating wears off in the long run, but with this ball, you can look into a Pok¨¦mon¡¯s dreams. Just place it next to you on your pillow at night and you¡¯re there!¡±

    ¡°And that¡¯s safe?¡±

    ¡°Probably!¡± She folds her hands cheerfully in front of her chest. ¡°When the Pok¨¦mon sleeps, the dust reacts with the dreams and forms a kind of ... pink mist, which also occurs when Munna is under a lot of stress. This mist can escape from the ball, leading a trainer into the dream their Pok¨¦mon is having. The mixture isn¡¯t strong enough to control your partner¡¯s dream, but it improves the bond between human and Pok¨¦mon.¡±

    ¡°And what should I test?¡± Carefully, I take the ball. The idea behind it sounds interesting, but I can¡¯t imagine simply giving such valuable goods to someone.

    ¡°Unfezant doesn¡¯t want to share her dreams with me,¡± Fennel grumbles. ¡°I want to know how long the ball¡¯s effect lasts before it stops working. I¡¯d also like to know if you notice any irregularities. Is the dream blurred? Is the Pok¨¨mon suddenly in your dream? Are you both just sitting in a fog?¡± She puts a finger to her chin. ¡°I don¡¯t have time to catch a new Pok¨¦mon myself, and most researchers don¡¯t get enough sleep to make a ball like this worthwhile. I¡¯m talking to you right now, so ... are you in?¡±

    She could just as easily ask Spinel, but they probably already know each other well enough for her to know that he doesn¡¯t fit her target group. After all, he¡¯s hardly less of a researcher than she is.

    ¡°I¡¯ll give it a go.¡±

    ¡°Great!¡± She hastily digs a Rotom Phone out of another bag. I can¡¯t avoid swapping contacts with her.

    After that, we¡¯re dismissed, and as soon as Spinel and I stroll along the road to the car, I¡¯m overcome by a sense of calm I¡¯d like to follow forever. We collect our clothes, take them to the accommodation and before new ideas flood our time together, we decide to go our separate ways for the rest of the day. This allows me to fall into bed to give in to exhaustion. Rest that drags me into a dream whose sweet flavour sticks to my body like a fantasy.

 Chapter 47: Peoples dreams V

    Blurred images envelop me. The world is muddled, unsteady, not as I know it. Still, my gaze wanders over the colourful mosaic of my surroundings.

    I would love to raise a hand and feel the picture before me, but I don¡¯t have the strength. Nothing about me wants to move. There is only this pressure on one hand, which nestles warmly against me, so I tilt my head slightly to the side ¨C towards him.

    He holds my fingers tightly, as if he wants to ensure I don¡¯t run away. His eyes are somewhere in the distance. He is with me and yet, somehow, somewhere else.

    But for now, that¡¯s okay. In these breaths, I know how to smile. Because he is there.

    The world passes us by in a green expanse and although I am happy to get to know another city on our way back to Castelia City, my thoughts still cling to the illusions of the day before. To my mother, to the stranger, and also to Amethio, who ended up haunting my dreams. Sometimes his thoughts seemed to be elsewhere. Then he was back to his old self. Reproving and unenthusiastic about my actions, but yet strangely caring when he looked at me as if I would disappear at any moment. In my dream, this kind of attention from him felt pleasantly warm. But he isn¡¯t here.

    Instead, Spinel sits behind the wheel, no longer spooked by what he saw yesterday, intent on getting us both to Nacrene City. The dark roofs of the city can already be seen from afar and, according to the information Rotom has given us, most of the people there live in old warehouses. It¡¯s an old town full of memories, which they keep in a local museum.

    The only reason we¡¯re making a stopover in Nacrene is because of me. Spinel has offered to explore the town on our way back, as it is said to be especially popular with younger people. It offers the latest trends in sweets, huge caf¨¦s in warehouses, massive supermarkets and colourful street stalls. I imagine the latter to be a bit like the hustle and bustle of Konikoni.

    As we leave the long avenue of trees behind us and the car finally rolls onto the streets of the city, the first impression of Nacrene is calm. People stroll around. Conversations are taking place in front of open shop doors. Girls and boys my age saunter past clothes shops and older gentlemen have gathered on a nearby corner ¨C dressed appropriately for lunchtime on a golf course. It¡¯s not cramped, not crowded, and yet the enjoyment of life bubbles to the surface.

    Spinel parks the car near the Pok¨¦mon Center, next to which towers a broad hotel with an entrance reminiscent of a garage door. The dark brown stone conveys old charm and the wide sign on the side in curved lettering promises homely peace.

    ¡°Where do we go first?¡± As soon as we get out of the car, I glance at Spinel.

    ¡°You could give your Pok¨¦mon a chance to socialise with others,¡± he suggests. ¡°There¡¯s a day care for children and Pok¨¦mon not far from here.¡±

    ¡°Both together?¡±

    He nods. ¡°So they can get to know as many types as possible.¡±

    The idea is appealing and I don¡¯t want to reject his suggestion without at least having a quick look. I certainly won¡¯t be dropping my Pok¨¦mon off there, but the concept seems interesting. So Spinel takes the lead. His long legs match my stride and yet he stays a few centimetres ahead to guide us both down the right streets. This, too, differs from Amethio¡¯s behaviour, who either runs ahead or to whom I have to adapt in every situation. No matter how I put it, he could probably learn a thing or two from Spinel.

    When we stop in front of a warehouse, its flowery decorated walls standing out playfully among the other buildings, my gaze immediately wanders to the fenced-in annex. Children up to the age of ten are playing in a well-tended garden with Pok¨¦mon that don¡¯t belong to them but are ready to make friends with strangers. Bright laughter accompanies the distorted sounds of various Pok¨¦mon and even an old woman ¨C presumably the supervisor ¨C lets out a giggle from behind a raised hand.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure your Pok¨¦mon would feel right at home here.¡± Contrary to my expectations, Spinel¡¯s gaze is fixed on me. He doesn¡¯t care about the cheerful painting of a day care that I¡¯ve never seen myself. For him, such things must be part of everyday life.

    ¡°Probably.¡± Gently, I place a hand on my skirt pocket. ¡°However, I prefer to keep them with me. Eevee is very particular. Ying and I never part ways. It¡¯s probably too much for Mirra, and while Growlithe would certainly have fun, I can see Trumbeak folding his wings over his head in despair. If I could stick around, it would be worth considering, but they¡¯re better off in their balls this way.¡±

    The humming escaping his throat seems almost disappointed and just as he opens his mouth ¨C surely he wants to put his displeasure into words ¨C the brisk voice of a woman interrupts him.

    ¡°Domino!¡±

    I turn around immediately. Facing me is Conia, her arms crossed in front of her chest as if she doesn¡¯t want to give Spinel any room for stupid comments.

    Next to me, she stops. ¡°You¡¯re on your way back?¡±

    ¡°We are,¡± I reply curtly. The loose-fitting, light blue blouse on her body goes well with the light-coloured jeans and immerses her in an image that makes me forget how much more serious she looks in her uniform. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±

    ¡°I picked up Golduck from the day care. She likes to spend her time there, meeting friends or playing with the children.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t realise you cared about things like that.¡± Spinel¡¯s shallow smile doesn¡¯t match his words, or the amused tone they convey. Whatever has happened between him and Amethio¡¯s troupe, there seems to be no improvement in sight.

    ¡°That could be said about you, too.¡±

    Conia doesn¡¯t have to say it to make her side-swipe clear. Spinel taking the time to show me a bit of this region is certainly not one of his hobbies. Part of me is sure we could become good friends if we spend enough time like this. The rest of me can¡¯t shake the idea that he enjoys rubbing this connection in Amethio¡¯s face. It¡¯s a kind of power play I¡¯m struggling with.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about.¡± Instead of responding to Conia, he gives a barely perceptible shrug. ¡°My plans merely allow for some free time, which I¡¯m happy to invest in the growth of others. Unlike Amethio, as we all know.¡±

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t talk about things you know nothing about.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s what they all say when they¡¯re not content with-¡± He breaks off as someone crashes into his shoulder. His body staggers to the side and just as I grab Spinel by the arm to support him, Plasma¡¯s uniform catches my eye.

    The stranger hurries off in a sprint before the screams of two teenagers reach us, pleading to hold the thief. But he is already too far away for me to catch him and before I know what to do, Conia takes off in pursuit. My whole body flinches under her action and when I feel Spinel¡¯s hand on mine, my gaze flits up to him.

    ¡°Go help her.¡±

    A nod overcomes me, then I run.

    My breath rushes hotly over my lips as I try to catch up with Conia. The light heels of the grey boots thunder in my ears and although I can¡¯t close the gap, it¡¯s enough to keep up. Still, sweat forms on my skin, heat ripples through my whole body and when we reach a forest path leading us through undergrowth and bushes, I hear my panting. Somewhere in between, we pass a sign that reads ¡°Wellspring Cave¡± and before I know it, my footsteps echo off stone walls.

    Gasping, I slow my pace, watch Conia fade further into the distance, and finally prop myself up on my knees. My throat burns. Every breath feels a bit like choking. Although I¡¯ve become more athletic lately ¨C Alola has done its part ¨C I¡¯m still not up to par with the others. Still, I pull myself together and drag on. Being here is better than waiting with Spinel. Who knows what danger Conia would otherwise put herself in alone? She may be strong, but she¡¯s not invincible.

    I feel my way along the cave wall with one hand. The light in here is dim. The overhead lighting flickers, is partially broken and so old it¡¯s almost surprising it still works. It illuminates my way to a junction where Conia has stopped, too. Pressed against the wall, she looks around the corner, her eyes fixed on the distance.

    When I stop next to her, she immediately grabs my arm. ¡°There are four of them.¡±

    ¡°Okay...¡± I groan quietly. I still haven¡¯t managed to calm my frantic breathing. ¡°That¡¯s why you ... waited?¡±

    Her gaze wanders briefly in my direction before she nods. ¡°I¡¯ve realised you¡¯re following. In a situation like this, we¡¯re better off in pairs.¡±

    Slowly, I, too, peer around the corner to scrutinise the small group, discussing the situation lively. Their uniforms are unmistakable and the two Pok¨¦ Balls one of them is triumphantly holding up, must be the stolen goods.

    ¡°How do we proceed?¡± Brows drawn together, I address Conia.

    ¡°We¡¯re attacking.¡± Determination shows on her features as she pulls out a Pok¨¦ Ball. In her mind, there¡¯s no better alternative and I can¡¯t argue with her. ¡°We should work together. It¡¯s easier if we challenge all four of them at once than separating them first and then realising they might be superior to you.¡±

    My shoulders slump. Despite the training, they still don¡¯t trust me with a fight I might lose ¨C or one that will cost me more than I can pay. Using the Z-Move in a cave is out of the question, and after that strange voice caught up with me yesterday, I don¡¯t want to question their decision. It¡¯s better not to take any risks.

    We both nod to each other again. Then we jump around the corner and bridge the few metres to the four Plasma members, who notice us in the same blink.

    ¡°Really? You¡¯ve followed us this far?¡± A woman among them steps forward ¨C presumably the leader of this theft. ¡°If you think we¡¯re going to put these Pok¨¦mon back into the hands of irresponsible children, you¡¯re wrong!¡± She immediately grabs a ball at her waist, causing the other three to follow suit. ¡°Better get out of here before you lose your Pok¨¦mon today, too.¡±

    ¡°Definitely not.¡± Any intimidation rolls off Conia and as she sends her Golduck into battle, I follow suit with Ying.

    The budding unrest between the fronts passes over our heads. A throaty hiss from a Zangoose elicits a deep growl from Ying and as the opposing Watchog tilts its head, Conia begins her attack.

    ¡°Water pulse!¡±

    Without further ado, Golduck puffs out her chest before drawing uneven circles in the air and throwing them at our opponents with a screech-like sound wave. It¡¯s a straightforward attack that shoos any Plasma Pok¨¦mon aside, causing Ying to move automatically.

    As soon as she reaches her first foe within a few jumps, I give her the order to use scratch. In the next instant, she rams her claws so hard against a Sandile that it howls loudly before taking off and crashing sideways through the water pulse against the dodging Zangoose.

    Meanwhile, the second Sandile in the group lets out a whimper as the water pulse crashes into a rock right next to it and the falling stone stirs up dust, causing the members of Plasma to curse quietly. It is the right moment to let Trumbeak out of his ball.

    ¡°Fly! And if you see an opportunity, steal the two Pok¨¦ Balls they don¡¯t carry on their bodies.¡±

    Coro spares a sound of approval. He assesses the situation, evaluates it and nods before he flies under the rocky ceiling with powerful wing beats and waits. At this point, my attention turns back to the fight, whose brief stop ends when Zangoose and Watchog break through the cloud of dust.

    While one of them bares its teeth and lunges at Golduck¡¯s thigh, the other spreads its oversized claws and points them at Ying. Both Conia and I shout warnings, our Pok¨¦mon back away, attacks miss, and yet Ying loses a tuft of fur as Zangoose¡¯s claws fly past her by a hair¡¯s breadth. In the same breath, my Zoroark strikes back with her claws, moving closer to Golduck, who has the same plan; and as they stand back to back, it dawns on me how much better they can be as a team.Stolen story; please report.

    So I take the lead. ¡°Ying, fling Golduck into the air!¡±

    ¡°Domino?¡± Conia¡¯s astonishment rolls over me, but only elicits a brief smile.

    All the training over the past few weeks hasn¡¯t been in vain. Bellro¡¯s words back then about my talent, the mockery that escaped me ¨C I want to push all that away and show that fighting is an art that can be learnt.

    Meanwhile, Ying offers her paws to Golduck and as she steps up to be lifted into the air, Watchog intervenes. Its protruding front teeth gleam with energy and just as I¡¯m about to get Zoroark to dodge, she firms her stance. Then Golduck flies upwards, Watchog¡¯s hyper fang sinks into Ying¡¯s thigh and blood drips to the ground. But instead of howling, Zoroark grits her teeth. Simultaneously, Zangoose threatens to sink its claws into her body. It lunges out, close enough to hit Ying, and I wish I could throw myself between them, but in these seconds, I can only show the same strength as Ying. I have to let her act instead of interfering.

    ¡°Night daze! Sweep them away!¡±

    An amused snort escapes Ying¡¯s muzzle before lightning-fast darkness envelops her body. Zangoose¡¯s claws are close enough to touch, ready to split her hair. In the next blink, the blackness detaches from Ying¡¯s body with such force it tears Zangoose¡¯s arms backwards before it is grabbed by the darkness and thrown back. Conia¡¯s Golduck follows with a well-timed water pulse from above.

    Only Watchog holds firm. Its teeth in Zoroark¡¯s thigh prevent it from flying away. But its position and the lack of a trainer¡¯s command render it motionless, so Ying smashes the back of her paw against its head. With a gasp, the Pok¨¦mon¡¯s teeth dislodge from her flesh before it staggers two steps to the side. At this moment, I¡¯m not allowed to show pity. ¡°Pursuit!¡±

    Zoroark follows her opponent with heavy steps before she swings her paw once more and smashes it backwards against Watchog¡¯s torso. The force knocks it off its feet. Its impact against the rock wall is so violent it can¡¯t get back to its feet between the crumbled rock and dust. That leaves only Zangoose, standing shakily in front of Team Plasma. Its fur drips from wetness as it takes heavy breaths. The Sandile behind it looks frozen in place.

    ¡°You don¡¯t think you¡¯ve already won, do you?¡± Provocatively, the stranger raises the stolen balls. ¡°If it comes down to it, we¡¯ll send these Pok¨¦mon into battle against you, too.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think so!¡± Without further ado, I point upwards. ¡°Unless you¡¯re faster than Coro!¡±

    Her eyes widen, plagued by incomprehension, as the balls disappear from her hands in the same breath. Trumbeak¡¯s swift wings carry him back to me and when I hold my arm out to him, it¡¯s fifteen kilos settling heavily on me.

    For a moment I think my arrogant behaviour might look good, but it will probably tear my limb off. Still, I try to swallow the strain on my muscles. Coro, for his part, drops the two balls into my hand and I don¡¯t need to reassure myself that they are the stolen Pok¨¦mon. The stickers on them already give it away.

    ¡°Don¡¯t think you¡¯re going to get away that easily!¡± The leader of the troupe hisses, and although her face is contorted with rage and promises revenge, I only feel relief inside. ¡°You may lead the two Pok¨¦mon back to their captivity, but one day we will rescue them and there¡¯s nothing you can do about it! When our king takes his place, a new, good age will dawn!¡±

    Conia¡¯s dismissive snort is the only response Team Plasma receives before they turn and leave. Shortly afterwards, Golduck slips back into her ball and Trumbeak also settles into his round home. Only Ying remains at our side ¨C quickly supplied by some powder Conia has been carrying in her trouser pocket.

    ¡°What a twisted bunch,¡± she groans. ¡°They believe in what they say, as if they don¡¯t even realise their surroundings...¡± Her eyes fall on her Pok¨¦ Ball. ¡°That plan would make a lot more people and Pok¨¦mon unhappy than it would help them.¡±

    ¡°Probably,¡± I reply as I run a hand through Ying¡¯s soft mane. I can¡¯t imagine what my life would be like without them ¨C or what this world would be like if Pok¨¦mon weren¡¯t a part of our lives. I don¡¯t even want to think about it.

    Still, the thought doesn¡¯t seem to let go of us as we make our way back and stroll into the city at a leisurely pace. The silence between us weighs heavily. It doesn¡¯t even let up when we see Spinel and the two young people together in a caf¨¦ a few metres from the day care. He seems to have reassured them with confident words ¨C panic is no longer written on their faces ¨C and when they spot us, expectations bubble up in their eyes.

    ¡°Were you able to save them? Are they all right?¡± The girl rushes over to us and as I press both balls into her hand, she whirls around to her companion. ¡°They¡¯ve got them!¡±

    ¡°Thank you so much!¡± More reserved than his counterpart, the boy bows to us. He elicits a smile from us, while Conia waves it off. But the relief from before seems to have disappeared.

    Instead, unease grows between us as the teenagers make their way home after their sixth thank-you and the three of us are left behind. The thought of how well Spinel must have had them under control banishes Team Plasma from my mind. If I had to imagine Amethio in his place, it probably wouldn¡¯t have gone half as smoothly. Surely he would have intimidated these two strangers with his stubborn manner rather than giving them courage.

    Conia lets out a snort somewhere in between and when she puts her hands on her hips and turns to me, I raise my eyebrows.

    ¡°I have to get back to Castelia now,¡± she begins. ¡°You should return to the headquarters, too. We could go together. I-¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll make our way back tomorrow,¡± Spinel interrupts her, crossing his legs gallantly at the table. Propping his head in one hand, he looks at Conia as if she had already lost this unspoken battle long before her first attempt.

    The two stare each other down wordlessly for an instant and I don¡¯t know if I should say something or if silence is wiser. Ying at my side merely looks back and forth between them and as I bury a hand in her fur, I¡¯m sure we can sit this out silently.

    Indeed, the tension eases as Conia lets out a faint hum before her eyes dart in my direction once more. ¡°See you around.¡±

    It¡¯s a short, impersonal farewell. Almost as if I were to blame for this unpleasant constellation. She¡¯s not wrong, but the problem between her, Zir, Amethio and Spinel isn¡¯t mine. There¡¯s no room for me in this argument, even if it seems as if they¡¯re trying to force me to decide, or even take sides.

    Shaking my head, I finally settle down opposite Spinel. ¡°Why are they so averse to you?¡±

    While Ying sits down on the ground next to me and enjoys the sun, Spinel scrutinises me before the smile fades from his lips. Brows drawn together, he seems to look at my question seriously.

    ¡°In the Explorers, it¡¯s important to deliver results, whether as a team or alone,¡± he begins. ¡°We¡¯re given a goal and each of us gets to work towards it. At the moment, that means the black Rayquaza and the newly emerged Terapagos.¡± He tilts his head. ¡°It also means we¡¯re stealing each other¡¯s lead and snatching information from under each other¡¯s noses to put ourselves in a better light for Master Gibeon. It¡¯s a kind of ¡®friendly competition¡¯ between us and, unfortunately, Amethio is far too often on the losing side.¡±

    ¡°And I suppose he has you to thank for that most of the time?¡± My mouth twists. His explanation makes sense and I can understand why there are arguments. Though it also seems nonsensical, considering how much more they could achieve if they worked together.

    Spinel, meanwhile, nods. ¡°The fact we both usually follow the same tracks ends up with only one of us getting the result. He may be a year younger than me, but I take him seriously. I don¡¯t like losing.¡± A restrained laugh creeps onto his lips. ¡°I¡¯m sure you understand that.¡±

    ¡°A little.¡± Nobody likes to lose, and I don¡¯t think I would do much differently in Spinel¡¯s shoes. Then again, it sounds harsh that he¡¯s snatching every victory from Amethio¡¯s grasp, and part of me would like to plead for a little more kindness. However, I¡¯m in no position to make such requests. On top, I¡¯m sure that one day Amethio will find a way to beat Spinel at his own game.

    ¡°By the way, you should try the ice cream here,¡± he finally distracts from the topic. ¡°You can get the best flavours of the region here.¡±

    An invitation I don¡¯t need to hear twice to raise my hand and place an order. All the while, I notice Umbreon under the table and the thought of letting my team out tingles under my skin. But there¡¯s not enough room for them all here. I¡¯ll give them a little more freedom when we get back to the hotel. The forest path isn¡¯t far from there.

    But just as I¡¯m about to lean back and enjoy the weather, the same whistling that surprised me in the ruins reaches my ears. The lively sound and the slightly monotonous noises are almost drowned out by the chatter of the people, but they always break through and draw attention to them. It is enough to lure Coro out of his ball, his feathers fluffed up.

    ¡°Do you hear that too?¡± In thought, I turn to Spinel. ¡°That whistling?¡±

    Coro¡¯s body sways gently back and forth before he tries to answer, but produces a loud toot rather than an acceptable melody. The lack of beautiful tones surprises him, and as he tries to contort his soft beak to summon something gentler, a wry croak escapes him.

    ¡°That¡¯s the song of an Unfezant,¡± Spinel replies. ¡°The first form, Pidove, isn¡¯t very popular here because they often flood the streets and leave a lot of dirt behind.¡±

    I vaguely remember seeing it in Castelia City. They walked between people¡¯s legs, picking rubbish off the ground while cooing.

    ¡°Unfezant are much more popular because the males attract attention with their colours.¡± He smirks. ¡°Your Trumbeak seems to like the song a lot.¡±

    Coro doesn¡¯t dare make another sound, but he listens. His body continues to sway from side to side and his gaze reaches somewhere in the distance, as if he already knows where the Pok¨¦mon is hiding.

    ¡°Do you want to follow the song?¡± I carefully lean down toward him so his gaze briefly glides in my direction. But Coro shakes his head. In the next breath, he loses interest in me and turns his attention back to the sounds of Unfezant.

    All I can do is watch, enjoy the ice cream and prepare myself because Coro might work on his singing skills in quiet hours.

    <hr>

    ¡·WHISPERS¡¶

    <hr>

    My soles crunch as I stop in front of the wide entrance to the Pok¨¦mon Gym and scrutinise the massive appearance of the building. Before Spinel left me to go to his room and attend to his duties, he let me know that the Nacrene Gym is hidden in the museum. There is also supposed to be a library here, where a few books might prove useful for my studies to become a professor.

    However, I don¡¯t dare take a step forward. The heavy posts to my sides attract the attention of others with their metallic blue flags and the brown bricks, which give the building an ancient charm, shimmering almost golden due to the reinforcements that have been worked into them. There was no building in Alola that stood out so clearly from the others. Even the Aether Foundation looked more like a big white blob compared to what stands before me. I have to admit that Unova with its buildings seems more striking overall than Alola with its nature, mountains and eternally long paths.

    ¡°I shouldn¡¯t think about such things...¡±

    Maybe I just don¡¯t appreciate the region I was taken to against my will. Many things lose their beauty when they are forced upon you and seem like a sudden prison you can¡¯t escape from.

    ¡°Maybe one day I can ... come to love it...¡± Gently, I bury a hand in Ying¡¯s fur. Her closeness gives me comfort, which has faltered since the illusion in the ruins. Here, I have no one to talk to. Lillie¡¯s absence becomes especially present in breaths like these.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you want to go in?¡±

    Goosebumps spread across my body as I whirl around and look into the handsome, endless grey eyes of a boy I¡¯m all too familiar with.

    ¡°N... Are you planning to go to the museum?¡± I turn back to the building. ¡°Or are you planning to challenge the gym?¡±

    ¡°I ... intend to defeat the Gym Leader and become stronger.¡±

    ¡°For your dream of seeing the Pok¨¦mon happy?¡±

    ¡°Happy and free.¡± His gaze falls on Ying. ¡°You seem to care about your trainer.¡±

    Zoroark¡¯s response is a low growl, and as N¡¯s eyes widen, curiosity bubbles inside me. These seconds of him turning his attention to my Pok¨¦mon and having a conversation with her make me realise how Amethio and the others must feel when I talk to the legendary creatures out there; and all those who are special in their own way ¨C like the mutated Wishiwashi.

    ¡°Your Zoroark ... Ying ... she loves you very much...¡± When N addresses me again, I can only raise my shoulders.

    Part of me has always been sure we were a close-knit team ¨C a family. However, knowing she communicates these things fills me with fluttery pride.

    ¡°She seems to have been listening to our last conversation.¡± A wan smile forms on his lips. ¡°I didn¡¯t think ... that a Pok¨¦mon could answer my question that way. But I wonder if that¡¯s enough. If it¡¯s sufficient that a few of my friends out there are happy while others suffer.¡± He sighs. ¡°I want to know what hurdles and pain they have to go through. I ... want to find out things that nobody else is interested in. All the things that nobody knows and that we probably won¡¯t learn and understand for centuries to come.¡±

    ¡°For example, what it looks like inside a Pok¨¦ Ball?¡± I ask, causing him to laugh.

    ¡°That too.¡±

    I want to believe I can find the answers to all his questions if only I have enough time. Then again, I know too little about research to just jump in. One day I¡¯m sure I¡¯ll find a way, but I¡¯m still at the beginning of that journey and there are so many things constantly coming at me, it¡¯s impossible to focus solely on this one problem.

    ¡°I just want my friends to have a happy life without being thrust into a man-made hell,¡± N elaborates and I nod.

    ¡°Me too. When I think about what my Mimikyu once told me... I don¡¯t want to think about how some other Pok¨¦mon are doing.¡±

    ¡°You know...¡± he hesitates for a moment, ¡°I¡¯d free the Pok¨¦mon from their trainers even by force if it meant they¡¯d be happy afterwards. It may sound terrible, but ... if I had the power, I¡¯d tear them all apart in one fell swoop and start all over again.¡±

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t.¡± It¡¯s amazing how ordinary our words sound. Calm and collected, as if we are talking about the nice weather in Unova. ¡°In the end, that wouldn¡¯t make me any better than the trainers who don¡¯t care about their partners or treat them like broken toys. Besides, it would hurt humans and Pok¨¦mon to keep them all apart. But you know that.¡± My gaze falls on him. ¡°You know how I feel about it. We¡¯ve already talked about it.¡±

    ¡°We have,¡± confirms N. ¡°I just wanted to make sure you hadn¡¯t changed your mind.¡±

    ¡°Do the people around you often change their minds?¡±

    ¡°They often waver between what is fair and their own wishes.¡±

    ¡°Which are not fair?¡±

    ¡°Not for Team Plasma¡¯s cause.¡±

    ¡°So for your cause?¡±

    Silence spreads between us until N puts his head back and takes a deep breath. Then he wipes his hands on his trousers and adjusts the black cap on his head. The scab near his lip is barely noticeable. ¡°I wonder what your future will be like. It seems as uncertain to me as Unova¡¯s.¡±

    ¡°It certainly is.¡±

    ¡°At least I know what I have to do to put my decision into action. Soon I will have a new friend at my side. A ruler who has already changed the world once.¡± He puts his hands at his sides. ¡°And then ... my world will change, too.¡± He looks at me one last time. ¡°It¡¯s time for me to rise to the challenge.¡±

    And with that, he strides forward, heading for the magnificent building that will give him a badge if he is victorious with his Pok¨¦mon. There¡¯s no more room for me in this place. The tightness in my stomach begs me not to set foot in the gym, as if it would be better to keep my distance. Maybe it¡¯s also because everything seems to have been said between us and it would be strange if we bumped into each other again in an hour.

    ¡°Maybe we should return to the hotel and rest with the others near the Wellspring Cave later.¡± Briefly, I lean against Ying, whose warm body heats the pleasant rays of the sun and reminds me of the scorching heat of Alola.

    Then I grab her by the arm and carefully pull her away from our spot so we can walk back close together ¨C safe in the face of Plasma¡¯s unpredictable movements.

 Chapter 48: Peoples dreams VI

    The hotel next to the Pok¨¦mon Center lives up to its promise. The reception area is huge, the furnishings rustic yet homely, and in every corner, there is a vending machine with a selection of hot and cold drinks. They¡¯ve even thought of a seating area with comfortable armchairs and low tables ¨C a place where you can unwind when you¡¯ve got nowhere else to go.

    Half in thought, I run my fingertips over the seat cushion at my side. The soft fabric tickles my skin and arouses the desire to lie down and let the day pass. But I¡¯m sure my thoughts wouldn¡¯t find peace despite everything.

    Pressing my lips together, I think of N; of his words, his wishes, his plans, and the possibility that he could play a significant role in Team Plasma. His ideas go wonderfully along with what this organisation is trying to convey. That said, he doesn¡¯t give off the air of an entrenched young man who would insist on his opinion when shown that the world between humans and Pok¨¦mon is better than what he imagines. Sure, it¡¯s not perfect and there are many points for improvement, but I think it¡¯s worth working on these areas rather than resetting everything.

    ¡°Is everything okay? You look tired.¡± As Conia comes into view, two bottles of lemonade in hand, I try to push N out of my thoughts.

    ¡°Just a little exhausted,¡± I reply.

    Her furrowed brows refuse to believe me, but she avoids asking. She probably knows our circumstances are already strange enough, considering she¡¯s supposed to be on her way back to Castelia City. Instead, she¡¯s stayed here, as if she wants to watch Spinel before he gets the stupid idea of robbing Amethio of another success ¨C in whatever sense.

    As soon as she pushes a bottle under my nose and leans back, my thoughts threaten to drift off again ¨C to Amethio and Spinel, to the problems between them and the question of what they are working on.

    ¡°Lillie¡¯s been in touch,¡± Conia begins out of nowhere. ¡°She sent us a letter, but you weren¡¯t at headquarters, so I was carrying it around with me in case I ran into you.¡±

    ¡°A letter?¡± The thoughts fade. ¡°Why a letter? She could have written or called us with Rotom...¡±

    ¡°She could have, but Lillie just couldn¡¯t stop herself.¡± Smirking, Conia digs an envelope out of the grey shoulder bag she took from her room twenty minutes ago to go through her inventory and give me some of the powder she and the others carry as standard equipment.

    When I pick up the letter and open the already detached flap, it is sky-blue paper facing me. Carefully, I pull it out, unfold it and glimpse at the curved writing, eliciting a smile from me.

    Dear Domino and Conia,

    I know I could have reached you with Rotom, but they sell

    wonderful stationery here and somehow I couldn¡¯t get rid of the thought

    that a letter would be nice. Maybe a bit old-fashioned, but who says we have to

    move with the times?

    I am addressing this letter to both of you because you have asked me

    the same questions and since you are following the same path,

    I thought it would be much nicer if we were all together for a moment.

    Both of you bent over my text.

    It¡¯s probably childish, but I miss you and a video call

    would certainly have made it worse. Besides, I¡¯ve caught a

    cold and didn¡¯t want you to see me like this.

    I¡¯m fine. Mum is being treated by Bill and Guzma is with her all the time.

    Sometimes he holds her hand when she¡¯s unsure, and I think

    they are getting a little closer every day. It¡¯s strange to see my mum learning to

    let go, but I am also happy that she is finally

    moving forward. At least, I think she is. Please don¡¯t take all this too

    seriously. These are just my impressions and I can¡¯t say for sure if

    maybe I¡¯m not just imagining all this.

    ¡°Guzma and Lusamine?¡± My brows lift. I can vaguely imagine it, considering he followed that woman into Ultra Space. But on the other hand, it¡¯s hard to believe that a gangster like Guzma could win over a successful woman like Lusamine.

    ¡°The way you look, I¡¯m almost glad I never met either of them,¡± sighs Conia. ¡°Zir described them for me. They seem very different in ... everything.¡±

    ¡°They are. But maybe that¡¯s why they¡¯re getting closer.¡± My gaze falls back on Lillie¡¯s pretty handwriting.

    Bill said that the treatment could take up to six months.

    That¡¯s a long time and I have a lot of it for myself. So I took the

    first step towards my goal and applied for a part-time job

    at a Pok¨¦mon Center. They will train me and show me how to help

    Pok¨¦mon in need. Bill has also offered me the chance to introduce myself

    to a largebusiness dealing with herbal remedies. It¡¯sa place

    where maybe, one day, I can create new aids when I¡¯m ready.

    You can imagine how excited I am!

    I feel like everything is finally falling into place.

    I also got my first Pok¨¦mon as a present! It¡¯s so cute!

    If I can get it to hold still for a few seconds, I¡¯ll send you pictures.

    Mum got it for me because she thought we had a certain similarity.

    It¡¯s a Vulpix! From Alola! All white and fluffy, if a little cold.

    Oh, one thing I almost forgot to mention is that Gladion

    has gone his own way. Barely two days after we arrived in Kanto

    he packed his things and set off on his own journey.

    He and mum haven¡¯t spoken further. Still, I hope that when he comes

    back one day, they will talk to each other. At the moment, he

    seems to want to get stronger and challenge a few Pok¨¦mon Gyms.

    I really hope he takes care of his Null.

    How is your research going? Has anything changed and are you getting by?

    I very much hope to see you again soon.

    Please stay healthy and take care of yourselves.

    With love

    Lillie

    ¡°Sounds like she¡¯s doing really well in Kanto.¡± I carefully fold the paper. ¡°She¡¯s progressing.¡±

    Conia¡¯s reply is merely a sound of agreement before the silence swallows us. Somewhere in between, I hand the letter back to her, so she carefully tucks it away among her things. It seems there is nothing to say between us; no further attempts at warning me about Spinel or otherwise trying to make me wary. Her gaze wanders around the room as aimlessly as mine, and although I would much rather be lost in my thoughts, I eventually make an attempt at conversation.

    ¡°Any news from Amethio?¡±

    Conia shakes her head. ¡°He passes on a few tasks to Zir and me from time to time, but apart from that, we haven¡¯t seen him for a while.¡±

    A sound of understanding escapes me, but the shallow thirst for knowledge doesn¡¯t fade. Although I¡¯m supposed to be part of this team, I know next to nothing about any of them. In fact, I could probably tell as much about them as I could about Spinel ¨C who I¡¯ve only known for a few days. So I lean forward, rest my elbows on my knees, and put my head in my hands. I don¡¯t even know where to start to get closer to Conia or the other two.

    ¡°You look like you¡¯d like to know more about Amethio.¡± Conia notices my thoughts too, so she crosses her legs and leans back. ¡°We can use the time. If possible, I¡¯ll answer your questions.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± My brows lift. ¡°I wanted to ask back at Malie Garden, but ... I didn¡¯t know if it was too soon. And since then, I don¡¯t feel like much has changed.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s hard to bring someone new into an old team. We ... have all known each other since we were little,¡± replies Conia. ¡°We practically grew up together. At some point ... Amethio disappeared for a few years. During that time, it was just Zir and me.¡± She closes her eyes briefly, as if remembering the past; the days when she might often have stopped thinking about Amethio. ¡°At some point, he came back and offered us his hand. Neither Zir nor I knew what we should do at the time and which path we should take in life. The years were hard, and we had to ... keep our heads above water with stolen things. It¡¯s a very long story that eventually brought us back together and we were appointed Amethio¡¯s assistants.¡±

    Her story remains vague, full of holes and assumptions that I could fill in but don¡¯t. The curiosity in me still flares up, but Conia doesn¡¯t give the impression of wanting to share her memories with me here and now. The wall between us is still too thick, too present, too obvious. It will probably be much longer before anyone shares the story between them with me. Until then, I¡¯ll make do with breadcrumbs.

    ¡°How about small steps?¡± I suggest. ¡°Whenever the opportunity arises and I find a question for the moment, you answer it for me.¡±

    ¡°That almost sounds like a game.¡± A smirk forms on Conia¡¯s lips. ¡°I¡¯m in, if you let me return questions.¡±

    ¡°Then tell me something about yourself for today.¡±

    ¡°About me?¡±

    Half in thought, I put a hand to my chin. ¡°For example ... how did you get your Golduck?¡±

    Her eyes widen for a moment before she purses her lips and presses two fingers to her temples. ¡°The memory still gives me a headache to this day...¡±

    ¡°Was it that bad?¡±

    ¡°Probably. But somehow not.¡±

    ¡°Stop right there, you thieving Meowth!¡±

    The breath rushes across her lips like hot southerly winds as she presses the stolen ham tighter to her chest and digs her slightly greasy fingers into the flesh. Her throat burns as fiery as her muscles, her eyes fixed on the horizon, where freedom awaits her.

    But she doesn¡¯t reach that world out there before she collides with someone and staggers into an alley where she catches herself for two breaths. Her body trembles. Yet she forces herself onwards as she hears the hurried footsteps of the butcher behind her.

    Her scrawny legs drag her along the alley, down a fork that carries her past wild Meowth. They dig through the rubbish, drowning out her movements with metallic crackling and banging that gives Conia a sense of security. So she stops, takes a deep breath and tastes the foul odour of rotten fruit on her tongue. The hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. Then she swallows dryly.

    ¡°There you are!¡±

    As the butcher¡¯s narrow face peers round the corner, she feels an electric shock. His heavy hooked nose seems to have tracked her down like a Lechonk and every fibre in her body begins to scream. She has to run away, but she can¡¯t move. Her legs are too tired, her stomach too empty. The four days without food have taken their toll on her.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    Meanwhile, the butcher approaches, his hand clenched into a fist. He is ready to take the ham from her and handle her the way they punish petty thieves. She knows it. It¡¯s not the first time someone has slapped their hand in her face and spat at her for not running away fast enough.

    ¡°If you want something, go work for it, you little brat!¡±

    With every step this man takes towards her, he looks a little taller. The alley is already full of shadows, but his figure casts a suffocating darkness over her.

    Conia wants to run away, escape. The ham can stay behind if that saves her. All she has to do is throw it away, release it from her rigid fingers and keep running as if she were as immortal as the sun that shines far above them every day. But her hands won¡¯t let go of the flesh and as she stumbles back a step, her legs shake so hard she falls to her knees. The impact rubs through her worn trousers, causing her to lower her head. Pain elicits a hiss from her, causing scattered strands of hair to stick to her lips.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to teach you what happens when you put your hands on things you-¡± He breaks off as if he¡¯s lost for words. ¡°What the-?¡±

    She doesn¡¯t want to look up, doesn¡¯t want to fall into any traps, but when she sees light-coloured feet and a short, yellow tail, Conia can¡¯t stop herself. Her gaze rises, travelling along the round shape of a Psyduck standing in front of her and tilting its head as if it doesn¡¯t understand the situation it has walked into.

    A croaking sound escapes its throat before it turns to Conia and snatches at the ham, causing her to fall backwards onto her bum. The butcher snorts.

    It¡¯s a strangely twisted moment where she has to take advantage of the circumstances. If this Pok¨¦mon wants some of her stolen goods, she¡¯s willing to share if it will help her. So she points at her pursuer. ¡°Do something! Anything! Tackle! Scratch! Water gun!¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t really think this creature would do anything for you, do you?¡± Once again, the butcher takes a step towards Conia.

    Maybe he¡¯s right. Maybe she¡¯s just too desperate to not believe that a stranger Pok¨¦mon would help her. But it¡¯s probably just as hungry as she and Zir and her grandparents, who live on the outskirts of the city and barely have enough to feed themselves, let alone two children.

    ¡°Please...¡± Her lips quiver. Heat burns on her cheeks and she pulls her legs closer to her torso.

    ¡°It was an unpleasant day,¡± sighs Conia, before shaking her head. ¡°I sometimes still can¡¯t believe I got away.¡±

    ¡°So Psyduck saved you from the butcher?¡± My hands bury into my skirt. The bond between her and Golduck seems to have been formed in almost the same way as the one between me and Coro.

    ¡°More or less.¡± She puts a hand on her forehead. ¡°She turned around full of vigour to help me. But I¡¯d given her too many orders to work with. As a result, she tripped over her own feet in the rush, ran in front of the butcher¡¯s legs and shot him in the face with a water gun out of fright. He then fell over ¨C it wasn¡¯t really strong, but this sudden turnaround had affected him ¨C and I grabbed this Psyduck by the arm and ran away. We¡¯ve been a team ever since, even if she didn¡¯t get into a ball until much later.¡±

    ¡°And you shared your ham with her?¡±

    A smirk settles on Conia¡¯s lips. ¡°I gave her two slices and then went in search of berries. Nature is vast and, with a little effort, I could pick a few from a tree.¡±

    ¡°Couldn¡¯t you have lived off the berries?¡±

    She shakes her head. ¡°My grandparents worked hard to provide food, at least with a little money. We often thought about hunting to put other necessary things on the table, but grandfather was a poor marksman. Grandmother couldn¡¯t handle the rifle. I was too weak and Zir couldn¡¯t bring himself to shoot. He tried several times and burst into tears, so all the Pok¨¦mon ran away from him.¡±

    I find it hard to imagine how Zir, a guy so strong and big, could once have been so vulnerable. It¡¯s fascinating and yet her story raises more questions. She and Zir don¡¯t seem to be siblings and yet they grew up together ¨C probably even in the same house. But I can¡¯t ask any more questions. Conia has given me a piece of the puzzle and it¡¯s up to me to hold on to it until she tells me more.

    ¡°How about you?¡± As Conia leans forward, my thoughts fade. ¡°How did you get your team?¡± She waves me off. ¡°Just as a sideline, I also have a Skarmory I received as a gift after joining the Explorers.¡±

    A faint nod washes over me. My encounters aren¡¯t nearly as sweet as her meeting with Psyduck. ¡°Zoroark was a gift from my mum when I was a little girl. I met Trumbeak a bit like you met your Golduck. He stood in for Ying when we were about to lose a battle for our freedom. He was still a Pikipek then. Growlithe, however, was given to me by a berry farmer who wanted to give her the opportunity for an adventure. She didn¡¯t do very well on the farm.¡± My eyelids droop. ¡°You know about the other two.¡±

    ¡°Eevee, who was forced on you as an egg by Amethio, and Mimikyu, who let you fall into a trap at the supermarket.¡± A humming escapes her throat. ¡°A lot has happened to you in a short time.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no denying that.¡±

    ¡°Does your father know about the Pok¨¦mon voices you hear?¡±

    My shoulders slump. ¡°He does ... I think.¡±

    ¡°Memory gaps?¡±

    ¡°Too many.¡±

    ¡°Is that why you wanted to go travelling? To get your memories back?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± I shake my head gently. ¡°I wanted to escape the confinement ... my father¡¯s ideas of never coming into contact with Pok¨¦mon ¨C except Ying. I wanted freedom, to get out of the cage I¡¯d been living in and experience something.¡± A soundless laugh escapes me. ¡°At first, I just wanted to run away. That was the most important thing for me and you were the best jump I could take. Then Lillie suddenly came with me to fulfil her own goals and desires. When, for the first time, I thought I didn¡¯t have to worry about escaping any longer, the idea of being a professor fell into my lap. It was just a wild, detached thought that quickly grew on me, considering all the mysteries we¡¯ve seen in Alola.¡± I fold my hands carefully. ¡°And since I¡¯ve been here, I¡¯ve realised that there are a lot of things I haven¡¯t thought about. I mean ... there¡¯s a goal, but I still feel like I¡¯m stumbling through a completely unknown world ... like my goal isn¡¯t enough.¡±

    ¡°I think I understand what you mean,¡± replies Conia. ¡°If you get too hung up on one thing and allow it to take over your whole life, a world after that seems completely out of place.¡±

    ¡°Have you ever thought about what you want to do someday after the Explorers? I mean, we¡¯ll probably all retire one day.¡±

    She waves it off. ¡°I¡¯ve never thought about it. Right now, I¡¯m living for Amethio. What happens after that ... I¡¯ll find out at some point.¡±

    I¡¯m glad I¡¯m not alone in my uncertainty about the future, because even though I want to be a professor, I still lack a goal to pursue in this field. When I look at my Pok¨¦mon, at Ying sitting next to Coro by the window and at Mirra throwing food for Raya to catch, N comes to mind. His words, his dreams, his ideas and the certainty that humans and Pok¨¦mon don¡¯t get along in every place. Just like I don¡¯t with Eevee.

    ¡°There ... was a boy the other day ... someone who probably is part of Team Plasma,¡± I begin slowly, dragging Conia¡¯s attention back to me. ¡°He seems to feel the same way. He can¡¯t see the future. His and everyone else¡¯s, even though he has so many ideas and ideals...¡±

    ¡°Plasma? That wacky cult that wants to separate Pok¨¦mon from their owners? Are you sure?¡±

    I nod. ¡°His name is N. He¡¯s ... trying to find out if the Pok¨¦mon are happy. Like me, he doesn¡¯t seem to have been on the loose for long, and the world he¡¯s facing now is confusing. In some corners, Pidove is showered with dirt and in others it is kept as a loving pet Pok¨¦mon. Some trainers abandon their Pok¨¦mon, as I heard from Mirra, and others try to give their Pok¨¦mon the best when travelling. One lets his Pok¨¦mon bleed to death, and the other drops to his knees and does everything he can to save his partner¡¯s life. There are so many opposites that I understand his thoughts and also Plasma¡¯s to a certain extent. You certainly shouldn¡¯t support them, but changing something...¡± My gaze lowers. ¡°What¡¯s it like inside a Pok¨¦ Ball? How do the Pok¨¦mon sent to the storage system by their trainers live?¡±

    ¡°I suppose those are questions we¡¯ll have to answer scientifically at some point.¡± Conia also averts her eyes. ¡°Or they¡¯re things we¡¯ll never know.¡±

    <hr>

    ¡·WHISPERS¡¶

    <hr>

    My thoughts are spinning. Leaning my head against the windscreen, I try to appreciate the splendour of the sea, but it only carries memories of Alola; of my father and of his message, which I haven¡¯t read. Meanwhile, we cross that mighty bridge that will take us back to Castelia City and I can¡¯t say that anything about the grey buildings captivates me. The world weighs a little heavier since this morning.

    Maybe it¡¯s because I didn¡¯t sleep well. N¡¯s words and the conversation with Conia have kept me awake for a long time and I have the feeling I haven¡¯t had a moment¡¯s peace in the hours I¡¯ve been asleep. It¡¯s like I¡¯ve stumbled through a long maze with no way out.

    ¡°Is everything all right?¡±

    When Spinel turns to me, I only manage a narrow sideways glance. I shouldn¡¯t bother him with my exhaustion. ¡°Everything¡¯s fine. Just a bit quiet here.¡±

    ¡°We can switch on the radio if you like...¡±

    His smile remains unchanged, always the same, and part of me wonders if moments like this don¡¯t exhaust him. Then again, he¡¯s used to all this compared to me. I have no idea how Spinel sleeps, whether he is well or whether he sometimes lies awake too.

    Wordlessly, I bend over to the radio but can¡¯t find any buttons. My finger taps the case twice before I flinch as two tiny eyes stare at me.

    ¡°A Rotom?¡±

    ¡°They like to spend time in all kinds of technology. You can¡¯t use them for everything yet, but progress isn¡¯t slowing down.¡± A restrained laugh escapes him. ¡°Rotom, is there anything interesting on any channel?¡±

    Buzzing trembles through my ears before the Pok¨¦mon switches on a channel that is currently broadcasting the news. A reporter covers the daily doings of some top trainers, challengers are interviewed, and then the news of real relevance follows.

    ¡°As previously reported, for those who didn¡¯t catch it, it was breaking news at around seven this morning, the museum in Nacrene City was broken into. According to Gym Leader and Museum Director Lenora, nothing more was taken than the head of a Dragonite skeleton. So far, no further clues have been found. However, the people in Nacrene are certain that the burglars are Team Plasma criminals.¡±

    ¡°Why would Team Plasma steal a ... Pok¨¦mon skull?¡± Brows raised, I turn to Spinel. ¡°Does Dragonite have any ability that makes it special even after it dies?¡±

    ¡°Not that I know of,¡± Spinel replies, the smile fading from his features. ¡°Who knows what they¡¯ve come up with to make people feel better about releasing their Pok¨¦mon¡­¡± His fingers tighten their grip on the steering wheel. ¡°Team Plasma aside, you have your first professor exam today, don¡¯t you?¡±

    For a moment, I stare at him wordlessly, until his question unleashes its weight and I open my mouth in horror. The next, I pull out my Rotom Phone and look at my calendar, where the warning for today¡¯s exam is indeed flashing.

    ¡°Totally forgot...¡± I breathe in the next blink as I go through everything in my head. Fortunately, I¡¯ve stashed the exam card between my clothes and the potions to make sure I can identify myself as a professor-to-be if necessary.

    In the end, I couldn¡¯t do research in any of the labs in Nacrene or Striaton City, but at least it saves me a trip back to headquarters. There¡¯s just an hour to go until the exam and when I realise that Spinel has already pushed me to go back this morning, his shooing me around suddenly makes sense.

    ¡°You knew all along, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    He smirks. ¡°One of us has to make sure you don¡¯t mess up your first step towards becoming a professor, right?¡±

    I don¡¯t even want to know who told him when exactly my test is. He probably read it off my card when he was standing behind me at registration.

    A heavy sigh escapes me as we cross the end of the bridge and Castelia City wraps its heavy concrete arms around us. Immediately I adjust my hair, try to concentrate on my studies and go over everything I¡¯ve learnt. But I can barely focus on anything other than the news, which continues to be about Plasma and the philosophy that goes with them.

    ¡°I¡¯ll let you out at the entrance,¡± Spinel pulls me out of the news report.

    ¡°My ID is in the boot, in my bag.¡±

    ¡°If you have it, you can leave the rest of your things in the car. I¡¯ll take them back to headquarters.¡±

    ¡°Thanks.¡± My voice sounds strangely pressed. My hands are sweaty on my skirt and my heart is suddenly beating hard against my chest.

    When we arrive, my throat seems parched and I don¡¯t know whether I should jump out of the car in one leap or take a few breaths first. My fingers clutch the door handle like a lifeline and when I open it and try to leave the vehicle, the seatbelt holds me back.

    ¡°Damn it.¡± I hastily undo the belt, jump out, and bang my hip against the passenger door. Sharp pain elicits a desperate gasp from me and before I can turn around and slam the door, Spinel¡¯s giggles reach my ears.

    In a flash, I turn my head in his direction. ¡°That¡¯s not funny!¡±

    ¡°Sorry.¡± He waves it off, unable to contain his restrained laughter. He probably swallows the next words as he looks at me with gleaming eyes and I purse my lips.

    ¡°Make sure your malicious glee doesn¡¯t catch up with you at some point.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be careful.¡±

    Still, he continues to smirk to himself, so I narrow my eyes and close the door before walking to the boot and taking my ID. Simultaneously, I hear him shout an amused ¡°Good luck¡± after me and for a moment I can only shake my head with a smile. It¡¯s strange, but Spinel dispels my nervousness, giving me new courage. I¡¯ve been studying Pok¨¦mon ever since Alola. I flip through books and look everything up three times. I¡¯ve run away from home and made it to another region, joined the Explorers and grown as a trainer. One damn test isn¡¯t going to stop my line of success.

    As soon as Spinel has steered the car back onto the road and I¡¯m standing alone in front of the test facility, I straighten my shoulders. This is my first proper step towards proving to my father he was worrying about nothing. As you can read in some famous people¡¯s magazines: Kill your opponents with your success and bury them with a smile. That will probably be my motto for the rest of the day. I¡¯m seventeen ¨C not immortal, but ready to attack the world with everything I¡¯ve got.

 Chapter 49: Peoples dreams VII

    Several times I wipe the sweat off my skirt and look at the large screen in the room where the results will appear as soon as the tests have been reviewed. My legs constantly carry me up and down, matching the restless murmur in the room that some of the other participants are making. There are twenty of us here, and no one seems to have the nerve to wait calmly for their results.

    When a woman in a blue pantsuit pushes her way into the room almost unseen, I pause. She is carrying passes and documents in her hands. The next moment, the beeping of the screen draws my attention back to the analysis. The results appear in a flash. Percentages sit behind names. We all know that if they fall below fifty, you¡¯ll fail.

    My eyes hastily scan the alphabetically organised surnames until I stop at Simpell ¨C behind it a seventy-three, which makes me exhale with relief. I¡¯ve passed. My first test has gone better than expected.

    ¡°Anyone who has succeeded, please come here.¡± The woman at the exit holds up the papers boldly.

    Immediately, I bridge the gap and collect my things first. An ID card with a picture and the most important details, together with the information that I have successfully cleared the first exam. On the back is a small list of the discounts I can now get. Ten per cent off balls and potions; five per cent off medicines. The document, meanwhile, summarises my exam results once again, printed out, evaluated and accompanied by a ¡°congratulations¡±, which the stranger offers me as well.

    As if in a trance, I push my way out of the room, along the corridor to the reception area, until the warm midday sun embraces me and I hear the cooing of the surrounding Pidoves. My first step has been taken. I¡¯m well on my way to sending my father a greeting card with a job title.

    ¡°Oh!¡± The sudden exclamation of another lifts my gaze. ¡°I made it in time, after all! Spinel told me you were taking your first exam today, and I was in the neighbourhood, so I thought I¡¯d pop in and wish you luck. Sort of.¡±

    ¡°Ah... Fennel...¡± It takes a breath for me to place her. She looks different without her lab coat. The pink top and purple skirt blend in with her long hair and the same-coloured flower clip she¡¯s wearing. Everything about her conveys a sunny mood in a city that is far too active.

    ¡°How¡¯s Spinel?¡± She immediately moves closer, her hands folded at chest height. ¡°Is he very busy?¡±

    ¡°I-I think so.¡± Her proximity forces me to take a step back. ¡°Did you want to meet him?¡±

    ¡°I would have liked to have seen him. It almost makes me a little jealous that you get to spend so much time with him!¡± A sigh escapes her before she calms down. ¡°He really is a smart, handsome guy, isn¡¯t he?¡±

    ¡°Spinel?¡± I can¡¯t deny any of it, but the fact she says it so openly raises a sneaking suspicion of her interest in him. ¡°I suppose so.¡±

    ¡°We seem to have similar tastes!¡± The gleam in Fennel¡¯s eyes tenses my shoulders. ¡°How about you come to visit me in Striaton City sometime? We could sit down and philosophise a bit about research and Spinel!¡±

    Spinel doesn¡¯t arouse the right interest in me, but her offer of research is hard to refuse. She works in an area I would like to know more about. If she shares her experiences with me, my chances of getting through the exams will probably increase significantly.

    ¡°Is it okay if I come back to this in the near future?¡±

    ¡°Of course!¡± She claps her hands cheerfully. ¡°Just write to me or give me a call. Oh! That reminds me,¡± in a flash she rummages a hand-sized pouch out of her purple handbag, ¡°Spinel told me you were interested in the Dream Mist! I¡¯ve brought you some.¡±

    Without further ado, she presses the colourless pouch into my hand before glancing at the watch on her wrist and emitting a sound of horror. A hasty ¡°I have to go¡± bubbles over her lips, then she bows slightly and runs off. Somewhere between her words, spoken far too quickly, and her exuberant movements, I at least realise she has a meeting between professors to attend and is already far too late. Her time management doesn¡¯t seem to be the best and yet, for a split second, it makes her strangely likeable.

    Lighter than before, I make my way back to the headquarters, past the hustle and bustle of everyday life and the Pok¨¦mon that disappear into alleyways or sporadically settle on cars. My thoughts gain the upper hand, unstable and detached, unable to stay with one thing for longer than the blink of an eye. The airy world of emptiness doesn¡¯t even let go of me when I arrive at the Explorers and head straight for my room. I can grab my things from the car later.

    ¡°Domino?¡±

    At the same time, a voice creeps into my head. It¡¯s mum. The gentle sound of a woman trying to explain the same thing to me over and over again.

    ¡°Just let it happen.¡±

    Whatever it is.

    <hr>

    ¡·WHISPERS¡¶

    <hr>

    The duvet rustles as I tuck it under my chest and stretch my sleepy body. The light from the last sunrays draws lines on the floor and a glance at Rotom reveals it is already early evening.

    It was hardly to be expected otherwise, and yet I run a hand over my face with a sigh before peeling myself out of the sheets. My wild thoughts, all the imaginations and ideas behind them, have driven me to bed. The temptation to visualise a rosy future as if it were already a reality works better when you¡¯re asleep than when you¡¯re drifting aimlessly through the corridors.

    A glance around the room brings my team to the fore. Ying is curled up at the foot of the bed with Raya. Mimikyu is dozing on the pillow next to me. Lum is lying near the heater and Coro is sitting by the window, gazing into the distance.

    Light-footed, I hop in his direction until I can place a hand on his feathers and look out, too. The last sunbeams sparkle in the city¡¯s endless window panes, bathing the edges in a deep orange-red light and turning Castelia into a short-lived portrait.

    ¡°What are you thinking about?¡± I know I¡¯ll probably never fully understand Trumbeak, but I at least want to make him feel like I¡¯m trying my best. Since we¡¯ve been in the cafe, he seems especially down, like he¡¯s longing for something I can¡¯t give him.

    His response is an imitated coo, reminiscent of the Pidoves on the streets ¨C a little more melodic, but slightly raspy. He doesn¡¯t look at me once and I know there¡¯s nothing I can say to distract him. Whatever he¡¯s thinking about, it must be related to the singing, which has already distracted him twice. Perhaps he longs to hear the whistling once more and blend in with his own sounds to become part of a foreign melody.

    When I take a step back and glance at my team again, only Ying raises her head. Her attentiveness is even higher as a Zoroark and her twitching ears convey interest in my next scheme. Something I realise with a snort because I still have to get my things out of the car. So I throw on my uniform once more and step out into the corridor, Ying close behind me.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    But before I can make my way to the lift, I¡¯m surprised by a buzzing noise. My ears throb, my head begins to scream and somewhere, behind a veil of whimpers and gasps, voices filter through to me.

    ¡°I told you we weren¡¯t getting out of here this way, you fucking idiot. The humans are horrors. Did you think they weren¡¯t prepared?¡± A woman¡¯s voice screams at the top of her lungs.

    ¡°It happened to help you,¡± snorts another. ¡°Besides, there are good people, not these, but-¡±

    ¡°We don¡¯t have time to discuss stupid philosophies of humanity! Haven¡¯t you two learnt anything since we¡¯ve been here?¡± another yells in between and I can¡¯t help but press my hands to my head and crouch down.

    My surroundings are spinning, bile burns in my throat and sweat covers my whole body all at once. Every breath burns like fire in my chest, and even as Ying wraps a paw around me as if to shield me from the voices, I narrow my eyes and look up. The corridor in front of me is empty. Still, the voices seem close enough to touch, so I shakily straighten up.

    ¡°We ... have to ... find them...¡±

    Zoroark supports me. She doesn¡¯t let go of my swaying body for a second. The lift takes us down one floor, close together, and once again I follow the corridor where I met Spinel last time. Part of me knows that there are no answers here. After all, I¡¯ve already searched this place once ¨C to no avail. The rest of me believes I must have missed something. A gap or a door.

    ¡°Is everything all right?¡±

    As someone else¡¯s words pull me out of my thoughts and I lean against the wall to save Ying the effort, I meet Hamber¡¯s expression. His upright gait and taut shoulders look terribly out of place in my shifted worldview. Still, I force myself to smile thinly.

    ¡°I¡¯m just ... looking for something.¡±

    ¡°Voices?¡± He dares to take a few steps closer so he can put a hand on my shoulder. It seems like he wants to give me enough security next to Zoroark to strengthen my weak legs.

    ¡°There are four of them ... I think,¡± I reply wanly. ¡°They fight a lot. There¡¯s fear. They seem to be locked up and they¡¯re terribly loud ... like an Onix using screech when you¡¯re standing next to it.¡± Sighing, I press a hand to my forehead. ¡°I want to help them, to make this stop ... but I don¡¯t know where to go. Trying to follow ... is so vague...¡±

    Finally, Hamber offers me his arm. ¡°Would you like some tea?¡±

    It¡¯s one of those offers you can¡¯t refuse. A bit like the evening Spinel reached out to me and we wasted far too much time searching. Hamber doesn¡¯t offer to search, but he allows me to find peace and perhaps trump the thundering in my head with clear thoughts.

    So I grab his arm, use it for support and follow him down the corridor to a lounge equipped for serious meetings. Expensive chairs, an expansive dark wood table, a window wall ¨C blocked by automatic shutters ¨C and a wide sofa at one end of the room, ready for casual gatherings.

    Heavily, I drop onto the hard cushion and run both hands over my face. Zoroark sits down on the floor in front of me and when I lift my eyes, Hamber offers me a narrow smile. ¡°What will it be? Black tea? Green tea? I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll find something for you.¡±

    ¡°Anything for a headache?¡±

    ¡°Maybe some peppermint.¡± He nods gently and in those seconds, the splitting pain behind my forehead seems only half as bad.

    <hr>

    ¡·WHISPERS ¨C A silent song¡¶

    <hr>

    He¡¯s not smiling. The way he walks beside me, silent and distant, is oppressive. Yet I have the feeling I can hardly be closer to him. My hand rests in his, determined that he won¡¯t leave me behind.

    ¡°Where are we going?¡± I nestle against his shoulder. Everything in me is ready for a new adventure with people I know and value. ¡°Do we have a lead?¡±

    He lowers his eyelids. ¡°No. But we¡¯ll find Rayquaza, anyway.¡±

    My hands tremble as I drop my fork onto my plate and draw my brows together. I have to tighten and loosen my fingers several times to banish the tingling of exhaustion. Then I barely noticeably shake off the vague daydream.

    The last few nights have been noisy, but whenever I haven¡¯t been able to sleep, Hamber has been waiting for me with a cup of tea in the same room as the first time. For over a week now, he¡¯s been paying attention to my nightly wanderings, inviting me in for tea and sometimes even offering biscuits. We don¡¯t talk much, but when he speaks, it¡¯s usually about Amethio. About his tasks, his endeavours, and how hard he tries to deliver the best results. It¡¯s scarce information and I soak it all up because I haven¡¯t seen him in a while and my thoughts have been turning in his direction more often recently.

    I want to help, I want to be of use, and I want to show Amethio my progress so he can see that I¡¯m not a burden. I spend every day inside this building training, researching, and coming up with attack strategies, so I no longer look like I¡¯m wildly shouting orders or standing helplessly in the corner.

    Since I came back with Spinel, he¡¯s been my training partner. Sometimes Hamber gives me tips in passing. I¡¯m a long way from mastering a solid fighting style, but I understand the basics and I¡¯m willing to work on myself and my options. It looks simple in my head: a fighting style that adapts to each of my Pok¨¦mon. They don¡¯t have to fight the way I like ¨C it¡¯s my responsibility to give them orders suited to their characteristics. After all, they¡¯re the ones doing the fighting, not me.

    Half in thought, I crack my fingers before reaching for my fork again ¨C interrupted by the whir of the electric door snapping open with a bang.

    ¡°Domino?¡±

    My gaze darts to the side and brings Conia into the picture. Carrying a bag, she gasps a few times. So I tilt my head. ¡°What happened?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve written to you a few times!¡±

    I hastily tap off my uniform. ¡°I ... must have left it in the room.¡±

    ¡°Thought so.¡± The bag in her hand falls to the floor. ¡°I¡¯ve already packed your things. We don¡¯t have more time to waste.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± I immediately push myself to my feet. ¡°Is there a task for me?¡±

    ¡°We were able to locate the Rising Volt Tacklers¡® next target,¡± she replies as I stumble over to her and grab my bag. In those seconds, I want to trust that she¡¯s packed everything important. ¡°They cancelled their course in our direction very early and spent a while in Galar. Then they set off and, according to our calculations, are heading for Laplace¡¯s Sea. A Lapras is said to be hiding there to help lost people. However, there seems to be much more to it than that.¡±

    She hurriedly leads us both outside to a car that will most likely take us directly to the harbour where the submarine is waiting. The seat cushion seems strangely warm. Conia takes the wheel.

    ¡°Whatever the Rising Volt Tacklers are planning, there¡¯s a very good chance Rayquaza will turn up. After all, they have Terapagos and however things are connected, they give us an advantage.¡±

    In the end, I don¡¯t know what to say as Castelia City passes us by in the glow of the midday sun. Only my racing heart reminds me I¡¯m not imagining the sudden change of scenery. It may seem to have come out of nowhere, but I¡¯m glad to be there. It still makes me feel like part of the troupe. They don¡¯t exclude me when things get serious.

    I can¡¯t get a word past my lips until we get to the port and it¡¯s only when we stop and jump out of the car far too hastily that the significance hits me.

    ¡°If they¡¯re already down there ... how are we supposed to make it in time? It takes forever to get from here to Galar.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why we¡¯ve been spreading misinformation. They¡¯ll have to check things before they can do anything that ends up being troublesome for us.¡± Conia¡¯s fixed gaze towards the jetty makes me gulp. ¡°If our calculations are correct, we¡¯ll arrive and have a day or two to make further preparations. The lies were spread by Spinel. I hate to admit it, but he¡¯s good at what he does.¡±

    All I can do is trust the plan, no matter how rushed it sounds. I can¡¯t change anything or make a better suggestion. Simultaneously, the worries of this move fizzle out the moment I catch sight of Amethio.

    He is unchanged. The same outfit. The same serious look. Only the slightly furrowed brows mark a difference, and when Conia addresses him, his attention only slowly wanders in our direction.

    ¡°We are complete. All preparations are made. Hamber has been informed. We can leave.¡±

    ¡°Good.¡± He takes a glance at his Rotom Phone before pulling two Pok¨¦ Balls out of his trouser pocket and pressing them into Conia¡¯s hand. ¡°We have permission to use the Rotoms to make faster progress. One is compatible with the flutter, the other with the motor in the engine room.¡±

    ¡°Are there any regulations?¡± She takes the balls carefully.

    ¡°Three hours of use per day, otherwise it will harm the Pok¨¦mon and the submarine.¡±

    ¡°Tried and tested?¡±

    ¡°By Spinel.¡±

    A faint smile creeps onto my lips. They may be enemies and have little sympathy for each other, but ultimately, they support each other. At least Spinel provides support, which could hardly come in more handy in this situation.

    ¡°On Hamber¡¯s orders for all Explorers¡¯,¡± Amethio adds, his eyes fixed on me. ¡°He¡¯s not doing this out of kindness.¡±

    A twitch creeps over my shoulders.

    ¡°You should watch out for him. Spinel isn¡¯t a friend.¡± He briefly lowers his eyelids. Then Amethio turns away and begins his ascent into the submarine ¨C while I look after him, lips pressed together.

 Interlude: A silent song

    Coro, the Trumbeak

    Domino isn¡¯t here. She¡¯s left the room with Ying and for a moment, I¡¯m glad that neither of them can look after me. Only the thought of my trainer standing next to me and asking things I would never answer honestly ruffles my feathers.

    Looking into the distance, I listen to the silence. Part of me longs for the wondrous whistling that has reached me before. The rest of me wants to forget it all. It¡¯s a conflict I don¡¯t want to indulge in because the only thing that should matter is my love for my trainer. Yet it seems impossible to suppress the strange feeling of distant affection towards a being I don¡¯t know.

    With a sigh, I tuck my beak into the white inside of my wings and try to close my eyes, but sleep won¡¯t come. Before I know it, my gaze is once again glued to the now dark horizon, and the melody plays ceaselessly in my head.

    ¡°Looking out of the window won¡¯t bring you closer to the sky.¡±

    A contemptuous snort reaches me and when I look down, it¡¯s Lum looking at me as if I¡¯m nothing more than a sad sight in the middle of endless hours.

    ¡°I¡¯m not too interested in the sky. Not that a hothead like you would know the first thing about it.¡± My neck puffs up. ¡°Or are you, silly as you are, going to get into another fight you can¡¯t win? Like against Umbreon?¡±

    His ears flatten and we both know I¡¯ve hit a sore spot. Not that I¡¯m sorry to put this four-legged problem in its place. Ever since Eevee joined the team, the wheat has been separated from the chaff - or rather, it¡¯s clear that everyone except Lum is supporting Domino. That ¡®thing¡¯ down there doesn¡¯t give a damn about our trainer.

    ¡°I only lost because I wasn¡¯t given the right commands at the right time,¡± counters Lum.

    ¡°And you¡¯re not able to think for yourself? Or do you want to refer to the fact that you still have to be held by the paw because you¡¯re practically still wearing your eggshell on your head?¡±You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

    ¡°I¡¯m an excellent fighter!¡± Eevee¡¯s hiss makes Raya¡¯s ears twitch and forces us both to hold our breath for a moment. ¡°You¡¯re just angry because I¡¯m being honest with myself and making it perfectly clear Domino isn¡¯t my trainer. She¡¯s a stepping stone! I¡¯m learning everything I can from her until I naturally evolve into a Leafeon and we part ways. She knew from the beginning I wanted to use her for my benefit, and she agreed.¡±

    ¡°You really think you¡¯re going to evolve when you can¡¯t even get it together to follow orders and take over because you think you¡¯re the king of the world?¡± My wing stretches in Lum¡¯s direction. ¡°Do you really think anyone out there will be interested in you if you behave so despicably? People like Pok¨¦mon who stand behind their trainers, and even if you don¡¯t plan to stay, you should work things out. You decided to go on this journey with Domino, so behave yourself. Nobody here is interested in your decision to leave one day. We care about Domino and her safety.¡±

    ¡°Do you, or are you just trying to tell yourself that so you don¡¯t think about what else is going through your head?¡± Ears flat, Eevee stands up from his sitting position and makes his way back to the bed. ¡°I may be silly in my behaviour, but at least I¡¯m not lying.¡±

    I¡¯d love to show this brown ball of fur with my beak that there¡¯s a line you just don¡¯t cross. But my seat is far too comfortable and I¡¯m sure that no matter how much I peck at him, he won¡¯t understand. So I take a breath and ignore Eevee. He¡¯s not worth my nerves.

    But his words stick to my mind like tar. I¡¯m not lying, I know that for a fact. I love Domino, and I¡¯m ready to follow her to the end of the world. Our journey has only just begun! But I can¡¯t deny that I want to follow the song as well. I want to solve the mystery behind it and enjoy the whistling up close. The heaviness in my heart doesn¡¯t want to leave.

    Whenever I try to recreate the melody, the whistling and the singing, I am flooded with calm; the feeling of simply wanting to sit down and let the world go by. Somewhere between a few plants and tall trees. Strangely enough, in those thoughts, I am no longer travelling, although I love getting to know new parts of the world.

    Once again, I turn my gaze to the firmament. There are only a few stars here, very different from Alola. Above Castelia City, the clouds are more dominant than the otherworldly splendour. Somewhere out there, something is waiting for me, I¡¯m sure of it. Maybe it¡¯s somewhere in this region and once I¡¯ve solved the riddle, I can leave all this behind and live by Domino¡¯s side once more with full commitment.

    It¡¯s a wish that tightens my chest. A thought that ruffles my feathers because I can¡¯t stand uncertain things, and yet I don¡¯t know what options are open to solve the problem.

    The only thing I know is that I can¡¯t sleep.

 Chapter 50: Peoples dreams VIII

    My hands are sweating non-stop. I don¡¯t know what to do with myself, but I hope my racing heart and the knot in my stomach will subside soon. Conia is also pacing back and forth, moving her cup from one place to the next, while Amethio stares at a screen with his hands clenched, with Zir barely daring to breathe.

    ¡°According to ... calculations,¡± Zir finally begins, ¡°it will take us thirty minutes to reach the Rising Volt Tacklers.¡±

    ¡°Too late...¡± Amethio doesn¡¯t shout. He doesn¡¯t even raise his voice, even though we all know how upset he is.

    I can hardly blame him. Thanks to the Rotom, we¡¯ve cut a journey of about fifty hours down to thirty. It¡¯s late afternoon, the Rising Volt Tacklers have been hampered by misinformation and yet they haven¡¯t let themselves be thrown off course. Instead of being led astray for a few days, they checked the circumstances within a few hours and followed their target. The tiny, attached camera gave them away ¨C and forced us into a terribly narrow window.

    We arrived here, somewhere between Galar and Paldea, just as the Rising Volt Tacklers set off in pursuit of a Lapras. Eventually, they docked at a small, rocky island, and made new friends while our alarm that Raquaza is nearby has been ringing for an hour.

    ¡°Take us up. You¡¯ll wait here.¡± Swinging his arm to the side, Amethio gives his order with the same cool calm he maintains most of the time. Still, I can see his shoulders shake.

    Then he turns away, leaves the room, and abandons us, making my stomach tighten. I know how important this moment is to him, but everything in me resists agreeing to this meeting. So I chase after him.

    Before Amethio can climb the ladder to the outside, I grab him by the wrist. His widened eyes immediately turn to me and the surprise rolling over him seems to ask me dozens of questions.

    ¡°You ... shouldn¡¯t go,¡± I start. ¡°I don¡¯t think Rayquaza will let you get away with it this time...¡±

    Instantly he tears away. ¡°I won¡¯t let it get away. Today is the day I¡¯m going to catch Rayquaza.¡±

    It has sworn to kill him if they meet again. Its rage and the power it holds make me doubt Amethio¡¯s words. He¡¯s strong, but I don¡¯t think he can take on Rayquaza. Probably no one can.

    ¡°It would be safer if we let the others strike first. Then ... it might be easier and-¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t meddle!¡± he interrupts me brashly. In the blink of an eye, he turns away from me and pursues his plan.

    From behind me, I can hear Conia giving the all-clear and that the hatch can now be opened; and Amethio doesn¡¯t miss a second to seize the opportunity. He disappears outside, up there under a blood-red sky, asks for his Corviknight, and rushes to the coordinates of the Rising Volt Tacklers.

    Pressing my lips together, I try to banish the heat in my cheeks. My heart races, my shoulders shake and as I clench my teeth, it¡¯s Conia¡¯s hand on my arm that startles me. Her concerned gaze tries to fathom our unspoken circumstances, to grasp the problem, but even as I open my mouth, it remains silent between us.

    ¡°Do you think Amethio is putting himself in danger?¡±

    It is this question that elicits an answer from my parched throat. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡°Then why are you worried?¡±

    ¡°Because Rayquaza wants to kill him the next time they meet and ... I don¡¯t think it was joking.¡± I lower my eyes. ¡°If we¡¯d all stayed together, that wouldn¡¯t be a problem. But Amethio alone?¡±

    She tightens her grip, shares her understanding with me, and in the next moment, digs a ball out of her pocket, which she holds under my nose. ¡°You can hear it. Help him if necessary.¡±

    I take the Pok¨¦ Ball in disbelief. I need a Flying-type Pok¨¦mon to follow Amethio and I know Conia has a Skarmory. A creature that now rests in my hands and suddenly opens all doors for me. I can use it to interfere. With it, I can prevent Amethio from losing his head.

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    It¡¯s strange. The wiser action would be to do what Amethio asks of me. But I want to claim I know him and my worries won¡¯t go away if I wait. So I climb the ladder outside without further ado. The sun is already halfway down, casting a gloomy shadow over the clouds. Every remaining ray of light colours the sea into a field of fire and the heat sends a strangely cold shiver down my spine. Still, I force myself forward, release Skarmory from its ball and climb up. It is friendly, docile, and clever enough to know there is haste in these breaths. With two powerful flaps of its wings, it takes off, spreading its metal feathers and picking up Corviknight¡¯s trail.

    Wind brushes my whole body and although this flight could be beautiful, I can¡¯t take my eyes off the distance, at the end of which I hope to see Amethio. But what I spot first, after crushing minutes, is the black grace of Rayquaza ¨C shimmering like a precious stone.

    ¡°You pitiful figure want to challenge me?¡± Its stare makes me sweat.

    Amethio is standing on a boulder, small but enough to move three steps in all directions. Ceruledge remains a little ahead of him, ready to fight this battle. They are putting themselves in danger from which they cannot escape in a worst-case scenario. But what can I do to help here and now?

    Indecisively, I linger in the air with Skarmory. Close enough to intervene, but far enough away to avoid Amethio¡¯s attention. All the while, I watch as Ceruledge leaps onto Corviknight. They head for their enemy, surrounded by a dark energy that eventually releases from Ceruledge¡¯s blades with a flourish. It threatens to hit Rayquaza, but inspires no fear in it. Instead, it opens its mouth to spew gleaming light in the shape of a dragon. It breaks through the psycho cut, narrowly missing Corviknight thanks to its dodging skills, and chases after it anyway. Like erratic bolts of lightning, it rains down on Amethio¡¯s team. The sea is raging beneath them, creating thunderous waves, while any counterattack seems futile.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    At least until Rayquaza stops for a moment. Corviknight immediately swings up to it again and when it lets out a screech, Ceruledge dares to jump off. All at once, the Pok¨¦mon hangs above the dragon, gathers its energy in its blades, and strikes down. My hands clutch Skarmory tighter. In the next blink, Ceruledge smashes its swords against Rayquaza¡¯s skull ¨C unable to leave even a scratch.

    And it realises it far too late.

    Before Amethio¡¯s partner can get to safety, Rayquaza pushes it away with a gentle swing, raises its claw and smashes it with great force onto another small island. The impact is so violent that the gust of wind reaches as far as me and the smoky cloud of dust prevents me from seeing Ceruledge¡¯s condition.

    For Rayquaza, this isn¡¯t enough.

    Its upper body swells as it gathers its energies and once again spits dragon-shaped lightning bolts ¨C at Ceruledge. One misses, nearly breaking the island in two, and while no one moves in the smoke, the other two bolts seem to aim for the killing blow. I want to act, my hand on Raya¡¯s ball ¨C frozen in my movements.

    The end seems inevitable.

    Until all-consuming fire breaks through the smoke and engulfs the attack; a flame reaching across the sea towards Rayquaza, causing it to retreat. Sparks fly on all sides, causing the surface of the water to sizzle, and as fog rises, I hold my breath.

    ¡°F-Flamethrower?¡± I gasp, dry as dust and mesmerised by everything I can¡¯t see; fascinated enough to give Skarmory the command to fly to Ceruledge.

    On swift wings, it carries us both through the mist and smoke to the rocky surface, which is cracked and hot under my soles. Skarmory barely manages to stand still, hopping carefully from one leg to the other.

    Raising one arm to soothe the burning in my eyes, I push forward. Only two steps before I come across Ceruledge ¨C lying on the ground, its armour cracked but otherwise unharmed. When it notices me, its eyes seem to light up and just as I crouch down towards it, a small spray bottle rolls across the floor towards us. I immediately raise my eyes, but can¡¯t see anyone. Only the faint glimmer of a strange light attracts me, but it disappears before I make it to my feet.

    Hastily, I shake off the circumstances and grab the spray ¨C a hyper potion usually used after tough fights when you don¡¯t have to throw something in the middle of the battle.

    ¡°Do you even need this anymore?¡± My gaze falls on Ceruledge and as it raises a sword arm, I¡¯m sure it gladly accepts the cure. This is probably its second, or third. Whoever has been here has already saved its life.

    ¡°Ceruledge!¡± Out of nowhere, Amethio falls to his knees beside me. He doesn¡¯t seem to notice me at all and I know that as soon as that changes, he will tear me apart.

    ¡°Stop right there! You didn¡¯t join those ... humans, did you?¡±

    In the background, I hear Rayquaza¡¯s scream. The fog is gradually clearing and the cloud of dust has disappeared. However, it is still difficult to make out what is happening behind the haze. The ship of the Rising Volt Tacklers peeks out from behind a rock wall and it seems our opponents also see running away as a better alternative. But one boy resists the escape, spreads his arms and seems to be talking to Rayquaza.

    Words that the Pok¨¦mon merely acknowledges with a snort. Otherwise, it remains silent. Its talkativeness seems to have died down and when it roars once more, the shock reaches my bones. In the next breath, the sky seems to fall on this child and all the others. Purple rock cascades down, alien and graceful in contrast to the redness of the evening. As if in a trance, I jump up to stumble two steps towards the Volt Tacklers. The spray bottle slips from my hand.

    ¡°You¡¯re going too far!¡± Terapagos¡¯ childish voice hits me. ¡°Stop it already!¡±

    A scream. A dazzlingly bright light that sweeps over us like a storm. The fog breaks; and as the light bursts, it drips to the ground like milk, leaving behind a warming shimmer and enveloping Terapagos¡¯ new form in the embrace of a crystal under the moonlight.

    ¡°If you anger us...¡± its carapace shines, becomes brighter, seems to absorb the life of its surroundings like specks of dust, ¡°disappear!¡±

    His command, a childish screech, shoots the energy of a narrow pillar towards the firmament. Magic that spreads in the immediate vicinity, creating arrows of light out of nothing and chasing Rayquaza at all angles. Pure white collides with violet chaos, mingles and explodes into grains of dust ¨C sparkling red and white. Terapagos¡¯ furry double tail catches some of it, absorbing it as if it¡¯s the source of its power.

    ¡°Is that ... the light of evolution?¡± Amethio, who shifts almost inaudibly to my side, can¡¯t take his eyes off the image, and neither can I. ¡°No... That¡¯s something else...¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re going against me? To protect them? Is that what you really want?¡± On the side, Rayquaza leans down a bit. In this breath, the hatred in its words is missing. There is a hint of sadness, a heavy sigh, a pinch of hope.

    ¡°I do...¡± Terapagos¡¯ voice is so weak I can barely hear it. The next moment, its new form collapses. Its armour shatters, the fur is replaced once more by blue hoops and it crashes to the ground, exhausted. The Volt Tacklers¡¯ girl immediately runs to it.

    Simultaneously, Rayquaza turns away and makes its way back ¨C up the sky once more, above the clouds, where no one can reach it.

    My shoulders slump. I couldn¡¯t contribute anything and yet I¡¯m glad I followed Amethio. Whoever helped him and his Ceruledge, I am grateful. But when I look at my companion, all I see is the image of a frustrated boy. His jaw is grinding and his brows have drawn so far together there is a crease between them. It reminds me of the day Rayquaza left him in the Lush Jungle ¨C though less beaten and more driven by anger.

    Cautiously, I raise my hand. ¡°Amethio, I¡¯m-¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll get stronger,¡± he cuts me off. ¡°We need more strength.¡±

    My hand lowers. There is nothing I can say to calm him down or soothe his growing frustration. I know that. Still, I want to do something. Anything. Seeing him like this, angry and yet unable to reach for his dreams, reminds me of a Pidgeotto in a cage far too small. Everything in me wants to open the doors and let him out ¨C to hug him and say he¡¯s more important than this Pok¨¦mon. We¡¯ll get more chances, for sure. Attempts that Amethio doesn¡¯t seem to see; doesn¡¯t want to see.

    So I take a step towards him. I move too close and yet he doesn¡¯t back away. Only his gaze wanders in my direction and when I try to raise my arms to press him against me for a second, he takes a step back.

    ¡°We have to return to the others.¡± Snorting, he turns away. Corviknight has settled next to Skarmory, ready to carry its trainer away. But before he climbs up, he looks over his shoulder one last time. ¡°Thank you for saving Ceruledge.¡±

    I want to protest, explain the circumstances, and make it clear he doesn¡¯t have me to thank for his Pok¨¦mon¡¯s well-being. But my voice breaks. I can¡¯t reach him before he flies off with Corviknight ¨C leaving the lie between us.

 Chapter 51: Everyone for themselves, but no one alone I

    He looks at me as if there is nothing separating us.

    Amethio enjoys my presence, even if he doesn¡¯t smile. He probably finds it difficult to turn the corners of his mouth upwards because he is more annoyed by the things in the world than he is pleased by little things. Or maybe I¡¯m just misjudging him.

    In these seconds, it doesn¡¯t matter. We haven¡¯t seen each other for a while and he¡¯s missed me at least as much as I¡¯ve missed him.

    An amused snort settles on my lips. I¡¯ve missed being around everyone here, but the longer I act apart from them, the more I realise how much I like being around Amethio, too.

    ¡°Is everything all right?¡± His words barely touch me. Still, I¡¯m glad he¡¯s worried about my well-being and not about things I can¡¯t control. Not about Rayquaza and not about the fact he¡¯s not strong enough to fight it yet.

    The sheets rustle whenever I roll from side to side. With my hands pressed flat against my face, I try everything I can to stop thinking about Amethio ¨C his pained expression, his words and his frustration. It almost seems as if only negative things happen when I¡¯m around. Circumstances that stress Amethio out, even though I played no part in our last defeat. Even without my presence, Amethio wouldn¡¯t have been able to beat Rayquaza. It¡¯s bitter, but it¡¯s also the truth.

    That¡¯s probably why I¡¯ve lately been dreaming of moments between us that look more beautiful than reality. Moments when he isn¡¯t disappointed and we can spend time together without me having to worry about anything. The thought of being by Amethio¡¯s side without feeling this tension is alluring. Almost like the evening when we stood on the submarine and the world stood still for a breath. Or like when we came back to the accommodation from the Lush Jungle and he admitted I was doing a good job for the first time.

    My hands slip away from my face. My team has scattered around the room and while Raya plays hide and seek with Mirra, Ying is busy grooming her fur. Coro sits unchanged at the window and watches the outside world. His thoughts are drifting just as far away as mine have been lately. Only Lum is lying next to me on a cushion. His affection hasn¡¯t increased a bit, but since we returned from our last misery, he¡¯s been looking for places to sleep within reach.

    With my eyes fixed on his light-coloured neck, I wonder what¡¯s going on in his head; whether something has changed between us or whether there¡¯s something new I haven¡¯t noticed. The things I don¡¯t understand are piling up. My Pok¨¦mon are so different I don¡¯t know what to do with some of them. The poor relationship with Eevee aside, I still don¡¯t know what I can do to cheer up Trumbeak. I can¡¯t tell what his problem is, and that makes it incredibly difficult to find a solution.

    Without further ado, I turn onto my back and stare at the ceiling. Apart from my Pok¨¦mon, my relationship with the Explorers remains my biggest issue ¨C with Amethio, whose behaviour makes me want to hug him and say everything will be alright. Silly words from a silly girl who couldn¡¯t get her act together in Alola and who still hasn¡¯t been able to prove to him that each day I get better. Our little chase in Galar, centred around Moltres, and the old woman from the castle, were never enough to carve my progress in stone. That is, if he¡¯s interested in it at all.

    So much for the topic: I like to dream of better situations.

    A sigh escapes me at the thought, before I lower my eyelids and try to shoo away the images that are once again rising ¨C unable to win against the tide of these strangely constricting feelings. There is hardly anything else I can think about these days but Amethio. About how determined he is and how beautiful the seconds are when he shows his softer side. We¡¯ve known each other for almost two months now and I can¡¯t deny how the time away has shown me how much more comfortable it is to be within his reach.

    It doesn¡¯t seem to be a problem to drift off when I¡¯m near him. Whenever we fly from one place to another, I am closer to him than to anyone else. My head often lands on his shoulder. I can hug him tighter when I feel like it. Part of me wants to prove something to him, which is awfully twisted, because this is my journey and I should be making progress for myself above all else. But there¡¯s also this desire to let him see how I¡¯m progressing ¨C to hear his praise and feel the uplifting sense of joy.

    Only the thought of all these things makes my chest feel horribly tight until restlessness takes hold of me and I sit up at once. A few deep breaths soothe the feeling of being driven mad and as I run both hands through my hair, there is a knock on my door directing any thoughts I¡¯ve shaken off back to Amethio. Gentle expectations push me out of bed to cover the six steps to the entrance and open it for my visitor. But the person standing opposite me in the next blink not only lowers my anticipation but also causes me to breathe a sigh of relief I don¡¯t know where to place.

    ¡°You look like you were hoping for someone else.¡± The gentle smile on Spinel¡¯s features elicits an apologetic snort out of me before I attempt an excuse.

    ¡°A little. I thought Conia had received another letter from a friend that we could share again.¡± A laboured smirk finds its way onto my lips. After the letter Lillie sent us, we both replied to her in the same manner. I told her about our adventures, changes and progress ¨C on summer-yellow stationery ¨C while Conia raved about desserts and new fashions, combined with a recipe for a sour cream cake full of sweet berries ¨C attached on grass-green stationery.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure she¡¯ll be in touch soon,¡± Spinel interrupts my memory. ¡°I see you¡¯ve been back for a while, but you¡¯re not even at breakfast.¡±

    ¡°Ah... Lately, I¡¯ve been eating out more often and training with my Pok¨¦mon outside of the city. The kind of place where everything looks a bit parched and you have to watch the sandstorm warning boards.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a shame Amethio didn¡¯t take you with him to train with Hamber, too.¡± He lifts his shoulders almost sadly. ¡°Everyone here is aware Hamber favours our dear Amethio, but I really thought they would have brought you along ¨C as a new trainer and aspiring professor.¡±

    My smile fades. Amethio has enough enemies among the Explorers, judging by the eternally long lecture Conia forced me into on the way back to Unova. Everyone seems to antagonise each other and what I¡¯ve realised in all this is that I want no part of it. These fights have nothing to do with me, even if I am part of the Explorers and Amethio¡¯s team. I want to convince myself that I have the power to draw boundaries and make friends with everyone. The rest of me is weary of the shallow teasing Spinel spits out in those seconds.

    ¡°What do you want?¡± Leaning against the doorframe, I cross my arms in front of my chest. ¡°Handing out side blows? Or is there something else?¡±

    The brief puzzlement on his features looks genuine before he catches himself and a restrained laugh hums in his throat. ¡°Understood. I¡¯ll back off.¡± Then he tilts his head. ¡°Would you still go out with me?¡±

    ¡°What did you have in mind?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s the beginning of August. We still have a good chance of catching some of Casteliacone before it¡¯s sold out for the rest of the month.¡±

    My brows lift. ¡°Casteliacone?¡±

    ¡°You haven¡¯t heard of it?¡± He puts a hand to his side. ¡°It¡¯s the most popular ice cream in the region.¡±

    I feel my ears perk up. Popular ice cream is something I could write to Lillie about ¨C as a little guide for what we can enjoy together if we ever meet again. ¡°I¡¯m just going to change, yeah?¡±

    ¡°No uniform, we¡¯re going civilian.¡± He tugs at his clothes. ¡°Of course, I¡¯ll take my advice as well.¡±

    I¡¯m left with nothing but agreement before closing the door and turning my attention to my team and my room. No uniform means I can try out some of my new clothes. It also makes me want to slip out of my current oversized shirt and put on something decent.

    In a flash, I rummage through my clothes in the wardrobe before deciding on something and whirling around to my team, which is watching me spellbound. ¡°Let¡¯s try our best to give you some of this ice cream!¡±

    Raya¡¯s joyful barking is joined by a uniform tail wagging from all sides. Even Mirra struggles to wave the pom-pom on her costume, leaving only Coro, who at least looks at me. In the blink of an eye, I¡¯ve got them all in their balls and put them in the beige belt bag Lillie once gave me. Together with my repel spray, the two hyper potions and my Rotom, everything important seems to be together. My bank balance looks good thanks to the Explorers¡¯ monthly payout and my hopes of distracting even Trumbeak are rising.

    As I slip into the dark, loose jeans, I turn the trouser legs up over my ankles. It¡¯s still warm outside ¨C the temperatures never let up on any day ¨C and as I pull on the snow-white top, I mix up a few of my strands with the fabric. A pained sound escapes me as I tug it into place, and part of me can feel Amethio¡¯s reproving gaze on my skin.

    Immediately, I shake my head and try to push the thought away before throwing on a tight, dark blue waistcoat and fastening it to the centre of my chest. I don¡¯t want to think about Amethio. I don¡¯t even want to worry about his training because I know Hamber will make sure he doesn¡¯t overdo it. So I slip into my brown moccasins, put on my belt, and scurry out of my room, leaving everything behind me.

    I manage not to think a single thought until I reach the exit. Then Spinel comes into view and I can¡¯t help but open and close my mouth wordlessly, unable to form a sentence to describe him. A slip-up he recognises with a sober laugh before stopping next to me.

    ¡°Most people are surprised when they see me like this,¡± he begins our conversation as he strides out first and I fall into line behind him, my gaze fixed firmly on his loose ponytail.

    ¡°It¡¯s unusual, I have to admit.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all a matter of perspective.¡± With his fingertips, he pushes a strand of hair into place on one side of his perfectly parted fringe. The hint of a side parting almost disappears beneath his wild waves, yet it¡¯s enough to bring everything into a lively shade of ¡°good¡±.

    I can¡¯t say I¡¯m not envious. It seems like he gets his look with just a few tweaks, while I stand in front of the mirror for an hour every morning trying to manage unevenness and create beautiful waves ¨C hairspray and a curling iron borrowed from Conia included.

    Mouth agape, I follow Spinel down the street until I fall in line next to him and take in the hustle and bustle of the city. Every day seems to be the same here ¨C loud and rushed, crowded with conversations and long faces in suits.

    ¡°By the way, they caught the thieves.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Pulling my head back slightly, I look up at Spinel. ¡°What thieves?¡±

    ¡°Remember when we switched on the news at the end of our trip?¡± He taps his head. ¡°Someone stole the dragon skull ¨C remains of a Dragonite ¨C from the museum in Nacrene City.¡±

    The memory hits me vaguely. It was that day I didn¡¯t want to go back and Conia¡¯s words stayed in the back of my mind like an echo. News that made me wonder what anyone would want to do with such an item and whether Team Plasma was really behind it.

    ¡°Did they say who was responsible?¡±

    ¡°Contrary to all expectations, two teenagers,¡± Spinel explains. ¡°They thought that if they stole the skull and sold it, they would get enough money to live out the rest of their days. They just weren¡¯t clever about selling it, which is why they were quickly caught and arrested.¡±

    As a humming sound escapes my throat, I put a hand to my chin and sink deeper into the information. It¡¯s incredible the lengths some people will go through to get what they want. I understand that. There¡¯s no denying I¡¯ve also acted irresponsibly to get away from Melemele. Then again, I can¡¯t imagine breaking into a place and stealing an exhibit in the hope of seeing my worries evaporate.

    In the end, I lower my hand and turn my attention back to Spinel. ¡°I sometimes wonder what goes through people¡¯s minds.¡±

    I really do. Be it Amethio or N or anyone else who comes my way and whom I don¡¯t know how to judge. There¡¯s Bellro with his exuberant way of mocking others subliminally. Spinel, who won¡¯t let me look at his cards and who, although I get on well with him, is still a component leaving a thousand questions unanswered. Conia, who I think I know a little better now. Zir, who is a complete stranger to me. And also the professors I¡¯ve met so far. I think up to now, Lillie seems to be the only open book I¡¯ve been entrusted with.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure the world would be a boring place if we always knew what was going on in each other¡¯s heads,¡± Spinel replies cheerfully. ¡°Human relationships are like board games. You make a move and try to foresee your opponent¡¯s decision. You lure each other into predetermined positions and see what happens.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that thought a bit ... painful?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s the truth.¡±

    Just as Spinel smiles at me seemingly sincere, a woman¡¯s exclamation interrupts us. In the middle of the tall buildings and endless windows, between people who look around in confusion and occasionally stop, my gaze lingers on two members of Plasma. Their strikingly light-coloured uniforms put them both in a strangely unsuitable light between suits and expensive blouses. Each holding a Pok¨¦ Ball, they look right in our direction and it doesn¡¯t take a single word from our opponents to shift the oppressive feeling between us to Spinel and me.

    ¡°Found them, I¡¯d say,¡± the woman yells in our direction again, causing the people to pull out of the way and allow a clear view. ¡°We¡¯ve been ordered to clarify our position since the last time you got in our way.¡± She raises her hand and points at me. ¡°And our other order is to take you to Master Ghetsis.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± I can barely get the question out loud enough.

    ¡°That¡¯s not our concern. We¡¯re just following orders.¡±

    They don¡¯t care about the people who look at us like we¡¯ve done something wrong. They don¡¯t care what happens, when it happens or how devastating the consequences will be if they don¡¯t watch out for bystanders. They simply summon their two Pok¨¦mon ¨C Liepard and Skorupi ¨C ready to plunge this street into chaos with a battle.

    Everything in me wants to turn and run. This place isn¡¯t big enough to have a battle without consequences. But when Spinel lets out Umbreon, I have no choice but to adapt to the circumstances.

    Reluctantly, I dig a ball out of my pocket and send Zoroark into battle. She¡¯s my best card for victory. Trumbeak is too distracted, Eevee too disobedient, Raya too fiery, and Mimikyu not yet capable of putting up a fight. Ying is all I have left in these breaths.

    Our opponents are hasty, starting the fight without asking further questions, unwilling to let it come to a discussion. In a flash, the guy gives the command for a pin missile to his Skorupi, so that brightly glowing spikes shoot towards us in the next instant.

    I¡¯m just about to advise dodging when Spinel¡¯s Umbreon uses reflect. Immediately after, the pins pierce the pale pink shield with such force I can feel the whipping wind in my hair. The next breath, Liepard swings over the shield, claws outstretched for fury swipes.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

    But before it can do any damage, Umbreon swings up to it, dodges the first paw strike and delivers a powerful kick to its opponent¡¯s nose with its hind leg. Foul play forces Liepard back, only to be ready to swing forward again the next moment. This time, however, Ying prevents it, grabs Liepard by one leg and throws it back towards its trainer with force.

    ¡°Ying, night daze!¡± I immediately try to follow up, gain the upper hand, and drive our opponents back with my partner¡¯s strength. An exchange that Spinel joins in on as he instructs his Pok¨¦mon to use snarl.

    Darkness gathers around Ying¡¯s body, then detaches from her with an abrupt blow and dashes towards our opponents, while Umbreon uses its reflect to move in the air over the shockwaves. Skorupi tries to ward it off with another pin missile, but misses Spinel¡¯s Pok¨¦mon, causing the pins to hit nearby areas. Windows shatter. Walls crack. People scream and wild footsteps carry most of them far away. Meanwhile, Umbreon dances through the air, jumping from one reflect to the next. Its paws sink halfway into the shield before it always breaks free with renewed vigour and gets away at the right moment.

    Simultaneously, the dark shockwave sweeps over Skorupi and Liepard, tearing them both off the ground and hurling them back. Their trainers have to jump to the side to avoid being thrown back, and although I hope for a moment that our opponents will give up, Liepard gallantly lands on its paws ¨C hissing bitterly. Skorupi, however, somersaults several times until it finds its way back to its feet, barely bruised.

    The blackness of the attack is still rolling off their bodies as they lunge in our direction once more, and I barely notice the woman sending another Pok¨¦mon into battle. She doesn¡¯t care about fairness in a fight like this. Orders are all she abides by and when a Sneasel appears, I can hear Spinel clicking his tongue.

    They¡¯re pushing us into a game we can¡¯t win this way. Liepard jumps straight into Ying¡¯s arms, while Skorupi gets straight to Umbreon with new missiles. Sneasel, meanwhile, rushes past both battles, towards us, and while Spinel takes a step towards me, I stumble back. My fingers have already slipped into my pocket. The next ball I throw is followed by a command.

    ¡°Flamethrower!¡±

    Sneasel seems within reach. All I would have to do is reach out for it and I could touch its razor-sharp claws. Instead, I try to jump back before powerful flames hit the Pok¨¦mon from the side and engulf it.

    I don¡¯t want to breathe a sigh of relief at burning a Pok¨¦mon to death here and now, but as the temperature drops and sudden ice breaks through the flames, I feel my heart sink.

    ¡°Icy wind!¡± someone yells in the background, bringing back memories of the battle against Glaceon.

    Growlithe has no problem with the cold, I know that. So my eyes immediately turn to the other Pok¨¦mon. Ying has raised her paws to brace herself against the cold ¨C an act I imitate because it¡¯s sucking every bit of feeling out of my body. Spinel, though, calls back his Umbreon, ready to replace it or even protect it from the attack, only to maybe let it out again afterwards. I don¡¯t know, I just notice the ice flakes growing in size and that it¡¯s getting harder and harder to see our opponents or the Pok¨¦mon.

    ¡°Domino, call your Pok¨¦mon back!¡± It¡¯s Spinel¡¯s instruction that makes me look at him briefly. ¡°They¡¯re going to freeze their own!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just an icy wind! The attack lacks the power to do that!¡±

    ¡°Do you really believe that?¡±

    I gulp. It shouldn¡¯t be like this. The wind is far too strong, the ice flakes far too big, and the cold gets intenser. An insane perception, and yet I can¡¯t deny it. After all, I¡¯m not the only one who can see the extent of it. I have no choice but to call Ying back. I even force Raya into her ball ¨C who knows how much cold she can withstand? The next moment, Spinel grabs me by the arm.

    ¡°They probably see as little as we do.¡± A bland statement emphasising only one thing: we should take the opportunity to escape.

    But just as we¡¯re about to turn away and run, a burning pain runs through me. I bend over, look down at myself ¨C at the Plasma woman who has rammed a blade deep into the cold, almost numb flesh of my thigh. Eyes covered by narrow goggles, her sudden crooked grin sends a shiver down my spine.

    ¡°You¡¯re not going anywhere!¡±

    My eyes widen. The contact with Spinel breaks. His hand detaches from mine as he stumbles three steps ahead and I crash to the ground. My heart is pounding up to my throat. The stranger is half on top of me; the knife is twisting in my flesh and the sudden scream escaping my throat is no match for the flood of voices in my head.

    There are thousands of them. Countless sounds and conversations combined with my inner heat and the quivering of my lips. A cry for help suffocates somewhere in between. My cry for help. A plea I don¡¯t want to utter and yet it overruns me, hoping that someone will come and tear this madwoman away from me.

    Two wet blinks pass me by. A second in which Spinel doesn¡¯t move. The woman rips the knife out of my leg. Blood gushes out. Throbbing joins the tearing sensation of my flesh ¨C behind it, a single word on my lips.

    ¡°Please...¡±

    The sudden red beam shooting out of my pocket, releasing Mimikyu from her Pok¨¦ Ball, freezes my insides. She shouldn¡¯t be fighting, she should be recovering. But she doesn¡¯t wait for my orders or even for another action from my opponent. Her black claws dart out from under the Zorua costume, lash out and hit the stranger straight in the face, throwing her away from me with so much force she hits the ground a few metres away, back first ¨C the icy wind has lost its density. She rolls around her own axis several times until Sneasel stops her. The careful sounds from its snout are haunting, and yet they only distract me for a second. The blood from my leg is already dripping to the ground.

    ¡°Are you all right?¡± Once again, I feel Spinel¡¯s firm grip on my arm, making it easier for me to get back to my feet.

    Part of me wants to ask him to justify himself; why he didn¡¯t help immediately, why he just stopped and did nothing. But when I hear a scream from the man among our enemies, a glance in his direction reveals how he has just been knocked down by Umbreon. Its paw punch knocks him backwards to the ground, rendering the frozen Pok¨¦mon and the two members defeated.

    ¡°We should get out of here...¡±

    It sounds simple coming from Spinel¡¯s mouth. But I can barely stay on my feet. My skin is throbbing, my blood is burning, and my shoulders are shaking. Still, I call Mimikyu back and try two steps that bring tears to my eyes.

    ¡°Wait!¡± Brows furrowed in concern, Spinel grabs me by the legs and shoulders without asking. I immediately lose my footing and even though relief rolls over my body as my weight no longer squeezes the blood out of the wound, I let out a hiss as he squeezes too hard.

    Helplessly, I clutch at his black turtleneck jumper with both hands. Clenching my teeth, I try to calm myself with his gentle rose-cinnamon scent, but I can hardly think of anything else but Amethio. Part of me thinks I catch the whiff of coconut I always detect when I rest my head on his shoulder, and yet I know he¡¯s not within reach.

    Instead, it¡¯s Spinel who carries me back to headquarters; who tries to talk to me but gets no response. Most of his words roll off me. A headache makes it impossible to concentrate on a single thing for longer than necessary, and as the world blurs, I close my eyes for a breath.

    In the next, Spinel places me on solid ground and when my eyelids open again, the artificial light of a room blinds me. It takes a moment before I catch sight of a woman whose red hair reaches her shoulders in a wondrous wave.

    ¡°She looks after us if anyone gets hurt,¡± explains Spinel. His hands come away from my body, one of them covered in blood. ¡°I¡¯m not needed here anymore, am I?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± replies the stranger, her eyes fixed on her hands, which are rummaging through drawers and cupboards to collect swabs and bottles.

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll report it. Letting Team Plasma get away with this won¡¯t please Master Gibeon.¡± His last glance drifts in my direction. ¡°Shall we reschedule our date?¡±

    I merely manage a weak nod. He is so much calmer than I could ever be and yet the hectic nature of the situation seems to unnerve him ¨C even chase him away as he turns on his heel and disappears. Just like that; leaving me alone with a stranger.

    ¡°The aorta was missed,¡± the stranger suddenly begins. ¡°Spinel probably thought he didn¡¯t need to worry about taking any action.¡± A sigh escapes her. ¡°He could at least have stopped the bleeding...¡± She presses cotton wool to my leg, white and shiny, which soaks up blood before it stops oozing out. ¡°A single action.¡±

    ¡°What ... is that?¡±

    ¡°The cotton fluff of an Eldegoss,¡± she replies, ¡°when you press it onto wounds, it sucks up, stops the bleeding and releases nutrients to ensure inflammation doesn¡¯t occur. It also helps to heal serious wounds.¡±

    In the next gasp, she hands me a bottle of dark green liquid and I can hardly help but speak my woolly thoughts out loud. ¡°Some kind of super potion for humans?¡±

    A thin smile creeps onto her features. ¡°Don¡¯t be silly. We may heal superficial injuries quickly and easily these days, but wounds like this ... so far, there¡¯s nothing in medicine that can heal the human body like a Pok¨¦mon¡¯s without causing secondary damage.¡±

    Unable to sort out my senses, I down the contents of the bottle. The nasty flavour is unpleasantly familiar, a mixture of leaves and an awful lot of bitter substances.

    ¡°Petilil...¡± I groan as I stick my tongue out in disgust and grimace.

    ¡°Well recognised. Highly concentrated like an energy drink to shake off your exhaustion.¡±

    Only the disgust already shakes every fibre of my body awake. But apart from that, the potion works wonders. My lead-heavy eyelids feel lighter and although my leg throbs and aches terribly, it hardly drains my energy any more.

    ¡°What kind of secondary damage would occur if you tried a super potion?¡± Looking at the injury, a certain numbness slowly sets in, which I can probably attribute to the wool.

    ¡°Changes,¡± the woman replies. ¡°People who suddenly develop strange characteristics. Sometimes mutations. Sometimes a change in the human genetic code.¡± She sighs. ¡°To explain it simply and understandably: Humans get abilities known from Pok¨¦mon ¨C even if you tune the medicine to the human body.¡±

    As if the line between humans and Pok¨¦mon is so thin that even the slightest mistake can lead to a change. This is an easily understandable reason explaining why medicine for humans isn¡¯t as advanced as that for Pok¨¦mon ¨C especially as many bodies react differently to many remedies, as you can see from the headlines of the newspaper reports on the sales stands now and then.

    With skilful fingers, the stranger puts a bandage on me, pulls it too tight once and loosens it the instant I flinch. Then she takes a step back and looks down at me as if she wants to make sure that everything else on me hasn¡¯t been unnecessarily damaged ¨C reprimanding and dismissive.

    ¡°The injury will close on its own this way. You¡¯ll come back tomorrow so I can change the bandage and the wool,¡± she continues. ¡°If the wound starts to burn or becomes infected against all logic, contact someone and tell them you want to see Ariana. They¡¯ll let me know. It¡¯s very rare to find me at the Explorers¡¯ house in the afternoon.¡±

    ¡°U-Understand.¡± I can¡¯t help but tighten my shoulders. Those seconds seem like an angry mother¡¯s rebuke, and while I don¡¯t know if mine ever spoke to me like that, I¡¯m all the more certain that my father would have used the same sharp tone.

    When she puts a hand on her hip and looks me up and down again, a cold shiver runs down my spine. ¡°You should rest for today and not put too much strain on your leg. That also means you shouldn¡¯t even think about continuing your date with Spinel.¡±

    ¡°H-He already said we¡¯d postpone it.¡± I hastily raise my hands.

    ¡°Cancel it,¡± she counters. ¡°Spinel¡¯s no company for a young girl like you.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s very nice...¡±

    ¡°And mysterious.¡± Her snort is reminiscent of a Tauros¡¯ last warning before it impales you. ¡°And too old for you.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s ... twenty...¡± Quick as a flash, I shake my head. ¡°Besides, we¡¯re just friends! We haven¡¯t even been on a date.¡± It¡¯s only in these seconds that Spinel¡¯s choice of words dawns on me. ¡°I¡¯m not interested in him! Not in that way!¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± She raises her brows, more demanding than questioning.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure. I might spend the rest of the day ... with someone from my team. Conia or Zir or Amethio...¡± The words roll off my tongue far too quickly, so Ariana raises her hand and any further statement sticks in my throat. Then she gestures for me to leave with a shooing gesture.

    Instantly, I push myself off the hard table, take one last look around the room full of glass cabinets and light-coloured cupboards and hobble to the door, which opens automatically at my presence. But before I can disappear into the corridor, I hear Ariana¡¯s voice again.

    ¡°Domino?¡±

    I glance over my shoulder.

    ¡°Take care of yourself. Team Plasma is insane and you ... are too inexperienced to take them on alone.¡± She lowers her eyelids. ¡°I¡¯d hate to waste more medicine than necessary. The other members of the Explorers will probably get a warning to be careful after Spinel¡¯s report, too.¡±

    All I can do is nod faintly before the door closes behind me. I wouldn¡¯t say I can¡¯t take them up to a point, but the thought of the last encounter and a glance at my leg bring the ¡°madness¡± of this bunch to the fore. Putting myself in unnecessary danger is out of the question. If I want to act more wisely, then it¡¯s not about finding out more about them, but about letting rest work its magic on my body. So I grab my Rotom and write a brief message to Conia, which she replies to before I¡¯ve even taken my next four steps.

    Hamber let us know immediately after Spinel shared it.

    I¡¯m glad you¡¯re okay. Regarding your question: Amethio should be training right now.

    You¡¯ll find him near the storage rooms on the second floor.

    Just go down the corridor, past the vending machine, to the window front.

    From there, you can see into the training room.

    You¡¯ll find the stairs down at the end of the corridor.

    My heart leaps upwards. Then I put the Rotom back in my belt pouch so it can¡¯t slip out of my strangely damp hands. Knowing where to find Amethio and perhaps glimpsing at his training sends tingles across my skin. There¡¯s no reason to be happy about it, and yet I barely notice the pain as I follow Conia¡¯s directions, even taking the time to pull a bottle of cold water from the vending machine before I arrive at the described window.

    Dim light envelops the room that stretches downwards, in a faint glow, while flashes and flames flare up as if a celebration is taking place in honour of all battles. Narrowing my eyes to slits at once, I look closer until I spot Ceruledge leaping from the shadows and notice Corvinight shooting downwards from beneath the ceiling. Blades of fire crash onto steel wings. Sparks fly ¨C a firework display of seconds before both Pok¨¦mon regain their distance and Ceruledge lands in front of Amethio.

    His breathing is heavy. He has already loosened the string on his collar so that the amethyst hangs askew on his chest. In the next blink, his arm flies to the side and while Ceruledge leaps forward and Corviknight lets out a croak heavily muffled by the glass, Amethio stumbles to the side. He only barely stays on his feet, catches himself, shouts something, starts coughing and finally crashes on his behind ¨C shock coursing through his body and penetrating mine too, so I start running.

    Clutching the water bottle tightly, I grit my teeth as I jump down the stairs in double steps. My leg throbs, every jolt tears at my skin, my flesh, and when I reach the bottom, I have to brace myself against the wall for a breath and force back the tears. Then I tear open the door separating me from the training room and push my way inside ¨C into the stuffy air, infused with sweat, smoke and hot steel. Somewhere in between, there¡¯s Amethio.

    ¡°You should take a break,¡± I say before I reach him and hand him the water bottle. It takes a moment for him to lift his head and look at me. A few hairs stick to his forehead and his collar is dark with sweat.

    His pale skin looks even paler than usual, almost giving him a greyish glow, so I look around hastily until I catch a corner where someone has put down a towel and a chocolate bar. I take a few steps to bridge the distance, grab the items and take them to Amethio, who at least accepts the towel with shaky fingers. Meanwhile, his Pok¨¦mon approach, but leave us enough space.

    ¡°Maybe you should call it a day,¡± I start again, before slowly lowering myself to my knees and sitting down next to him. ¡°You don¡¯t look well.¡±

    ¡°What happened to your leg?¡± Instead of answering, he takes his mind off the subject, grabs the water bottle and drains it halfway in one go. Then he leans back, propped up on his hands, and takes a deep breath.

    ¡°I was out with Spinel when we were attacked by Team Plasma.¡± My eyelids droop. ¡°One of them stabbed me.¡±

    His eyes widen as his gaze rushes in my direction. ¡°Did you report it to Hamber?¡±

    I shake my head. ¡°Spinel took care of it. Word was passed on to the others immediately.¡±

    For a moment, Amethio stares at me, as if trying to read more out of my eyes. But there¡¯s nothing more to say, no mystery in what¡¯s happened, which is why he reaches for his Rotom Phone and checks the messages he¡¯s received.

    ¡°I assume there¡¯s a warning regarding Team Plasma?¡± Carefully, I lean over to him to glimpse the display. He lets me, giving me the chance to read the message I didn¡¯t get. Hamber actually warns of Plasma, suggests always travelling in pairs and explains he¡¯ll pass the incident on to Master Gibeon. All further decisions are up to him.

    ¡°Do you think the Explorers will do anything?¡±

    ¡°Depends on what Plasma wants from us.¡± He looks at me again. ¡°Do you know anything?¡±

    ¡°Just that their leader wanted them to take me to him. That¡¯s all they said. They don¡¯t seem to know the reason themselves.¡± Mouth agape, I tilt my head. ¡°Whatever Ghetsis is planning ... I can¡¯t imagine him ordering his people to hurt someone else. He¡¯s too friendly for that.¡±

    ¡°You met him?¡± Amethio¡¯s body seems to tense up, and it¡¯s only in these seconds I realise he hardly knows anything about my trips with Spinel. So I summarise the last few days for him, the events surrounding Munna and Gehtsis¡¯ illusion, which is probably very close to the original.

    Amethio¡¯s reactions remain meagre. Most of the time, he just listens to me, although his expression darkens at every mention of Spinel. I can sense the rift between them, and although I could give him a hundred reasons why Spinel isn¡¯t a bad guy, I swallow the attempt. In these seconds, I don¡¯t want to argue with him over something as petty as a dislike.

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t leave the headquarters for a while,¡± he replies at the end of my story, before draining the rest of the water bottle as well.

    ¡°With that leg, I¡¯m bound to get some rest for now.¡± A gentle smile forms on my lips. My heart calmed down a while ago and the strange peace of being by his side and seeing him regain a little strength makes me want to stay forever. ¡°Are you making progress with your training?¡±

    He snorts as he bends a leg and looks at his Pok¨¦mon with a tilted head. ¡°Not as expected.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve been at it since we got back, haven¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°What are you getting at?¡± The sharpness of his gaze vaguely grazes me.

    For a moment, he seems to perceive me as an enemy, as someone who wants to get in the way of his goal, and while I understand his frustration ¨C after all, I made Mimikyu stumble through hell once ¨C I also realise the importance of insight. I had Lillie and Conia. Here and now, Amethio has me. So I put my hand on his. Heat creeps through his glove, clinging damply to my skin and reminding me of his exhaustion, which I hold tightly for a moment. And I catch his astonishment, his raised eyebrows and slightly parted, gently curved lips.

    ¡°My point is you need to take breaks. You and your Pok¨¦mon. The learning effect is greater if you take a deep breath and let your progress sink in before getting back to work.¡± I don¡¯t want to let go of his hand. ¡°You ... have to take better care of yourself. Otherwise, you¡¯ll cause your Pok¨¦mon and a few people a lot of worry.¡±

    He takes a breath, wants to say something, probably counter and reprimand me. But we are both unable to avert our eyes; unable to even breathe for anything other than honest, fragile seconds. For an eternity, we remain in this timeless prison just for us, until he lowers his eyelids, catches himself, and turns his head in a different direction. Then, slowly, his hand slips from my grasp and our strange unity collapses. His warmth fades. But the closeness to him remains.

    ¡°I know,¡± he finally replies, unwilling to look at me again. ¡°I¡¯ll be careful.¡±

 Chapter 52: Everyone for themselves, but no one alone II

    My sewing skills remain abysmal. No matter how I twist and turn the trousers, the patch I put over the torn fabric looks terrible. Threads are peeking out at every corner and the blue doesn¡¯t quite match the dark shade of the jeans.

    With a sigh, I throw them on the bed and settle down on the edge. The injury has healed completely in the last ten days. The nutrients from the wool and the later help of a Chansey have left a barely visible scar. The flesh behind it still throbs slightly when I press on it, but it¡¯s nothing more than a shallow reminder that Team Plasma is insane.

    Briefly, I check my Rotom Phone. It¡¯s almost two o¡¯clock in the afternoon, and I don¡¯t have much time left to turn up outside the building and join Spinel. Our last attempt to get some of the famous Casteliacone has failed and although it sells out quickly thanks to its popularity, Spinel has asked the owner of the ice cream shop for a little extra this Sunday. This means that only the two of us and our Pok¨¦mon will get some of the ice cream ¨C on a day when the shop is actually closed. Presumably, Spinel told him about the mess and my injury, which led to sympathy and an offer.

    My outfit is the same as last time and although it¡¯s been to the dry cleaners and I wanted to start the day in good spirits, I can¡¯t possibly wear these trousers I¡¯ve worked on myself. The fabric of my grey jeans from the spare parts section of my old wardrobe is too heavy in the warm weather outside, and the snow-white trousers from the Pok¨¦mon Center don¡¯t match the rest. In the end, I¡¯m left with the light-coloured three-quarter trousers Lillie gave me, and the mere sight of them brings another sigh to my lips.

    I have written to her. Two, maybe even three messages with the Rotom, but she hasn¡¯t replied once. Part of me wants to believe she¡¯s terribly busy and doesn¡¯t have time to talk. The rest of me worries about her well-being. Has something happened to her mum? Did she hurt herself catching a Pok¨¦mon?

    Shaking my head, I squeeze into my trousers, slip into my shoes, and put on my belt pouch. Rotom disappears behind the flap and the rest of me tries to forget about Lillie. It¡¯s not wise to always assume the worst. She¡¯ll get back to me when she finds the time.

    My legs carry me out of the room more easily than before, along the corridors, until I arrive at the entrance and see Spinel already waiting. The light grey turtleneck jumper on his body, with the sleeves rolled up, looks warm and yet there is no sweat on his forehead. It¡¯s almost the same spectacle I recognise from Amethio. Clothes that look warm and yet are thinner than napkin paper.

    ¡°How¡¯s your leg?¡± When he sees me, his first glance is directed at my thighs before he gives me a smile.

    ¡°You ask me that every day.¡± A smile creeps onto my lips, too. In fact, he¡¯s taken the trouble to ask me every day about my well-being ¨C what I¡¯ve been doing, whether I¡¯ve been wasting my time with Amethio and whether I¡¯ve been checking in with Ariana regularly to have the wound examined.

    ¡°Not everyone can claim to have been attacked by a sect member and escaped so well.¡± This time he offers his arm, almost as if he doesn¡¯t want too much distance to come between us again if one of us is in trouble. So I accept. ¡°Your well-being is very important to us.¡±

    ¡°Is it?¡± I raise my brows.

    ¡°Of course.¡± He looks down at me briefly, slim glasses resting on his nose. ¡°You have an extraordinary ability that could unlock many secrets. But you¡¯re also the weakest member of the Explorers.¡±

    My shoulders slump. ¡°So you¡¯re just watching me so you don¡¯t lose my ability. Seems kind of ... familiar.¡±

    The argument with Amethio back on Poni ended differently than I expected, and I¡¯ve decided to trust his words that he sees me as a real member and not just a task. But Spinel brings up the memory again as if it was only yesterday, and the tightness in my stomach wants to rebel to vent its displeasure.

    ¡°You can¡¯t deny how important it could be for the Explorers,¡± Spinel continues. ¡°Of course, that doesn¡¯t mean you¡¯re not also a valued member.¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you laying it on thick?¡±

    ¡°We try to help all our members, no matter who is in trouble. Even Amethio would get help if he didn¡¯t know what to do. We don¡¯t get along, but we¡¯re a team.¡±

    I don¡¯t know what to say. The quarrels between the front lines have grown so much that Spinel¡¯s statement sounds like a nice phrase, but it doesn¡¯t hold any water. I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if nobody but Hamber reaches out to Amethio when it counts. He and Amethio¡¯s team are the only ones I trust to have that much goodwill.

    The strange silence growing between me and Spinel is far from comfortable. There seem to be a thousand unsaid things, but neither of us broaches a topic. Instead, we stroll along the paths, past adverts, people and the daily commotion. No one turns to look at us. No one glances at us. Yet I think I recognise eyes on my skin. Fixed stares I can¡¯t escape, so I let go of Spinel¡¯s arm and take a step back. Every fibre of my body is on edge, not wanting any more closeness in a situation that is so forcefully pressing on my nerves, whispering incomprehensible threats into my ear.

    ¡°Is everything all right?¡± When Spinel turns to me and stops, I want to say yes, but I can¡¯t make a sound. The advert at my side, on one of those far too big screens, is too loud. I would have to shout to communicate with him ¨C at least I can¡¯t shake that feeling.

    Slowly, Spinel moves in my direction, taking that one step, and raises his hands as if he wants to put them on my shoulders. But before he can touch me, I take a step aside, feel the rushing in my ears and swallow dryly. ¡°I don¡¯t know...¡±

    ¡°Would you like to sit down for a moment?¡±

    A shiver runs down my spine, closely followed by a scream thundering unstoppably through my head. Tremors shake my shoulders until I nod. Sitting down sounds like the safe shore I can¡¯t reach on my own. A glance at Spinel raises my hopes that he will offer me his arm again, but his attention is fixed on the advert. Only for a blink before he looks at me and gently reaches for my hands. A warm, yet cold touch, interrupted by the sudden clearing of a man¡¯s throat.

    In a flash, my gaze flits to the screen, where Ghetsis¡¯ flickering face has a narrow smile on it. There are shallow wrinkles around his mouth and his rigid, upright posture gives him an air of absolute victory. His red eye seems to glide over the crowd, as if he really sees us. Behind the red and white monocle, however, it is impossible to tell.

    ¡°I greet you, people of Unova. Some of you may already have my name on their tongue, while the rest are facing me for the first time. For all those to whom I seem unfamiliar, I introduce myself as Ghetsis Harmonia Gropius ¨C leader of Team Plasma, dedicated to helping humans and Pok¨¦mon live a fair life in peace and away from fear.¡±

    My hands clench into fists. For a moment, I think he¡¯s looking straight at me. It¡¯s probably the same for everyone here. Without exception, everyone has stopped, their eyes fixed on the screen. Ghetsis has all the attention in his hands and although he doesn¡¯t seem like a monster, this appearance of his differs completely from what I saw in the ruins. This man there makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end compared to the illusion.

    ¡°The reason for my appearance on all your screens is simple to understand. I want to record this historic moment for all of us with an announcement, so that one day we will remember the noon of endless change and embrace each other as if there is no better celebration in our eternal life between humans and Pok¨¦mon.¡± He closes his eyes briefly, takes a breath and weighs in his own words before catching himself. ¡°I hereby proclaim that Plasma will birth a hero who will become king over Unova, over our hearts and our hopes and desires. A man who will carry the heavy burden of each of us on his shoulders to make this land blossom.¡±

    ¡°Blossom?¡± I shake my head in disbelief. Unova doesn¡¯t look like a region in urgent need of change. The people may be overworked and the circumstances are not ideal, but Ghetsis¡¯ words sound like a fundamental change. A bit like N. As if everything needs to be torn down to create order.

    ¡°Some of you will be familiar with the legend of Unova. The journey of the twin heroes and their faithful dragon companions. We will present you with a new hero who unites wish and reality. A king who will summon the legendary dragons Reshiram and Zekrom back to our world to be recognised and supported by them.¡±

    Murmurs spread among the people. I know almost nothing about the history of Unova. Only that a place called Dragonspiral Tower was created before this region was finally founded. The rest was beyond my interests and although I¡¯d like to glance at Spinel in the hope of an explanation, I can¡¯t take my eyes off Ghetsis.

    ¡°In the hope our new king will show us the way, I address you all with words of great hope. Stand firm, people of Unova. The light is drawing near, where peace is with us.¡±

    In the next blink of an eye, the transmission switches off, and the murmuring grows louder. No one dares to move from their position. It takes all my strength to focus my attention on Spinel. ¡°Is that possible? What is this story he was talking about?¡±

    ¡°None of any importance,¡± he replies nonchalantly. He shrugs his shoulders at a proclamation he probably didn¡¯t take seriously for even one second. ¡°It¡¯s a legend about twins who created Unova together with a Dragon-type Pok¨¦mon. But their views were so different that the dragon split in two. Two wars followed until the dragons dematrialised into stones out of frustration over the human race. No one knows exactly where the stones are, but it is said they are waiting for a human with a pure heart.¡± A smirk settles on his lips. ¡°However much of that is true.¡±

    ¡°I hope it really is just that...¡± A saga with errors and false transmissions, so that Ghetsis¡¯ words are nothing more than an unpleasant daydream.

    ¡°It¡¯s better not to pay attention to people like this.¡±

    I would like some of the security that Spinel embodies, but I can¡¯t find anything in me willing to surrender to the calm and ignorance of it all. Simultaneously, the buzzing of my Rotom Phone runs through my body like a thunder wave and as I pick up the device to look at the incoming message, a note from Hamber stares back at me. A warning to all Explorers, which also reaches Spinel.

    To all admins and their assistants,

    for security reasons, any of you currently in Unova are requested to return to headquarters.

    Information has revealed another attack from Plasma ¨C

    including a request to become part of the enemy organisation

    and hand over all valuable materials.

    ¡°Predictable...¡± Spinel¡¯s snort resembles unfathomable mockery and before I can think about him, our situation and everything else, he glances in my direction. ¡°We shouldn¡¯t keep Hamber waiting.¡±

    A sound of agreement escapes my throat, unable to form words to shed more light on this strangely ignorant darkness. Unsteadily, I stumble after Spinel, the short walk back to headquarters ¨C to the entrance, where a man with pale green hair stands, two henchmen in Plasma uniform in tow.

    ¡°I see we¡¯re just in time to have a conversation about our future.¡± The blue and yellow coat on his body stings my eyes. ¡°I was afraid the truth would slip through my fingers if I didn¡¯t get to see it for myself, if only for a few minutes.¡± He looks at me. ¡°You¡¯ve travelled a long way, haven¡¯t you, Domino Simpell?¡±

    My mouth opens wordlessly, so Spinel interjects. The smile on his lips is missing. ¡°I don¡¯t remember the Explorers inviting you.¡±

    ¡°I took the freedom to knock and see if I could have a look,¡± Ghetsis replies. ¡°Not like I¡¯m worried about being turned down by curious onlookers when I have the chance to have a conversation with fascinating oddities who could answer a thousand questions.¡± He doesn¡¯t let Spinel intimidate him as he holds out his hand to me, offering it as if he¡¯s asking me to dance. ¡°How about you come with me, Domino? The knowledge of your arrival in Unova has filled my heart with joy, combined with the secret hope you have appeared to do what you were chosen to do.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to be?¡± He seems to know more about me than I do.

    ¡°The language of the Pok¨¦mon, of the most powerful among them. A gift you were given to unite humans and Pok¨¦mon in peace. Join me and create a world where we all have a place.¡± He takes a step closer. ¡°Take the Queen¡¯s place at the King¡¯s side. I am sure one of the legendary dragons will accept you at its side. I know I promised one hero to the people, but as it was a long time ago, it takes two heroes to take up the sceptre and join forces. Your ability to communicate with the Pok¨¦mon matches that of the King. It is destiny that you both linger in the same place again, trapped in the eternal cycle of a quest that promises you answers without ever providing any clues.¡±

    ¡°And I suppose you know what we¡¯re all looking for?¡± Once again, Spinel doesn¡¯t hold back and tilts his head.

    Ghetsis, however, puts on a knowing smile. ¡°Domino, is your home really with the Explorers, between adventures and a world you¡¯re trying to learn about? Or isn¡¯t it rather by Plasma¡¯s side, where all your questions are answered?¡±

    ¡°What questions should you be able to answer?¡± My brows lift, my hands sticking sweaty to my trousers.

    ¡°Like why your father ran away with you, or why you can barely remember your mum, let alone most things in your life.¡±

    I can feel my heart beating up to my throat. He knows things I never shared with Plasma. The idea he has answers to my questions and can clear the confusion, maybe even the fog in my head, tingles throughout my body. Every clear thought seems to have been swept away. Every fibre in me wants to approach Ghetsis and seize the opportunity. The rest of me remembers the madwoman who plunged a knife into my thigh, closely followed by Amethio¡¯s warning.

    Amethio, who I would leave behind.

    Would that make us enemies?

    Only the thought makes me freeze. The tightness in my chest prevents any stupid decision and when Spinel puts an arm around my shoulders, any choice is taken over by him.

    ¡°Considering you¡¯ve attacked other Explorers, I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if you forced these questions out of some of them.¡± A sigh comes over him. ¡°Those questions in Domino¡¯s head could have come from anyone who¡¯s rummaged through Hamber¡¯s files.¡±

    ¡°But I never said that much about it...¡±

    ¡°You spoke to Conia,¡± Spinel explains briefly. ¡°Information like this is passed on so Hamber can keep track and know which of us is best suited to which kind of quest.¡±

    His explanation flies straight over my head. What he says makes sense, and yet the answers seem to be right in front of me. Letting Ghetsis go awakens a strong desire in me to grab him by the arm and ask for more. But I don¡¯t get the chance as a heavy sigh escapes Ghetsis and he shakes his head.

    ¡°It seems you¡¯re incapable of having an interesting conversation with me today, as long as the lower ranks demand attention and yet refuse to understand their position.¡± He places his hand on his chest. ¡°However, I am confident we will meet again soon and look at the world with different eyes than we did today. Peace be with you.¡±This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.

    And with that, he turns away. Ghetsis simply leaves us behind, his two assistants close behind him, without once looking over his shoulder and hoping for a reaction. His straight gait, his confident stride ¨C never in my life have I wanted to chase after someone so much. Not even when Lillie said goodbye was the desire as clear as in these breaths. I want to tear myself away, want to run after him. But before I can get away from Spinel, he grabs me by the wrist.

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t let him wrap you around his finger. People like Ghetsis have their tricks. I can understand you¡¯re looking for answers, but you need to be more careful.¡± He pulls me closer to him so he can lean down to me and I can feel his breath on my skin. Heat seeps through my body. ¡°You¡¯d only cause us all to worry.¡±

    Instantly, I tear myself away from his grip before a snort escapes me. ¡°Why didn¡¯t we just grab him? He knows something. I¡¯m sure he does.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re not allowed to act until Master Gibeon announces we¡¯re officially messing with Plasma. The trouble we could cause...¡± His shoulders slump and for a moment he seems genuinely frustrated with our position.

    I want to believe him, want to reassure myself, but I can¡¯t help looking once more in the direction where Ghetsis has disappeared. There is no sign of him left. My chance to shed light on the darkness has vanished, leaving me with nothing but a drawn-out groan before I turn away from Spinel.

    ¡°Whatever.¡± It¡¯s not fair to take my frustration out on him ¨C definitely not. Spinel has been trying his hardest to be my friend since I arrived in Unova. However, given my memory gaps and the possible information from Gehtsis, his efforts seem terribly futile.

    Hastily, I put some distance between us so as not to say anything I¡¯ll end up regretting. I can always apologise to him later for my sudden disappearance. In these seconds, I just want a distraction, to bury myself in my room and shut out the world.

    Inside the headquarters, I end up in the kitchen first, unsure what to do. I open the fridge. Close it again. Dig through the cupboards. End up back at the fridge. For a moment, I slump down on a chair and bury my face in my hands. In the next breath, Amethio pops into my head; his stubborn nature and the fact he probably wouldn¡¯t have followed the rules. He would have challenged Ghetsis on the spot and the knowledge that Hamber wouldn¡¯t have been thrilled about it elicits a soundless laugh from me. I can¡¯t deny it. This encounter would have been much more productive at Amethio¡¯s side than with Spinel.

    A few times, I rub my eyelids with my thumb and forefinger before I pull myself together and finally take another look in the fridge. My thoughts are racing, and yet I can¡¯t grasp a single topic to latch onto. The only thing I know for sure is that I will confront Ghetsis next time; besides, I can¡¯t blame Spinel for holding me back.

    Half-submerged in these realisations, I prepare two sandwiches and place them neatly on a plate before grabbing a water bottle and making my way to the training room with my haul. Amethio is the only distraction I can think of. He¡¯s the only person I know where to find.

    But as soon as I arrive, I am greeted with endless emptiness. There is no one where I thought he was. Corviknight isn¡¯t fighting Ceruledge and just as my shoulders slump, I hear a loud exclamation at the other end of the corridor that passes me by unintelligibly. I follow immediately, stumbling over my feet a few times and almost dropping the plate, so I bite my tongue to avoid falling victim to both curiosity and simmering worry.

    It¡¯s only when I stop in front of a door, behind which I think I hear tense panting, that my stomach turns. Immediately, I dig my card out of my belt pouch and gain access ¨C straight into a pleasantly cool room with stationary bikes and dumbbells standing around. Amethio on a treadmill in between.

    ¡°I¡¯m not discussing this any further, Hamber.¡± He doesn¡¯t even turn to face me as he clings to the handles attached to the side. ¡°This training is my only chance. We can¡¯t afford any more failures. There¡¯s no point in giving the Rising Volt Tacklers any more chances. I¡¯ve already held back in Alola and it got us nowhere. As long as there is no other plan, I will take care of Rayquaza and Terapagos myself.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s a new lead on Rayquaza?¡±

    My question flashes through his body like lightning. In an instant, he jerks his head in my direction, stops the treadmill and allows himself to be carried to the light-coloured wooden floor. The gasp on his lips is heavy enough to stop him from saying anything else. All I have left is an awkward smile, which elicits a heavy sigh from him.

    ¡°Have you taken a break yet?¡±

    He shakes his head. His legs carry him swaying to a towel with which he dries his face. A few hairs from the strands framing his features stick to his cheeks. He has tied the rest up in a short ponytail.

    ¡°I ... made sandwiches. You should eat something.¡± The way he¡¯s pushing himself certainly leaves no room for a relaxed breakfast ¨C or any other meal. ¡°And I also assume you haven¡¯t read the message about Team Plasma.¡±

    He carefully puts the towel aside before sitting down on the dark bench near the dumbbells, and I seize the opportunity to settle next to him. First, I hand him the bottle, which he empties without a word. Then I hold the plate out to him and although he doesn¡¯t seem enthusiastic, he takes a slice.

    ¡°Hamber let me know,¡± he starts, wiping a hand on his black sports trousers. The white and purple jacket looks terribly warm and part of me wants to tell him it might be more comfortable to take it off. However, I can¡¯t make a sound. My throat has tightened and the tingling knot in my stomach tenses my whole body.

    So I try to stay on topic. ¡°Did he say anything about what we¡¯re going to do now that they¡¯ve meddled in the Explorers¡¯ affairs for the second time?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± He finally forces himself to take a bite of his sandwich ¨C a mouthful that awakens his hunger. Before I know it, he¡¯s eaten the first half. ¡°The Rising Volt Tacklers have set a new course in Paldea. We don¡¯t know what they¡¯re planning, but there¡¯s a good chance they¡¯ve found new clues.¡±

    As we sit here in Unova, being driven mad by a group we really shouldn¡¯t care about. I can understand his frustration. It seems like the Volt Tacklers are forever two steps ahead of us. Presumably, that¡¯s not true; after all, we watch everything they do. But the thought remains unavoidable.

    Meanwhile, Amethio forces himself back to his feet to grab a water bottle he has left unused next to the treadmill. Then he returns to my side, opens the cap with a crunch, and takes a few sips before grabbing the next half of a sandwich.

    ¡°If anything happens, we¡¯ll be the first to know.¡± I can¡¯t take my eyes off him. Not from his long eyelashes, nor all the stray strands of hair he still hasn¡¯t organised. ¡°You should take things a little ... more casually.¡±

    ¡°Like you did with Spinel?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not like I¡¯m doing nothing on the side.¡± I purse my lips. ¡°Spinel showed me a few corners of the region. I¡¯ve made friends with professors and passed my first exam. Apart from that, I¡¯m training my Pok¨¦mon and learning what I can. Spinel is just a help in all of this.¡±

    This time Amethio¡¯s gaze wanders in my direction and although he refrains from saying anything, I can imagine his unspoken statement. In his eyes, Spinel is nothing more than someone who stands in his way. In Amethio¡¯s world, it¡¯s probably even his fault I have a scar on my leg and one of my trousers is ruined. Maybe it¡¯s even Spinel¡¯s fault that Plasma is still after us, that we can¡¯t catch Rayquaza, and that the Rising Volt Tacklers are making more progress than we are. Amethio would probably blame him for anything as long as it eases the frustration.

    ¡°What I¡¯m saying is it would be better to take more breaks. Plasma isn¡¯t exactly pleasant and, who knows, you might still be needed in this fight.¡± I slowly avert my gaze and shrug my shoulders. My tongue feels far too loose and although I¡¯d rather keep quiet, the murmur on my lips is hard to ignore. ¡°It could be I need you.¡±

    I bite the inside of my cheek for a breath. The tightness in my chest and the knot in my stomach can¡¯t fight the racing heart behind them. Everything about me looks sweaty, tense, like I¡¯m expecting another test result, and when I lift my eyes to turn back to Amethio, it¡¯s his violet gaze silently mesmerising me. There is no sternness, no rigidity, no rejection. Just a hint of wonder drawing me closer to him like a Venomoth.

    I want to touch him, put my hand on his cheek, say something. Maybe something clever; maybe something to build him up. But my body doesn¡¯t move, and it¡¯s only when he lowers his eyelids and looks away that I find my breath again.

    ¡°P-Plasma¡¯s leader, Ghetsis, is after me.¡± Suddenly I¡¯m speaking so fast that the sentence almost tumbles. I can¡¯t gather a clearer thought than that I want to distract myself from this moment ¨C from the certainty that I appreciate being close to him and like his company. That I like him.

    ¡°What makes you think so?¡± He avoids further eye contact.

    ¡°He stopped Spinel and me outside the entrance to invite me to come along. He wanted me to become part of Plasma, as a heroine and queen. According to him, that¡¯s the only reason I can talk to some Pok¨¦mon.¡± Eventually, I take my eyes off him too. ¡°He also claims to know things about me I¡¯m looking for. Answers to my questions. Ghetsis already knew some of my unresolved thoughts.¡± Soundless laughter overcomes me. ¡°For a breath, I really wanted to go with him and shed some light on this fuzzy darkness.¡±

    ¡°Maybe that would have been better.¡±

    ¡°So you¡¯d prefer me to go, even though you see me as part of your team?¡± My heart seems to sink into my stomach. Only Amethio¡¯s gentle shake of his head keeps it from dropping any lower.

    ¡°It would have been answers you were looking for. You could have come back after that.¡±

    ¡°Is it really that simple?¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°And yet it would have been better?¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t answers always better?¡± In the end, he looks at me again and the sharpness in his gaze reminds me of his weak moment when I was eavesdropping in the submarine. He is also searching for something, for a solution he would take if the opportunity presented itself. The price doesn¡¯t matter in his world.

    ¡°Maybe I¡¯m not ready to pay such a price yet.¡± A faint smile washes over me. ¡°I like being here too much for that.¡±

    In those seconds, I honestly am not ready. Maybe I wasn¡¯t at the crucial moment either. I would have followed Ghetsis, asked questions, and then turned around to get back to the Explorers. A stupid thought, because it would never have been that easy. But it¡¯s the only idea I consciously want to cling to.

    A gentle sigh at my side displaces my thoughts. The other two halves of the sandwich are no longer on the plate. Amethio is running a thumb over his lips, and as he stands up, I¡¯m overcome with worry that I¡¯m going to see him sink into his training again. But when he turns to me briefly, I hold my breath.

    ¡°I¡¯m calling it a day.¡± He casually grabs his towel, runs the cloth over his face once more, and then heads wordlessly for the exit. He simply leaves the bottles of water, so I grab them and carry them after him.

    Only when we are both standing in the corridor, a little indecisive about saying goodbye, does he put the towel around his shoulders and take both bottles from me. His eyes don¡¯t meet mine. He looks past me somewhere, but the soft ¡°thank you¡± brushing his lips reaches me too. Immediately afterwards, he turns away and leaves me behind. My heart is beating hard.

    I dry my damp hands on my trousers several times as I make my way back and drag myself, lost in thought, to my room, where no one is waiting for me and where my racing imagination finds enough space to lie hot on my cheeks. Pressing my lips together, I stare at the floor. The image of his eyes boring so deeply into mine ¨C combined with his tangled hair, his long eyelashes, and his slender curved mouth ¨C won¡¯t let me go. All the while, the realisation I wanted to touch him swings to the fore. Just for a moment, to feel his warmth and make sure he is really there; that he really sees me in these seconds.

    ¡°Oh, no...¡± Immediately, I bring my hands to my face and slide down to the floor by the door. For a few breaths, I remain motionless, hoping the strangely pleasant knot in my stomach will disappear and take the palpitations with it. But time harbours little change, which is why I finally stretch my legs and inhale deeply.

    A soundless laugh escapes my throat. In these gasps, the conversation from Malie Garden seems to come crashing back to me ¨C mocking and full of ridicule, because not so long ago it seemed like an insane thought between girls I simply dismissed.

    ¡°This will never just ... go away in a fortnight.¡±

    I¡¯ve known Amethio for just over two months and I¡¯d like to say I haven¡¯t spent half of that time with him. Still, I haven¡¯t been able to get him out of my head for a moment and the strangely emerging certainty settling inside me is twisting my clear mind with every breath I take.

    What is it that triggers this feeling in me? What exactly is it about Amethio that makes me sweat, my heart race, and settles in my stomach like a stubborn Butterfree?

    Casually, I tap the back of my head against the door several times, hoping that the answer will fall into my lap. In Alola, he just seemed like a boy I could have a good fight with. Then, somewhere in between, I wanted to win his approval and I can¡¯t deny I¡¯ve done things you wouldn¡¯t usually consider with a near stranger. All those moments when I put my head on his shoulders or clung to him tighter, maybe even the wondrous moments between us when I felt like we understood each other. These tiny components are probably the culprits behind everything that followed ¨C the fact I kept thinking about Amethio next to Spinel. He was part of my illusion produced by Munna. Sometimes he even sneaks into my dreams.

    The corners of my mouth twist between the list. It was also Amethio who danced with me in the meadow ¨C another illusion my mind clung to. The weeks here without him have only made me more aware of his presence than usual. Here in Unova, he isn¡¯t a daily part of my life. That¡¯s why the rest of me falls into silent chaos when I see him. A perfectly logical conclusion that doesn¡¯t improve my circumstances one bit.

    I am in love.

    A little.

    With Amethio.

    The sudden vibration in my pocket makes me immediately dig out my Rotom Phone to look at the display. Staring back at me is my father¡¯s number. He doesn¡¯t call often, but when he does, he calls several times in a row and although I could certainly just block him, I can¡¯t help but stare at the device. Each time until he gives up.

    However, this time I don¡¯t want to let him drive me into the motionless rigidity of my habit, so I push his call away and try to reach Lillie instead. It¡¯s already late afternoon and I haven¡¯t heard from her for far too long. So I ask Rotom for a video chat and wait.

    The friendly beep Rotom emits in the meantime provides me with some peace and when Lillie picks up, my heart leaps with joy.

    ¡°Domino?¡± Lillie¡¯s sleepy voice is barely audible through the device.

    It seems to be dark on her side. Only vague rays of light sneak through the curtains of her room and the horribly tangled hair on her head draws my attention away from her narrow eyes.

    ¡°Has something happened...?¡± She rubs a hand over her eyes and it takes a moment for me to realise my mistake.

    ¡°Oh... No... I¡¯m sorry.¡± My voice drops to a whisper so I don¡¯t overwhelm her. ¡°I just haven¡¯t heard from you in a while and I thought I¡¯d give you a call. I hadn¡¯t thought about the ... time difference.¡±

    It must be about five in the morning for Lillie and I can¡¯t help but apologise to her two more times for not thinking.

    ¡°No problem,¡± she mumbles. ¡°I¡¯m sorry you were worried.¡± She switches on a night light. ¡°It¡¯s very stressful here at the moment. The days are nice ... but there¡¯s a lot to do. I¡¯ve written to you and Conia ... letters,¡± she yawns with restraint, ¡°but I haven¡¯t managed to send them.¡±

    ¡°Why letters when you can just write or call us?¡± A smile forms on my lips. ¡°Do you enjoy writing that much?¡±

    She giggles. ¡°I like it when I get a letter back. They¡¯re memories I collect. But it¡¯s probably better if I get in touch like this now and then.¡±

    ¡°Have you read my messages?¡±

    ¡°Not the last one, no. My Rotom fell into the water on Gladion¡¯s birthday and then had to recover from the shock. The mobile phone broke and in the end, I was so absorbed in my things that Guzma got a new one for me.¡±

    ¡°Gladion came back?¡± My brows lift. According to Lillie¡¯s last update, he wanted to pursue his own ideas and took a different path. The thought of him coming back on his birthday seems kind of cute.

    ¡°No.¡± She shakes her head hastily. ¡°He called me on his birthday to see how we were doing. I asked him if he was coming back so we could celebrate as a family. Mum would certainly have been happy. But he said no.¡± Her eyelids droop. ¡°I got angry and then the Rotom Phone slipped out of my hand and ... yeah...¡±

    ¡°He needs time,¡± I say. ¡°Alola hasn¡¯t been too long ago. He¡¯ll come home at some point. And by then, maybe everything will finally have sorted itself out. I mean ... Guzma is still there and your mum will have some problems to solve.¡±

    She shakes her head again. ¡°Mum won¡¯t be able to look after the Aether Foundation any more.¡±

    ¡°She won¡¯t?¡±

    ¡°When we left Alola, everything seemed to be ... fine. I only ever wanted to see the good things, but the truth ... is different. Mum was weak, but she seemed to be recovering. Bill could help. But the poison left damage ... at least that¡¯s what we think. She¡¯s ... not the same.¡± Her mouth twists into a pained smile. ¡°She sits at the window all day and looks outside. Sometimes she mumbles things about my father. I often get the feeling she¡¯s not really here anymore. And when she has her clear moments, when she¡¯s here with me ... then she¡¯s a great mum, who takes a great interest in my wishes and who cares about Gladion, who gave me a Vulpix and who always apologises ... but ...¡±

    ¡°Is she still being treated?¡±

    Shakily, she sucks in the air before nodding. ¡°Mother... Mum¡¯s in a wheelchair. She can¡¯t walk properly any more. It¡¯s almost as if her legs are in a state of recurring paralysis. Sometimes she¡¯s just weak and she can manage a few steps, but they don¡¯t think they¡¯ll be able to fix it. Nihilego¡¯s neurotoxin has turned my mum¡¯s body into a kind of ... flickering light. Bill could remove enough poison to prevent further damage and he doesn¡¯t think it affected her head ¨C they think her mind just suffered a lot ¨C but her body may never recover.¡± She shakes her head in a flash. ¡°What am I saying? There are still plenty of treatments we can try. The first two didn¡¯t work. There¡¯s still hope. I¡¯m just worrying too much.¡±

    And she is tired. Exhausted by her own little world and now also by me, because I have mercilessly woken her from her sleep.

    ¡°If you need help ... maybe I can persuade Hamber ... my supervisor, to visit and maybe help you.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s very kind of you, Domino.¡± She wipes her eyes with one hand. ¡°But I¡¯m not alone. Guzma helps a lot. He takes Mum for walks, feeds her sometimes and tells her stories about Team Skull. Some days, I sit with him in the living room and we talk about our day and what else we can try. I never thought I¡¯d say this, but I can¡¯t think of anyone better to have by Mum¡¯s side than him. Guzma is the best help I could wish for here.¡±

    ¡°And you¡¯re getting on with your own goal despite everything?¡±

    A hum escapes her throat. ¡°I¡¯m trying to. There¡¯s a lot to learn and sometimes my head¡¯s not really focused, but I get to work in a lab and a few researchers teach me what they can. In between, I get to come up with my own ideas and ... I know I said I want to help the Pok¨¦mon ... but if I find a cure for Mum in the process, I¡¯ll do what I can.¡±

    With every other word that leaves her lips, my own problems seem null and void. Lillie is so much stronger in these seconds than I will probably ever be. So I keep the rest of the conversation short, cheer her up, promise to keep my eyes and ears open should I find something useful for her, and finally let her go back to sleep in peace. I don¡¯t need to keep her awake any longer than necessary with Plasma¡¯s confusion, Ghetsis¡¯ words or my newly discovered affection for Amethio.

    Still, as soon as we hang up and the display goes black in front of me, I pull my legs close to my torso and sigh. I would like someone to talk to, a friend who will listen to me and who isn¡¯t in trouble head over heels. Someone who isn¡¯t Spinel, who I still have to apologise to.

    Slowly, I put my head on my knees and close my eyes. For today, I keep these things, like so many others, to myself.

 Chapter 53: Everyone for themselves, but no one alone III

    I have to take several deep breaths before I dare to shuffle into the kitchen with my porridge. Amethio is sitting at a table, bent over an empty plate, Rotom Phone in hand, probably reading the news. My fingers clutch the bowl with all my might before I settle down next to him and swallow drily. My world feels like it¡¯s standing still while my heart thunders so hard against my ribs it hurts.

    ¡°Good morning.¡± I have to clear my throat. My cheeks burn. Being certain about your feelings is a terrible thing. ¡°Were you able to ... recover well yesterday?¡±

    ¡°Morning.¡± A terse answer, followed by nothing more. Instead, he keeps his eyes fixed on his Rotom ¨C the daily digital newspaper, as I can see ¨C and pays no attention to me. Almost as if I am background noise.

    The smile stiff on my lips, I choke down a bit of my porridge before looking at him again. ¡°Is there anything interesting in the news?¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Anything new from Hamber regarding Plasma?¡±

    Lost in thought, he grumbles. I could probably tell him things about Lillie here and now and ask him about Spinel, and all I¡¯d get back is an indifferent hum. The interpretation is entirely up to me and as much as the Butterfrees in my stomach drive me mad, for a moment I want to wave a hand in front of his nose and see what happens.

    Instead, I stick to my breakfast and before I can think of another, perhaps more exciting topic, he gets up, grabs his things and disappears. He doesn¡¯t even react when he nearly crashes into Spinel in the doorway; just dodges and disappears quickly, as if he¡¯s received an important message.

    ¡°Looks like he¡¯s been sent the lab reports from the last experiment.¡± Spinel looks after him with a smirk before sitting down at the table with me, a cup of milk coffee and a sandwich in tow.

    ¡°He was reading the newspaper until just now.¡±

    ¡°Then perhaps the subtle threat of Gehtsis got him on his feet.¡± A grin settles on his features. ¡°He¡¯ll probably try to get information from Hamber or Master Gibeon.¡±

    ¡°And that amuses you?¡±

    ¡°A little,¡± he admits. ¡°Each of us has already approached them. But getting an audience with Master Gibeon isn¡¯t easy and Hamber claims he doesn¡¯t know about any measures.¡±

    Brows drawn together, I tap my spoon against my bowl. ¡°What did the newspaper say?¡±

    ¡°Not much. Just that the new King of Unova will unite the people and that from then on there will be no room for organisations who don¡¯t align with Plasma.¡± His smile fades. ¡°They know Gibeon won¡¯t bend his knee to them.¡±

    ¡°They seem certain that the legends surrounding Unova are true.¡± I stroke my thumb over the spoon handle several times. ¡°Then again ... isn¡¯t Amethio taking this article too seriously? To live up to their ideals, they first have to summon one of those legendary dragons.¡±

    ¡°Some people love to dream about unreachable things.¡± Instead of going further into the subject, he shrugs his shoulders and takes a sip of his drink. Then he sets his sights on me again, but this time much more seriously. ¡°What did you do after you disappeared yesterday?¡±

    I swallow. The porridge scratches my throat a little. Talking to Spinel feels so normal now I¡¯ve pushed my anger and behaviour from yesterday to the back of my mind. But nothing has changed. Yesterday happened, and I left him standing there because I didn¡¯t like his judgement.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± I finally force out. ¡°I just wish you had acted differently. You probably made the smarter decision, but it ... was very frustrating to see all the answers I crave just disappear. I didn¡¯t even have a chance to find out anything.¡±

    Soft laughter overcomes him. ¡°That¡¯s what I thought. You¡¯re every bit like Amethio in that respect.¡± He taps his cup patiently with his index finger. ¡°Let me guess, you went to see him afterwards?¡±

    A barely perceptible nod passes me and although it doesn¡¯t seem right, I feel caught and reprimanded. I shouldn¡¯t be so damn embarrassed that I ran to Amethio yesterday, and yet the knot in my stomach tightens as if it¡¯s better to keep any topic surrounding Amethio far away from Spinel.

    ¡°You seem tense,¡± he adds, so I push my bowl aside. My hunger has vanished. ¡°Did something happen between you?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± I answer slowly. ¡°I just still feel bad about yesterday. I should have been ... kinder to you. Coupled with the fact my dad keeps calling and hiring the Rising Volt Tacklers to come after me ... I just feel like I have to do something.¡±

    ¡°How about we go somewhere?¡± Tilting his head to the side, Spinel looks at me as if my well-being is the most important thing in his life. The way he watches me conveys a certain attentiveness creeping uncomfortably under my skin and yet tempts me to ask.

    ¡°Go somewhere? Where to?¡±

    ¡°Nimbasa City.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s there?¡±

    ¡°Every kind of amusement you can imagine. They have a theatre, an amusement park ¨C it¡¯s a popular city to get away from everyday life.¡±

    On the one hand, the offer sounds tempting. On the other, it would mean I¡¯d be travelling with him to another place. Sure, I¡¯d call Spinel a friend, but the thought of us running into Plasma¡¯s hands again and him holding me back once more is just as unpleasant as the thought of making the acquaintance of a madwoman and her knife yet again.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think we should allow Plasma to attack us a second time. We¡¯re safer here than out there.¡±

    ¡°If we hide from them, they win.¡± Spinel takes another sip of his milk coffee. ¡°Besides, most of them are scattered around here in Castelia City, telling people about the insanity of their holy mission. We¡¯re almost safer in Nimbasa than here.¡±

    A trip under the eye of Plasma, to a city I¡¯m supposed to believe I¡¯m less likely to run into anyone who could do us harm. It sounds like a terrible suggestion, and it would be wiser to wait here until Hamber gives the all clear or Gibeon makes a decision. But if I go out there and face the circumstances, there¡¯s a chance I¡¯ll run into Ghetsis once more. Asking him questions piques my interest. Even if Spinel gets in my way again, I might have the chance to find out more; more about myself and the gaps in my memory.

    I wanted to learn to make better decisions, but who¡¯s saying that will get me anywhere?

    The sigh on my lips weighs heavily. I should rethink my decision, but everything in me is sure this is the path I want to take. ¡°Okay.¡±

    <hr>

    ¡· WHISPERS ¡¶

    <hr>

    It¡¯s midday and if I didn¡¯t know better, I would categorise the city in the bright glow of the sun as almost miraculous. But between the endless windows and grey facades, there aren¡¯t more than a few beautiful places before you run into someone you don¡¯t want to see.

    With a sigh, I turn my gaze out of the window, trying to forget the danger and concentrate on the pleasure awaiting me at the end of this journey. It¡¯s half an hour by car to Nimbasa City and although I¡¯m carrying my team in my belt pouch and wearing comfortable clothes, I can¡¯t create a joyful mood. Spinel is behind the wheel and the space between us is frighteningly quiet.

    Briefly, my eyes wander to the radio. A little music wouldn¡¯t hurt. The Join Avenue doesn¡¯t offer much to look at and if we could at least find a common theme among the daily bands on the radio, there would be something like a conversation. Something to stop me from sinking too deep into my thoughts.

    Further back in the sky, the clouds appear grey-brown and the pavement here seems dirtier than in Castelia. The differences are small, but noticeable.

    ¡°There¡¯s a desert resort on both sides of the Join Avenue,¡± Spinel begins without being asked. ¡°A sandstorm rages there most of the time, which is why it took almost two years to build this section.¡±

    When I look at him with raised brows and our eyes meet, one of his charming smiles appears. ¡°You looked like you were interested in what lies beyond the obvious.¡±

    ¡°A little,¡± I reply with a smirk before looking out again, my thoughts drifting in a different direction.

    Spinel is attentive, courteous, thoughtful, smart, always friendly, and genuinely interested in my well-being. He seems like the perfect guy any smart woman would ask out immediately. All he does for me are things I can¡¯t expect from Amethio ¨C assuming he even sees me in the middle of his Rayquaza obsession. If I had a bit more brains, I¡¯d approach Spinel and see what happens. I¡¯m seventeen. Romances are quite common at my age.If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    But whenever I dare to glance at him, my thoughts drift to Amethio. To the strange heaviness telling me I would like to have him here with me and also to the crazy idea of how nice it would be if he did all these things for me.

    Yet I can¡¯t help but get hung up on how perfect Spinel is. He¡¯s always in control, always knows something to say back, and never lets himself be provoked. His even-tempered manner comes across as the perfect facade of a man whose character goes much deeper. And that emphasises to me that, despite our time together, I¡¯ve learnt absolutely nothing about him. There are a few bits of information in passing, but they don¡¯t give him any character ¨C no weaknesses and flaws of the kind Amethio carries around with him every day.

    ¡°What is it?¡± When he catches one of my glances, my heart drops a notch. Part of me wants to remain undiscovered. The rest of me opens my mouth and doesn¡¯t say anything at first.

    Then I shrug my shoulders gently. ¡°I was just wondering, given that you know so much about our surroundings ... are there Pok¨¦mon in this supposed desert resort people are trying to protect?¡±

    I don¡¯t care, I really don¡¯t. When I want to know things like that, I grab a book and look up the information. Having a conversation about it feels incredibly futile, but it¡¯s the only lifeline I know how to cling to.

    ¡°No...¡± His gaze fixed on the road, he frowns. ¡°However, the Sandile are very popular here. Interested in adding one to your team?¡±

    I shake my head hastily. ¡°My team doesn¡¯t get along well enough for another member to be such a good idea.¡±

    I could tell him more, bring my partners to the fore and maybe get a tip or two. Trumbeak is hard to reach and while I have the feeling that Lum has at least become a little more trusting, I¡¯m sure there¡¯s still friction. Disagreements I was completely indifferent to in Alola because everything else seemed more important.

    But instead of asking and sharing my worries, I let the silence win. In these seconds, I no longer want to worry about things that might work out without my interference. I can¡¯t control everything and the co-operation of my Pok¨¦mon depends on their understanding of each other. Until then, I¡¯ll watch and wait. I can always interfere later.

    In this way, the Join Avenue steadily passes us by until the rows of houses thin out, green stripes on the sides bring change, and small water baths appear at regular intervals. Pidoves are drinking here and there, lining up next to a few Pidgeys, while two Duckletts fight over space in a water bowl.

    A few metres later, new buildings rise to our sides, this time made of heavy brick. They are blocks of houses lined up next to each other before the colourful roofs of a lively city come into view. The shimmering lights of the amusement park can be seen from afar, emphasising the mighty shape of the Ferris wheel, which at its highest point probably offers a fantastic view. Meadows cover every spot that hasn¡¯t been built on, creating idyllic resting places ¨C far away from the limited roads that can be travelled on.

    Stairs everywhere allow you to reach different platforms and whenever Spinel turns a corner, I seem to discover something new. There¡¯s a colourful dome with strikingly beautiful sculptures covering the entire roof; a sign pointing to the Battle Subway; large notices for the local sports arena and its sports hall, aimed at ¡°beginners and professionals who want to have a brilliant career with their Pok¨¦mon¡±; and the mighty green roof of the gym.

    Finally, Spinel drives us around once in a circle, back to near the Ferris wheel, before finding a parking space in a shady corner. The others we passed were already packed.

    ¡°Where do we go first?¡± In a flash, my gaze lands on Spinel, whose narrow smile radiates little enthusiasm. He¡¯s probably annoyed from searching for a parking space.

    ¡°How about a quieter start?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll find that where?¡±

    ¡°In the Pok¨¦mon Musical Theater.¡± His gaze wanders in the direction where the colourful mess of a building is supposed to be. ¡°It¡¯s a very popular one and I¡¯ve already got tickets for a performance.¡± He skilfully pulls out two tickets, looking as neat as if he had planned all this long in advance. ¡°You can also attend with your own Pok¨¦mon, if you like.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll ask them if the opportunity arises.¡± I immediately raise both hands in defence. I can¡¯t imagine anyone on my team, apart from Mirra, taking part in a musical.

    Still, I happily accept Spinel¡¯s suggestion as we leave the car and set our sights on our chosen destination. The walk isn¡¯t long, but it makes me breathe a little harder until we arrive and the bright colours sting my eyes. People gather at every corner. The smell of fast food wafts over to us from every alleyway, and laughter fills the air. Glass skyscrapers rise in the background. Windows that reflect the light so favourably that the colourful drawings on the sea-blue walls shimmer gracefully.

    It is only behind the wide entrance ¨C four doors lined up close together so everyone can come and go without stopping someone else ¨C that I let out an audible gasp. Even the interior impresses with colour. Strong blue turns into soft violet, which fades into gentle pink towards the ceiling. The ticket counters stand out with their black polished work surfaces and the red ribbons marking the passage to the stages stand out like little warnings.

    Spinel leads me straight to one counter, where he hands over the two tickets and signs us up for a musical performance of ¡°West Side Tragedy¡±. I don¡¯t know much about musicals, except that there¡¯s a lot of singing waiting for us, and when the woman behind the desk offers us to let our Pok¨¦mon loose, our numbers increase dramatically. While I let my whole team take part, Spinel only includes Umbreon.

    As such a large group, it seems impossible at first to find a place in the middle of the theatre without getting separated. But with a few shifts and a little help from the ticket seller, we all eventually find seats ¨C Spinel to my left, Ying in the guise of a young woman to my right. The crowd of people seems to overwhelm her at this point.

    In the next breath, darkness squeezes through the cracks of the audience and can only be dispelled by the light of the stage. The ceiling lights are switched off a little later and as the play begins, silence falls ¨C quiet that feels unusual because a part of me has long since become accustomed to the noise of Unova.

    The performance begins with the wondrously high-pitched singing of a Primarina following its trainer a few steps. It tries to talk to her with its voice, to turn her sad expression into something wonderful, but its trainer remains bitter. Their painful act drags on until a Murkrow steals her necklace and leads her on a chase to a young man who remotely reminds me of Skull¡¯s idiots. But instead of dismissing her with bad dialogue, he uses a song to explain to her why she shouldn¡¯t be hanging around the back streets of Castelia.

    Everything about this performance is a rehearsed play of colours, music and a story that bores me a little. There is almost no normal dialogue and between the Pok¨¦mon battles and dancing, I realise musicals are probably just not for me.

    Spinel doesn¡¯t seem to be any different. He has his Rotom Phone in his hands and keeps glancing at the screen. Messages come in, some of which he replies to, and although I shouldn¡¯t be looking at his display, I notice the name Agate.

    Immediately, I turn my gaze to my team. Whoever Spinel is communicating with ¨C as long as it¡¯s not Hamber or Amethio, I shouldn¡¯t care. I¡¯d much rather focus on the shining eyes of my companions. Ying bobs her head to the music. Even Coro seems to be enjoying the singing, and Mimikyu is so mesmerised that she looks like a lifeless doll. Only Raya has curled up in her seat and is sleeping, while Eevee wrinkles his nose and snorts from time to time, as if the unrealistic love story on this stage is nothing more than entertainment for all those who have no one out there.

    Or maybe these are just my thoughts, because this love story is hitting me as if it wants to show me what I can¡¯t have. On top, it¡¯s completely different from this strange feeling in my chest whenever I think of Amethio¡¯s stare.

    Eventually, the performance ties me to this seat for over two hours and when the performers finally bow and the lights are switched back on, it¡¯s fortunately not long before the crowd flushes us out and we arrive at a food stall. Spinel stumbles out a few minutes later, Rotom still in his hand.

    ¡°Is everything alright?¡± As I turn towards him, the first thing I notice is his furrowed brows. It¡¯s just a slight, barely noticeable crease on his forehead, but my question makes it disappear instantly. Instead, he forces a smile.

    ¡°Just a report from the lab.¡± On the side, he also orders something to eat ¨C a cheese steak, which looks a lot less savage than my hot dog with fries and spicy-sweet barbecue sauce on it. ¡°A few test results weren¡¯t as desired.¡±

    ¡°Does that mean you have to look for alternatives? Make big changes or ... just minor adjustments?¡±

    ¡°Probably both. A few minor adjustments, but in larger quantities than expected and probably more drastic than hoped for.¡± He lets out a sigh before glancing at Umbreon, who has stuck its head into the ordered bowl of fresh berries with my team. ¡°We¡¯ll have to collect the results and analyse them more closely to create a suitable alternative.¡±

    ¡°What is this experiment about?¡±

    ¡°Releasing restricted energies and abilities. Surely you¡¯ve heard that Pok¨¦mon can sometimes learn special attacks ¨C even in their eggs ¨C and that some can boost their psychic or physical powers with aids, right?¡±

    Heavy nodding is all I know to reply. He doesn¡¯t have to explain to refer indirectly to the Sneasel and its icy wind.

    ¡°We¡¯re researching the circumstances under which a creature we¡¯ve chosen uses this enhancement to its abilities. Is it caused by emotions? Stress? A physical condition?¡± His eyes seem to bore deep into my body. ¡°If we solve the riddle, we might create a change for battles in this region. Or we could achieve a lot more with it.¡±

    He is probably alluding to the fact that Unova as a region is developing its own way of fighting, as is the case in Alola and other areas of the world. While many threads gather here, there is no special battle system. If you¡¯re going up against a trainer who wants to use their stored energy for a mega evolution to gain an advantage in battle, you¡¯ll most likely need something to counter with. It could reduce injuries ¨C maybe. It is something I want to believe in; the idea Spinel wants to do something good with this.

    Simultaneously, it gives me enough food for thought to push the world to the back of my mind. All at once, it no longer matters that Spinel chooses our next destination with my humming approval. My Pok¨¦mon return to their balls, Umbreon snuggles up to its trainer¡¯s legs for a moment, and as we wander along the streets towards the amusement park, I can no longer get away from the possibilities that would open up to me if I stuck my nose a little deeper into Spinel¡¯s research. Before I commit myself as a professor ¨C one day, when I have all my exams done ¨C I want to get to know as many things as possible. I spend most of my time with Spinel. Looking inside his lab is certainly not a wish he would deny me.

    But I don¡¯t get a chance to ask him about it. Out of nowhere, someone bumps into me and apologises in the same breath. People scream. A rollercoaster is doing a loop and the smell of roasted almonds hangs heavy in the air. Fun is the motto here at every corner and while a Mr. Mime hands out balloons to small children, Patrats poke their heads out of small holes and pull them back again, hoping not to be caught by the quick hands of a visitor to the stand.

    Somewhere in between, Spinel lets out a tense click of his tongue, causing my attention to whirl back to him. He is apologetically lifting the Rotom in his hands. ¡°A quick call.¡±

    ¡°No problem. I¡¯ll get us something to drink in the meantime.¡± I wave it off, give him a wry smile and head for one of the market stalls, which offer various types of lemonade and cream soda and iced tea.

    There¡¯s enough choice to make me think twice about my decisions, especially as I have no clue what Spinel would like. With Amethio I would go for the lemonade ¨C in Alola I had the chance to pay a little attention to his preferences after we came out of the volcano park half parched ¨C but Spinel remains a mystery.

    In the end, I choose iced tea, ready to pass my order on to the man of the stall ¨C interrupted by a sudden touch on my shoulder. Someone¡¯s hand rests gently on my body and only lifts when I turn round. Steel-grey eyes meet mine, connected with a broad smile on his lips.

    ¡°I knew I wasn¡¯t imagining you were here!¡±

 Chapter 54: Everyone for themselves, but no one alone IV

    ¡°You¡¯d think you like being in the wrong place at the wrong time!¡± N¡¯s smile widens a little more as his hoarse voice reaches my ears and I flinch.

    In these seconds, he seems completely changed ¨C a bit hyper and full of mischief. He doesn¡¯t seem to want to have a deep conversation, as is usually the case when we meet. Instead, he seems to have been infected by the delightful mood of the amusement park.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± I finally utter, my eyes fixed on him, though the rest of me remains strangely relaxed. Although he tilts his head and looks at me as if I¡¯ve challenged him to a fight, he doesn¡¯t convey pressure. His presence seems just as harmless as usual.

    ¡°Plasma has settled here. They gather by the Ferris wheel and I didn¡¯t miss the fact some of them jumped you the other day.¡± His sentences roll off his tongue so quickly I have to listen carefully to make sure nothing escapes me. ¡°You and your friends have a problem with Plasma, don¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Our sides just have different ideas about how some things should be.¡± At least that¡¯s what I think. Actually, the Explorers have nothing to do with Plasma, and probably the only reason the groups are getting closer is because of me. Ghetsis¡¯ intentions are forcing us into unwanted positions. On top, there¡¯s probably no one who doesn¡¯t currently have some kind of problem with Team Plasma. ¡°And why do you even ask when you already know the answer? It was you who told me when we first met that Plasma¡¯s ideals would eventually make sense..."

    Thoughtfully, he puts a finger to his lips before an apologetic chuckle slips from his lips. ¡°Did I?¡± Then he winks at me. ¡°Maybe I¡¯ve just been convinced of something else, or maybe I¡¯m looking for an alternative because I want to learn more about other perspectives.¡±

    ¡°All of a sudden? Could it be the high spirits of the park have somehow reached your head?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t such things always go to our heads?¡± A sigh escapes him. ¡°Okay, enough boring talk. Let¡¯s explore things!¡±

    I don¡¯t know what to say before N grabs me by the wrist and pulls me along. For a moment, I have no choice but to follow reluctantly. But the warmth of his touch and the pleasure resonating in his every step are infectious. Moving away from Spinel is certainly not my best idea, but I want to believe I know N well enough to trust him.

    The stalls and the laughter of the people here pass me by as I keep my eyes fixed on N¡¯s tangled green hair and block out the world. Only when we arrive at the Ferris wheel, where only a few people are waiting for a place in the cabins, does my tunnel vision break away from him and I look around. Team Plasma is nowhere to be seen.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say something about a gathering of Plasma here? Where are they?¡±

    ¡°They must have gone looking for me.¡± Laughter overcomes him. ¡°They must have noticed I disappeared.¡±

    ¡°You were with them?¡±

    ¡°As a kind of prisoner.¡± He shrugs his shoulders. ¡°So I could watch how the Pok¨¦mon are used here. I even got to have a look behind the scenes at the theatre and I have to say ... I wasn¡¯t happy about what I saw. That¡¯s why we went to the amusement park afterwards.¡±

    ¡°Plasma is trying to convince you the Pok¨¦mon are fundamentally mistreated?¡± It makes no sense, and yet I can¡¯t help but cling to one of my older thoughts. The likelihood that N is part of this group seems more possible than that he¡¯s just here for fun. He can talk to Pok¨¦mon. Ghetsis has already given him away as an important component. I can¡¯t imagine there¡¯s anyone else besides him and me who¡¯s fallen into the hands of these maniacs.

    ¡°Does it matter?¡± N¡¯s gaze wanders to the Ferris wheel and, although he seems to toy with a serious answer to my question, he shakes his head. ¡°How about some quality time?¡±

    I want to protest, to rebuke him and make him realise that whatever he¡¯s planning, my interest in these seconds lies in his tangled statements. There¡¯s no point in trying to have fun when a flood of unresolved questions keeps crashing down on me. N doesn¡¯t let me stop him, walks ahead and leaves it up to me to decide if I want to follow him into a cubicle. It almost seems as if I have a choice in the face of the questions he raises in me.

    In the end, I follow him. The two of us find a seat in a cabin which rises into the air a little later; slowly and barely noticeable, but it exudes a kind of calm that causes N to sit down on a bench and look outside. With his gaze fixed on the distant horizon, he seems to be oblivious to our situation until I settle down too and lower my eyelids for two breaths.

    ¡°What¡¯s it like for you to talk to Pok¨¦mon?¡± His sudden question elicits a sound of incomprehension from me. ¡°I mean, you said you can talk to some of them. How is it for you? Do you like talking to them?¡±

    It takes a moment before I can engage with his questions, even though he knows the answers. We¡¯ve talked about communicating with Pok¨¦mon before. It¡¯s nothing new. ¡°I haven¡¯t had much chance to talk to Pok¨¦mon yet. Sometimes I wish I could do it like you. But ... I can only talk to legendary Pok¨¦mon.¡±

    ¡°That means you didn¡¯t learn the Pok¨¦mon language from an early age?¡±

    ¡°No ... I don¡¯t think so. I can¡¯t remember.¡±

    ¡°If you didn¡¯t learn it from an early age, then it would explain the difference. Pok¨¦mon all speak the same language with distinct sounds. A bit like humans have their accents, depending on which region they come from,¡± N explains calmly. ¡°So the fact you can understand some Pok¨¦mon really is a special ability!¡±

    ¡±I¡¯m just wondering where I got it from.¡± My gaze lowers. It¡¯s this skill that has secured me a place with the Explorers and attracts a certain level of attention from Ghetsis.

    ¡±Presumably, a powerful Pok¨¦mon passed it on to you. Legendary Pok¨¦mon have a very different aura than regular ones. Surely it has something to do with that.¡±

    ¡°Do you think so?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure!¡± He gives me a joyful smile that seems incredibly genuine compared to Spinel¡¯s.

    ¡°I just wonder how it can be that Pok¨¦mon understand humans so easily. We¡¯ve been living together forever, but ... the level of understanding remains unequal.¡± Something inside me wants to distract from the actual topic and relief seems to overtake me as N lets me guide him.

    ¡°They are born with language,¡± his gaze shifts out of the window once again. By now, we can almost see over the rooftops of the city. ¡°They are born and ... are already full-grown Pok¨¦mon. As if the language of humans and a whole, lived life has already been placed on their shoulders inside the egg.¡± He looks at me again. ¡°Incredible, isn¡¯t it?¡±If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    ¡±An exciting theory,¡± I reply. ¡°The only question is why we humans can¡¯t learn the Pok¨¦mon language so easily.¡±

    ¡°Maybe because Arceus had other plans.¡± He shrugs his shoulders. ¡°That¡¯s why N ended up with Plasma. They saw a vision of the future in that ability and jumped on it after they failed in their first attempt to win over a human with nearly the same skill.¡±

    My brows lift. The silence between us grows briefly before my counterpart tilts his head back and lets out a soundless laugh.

    ¡°He wants to help them make the world a better place. Pok¨¦mon should be happy. Plasma¡¯s ideals sound appealing, don¡¯t they?¡± As he leans forward, he scrutinises me with dark eyes. ¡°He¡¯s been influenced by Ghetsis and his views all his life. Always locked in the same room and disciplined by the same hand that fed him. So long and so thoroughly that he no longer even wants to believe in our friendship.¡±

    In the next blink of an eye, he dissolves. N¡¯s shape changes before my eyes, losing its form and gaining unfamiliar shadows. His green hair turns a deep red, his body narrows and as black fur bursts through, the illusion of a young man fades to give way to the reality of a Zoroark ¨C a Pok¨¦mon that looks like Ying and yet seems completely different.

    ¡°Your Pok¨¦mon love you,¡± it continues. ¡°I¡¯ve seen a lot of relationships where both sides are loyal to each other. But N ... he doesn¡¯t want to see any of that. It almost seems like he only looks at the bad things and human wrongdoings because that¡¯s all Ghetsis has taught him. Solely because that guy beat it into him from an early age how much my kind suffers at the hands of humans.¡±

    ¡°You ... speak my language?¡± I can hardly follow it. The sudden change in front of my eyes is overwhelming and although Zoroark chuckles at my condition, this time it doesn¡¯t leave me with a thousand questions.

    ¡°I learnt it with N. We were always together. From an early age on.¡± Its ears twitch. ¡°I was his first friend, and I stayed with him when Ghetsis took him in.¡±

    ¡°He raised him?¡±

    Zoroark nods. ¡°He¡¯s kind of like his ... you call it adoptive father.¡±

    The saliva runs down my throat far too dryly. The connection between N and Team Plasma, even between him and Ghetsis, shocks me only half as much as the fact that I¡¯m having a conversation with a Pok¨¦mon. Usually, I¡¯m left with Mirra, who has a hard time with human language. This is something else. Almost as if Zoroark is human itself.

    ¡°Right now, N is on his way back to Castelia City. We were at the theatre together and instead of looking at the lovely work of those present, he got stuck on a Pok¨¦mon that was reprimanded for its poor performance.¡± Zoroark shakes its head, barely noticeable. ¡°I think if he refuses to see the truth any longer, something terrible might happen in Unova. Or to him.¡±

    ¡°Concerning the plan to revive the legend of Unova?¡±

    It nods. ¡°The legendary dragons, Zekrom and Reshiram ... if they don¡¯t acknowledge someone as a hero, they destroy them. They aren¡¯t willing to be used by humans. And even if one dragon takes a liking to N ... I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll plunge Unova into chaos because he doesn¡¯t see how Ghetsis puts the wrong things into his head.¡±

    ¡°And what do you want from me?¡±

    ¡°I like you.¡± Its eyes narrow to mischievous slits before it twitches its nose a few times. ¡°The first time N saw you, you squeezed through a gathering of people to get a closer look at Plasma¡¯s speech. You pushed him aside completely unnoticed, and he was mesmerised by how badly you wanted to see the big picture first-hand. He even thought you might know each other. That¡¯s why he approached you and your first conversation made him think a bit. It was the first time he¡¯d had a short, sincere talk with someone who wasn¡¯t shoved in his face by Ghetsis.¡±

    ¡°And you think I can change anything?¡±

    ¡°He saw how much your Pok¨¦mon love you and he listened to you. Even after your chat, he talked a little about you and your views and thought about it, if only briefly. For a breath, he allowed it.¡±

    Slowly, I fold my hands and take a breath. ¡°And you want me to talk to him more? That I make him realise the world isn¡¯t as cruel as he thinks? I¡¯ve already tried that...¡±

    ¡±I know,¡± Zoroark replies. ¡°But I want him to understand. I want him to realise the bond between humans and Pok¨¦mon. He hasn¡¯t listened to me for a long time when it comes to topics like this because he associates most of what I say with mischief and bad humour. I was ... too tempted by pranks and realised the situation too late.¡±

    It still does. After all, it has brought me here in full anticipation, to a place where we are alone, but which is still part of its strangely cranky show. Just the thought that Zoroark has been performing this act alongside N all his life makes it easier to comprehend the circumstances. I probably wouldn¡¯t attach any importance to the Pok¨¦mon¡¯s words either, after all the pranks and teasing.

    ¡°A lot of Pok¨¦mon are looking for love in life. For someone who cares for them as much as they would for someone else. This affection, and often fulfilment, ... we usually find this peace alongside humans. Coaches, gardeners, bakers ¨C whoever is willing to open their heart. Whether talentless or stupid ... everyone deserves to have someone in their life, or even several. You grow together, experience together ... all those things I went through with N...¡± It lowers its head. ¡°I love him. He¡¯s my best friend. And I don¡¯t want to lose him because of an ideology.¡±

    As much as I would like to jump up and do something, my hands are tied. Using words to convince N of something he doesn¡¯t want to believe seems impossible. And I also have no clue how deeply I should get involved. Plasma is dangerous. Freeing N from these clutches can be compared to the rigid grip of my father. First, you fight back, then you think you can escape, and when you look over your shoulder, there are pursuers. The only difference is that Plasma is violent.

    Pressing my lips together, I let the scenario run through my head. I don¡¯t know what it¡¯s like to believe in something I¡¯ve been forced to believe. Whenever my father tried to talk me into accepting the incredibly dangerous world of Pok¨¦mon, I didn¡¯t listen. My thick skull never let him convince me. However, I know the feeling of having to achieve something at all costs. I¡¯ve taken on danger to taste freedom and I¡¯m prepared to go much further to protect my Pok¨¦mon. It¡¯s probably no different for him.

    Do things like sense and reason even work in cases like this? Is there any way I can reach N that no one else has already tried?

    Sighing, I lean back and put a hand to my forehead. I don¡¯t know what I can do for Zoroark, and yet I don¡¯t want to send it away with nothing.

    ¡°I can¡¯t promise anything,¡± I finally say. ¡°But if the chance arises ... I¡¯ll talk to him and try to make him understand your feelings.¡±

    Its head lifts and the gleam in its eyes spreads warmth inside me I haven¡¯t felt for a long time. Then we both look out of the window and it seems as if we are floating above Nimbasa City. The houses are below us. The light of the sun, reflecting off the windows of some buildings, throws images onto the streets and cars below us. People and Pok¨¦mon move between them ¨C an inseparable unit.

    ¡°I wonder how many Pok¨¦mon there are in the world.¡± Like a breath, I comment on this world at my feet and when Zoroark lets out an amused snort, a smile crosses my lips.

    The budding peace between us lulls me into relaxation. The noise that prevails everywhere in Unova can¡¯t reach me up here. Here I don¡¯t have to worry about what should be and what will come. The arguments and hostility towards Team Plasma no longer play a role and my father¡¯s calls fade into the background. It feels like I¡¯ve found a friend. Someone I can confide in. It doesn¡¯t matter that it¡¯s a Pok¨¦mon.

    Shortly after reaching its highest point, the Ferris wheel carries us back to the ground, where someone opens the cabin for us and offers a ¡°Thank you for your visit¡±. The sky is now turning a distinct orange colour and although I would love to spend more time with Zoroark, I know our minutes end here. Two members of Plasma are already standing at a stall talking to the owner. They are waving their hands, trying to visualise something, and when I glance to my side, N is standing next to me. A dark flicker on his skin disappears the instant he puts his hands on his hips.

    ¡°They must be searching for me.¡± A grin spreads across his features. ¡°About time I join them before they cause you more trouble.¡±

    Without further ado, I grab him by the wrist, but I don¡¯t know what to say. My body has simply reacted, unwilling to let Zoroak walk back into the hands of this cult. But N needs a friend, and this Pok¨¦mon is probably all he has to rely on. It¡¯s not my job to determine where someone is better placed. I am not my father. So I let him go.

    ¡°Take care of the both of you.¡±

 Chapter 55: Everyone for themselves, but no one alone V

    It¡¯s warm in his arms.

    Instead of ignoring me like he did at breakfast, he takes those five minutes in the corridors to be close to me, whenever no one is looking. And when I bury my nose in his shoulder, there seems to be only him.

    His hands are firmly on my back, unwilling to let me go, and whenever I breathe him, I feel like I¡¯m in an endless dream destined to dissolve as soon as we put distance between us. That¡¯s why I don¡¯t want to let go.

    I don¡¯t want to wake up.

    The black tights are clearly in contrast to the beige-coloured dress, which hangs so lightly on my body I could fall back into bed. But I probably wouldn¡¯t sleep a wink. The last three nights have been quiet, albeit full of dreams about Amethio; the brief trip to the amusement park somehow helped ¨C even though we had to go back early thanks to Spinel¡¯s lab results ¨C and everything inside me feels more relaxed than before. Yet I¡¯m still worried about Plasma; and about N, whose Zoroark is looking outside its ranks for help. His situation must be worse than it looks.

    Half in thought, I slip into the matching beige-coloured shoes, their heels clacking softly on the floor and their straps looping around my ankles. Overall, I probably look neater than ever before and part of me can hardly wait to leave the headquarters and socialise.

    Briefly, my gaze wanders to the Rotom Phone on the bed. Fennel has organised our meeting for today, which will take place in her second home. The one above her lab is currently being renovated. This also means we aren¡¯t separated by endless kilometres. Her small flat is somewhere near the Join Avenue. She has sent me the address and, just to be on the safe side, we¡¯ll meet in the connecting tunnel, which has information and suggestions for anyone setting foot in the chaos of the avenue for the first time.

    My Pok¨¦ Balls end up in a barely visible pocket of my dress. I keep Rotom in my hands, though. There aren¡¯t enough important things for a handbag, and ultimately there¡¯s nothing I need more than my team and my account balance.

    Then I set off, leave the Explorers¡¯ headquarters and make my way to the address given. It¡¯s a twenty-minute walk between buildings, catching any sunshine and throwing it burning hot to the ground. In between, people and Pidoves. In an alleyway, a Meowth sits on a rubbish bin and repeatedly swats at the misshapen arms of a Grimer, which is after the contents of the bin, which the Pok¨¦mon is defending with its life. Snarling is combined with gurgling noises. They deserve better, but there¡¯s nothing I can do. Maybe moments like these would also be something N would need to see to understand that some Pok¨¦mon would be better off with a human. Especially as Grimers wouldn¡¯t survive without our rubbish.

    For a while, I listen to the uniform clicking of my heels, which puts me in a trance and clears my head. The world only comes to the fore again when I pass through the tunnel and the volume of people increases threefold. I didn¡¯t even notice it in the car, but the hustle and bustle here is more colourful than in Castelia City. Here, people are living for pleasure, eating ice cream, and inviting people to small cafes on every corner. Meanwhile, young girls pose in front of large shop windows, a flower shop has hyacinths on sale, and laughter fills the air.

    The detached atmosphere, which doesn¡¯t match the tense monochrome between busy gazes and well-organised clothes, sets the Join Avenue apart from the rest of the city ¨C if this area can even be viewed as part of the whole.

    In slow steps, I push forward and look at the offers and goods, while I glance at the advertised apartment blocks on the side, hoping not to miss Fennel¡¯s compartment.

    The apartment blocks have been built behind the shops, a little way away, to frame everything and create a kind of clear border to the wasteland behind. Perhaps one day they will extend it further ¨C when the sandstorms there become a little less violent. Even here, between the flowers and books, grains of sand collect.

    ¡°Domino!¡±

    When someone calls out to me, my eyes scan the people in immediate vicinity before I spot Fennel. She waves to me from a distance, her hand up in the air as if she wants to make sure I don¡¯t miss her. Simultaneously, she bobs up and down so her pink summer dress swings back and forth. Her coat hangs a little stiffly on her body.

    ¡°I hope you didn¡¯t have to wait long.¡± I cover the last few metres with two jumps before opening the conversation.

    ¡°Not at all!¡± She claps her hands. ¡°I¡¯ve only just arrived, too.¡±

    Without further ado, she turns away, makes her way home, and lets me follow her between some walls. The noise dies down, muffled by the buildings, making it seem almost quiet in the middle of the apartment blocks. Fennel seizes our newfound peace to let me catch up. Eventually, we stroll side by side.

    ¡°It¡¯s been a while since I last had visitors and ... I haven¡¯t really had the time to tidy up, so I hope you don¡¯t mind a bit of mess.¡±

    I wave it off. ¡°Not a bit. Sounds like you¡¯re stuck on a new experiment?¡±

    ¡°On my laundry...¡±

    ¡°Laundry?¡±

    ¡°My lab coat looked pretty crumpled after the last load,¡± Fennel replies in thought, ¡°so I ironed it. But that¡¯s effort I could save if my coat was a bit stiffer and didn¡¯t wrinkle so easily.¡± Slowly, her blue eyes move in my direction. ¡°So I asked around a bit and someone said that water-soluble embroidery stabilizer could solve my problem. But I didn¡¯t expect it to make my coat as hard as concrete.¡±

    ¡°But at least you can still move around in it.¡±

    ¡°Not really.¡± She immediately raises an arm and lets me look at the seam between the sleeve and the chest piece. It has come undone and is only held in place by a few mismatched pink threads. ¡°I had to sew the sleeves back on so I could wear it.¡±

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you just buy a new one after all that?¡±

    ¡°My spare coat is in the other flat and ... I quite liked this one...¡± She lowers her eyes, driven by honest frustration, before taking a breath and shaking off the subject. ¡°Maybe I¡¯ll find another tip to make hard fabric soft again.¡± She runs a few steps ahead until she stops in front of the door of a three-storey building. ¡°And until then, we¡¯ll just forget what happened.¡±

    She skilfully digs a key out of her pocket before opening the door to the stairwell and taking me to the second floor, where she heads for one of two passageways behind which her small flat is hidden. It¡¯s a little cramped, the entrance area suffers from a bulky cupboard on which she places the key, and the following living room is divided into a living area and kitchenette.

    ¡°You¡¯ll find the bathroom here!¡± In a flash, she heads for a door next to the end of the kitchen. It¡¯s the only one in sight for miles around.

    ¡°And where do you sleep?¡±

    ¡°Here.¡± Fennel¡¯s fingers point at the floor. ¡°This one room is my entire home. But I¡¯m rarely here and I don¡¯t need more. Go ahead and sit down!¡±

    She has tried to fit everything halfway in. There¡¯s a sofa, which she probably sleeps on too, and a living room table piled high with magazines and books. The walls are lined with bookshelves ¨C only one of them is covered by a curtain ¨C and the large window, which faces the wasteland outside the Join Avenue, is adorned with a potted plant and a worn cushion. A resting place upon which it is only in these seconds that I notice the Pok¨¦mon looking at me as if I am a foreign body.

    ¡°An Unfezant...¡± My brows lift. Despite its lack of colour, the gracefully stretched head gives the creature a touch of elegance most other Flying-type Pok¨¦mon lack.

    ¡°A girl!¡± Fennel says as she offers me a drink on the side. ¡°They¡¯re all over Unova ... except in winter, when you rarely see them anywhere.¡± She pushes her way to a knee-high fridge crammed between the cooker and washing machine and pulls out two cans of lemonade. ¡°You need to know, Unfezants are clever. A lot of trainers don¡¯t get on with them because they like to test their limits. That¡¯s why trainers with an Unfezant that obeys are often highly praised!¡±

    An appreciative hum escapes me. ¡°So, you can handle this one?¡±

    A brief laugh overcomes her as she puts the can down in front of me and sits next to me on the sofa. ¡°No. She won¡¯t listen a bit. But she helps me when I need it and I¡¯m very grateful to her for that.¡±

    In these seconds, Fennel transforms from an excited scientist into a friendly young woman whose smile softens her features a little more. Her love of science is clear, noticeable in her wacky behaviour, in which she can barely keep calm for a minute. But from a distance, she seems to perceive this world with a kindly gaze.

    Then the sudden, gentle whistle released by her Pok¨¦mon makes me flinch. It¡¯s a sound I¡¯ve heard before, and as I look at Fennel with raised brows, she seems to read the question on my tongue straight from my face.

    ¡°They like to ¡®sing¡¯, as I often say.¡± Her gaze firms on Unfezant. ¡°Once they start, you can hear them three kilometres away.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that terrible, depending on where they are?¡±

    She shakes her head. ¡°They never sing for longer than thirty minutes at a time and usually only at lunchtime, when everything is going crazy, anyway. Have you heard them before?¡±

    ¡°Twice, if I remember correctly. And it was quite distracting for my Trumbeak.¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± She moves closer. ¡°A normal Flying-type Pok¨¦mon you can only find on Alola, I¡¯ve heard. It likes the temperatures there best. Will you show it to me?¡±

    I can hardly refuse her request, so I let Coro out of his ball and give him what little legroom there is in this tiny flat. He lands on the table, looks at me with his head tilted and takes a few blinks before he notices Unfezant. Shock seems to pierce him, forcing his body into an upright, rigid position and focussing all interest on the unfamiliar Pok¨¦mon.

    In the next breath, Unfezant lets out a coo that Coro imitates perfectly. Then she gives him a melodic whistle, and he chokes ¨C possibly on his tongue. A spectacle she meets with humour as she places a grey-black wing in front of her beak and looks at him as if he has won her heart. But Coro¡¯s feathers fluff up. He pecks, quivers a little across the table and catches a warning coo from Unfezant before she turns her head away. Trumbeak tries to communicate with her a few more times, but her interest is gone.

    ¡±Looks like your Trumbeak is very interested in Unfezant!¡± Fennel watches them both with great interest and I don¡¯t have to ask to see that she¡¯d like to leave them alone for a bit to see what happens. Preferably in a small space, so they have to get close to each other. ¡°Love can be so fascinating!¡±

    ¡°Maybe,¡± is all I can think of, and it¡¯s that one breath that makes Fennel turn her big eyes to me. Behind her glasses, they look much more penetrating than I would like.

    ¡°Only someone who feels the same can say that.¡±

    I swallow dryly. Everything in me is desperate not to react. My body becomes so stiff I can no longer look her in the face. I don¡¯t want to think about Amethio. I don¡¯t want to cling to this subtle realisation that I¡¯ve buried four metres deep in my memory with an incredible effort over the last few days. As long as I don¡¯t see him, I don¡¯t need to worry about my racing heart, the desire for closeness or all the dreams I can barely remember. Usually, all that remains is a tingling feeling in my hands, my lips, my chest, and I know I dreamt about him. Sometimes I even think I remember him calling me by my name, as if he is summoning me, and it is these moments that often make me want to stay in bed and dream a little longer.

    ¡°Is it Spinel?¡±

    ¡°Hah?¡± A little too surprised, I turn to Fennel again and my horror gives her a relieved sigh.

    ¡°And I really thought I¡¯d found a love rival in you.¡±

    <hr>

    ¡·W H I S P E R S ¨C Butterfrees and how they multiply¡¶

    <hr>

    ¡°You like her, don¡¯t you?¡±

    With Coro on my arm, which I support with the other¡¯s hand, it¡¯s a little easier to get through the colourful masses of the Join Avenue. It¡¯s only four in the afternoon and my visit at Fennel¡¯s has taken a whole three hours ¨C time in which I was quizzed extensively about Spinel and had to compare my love life with hers. She probably would have held me captive even longer if she hadn¡¯t received a call from work.

    Coro¡¯s depressed grumbling trembles through his whole body, so I run a hand over his head and catch a brief but grateful look from him. His weight threatens to pull my arm down, so I have to support it once more.

    ¡°I take it you recognised her by her cooing?¡± If you can hear an Unfezant over three kilometres, it may have reached the Dreamyard where Trumbeak first heard her. On top, I found out Fennel has been travelling around a lot lately to promote her latest research to other professors and take advantage of different opinions and bright minds. The whole thing has taken her to Nacrene City, where we didn¡¯t meet, but her Unfezant was there.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    My Pok¨¦mon responds with another grumble and no matter how I spin it, Coro is clearly unhappy with our circumstances. I wouldn¡¯t even be surprised if Fennel was right and he¡¯s actually fallen a little in love with Unfezant. And his beloved has broken his heart because she probably has no interest in a Trumbeak if he can only impress with a flashy beak but not with colours. Male Unfezants stand out because of their green leg plumage and the pink-coloured mask on their head. They are also proud, noble, and significantly larger than Trumbeak.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry she probably rejected you.¡± Gently, I rest my head against his body. I don¡¯t want to imagine what that must be like and yet I¡¯m overcome with an unexpected nausea at the thought I could end up like that one day too.

    Then again, I¡¯m still hopeful I can simply swallow my feelings for Amethio. Being in love and actually loving someone are two very different things. One is a fickle feeling full of confusion and attraction. The other is a deep sense of connection which makes you realise you want to be with this one person for the rest of your life. I¡¯m in love with Amethio, but I don¡¯t love him. And at some point, this crush will end and all this will be forgotten.

    Until then, I¡¯ll sit out the knot in my stomach and try not to get too hung up on this wobbly feeling. Ultimately, I can¡¯t imagine spending the rest of my life with harsh words and reprimanding snorts.

    ¡°It¡¯ll be okay, Coro. You were in love and now ... you¡¯re devastated. But I¡¯m telling you, one day we¡¯ll find your perfect mate on our travels and I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll be a lot happier than you would like to believe right now!¡±

    I look at him a little more cheerfully than before and Coro¡¯s unenthusiastic sideways glance at least makes me believe he has understood me. At least enough to lean down and point to my pocket where the Pok¨¦ Balls are. I have no choice but to allow him to retreat.

    So I¡¯m alone with myself again, the Join Avenue is finally behind me, and my thoughts are once again clinging to the facades of the city, which seem a little more boring with each passing day ¨C but I¡¯ll take what I can get to avoid thinking about Amethio.

    At least that¡¯s the attitude I adopt until, almost thirty minutes later, I stride exhausted through the door of the headquarters and pull the poorly stowed Rotom Phone out of the pocket of my dress. I barely get a chance to glance at the display when I hear my name at the end of the corridor and raise my head. Conia stumbles towards me.

    ¡°Good to see you here!¡± She¡¯s in uniform, holding a letter in her hand, and looks a little out of breath. ¡°Amethio is sick.¡±

    My heart drops a notch. ¡°Sick?¡±

    ¡°He somehow caught a high fever. Ariana has already checked on and given him some tablets.¡± A sigh comes over her. ¡°I looked after him until just now, but Amethio wants me to investigate something with Zir that he recently found out about...¡± She waves the letter and doesn¡¯t elaborate on the problem.

    ¡°Does that mean you want me to look after him?¡±

    I don¡¯t want to. I really don¡¯t.

    Of course, I want to check on him and make sure he¡¯s doing reasonably well. But looking after him while Zir and Conia follow an order sounds like exactly the idea Fennel probably had in mind between Coro and Unfezant. Proximity. Locked in a room together so you have to deal with each other. It won¡¯t be easy not to act stupid, considering that we¡¯re always doing something foolish when we¡¯re together. Like in the Lush Jungle when we were arguing. Or on the Brooklet Hill when we were nearly killed by a Pok¨¦mon. Or even better: like the last time I went to him and he was exercising and we were strangely attracted to each other for a moment. Or at least I was to him.

    Or maybe I was just hallucinating.

    Hallucinating sounds good.

    Meanwhile, Conia nods. ¡°The food for him is on the cooker. It¡¯ll need another five minutes. Can you take it to him, then?¡±

    There is no room for refusal. If Amethio can¡¯t even get his own food, he must be in really bad shape.

    ¡°Room fifteen, right at the end of the corridor.¡± She hastily rummages a card out of her skirt pocket. ¡°That¡¯s one of his spare ones. It¡¯ll get you in.¡±

    The piece of plastic lands in my hands without a care in the world and before I can collect myself, Conia thanks me, pats me on the shoulder, and disappears. She simply leaves me behind, with a task that makes my heart beat up to my neck.

    For a breath, I just stand there and swallow. Then I try to push one leg in front of the other. Each step becomes a little faster than the one before and eventually, I¡¯m so anxious I take the stairs instead of the lift.

    My breath burns in my throat as I arrive on the first floor and stumble straight into the kitchen, where there¡¯s a pot on the cooker. The smell of milk and oatmeal hangs in the air, mingling with the sweetness of cherries and bananas. Still, I don¡¯t dare take the lid off until the five minutes Conia mentioned have passed.

    My nose didn¡¯t deceive me. What I pour into a bowl for Amethio is a pink mixture of milk flakes, cherries, and bananas. Carefully draped on a tray with a glass of water, I take it to the last room in the corridor, which is on the same side as mine. The card grants me access and as I slowly push my way into the dimly lit room, the smell of a honey candle hits me. The curtains are half drawn to prevent the sun from shining in too harshly and someone has opened one window.

    Slowly, I make my way over to the grey-covered bed where Amethio is resting, breathing heavily. The air in the room is fine, and it¡¯s not too warm in here, but his cheeks and forehead are clearly flushed. Sweat is beading down his temples and his hair is sticking to his skin.

    Gently, I place the tray on the bedside table, where a package of fever-reducing tablets lies. According to the label, he has already taken two and should take another two after eating. The ingredients should at least bring his temperature down to an acceptable level within four hours.

    ¡°Amethio?¡± I quietly place my hand on the blanket. The heat from his body reaches me in the same second.

    It takes a while before he opens his eyes, exhausted, and looks at me as if he can¡¯t place me.

    ¡°You need to eat something.¡±

    A sigh washes over him before he closes his eyes again. Only briefly, before he tries to sit up. But the weakness in his body eats away at him and he can barely support himself sideways on his forearm. I have to grab him by the shoulder and help him up so he can get into a sitting position and lean against the top of the bed. His purple pyjamas are terribly damp. The wool has soaked up every drop of his suffering.

    Still, I hand him the food first, place it carefully on the blanket under which his legs rest and then settle down on the swivel chair on the side of the bed, which Conia must have left there.

    For a while, I let my gaze drift so I don¡¯t have to watch Amethio eat. In general, it would probably be better if I just left, but leaving him alone in this state is wrong. Besides, I have to make sure he takes his medicine.

    ¡°You were out with Spinel?¡± Eventually, halfway through the bowl, Amethio¡¯s faint voice reaches me.

    ¡°No,¡± I reply in a whisper. ¡°I was visiting a professor. Fennel.¡± My gaze shifts to him, meeting his attentive yet sickly expression. His skin is chalky white next to the red blotches. ¡°I met her through Spinel.¡±

    He nods. He probably knows the connection between the two of them and avoids putting too much effort into questions that don¡¯t matter.

    And it¡¯s the only question he asks.

    Until he has emptied the bowl, we stay silent, and I use all this time to get to know his room and therefore him better. The nervousness has subsided.

    His place hardly looks any different to mine ¨C it just has a lot less personality. You can see how little time he spends here. There are no books, no magazines, nothing on the laptop and even less to see on the shelves. The only thing giving it a bit of life is the grey-blue blanket with a bubble pattern, the corner of which peeks out from under the duvet.

    When Amethio breathes a sigh of relief and I catch sight of the empty bowl, my curiosity for our surroundings fades and I put the tray back on the bedside table.

    ¡°How do you feel?¡±

    ¡°Tired.¡±

    ¡°Would you still ... get up for me?¡±

    It¡¯s an insane thought, but the dampness I felt on my hand will make him even sicker. He¡¯ll sleep better if someone takes care of the outside influences and in these breaths, I want nothing more than to give him relief.

    ¡°Get up? Why?¡± Far too sleepily, he turns his head in my direction.

    ¡°Your bed is damp. Your pyjamas too. You¡¯re completely drenched in sweat.¡± Let me help you. They are words I can¡¯t bring myself to utter, and yet Amethio understands my request without asking.

    And against all my fears, he plays along.

    Carefully, he pushes to his feet and rises, swaying, so I catch him with my whole body. His heat penetrates me, as does the wetness of his skin. Together we sit him down on the chair and I realise there¡¯s probably more than just a fever eating away at him ¨C or it¡¯s been wearing away at him for longer than today. I can imagine he has ignored it for days.

    In quick strides, I stand in front of his wardrobe, open the double doors, and get an overview of his things. Then I pick out new sleeping clothes and bring them to Amethio.

    ¡°Change, please ... if you can.¡±

    In the next breath, I turn away and go through his wardrobe again. This time I gather bed linen and even find replacements for the duvet and pillow ¨C a little thicker than what he¡¯s currently using.

    Then I turn my attention to his bed, not daring to look over at Amethio, and remove the damp linen. There is another, thicker blanket between the mattress and the sheets to protect the fabric underneath. This means I only have to open the window to hang up the blanket and pillow to dry.

    It hardly takes more than ten minutes to rearrange everything and make it comfortable, and when I finally dare to look at Amethio, he is at least wearing fresh pants. Otherwise, he keeps his eyes closed, slightly slumped over, ready to sleep while sitting. His naked upper body gleams with sweat.

    With gentle words, I wake him up, give him two of his tablets and hand him the glass of water next to them. In the meantime, I rush into his bathroom, gather washcloths and a bucket, which I fill with lukewarm water.

    As soon as I get back, he has taken the medication and put the glass back. He looks at me, perhaps through me, and doesn¡¯t make a sound. Instead, he leans forward to expose his back to me. He surrenders to my idea, without protest, without bite, without the rejection he usually throws at me. Amethio allows me to press the damp cloth gently onto his skin and wash the sweat off him ¨C along his shoulders, to his neck, down his back to his hips. Even over his slim chest, over every inch of his athletically slender upper body, he accepts my care.

    Simultaneously, there are seconds in which my hands tremble. My throat is completely parched. But my heart remains calm, my mind is a blank slate and if it weren¡¯t for the trembling, I would almost feel normal. The desire to help surpasses the nervous fluttering and yet it refuses to give up without a fight. It¡¯s ridiculous. And it¡¯s somehow a part of me.

    Our silent intimacy lasts until I dab him with a towel and try to dry his skin with light circles that don¡¯t bother him. Amethio can barely keep his eyes open. His head keeps nodding downwards and his breath rolls evenly over his lips. When I brush his skin with my fingertips, he no longer seems to burn. The medication is working, and it brings his exhaustion to the fore.

    However, I still have to ask him to stand up again to get him back into bed. The soft sheets carefully cradle his body and as I tuck him in, he barely seems conscious. His eyelids flutter, fighting with the desire to sleep and the need not to let me out of his sight. So I sit down next to him and dig his hand out from under the covers to reassure him I¡¯m not about to cause another catastrophe. I am here, by his side, and I will stay until he is tired of my presence.

    Yet he continues to struggle with himself until he breathes heavily and opens his eyes a crack. This time, he holds his ground against the tiredness.

    ¡°Try... to stay away from Spinel.¡± His voice is only a breath. ¡°Trusting him will bring you nothing but ... trouble.¡±

    ¡°You worry too much about irrelevant things,¡± I return. ¡°It¡¯s more important that you worry about your health. I asked you to-¡± I break off.

    He and the others have often asked me to keep my distance from Spinel because he¡¯s not trustworthy. I, meanwhile, have asked Amethio to take better care of himself and I can¡¯t say any of us has taken any of it to heart. It probably makes us both kind of irresponsible, even though his condition is much worse than mine could ever be. Still, I want Amethio to feel better ¨C to at least try to be a bit more relaxed about his body.

    ¡°I can¡¯t promise you I¡¯ll keep my distance from Spinel. We¡¯re friends.¡± A sigh passes my lips. ¡°But if you take better care of yourself, I¡¯m willing to spend less time with him. No more trips to other cities with him. No more outings that last longer than a few hours. A little more distance. A little more ¡®safety¡¯, if that¡¯s what you want.¡±

    Amethio doesn¡¯t answer. Only his thumb runs loosely over my fingers. It¡¯s a touch forcing a strange warmth into my stomach and a wry smile onto my lips. He has heard me and he seems satisfied with my offer. A compromise I¡¯ll make until the hostility between him and Spinel subsides one day. The latter will certainly understand. Until now, Spinel has always been calm; a person who has accepted all my mistakes and hasty decisions.

    Gently, I squeeze Amethio¡¯s hand, hoping to make my promise a little clearer to him. As I do so, he stops with his thumb and remains motionless until his steady breathing takes over the room. This time he can¡¯t escape the exhaustion and while he appears peaceful in his dream, I tuck his hand under the blanket.

    I should put the bucket away and wash the sweaty sheets, but part of me wants to stay a little longer. Looking at his relaxed face in this way differs from his usual tense yet expressionless behaviour. I also wonder what he was thinking when I fell asleep on his shoulder ¨C back then, on the way to Aether Paradise. Did he take any further interest in me back then, or was I just a hindrance while he tried not to appear like a useless child to Faba?

    The smile on my lips becomes wider. The twitch of the corners of my mouth mocks me and, as I shake my head in defeat, I try to channel my thoughts in a different direction.

    Maybe I should spend the next few days at Amethio¡¯s side instead of devoting myself to Spinel. It¡¯s probably not a good plan for my poor heart or all the knots in my stomach that are likely to haunt me, but it would help to watch out for him. Someone has to make sure he doesn¡¯t overdo it and that he does his training responsibly. Zir is hardly seen at headquarters and Conia tries hard, but can¡¯t do anything about Amethio¡¯s orders. In the end, they are both obedient towards him. I am not. I can tell him off when it counts. At least I think I can. For a moment. As long as I don¡¯t have to prove it.

    A sudden vibration in my pocket distracts me. A glance at the display of the Rotom Phone reveals a message from my father. It¡¯s the first time he¡¯s written. He usually calls for ages before he gives up.

    I can¡¯t contain my curiosity as I open the message and read the few lines he has thrown at me.

    You¡¯ve won your game. I can see you¡¯re doing well.

    Come home so we can talk about it.

    There¡¯s an old friend of mine in Unova who could bring you.

    Maybe we can find a middle ground.

    He knows where I¡¯m at.

    My heart thunders in my throat. I want to believe him, I really do. But my memory is full of gaps and questions he¡¯ll never answer. If I go home now, we¡¯ll talk and he won¡¯t let me go. Maybe my freedoms will grow, but they won¡¯t be enough to stay with the Explorers. Unless he tries to make a deal with them like he did with the Rising Volt Tacklers.

    No matter how I look at it, I¡¯m not ready to go home. Not today, not tomorrow, and not for weeks to come. But I¡¯m also not heartless enough to ignore his message.

    Hello Dad.

    I¡¯m not coming home ¨C not yet.

    After everything that¡¯s happened, I¡¯ve found a place where I feel good.

    Here I can enjoy freedom and explore things I never thought about before.

    You don¡¯t have to worry, I¡¯ll be fine.

    I¡¯d be happy if you could take the Rising Volt Tacklers off the job

    to take me home. Better use the money for yourself.

    As I send it, there¡¯s almost a sense of relief settling lightly on my shoulders ¨C until my father writes back within a few breaths.

    No.

    These people will take you home.

    Unova isn¡¯t a place where you should be!

    We didn¡¯t leave there because I enjoyed running away.

    It¡¯s dangerous there and those Explorers you got involved with

    are a dodgy bunch who shouldn¡¯t be trusted.

    My father would probably get on brilliantly with Amethio. You¡¯d think they wouldn¡¯t trust anyone but a handful of people. My father raises questions he will probably never discuss with me, but I can¡¯t help but ask.

    Then why did we leave?

    His fingers type quickly.

    To protect you.

    Maybe he¡¯s willing to tell me more than I expected. Maybe I¡¯ll finally find some answers for some of my freedom.

    From whom?

    But my father¡¯s message isn¡¯t what I was hoping for.

    From people who want to harm you.

    I don¡¯t want to give in; I want to hope for something more.

    Who?

    But hopes are nothing more than wishful thinking that will probably never become reality. He conveys that clearly.

    That¡¯s not your business.

    A girl your age shouldn¡¯t worry about such things.

    I let out a sigh. If he wants to play this game, then his worries aren¡¯t part of my world. I¡¯m not prepared to go back to my prison without background knowledge. My only chance of filling the gaps in my memory is to do my own research and go on adventures. Somewhere in between, things will come together. It¡¯s the only reason I now remember my mum and a few words she once said to me.

    If my father won¡¯t take my side in this situation, I have no choice but to make it clear to him I have no interest in his orders and empty statements.

    Then catch me if you can.

    And then I¡¯ll put our chat on mute.

 Interlude: Butterfrees and how they multiply

    Coro, the Trumbeak

    She is the most beautiful creature I have ever seen. Her grey-black feathers give her a touch of nobility and her brown legs add a soft colour to her monochrome. It¡¯s nothing like the Pok¨¦mon from Alola, which all have the same quirky charm as I. The big city clings to her.

    With difficulty, I stretch every muscle in my body. Since I¡¯ve changed so much, I¡¯ve grown. The Pikipeks on Alola can no longer hold a candle to me, but I have to admit that this Unfezant remains out of my reach. Her legs easily make her twice as tall as me.

    The fluttering restlessness in my chest prevents me from getting any closer to her. What remains is eye contact ¨C the haunting yellow of her eyes, which scrutinise me with half-lowered lids and narrow interest.

    ¡°You have beautiful blue eyes,¡± she utters shortly afterwards with a soft coo, and only the sound of her voice reminds me of the wondrous whistling that once mesmerised me.

    Singing that has burnt itself deep into my memory, making sure I can hardly sleep a wink. Who would have thought that she was so close to me all this time?

    ¡°Not as beautiful as the sound of your voice.¡± I have no clue what I¡¯m talking about. They¡¯re expressions I picked up in my wild Pikipek days between humans ¨C but most males got lucky with their attempts. More often than not, they¡¯ve made their mate laugh and I think that¡¯s all I need in those seconds.

    ¡°My voice?¡± She tilts her head.

    ¡°I¡¯ve heard you sing,¡± I reply. ¡°And I¡¯ve always been in tune!¡±

    She doesn¡¯t need to know that I¡¯ve probably failed miserably ¨C no one needs to. The others in the team have no sense of music and my trainer hasn¡¯t criticised me once, which means I must have been doing well. How could it be otherwise? I am a proud Trumbeak with many talents. Singing is no obstacle.

    ¡°Really?¡± Another coo escapes her delicately curved beak. ¡°Would you sing my song with me?¡±

    Eager nodding overcomes me and although I should meet her with more dignity ¨C after all, I¡¯m the smartest member of the team ¨C I can¡¯t stop my body from reacting too quickly and too eagerly.

    But Unfezant seems oblivious to all my wrongdoings, and when she starts whistling, I close my eyes instantly. She doesn¡¯t whisper any words or attempt any sounds reminiscent of chirping. Instead, she remains true to her melody, and up close, it seems as if she is indulging in distant longing.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.

    It¡¯s a feeling I know only too well. So I open my beak a crack and take a deep breath before I tune in and join her song ¨C completely different from what I expected.

    My tones don¡¯t match hers and even a second attempt only sends shock through me and I choke on my tongue. No matter what I try to contribute, my voice ruins the sound of her lovely melody. And she takes it with a restrained laugh as she interrupts her song and lifts a wing in front of her beak.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure one day you¡¯ll find your voice.¡± She blinks briefly. ¡°You just can¡¯t give up.¡±

    She looks at me as if I am the only being she can see, and the weakness of my legs makes it impossible to stretch my head and accept her words with natural behaviour. I can¡¯t come close to saying the same words to this Unfezant as I can to Ying or Raya.

    Worse, this fluffy, yet thick skull of an Eevee was probably right. In these breaths, I can hardly think of anything better than staying by this being¡¯s side and giving her all my attention ¨C no matter how reprehensible it may sound.

    ¡°Maybe you¡¯ll teach me...¡±

    ¡°Can you stay?¡±

    Can I? I want to say I can, but I don¡¯t dare look at Domino. My vow was to stay by her side and get to know the world. Everything in me wanted to get away from the other Pikipeks, away from Alola and away from everything else. Everywhere is full of all these things and although I should think otherwise, my head doesn¡¯t want to deal with fresh adventures. Instead, I long for a kind of freedom that seems weirdly far away.

    ¡°You look to me like you want to stand by your trainer wherever her path takes her.¡±

    ¡°I want to!¡± The reply rattles in my ears, making me puff myself up and try to be a little bigger than my wavering emotions. ¡°She needs me! I¡¯m the smartest member of her team! My wings are there to get her help whenever she needs it and ... and I¡¯m the best at fighting.¡± I swallow. When has she ever relied on my wings? When have I ever cut a better figure in battle than the others? ¡°I ... she needs me!¡± Unsteadily, my body shakes a little over the wood of the table. ¡°Without me, she¡¯s ... lost!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t put on airs.¡± Unfezant intercepts me with a warning. Her cooing threatens to draw a clear line between us. ¡°You seem to love your trainer very much and yet ... you¡¯re not with her wholeheartedly. Before you pretend to be unique, you should set your own rules, desires and perceptions.¡± She lowers her head. ¡°Maybe one day you¡¯ll understand the sound of my melody.¡±

    Before I can say anything, she turns her head away. I no longer matter in her world and although I could tell her so many great things about myself, it also feels like I¡¯m brushing her words aside.

    ¡°I know what I want!¡± I try anyway. However, I don¡¯t get an answer, not a single look from her, and I realise she won¡¯t look at me again until I can be a little more honest with myself.

    A barely perceptible snort escapes me. I¡¯ve never been dishonest with myself and I know how to be honest about my thoughts and feelings, even if I don¡¯t like it. But how can I define something clearly if I don¡¯t know what it is inside me? This kind of conflict is new. Unfamiliar and mean and confusing and I think Domino feels like this very often. These are the moments when she makes stupid decisions because she doesn¡¯t think about herself long enough.

    I have to do better than that. Unfezant is right.

    And yet, the stinging in my chest doesn¡¯t subside.

 Chapter 56: Everyone for themselves, but no one alone VI

    ¡±To think the legends of Unova could be true ... is hard to imagine...¡± Half in thought, I rest my chin in one hand and try to recall the story of how it all came to be. But I can hardly concentrate.

    The sun¡¯s rays fill this room with a friendly brightness and the gentle breeze wafting through the window chases Amethio¡¯s flu away.

    Briefly, my gaze wanders to him. He is sitting up in bed, tucked under the covers, and although he could run around and ruin himself again, Ariana has given him a week of bed rest. Today is the last day of this order and so far he has complained surprisingly little. He hasn¡¯t even protested about me visiting him every day, bringing food and making sure he drinks enough.

    ¡°Most legends and tales have a certain amount of truth to them,¡± Amethio replies. One hand rests on the books he has stacked next to the pillow to pass the time when I leave him alone. ¡°At least it¡¯s possible that every Pok¨¦mon mentioned anywhere exists.¡±

    He sounds like a professor ¨C maybe even a bit like Spinel, all of whose invitations I¡¯ve turned down recently. The attractions I¡¯m missing out on hurt my chest a little, but if it makes Amethio take better care of himself, I¡¯m fine with that.

    In exchange, togetherness with him almost feels normal again. There¡¯s still that fluttery tightness in my chest, but my hands are no longer shaking and I can think straight. Amethio still follows me into my dreams, but I can ignore those confusing scenes. Whether we¡¯re hugging, holding hands or he simply strokes my cheek ¨C these are fantasies I can swallow without a word. And I¡¯m a little proud of it.

    ¡°If all stories contain some truth ... then aren¡¯t there any legends about ... Terapagos? Or about the black Rayquaza?¡±

    He taps the cover of a book with his index finger, as if he wants to tell me that this is the only reason he reads all these texts. ¡°There are references that tell of Terapagos. However, Paldea has reserved the right to keep all stories about this Pok¨¦mon in its largest libraries. You can also find this information online. And it¡¯s not listed in the Pok¨¦dex.¡±

    ¡°The same applies to Rayquaza?¡±

    He shakes his head, causing his perfectly organised waves to sway. ¡°There¡¯s a lot of information about Rayquaza. However, only a fairytale book about one that¡¯s also black.¡±

    Understanding nods overwhelm me before I comb through my own research, trying to help him with a thought or two.

    ¡°Maybe our Rayquaza is simply a special variant,¡± I begin slowly. ¡°There are Pok¨¦mon that differ from their usual colouring due to genetic defects and mutations. However, we¡¯re not talking about creatures like ... the Rattata on Alola and the Rattata from other regions. These are different types of Rattata. But let¡¯s take my Zoroark. It¡¯s black and red. But when it deviates from its colour scheme and becomes what they call ¡®shimmering¡¯, it¡¯s black-purple. It¡¯s also referred to as ¡®shiny¡¯.¡±

    ¡°You think the black Rayquaza is some kind of ... variation of the actual Pok¨¦mon?¡±

    I hum in agreement. ¡°If we add that there are many more universes than ours ¨C at least based on what I¡¯ve seen on Alola ¨C then there must be hundreds of Rayquazas out there. And maybe this is the one that¡¯s different.¡±

    In thought, Amethio puts a hand to his chin. The idea seems to fascinate him just as much as it did me two nights ago. It¡¯s good to see that he¡¯s listening to me and looking at me, too. We have actual conversations in which, for a change, I don¡¯t have to worry about whether he¡¯s ignoring me. It¡¯s only when I talk about Spinel that his attention wanders far away and I can no longer reach him. That¡¯s why I haven¡¯t spoken about him for four days. It¡¯s better this way.

    ¡°We should probably take a closer look at the Ultra Wormholes and these ¡®Shinys¡¯.¡± Amethio finally lowers his eyelids. ¡°If there¡¯s more than one Rayquaza out there, maybe the same goes for Terapagos.¡±

    ¡°Probably...¡± Something I hadn¡¯t thought of and it makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. One Terpagos already seems like it could cause a lot of trouble. A second one sounds like a desire for destruction.

    Then again, our conversations are nothing more than simple speculation. Nobody guarantees that the legendary Pok¨¦mon found in tales and sagas exist more than once. Surely there are worlds out there where certain Pok¨¦mon are unknown ¨C just as Nihilego was for us.

    With a sigh, I push myself out of the chair and shake my head. As long as Amethio only harbours thoughts he doesn¡¯t plan to put into action, I shouldn¡¯t worry about things that may never happen.

    ¡°Where are you going?¡± His sudden question catches me off guard all at once, and even though he probably knows I¡¯m not going to meet up with Spinel, there seems to be everlasting suspicion in him I have to nip in the bud.

    ¡°If we¡¯re going to be thinking about alternative dimensions, I should make sure you eat and drink enough in between,¡± I say. It¡¯s almost afternoon. If I hurry, I can still get some good things from the fruit shop around the corner. ¡°I¡¯ll be back here in an hour at the latest.¡±

    His brow twitches gently. ¡°I can take care of myself.¡±

    ¡°Like you took care of yourself when you collapsed from dragging your fever around for days?¡± Eyelids slightly lowered, I scrutinise Amethio from top to bottom. I¡¯m in no position to reprimand him. He is no less careless than I am in many situations. Back on Poni, I didn¡¯t want to stay in bed either, even though my shoulder would have thanked me for it. It may have healed in the meantime, but the memory is still frighteningly fresh.

    Amethio probably doesn¡¯t see it any differently, but only replies with a snort before grabbing one of his books and turning to the next chapter of an old Paldean manuscript. It gives me time to separate from him and leave the room.

    In the corridor, I check everything I¡¯m carrying. The beige belt bag sits firmly on my hip, its colour blending pleasantly with the cream-coloured, shoulder-free jumper, which is long enough to function as a short dress. The heart print looks a little childish, but it gives me that relaxed feeling of being able to go on long journeys. With the shoes that Lillie once got me, I have almost every option open to me.

    In this case, the way to the fruit shop.

    <hr>

    ¡·WHISPERS¡¶

    <hr>

    The temperatures are slowly cooling down. Each passing day brings autumn closer and even if you can hardly see any change here, people adapt in their everyday lives. Some women have switched to light jumpers, others are barely showing any skin ¨C although it¡¯s only September and it will be a while before the real cold sets in. The light tan that I carried over from Alola is now missing and despite my aversion to the unfriendly temperatures of the islands there, I miss nature a little. I didn¡¯t see much, and I paid attention to even less, but I know it was a bit more relaxed there than here.

    If you walk around Castelia City long enough, you get used to the noise, the Pidoves, the Grimers among the rubbish bags in the dark side streets, and also the Pok¨¦mon that sometimes run off with stolen goods. The latter is probably only rarely seen here, but I once observed it from my window ¨C at five in the morning on a sleepless night ¨C and the scenario of a cursing baker chasing a nimble Purrloin will probably haunt my mind for a while.

    An old lady greets me when I arrive at the shop and a quick tour through the shelves and displays leads me to buy some apples and kiwis, as well as mandarins and Nanab berries, which I can use to make juice for Amethio. A bit of variety will do him good and the rustling of the paper bag awakens a kind of anticipation in me that makes me smile ¨C as if I¡¯m going home after shopping to prepare something for my boyfriend. It¡¯s crazy and yet it¡¯s a warming thought. I didn¡¯t have any of that at home. No free time and no special requests for food.

    Pressing the bag gently to my chest, I make my way back, more elated than before. Amethio has probably already filtered out a few new clues from his books and we¡¯ll discuss them until dinner. In the meantime, we might take a few steps towards the park so my Pok¨¦mon can get some exercise and Ceruledge and Corviknight can get some time out of their balls. It¡¯ll be the same as the last three days, and I can¡¯t say I would mind if all this went on a little longer.

    My gaze glides over the facades, the people, the shop windows ¨C until I get stuck on a bakery advertising new pastries on sale. Perhaps Amethio would also be happy about something sweet.

    In the end, I let myself be drawn in by the offer and as soon as I cross the threshold, I bump into someone. Unsteadily, I stumble back two steps before taking a hasty look in my bag and exhaling with relief. Then my gaze wanders to the figure in front of me ¨C to N¡¯s chapped lower lip.

    ¡°Oh ... Domino. Good to see you.¡± His words tumble over each other as he gives me a stiff smile. The exhaustion in his eyes settles icily on my shoulders.

    Looking for a quick distraction, I point to the small bag in his hands. ¡°Sweets?¡±

    He follows my gaze before inspecting his purchase and raising his arm. The white sleeve of his shirt can¡¯t hide the bruises on his wrist. ¡°They keep recommending this bakery.¡±

    ¡°Your friends?¡±

    His eyes move to me, meaningful yet wordless. After the encounter with his Zoroark, it¡¯s hard to just greet him and move on.

    ¡°You know ... don¡¯t you?¡± Instead of answering, he steers our conversation in a different direction.

    ¡°It was predictable. You fitted in perfectly with Plasma¡¯s twisted image when we first met,¡± I reply slowly. ¡°And after Ghetsis¡¯ broadcast, it was an ... obvious thought. Did they do this to you? Plasma?¡± I nod my chin briefly towards his wrist, but he shakes his head.

    ¡°No.¡± He doesn¡¯t even bother trying to hide anything. ¡°There was a little argument with my dad.¡±

    ¡°And then he beat you up like that?¡±

    ¡°It was my ... fault. I almost ruined everything he did for me ... because I wanted to run away from my duties.¡± He lowers his eyes. ¡°For a moment, I was ... intrigued by your idea that you have to go travelling to understand some things. I don¡¯t even know half of this region.¡±

    ¡°Your father wasn¡¯t thrilled that you wanted to learn more before you continued to express an opinion?¡±

    His lids lower. ¡°I don¡¯t have time to go travelling. This bakery visit ... is the last thing I¡¯m going to do before I head off to summon the Legendary Pok¨¦mon.¡± He looks at me again and the hopeful gleam in his eyes captivates me for a breath. ¡°I will meet it and then it will decide whether my path is the right or wrong one.¡±

    ¡°What happens then?¡±

    ¡°If my path is the right one, then this region will change and I will free the Pok¨¦mon,¡± replies N. ¡°But if it¡¯s the wrong one, then ... I won¡¯t bother with it anymore...¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re going to give up?¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t have any other choice.¡±

    At this point, I can probably count on both hands how many times I¡¯ve been at a loss for words. Even at this moment, I don¡¯t know what I can say. What would be the right thing to do? How can I help him? I¡¯ve made Zoroark believe I would try, but I don¡¯t even know how to go about it. Telling him now that his Pok¨¦mon wouldn¡¯t be happy with this decision doesn¡¯t work inside my head. Only the legendary Pok¨¦mon¡¯s choice seems to give him security. A creature I don¡¯t know much more about than what the history books tell me.

    There is nothing I can say to bridge this distance between us ¨C his goal and my thoughts. Even apart from that, I don¡¯t know what to say. What do I have left?

    This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

    ¡°You look like you¡¯re ... worried.¡± N, meanwhile, smiles as if there isn¡¯t a cloud in the sky. ¡°Should the dragons ... or at least one of them, accept me, I¡¯ll make sure you and your team can stay together ... if that¡¯s what they really want.¡±

    ¡°Favourable treatment?¡± My voice is like a gasp. It should sound amused, but the noise just won¡¯t come off my tongue properly.

    N, however, puts his free hand on my shoulder. ¡°Father said you¡¯ll need it.¡±

    He doesn¡¯t give me time to process any of this or form a thought. Instead, he heads off and I can only watch him go. Chasing after him now is probably as futile as hoping for answers to everything that troubles me. Besides, I have to get back to Amethio. My hour is almost up.

    Sluggishly, I set off and make my way back. My legs weigh like lead, bowing to my body¡¯s reluctance to let this go. The bakery has lost all its charm, just as the anticipation of my time with Amethio has faded. Every step is a chore. Twice I look over my shoulder, but N has already disappeared among the other people.

    It¡¯s maybe five minutes to the headquarters. A few metres before I can take a deep breath and sit down with Amethio to talk about this encounter. He also listened to me when I raised my concerns about Ghetsis and his supposed knowledge of me for the fifth time. The hope he will show patience this time, too, hastens my steps.

    But I don¡¯t reach the protective four walls before a ghostly dark haze lifts from the pavement and forms into thick clouds. The passers-by around me stop. Exclamations of confusion reach me. Meanwhile, the fog closes in, robbing me of my vision and the brightness of the day for a moment; until the area in front of me opens up like a curtain. Light from the outside world enters, closely followed by the footsteps of a man who makes my heart skip a beat.

    His colourful robe is bathed in shadows by the darkness, while the eyes on the fabric shimmer like burning memorials ¨C as if he is controlling the light for his appearance. Next to him is a floating Pok¨¦mon. Barely perceptible hands dance through its surroundings, while the sarcophagus in which the creature itself rests appears like a ghost of the night due to its glowing red gaze.

    ¡°I¡¯m delighted to see you again, Domino.¡± The smile on Ghetsis¡¯ features has a kindness that doesn¡¯t match the atmosphere in which he holds me captive. ¡°I apologise for this inconvenience, but I don¡¯t want outsiders in our conversation.¡±

    Subliminally, my free hand moves to my bag. ¡°Why did you come back?¡±

    ¡°To bring you home, my child.¡± He holds his hand out to me like an offer. ¡°I¡¯m sure you have questions I can answer if you let me. For far too long you have wandered in the darkness your father imposed on you, ignorant and robbed of a part of yourself. I can help you reclaim what was stolen.¡±

    This is probably my moment. If I agree now, I¡¯ll finally get all the information I need to fill in the gaps in my memory. I might understand my father, remember my mother better, and therefore also the reason we were on the run.

    Then again, I know I must be smarter than that. My hand closes tightly around a worn Pok¨¦ Ball. No one promises me Ghetsis isn¡¯t lying. Maybe he¡¯s just saying all these things to lure me in; maybe he picked up the things he knows somewhere to sound believable. He¡¯s good with words.

    I also need to be more mindful and although my hands are sticky with sweat, the next thought makes me smile. If I disappear now, it will drive Amethio out of bed. He¡¯ll get restless because I haven¡¯t come back and he¡¯ll get carried away again because he thinks he¡¯s invincible when he¡¯s set his mind on something.

    I don¡¯t want to make him worry ¨C even if he would never admit to said worry. But that¡¯s okay. First, I¡¯ll escape this situation and then return to him, listen to his rebuke and discuss our last topic with him.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± I skilfully pull out Ying¡¯s Pok¨¦ Ball, ¡°but I think I¡¯d rather capture and explore my memories myself.¡±

    Within the blink of an eye, Zoroark is standing in front of me. Her red mane stands out clearly in this unnatural darkness, and as I smile at her, it¡¯s my gaze toward Ghetsis that freezes it on my lips.

    He has lifted his chin, his mouth twisted, and a contemptuous snort quivers through all his clothes. ¡°Why are you children always so ... demanding? Your morbid conviction that you are in better control of your lives than an adult harbours nothing more than despicable arrogance that was driven out of your bodies far too late.¡± He shakes his head briefly. ¡°Let me tell you that all my politeness ends here. You will learn to behave as a queen is expected to.¡±

    ¡°The way your organisation makes N act as one would expect a king to?¡± I hiss back, but only receive a dismissive wave of his hand.

    ¡°Harmonia, as my son, has been created to do what is right in life. He will give me the power to rule this region in a way that was meant for nobility.¡± Slowly, his Cofagrigus shifts in front of him. ¡°He will be a good king in the hands of a true ruler. But even if he makes a passable hero, he seems to be easily dazzled ... despite all my education and dedication.¡±

    And the bruises he has received. Ghetsis has inflicted suffering on N ¨C Harmonia? ¨C to mould him to his will. I don¡¯t know how deep this relationship is between the two of them, but I hope N hasn¡¯t received attention like this more often.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to be and won¡¯t be a queen for Plasma,¡± I finally state.

    ¡°You will,¡± Ghetsis counters. ¡°Plasma will welcome you and then you and your abilities will serve as an experiment for the future of Unova ¨C until you are no longer needed.¡±

    Before I can say anything back, Ghetsis snaps his fingers and the dark curtain closes. Suddenly there is only Cofagrigus, its arms no longer visible. It scrutinises Ying and me with a fixed gaze, and when a crooked smile reveals pointed teeth, all we can do is act.

    ¡°Scratch!¡± I point at our opponent. ¡°Grab it! And if it flees, pursuit!¡±

    Ying merely twitches an ear before raising her heavy paws and charging towards Cofagrigus in the next blink of an eye. Her red claws chase ahead, but only tear through billowing darkness as the Pok¨¦mon disappears behind its mist. Only her good hearing allows her to pursue. She plunges into the blackness, leaving me alone, but reappears a few steps away from me shortly afterwards. There is no sign of Cofagrigus.

    The hairs on the back of my neck stand on end with tension. I doubt we can just walk out through the shadows like this. My gaze wanders over our surroundings, but I can¡¯t recognise anything.

    Only when I think I hear an unintelligible whisper do I turn my attention to a corner. The blackness seems to gather there and before I realise the circumstances, a shadow ball appears out of nowhere.

    It hurtles straight in our direction, causing me to make a lightning-fast leap to the side, which Ying copies. We both throw ourselves in different directions so the attack strikes next to us and disappears in spraying sparks of energy ¨C a veil from which Cofagrigus rises.

    Zoroark reacts immediately, strikes with her claw and crashes into the Pok¨¦mon¡¯s golden body. Screeches echo through the darkness as if someone has scratched fingernails across a blackboard ¨C but Cofagrigus remains unharmed. Instead, it grabs Ying with its hands, fixes her in one spot, and gathers its energy for another attack.

    Immediately, I reach for my bag ¨C my purchases are scattered on the ground ¨C and dig out another ball. I can¡¯t risk losing. So I send Trumbeak into the race.

    I don¡¯t have to tell him anything to get him to peck his beak at Cofagrigus. The opposing Pok¨¦mon remains unharmed, but the sudden disturbance of another Pok¨¦mon causes it to let go of Ying and crawl back into the fog.

    ¡°Coro, try to blow away the fog! Ying, pursuit!¡±

    I have to keep up. Losing sight of Cofagrigus could quickly prove fatal in our situation. Besides, I don¡¯t know what Pok¨¦mon are waiting for me after this one. Ghetsis will certainly have more than one partner to watch out for.

    While Ying disappears into the mist, Trumbeak flaps his wings as hard as he can. Yet nothing changes in our surroundings. The dark, far too cold veil of mist cannot be lifted. Something that Coro also realises as his attempts slow down and he finally gives up.

    I can barely catch my breath and make a new plan before the curtain parts at one point. A purple tide creeps inside, wafting along the darkness, and when Ying appears somewhere in between, I immediately search for her opponent. But Cofagrigus is nowhere to be seen, although Zoroark slashes into the darkness with her claws and finally a metallic clang is heard. Then, all at once, Cofagrigus¡¯ body bursts out of the darkness, reaching out for Ying, but she bites before it can grab her. Shadows stretch between her claws but don¡¯t give way, so she lets go.

    Despite his superiority, our opponent keeps his distance. We have caused damage, I am sure, but Cofagrigus seems unimpressed.

    ¡°It¡¯s clear on your face you lack the knowledge for this battle.¡± Ghetsis¡¯ words reach me in a muffled voice. ¡°Ghosts are weak creatures whose purpose in life is to make themselves look better than they are. Cofagrigus¡® coffin is hard, but unfortunately, it isn¡¯t unbreakable.¡± A deep, subtle laugh filters through to me. ¡°So I had no choice but to teach this Pok¨¦mon how to keep itself alive in battle with leftovers.¡±

    ¡°With ... leftovers?¡± The vague memory of a list of all items and abilities flickers in the back of my mind.

    ¡°Imagine, useless creatures with no decency, class or intelligence are perfect for being eaten by Cofagrigus. At first, it only took what it needed, but after a few lessons it realised how much wiser it is to save food for later.¡± His voice grows louder, almost echoing in the middle of this darkness. ¡°How many Pok¨¦mon and human remains do you think it keeps in its coffin to feed on the remaining energy of individual parts?¡±

    My stomach turns. Ghost-type Pok¨¦mon are different in many ways. Research assumes that they represent souls who never found peace. It¡¯s one of countless theories that has no proven basis. They are all just theories. What has been proven, however, is that these Pok¨¦mon have a higher level of violence. Most of them sneak into human society, kidnap, eat, frighten and destroy entire lives.

    ¡°Pok¨¦mon are fascinating, aren¡¯t they?¡± Ghetsis¡¯ snort rolls over me like an avalanche. ¡°And people cling to the reprehensible belief that each of them has the right to control said creatures. Yet such a privilege is reserved solely for a ruler, so the power of a region can be used to expand the country and make society flourish. Don¡¯t you think so, too?¡±

    The only thing that gets through to me is his desire for war. All at once it becomes clear why he is twisting things around to direct N into a suitable position. If the legend is true and N gets the power of the dragons, some Pok¨¦mon will surrender to him. And Ghetsis will use this resource to point the finger at the next region. He longs for domination of everything.

    Hands clenched into fists, I lack an option. Sending Mimikyu into this fight isn¡¯t right. She needs more time to heal. Lum isn¡¯t strong enough to take on Cofagrigus, which leaves me with Growlithe. Maybe her fire can do some damage.

    But before I can dig her ball out of my pocket, Coro lets out a harsh croak ringing unpleasantly in my ears. Immediately afterwards, he rushes head over heels past Ying towards our opponent. Beak first, he crashes against the gold of the sarcophagus before he hammers furiously at the metal. Like a small drill, he hacks around in a circle with such lightning speed that dents appear, and a small spark of hope lights up in my chest.

    However, this hope is short-lived. Trumbeak is so focussed on his attack that he notices too late how one of Cofagrigus¡¯ hands rises and smashes him to the ground in a single blow.

    ¡°Coro!¡± Instantly I grab his ball, jump three steps forward and call him back before anything worse happens. At the same time, I drop Raya¡¯s ball and raise my voice. ¡°Flamethrower!¡±

    She has barely materialised when she throws blazing fire at Cofagrigus with full force. Its scream sends shivers down my spine and I tense my shoulders. I can see it lashing out with its billowing hands, the flames melting the gold, and then it disappears back into its dark mist to escape Growlithe¡¯s heated attack.

    I take a quick breath. It¡¯s hard to believe, but Raya¡¯s love for battle makes her my strongest Pok¨¦mon. She is my rescue ¨C a light in this darkness that loses its glow as small fireballs float out of the fog towards us.

    ¡°Will-O-Wisp...¡± A huff escapes me before I glance over my shoulder.

    The red fireballs surround us. Ying also moves closer to me and no matter how I look at it, Cofagrigus not only seems to want to corner, but also to confuse us. No one can tell where the Pok¨¦mon is and just touching a wisp can cause severe burns.

    And then it occurs to me.

    Raya¡¯s body generates heat. Fire doesn¡¯t bother her and I¡¯m sure she¡¯s unfamiliar with burns.

    ¡°Raya,¡± is all I can think of, ¡°devour the lights!¡±

    A brave bark escapes her before she leaps forward and approaches the wisps. With powerful leaps, she chases towards a ball, snaps at it, bursts into flames for a moment, and makes me hold my breath. Only for a blink before she bursts out of the fire as if nothing has happened. Only her fur is blazing, glowing as if it is storing all the heat inside.

    She swallows one wisp after another. All danger disappears, our chances of winning increase, and when the mist suddenly splits at one point, Ying immediately points with her heavy paw at the flickering behind it.

    ¡°Flamethrower!¡± Instantly, I pass our discovery to Raya so she can throw the accumulated fire with all her might at the dark beam, which chases in our direction in the same breath.

    Almost black violet crashes into unrestrained heat, mingling with the flames and bursting in all directions. The flames reach behind the gloomy curtain and just as I hope to be victorious, something breaks through Raya¡¯s fire.

    I have to blink several times before I realise that it¡¯s not Cofagrigus that¡¯s attacking. Instead, Hydreigon¡¯s thunderous growl breaks through to us and brings his huge body to the fore. None of us knows how to react. Its three heads are tilted in different directions and even Raya doesn¡¯t know how to retreat before one of the smaller ones snaps at her with its toothless mouth. Her sudden yelp as a powerful jaw catches her and crushes one of her legs sends a chill through my bones.

    My hands want to reach for Rotom, to see if it can name me a quick weakness, but my legs move unasked. It¡¯s only four jumps to Growlithe. A short distance I can easily overcome ¨C could, if it weren¡¯t for three heads.

    Before I can even reach out to her, a dragon pulse strikes behind me. My body is thrown forward and a hasty glance over my shoulder brings Zoroark into view. She¡¯s still standing, but one arm is bleeding and she doesn¡¯t know what to do with herself.

    I have no choice but to stop halfway and my whole body shudders. Her ball finds its way into my hands and just as I call her back, something squeezes the air out of my lungs.

    Ying hasn¡¯t completely disappeared into her Pok¨¦ Ball when I take off and crash backwards to the ground. Hastily, I try to gasp for air but can¡¯t find the strength to breathe in. A tremor runs through my body as I scrape my nails across the tarmac. Sweat burns on my skin. I have to breathe. Somehow. Saliva collects on my tongue. I swallow.

    And all at once, my body eagerly absorbs the oxygen from my surroundings.

    Dazed, my eyes wander over my surroundings. Ying¡¯s ball isn¡¯t far away from me. I can neither see nor hear Raya. I want to sit up and see how she fights our opponent, but my muscles don¡¯t move. The taste of blood on my lips elicits a snivelling gasp, and my head throbs.

    ¡°It¡¯s always fascinating to see how people deal with unexpected tactics; how they fail and yet don¡¯t admit defeat because they believe a battle between Pok¨¦mon only ends when there¡¯s no one left to fight for them.¡±

    Ghetsis¡¯ voice reaches me, moving closer until he finally leans over me.

    ¡°What most people miss is the simple option of ending a battle early by getting rid of the trainer.¡± The smile on his lips mocks me. ¡°We¡¯re not in the middle of a childish gym, Domino. Out here, trainers always remain the weakest link in a fight.¡± He taps his forehead. ¡°It¡¯s quite simple.¡±

    I open my mouth, wanting to say something, but all that escapes me is a weak cough. My eyelids weigh a tonne.

    Meanwhile, Ghetsis holds an Ultra Ball in front of my nose. ¡°I took the liberty of taking your Growlithe into my care. It was too exhausted to fight a nonsensical battle against a new home. I¡¯m sure she¡¯ll find time to recover alongside the rest of your team.¡±

    A twitch runs through my arms, but I can¡¯t do anything. Everything is numb, exhausted, and somehow broken. Every clear thought blurs before I can think it through; and as my eyes close, I have no choice but to accept this defeat.

 Chapter 57: A boy, not a hero I

    My heart is beating so fast I can hardly catch my breath. The image before my eyes blurs constantly. The world goes black, something inside me jumps, and then I¡¯m awake again.

    Every bump in the road jolts through my body. I want to cry, but my tears have run out. Ying isn¡¯t by my side, and I know there¡¯s nothing I can do to get out of this. The Yamask in front of me keeps its face fixed on me and the two women in the car are shouting at each other, so I can¡¯t understand a word they¡¯re saying. Maybe it¡¯s for the best. It¡¯s my fault that all this happened.

    Dad kept telling me not to get into a car with strangers. Unova is a beautiful region, but the big cities are dangerous and sometimes children disappear just like Pok¨¦mon.

    Zorua was supposed to keep a watchful eye on me at all times, but she was so fascinated by the food stalls that she disguised herself as a little boy to blend in with the crowd. I was supposed to follow, but then there was this cute Teddiursa owned by a lovely lady and she told me she had loads of them from her last breeding. She wanted to give me one. And I wanted it.

    My eyes wander briefly to the wheel. They just pushed me into this car and shouted at me when I screamed for help. Then they put this Pok¨¦mon in front of me and the way it looks at me ¨C it seems friendly somehow. A bit like Ying, only less fluffy.

    In fact, it doesn¡¯t even have fur.

    When I pull my nose back loudly, Yamask blinks several times. Its small, black hands are ready to grab me, and yet it seems unconvinced to lend a hand. Still, I¡¯d like to know what it¡¯s thinking.

    ¡°The boss will promote us if we give him the brat! Why else do you think he has ¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö ¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö ¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö ¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö¡ö?¡±

    Noise fills my head all at once. A bit like I¡¯m at the sea with Dad. It prevents me from listening to the women any longer, even though their voices hurt my ears.

    ¡°You there.¡± Then a nasal boy¡¯s voice pops into my head. ¡°You can hear me, can¡¯t you?¡±

    Slowly, I press my hands over my ears. I can¡¯t say anything. I don¡¯t even know who¡¯s talking to me.

    ¡°You can talk. Those lunatics wouldn¡¯t hear you, anyway.¡± A snort. ¡°What do they want from you?¡±

    I shake my head. The world would be easier if I knew, but I think it¡¯s related to what happened back home.

    ¡°Humans...¡± Out of nowhere, Yamask puts a hand on my mop of hair. ¡°Shall I help you?¡±

    Thinking seems impossible. I can only nod eagerly as Yamask laughs.

    Compared to my memory, it is almost dead quiet here. My perception gradually creeps back to reality and only the hum of an engine leads me to believe that Ghetsis has thrown me into a car.

    It takes a moment before I can tear myself away from the blackness behind my eyelids and open my eyes. Everything in front of me is grey. My head aches as if someone is scratching the inside, and seconds of cluelessness pass before I realise the colour in front of me belongs to the passenger seat.

    In the end, I sit up, careful not to cause nausea with my hasty movements. My belt pouch is missing, and with it my team and Rotom. I¡¯ve been placed in the back of a car and although I expect to see Ghetsis again, there¡¯s someone else behind the wheel. I¡¯ve met him once before, when he was preaching about Pok¨¦mon and their poor lives. That was the day I met N for the first time.

    ¡°What do you want from me?¡± Gasping, I bring up the only question that seems relevant.

    The stranger¡¯s gaze darts to the rear-view mirror so he can scrutinise me before giving me a friendly smile.

    ¡°What we always wanted,¡± he replies. ¡°Plasma demands what we were denied back then. Your time has come, young lady.¡±

    I don¡¯t understand a thing he¡¯s saying, but I doubt anything more useful will come out of him if I ask further on the matter.

    ¡°Where¡¯s Ghetsis?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s looking after your team and decided to make a few demands on our ... informant. We share similar interests, but similarity isn¡¯t a match, as you know.¡±

    ¡°And you think I¡¯m playing along with ... whatever? I¡¯m not interested in becoming queen of anything.¡± Exhausted, I slump back against the backrest. ¡°Besides, the Explorers will be looking for me. I had a meeting with one of them.¡±

    ¡°With Amethio De Vere, right?¡± A grin spreads across his features. ¡°I¡¯ve heard that you¡¯ve been spending more time with him recently than with your previous partner. Who was that again? Spinel Vilela?¡±

    Telling him that Spinel was never my partner is as important as asking how he knows all this.

    ¡°They won¡¯t be looking for you,¡± the stranger continues. ¡°Ghetsis has sent them a message on your behalf that you have been given a task from above. None of them will look into it.¡±

    Saliva hangs dry on my tongue. If no one is searching for me, I¡¯ll have to get out of this mess on my own ¨C without a team and a plan.

    ¡°But that doesn¡¯t answer why you¡¯re so sure I¡¯ll do what you want me to do. Are you trying to blackmail me with my Pok¨¦mon?¡±

    ¡°Not at all!¡± Throaty laughter escapes him. ¡°That would jeopardise Plasma¡¯s unity. But you will surely come to your senses when you think about the fact that your decision will determine whether we dispose of Harmonia once he¡¯s been accepted by the dragon, or whether we continue to entertain him.¡±

    Harmonia. N. The boy who wants to find out whether his views are correct or if all this is nothing more than irrational ideas.

    ¡°Why would you want to get rid of him? Without him, there certainly wouldn¡¯t be a Legendary Pok¨¦mon.¡±

    ¡°Because it doesn¡¯t matter whether it wants to obey or not,¡± my driver replies. ¡°We need someone worthy enough to summon this Pok¨¦mon. Once that¡¯s done, the safest way would be to capture and subdue it without having to worry about this boy doing more stupid things. Lately, he has gotten further and further away from our goal. He wants to get to know Unova ... as if a king should know every corner of this depraved region.¡±

    A dry swallow burns in my throat. His behaviour surely stems from our conversations. He wants to know more and become more confident in his statements and opinions ¨C despite all the preparations Plasma has made for him and the future of this organisation. Since we met, he has probably become unpredictable to the people around him.

    I don¡¯t need to ask to understand why his life hangs on my decision. If I give in to them and play along with this drama, I can control N. With my words, I can bring him back to his old views.

    ¡°But who promises you I will play along forever? Maybe I can find a way out for N and me.¡± Clutching my hands in the seat cushion, I don¡¯t dare take my eyes off the stranger¡¯s face for a breath.

    His smile answers me before he does. ¡°You¡¯d have to deal with a lot of things at once. Master Harmonia, your Pok¨¦mon, an escape route that gets you far away from Team Plasma...¡±

    ¡°I just need one good try and the Explorers will help me.¡± They are the biggest and safest constant I have. With them behind me, I¡¯m sure Plasma will lose.

    ¡°Oh, certainly, the Explorers. A handful of people who want to stand in the way of five hundred others. There are always a hundred Plasma members at our meeting point, and the rest are scattered throughout Unova and beyond. Are you sure you can lead a good life if you have to keep looking over your shoulders?¡± A deep chuckle shakes him. ¡°You have no chance of disappearing as long as Plasma works well.¡±

    There¡¯s nothing I can say in my defence. Everything he shares with me only brings my miserable state to the fore. Even if I want to believe that the others can get me out of here, that doesn¡¯t mean it¡¯s the best decision. Putting others in danger is out of the question. If I want to escape, it will be with my own skills.

    But I don¡¯t have time to think about my escape when the car suddenly stops. My body is thrown forward slightly, causing me to slam my shoulder against the passenger seat. Simultaneously, my gaze fixes on the outside world spread out behind the windscreen ¨C a storage yard full of large containers just waiting to be loaded onto ships. Wherever we are, this can¡¯t possibly be part of Castelia.

    As my driver gets out, I realise I could climb to the front and start the car up again. The temptation lures me, but remains hidden behind the knowledge that I¡¯m putting N¡¯s life at risk. That¡¯s the only reason I wait until the stranger opens the door for me and gestures to me to get out. My body slowly pushes out of the car.

    The air seems a little cooler here than in the city, clinging to my bare legs and making the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. In the blink of an eye, the other grabs me by the arm, and I have no other option as he drags me straight to a container with some security windows built into the top edge. They are probably trying to store fruit in this place, something that needs light.

    My stomach threatens to form a knot in light of the circumstances as the stranger pulls open the doors and allows me a peek inside. There¡¯s nothing here apart from locked boxes, and when I look up at him, he gives me a friendly smile.

    ¡°It¡¯s used as cold storage,¡± he explains in the same breath as he pushes me inside with force. ¡°You¡¯ll be able to cool down your hot temper here and by the time you¡¯re picked up, the world will certainly look a little different.¡±

    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

    I want to say something, can feel my throat scratching, but he simply slams the double doors shut. What remains is the bitter cold, which clings heavily to my clothes and makes my shoulders shake within a few moments.

    Several times, I rub my hands over my upper arms. The thin fabric on my skin barely holds the warmth, and I can¡¯t help but think of Raya and her beautiful, warm body. With her fire, I could easily get out of here. Instead, I¡¯m on my own, without a team and Rotom. I can¡¯t ask anyone for help.

    For a moment, I close my eyes as I try to suppress the clattering of my teeth and come up with something. He hasn¡¯t told me how long they plan to keep me locked up in this place. My semi-sound mind tries to plead that they¡¯re going to kill me. The rest of me clings to the certainty that they need me. This moment, this biting coldness and Plasma¡¯s drastic action, are probably a sign that they want to make me submissive. They want me to realise what they can do to me and that I can expect even more such nastiness if I oppose them.

    I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if Ghetsis suggested this to highlight my defeat with his mockery. The only good thing about all this is that the cold soothes my headache.

    More determined than before, I clench my hands into fists and breathe in the icy air until it stings my lungs. Then I loosen my stance and start moving. The twelve metres from one end to the other are enough for me to run up and down. As I do so, I keep bumping shoulder-first into the double doors in the hope they will burst open.

    The cold drives me around until my legs are numb and my nose runs so badly that I have to pull it back several times. Walking around doesn¡¯t help much and although I feel a little warmer, my skin seems to freeze.

    Out of breath, I lean on my knees. As soon as I get the chance, I¡¯ll look for a way out ¨C without putting N or the others in danger.

    <hr>

    ¡· WHISPERS ¡¶

    <hr>

    I can¡¯t feel my body anymore.

    Cowering in a corner, my jumper pulled over my bare legs and my arms wrapped around my knees to make myself as small as possible, I can barely keep my eyes open. It feels like crystals are hanging from my eyelashes and the shaking of my shoulders is now so natural I barely notice it. Breathing through my nose seems impossible, so I keep my mouth slightly open to let the biting cold run over my tongue. My eyes are fixed on my slightly blue fingertips.

    I have no clue how long I¡¯ve been sitting here like this, hoping for all this to end ¨C for someone to open this damn door and let me out. At some point, an artificial light was switched on above me, giving off a bit of warmth, but it¡¯s barely enough against the frost of the container. Swallowing is impossible. My throat is too parched, too cold, too numb.

    Resting my head on my knees, I try to think of something more beautiful. But no image forms in the blackness of my thoughts. It¡¯s just me, somehow alone and somehow defenceless in the hands of an organisation morbidly attracted to me. I can¡¯t explain it any other way. In all the time I spend trying not to freeze to death, my ideas and thoughts race in all possible directions. Sometimes I think I can make sense of Ghetsis¡¯ actions. Then I realise you can get behind anything if you think it through far enough and twist most of it halfway to make sense.

    My next breath seems to screech ¨C almost like rusty hinges threatening to break at any moment. So I close my eyes. The tiredness in my body makes it impossible to take up any other position, although it might be better if I moved a little more. I should just jump up and walk around a bit, like I did at the beginning, but I can¡¯t even move my fingers.

    All that only seems to change when I suddenly stand up on my feet and dizziness falls over me. Then I lift my eyes, noticing the smirk on Ghetsis¡¯ lips and his hand tugging my upper arm upwards harshly.

    ¡°Looks like you won¡¯t protest any longer.¡±

    The satisfaction in his voice would probably compel me to comment under normal circumstances. But my face is too stiff to even think about a useless argument like this.

    Instead, I let Ghetsis drag me out of the cold storage ¨C into the darkness of an evening that has fallen without my awareness. Compared to the frosty temperatures inside these metal walls, the world outside seems incredibly warm, and although this only makes me shiver even more, I breathe a sigh of relief. All seems right with the world until we reach a beige-coloured off-road vehicle, and when Ghetsis forces me into the passenger seat, I don¡¯t even resist. It¡¯s warmer on the upholstery of the car than on the floor of the icebox.

    When Ghetsis sits down next to me and offers me a bottle of water, I gratefully, if wordlessly, accept. The water revitalises my parched body. Still, I choke twice and cough like crazy somewhere between the start of the engine and the first signposts.

    It seems to take an eternity before calm washes over my body and I feel like I can hold out a little longer. Then my gaze wanders to Ghetsis, who looks out-of-place behind the wheel of the car, dressed in his robes.

    ¡°Are you even going to let me go back to the Explorers willingly at some point?¡±

    A humorous snort escapes him. ¡°No. I must confess it was an extremely unpleasant surprise within my elaborate plans when I learnt you were staying with them. They had found you on an island in Alola and claimed you for themselves, and here I was sure I would be the one to put you out of the misery of eternal flight.¡±

    ¡°So you really know something about my past?¡±

    ¡°I know almost everything about you, Domino.¡± He doesn¡¯t even look in my direction as his smile becomes wider. ¡°After all, I went to great lengths with Plasma to use you for my ideals. Starting in Johto, then to Unova. Your father, after some hardships, probably thought to find renewed safety in another region without a thought for his own daughter¡¯s will. He even sought the help of a very unpleasant man back then.¡±

    ¡°What happened then?¡±

    This time Ghetsis glances in my direction. ¡°If you prove yourself useful, perhaps I¡¯ll tell you.¡±

    I want to believe him, want to cling to his words and endure ¨C but I know better. Ghetsis doesn¡¯t give the impression of a man I should trust. Maybe he¡¯s telling me about that time, but how much of it will be true? I can¡¯t deny I would do almost anything to learn about the past, so the fuzzy images in my head take shape. Even if I claim otherwise, the thirst for knowledge is irrepressible. But I¡¯m not stupid enough to fall into an obvious trap like this. I¡¯ve learnt a lot since Alola. The past few months have shaped me. It¡¯s more important to find a way out and, in the best-case scenario, to ensure that N escapes this absurd sect too.

    Eventually, the car stops and when I dare to look outside, there is only a cave entrance. Everything around us is green ¨C trees frame a meadow path and the mountains in front of us rise to unreachable heights. They are not nearly as big as Mount Lanakila, but I don¡¯t think they are suitable for climbing. Even from down here, it¡¯s possible to make out the soft whiteness under half moonlight near the top.

    ¡°Where are we?¡± There¡¯s no point looking at Ghetsis. My situation is set in stone and he won¡¯t hurt me as long as he has a use for me. The fact he¡¯s been trying to get his hands on me for years says it all.

    ¡°This is the Chargestone Cave, a place of light and energy, as the inhabitants of Unova would probably attest.¡±

    To say I know exactly where we are would be a lie. I have no idea about the places this region offers. All my interest was focussed on the test and everything that was to come ¨C especially as Spinel did most of the trips with me. I could rely on him. He did the planning, not me.

    When Ghetsis gets out, I know I should follow. Outside the car, a breeze hits me and my body reacts with a shiver. The feeling of freezing to death is still deep in my bones. Everything about me is chilled and as I try to follow Ghetsis, my legs wobble weakly under my weight. The effort of stumbling after him is nothing like the exhaustion that overcame me when I rescued Mimikyu.

    Still, I drag myself into the cave and for a moment, I am blinded by the glaring blue-white light inside. Immediately, I squint my eyes. Unusual flickering dances in the blackness behind them and when I open my eyelids a crack, I recognise the glowing rocks hovering above the ground as if they have a life of their own. Thin threads twitch sporadically across the surfaces and although I would like to touch them, Ghetsis beats me to it with a brief explanation.

    ¡°Many people have already suffered permanent shock after touching the stones of this cave with their bare hands. The ground contains very little voltage, which you can barely feel, but the rocks have enough electricity to light up a city for weeks.¡±

    My previously half-raised hand lowers again. I don¡¯t need another electric shock. Thanks to Magnemite, I already know how unpleasant it can be to come into contact with electricity. In front of Ghetsis, it¡¯s better not to take any more damage.

    Instead, I follow him deeper into the cave. The ground beneath my soles crunches slightly and it takes a few stone steps and forks before we arrive at a kind of platform, guarded on either side by men I¡¯ve never seen before. Dressed entirely in black with wild white hair, they look like figures from the shadows, bowing gently as they catch sight of Ghetsis. Behind them stands N, his back turned to us, his gaze presumably fixed on the dazzling stone in front of his nose.

    ¡°I see everything is going according to plan. It¡¯s good to see that common sense has saved you, Harmonia.¡± Ghetsis spreads his arms wide as he steps closer to N, making him turn around.

    The sight of him makes my breath catch. His lower lip bitten to a bloody line, he puts on a smile that barely reaches his lifeless eyes. Any lustre, any curiosity is missing from his expression. The boy in front of me seems to be a shell of what I encountered in the city hours before.

    ¡°And as I vowed, here is the girl I once told you about. The girl who was led astray by vile souls.¡± Without further ado, Ghetsis takes a step to the side so that N¡¯s attention falls on me.

    ¡°Domino... You¡¯ve ... changed your mind in such a short time?¡± He doesn¡¯t believe the circumstances, looks straight into the face of this lie, and yet he seems willing to swallow anything as long as it gets him someone not named Ghetsis.

    ¡°No,¡± I reply stiffly. ¡°But I left my Pok¨¦mon in Ghetsis¡¯ care to find out which way you¡¯re going to go.¡± I feel like biting my tongue. ¡°I want to accompany you on your path and see if you¡¯ll be right.¡±

    ¡°You want to stay by my side until then?¡±

    I can only manage a nod. Appearing too eager or too content at this moment would only push him further in a direction I can¡¯t grasp. In these breaths, he needs someone by his side and I¡¯m the only one here. The only person who wants to do something for him.

    Eventually, the smile on N¡¯s lips becomes a little more honest. Then he bridges the distance and takes my hands in his. I have to look up at him so as not to miss any movement on his face.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± he breathes. ¡°Thank you ... for being here.¡±

    ¡°If I¡¯d known what was going to happen here beforehand, I probably would have chased you after our meeting at the bakery.¡± I smile gently, too. Here and now, I want to give him the feeling that he can come to me if he needs someone. I want to be a support for him, to get us both out of here before it¡¯s too late.

    Determination that also reaches N as a little life returns to his body. ¡°You¡¯re probably the first person ... I¡¯d call a friend.¡±

    We hardly know each other. All that exists between us are a few conversations and dozens of disagreements. We probably don¡¯t even fulfil the minimum requirements to call each other a friend. But I don¡¯t want to argue with him. I know what it¡¯s like not to have anyone. At some point, you¡¯re starved, constantly searching for something. For me, it was freedom because I knew there was something out there waiting for me. But N probably hasn¡¯t lost his memories. He remembers all his years without human friends. He knows a different kind of hunger than I do.

    ¡°We should continue on our way to fulfil our plan and bring about change at last.¡± Finally, Ghetsis intervenes. He already has his eyes on our way back, but underlines his words with an amused snort. ¡°Unless, of course, we have some important information that has slipped my watchful eye. Have a good evening, Professor.¡±

    I whirl around in a flash. She looks at us all, panting wordlessly, before pausing on me. ¡°I¡¯ve finally found you!¡±

    ¡°Aurea...¡± I don¡¯t know what to say ¨C what I can say.

    ¡°After the mess Ghetsis caused in Castelia City, I asked around a bit and learnt that he took a girl with him. One with white hair who tried to fight him with her team.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t fight back,¡± I interject hastily. I don¡¯t want to take away N¡¯s hope of having a friend in the middle of his battle. ¡°Ghetsis asked me to join, and I agreed.¡±

    ¡°Agreed?¡± Juniper¡¯s disbelief makes her put her hands on her hips and shake her head. ¡°You want to be a professor. We both know that guy made you do it!¡±

    Shooting down her statement would probably be the best solution, but I can¡¯t have this discussion forever.

    ¡°I want to help N,¡± I start. ¡°I¡¯m here to stand by him. Everything else is ... irrelevant for now.¡±

    Before Juniper can protest further, Ghetsis puts a hand on my shoulder. The almost saintly smile on his face looks innocent. If I didn¡¯t know any better, I¡¯d fall for it again.

    ¡°You heard her, Professor. We¡¯d rather not be accused of forcing someone to do something against their will, when we all know that Plasma always has open arms for lost souls.¡± The corners of his mouth twitch downwards as he turns to the unknown three in front of us. ¡°Take her away. A woman in confusion often causes unplanned delays, and we are a very busy party of Pok¨¦mon lovers. Peace be with you.¡±

 Chapter 58: A boy, not a hero II

    Mistralto City in the dead of night is a place of music, lights and people celebrating life like there¡¯s no tomorrow. In between, there are cars in traffic jams, although there are hardly any in the region and I think most of them are people on their way home.

    Looking out of the window, I try to distract myself with my new surroundings so as not to think about my team or Amethio. The tightness in my chest makes every breath difficult and although I want to insist that I¡¯m sure of my decision, I can¡¯t overcome the strange feeling of loneliness. Maybe it¡¯s because I haven¡¯t been alone for a very long time. No matter where I went, in the end, Ying was always by my side. Now she isn¡¯t and I can¡¯t help but miss her and the rest of my Pok¨¦mon at every careless moment.

    N sits silently beside me, looking out the window at his side, no less lost in thought than I am. Ghetsis holds the wheel, still visually unwilling to fit behind it, but I think I can get used to anything at this point.

    Even when the car stops, the world doesn¡¯t seem to clear up. Instead, N gets out and all I can do is watch indecisively while Ghetsis doesn¡¯t lift a finger.

    ¡°Why are we stopping?¡± All I can do is ask.

    ¡°You and Harmonia will stay here until you¡¯re needed. A few final preparations need to be made so that no one can pursue the wicked idea of getting in our way at the most important moment.¡± Ghetsis glances briefly over his shoulder. ¡°The costs are covered, but don¡¯t think about leaving the room or even the city.¡±

    He doesn¡¯t have to tell me twice. Running away would only cause problems. Who knows what will become of my team then ¨C not to mention that N¡¯s life is in my hands. So I give Ghetsis a nod to let him know I¡¯m not planning anything stupid and finally get out, too. N is already waiting for me.

    Together we stand motionless on the pavement while Ghetsis puts the car back on the road and the traffic jam gains another participant. I would like to smile at him for this, but there is nothing humorous about either his or my situation.

    ¡°Is everything all right?¡±

    Ultimately, it¡¯s N who takes my attention away from all the baseless thoughts and makes me look at him. His eyes linger on me like I¡¯m a wounded Pok¨¦mon, so I give him a small smile. ¡°Sure. Why?¡±

    At a leisurely pace, we walk side by side, both with our heads halfway in the clouds ¨C in a place that isn¡¯t here and yet somehow seems similar. A bit as if we are living one of many lives, with the possibility of slipping into another at any time.

    ¡°You¡¯re unhappy,¡± N realises. ¡°I know my father. Sometimes he tends to use drastic methods because he has to do the right thing. He probably took your friends away from you and forced you to join me.¡±

    Lying to him when he more than obviously already knows better seems insulting. I don¡¯t have to tell him everything, but I¡¯m happy to give him part of the truth.

    ¡°More or less.¡± I casually rub a hand over my upper arm. The cold in my bones has subsided thanks to the car heater, but I¡¯m still freezing and I¡¯m still tired. ¡°He made me go with him. I didn¡¯t know he was going to take me to you, though. I have to admit, I¡¯m glad I ended up here with you.¡±

    He immediately looks at me, and after a moment of observation, he puts on a smile. ¡°I was happy to see you, too.¡± His gaze shifts to the front again. ¡°You ... are the first person with a different view than mine who has taken the trouble to discuss it with me. Most of the time, you see the same thing on the streets. You bring up a different opinion and ... people smile at you or refuse to have a conversation because they don¡¯t want to talk to a ¡®crazy person¡¯.¡±

    ¡°I think I¡¯m a bit crazy myself. That¡¯s probably why our conversation went so well.¡±

    Soft laughter escapes him. It¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve seen him like this, and the sting in my chest grows stronger. N¡¯s wounds and the way he clings to little things only to have them snatched away allow him little joy. If I could, I would give him more of it. But everything that comes to mind sounds forced.

    Then, suddenly, he takes me by the hand as soon as we cross the threshold of the hotel. ¡°That makes us ... real friends, doesn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°Probably.¡± A smile creeps onto my lips. In those seconds, N seems to resemble a little boy.

    ¡°Maybe I can teach you how to talk to Pok¨¦mon. If you¡¯re able to understand the legendaries among them, then surely you can learn to talk to the others, too.¡± His optimism awakens new life in him, almost as if he can hardly bear the excitement. ¡°My friends once told me Pok¨¦mon all speak the same language, despite their unique sounds. However, Legendary Pok¨¦mon have a different aura, which is why they sometimes even talk to ordinary people. So if you can understand them without them trying to impose their thoughts on you, I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll eventually understand them as I do.¡±

    The thought is tempting. If I¡¯m ever able to understand my team the way I did Lunala, then nothing can stop us. I want to believe we might then explore paths no other person has ever considered. On top, I would know immediately if there is a problem or if my team doesn¡¯t know what to do. Then I would only have to ask questions and everything would find its place.

    <hr>

    ¡·WHISPERS¡¶

    <hr>

    Rain drums against the windowpanes of our room. N has opened the one next to his bed slightly. The gentle breeze of the wet outside has a slightly earthy scent and as I wait, legs drawn up, sitting on my bed leaning against the wall, N¡¯s gaze hangs somewhere in the middle of nowhere.

    ¡°How long do you think we¡¯ll have to wait here?¡± I twist a strand of hair with my index finger. The hotel has washed my clothes twice in the last three days and I think I can hold out a little longer in this state.

    A powerful roar of thunder causes me to flinch. The dark sky shines brightly for a moment and N¡¯s eyes widen as if he is about to see his favourite Pok¨¦mon.

    It takes a while before he finally addresses my question.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. When my father comes to pick us up ... that¡¯s the time.¡±

    His father. Ghetsis. That slimy Slugma that wants to see the world go up in flames. Since we¡¯ve been waiting here, N¡¯s condition has improved. His bruises are almost healed. We eat together, play cards, tell each other stories, and he often confides in me. He has told me about the castle where he grew up in and about his bedroom, which has never changed. In between, he talked about his adopted sisters, his first encounter with Zorua, and the fact he was never allowed to leave the house alone until he was twenty. It¡¯s been a year since then ¨C in fact, it was his twenty-first birthday when Ghetsis brought me to him ¨C and he¡¯s seen less of Unova than he¡¯d like.

    Sometimes he dreams of an adventure where obligations don¡¯t matter. Then he imagines how beautiful the world would be if they could all be friends. And sometimes he tells me about the moments when Ghetsis lashes out and hits him. Sometimes in the face, other times in the stomach. Now and again he hurts N simply with words and I don¡¯t know why he hasn¡¯t run away yet.

    Briefly, I close my eyes and let the next thunderclap wash over me before I turn my thoughts in another direction. My team is missing. When I think of Ying, Raya or Mirra, I feel like crying. Then there¡¯s Coro, who¡¯s already struggling with a broken heart and doesn¡¯t need to lose me, too. Lum probably doesn¡¯t mind the circumstances, but I want to believe that he thinks about me now and then.

    ¡°I hope they¡¯re all right...¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure your team is being well looked after.¡± Out of nowhere, N catches my words. ¡°They weren¡¯t happy to be with my father, but ... he¡¯ll treat them well. I¡¯m sure of it.¡±

    ¡°You heard them? Even though they were in their balls?¡± My brows lift. He¡¯s tried more than once to teach me the language of Pok¨¦mon ¨C a sort of lesson in learning to open my heart and get excited about new things, but I¡¯ve failed. Although I love the unknown, I couldn¡¯t find that little spark of connection within me.

    ¡°Sometimes, when Pok¨¦mon are loud enough, I can hear them in their balls,¡± N replies slowly. ¡°It¡¯s like there¡¯s a door between them and me.¡±

    ¡°And they weren¡¯t happy to be with Ghetsis,¡± I repeat his words. I should be playing my part and pretending to be content with the circumstances, but knowing that my team feels the same way I do gives me unexpected warmth.

    ¡°You miss them a lot, don¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°How could I not? I spent a lot of time with them.¡±

    ¡°And they with you.¡± N¡¯s gaze wanders shortly in my direction. ¡°Sometimes I find it hard to believe the Pok¨¦mon really feel that way; that they¡¯re not just saying all that because they just don¡¯t know any different.¡± His eyelids droop. ¡°And then there are times when I find it hard to believe they can really be happy out there when they¡¯ve found a friend in a trainer.¡±

    ¡°Is that why you want to face the dragons?¡±

    There are probably a thousand reasons for him to face that legend and look at the world from a different angle. There are probably so many things overlapping in his head that he hardly knows how to categorise it all. Letting a Pok¨¦mon decide is the easiest step. He probably longs for someone to choose for him.

    ¡°I want to see which path is open to me. Maybe my father is wrong. Maybe you¡¯re wrong. Maybe we¡¯re all wrong. I don¡¯t know.¡± Without further ado, he looks out of the window again, into the darkness, which is illuminated by bright flashes of lightning for only a breath before the rumbling follows. The rain is now beating much harder against the glass.

    Finally, I look out too and watch as a few people run across the streets, their hoods tightly wrapped around them. Compared to me, they seem to fight for their lives to avoid being blown away. ¡°I can appreciate rain, but ... I much prefer sunshine.¡±

    ¡°I love all kinds of weather,¡± replies N. ¡°It makes you feel like you¡¯re not alone with your ... observations and feelings, even when there¡¯s no other soul near.¡±

    ¡°You mean ... because nature expresses its emotions through the weather?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a ... nice thought, isn¡¯t it?¡± A thin smile spreads across his features. ¡°When the sun shines, the world is fine. When it shines so strongly that we think we¡¯re going to burn, maybe the world is angry.¡±

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    ¡°And when it¡¯s stormy?¡±

    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s unhappy.¡± He tilts his head. ¡°Or distressed. And frustrated. Because it doesn¡¯t know what to do ... or everything is always the same, no matter how much it tries to change.¡±

    A barely audible hum escapes my throat as I let my gaze drift over the rooftops and listen to the rain. N is right. There are many reasons the weather might be the way it is. Maybe it has a life of its own and emotions. It could even be a Pok¨¦mon responsible for all these changes. Or it could simply be a phenomenon that belongs to our planet and can be explained by simple physics. Spinel would certainly explain all of this long and carefully before giving us more examples and yet still sinking a little into the childish fantasy of emotions. Amethio would surely just look up at the sky and say ¡°probably¡± - as long as what I say sounds halfway plausible.

    My lips press together. I don¡¯t want to say I miss my room and Amethio and Spinel a little, but it would be a lie to claim otherwise. After all, I like being at the Explorers¡¯ side. All the paths and doors that open up when I can go exploring with them are incredibly valuable. They are also opportunities to get closer to them and that is something I appreciate.

    With a sigh, I try to shake off the thoughts, but fail. Part of me would like to know if Amethio is trying to look after his health, or if he is making sure he gets sick again. I¡¯d also like to know if there¡¯s anything new from Spinel ¨C if only via a few messages on the Rotom Phone, so I don¡¯t break my promise with Amethio. There¡¯s also Lillie, who I¡¯d love to share so much with. I haven¡¯t got to send her the Dream Mist yet.

    I urgently need to think about something else. Anything, really. But my brain can¡¯t come up with a topic. Not even a suggestion I can latch onto or a really stupid idea I can philosophise about. Instead, I¡¯m alone with my thoughts, my sadness, and the knot in my stomach. It doesn¡¯t change my plan, but whenever I think about N¡¯s life being in my hands, a cold sweat spreads across my skin.

    ¡°Domino?¡± N, his gaze still glued to the flashes of the outside world, slips between my thoughts, and part of me wants to hope he¡¯s holding some distraction for me. ¡°What did you think the first time you saw me?¡±

    I want to answer immediately, but I can¡¯t find the words. Instead, the images of our first meeting come into view and I remember how I listened to the almost insane words back then, only to realise some people are crazy. The moment N spoke to me was one of those moments I will probably remember for longer than necessary. Perhaps because he was the only person I could talk to about this topic in those seconds.

    ¡°Not much,¡± I confess. ¡°I wasn¡¯t exactly enthusiastic about the things that were preached and ... when you approached me, I was actually a bit surprised. Our conversation was met with my disapproval, I remember. At a certain point, I no longer saw any value in talking about it because it all seemed so radical and one-sided.¡± I gently rest my chin on my upper arm. ¡°That¡¯s why I left. Why do you ask?¡±

    A smirk marks him as he turns his attention to me. ¡°When I saw you there in the crowd, I thought I already knew you, even though I¡¯d never had the chance to meet anyone from outside before.¡± His eyelids lower. ¡°But when I saw you ... I just knew I had to get to know you. That you might be ... familiar.¡±

    My eyebrows rise. The thought of having met N once in my life has never occurred to me before. In fact, there was no immediate desire to run away when he spoke to me and our conversation quickly turned into something natural. It was a bit like we¡¯d known each other forever ¨C just as he describes it, and yet completely different.

    ¡°Maybe we¡¯ve met before. I ... can¡¯t say.¡± My memory is no help.

    But N shakes his head. ¡°We haven¡¯t met before. But my friends once told me that a feeling like mine ... the thought that we¡¯ve known each other for ages can be caused by encounters in other dimensions.¡±

    ¡°Other dimensions?¡±

    ¡°And other worlds, too.¡± He lets out a soundless laugh. ¡°I can¡¯t explain to you how the universe is constructed, I didn¡¯t really understand it myself back then, but ... it¡¯s supposed to be something big. And humans, like Pok¨¦mon, are said to exist in almost every world and almost every universe out there. Some of them even more than once ¨C especially humans,¡± he continues. ¡°They told me that everything is connected and ... the closer the worlds in a universe are, the greater the likelihood of carrying flawed memories and emotions. If we¡¯ve met there before and become friends ... that would explain why I feel like we¡¯ve known each other since forever.¡±

    I don¡¯t know what to say. Thanks to Lunala and Nihilego, I know there¡¯s a lot more out there than our world and our universe. We probably all live on a grain of rice, surrounded by a thousand other grains, trapped in a packet next to a thousand other packets ¨C all made on a different day. This is probably the closest we can get to the theory of one world, in one universe of many; timelines and inter-dimensions included.

    ¡°It made my mind a lot easier sometimes when I was younger,¡± N continues. ¡°Back then, I thought I was remembering things that never happened. For example, days I spent with another child. We ran through flower meadows and laughed ... and when my father punished us ... at least there were two of us. Sometimes I told my sisters about it and they had to remind me that all of that are just dreams of distant worlds.¡±

    Slowly, I rest my head on my bent knees. ¡°Do you still have those dreams?¡±

    He shakes his head. ¡°They stopped after I ... after someone called Colress realised I was no good for his research.¡±

    Whatever he means by that, I find it hard to believe it means anything good. If Ghetsis isn¡¯t good to him and looks at him like something that can just be thrown away, I don¡¯t want to know how other acquaintances turned out. If there had been even one good one among them, someone would surely have freed him from the clutches of Plasma.

    ¡°You know, one day I¡¯d like to see more of Unova than what I know. And then ... I¡¯d like to get to know the Pok¨¦mon of the world. All the regions I haven¡¯t been to and ... all the places no one else has ever seen.¡± He closes his eyes briefly as he leans back, almost as if he¡¯s lost in his dreams. ¡°Have you seen much of this world yet?¡±

    I would love to tell him about all the things I have already experienced. But the truth is I can only tell him about Alola. All the memories I made there have stayed with me. They weren¡¯t just washed away as if they were a danger to me and my well-being. However, they are also a beginning. It¡¯s an experience that I got through and that shaped me. An event I learnt from before I ended up here. And telling N about it is almost better than I expected.

    The words flow out so quickly I sometimes get tangled up and stutter. Still, it doesn¡¯t stop me from telling him about my escape, my encounter with the Explorers and, of course, how I and my team came together. In between, the story about Lillie¡¯s mum; people I¡¯ve met who were also looking for something special in life they couldn¡¯t achieve.

    And then I tell him about Amethio; about our argument on Poni Island and the brief fight in the Lush Jungle. I also mention his desire to fight the black Rayquaza and win, while the Pok¨¦mon in question is looking for someone. Added to this is the tense atmosphere on both sides, which could make another clash dangerous.

    N follows all that, nodding occasionally and looking at me with a gleam in his eye that gives him the air of a little boy listening to a bedtime story. He doesn¡¯t interrupt me once. Only when I finish does he ask questions.

    ¡°What made you decide to go travelling?¡± His brows draw together. ¡°You ran away from home because you were looking for an adventure, but ... was that all? Was that enough to get you this far?¡±

    ¡°For the most part,¡± I reply. ¡°I guess whenever I had the thought of turning round and going home, my pride got in the way. I didn¡¯t want to give my father that satisfaction. Besides, at some point, I took an interest in being a professor and then there¡¯s the problem with my memories.¡±

    He nods sympathetically before putting a hand to his chin. ¡°And what made you decide to stay with the Explorers? They allowed you to go your own way, didn¡¯t they? So why go with them ... when you could have seen so much more than waiting here in Unova, at their headquarters, all this time?¡±

    A fair question and I can¡¯t think of an answer straight away. Of course, I could explain to him I decided this way because I appreciate being with Zir, Conia, and Amethio and that I enjoy working in a team. I could also mention I feel safer when I don¡¯t have to face the world alone. But I think the truth is I value the comfort.

    ¡°I think I stayed with the Explorers because they cover all my expenses. Plus, I get a monthly salary and that¡¯s ... quite a motivation when you have nothing else.¡± I grimace briefly. ¡°Besides, I¡¯m not a talented trainer. I do my best for my team, but thanks to my memory, I know a lot less about some things than other people. I¡¯ve used most of my time here to learn so I can become part of the whole. And I think somewhere in between I realised I don¡¯t want to be alone. I have my team, but I also like to have human company ¨C especially when I don¡¯t know what to do with myself.¡±

    ¡°You value friendships.¡± The smile on N¡¯s lips seems so sweet that I want to laugh. But my bones ache, I feel like I¡¯m trapped, and overall I don¡¯t think laughing would be a good idea here and now. So I stick to smiling while I take two breaths.

    ¡°Is all this also the reason you ... kept going even though Mimikyu was badly injured?¡±

    I pull the duvet up a little higher so I can snuggle closer to the warmth of the fabric. Simultaneously, I swallow the small lump in my throat, reminding me of all the chaos in Alola.

    ¡°No,¡± I then reply. ¡°I kept going because giving up was never an option. Sure, I thought about it once or twice, but in the end, it was never really a choice.¡± I slowly turn my gaze to the buildings outside our room. ¡°Besides, I owe it to my team to always go the extra mile. I promised Trumbeak I¡¯d take him on trips with me. The same goes for Growlithe. She should be allowed to discover the world without being bound by my fears. And I have Mimikyu with me because we are less alone together. I want to show her that no matter what happens, no matter what sets us back ... no matter what mistakes she makes ... it won¡¯t stop us. We¡¯ll just keep going until we all feel it¡¯s okay to stop.¡±

    ¡°And what if you disagree? If one of you ... doesn¡¯t want to go any further, but the rest do?¡±

    I swallow dryly. ¡°Then it¡¯s up to me to decide what¡¯s best. If someone wants to finish their journey with me, then ... I¡¯ll allow it.¡±

    ¡°Even if you don¡¯t want to?¡±

    ¡°Even if it breaks my heart.¡±

    For a moment, N looks at me as if he¡¯s searching for a lie, or at least uncertainty in my words. But he can¡¯t find anything. And I¡¯m serious. If I have no other choice, I want to do what¡¯s best for my Pok¨¦mon. Even if I end up having to go on all alone.

    ¡°Do you think ... many people are like you?¡± Unable to find an answer in my eyes, N tries to cling to my words.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know if many would act like me,¡± I reply. ¡°But I know many people out there would do a lot for their Pok¨¦mon. Whatever is possible ... some go that route to make a loyal friend happy.¡±

    He exhales shakily, nods again, seems to be sorting out his thoughts, and just as he tries to say something, it¡¯s the clicking of his Rotom Phone interrupting our conversation. For a blink, it vibrates on the bedside table next to his bed before it rises leisurely into the air and flies in his direction. N takes it in his hands far too carefully before he dares to look at the display and his eyelids droop slightly.

    ¡°What happened?¡± I probably shouldn¡¯t ask, because most of Team Plasma¡¯s machinations are none of my business, but it¡¯s worth a try.

    ¡°Father wrote to me,¡± he replies. ¡°They¡¯ve got the last piece to our success. They¡¯re sending us a car. We¡¯re supposed to make sure we can leave here in an hour.¡±

    I can think of better things to do. Like staying in a warm bed and sipping a few more cups of tea. But Ghetsis has plans, and it¡¯s not like I can send N ahead alone, hoping nothing happens. Having collected their final piece of the puzzle, Plasma is ready to conjure up a change. A spectacle I can¡¯t just let happen.

    ¡°Where will the car take us?¡± Reluctantly, I peel myself out of the sheets to slip into my shoes.

    ¡°The destination is the Dragonspiral Tower.¡± His attention shifts to me. ¡°That¡¯s a good two hours from here if we change to a plane in the middle.¡±

    A snort escapes my throat. That means we¡¯ll arrive around midnight, so everything can take place in secret while the world sleeps and prepares for the next day. What¡¯s more, Ghetsis plans to continue his game in a place known for its history. Amethio went through the key data with me a little while ago. The story about Unova couldn¡¯t hold my interest, but I could keep a few things in mind, and no matter how I look at it: Right now, I¡¯d really like to have my team within reach.

    ¡°Is everything all right?¡±

    N must have noticed my gloomy expression. He¡¯s leant forward in his bed, his brows drawn together, so I wave him off. ¡°Everything¡¯s fine.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯d like to be with your team now, wouldn¡¯t you?¡± He looks through me like I¡¯m the daily newspaper. A bit like Amethio. Maybe I really am just obvious. ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry. If anything occurs, I¡¯ll make sure nothing happens to you. You don¡¯t need Pok¨¦mon to be safe.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s nice of you.¡± But it¡¯s not enough for me. It¡¯s not what I want and we both know that. Still, there¡¯s no point getting hung up on things that can¡¯t be changed, so I put my hands on my hips and take a deep breath. ¡°Still, I¡¯d like to have them with me.¡±

    ¡°You regret not taking them from my father?¡±

    ¡°I regret even thinking for a moment that waiting is a good idea in this case.¡± Turning, I face N. ¡°Do you feel any different? Do you want to push your friends away in hope they¡¯ll forget you? Have you ever asked them?¡±

    His shoulders tense. ¡°Often, but you know ... they would say a lot to make me happy.¡±

    ¡°Maybe that¡¯s love you have to accept.¡± My posture loosens. ¡°And you know what? When everything is back to normal and I¡¯m a professor ... then I¡¯m going to specialise in what can be done to stop our friend''s suffering. Especially in battle.¡± It¡¯s like a cloud clears in my head. The thing I hate most is seeing my team hurt. ¡°I want to put an end to this suffering, so I¡¯m going to study Pok¨¦mon battles and Pok¨¦mon biology.¡±

    ¡°But you¡¯ll have to test a lot of things...¡± N¡¯s eyes widen. ¡°Won¡¯t that hurt a lot of them?¡±

    ¡°Not if I can test all this myself first to ensure safety.¡±

    ¡°And you think this will work?¡±

    I shrug my shoulders. ¡°Even if it doesn¡¯t, I¡¯ll just make it happen.¡± It¡¯s the one thing I¡¯m sure of, and I¡¯ll do everything I can to make it work. So I go one step further and throw myself head over heels into self-made restraints. ¡°I promise.¡±

 Chapter 59: A boy, not a hero III

    Sweat burns on my forehead. Our normally green surroundings are engulfed by night, by eternally looming shadows from which there is no escape. The old stone bridge taking us to the crumbling entrance of the Dragonspiral Tower is adorned with ancient pillars on either side ¨C one collapsed long ago and swallowed up by the lake in which this tower lies.

    The inside is in just as bad a condition as it looks from the outside. Holes and cracks mark the floor. The levels above us are half crumpled and the staircase winding its way up to the top at the side can almost be followed to the top with the eyes from below.

    N¡¯s hand firmly anchored in mine, I squeeze his fingers to calm the racing heart in my chest. While his skin appears damp with excitement, mine is coated in fear. Everywhere I look, there¡¯s a member of Plasma. They have settled on rocks, on broken pillars, and the ground. Each of them looks at N and me as if we¡¯re doing something big here and now, and I can¡¯t help but wonder if they know about Ghetsis¡¯ actual ideals. Has he told them how little he cares about N? That he¡¯ll kill him when he¡¯s useless?

    I swallow. The next moment, N pulls me forward, towards the steps, taking us up a few metres. Close to the wall, I listen to every stone crumbling and falling into the depths. One wrong step, a single vibration, could send us down and end all this.

    ¡°The way is safe,¡± N assures me somewhere in between. ¡°Father said they walked up and down these stairs several times and nothing happened. What collapsed has given way over the centuries. But what¡¯s still standing will last for many more years to come.¡±

    He is almost too chirpy in his narrative ¨C as if he can hardly wait to see which path he has to take. As if it would be easiest to pass on all responsibility, because what he has been taught and what he sees are terribly different. Everything in him eagerly awaits this outcome and the decision that awaits him. He does exactly what Ghetsis must have put in his head and believes it is his free will.

    Maybe I¡¯m wrong and N really has decided to do this, despite all his father¡¯s teachings. In the end, I know far too little about him or Ghetsis to judge this relationship. It¡¯s strange, but despite our conversations and the feeling that I need to help him, he¡¯s a perfect stranger to me.

    The top floor greets us minutes later with a half-collapsed floor and wide pilasters from long-forgotten days. Only half of the ceiling is still in place, letting in the faint moonlight. But not enough to see where we shouldn¡¯t step. That¡¯s why Team Plasma has set up countless candles. Hundreds of tiny lights dot the floor, creating a pathway for us to walk straight to a platform where Ghetsis is waiting for us with a friendly smile.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you think this mysterious and glorious atmosphere is very fitting for our noble beginning of an everlasting change?¡± Placing a hand on his chest, Ghetsis bows his head. Then he holds it out to N. ¡°Come here, my son.¡±

    I can do nothing, can¡¯t say anything, as N lets go of my hand and strides towards Ghetsis ¨C his back arched and his shoulders straight, as if he¡¯s facing his greatest challenge. Perhaps it is, even if it seems insignificant as he is handed a black stone. His fingers wrap tightly around the fist-sized piece, which he presses carefully against his chest.

    What follows is silence. For a few breaths, nothing happens. There is only N, holding the stone. His lips are moving, but I can¡¯t hear any of his words. He talks to himself, putting all his wishes into words and relying on someone out there to hear them.

    Until I hear the deep rumble of a female voice, one that sounds completely alien to me.

    It takes a few blinks before the rumble turns into words no one else hears, apart from me and probably N too.

    ¡°You¡¯ve come to change the world?¡± As deep as the sea and yet as gentle as the silence after a storm, the sounds of the unknown being nestle against our ears. ¡°You¡¯re ready to chase your dreams, boy?¡±

    N¡¯s answer is merely an approving mutter that even reaches me. A sound that combines with a relieved sigh in my head. My gaze immediately flits to Ghetsis ¨C who is still standing there, an eager smile on his lips. Does he have my Pok¨¦mon with him? Can I do something here and now before the situation turns into a catastrophe?

    My fingers twitch, my whole body feels tense, but I don¡¯t know what to do before N lets out a soft cry of pain. The black stone slips from his hands but doesn¡¯t hit his feet. Instead, it pauses just above the ground, surrounded by blue, twitching electric waves like the ones I¡¯ve seen before in the Chargestone Cave. Then the stone lifts into the air, floats towards the darkness of the sky and remains visible only through the small pulses of electricity. A glow that gets brighter with every second until little flashes of lightning erupt.

    Within seconds, they twitch through our surroundings, lick along the floor, and nestle against the pillars. Some candles are extinguished by the unnatural gust of wind. Members of Plasma throw themselves to the ground. Others remain trapped in their stances.

    Even Ghetsis flinches for a moment before his eyes widen and the former smile turns into a wide grin of fulfilled imagination. He absorbs the sight deeply, unable to hide the shaking of his shoulders. N¡¯s eyes, however, are glued to the stone. I can¡¯t move a muscle.

    A restless murmur spreads through the air, merging with the whirring of electricity until a dazzlingly bright light engulfs the stone and spreads out. It gains mass and threatens to take over the room, blinding us all to the point we shield our eyes, and when the bright energy glow dissipates with a blast, the mighty form of a Pok¨¦mon is left behind. With its remarkably short wings, it rises through the brittle ceiling into the night sky ¨C blending into its surroundings and attracting further attention with a roar. It sounds like the rumbling after a flash of lightning, similar to the storm that raged earlier.

    Slowly, as if in slow motion, it settles on the platform. The following tremor makes my heart sink, hoping the Dragonspiral Tower won¡¯t collapse. But nothing moves. Only this being in front of us, surrounded by calm tension, exists in the depths of my worries.

    ¡°I am willing to begin a new journey with a new hero.¡± It slowly lowers its head so that its bright red eyes, with their piercing yellow irises, shift into focus. The light blue shimmer of its armoured body stands in stark contrast. ¡°Tell me your destination and I will accompany you on your journey. But remember, should you prove yourself unworthy of me for even a single breath, I will erase you from the face of this world. I am not interested in reliving another drama between two people who don¡¯t know which path is right for them.¡± A snort escapes it. ¡°Do you know which path is right for you?¡±

    N hesitates. He doesn¡¯t know, has probably imagined something else. But he has a legend in front of him and his father has expectations of him. So he finally affirms. In those seconds, he leaps into the arms of Ghetsis¡¯ will. He sets off on a path he didn¡¯t choose himself, and if the Pok¨¦mon finds out about it, I don¡¯t want to know what it will do to him.

    As soon as N has climbed onto his new partner¡¯s back, he reaches out to me. ¡°Are you coming, Domino? To make a change, I will first defeat all the champs present in this region and prove to everyone that my way is the right one. In the meantime, father will surely do everything he can to find the other dragon so that you can summon it.¡±

    I barely listen. Is it really your path? A simple question I¡¯d like to ask him after we¡¯ve been so open with each other. He¡¯s confessed to me his insecurities, his wavering resolve, his fear of being caught between two sides because it¡¯s easier to think in black and white instead of dealing with the shades of grey. It¡¯s laughable and I can¡¯t help but gasp silently. The thought has caught up with me before and it seems to become more present with every passing second.

    ¡°Domino?¡± N tilts his head uncertainly as I glance at Ghetsis.

    The floor behind the candles has collapsed. The fall downwards is likely deadly. But he¡¯s standing in the perfect spot so he can¡¯t run away. If he has my Pok¨¦mon, I might find the opportunity to corner him.

    Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    Then again, I wonder if it¡¯s worth it. My decision could put N in danger, and even though I¡¯ve previously made a big deal about wanting to be by his side ¨C primarily to keep him safe ¨C this moment feels like I¡¯m betraying him. If I don¡¯t take his hand now, he will make his way to the top all by himself. He will try to live a wish that isn¡¯t his. But even if I go with him, what can I do? What am I capable of? My team is in someone else¡¯s hands. There¡¯s nothing I can do to defend myself. And now that this Pok¨¦mon has appeared, N will be convinced that his father¡¯s teachings were correct.

    ¡°You¡¯re indecisive, girl...¡± Even the Pok¨¦mon notices my wavering, so I give it a quick sideways glance

    ¡°Domino, we have to go. Zekrom is ready! The faster-¡±

    I interrupt N as I raise my hand and turn back to Ghetsis, who lifts his brows. Then he nods at me as if he¡¯ll allow me to leave ¨C without friends and aid. He won¡¯t give me back anyone from my team. He probably never will until he passes them on to someone else and I miss my chance. I can always sort things out with N later. So I look back at the Pok¨¦mon before taking a deep breath, clasping my hands in the fabric of my long jumper and raising my voice.

    ¡°I know I shouldn¡¯t ask you for anything, but get N to safety! Take him away from here! Don¡¯t let anyone defeat him unless there¡¯s a good reason to.¡± Immediately Zekrom threatens to disappear and I grab the last seconds before N won¡¯t be here anymore. ¡°Take care of yourself! I¡¯ll catch up with you as soon as I get my path straightened out!¡±

    N¡¯s look is full of questions. He¡¯d probably like to discuss all this with me, but we don¡¯t have time. Zekrom disappears into the night in the very next breath, melting into its surroundings and not allowing anyone to follow in time. Even Ghetsis is so irritated for a second by what¡¯s happening that he just stares after N ¨C unable to act.

    The other members of Plasma are different. A few of them have already taken out their Pok¨¦ Balls and summoned their partners. They¡¯re sure I¡¯ve done something wrong, even though I was a part of it all until two breaths ago. However, I can¡¯t expect my enemies to believe we¡¯re friends when we haven¡¯t spent time together.

    Either I act, or my journey is done.

    With a snorting smile, I move. My legs quicken with each stride. I wanted to be better, I really did. No more irresponsible decisions, no more rash actions. Think first, then act. No more making trouble for Amethio. No more having to be the girl whose ass you have to save all the time because she rides herself into stupid situations.

    I¡¯ve learnt that. I really have.

    But I can¡¯t leave things like this and I don¡¯t have any fucking time to wait for an opportunity to come my way. I need to open N¡¯s eyes and I need my team to do it. Besides, maybe I should pass on some information to the Explorers.

    So when I throw myself full force against Ghetsis, it¡¯s not because I¡¯m being rash. It¡¯s purely down to a lack of good options and it¡¯s not the first time I¡¯ve fallen down somewhere and got away.

    The stifled sound of surprise escaping Ghetsis is enough for me to slide my fingers quickly into his robes. Simultaneously, he topples backwards, stumbling over his own feet ¨C and suddenly there is no floor. The moment he realises we¡¯re going to fall is the same one in which I feel the balls. Lots of them. In both pockets. There are enough that I can¡¯t fit them all in my hands, but I clutch at least three of them with each hand and as the abyss reaches for us, I pull them out.

    In a blink, the world rushes past us both. Ghetsis looks at me, shouts a thousand words, which I block out while he tries to grab me. But I push him off me with my fists and he seems to fall a little faster than I do.

    Immediately, he digs through his pockets as well and grabs the remaining balls. We both look at our inventory and when I catch sight of Coro¡¯s Pok¨¦ Ball, a strangled sound of joy escapes me. My heart is beating up to my neck, the wind tugs at my hair and my surroundings are just a blurred mess, but as I let Trumbeak out of his ball, I know I¡¯m winning this fight. Ghetsis can¡¯t seem to find any Pok¨¦mon of use. Instead, he puts the balls back, talks at me again and the ground becomes frighteningly close.

    Bending down, I try to get closer to him, Coro beside me in a panicked dive. Only when Ghetsis is within my grasp and he is actually clinging to me do I shout against the roaring in my ears. ¡°Coro, give me your best tackle!¡±

    Two more blinks and we hit the ground. One more breath and my plan fails.

    But Coro gathers momentum. He flaps his wings so fast that his body suddenly appears terribly bright in this cursed darkness. Then he darts in our direction like a white arrow, ramming into us with a force and weight more powerful than I could ever have imagined, hurling us aside.

    The speed and power throw us straight into the wall above the stairs. Ghetsis cushions my impact with his body, letting out a gasp as I hear it crack, and as we hit the steps, I can already feel the bruises forming. Together, we roll sideways down some of the stone steps. For a moment, I want to believe we won¡¯t stop until we reach the bottom, but when something grabs me by the collar, my downfall ends as quickly as it began.

    I want to look over my shoulder, to say thank you, but I can¡¯t take my eyes off Ghetsis. He has raised his arms to protect his head. But I can¡¯t let him get the upper hand.

    The stolen Pok¨¦ Balls are still in my hands. Five of them, only two of which are mine. If he hasn¡¯t summoned his Hydreigon, it must be in my possession. More circumstances to take advantage of. So I tear myself away from Trumbeak and run down the steps after Ghetsis. However, I don¡¯t reach him before we both arrive at the bottom and he remains motionless on the floor. A heavy gasp escapes his lips and for a moment, I almost feel sorry for him. But his words and his actions don¡¯t deserve pity. He brought everything that happened on himself.

    Hastily, I rummage through his robe. Once again, my hands slide into the pockets with the Pok¨¦ Balls. This time, I consciously take what¡¯s mine and leave his Pok¨¦mon behind. Meanwhile, finding Raya in her new home ¨C an Ultra Ball ¨C turns out to be easy. He has carefully stowed my team on one side, while his remains on the other.

    Then I check his clothes for more pockets, find some on his loose trousers and discover the Z-Crystals he must have taken with him to explore their use in more detail when the opportunity arises. After all, it¡¯s a power that can¡¯t be found anywhere else. On the other side, he has hidden my Rotom Phone.

    It¡¯s all he has with him. My potion has disappeared, along with the other small remedies I had packed. Now it¡¯s just my team, the crystals that I put in my bra, my Rotom and me. But that¡¯s all I need, and as I get up to call Coro back into his ball the next moment, a Pok¨¦mon that looks like mine, but is completely different, looks at me.

    ¡°Coro?¡± Raising my brows, I take a step closer. He has settled down on the penultimate step and the hurried footsteps of the other Plasma members from above can already be heard. The others must have fled outside as soon as Zekrom landed.

    The Pok¨¦mon¡¯s following scream is reminiscent of the fury of a buzz saw and as I stumble back a step, he looks at me with narrowed eyes. The blue lower eyelid and the strangely bent, grey brows give him an angry expression I can¡¯t soothe.

    Yet it also has this beautiful beak that turns from black to dark orange until it turns yellow. I want to compliment it, but I don¡¯t get the chance before the first Plasma members appear a few steps above.

    ¡°If you¡¯re still Coro, follow me!¡±

    In the end, I turn around on the spot and run off ¨C all my belongings quickly put into two small pockets of my jumper. The fluttering behind me assures Coro is following and as I stumble across the bridge outside, I¡¯m sure no one is following us. Presumably, the puny figure of Ghetsis has caused them all to go into a state of paralysis.

    As quickly as they can, my legs carry me into the surrounding forest. With any luck, they won¡¯t find me or even look for me in this darkness. Right now there is nothing Ghetsis can do and I have a small window of opportunity to act.

    I need to find something to stand up to N the next time I see him and convince him to make his own decision. He wanted to get to know Unova and gain authentic experience, not fall into someone else¡¯s made-up spiral.

    Without further ado, I drop behind a tree trunk and try to calm my rushed breathing. I won¡¯t be able to fight Zekrom with my team if it attacks me. I need to work my brain, but I can¡¯t think of anything but Team Plasma, the turmoil inside, and my shaky hands.

    At least, until someone snorts in my face, and I blink a few times until I notice Coro.

    ¡°I almost forgot about you...¡± As if in a trance, I pull the Rotom Phone out of my pocket and let it teach me. I know what¡¯s sitting in front of me, but that¡¯s all I¡¯ve ever studied about Alola¡¯s Pok¨¦mon.

    ¡°Toucannon. Type: Normal/Flying. Cannon Pok¨¦mon. It can heat its beak to over a hundred degrees and explode gases inside it to shoot seeds capable of shattering a rock. They communicate with each other by clashing their beaks. Strength and number convey their feelings.¡±

    ¡°So ... you¡¯ve reached the end of your evolutionary line, huh?¡±

    Coro¡¯s look is still kind of angry, but he puts his head lovingly in my hand when I try to stroke him. His expression is probably something that just comes with it, and I was worried for nothing about him changing.

    ¡°You¡¯ve become pretty,¡± I hold him closer. ¡°From a small Pok¨¦mon barely noticeable next to Ying, to a graceful creature that now stands out with its magnificent beak.¡± A quiet laugh escapes me. ¡°But somehow we¡¯ve thrown stressful evolutions at you. Both times in a dive. Somebody, try to copy that...¡±

    Unfortunately, I hardly noticed the light of his evolution this time. The situation demanded too much of me at once. But I¡¯m confident it looked exactly the same as the first time ¨C full of beads of light and changes.

    My eyes widen. In the next moment, I push Coro far enough away from me to look into his face. ¡°I know!¡±

    My Pok¨¦mon tilts his head in irritation. He has no clue what I¡¯m talking about and I don¡¯t have time to explain. Instead, I call Amethio¡¯s number. We¡¯ve been talking so much I¡¯ve almost forgotten his explanations about the legendary dragons. N has used the so-called Dark Stone to summon Zekrom. So if I want something that can stand up to this creature, I should try to find its counterpart. And for that, I need something that I have no plan where it is.

 Chapter 60: A boy, not a hero IV

    Rotom¡¯s ringing keeps me half awake in the cold of the night. It¡¯s hard to believe, but recently the temperatures have dropped significantly ¨C at least once the sun has gone down. September is slowly foreshadowing what¡¯s coming in autumn and although I¡¯m glad I¡¯m no longer tortured by endless heat, I don¡¯t know if I¡¯ll like winter any better.

    ¡°Domino?¡±

    When Amethio finally picks up, I can hear myself breathe a sigh of relief. He¡¯s quite a distance away and I could call absolutely anyone ¨C Zir and Conia, for example ¨C but I can¡¯t deny that I¡¯m always drawn back to Amethio. Maybe it¡¯s because I¡¯ve always been able to rely on him and, despite his rebukes and the fact we don¡¯t get along smoothly, he gives me a certain security that makes me feel at ease.

    ¡°Where are you?¡±

    His sudden question snaps me out of my thoughts, causing me to suck in my breath shakily and hug Coro¡¯s feathery body tighter. ¡°At the Dragonspiral Tower.¡±

    This time, I detect a deep exhalation on the other side, causing my shoulders to tighten. He doesn¡¯t seem to have been any less tense than I was. Presumably, Ghetsis¡¯ plan of a little lie didn¡¯t quite work out.

    ¡°You knew I wasn¡¯t sent on a mission?¡±

    ¡°It was obvious,¡± he replies. ¡°When I received your message, I already knew something must have happened. Hamber wouldn¡¯t give you a job without my knowledge, and you never deemed it necessary to tell me about your trips with Spinel before you left.¡± A brief silence spreads between us and for a moment I think I can see him in my mind¡¯s eye ¨C standing there and closing his eyes because he can hardly believe what he¡¯s about to say. ¡°Besides, you were going to run errands and then return.¡±

    He already knew I was in trouble when I didn¡¯t come back on time. All because he trusts my words. Probably because I discuss everything else with him. The certainty brings a smile to my lips. To my astonishment, he pays more attention to my actions and idiosyncrasies than I would ever have expected. He notices me and my heart thanks him with a gentle leap.

    ¡°I take it you¡¯ve started looking for me?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ve been waiting for something to happen,¡± he returns. ¡°Some people witnessed the fight between you and Ghetsis in the streets or ran away. From there, we tried to find out where he would take you. However, we don¡¯t know where Plasma is hiding. So we waited until a professor gave us a clue about you being in the Chargestone Cave. Together with Ghetsis and this N.¡± His breath is now running a little faster through the line, as if he is hurrying along the corridors of the base. ¡°We quickly realised Plasma was planning to take you to the Dragonspiral Tower. We wanted to bring you back before that, but according to Hamber, the circumstances would have been too dangerous.¡±

    ¡°Too dangerous?¡± They¡¯re not wrong. I don¡¯t want to know what Ghetsis would have done to N if they had intervened.

    ¡°You said something to the professor that probably meant more than first thought.¡±

    I remember. The moment Aurea tried to get me out and I told her I wanted to help N ¨C she must have understood there was a reason. The two of us would have gotten away for sure. However, my words conveyed something would happen if we ran away. She picked up on my insecurity and passed it on. Basically, she saved N¡¯s life and the tightness that suddenly forms in my chest makes me swallow hard. I don¡¯t want to think about how desperate everything seems right now. We haven¡¯t reached the end yet, N isn¡¯t safe. There¡¯s a gap between us and I have to cross it before Ghetsis does.

    ¡°Thank you...¡± is all I manage. ¡°Not coming was the right decision.¡± I take a long breath, my shoulders shaking. ¡°I hope you could recover anyway.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± he snorts wearily. Surely, when I left, it was his last day of rest. He just wanted to stick to the deadline he¡¯d been given, while fulfilling the promise between us on the side. Still, it can¡¯t be good to be hounded out of a rest session only to see stress ahead. ¡°Do you need help?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine,¡± I reply in a flash. I don¡¯t want to burden him with any more. He shouldn¡¯t have to come and rescue me again. I have only myself to thank for these circumstances, so I¡¯ll get out of this on my own. ¡°But could you tell me where the Light Stone was last seen? That legendary piece to summon Reshiram?¡±

    ¡°The Light Stone?¡± I don¡¯t need to see him to know he raises his eyebrows. ¡°What do you want with it?¡±

    ¡°I ... need to do something. Can you just answer the question?¡± Reluctantly, I pull my legs tighter, hoping that Coro¡¯s warmth will take away some of the chill running through my body.

    Amethio, meanwhile, takes his time before answering with a snort. ¡°It is said it disappeared centuries ago in the ¡®Relic Castle¡¯. A ruin where nothing has been found for years.¡±

    I don¡¯t want to believe that I¡¯m any better at searching than any of the experts who have specially equipped themselves for a treasure hunt, but it¡¯s the only clue I have. Maybe a bit of luck will play into my hands and the Light Stone will fall into my lap without further ado because it senses I need it more than anyone else right now. If I don¡¯t find it, I¡¯ll have to face N with my team and that could be problematic when it comes to Zekrom. Not much is known about this creature, but it has a power that a simple Pok¨¦mon can¡¯t block. It¡¯s not for nothing that the dragons here are known as legends. They can make a difference, really change things ¨C with sheer force.

    ¡°I¡¯ll get back to you when I have what I¡¯m looking for,¡± I finally throw at Amethio before hanging up ¨C just as he takes a breath to protest. We haven¡¯t been a team for long, but I¡¯ve spent enough time with him to know what he would have said next. We¡¯ve been at each other¡¯s throats far too often in such a brief space of time for anything else.

    Taking one last deep breath, I pull myself together and call Coro back into his ball. Then I tuck him into the side pockets of my sweater along with the others and the Rotom Phone, and push on.

    The night¡¯s chill isn¡¯t nearly as bad as what I experienced in the cold store, but I can¡¯t say my legs are warm. Every breeze shivers a little on my skin. I¡¯d like to have something else to wear, I¡¯d love to take a shower and do something about the pain of the fall down the steps, but there¡¯s no time.

    As soon as I think I¡¯m so deep in the surrounding forest that there¡¯s no going back and forth, I grab Rotom again. The reception out here isn¡¯t the best, but it¡¯s enough to open a map of Unova and find out where the palace Amethio was talking about is located.

    However, the distance on the map already seems gigantic, not least because Castelia City is closer to my destination than this damned Dragonspiral Tower. What¡¯s more, the distance calculator robs me of all hope. The gap between me and the palace is almost six hours ¨C assuming I had a car and an aeroplane to carry me over Twist Mountain. However, taking a diversion would take much longer and I would see almost the entire region. Then again, I¡¯m travelling on foot. The likelihood of me even reaching the next town seems relatively low in my current state.

    Pressing my lips together, I dial Amethio¡¯s number again and let it ring until he picks up half an eternity later. He seems to enjoy making me sit on my poor decisions a little longer than necessary.

    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    ¡°I know what I said,¡± I start when I¡¯m sure he¡¯s listening on the other side of the line. ¡°Still, I¡¯ve realised I don¡¯t have time to walk all the way.¡± I purse my lips. ¡°Is the offer to help still on?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m already on my way.¡±

    ¡°How long will it take?¡±

    ¡°A while.¡± A short pause. ¡°If Corviknight gives it its all, about an hour. But then we¡¯ll have to rest up there.¡±

    No matter how we spin it, I¡¯ll lose time. But the same is probably true for Plasma. After everything that¡¯s happened, I don¡¯t think Ghetsis will immediately set off to capture N and make his life hell. With any luck, he¡¯ll spend the next few hours complaining about his aching bones while I rest in the safety of a warm room. On top, it allows me to actually prepare myself for the circumstances.

    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t happen to have any clothes for me?¡± I can guess the answer, but it doesn¡¯t hurt to ask.

    To my astonishment, however, Amethio makes a sound of approval. ¡°Conia noticed that you¡¯d turned up. She gave me a bag for you.¡±

    This time I can clearly feel my heart leap for joy and even if it¡¯s not for Amethio, I realise it with relief. In these seconds, Conia is my personal angel.

    ¡°Do you want me to wait for you somewhere?¡± In the end, I pause in one place for a moment, hoping Amethio will fly over me at any second. A silly thought, considering how far away he is.

    ¡°Stay where you are. Then I can track you on the Rotom Phone.¡±

    It¡¯s very simple and, just like always, and I don¡¯t have to worry about what¡¯s coming next because I know Amethio won¡¯t leave me hanging. That¡¯s the only reason I give him an accepting hum before hanging up again and surrendering to the silence. In the meantime, I have no choice but to let Ying out of her ball and snuggle up to her for some warmth.

    Leaning my head against her chest fur, I close my eyes. Behind them, my thoughts, concerns and worries bubble up and I can¡¯t shake them off. N is on his way to see what he can do. He will challenge and defeat the champs currently in the region; he will show the people of Unova that he is the chosen one. And then he will act.

    It¡¯s a scenario I don¡¯t want to imagine. I¡¯d much rather think about Amethio, about the fact that with his help I might be able to do something before N decides in favour of stupidity and Ghetsis throws him away. Sure, this guy won¡¯t jump N¡¯s bones right away, but as soon as the opportunity presents itself, he¡¯ll take over. He¡¯ll wait until N has done what he¡¯s supposed to do and then Ghetsis will take his place to control what isn¡¯t his.

    Again, I shake my head until Ying lets out a grumble of confusion. Gently, I stroke her muzzle. Then I cling to Amethio again, to the only thought that seems good in this confusion. Perhaps because we¡¯ve spent the last few days together and I¡¯ve experienced him in a way that makes him much more fragile than he would probably ever admit. We¡¯ve made a promise and been more open with each other than I ever thought possible on Poni Island.

    It¡¯s strange. We barely know each other at all, really. I don¡¯t know what he likes or what desires he carries with him aside from Rayquaza. I didn¡¯t even know what his surname was until recently and it probably doesn¡¯t look much different to him. A groan escapes me. It certainly looks very different to him. After all, he¡¯s watching me in a way I completely miss.

    My thoughts stop. Thinking about it is confusing. It feels like we know nothing about each other, but if I¡¯m honest, when I try to piece together everything I recognise about him, we have a deeper understanding of each other than I expected. Our characteristics take centre stage in this.

    And that¡¯s despite we spent most of our time together in Alola. I¡¯ve spent these months we¡¯ve been in Unova mainly with Spinel and yet ¨C I¡¯ve hardly been able to get Amethio out of my head for a second. Since my escape, he¡¯s been the only person I¡¯ve been able to feel at peace with. In a very short time, I trusted him enough to fall asleep by his side, resting my head on his shoulder repeatedly and hoping he would wait for me to return when I stumbled into Ultra Space with Lillie.

    I¡¯m sure it wasn¡¯t love at first sight. Certainly not. I was still making fun of it in Malie Garden. And yet I can¡¯t find the point in my memories where I fell in love. Was it the seconds during his exercise when I got closer to him? Was it this strange tension that caught up with me? Or was it the dreams and imaginings when I was out with Spinel, where I slowly realised what it was like to miss someone so clearly?

    There are endless possibilities on offer ¨C as if all of this crept up on me. As if a little distance was enough to point out I was already unconsciously drawn to him from the very beginning. To his long eyelashes, the way he wears his hair and the icy stare behind which hides a hothead whose tunnel vision reaches to the ends of the earth.

    Half in thought, I pull my legs closer to my upper body and rest my head on my knees. Thinking about Amethio is nice, even if I can¡¯t answer many questions. Liking him is strange. It¡¯s kind of unprepared and comes out of nowhere. Or maybe I¡¯m just imagining it. Perhaps I¡¯m a little blind to the creeping feelings I¡¯ve been harbouring. Fact is, I want to know more about him, want more time with him, and part of me hopes he will help me with N too.

    Instead of dealing with this mess alone, I should communicate and get an ally on board. No one promises me I can find the Light Stone and get Reshiram on my side. But I could get Amethio involved. He¡¯s strong enough to make a difference.

    As I swallow dryly, the thought clouds my mind. Rayquaza already didn¡¯t see him as an opponent, and even if I want to believe it, in reality, it¡¯s unlikely to be any different with Zekrom. It¡¯s not a Legendary Pok¨¦mon for nothing. I can¡¯t imagine that after all these years of rest, it¡¯s any weaker than Amethio told me. Together with Reshiram, it has destroyed Unova once before. That takes power. A lot of it.

    However, Zekrom doesn¡¯t seem like an evil Pok¨¦mon. It listened to my request, even though it acknowledged N. It has acted, even though I have nothing to say. Maybe I can talk things through with it.

    Or maybe I¡¯m just naive.

    It¡¯s much more likely that it listened to me because it understood the circumstances. N¡¯s safety is top priority for this Pok¨¦mon. It does everything it can to ensure its newly chosen hero isn¡¯t wiped off the face of the earth within the first four seconds. N¡¯s wishes and dreams are also Zekrom¡¯s. At least, I can hardly imagine it any other way with a creature that falls in historical records in connection with said dreams.

    My thoughts are spinning. The blackness behind my eyes intensifies and with every new thought I have, I seem to forget the world around me. Plasma won¡¯t find me here, and the cold doesn¡¯t seem so bad around Ying. I can get used to it.

    And then there¡¯s this pleasant warmth that spreads over my shoulder. It¡¯s a little different from Ying¡¯s fur, heavier and a little more alive because I can feel the pressure through the fabric of the jumper. Sleepily, I lift my head to see if another Pok¨¦mon has joined us. But my eyes immediately catch Amethio¡¯s violet gaze.

    In an instant, I sit upright, my eyes wide open, to make sure I¡¯m not imagining things. ¡°You¡¯re here already?¡±

    ¡°I told you I¡¯d be here in about an hour.¡±

    He was true to his word; pushing Corviknight to reach me as quickly as possible. The growing relief steals the tension from my body and, as my shoulders slump, I don¡¯t think I can move. A wave of calm washes over me, certainty that everything will be a little easier now, and when Amethio offers his hand to help me up, I accept.

    Wordlessly, he drags me to his Flying-type Pok¨¦mon. Ying disappears into her ball and climbing up seems easier than anything I¡¯ve ever done before. As soon as I wrap my arms around Amethio¡¯s waist, we rise into the air.

    In those seconds, everything seems to be in the right place. Resting my head on his shoulder, I dare to press myself close to him until he lets me know with a tap on my forearms that I¡¯m taking his breath away. So I loosen my grip a little and enjoy his closeness in other ways ¨C his smell, his warmth, and the silence.

    Amethio doesn¡¯t ask a single question. He knows I¡¯m going to talk to him, anyway. I always do in cases like this. Because it¡¯s important. Because it¡¯s all I have in these seconds. Still, I let a few minutes pass. My heart beats faster. He can probably feel it drumming against his back. Or perhaps I¡¯m just paranoid and he doesn¡¯t notice any of this.

    Yet I can¡¯t shake the sudden flash of thought at the back of my mind. N¡¯s affection for the Pok¨¦mon, his love for all the friends he¡¯s made out there ¨C is this feeling comparable to my feelings for Amethio? Or is it more like my love for Ying? Is it warm and exciting, or is it a mixture of security and worry?

    He has told me so much, but none of it seems to fit.

    It shouldn¡¯t matter, but it¡¯s a question I have to ask him. A question I will ask him as soon as we meet again. Maybe then I¡¯ll understand why he finds decisions difficult.

    Finally, I take a deep breath and speak up. However, I don¡¯t let go of Amethio, nor do I pull my head from his shoulder. In the next moment, everything that has happened in the last few days leaves my lips. The reason I ended up leaving with Ghetsis, that they locked me in a cold store, that I want to help N and how he sees things in the world. Our conversations, our disagreements, his wishes, his dreams, my hopes.

    And somewhere along the line, I ask for help.

 Chapter 61: A girl, not a heroine I

    The day''s warmth settles kindly on my shoulders, while the wind tugs lukewarmly at my hair, leaving a few grains of sand behind, and I snuggle a little closer to Amethio despite everything. Corviknight is currently carrying us across the sandy expanse outside the Join Avenue. We¡¯ll probably have to walk the way home, judging by the fact that we flew the way back as fast as this Pok¨¦mon could carry us.

    Tensely, my eyes glide over the area below us. The restlessness within believes that we will soon encounter Plasma. But I want to hold on to the fact Ghetsis didn¡¯t take the fall from the stairs well. We need this head start, this time to get our hands on something that will give us an advantage over Plasma.

    I swallow dryly. We¡¯ve spent the last few hours resting in Icirrus City. After a hot shower and fresh clothes, my world looked a little brighter. What¡¯s more, Amethio took everything I told him better than expected. The only comment he had left was that people want too much and I can¡¯t say he¡¯s wrong. Not only does Plasma want to unhinge everything, but they¡¯ve also indirectly messed with the Explorers. On top, it doesn¡¯t seem like the Explorers are happy that an insane cult is taking over Unova.

    As Corviknight lowers the altitude, my thoughts drift away from the previous day and cling to the present once more. The Relic Castle Amethio told me about lies excavated in a hole below us. The cracked walls make the dome-like building look terribly fragile and the sand has partially rubbed off the turquoise colour of the roof. The towers attached to the side are the only ones that still appear firmly anchored, while windows are missing and the entrance is held up by two metal pillars that don¡¯t date from the same period. Cranes and diggers stand around within easy reach and the heavy metal staircase that has been extended to the entrance allows a direct route to explore ancient histories.

    It is plausible that the Light Stone was lost in this place, but judging by the state of this building and all the attention that has already been paid to this excavation, I don¡¯t think we¡¯ll find anything here.

    Still, Corviknight heads for the entrance, and when the Pok¨¦mon finally settles, I can¡¯t wait to look inside. As soon as I¡¯ve dismounted and Amethio has called his companion back, I knock some sand off my skirt. The Explorers¡¯ uniform is much warmer than what I was wearing before and Conia has even remembered to pack a pair of thick black tights to be on the safe side.

    With a few leaps, I make my way inside the palace, only to hear it crunch beneath my soles. The surroundings of this ancient historical site are nothing like what I had imagined. No broken marble floors, no old paintings whose drawings are already half-faded. Nothing that suggests value and importance. Instead, everything here is full of sand and the grey-brown brick walls offer nothing more than carved signs I don¡¯t understand. It¡¯s a bit as if old writings had been immortalised on the wall and a dictionary had forgotten to be included.

    ¡°Where ... should we start?¡± Indecisively, I turn towards the entrance, through which Amethio finally steps. His gaze glides briefly over our surroundings, but gives him as few clues as it does me.

    Judging by his reaction, we have no choice but to look around and pay attention to what¡¯s going on at our feet. So I go ahead. Opposite the entrance is a wall that doesn¡¯t match the rest, but is too high to look over. With nimble fingers, I release Coro from his ball. As soon as he sits on the floor and looks at me sceptically with his judgemental gaze ¨C it will take me a while to get used to his expression ¨C I point to the wall.

    ¡°Would you look at what¡¯s on the other side?¡±

    He follows my finger before fluttering up the border and I use the time to let Mimikyu out of her ball. For safety, I take her in my arms and when Coro returns, she¡¯s the one who translates his words to me.

    ¡°He say, other side down stairs.¡±

    ¡°Then there must be a staircase here somewhere.¡± It is Amethio who comes up beside me and takes a quick look at Mirra before turning away and looking around. His careful steps crunch with his every movement. I don¡¯t have to follow him with my eyes to hear him.

    ¡°Did you see anything else?¡±

    Toucannon shakes his head hastily. Then he rises into the air again, ready to take another look at the other side and maybe even go a step further. He could fly down the stairs and see what¡¯s hiding under this floor.

    However, I don¡¯t get the chance to pass my idea on to him before a horrified sound escapes him and, at the same moment, quiet cursing from Amethio reaches me. Immediately, I whirl around to face him. He hasn¡¯t got far before the sand has eagerly wrapped itself around his legs. But not only that: the grains devour him.

    ¡°Quicksand?¡± My eyes widen. For a moment, my body seems frozen in place. Amethio sinks further and further into the sand before my eyes, unable to defend himself, and the more he moves, the faster the ground seems to swallow him up. I have to act, have to do something, make myself useful, but the emptiness in my head barely allows for a clear thought ¨C until I bite my lower lip.

    ¡°Coro, help him!¡± My hand darts forward as I hug Mirra tighter with the other before turning to her. ¡°Can you stretch your arms out to him?¡±

    Letting Mimikyu dive into Amethio¡¯s shadow could have consequences I don¡¯t want to test. The tiny grains of sand drag everything with them. A Ghost-type Pok¨¦mon won¡¯t be spared. A thought I share with Mirra as she lowers her black, billowing arms from above onto Amethio so he can grab them. Then she pulls, while Coro grabs the fabric of his shirt and tries to tug him upwards with the same force.

    But to make matters worse, we only stop Amethio from sinking further. No matter how hard my two partners tug at him, he can¡¯t get out and I can¡¯t think of anything else to help him. Raya would be no more help in this case than Ying or Lum.

    Pressing my lips together, I fixate on our situation as I try to grasp clear thoughts and options. Conia has often told me in our training sessions on Alola that you have to keep calm in any situation. Admittedly, not exactly my strong point, but in these seconds, I have no choice but to take a deep breath and think.

    My eyes briefly wander over our surroundings. This palace has more than one floor, as the staircase behind the wall proves. I cannot imagine that the quicksand in this place is as deadly as in a real desert. There must be a room under this floor. Another level has to exist.

    ¡°Let go!¡±

    My sudden command directs all confusion in my direction. Amethio looks at me as if I¡¯ve lost my mind and my two partners don¡¯t quite agree on whether letting go is the best decision. Still, Coro follows my command, while Mirra is reluctant to comply.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Eventually, Amethio¡¯s horror reaches me too.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll end up one floor below,¡± I reply as I call Coro and Mirra back to their balls before taking a deep breath. Then, with a jump, I join Amethio.

    ¡°Are you insane?¡±

    I don¡¯t answer. Instead, I try to calm my racing heart while blocking out the uncomfortable feeling of sand over fabric. It almost feels as if the grains are pressing through my tights and rubbing against my skin. With luck, it¡¯s nothing more than my imagination.

    Only when Amethio grabs me by the wrist does my attention wander back to him. ¡°What if you¡¯re wrong?¡±

    I don¡¯t want to think about that, would be the only honest answer. I don¡¯t want to believe that my opinion is wrong. It wouldn¡¯t make sense that the floors are so thick that people can sink into them and suffocate. However, if I really am wrong, I can surely prepare for Amethio to hunt me to hell himself in the afterlife.

    ¡°We¡¯ll get to the bottom,¡± I reply instead. ¡°I just hope the fall isn¡¯t too deep.¡±

    His gaze fixed on me, he takes a deep breath. No further protest leaves his lips. He no longer tries to pretend that I am incapable of making a good decision ¨C probably for the first time since I started travelling with him. He begins to trust me. Slowly. Step by step. Maybe because we¡¯ve spent a lot of time in the same room over the last few days. Just him and me and some books. Time that we haven¡¯t used to really get to know each other, but also moments when he could rely on me while I ¨C hopefully ¨C showed him my better side.

    I hardly want to believe it, but it¡¯s probably precisely these days that have ensured he now puts up with these circumstances without saying a word, without panicking and looking for a way out.

    However, I can¡¯t deny my own nervousness. The sand seems to smother my body, now reaching up to my chest. The saliva hangs dry in my throat, burns a little, and I have to blink a few times. A little later, the sand reaches my neck and I look Amethio in the eye one last time. He hardly seems to feel any differently. His face is impassive and yet there seems to be a glimmer of fear behind the violet colour of his gaze.

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    Then I lower my eyelids. The sand creeps up to my cheeks, so I press my lips together. A breath later, I think I can feel the grains tickling my nose, so I tilt my head back. Thousands of tiny hands pull at me, crawling over my skin and getting caught in my hair.

    My last breath before I hold it is long. Immediately afterwards, the sand covers the rest of my senses and I count the seconds. My body is still moving. I sink further. My theory seems to be coming true and when I lose my footing, I¡¯m lost for a moment. It feels wrong, unsteady, and as soon as I lose support up to my hips and my breath slowly escapes me, gravity pulls at my body.

    The quicksand spits me out in one go. Too fast for me to open my eyes to see what is happening. Only the sudden fall, which sends everything inside me upwards, chases over my body within seconds. Hastily, I rub my eyes with one hand and feel my Pok¨¦ Balls with the other, only to crash feet-first onto a half-hard floor the next instant. A painful gasp escapes from my tongue and it takes a few seconds to categorise the electrifying ache between the dull impact next to me.

    Immediately afterwards, I rub the sand from my face with both hands. It takes almost an eternity before I dare to open my eyes. Everything on my body is tingling and the shower not so long ago seems forgotten. Instead, I brush some of the sand out of my hair with my fingers and loosen my collar a little so the grains come loose and I can shake them out of my blouse.

    Amethio sits next to me, unharmed, no less plagued by the cream-coloured mess than I am. He too needs a few breaths before he¡¯s halfway straightened himself out and looks around. My eyes follow his. Our surroundings seem almost unchanged. Once again there is a wall, behind which a staircase is presumably hidden, while a few steps lead upwards to our right. They will probably take us back to where we fell into the quicksand. Apart from the pile of sand we¡¯re sitting on, there¡¯s nothing else here.

    ¡°Maybe we should climb over the wall and see what¡¯s hiding behind it. It probably goes even deeper than this.¡± I finally stand up and run my fingers through my hair again. I can feel every grain on my skin.

    ¡°The Relic Castle is a labyrinth,¡± Amethio replies. ¡°The staircase doesn¡¯t automatically mean we¡¯ll come out at the same place we started.¡±

    ¡°You know how we get out of here?¡±

    With a sigh, he rummages a thin rope out of his trouser pocket. As many times as it has been wrapped around itself, it must be long. Still, I don¡¯t understand what he¡¯s trying to do with it.

    ¡°It¡¯s an Escape Rope,¡± he explains. ¡°It¡¯s spun from the threads of Caterpies, which are especially good at running away.¡±

    My eyebrows rise. ¡°Which is why they¡¯re called Escape Ropes?¡±

    He nods. ¡°Flight is a special ability of Caterpie, also simply known as ¡®Run Away¡¯. They are usually far too slow to escape their enemies. It is also this ability that they are said to weave into their Escape Ropes. A special yarn that allows you to flee instantly from caves or places where you¡¯ve lost your way. It brings you back to the beginning.¡±

    ¡°That ... sounds a bit like using teleport!¡± With my fingertips, I touch the marvel. ¡°And only Caterpies can spin such a rope?¡±

    ¡°It can also be woven from other things, such as the thread of a Wurmple, the leaves of an Oddish, or even the nets of a Nincada.¡±

    It seems surreal, and part of me hopes we get the chance to try out this Escape Rope. Of course, it¡¯s one of the most recognisable tools you can find in a shop, but in my ignorance, I always thought you attached it to the start of a cave and followed back along it if you lost your way. A bit like a path made of stones ¨C just made of a material that can¡¯t be moved or cut. The fact it is ultimately a Pok¨¦mon tool is unexpected.

    Ready to explore the Relic Castle further, I briefly put my hands on my hips and consider climbing the stairs ¨C when a sudden rumble of footsteps reaches us. This time Amethio gets to his feet and just as we slide off our sand hill to face any visitors, the blood freezes in my body.

    ¡°As expected.¡± Ghetsis hasn¡¯t quite reached our floor yet ¨C he hasn¡¯t even really set his sights on us ¨C but the two-coloured robe and heavy steps, held by an audible but not visible walking stick, are unmistakable. And when he stops, breaking the silence between the front lines, I can¡¯t help but put a hand on the pocket of my skirt where I keep my balls. ¡°I¡¯d be lying if I said it was easy for me to get here after all I¡¯ve been put through in my noble position.¡± Far too slowly, his gaze wanders in our direction. ¡°Never would I have entertained the thought that a future queen had been so thoroughly stricken with madness.¡±

    I swallow. Amethio would surely say the same if he were in Ghetsis¡¯ place. After all, I threw myself off the top floor with him and narrowly avoided both of us greeting the afterlife. What I did was to act first and think later. My gaze lowers. Worse still, I didn¡¯t even really think about it. The flight reflex in me was clearly stronger than anything else. N was safe, and it was just me. Of course, I seized the simplest idea in my head.

    ¡°What do you want here?¡± Amethio intercepts Ghetsis¡¯ pause, neither impressed nor tense by the circumstances. ¡°I doubt the leader of Plasma is coming here to report on how dangerous his hostage¡¯s action was.¡±

    ¡°You seem to me to be a young man of clear understanding.¡± Ghetsis briefly lowers his eyelids. ¡°A shame such talent is completely wasted among the Explorers.¡± He bangs his walking stick on the step. ¡°But some things can¡¯t be changed. So let me tell you why someone of my status is making the journey to face the doomed rabble once more. Team Plasma has realised that there is no need for a queen whose age is visible in her actions. Children and young people shouldn¡¯t have to deal with matters for which they are far too mentally and physically underdeveloped.¡±

    Indecisively, I slide closer to Amethio. Whatever Ghetsis is getting at, he no longer needs me. His plans have changed with my actions and I hardly dare to think about what his ideas are now.

    ¡°Consequently, with immediate effect, Team Plasma will exclude all those whose mental or physical age doesn¡¯t reach twenty. This includes you, dearest Domino, as well as Harmonia, whose mental development is far below the intelligent thought processes of a comparable boy. At his age, you should already be able to see the world in a completely new way and understand which ideals are right and which are distant fiction.¡± He clears his throat. ¡°To put it a little more clearly for the rabble of this world: You¡¯re going to pay, girl. And we both know what you¡¯ve put on the line.¡±

    I want to reply, want to throw something smart at him, like Spinel always does when Team Plasma hurls stupid things at him ¨C but I can¡¯t think of anything. All that escapes me is silence. Behind it is a pounding heart. I know what¡¯s at stake. Now that N has summoned Zekrom, Ghetsis no longer needs him. Even with just one legendary dragon, he can achieve his goals as long as he prevents anyone else from getting their hands on the resources they need to send Reshiram after him.

    As he lets his free hand disappear into the chest area of his robe, I don¡¯t know whether to call one of my Pok¨¦mon or wait and see. Amethio¡¯s tense posture tells me nothing. Ghetsis will probably summon one of his strongest partners, and I hope Amethio will show more skill with me than I could on my own.

    ¡°I would also like to add that your search for the Light Stone is nothing more than a waste of time. When I heard you were on your way to the Relic Castle, it was already obvious what a desperate idea you were pursuing.¡± As if in slow motion, his hand creeps out from between the fabric of his robe. ¡°The Light Stone hasn¡¯t been in this place for years. It was found by someone a long time ago and taken away.¡±

    Without the Light Stone, my chances of beating some sense into N are diminishing. I¡¯m not even sure Amethio can contribute anything that won¡¯t just roll off a creature like Zekrom.

    Pressing my lips together, I grab Raya¡¯s ball, my eyes fixed on Ghetsis¡¯ hand ¨C on the fingers that, to my surprise, aren¡¯t holding a ball.

    ¡°A gun?¡± It¡¯s Amethio, who widens his eyes and tightens his grip on the escape rope. ¡°How does Plasma get hold of something like that?¡±

    ¡°Any righteous man can get the means to fight back when no one else is around to help.¡± This time, a winning smile creeps onto Ghetsis¡¯ lips. ¡°Forbidden goods are one thing that can be found underground in every region. Most of you have just never shown the courage to set foot across said border.¡±

    Firearms are something even I know about. My father owns a gun as well, which he got at some point to protect us from his shadows. He used to warn me about them a lot. They are dangerous, deadly and, above all, have been banned since the Great War. Only specially trained security forces for the government of each region are authorised to carry such things ¨C after all, you can¡¯t guarantee safety up there with ¡®fair¡¯ Pok¨¦mon battles alone.

    Saliva burns in my throat. Faced with Friede¡¯s Charizard, this threat would probably not be a problem. But I don¡¯t think Raya has the firepower to melt a bullet before it kills one of us.

    As Ghetsis points the barrel at us, my gaze falls to Amethio. The sweat on his brow doesn¡¯t bode well. All I have left to do is bet on Raya and hope for the best.

    But just as I¡¯m about to pull out her ball, Amethio turns to me in a flash. In a blink, I hear the bang of the gun ¨C unable to see anything.

    A wall of shiny rope rises before my eyes, winding wildly around us and growing denser with every breath. Somewhere in between, Amethio grabs me by the hand before the yarn tightens around us. Pressed tightly together, the world around us spins. At least that¡¯s how it feels. My stomach is in knots and although all this only lasts for two breaths, the nausea rises to my throat.

    Then, all at once, the rope drops, releasing us, and the sudden fresh air almost forces me to vomit the bile out of my stomach. Only Amethio¡¯s firm grip keeps me from doing so as he calls Corviknight out of his ball and pulls me onto the Pok¨¦mon behind him.

    With a flap of its wings, we are in the air. Away from Ghetsis and the danger of his weapon, which he will surely threaten N with too.

    My fingers claw into Amethio¡¯s shirt. Ghetsis will shoot N as soon as he gets the chance.

    ¡°He won¡¯t act right away.¡± As if Amethio can read my mind, he interrupts my troubled thoughts. ¡°You said that N will challenge all the regional champions who are in Unova. That gives us time to find an alterna-¡±

    The ringing of his Rotom interrupts him and, when it emerges on its own, Conia appears on the narrow screen.

    ¡°Amethio, sir, we¡¯ve located the Light Stone.¡±

    My shoulders tighten as Amethio echoes the information.

    ¡°Hamber interfered with our search and reported that the Light Stone has been in Master Gibeon¡¯s possession for years.¡±

    His body tenses in surprise. ¡°Does he know about the circumstances?¡±

    ¡°Hamber has passed on Plasma¡¯s every move to him. Domino¡¯s kidnapping and Ghetsis¡® behaviour have led him to the conclusion that Team Plasma poses a direct, pressing threat to the Explorers.¡±

    That¡¯s a bit late, considering they¡¯ve already stopped me outside the headquarters once. Sure, in an elevated position like Gibeon¡¯s, all this probably looks like child¡¯s play, but the danger was present the whole time.

    ¡°Master Gibeon will have the Light Stone delivered to you by Hamber, with the mission of eliminating Team Plasma. No matter by what means. As long as Unova doesn¡¯t fall, he¡¯s content with the result,¡± Conia explains. ¡°Hamber is waiting for you at headquarters.¡±

    Our goal is set, but it doesn¡¯t loosen a single knot in my stomach. To summon Reshiram, you have to be worthy of the Pok¨¦mon. N did it with Zekrom. Perhaps because it recognised the desires in him that seem so distant and out of reach.

    Reshiram, however, is standing behind reality ¨C behind everything I¡¯m trying to explore and get to know better to create change. In my mind, we match.

    But no one gives me a guarantee this Pok¨¦mon will hear me out. And if it ignores me, we¡¯re back to square one.

 Chapter 62: A girl, not a heroine II

    My legs tremble as I slide off Corviknight¡¯s back. The pace of the last few hours is sapping my energy. My whole body aches and I¡¯m exhausted. Thanks to the cold in my bones, I haven¡¯t slept well before and since Ghetsis dragged N and me into the tower, sleep has been out of the question.

    Amethio disappears behind the doors of the headquarters faster than I can follow. It takes a few breaths before my legs carry me inside as well.

    It seems strangely cold inside the building and I don¡¯t know if I¡¯m shivering or if they¡¯re actually running the air conditioning in September. Shoulders hunched, I drag myself after Amethio, whose destination is the conference rooms, where I¡¯ve ended up on more than one occasion. He seems to know exactly which one Hamber usually waits in, and as he leads us through one door, we end up at our destination.

    Hamber stands beside the oversized meeting table, his hands clasped behind his back. He conveys the perfect image of a butler who one would hardly believe to be serving Gibeon directly. There is neither a smile nor any other emotion on his face. Instead, he gives us a piercing look.

    ¡°Welcome back.¡± He nods, barely perceptible. ¡°As instructed by Master Gibeon, I would like to point out once again that he expects full commitment and no waste of the valuable resources provided here.¡±

    Without further ado, Hamber pulls a black velvet pouch from the pocket of his jacket, which he gently places on the table.

    ¡°Domino, Master Gibeon has high hopes for you and your ability, and that you know how to use the Light Stone.¡± His shoulders slump as if he wants to soften his next words. ¡°Should you succeed with your plan and actually summon a Pok¨¦mon from this stone, Master Gibeon wants you to keep it and consider it an investment in your skill.¡±

    Saliva hangs dry in my throat. I don¡¯t know if I¡¯m up to Gibeon¡¯s great demands. In his eyes, he is already investing in me becoming a useful professor one day. Now he also seems to see a heroine in me who can solve all problems with a Legendary Pok¨¦mon. He almost seems a little insane.

    Still, I take the stone. Ultimately, I have no other choice. It¡¯s the last option we have before all we are left with is goodwill. This damn stone will either strengthen me, or we have a big problem on our hands.

    When Hamber finally tells us to take a seat, none of us dares to argue. He sets out drinks for us so I can take some painkillers, and when he sits down opposite us, it seems I¡¯m about to crush the glass in my hands from the tension.

    ¡°I take it you¡¯re familiar with the legend surrounding Unova?¡± Hamber seems to scrutinise us, his brow raised visibly.

    ¡°Everything that can be found in the books about it,¡± Amethio replies.

    ¡°Then let me tell you that Unova cannot be ruled by one person alone. The legends speak of the two dragons of Unova, and also of how a part of them was lost in the split.¡± Hamber folds his hands on the table. ¡°If one alone tries to change the world, it could push the Pok¨¦mon¡¯s power to its limits. Unova has always been divided between these two powers. If one person tries to take over everything on their own, they will exhaust themselves and the Pok¨¦mon. They will both have to pay too much for a change that they will no longer be able to control.¡±

    While I can¡¯t make a sound, Amethio¡¯s astonishment grows. What we both understand is that N and Zekrom will die if they try to change all of Unova in one fell swoop. But some gaps remain.

    ¡°What makes you so sure they won¡¯t make it through?¡± In the end, Amethio tries to fathom the unknown.

    ¡°The legends. They told of the first team of heroes who split the dragon. Then of the hero team that waged war against each other until the Pok¨¦mon turned their backs on this world.¡± Hamber¡¯s fingers seem to crush each other. ¡°However, the official tomes never reported on the frightening writings that were hidden, burned, or forgotten in ruins.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s more to the legend?¡± Reluctantly, I lean forward. The pills are slowly taking effect and my senses are focussing on the essentials again.

    ¡°Failed summonings were deleted from the records,¡± explains Hamber. ¡°In between these two big events, there were other people who wanted to get hold of the dragons or were looking for a world they liked. These people were burned, eaten, torn to pieces and removed from the world.¡± A sigh escapes him. ¡°Sometimes one dragon thought it had found someone. But since they both came from one and are counterparts, it takes two people to represent and communicate with each other. Everyone who has tried to change Unova on their own has died trying.¡±

    ¡°Just like that?¡± Part of me has certain expectations, the rest of me doesn¡¯t know what to do.

    But Hamber shakes his head. ¡°These dragons enter a bond with their heroes. Change takes strength and determination on both sides. It is a cycle that won¡¯t be fulfilled if only one side functions. All those who have tried have aged years within a few weeks. Young people have passed away as senior citizens and adults have simply turned to dust at some point.¡±

    My mouth opens automatically, but I can¡¯t manage a question before I feel Rotom vibrating in my pocket. It has realised this moment is too important to alert me to a call loudly. Instead, it vibrates discreetly so I can look at the unknown number before I swipe it off.

    ¡°It¡¯s a bit like the legend of balance in the Yao region.¡± Meanwhile, Hamber continues the topic. ¡°The legends there about pride and humility end up the same as here in Unova. Two sides have to go hand in hand to create something good. Anything else leads to misfortune.¡±

    It puts our position in an understandable picture and also leaves enough room to imagine how N will end up without a suitable counterpart. If we do nothing, he will destroy Unova and himself.

    When Hamber takes a quick look at his watch, he clears his throat. Amethio and my attention are already glued to him, but he seems to want to make sure none of his words escape us. Perhaps because all success now rests on our shoulders.

    ¡°You¡¯ll find the regional champions near the Victory Road. If N plans to prove he¡¯s the strongest here, he¡¯s somewhere there.¡±

    N already set his sights hours ago and I can hardly imagine the fights there taking that long. Then again, he¡¯s trying to beat the best of this region and I have hope they¡¯ll give their all to keep him happy ¨C maybe even united.

    Still, I¡¯m not half as quick on my feet as Amethio. He¡¯s ready to prove himself in the eyes of Gibeon ¨C whatever it takes ¨C while I¡¯m not even sure we can do it. There¡¯s no other choice, though, and as I straighten up to nod decisively at Amethio, my stomach turns. Everything inside me seems frozen, as if I¡¯m still in cold storage, and my muscles are reluctant to move.

    This time Amethio lets me go first and only when we are outside is everything in his hands again. His Corviknight is all that can get us out of here and although it has already covered many kilometres today, it swells its chest. It¡¯s only midday. The warmth will stay with us for a little while longer, but the tiredness in my bones matches the late night.

    Even on Corviknight, I¡¯m haunted by the feeling that things could take a turn for the worse. The Light Stone, which now rests in my skirt pocket, doesn¡¯t give me the feeling that I can change anything. Yet it is something special, just like the one Zekrom came from. However, it somehow lacks life and when Amethio¡¯s Pok¨¦mon launches us into the air, my insides tighten a little more.

    If his Pok¨¦mon gives it everything it¡¯s got, we¡¯ll be at the Victory Road, very close to the Pok¨¦mon League, in about an hour. That¡¯s where N has taken up residence to prove he¡¯s at the top. Presumably, he¡¯ll be streaming all of this. Surely the cameras and the online services responsible for them, which Spinel told me about, will help people recognise him as the strongest trainer in Unova.

    I can feel my fingertips twitching. The temptation to just reach for the Rotom Phone and see what situation the champs are in is strong. But I¡¯m sure it would only further strain my nerves and I don¡¯t need to watch a broadcast of a fight where I already know who¡¯s winning. It¡¯s unthinkable that a normal team could easily take on a creature like Zekrom. It would probably take a small army targeting this one Pok¨¦mon with specific attacks.

    But N has more than just Zekrom on his side and his team won¡¯t let him down, even if he plans to release them all one day.

    Without further ado, I rest my forehead on Amethio¡¯s shoulder and close my eyes. I wish my head would spin less in circles, fabricate less worry, and focus more on taking small steps. First, we have to get there. Then we need to grasp the circumstances and then we need to act. One step at a time. However, it is challenging to think about anything other than the result. All the things I would have to say to N and all the possibilities that will either break my neck or ensure he finally escapes from his father¡¯s wild demands.

    The blackness behind my lids allows for far too many images, so I tilt my head slightly to the side and open my eyes to look at the region below us. Time passes quickly up here. Castelia City is no longer within reach, and I¡¯m sure it will barely take two more breaths before Corviknight lands.

    Meanwhile, the green expanse stretches out below us. Tall trees and wide meadows, with houses rising from time to time. Everything seems to blend in a little with its surroundings and it looks as if the people here live in harmony with nature ¨C just like in Alola. The truth is, however, that a few factories wheeze and the air in the streets is sometimes a little stuffy. Hardly noticeable, but it¡¯s something that will probably get worse over the years. At least that¡¯s what some magazines discuss from time to time. If you use the internet, it¡¯s impossible to miss all these things.

    As the snow-covered mountains rise to our right and a striking wooden bridge comes into view nearby, the league also seems to be just a leap away. The quiet sight conveys no sense of danger, as if nobody is there and we have come here for nothing. But the closer we fly, the more worn the building looks. Cracked walls mould into the sandy ground of the mountain. Splintered rock still crumbles to the ground in some places and as Corviknight comes in for a landing, I also notice the collapsed pillars around the edge that once held the League¡¯s Pok¨¦ Ball emblem.

    Up close, it resembles an old, abandoned ghost mansion ¨C gigantic, but long forgotten among its surrounding rocks and stone platforms whose cracks run far too deep. The ground here is so brittle I hardly dare to slip off the Pok¨¦mon¡¯s back at first. However, I can¡¯t keep Amethio waiting forever and we generally don¡¯t have enough time for second thoughts. So I push myself to the ground and take a deep breath.

    My legs are as soft as pudding, and I barely make it one step before I cast an uncertain glance over my shoulder. Amethio is calling his Corviknight back, and I know I won¡¯t be alone. Still, the unease sits deep within me; even as I push forward, straight to the entrance of the League.

    The heavy posts beneath each load-bearing stone slab seem unshakeable, though they are damaged and cracked. The double-door entrance is wide open. Climbing the steps takes only a few blinks and when I look inside, I am struck by an unusual heat. The smell of burnt hair is in the air, combined with charred fabric and the strangely acidic odour of burnt power cables. The sand-coloured tiles beneath my soles echo my movements in a slight reverberation, and when I arrive in the first large room, I immediately notice the broken statue.

    Only the pedestal is still standing, but the attached sign can no longer be read. No matter how you look at things, N was here. The only question is where I can find him. There are four paths that presumably lead from here to the Elite Four in this league. Four paths, each of which N will have taken to face all those at the top of this region.

    ¡°We have to go this way.¡± Out of nowhere, Amethio speaks up, so I whirl around to face him.

    He¡¯s standing in front of a dimly lit panel that reminds me vaguely of the warp tiles in Lusamine¡¯s little castle.

    ¡°Do you think this is the way to the top?¡± My brows lift.

    ¡°I know it is,¡± he returns stiffly. ¡°After you defeat the Elite Four, the path to the top is activated. This one warp tile takes you to where you usually fight your last big battle of the region.¡±

    All I can manage is a vague nod. I know Amethio is probably right and I can trust his words, but part of me hopes he¡¯s wrong. That we¡¯re all wrong and the silence here isn¡¯t because N has already been here and left nothing behind.

    Still, I push my way over to my companion and step onto the warp tile with him. Just like back then, my world seems to distort within seconds. Colours blend into an earthy brown, the surroundings blur, and only when I blink a few times while my stomach turns does a new room come into view.

    The ceiling above us resembles a fan that has been brutally torn open at one point. The hole is big enough to push our submarine through. Directly below, on a battlefield for aspiring champions and their last great opponent, chaos has broken out. From down here, at the foot of an endless staircase, you can see little more than the mighty figure of Zekrom.

    Before Amethio can warn me, I¡¯m off and running. The steps strain my muscles, the last bit of energy I can muster. But I don¡¯t stop once on the way up, and just as I climb the last few metres, N¡¯s scenario comes into sharp focus.

    Tiles shimmer reddish at my feet. A man in a striking blue suit and with wild black and white hair lies on the ground. Next to him, a woman presses both hands on a part of his upper body. Her face is ashen, while a Musharna beside her trickles gentle Dream Mist down onto the stranger. Between them, a girl my age, her purple clothes dirty and her eyes blurry behind her round glasses. She doesn¡¯t move, nor does the pink Pok¨¦mon at her feet, which is still remotely recognisable as a Jellicent.

    The only ones who still haven¡¯t given up, even though their Pok¨¦mon seem barely able to stand upright against Zekrom, are two men. One of them in yellow, loose-fitting trousers, the other in clothes reminiscent of long desert hikes. In front of them is N ¨C just as I had sent him away a few hours earlier.

    My presence doesn¡¯t go unnoticed. It almost seems as if he has been waiting for me as he turns his head in my direction and smiles happily. ¡°Domino!¡±

    A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    ¡°You ... won?¡± I don¡¯t know what to say, let alone ask. All I¡¯m left with is the obvious.

    N, meanwhile, lets out a hum of approval. ¡°I¡¯m now the strongest trainer in Unova.¡±

    It is these words that make Mienshao fall over as if it can finally stop fighting, while the Bouffalant present lowers to its front knees. They both accept their defeat and although their trainers stand tall and strong, they seem to know this defeat can no longer be averted.

    ¡°We can finally change this world for the better.¡± N briefly turns his gaze away, up through the hole through which the sun is warmly penetrating the interior. Simultaneously, Amethio arrives at my side, unable to comment on the scene before us.

    ¡°Boy, I already told you during the fight, but you¡¯re making a mistake.¡± With a heavy stride, the older trainer takes a step forward. His red mane, already faded to dull orange in most places, gives his demeanour a strength that seems out of place. ¡°What sounds good at first doesn¡¯t have to end up that way. You¡¯re still young. Dreams and ideals are great things at your age. But let me tell you once again that you will regret your decision if you act on it in this way. Neither Zekrom nor the power living in it are weapons that can be bent like that. They will-¡±

    ¡°Devour me ... you already said that.¡± A sigh overcomes N before he turns his gaze away from the sky and turns his attention to the stranger. ¡°But if your way would have been the right one, then I wouldn¡¯t have won. The champ Alder couldn¡¯t win against his challenger. None of you could. Because none of you can stop change. Or someone who has a firm resolve. My father told me about you. You left the League here in the care of others to go travelling because ... you lost a friend. A Pok¨¦mon that succumbed to its illness. But instead of fighting to make things better, you ... went around and didn¡¯t ... change a thing.¡±

    It¡¯s not a fair comparison. Worse, it has no foundation, almost as if he expects someone to go out of their way to change the world for the better after a loss. As if a person can turn misery into something wonderful if they try hard enough. Even if there¡¯s no evidence for it.

    ¡°You¡¯re making it too easy for yourself!¡± In the end, the stranger behind Alder moves forward a little. His bushy, blond eyebrows drawn together, he raises his hands as if he wants to fight N ¨C man to man. But Zekrom¡¯s growl prevents any silly ideas. Instead, his dark brown skin seems to turn grey.

    N, meanwhile, addresses me again. ¡°I¡¯m glad you¡¯ve joined us. My father is probably already waiting for us to report.¡± A thin smile forms on his lips as he holds out his hand to me. ¡°Will you come with me? I can make room for both of us and I¡¯m sure whatever happened between you and my father ... we can create something new together.¡±

    ¡°N ... you know how I feel about that.¡±

    ¡°But you¡¯ve seen my father and I are in the right.¡± His hand lowers. ¡°Otherwise Zekrom wouldn¡¯t have heard me.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± I can¡¯t move. ¡°Are you sure that¡¯s why Zekrom heard you? Did you ask?¡±

    He opens his mouth, but closes it again. His silence is the answer to my question, and it¡¯s hard to believe he¡¯s still the same. Everything in him seems to hide under the demands of his father, as if this is where he belongs. That he hasn¡¯t even talked to Zekrom only proves he¡¯s afraid of the answer ¨C of another component that seems vague and unsteady and frightening.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have to ask it,¡± N finally utters. ¡°If Zekrom didn¡¯t agree with my path, it wouldn¡¯t be standing by my side right now.¡± He takes a step back. ¡°It must be hard for you to understand all this. You¡¯re very attached to your team. Of course, you¡¯d be looking for a flaw in all of this.¡± He briefly points outside before Zekrom lets out a thunderous sound and the ground beneath us shakes. Tremors ripple up the walls and, as if it were perfectly normal, I move closer to Amethio.

    Everyone here looks around as if we can find the problem in the immediate vicinity. But apart from the hole in the roof, there are no windows here. Uncertainty is all we have left.

    ¡°Domino ... you should think about the Pok¨¦mon and how many of them are suffering. You should think about whether a drastic alternative might not be the answer to the problem after all. Because it will help the Pok¨¦mon, our friends, quickly. The nuance you¡¯re looking for ... that would take years. Maybe even a lifetime. Maybe even more. Time we don¡¯t have, because no human will ever live that long. And you¡¯ll never be able to say your attempts have achieved anything, because you can¡¯t keep track of all the people.¡± His eyelids droop. ¡°I understand what you¡¯re saying. I really do. We¡¯ve talked about it many times and you¡¯ve always made your point ... but ... Domino ... do you really believe that this can work? That we can create a world ... where everyone is happy, and no one has to suffer?¡±

    Clenching my hands into fists, I take a breath and push any doubts away. ¡°Is it wrong to want to believe we can make a difference? Weren¡¯t we given all this to make it work?¡±

    ¡°Were we even given all this willingly, or did we just take it?¡±

    ¡°Do you really think the Pok¨¦mon would let us just take? Do you think all this would work like this if the Pok¨¦mon didn¡¯t want it to a certain extent? They are stronger than us and they can be dangerous. Many people have already died because of the power of Pok¨¦mon ... and many Pok¨¦mon have died at the hands of humans. In the end, it¡¯s a gi-¡±

    ¡°The Pok¨¦mon are too kind-hearted to do anything other than bow down to us!¡± interrupts N. ¡°They want peace, which we shamelessly exploit!¡±

    ¡°Who said that?¡± My voice rises unintentionally as I dig my nails into my flesh and take a step towards him. ¡°Your father? Did your father say that? And you believe him because you¡¯re afraid of what will happen if you don¡¯t agree?¡±

    His lips quiver as he opens his mouth. There are probably a thousand things he¡¯d like to say. I know that feeling. I don¡¯t know how many times I¡¯ve been in this position myself. But the silence that dominates between us doesn¡¯t allow for any further speculation. Instead, N shakes off our conversation as if it has never happened.

    ¡°Domino ... I hope you¡¯ll understand me one day.¡± He pulls back, moving closer to Zekrom until he swings himself gallantly onto the dragon¡¯s back. ¡°If you want to help me, the gates of my home are open to you. You can see it from here now. And ... if you are not on my side ... then leave. Leave this region and don¡¯t come back. Please.¡±

    He doesn¡¯t give me time to object before Zekrom rises into the air and I¡¯m left here with the others. The light of the outside world seems surreal in these seconds and only the chiming of a Rotom Phone draws my attention back to this warped situation.

    Amethio next to me is looking at his device. His mouth twisted, a snort escapes him before he shows me what¡¯s going on in Unova. The news seems to overflow. Subtitles run over reports that all show the same thing: a castle that has burst through the ground out of nowhere. Some have even got hold of video footage. These are images showing a mighty building breaking through the ground as if it had previously been buried. The ground splits, dust swirls around and for a moment, it all seems a little too fictional to be real. But the shots show how the mighty walls rise, how they encircle the League and how countless mechanical staircases extend to reach this place from all sides. Windows flash in the sunlight, ready to shroud this place in darkness long before the sun sets.

    ¡°This can¡¯t be real.¡± My voice is so quiet I can barely hear it myself. It disappears behind the roar of a man ¨C the one with the yellow trousers and thick brows.

    ¡°We can¡¯t be intimidated now!¡± he begins so loudly I want to cover my ears. ¡°Caitlin, Shauntal, take Grimsley to a hospital. It¡¯s fast to reach Lacunosa by plane.¡± Then he whirls to me and Amethio. ¡°You two aren¡¯t with us, but I¡¯m sure you want the same thing we do: stop these lunatics! Alder and I wi-¡±

    He is interrupted when Alder raises his hand. Eyes closed, he seems to prepare himself for the circumstances before looking directly at us. ¡°He called you Domino, didn¡¯t he?¡±

    Hasty nodding on my part confirms his question.

    ¡°I see... I can¡¯t deny that I¡¯m surprised to see you here. But I suppose if you know this boy ... N ... you understand him. You share a gift, after all.¡±

    My shoulders tighten. He knows something. He¡¯s aware of things about me I¡¯m sure my father hasn¡¯t told everyone. It¡¯s another one of those connections I want to indulge in. But in these seconds, it¡¯s more important that I take care of N.

    ¡°You and your friend,¡± he nods briefly to Amethio, ¡°should follow him. I think the only thing that can save this boy now are the words of a friend. From someone who understands the world in roughly the same way he does. Someone who is like him.¡± He turns his head briefly to his companion. ¡°Marshal, Plasma will gather at the castle. While these two take care of the boy ... we should do everything we can to get our hands on the mastermind.¡±

    He gets confirmation so hastily that I¡¯m hardly surprised to see him here as champ. He¡¯s a man who can exert control without cornering anyone. Quite unlike Ghetsis, whose words are his only weapon ¨C apart from his strong Pok¨¦mon.

    Within a few breaths, we all get a role, and Amethio doesn¡¯t give me time to think all this through as he lets Corviknight out of its ball again to mount it. I have no choice but to follow him and watch as the others move, too. The moment we take to the air, the women of the Elite Four rush to take the injured man away, while the two men quickly descend the stairs and disappear. Everyone is pursuing a different goal ¨C one that becomes clear as Corviknight carries us through the wrecked roof and we emerge facing the oversized castle before us.

    It is exactly as it was shown on the news. The mighty walls have almost completely enclosed the League. Mechanical staircases reach down to us everywhere, as if they would storm the Elite Four at any other moment. Meanwhile, the sun glints in the endless windows, giving everything here a deserted glow.

    ¡°Where should we start?¡± My gaze glides from one staircase to another. There are doors everywhere that could lead us into different corridors. ¡°Do you think he¡¯s somewhere on the upper floors? Where Zekrom has space?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s possible.¡± Amethio seems as clueless as I am. Still, he directs Corviknight straight over to a door until we jump off just above the stairs and take the last few steps on foot.

    The grey facade of the building seems to get darker with every step. Sunlight burns onto the heavy stone, but can¡¯t fight the shadows that gather here unnaturally. The goose bumps that cover my whole body don¡¯t go away even when we reach the entrance and Amethio pushes the door open. Dirt and small stones scrape across the floor, preventing the barrier from opening fully while screeching on the tiles.

    In the end, we both have to push sideways through the entrance. Behind it, an endless corridor embraces us. Chandeliers still sway slightly from side to side and the artificial light they cast on the floor is barely perceptible. Meanwhile, endless doors line up one after the other. When I look up and down the corridor, I can see at least six of them. Six rooms in which N could be hiding. Six rooms that will either take us to our destination or cost us time that we shouldn¡¯t waste. Who knows how long N plans to wait?

    ¡°We should check the corridors,¡± Amethio suggests in the meantime. An idea I can¡¯t refuse because I don¡¯t have a better one.

    So I follow him, hurrying along the hallways and trying to ignore the ornate paintings on the walls and the expensive statues on every corner. Looking towards the end of the corridor, I imagine how easy all this would be if we turned around the next corner and bumped into N. It would save us the search, the chaos, and the anxiety that any moment could be too late.

    But as we turn around the fourth junction and Amethio is already slowing down, it¡¯s not N who confronts us. Instead, we meet three old men. The wide robes on their bodies are vaguely reminiscent of Ghetsis¡¯, but with far less flashy splendour than that of their leader. They all wear the emblem of Plasma on their clothing ¨C on the collar, on the chest, on the shoulder ¨C and none of them move when they notice us.

    ¡°As you would expect. Master Ghetsis told us you would try to stop our honourable intentions by showing up here,¡± one of them begins, his chin raised. The yellow robe on his body doesn¡¯t match his gaunt face.

    But I can barely focus on him as I recognise the purple clothes and the ugly, haggard grimace of the man who locked me in cold storage on Ghetsis¡¯ orders. However, I don¡¯t get a chance to hiss at him or throw anything in his face before Amethio raises a hand and glances briefly over his shoulder at me. ¡°I¡¯ll take care of this.¡±

    It¡¯s a way to move forward. Still, my motions remain hesitant. I¡¯m sure Amethio will get all this sorted out, but letting this guy get away without being able to give him a thrashing ¨C it¡¯s one of those tantalising possibilities you don¡¯t want to see go. But I need to find N. His safety and my last attempt to make a difference are more important than a vendetta against an old man.

    Reluctantly, I leave the scenario, turn on my heel and choose another turn-off in hope Amethio will follow as soon as the opportunity arises. Unlike me, he knows how to push through.

    Every breath runs like fire over my lips. Heat builds under my uniform and the steady clacking of my heels thunders in my ears. It shimmies along the walls, making my heart race, and I can¡¯t shake the thought that this castle is frighteningly empty. For Plasma to have enough members to cause real trouble in Unova, these corridors are deserted. Nobody stops me. No one prevents me from grasping the cold doorknobs and peering into endless bedrooms and study spaces.

    Dark red curtains dim the light in every room. Carpeting warms some interiors, while dark wood as furniture creates luxurious accents. Gold ornaments have been carved into pillars, perfume hangs in the air, and no matter how far I walk, this labyrinth of a castle seems to exude the same charm in almost every corner. No differences. No life. Similar to a historical estate that you look at one last time before taking a different path forever.

    This is where N spent most of his life. He has led his existence in this building for years ¨C never completely alone and yet unable to get to know the world he is trying to judge.

    Pressing my lips together, I shake off the thought before rushing into the next room and hitting my foot on something. The knob slips out of my hand, my body topples forwards and I barely catch myself with my hands before I hit the floor unsteadily.

    Carefully, I push myself to my knees. In front of me is a small toy railway whose tracks run through the whole room ¨C along boxes and mats, all the way to a bed that seems far too small for N. It takes two blinks of the eye to capture the world in front of me. Below me, a carpet of clouds radiates sky blue. The walls have been painted purple ¨C decorated with blue splotches ¨C and the furnishings are so lavish they seem almost overwhelming. In one corner, children are invited to play basketball on a small court. Someone has thrown an oversized toy bus into the net. A wide skateboard ramp stretches along an entire wall. Next to it is a small trampoline that could be great fun for two children, but isn¡¯t suitable for someone like N.

    A worn sign with the words ¡°Natural H.G.¡± hangs from a box full of balls. Dust has collected on them.

    I run one hand over the toy. The dirt sticks to my skin until it is dark grey. Tightness in my chest makes every breath difficult, stinging and causing me to swallow hard. It¡¯s just like Zoroark told me. This room is N¡¯s true home. A place he¡¯s outgrown and yet has been kept in like a toddler. He has lived more confined than I have ever had to experience. Ghetsis probably lectured him here; talked him into nonsense that put N in this position.

    All for purely selfish reasons.

    All because Ghetsis¡¯ desire for power demands a puppet to hide behind when things get messy.

    I take another look at the railway. Some things in this room seem strangely familiar. A bit as if I recognise them from my childhood. I wouldn¡¯t even be surprised if I¡¯ve been here before, considering that Ghetsis had his eye on me a long time ago. Somewhere in between, N and I may really have come into contact with each other before. But neither of us can remember it ¨C even if N is sure that we¡¯ve never actually met.

    In those seconds, I think anything is possible. Even his words about the dimensions and the associated possibilities that we may have met before in another world, another timeline.

    ¡°You actually followed him.¡±

    The sudden voice behind me makes me whirl around. In the next breath, I catch sight of Ns Zoroark. Its black shape, the red mane ¨C it hasn¡¯t changed a bit and yet it lacks any lustre in its eyes. The little spark of mischievousness that it carried before has disappeared.

    ¡°I ... can¡¯t leave him behind,¡± I reply, tensing my shoulders. ¡°I can¡¯t leave N alone. Not in this state.¡± My legs shuffle in Zoroark¡¯s direction. ¡°Not after I learnt he¡¯s afraid of his own dreams.¡±

    ¡°Do you think you can save him?¡± With its ears laid back, its hunched figure looks crestfallen. ¡°Do you think we can help him?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± All I have left is what little honesty I have remaining. ¡°But I haven¡¯t given up yet.¡± Gently, I place a hand on its fluffy arm. ¡°And you shouldn¡¯t give up either. Not yet. You love him. So you should fight for him until the last bit of hope shatters.¡±

    It doesn¡¯t answer, nodding instead with difficulty. Silent swallowing lingers between us for a breath. Then Zoroark lets out a snort. ¡°I¡¯ll take you to him. N hopes you¡¯ll come. That you ... will support him.¡±

    ¡°Or that someone will beat some sense into him.¡± Eyes narrowed to slits, I purse my lips. This bit of humour, this lightness ¨C I want to hold on to both. For the sake of hope, because I don¡¯t know how much longer I can believe I can get him out of this somehow.

    Zoroark¡¯s ears twitch in response and for a moment I realise that there is still a faint hint of faith inside it. Something that drives it to lead me out of this room, so I hurry along the corridors again.

    The walls pass me by with the same eternal glamour and after the third turn at the latest, I have lost my orientation. All I have left is Zoroark, whose long tail remains my only focus. It seems to lead me along endless paths, up two staircases, until it pushes open a wide double door, behind which a spacious, almost barren room awaits us. Only the white marble path in front of us, adorned with a midnight blue carpet, seems to exist.

    When I dare to look past Zoroark, it is the golden throne at the other end of the room that outshines everything else. It eclipses the water on either side, the countless banners of Plasma, and almost N, who rests on it like a lonely child. He¡¯s far too small for this thing, far too unsuitable for a room like this ¨C here he¡¯s just a person who would be better off somewhere else.

    Without further ado, I wipe my damp palms on my skirt. Then I stride past Zoroark, straight towards N, whose gaze rests tensely on me. Probably we both realise right now that these circumstances are not what we had hoped for. I¡¯m not here to join him, and he¡¯s not here to keep trying to convince me.

    As I stop on the wide reception area ¨C a few metres away from N ¨C I take a deep breath. Then I put my hands on my hips and bow my head.

    ¡°I can¡¯t leave.¡± Slowly, I raise my eyes before giving him a thin smile. ¡°Not yet.¡±