ã€ŠThe Vivillon Effect - An Adult Oriented Pokemon Story/Pok&#xE9;mon Adventureã€‹


 Chapter 1 - The Ho-oh incident

    Chapter 1 - The Ho-oh Incident

    In the bustling core of Saffron stood a towering skyscraper, all steel and glass, its third-floor home to an expansive exercise gym. Even on Sundays, the place buzzed with activity, swimmers slicing through the pool''s waters with rhythmic vigor. Among them was a middle-aged man, his expression a mask of determination as he pushed himself to the brink, each stroke powerful and precise. Despite the pool''s generous size, he held a deep-seated disdain for the gym, forever plagued by crowds, further exacerbated by the free-roaming Pok¨¦mon. These creatures, which had indelibly altered the course of his life, were an unavoidable thread in the tapestry of daily existence, leaving him constantly on edge.

    Elduran Aloger, a 31-year-old sniper, stood as a legend within the ranks of the Joint Anti-Pok¨¦mon Special Ops for Kanto and Johto (APSO). With 27 missions to his credit, including confrontations with legendary Pok¨¦mon, he had rightfully earned the moniker "Owl." His most renown deed involved a long-range shot that dispatched a rampaging Spiritomb menacing a village near Fuchsia City. With a fairy-infused round, fired from a mile''s distance, he brought down the destructive Pok¨¦mon with a single, expertly placed shot.

    A native of Cianwood City in Johto, Elduran grew up in a coastal cottage alongside his parents, who were prosperous entrepreneurs owning an asset management firm. Their idyllic life met a tragic end when Kyogre''s wrath unleashed a massive tsunami, devastating the city and claiming hundreds of lives, including his parents. This calamity left Elduran scarred, both physically and emotionally, compelling him to maintain his distance from Pok¨¦mon.

    Pok¨¦mon activists blamed a shadowy group known as the Watchers, accusing them of attempting to control Kyogre and failing in a disastrous manner. The Watchers are the main adversaries of the Anti-Pok¨¦mon Special Ops (APSO), holding responsibility for the majority of legendary Pok¨¦mon-related catastrophes. Orphaned by misfortune, Elduran spurned the government''s offer of a complimentary Pok¨¦mon at sixteen and enlisted in the army. His path was unequivocal: to combat the creatures and the organization that had devastated his world.

    A thunderous explosion shook the building, reverberating through the water. Elduran broke the surface, tearing off his goggles as debris showered from above. Adrenaline coursed through him as he dashed for the changing room and his locker. A Nidorino erupted into the chaos, narrowly avoiding him with a vault. Pandemonium broke out as people and Pok¨¦mon scrambled toward the exits. Elduran remained resolute. The distant screech confirmed his suspicions: a Pok¨¦mon was behind this. The situation demanded a quick, lethal response.

    He charged into the locker room, making a beeline for his own. Just before reaching it, a section of the ceiling collapsed before him. Convinced his end was near, he braced for the inevitable blow. Yet, a sudden, fierce gust of wind hurled him backward, his body crashing into the metal lockers. Dazed and with his heart thundering, he surveyed the scene around him. A Vivillon with vibrant red and white wings hovered beside a lifeless woman, its sorrowful cries resonating through the debris-strewn room. Clearly, the creature had saved his life, a debt he knew he could never truly repay.

    His locker lay ensnared beneath the wreckage. He strained against the ruins, but it was hopeless. As despair seeped in, a formidable push stirred him. The Vivillon, with a determination belying its size, was urging him aside. "Alright, if you''re that keen to help," he murmured, moving out of the way. With another mighty gust, the Vivillon cleared the debris from the locker. "Impressive little bugger," Elduran remarked, respect glinting in his eyes. He wrestled with the lock as it groaned under his efforts. Finally, the locker relented, and he skillfully pieced together his rifle. He also retrieved a small black cassette. Equipped and ready, he dashed out of the locker room into the turmoil consuming the gym''s main area.

    He had borne witness to innumerable horrors, yet this scene ranked among the worst. Gym equipment lay strewn as if deployed by a malevolent force, claiming casualties¡ªboth human and Pok¨¦mon. Those with flying Pok¨¦mon found themselves fortunate, able to leap to safety from shattered windows. Below, the stairwells festered with frenzied crowds, trampling one another in a frantic bid for survival. Elduran dismissed the exits, driven by an urgent need to gauge the threat; he sprinted toward a window, avoiding as much as possible the broken tempered glass on the floor. As he neared, a gigantic, avian figure loomed from afar. Recognition turned his stomach: it was a Class Level 7 threat, Ho-oh, and he was alone against it. Understanding that Class Level 10 represented the ultimate peril, he grasped the gravity of the encounter. Yet, Ho-Oh''s devastation wasn¡¯t limited to this building; the entirety of Saffron City lay in its destructive path.

    Lying prone on the floor, he settled himself and set up the rifle rest. Opening the black case, he selected a small blue vial from among the many within and carefully applied two drops to a bullet. As he waited for Ho-Oh''s return, he chambered the water-infused round. The military had engineered essences that armed ammunition with Pok¨¦mon-type traits to target their weaknesses, even those of legendary beings. Ho-oh was particularly susceptible to rock, electric, and water.

    Another tremor rippled through the city as yet another building crumbled beneath Ho-Oh''s wrath. Patience was essential. Finally, the colossal bird filled his vision through the scope. This was a risky gamble with just a single attempt; reloading was impossible. An eye shot was crucial. Even Class Level 9 Pok¨¦mon had retreated after taking a single, expertly aimed bullet that exploited their weaknesses when struck in the eye. The unsettling truth was that legendary Pok¨¦mon seemed impervious to death, yet enduring torment could drive them to withdraw.

    The bullet found its mark in Ho-Oh''s right eye, eliciting a blood-curdling shriek as its flight became wildly erratic, plunging toward the building Elduran occupied. A surge of panic gripped him, realizing the inevitability of its trajectory. Through his scope, he glimpsed the impending doom.

    Reacting instantly, he dashed across the room, diving through the opposite window just in time, as Ho-oh crashed mere moments later into the floor above. The structure crumbled in its wake. Memories of intense training sessions flickered through his mind: lessons on surviving long falls. Land on your feet, lean to one side, roll. At best, suffer a broken leg and some broken ribs. Yet, the street below, littered with debris, made even that seem implausible. Impalement posed a genuine threat. Even in a fortunate fall onto flat ground, severe injuries were almost certain. Escape seemed impossible. Demise felt inescapable.

    As he plummeted, Elduran steeled himself for the end. Below loomed a twisted, overturned car, its metal frame a grim welcome. Surprisingly, he found himself less attached to life than expected. He was going down, yet he had single-handedly forced Ho-Oh''s retreat.

    In that near-final moment, a gust of wind intervened, slowing his descent, nudging him away from the collapsing building. Though still falling rapidly, the imminent injury seemed less catastrophic. Then, with a sudden burst of color, Vivillon intervened, crashing into him midair, redirecting him safely into the rear of a large, overturned truck.

    Elduran groaned as he rolled to a stop. Vivillon lay still outside, a hefty chunk of concrete resting ominously beside it. "Damn it, get up!" he urged himself. With a painful effort, Elduran inched to the truck''s edge, clasped Vivillon''s wing, and pulled. "You''re heavier than you look," he grumbled, fighting to hoist it inside. Just as he managed, the building came crashing down onto the truck. For a moment, the world was obliterated. Half the truck bed lay crushed, yet remarkably, the roof above them held firm. They were alive, but just barely. Elduran appraised their dire predicament. The truck was precariously balanced, teetering on the brink of destruction. They had survived, but only by sheer chance.

    ***

    Vivillon stirred, its eyes fluttering open. It gazed directly into Elduran''s eyes and uttered a soft "Viiii." Elduran often pondered how Pok¨¦mon seemed to grasp human emotions more keenly than humans understood them. Despite the common notion of humans being the more intelligent species, Pok¨¦mon had a knack for more effective communication.

    He still couldn''t fathom how trainers discerned the meanings behind their Pok¨¦mon''s cries. To him, it was an endless array of "Viiii" here and "Viiii" there¡ªnothing but indecipherable babble. People claimed that owning a Pok¨¦mon led to understanding, though even Pok¨¦mon professors failed to provide a lucid explanation, accepting it as an unquestioned truth.

    Elduran cast a reluctant glance at Vivillon, feeling a surge of gratitude, he found hard to express. These creatures had once brought chaos to his life. Vivillon stared back with an enigmatic look in its eyes.

    "Why are you staring at me like that?" Elduran asked.

    He couldn''t explain the certainty, but he was sure Vivillon''s gaze was filled with admiration, tinged with sorrow for its previous trainer. Elduran was unsettled by his ability to perceive the Pok¨¦mon''s emotions. Even if he believed in a Pok¨¦mon-human bond, such understanding was thought to take months.

    Elduran''s shivering grew more intense, his endurance slipping away. Vivillon ascended, its mouth agape, unleashing a string shot directed at Elduran. He tried to sidestep, but Vivillon was relentless, circling him tirelessly with its String Shot. When it finally halted, Elduran inspected himself, discovering a nearly silk-like string enveloping him from waist to neck. He understood it was attempting to warm him.

    Vivillon emitted a resonant "Viii," raising its arms and gazing at him with anticipation. Soon, he discerned its intent¡ªit wanted him to lift his arms. Acquiescing, Vivillon encased them in silk as before, circling him and releasing a steady stream of string, crafting a makeshift attire. At another "Viii," Elduran immediately understood the cue. Rising, he parted his legs, allowing Vivillon to wind the string from his feet to his waist, ensuring his movement remained unhindered. As he settled back down, a comforting warmth enveloped him.

    "Vivillon," Elduran began, struggling. "This isn''t easy for me to say but thank you." Vivillon blinked twice before drifting back to sleep. "Guess with that injury on its head, it wasn''t ready for all that string shot," Elduran mused. He had known the bug Pok¨¦mon only hours yet felt a growing attachment.

    Gazing upward, he noticed water trickling from a crack in the truck''s roof. Rising, he retrieved a piece of metal debris, shaped well enough to serve as a bowl, placing it under the drip. It would be a slow collection, but it promised survival for days.

    Maybe it was the rain pouring outside, or perhaps the rescue team was utilizing Pok¨¦mon adept at Rain Dance to provide vital water through the cracks. Muffled noises gradually started reaching Elduran''s ears, dampened by the rubble. Assistance was on its way, yet patience was required. Hope remained his sole comfort.

    ***

    Elduran had lost track of how long they''d been ensnared. Three days? Four? Perhaps more. His bond with Vivillon had grown stronger, and he''d learned she was female. Besides Gust, she knew Psybeam, trying to shift debris once when he was asleep. He had stopped her; afraid she might disturb something crucial holding the truck together.

    The noise from above, presumably from rescue teams, intensified yet still seemed distant. Starvation hovered as an ominous threat. A grim thought crossed his mind: he could attack and consume Vivillon. It would sustain him for days. But he realized his martial skills were no match for her potential Poison Powder and Stun Spore. Most troubling was his reluctance; he had become attached to Vivillon, a departure from his typical pragmatic mindset.

    Vivillon had been despondent for days, mourning her trainer''s demise. She was vocal, her anger at their plight evident, and Elduran realized she held Ho-oh responsible.

    "Let me tell you something, Viv," Elduran began.

    Vivillon squeaked, spinning mid-air, tears glistening in her eyes.

    "Did I say something wrong? I understand you''re grieving, but considering our circumstances, we both need to stay strong."

    She gazed at him, then moved closer, clinging to his chest, her wings enveloping him as she wept. Elduran froze, uncertain. His mind urged him to return the embrace, but his arms refused to move. He recalled his words and finally understood.

    "Viv was the name your trainer gave you, wasn''t it?"

    Vivillon hugged him tighter, her wings pressing into him. Elduran struggled but managed to hug her back. He couldn''t fathom why the gesture was so difficult. After all, it wasn''t Vivillon who had stolen his childhood, it was Kyogre¡ªor rather, humans. He owed payback to an organization.

    He hid behind his dislike for Pok¨¦mon. Deep down, he knew it wouldn''t last. If they emerged from this, he would leave APSO. His hunt would turn from Pok¨¦mon to humans. The organization known as the Watchers had orchestrated every legendary Pok¨¦mon attack. Only he refused to see the truth. The truth that only the Watchers were at fault.

    "I have to say, you have a beautiful name. I would''ve named you the same. What I meant was, it wasn''t Ho-oh''s fault, Viv. An organization called Watchers is behind this. They''ve sparked most legendary Pok¨¦mon attacks globally. I don¡¯t know how or why, but they''re always involved. I bet they¡¯re behind this event too."

    Their communication was still imperfect, so it took hours for Elduran to explain fully who Vivillon should hold accountable. As they talked, a noise emerged from below. Something approached them.

    The noise grew louder, piercing the truck¡¯s floor. Dust swirled, but Vivillon used Gust to clear it. Before them stood two Pok¨¦mon: an Excadrill and a Zubat. Vivillon prepared a Stun Spore, but Elduran stepped in to calm her.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

    "Viv, relax. We¡¯re saved. These are rescue Pok¨¦mon. Excadrill digs tunnels, Zubat guides with its keen hearing. They¡¯re a staple rescue team for trapped Pok¨¦mon and humans. It helped that you were loud," Elduran said.

    Vivillon let out a loud "viiiiiiiii."

    "Okay, okay, I made noise too," Elduran admitted, turning to the others. "I guess we follow you through the tunnel?" he asked, keeping his distance from the unfamiliar Pok¨¦mon.

    Excadrill nodded approval and led the way into the tunnel, motioning for them to follow. The tunnel widened as Excadrill dug. Elduran and Vivillon crawled along, moving slowly but hopeful of a safe escape.

    ****

    A full week had elapsed since the Ho-oh Incident, which claimed the lives of over 1500 people. The devastation was even more severe for Pok¨¦mon, as untold numbers remained confined within their Pok¨¦ Balls, unable to be released. Unless their trainers were located, either alive or dead, the Pok¨¦mon Registry Center (PRC) in Celadon City was powerless to dissolve the bond.

    A sorrowful outcome of this predicament is that releasing a Pok¨¦mon from an entombed Pok¨¦ Ball would lead to its instant demise. Twenty-one years back, the PRC suggested legislation permitting trainers to transfer their active Pok¨¦mon to the Database, akin to switching between active and stored ones. Although this would have provided many advantages, the populace voted against the proposal.

    The mythical bird''s onslaught resulted in the collapse of five towering skyscrapers, leaving the heart of Saffron in shambles. The destruction surpassed even the havoc wrought by Kyogre in Cianwood, though Kyogre was deemed a greater menace. Saffron''s denser population contributed to a significantly higher toll of casualties, despite the fact that only five structures were obliterated.

    Elduran brewed his stovetop coffee, rinsed the pot clean, and stepped out onto the balcony of his second-floor apartment. Nestled on the outskirts of town in a tranquil neighborhood, his home offered a quiet retreat. Settling into his chair, he inhaled the rich aroma of his drink, took a sip, and heard the ring of the doorbell.

    Without checking the camera, Elduran pressed the buzzer to let the visitor in. Moments later, a woman in her mid-thirties knocked on the door. Elduran unlocked the door and welcomed her inside. She had long blonde hair, stood of average height, and wore a neatly tailored gray pantsuit.

    Elduran greeted Gemma with a compliment on her appearance.

    "I can''t return the favor," she replied, eyeing him with concern. "Seriously, how are your injuries?"

    "Just some scratches," Elduran reassured her, gesturing to his wounds. "No broken bones this time."

    He set his coffee on the table and beckoned Gemma to sit. "I know this is risky," he began. "I need your help, Gemma. You know how desperate I am."

    Gemma nodded. "I do, but there are safer ways to approach this. You can''t keep risking your life. If the higher-ups discover I''m feeding you intel, I''m as good as fired."

    "I know, and I appreciate your help. Do you have any specific information?"

    "That was the easy part. We have a region, not specific locations. The Watchers'' reach is global. Few criminal organizations are this vast. Unfortunately, we believe they''re in Tenera, far from here."

    "Tenera? I kind of like the sound of that."

    "Yeah, an island nation six hours by plane from anywhere else. Why did I think you wouldn''t be into that?"

    "I don''t know," Elduran said with a smile, "maybe your sharp observational skills are slipping."

    "So how exactly are you planning on taking them down? You''re not part of the military anymore. You quit, remember? No resources, no weapons, no Pok¨¦mon. What''s your plan, to ask them to self-destruct? You might source a rifle from the black market, as they can reprogram it to work with your fingerprint, it won''t work for someone who''s been exposed to Pok¨¦mon digital energy, but you don''t have to worry about that."

    "You''re well aware of my exceptional prowess with the bow," he remarked with a smirk.

    Gemma sighed. "A bow? Really? Okay, let''s roll with it¡ªbow instead of guns. Got it. Even though I''m sure I can get you a rifle. What about resources? This apartment''s a dive, and rent is dirt cheap, but you couldn''t have saved much. Soldiers don''t make a lot."

    "Oh, that''s simple. I''ll earn money by becoming a Pok¨¦mon trainer. So, no need for a rifle; it''ll be useless. You know Pok¨¦mon digital energy and all, with Pok¨¦balls.

    Gemma gasped. "I''m sorry, did I hear that right?"

    "You heard me," Elduran said with a smirk. "Tenera is part of the 1st Year Pok¨¦mon Trainer Agreement, like every other region. New trainers get free housing at Pok¨¦mon Centers, free healthcare for themselves and their Pok¨¦mon, and free meals¡ªup to fifty Pok¨¦dollars a day at Pok¨¦Caf¨¦s and three hundred Pok¨¦dollars a day for Pok¨¦mon food at Pok¨¦Marts. It''s perfect. Plus, any trainer can stay up to a year in a region without a special visa."

    "There''s a problem. You need to prove you''re competing for badges, or you lose all those benefits. And Tenera doesn''t use Pok¨¦Dollars; they use Crimson Cetis."

    "Even better," Elduran exclaimed. "I never understood why our currency needs to feature Pok¨¦mon. I like that region already. And when did I say I won''t be competing?"

    "You know you can''t just get a starter Pok¨¦mon and challenge all the gyms. Challenges increase in difficulty as you earn badges. To challenge the first gym, you''ll need at least two Pok¨¦mon. The second gym requires three, the third four, and the fourth five. There''s no obligation to have a sixth Pok¨¦mon. You have six months to earn the first four badges, which isn''t easy. I only got to three when I was sixteen, with family support for half a year. My second year, well as you know went a lot better"

    "Oh, I''m competing, alright. If I can''t get eight badges, then I won''t be able to handle the Watchers," Elduran said gravely.

    "So, you''re planning to fight them with Pok¨¦mon?" Gemma asked curiously.

    "Did you think I''d go against them alone with a bow?"

    Gemma looked at him seriously before speaking calmly. "Elduran, you do realize you''re too old for this, right? A Pok¨¦mon trainer at thirty-one? And don''t mention Rurik Crevace. He''s an outlier."

    "Why not mention him? He began at forty-two and became Johto''s champion within a year. He''s held that title for thirty-three years, the oldest and longest-reigning champion. I know Pok¨¦mon, Gemma. My skills came from observing their movements and habits, not just my aim. I''ve invested hours daily studying Pok¨¦mon for far too long. The connection may take work, but I trust my instincts. They''ll need to battle the Watchers, so they must be strong."

    Gemma walked to the window, her voice calm. "Elduran, if you only see Pok¨¦mon as weapons, you won''t succeed."

    "I never regarded them merely as weapons; akin to bombs, they''re frequently misused," he remarked with a smile.

    A crimson glow burst from Gemma''s Pok¨¦ Ball, unveiling a Vileplume at his side. Elduran sprang to his feet, grabbing a knife, but hesitated, realizing what Gemma did. He let the knife fall, took a long, measured breath, and settled back, his gaze fixed intently on Vileplume.

    "I see Violet evolved," he said, still focused on Vileplume.

    "Pluuuum," cooed Vileplume, reaching out with her petals to brush against Elduran.

    Elduran delicately placed his hand on the petal that contacted him, gently nudging her away with care to avoid causing offense.

    "Quite a breakthrough," Gemma commented, softly caressing Vileplume. She sat across from Elduran, who maintained his watchful gaze, ready for any swift movement from Vileplume. "Even with Violet, your trust falters, despite knowing her intentions are harmless. Yet, here you are, touching her.¡±

    "She has every reason to resent me? Every time you let her out, I made sure she went back into her Pok¨¦ball. It''s understandable if she''s upset. I figured you might have left me because of that, among other reasons. Trust me, I understand¡ªbeing with me means your Pok¨¦mon spend most of their lives inside those balls," Elduran replied.

    "I left because you opposed marriage, wanted me to move into this hovel, and you were too immature¡ªeight years younger than me. The Pok¨¦mon excuse was just that, an excuse," she explained calmly.

    "I guess I had that coming. I sincerely believed it was concern for your Pok¨¦mon''s wellbeing that drove you off. By deceiving me, you only made me more wary of them. Well done!" he retorted with a sardonic smile.

    Gemma was startled. Elduran appeared unaware that Violet was touching him once more. Seeing Gemma''s confusion, his smile dimmed. Turning to Violet, even he was taken aback; Violet was in contact with him again, and he hadn''t even realized it.

    "You really are more comfortable with Pok¨¦mon now. You weren''t lying," Gemma remarked.

    Elduran thought he was merely pretending, but a newfound ease with Pok¨¦mon had emerged. He really did not notice Vileplume touching him, That Vivillon had completely transformed his outlook.

    Gemma stood, recalling her Vileplume, and declared, "You''ve got what you need. I''m leaving. I''m glad you''re taking this step and hope you''ll release your vengeance and embrace becoming a trainer."

    Elduran stood up, a faint smile on his lips. "You could stay the night. You might not see me again."

    Gemma sighed, raising her left hand. "See this? It''s a wedding ring."

    Elduran, still smiling, said, "Can''t blame me for trying," and embraced her in farewell.

    Just before Gemma left, she hesitated, turning back to extract a Pok¨¦ Ball from her purse. It was no ordinary ball; it was a green and white Friend Ball, adorned with a distinctive yellow dot nestled between two pairs of red stripes¡ªa symbol of fortune and nostalgia from her days as a trainer, one she treasured but had never used. She tossed it to Elduran, then firmly closed the door behind her and walked away.

    ***

    It had been three weeks since Ho-oh''s disastrous assault on Saffron City. Elduran stood upon a vast hill, gazing down at the city where the majority of fallen, both human and Pok¨¦mon, were laid to rest. A solemn memorial service drew nearly half the populace, gathering to remember and mourn.

    Mayor Christopher Cornwell and Gym Leader Rina Comps spoke earnestly, offering their condolences and stressing the urgency of strengthening the city''s defenses against future threats. The usual sentiments of resilience and strength filled the air, echoing the typical rhetoric that followed in the wake of calamity.

    Rina, a celebrated Psychic-type trainer once considered for an Elite Four spot, had chosen to remain in Saffron. Her unparalleled abilities had earned her the title of the mightiest gym leader in Kanto. Yet, she was a casualty of the system''s inefficiencies. The League''s bureaucratic hurdles stifled proactive threat management, often only acting post-crisis. Regional restrictions complicated interventions against international criminal entities like the Watchers.

    Despite his personal distaste for Pok¨¦mon, Elduran admired trainers who operated independently of the League¡¯s influence. Securing eight badges guaranteed permanent residency in any region; however, aligning with the League required surrendering residency in other regions. Although employment with the League assured job security, independent trainers demonstrated superior skill in confronting the Watchers, often by their expedited arrival.

    The army paled in comparison to the might of legendary Pok¨¦mon. Countless soldiers perished merely to provide a fleeting chance for their snipers to execute the perfect shot. Top-tier league trainers needed only minutes to subdue a legendary Pok¨¦mon when in numbers, yet they invariably arrived too late. Elduran felt the bitter pang of inadequacy, acknowledging the sobering reality that firearms were futile against such mythical creatures. Yet, in this moment, he aspired to join those who could truly make a meaningful impact.

    "I reckon we''ve both had enough of this for one lifetime," came a voice from behind Elduran.

    Turning, he found Bob, a towering figure renowned for his physical prowess.

    "Hey, Bob!" Elduran greeted with a friendly shoulder punch.

    "I''ll miss you, Owl," Bob replied, nodding to Elduran''s sharpshooter nickname. "The security of having you at our backs was invaluable."

    They clasped hands, grips firm and resolute.

    "Taking on Ho-oh alone? That''s one way to make an exit. I''m eager to tell my kids about the legend in our squad," Bob grinned.

    "You all will thrive even more in my absence. Some rising star will take my place shortly. At last, I''ve come to understand the message you''ve always imparted. Trainers possess a unique advantage in this battle. How I wish I could do both, wield firearms and command Pok¨¦mon," Elduran admitted.

    "That would be quite intimidating," Bob laughed. "Picture yourself with six champion-level Pok¨¦mon and a rifle. You¡¯d be unstoppable! There''s a reason this law exists¡ªit''s for formidable people like you."

    "Trainers exceed firearms, that''s always been clear. I understand my reasons, but what compelled you to join the army?" Elduran asked with curiosity.

    "At sixteen, nearly everyone dreams of becoming a trainer. We all tried, though we weren''t cut out for it, we still longed to make the world a better place. Parting with our Pok¨¦mon for the army was tough, but I visit mine often, since my parents took custody of them. There''s another matter, too; having Pok¨¦mon is wonderful, yet I''ve always yearned to battle the forces of evil. However, I could never bear the thought of losing any of my Pok¨¦mon in combat, as league trainers often do. Elduran, you have immense potential, whether for good or ill. The choice is yours."

    "What do you mean?" Elduran asked, intrigued.

    "You have an exceptional understanding of Pok¨¦mon. I''ve seen you study them tirelessly. You don''t need a Pok¨¦dex to know their moves or abilities. But it¡¯s more than moves and commands. The bond with your Pok¨¦mon is paramount. They must trust your judgment without hesitation. It''s not about affection or humor but a respect-based bond. Rainbows and unicorns, strength, or fear¡ªtrainers forge bonds in various ways. Time nurturing that bond outweighs studying moves and counters."

    "I¡¯ll take that to heart. Gemma gave similar counsel," Elduran reflected.

    "Listen to her. She was a great trainer. And one final piece of advice: if you''re enjoying this new path, leave the Watchers behind for a while. Arceus knows you deserve some peace," Bob advised.

    "That''s asking a lot," Elduran said with a smile.

    Bob smirked at him. "I like that beard you''re growing. I never pegged you for a beard guy, but let your hair grow. You''re not in the military anymore, no need for that haircut." He extended his hand.

    They shook hands one last time. "I prefer short hair, but I''ll see about the beard. My flight''s tomorrow morning; this is farewell. Until we meet again."

    "For your own sake, I hope it''s not too soon," Bob replied, nodding toward a woman approaching. "Here''s my cue. Thought she should know you left the force. Take care!" He called back, walking away.

    "Wait, what?" Elduran called, but Bob was already leaving.

    A woman in her fifties approached, eyes puffy from tears. Clad in black, her attire mirrored her inner sorrow.

    "Are you Elduran?" she asked.

    "Yes, can I assist you?" he replied.

    "I''ll be brief. Don''t blame your friend, but he revealed it was you who drove Ho-oh away."

    "And why seek me?" Elduran questioned cautiously.

    "For this Vivillon, my daughter''s Pok¨¦mon..." Tears welled up. "All she wanted was..."

    "It''s all right, I understand," Elduran said gently, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I''d be honored to see Viv again. Your daughter must have been a remarkable person to raise such a well-behaved Pok¨¦mon."

    "You misunderstand," the woman replied, finding her voice. "Bob told me you left the force. Vivillon wishes to join you. You¡¯re allowed to accept her now, if you want her."

    Elduran was stunned. Accepting Viv as his first Pok¨¦mon? The joy was immense, yet he hesitated to take her from her deceased trainer''s family.

    "I''m unsure if I can accept her," he faltered. "She must mean so much to you."

    "This isn''t about us. She''s not property, nor is money a factor. She truly wants to be with you. The only obstacle is your acceptance," she spoke gently.

    "Of course, I will accept her," Elduran declared with resolve.

    She released Vivillon from her Pok¨¦ball. Enveloping Elduran in a tight hug, the Pok¨¦mon almost smothered him.

    "I''m thrilled to see you," Elduran gasped for air. "But we need to work on those hugs. You''ll be the end of me!"

    "Proves it''s truly you," the woman said, smiling through tears. "They identified my daughter the second day. After completing paperwork, her Pok¨¦ball connection was severed. I recaptured her, promising to find you." She explained, pressing her thumb against the Pok¨¦ball''s top. A blue ring appeared around her finger. Unlocking her phone, she entered her Pok¨¦dex app password, then passed the Pok¨¦ball to Elduran. "Hold your thumb there." Elduran did so until the light flashed twice and vanished. "There, she''s yours. Take care of her," she said, turning away, tears renewed.

    Vivillon hugged her from behind. She paused, tenderly stroking Vivillon''s wing.

    "May I know your name, please?" Elduran asked softly.

    "Johanna," she answered, as Vivillon released her.

    "Just one more thing," Elduran hesitated. "May I ask your daughter''s name? It would mean a lot to Viv. To address her previous trainer by name"

    She paused, wiping tears. "Nancy. Please cherish her dearest friend. She was her world."

    As Johanna walked away, Vivillon''s tears flowed as she mourned her former trainer hearing her name spoken out loud.

    Elduran walked towards Vivillon, gently taking her into his arms. This time, he initiated the hug, offering her comfort.

    ***

    The plane finally touched down. After clearing security, he emerged from the airport into a vast expanse of farmland with a distant city a few miles away. He had arrived in Tenera, and Asven City, where his registration awaited, was a short bus ride away. At 31 years old, he was about to embark on a new chapter as a trainer.

 Chapter 2 - Registration

    Chapter 2

    Registration

    The bus journey appeared that it would last approximately just over thirty minutes. The road was so remarkably straight that Elduran questioned whether he could replicate such precision on paper with a ruler. Surrounding him were vast expanses of farmland, showcasing a variety of crops that left him somewhat bewildered; while he could easily identify wheat and corn, the rest remained a mystery to him. Nevertheless, this unnervingly straight road sliced directly through the agricultural landscape.

    To his left, he observed a massive metal beam elevated around fifty feet above the ground. He recognized it as part of the widely admired monorail tracks, a true testament to engineering prowess. The structure appeared robust enough to endure the impact of a Copperajah colliding with its supporting columns. Although he believed he could glimpse another beam further off to his right, his position on the left side of the bus left him uncertain about this observation.

    Suddenly, a monorail train sped by, racing at an astonishing speed of at least 250 mph. What struck him most was its lack of the sleek, aerodynamic design he had anticipated; while the front was streamlined, the rest of the train appeared bulky and boxy. It was clear that this was no ordinary passenger train but rather a cargo train. In stark contrast, another train approached from the opposite direction, heading away from the city of Asven. This one embodied the slender, graceful form he had always imagined a monorail should possess, unmistakably a passenger train.

    Beyond the monorail, he spotted a massive black mountain in the distance, its slopes adorned with rivers of flowing lava. The proximity of the capital to such an active volcano astonished him. Perhaps this was the reason for the seemingly endless farms surrounding Asven; while he wasn''t an expert in geology, he understood that volcanic soil was incredibly fertile for agriculture. However, the logistics of transporting that rich soil to the farms left him puzzled.

    What astonished him the most was the realization that there were no visible roads aside from the one linking the airport to Asven. He had heard that in Tenera, everyone relied on monorails for transportation, but he began to question whether that was due to a complete absence of roads. Tenera had once been a vast safari continent until about four decades ago, functioning as a shared business model for all regions, where every Pok¨¦mon could be found. Elduran pondered this while observing Tenera, skeptical of its truth, yet indifferent to the details. With no roads and no monorails, the area was designed like a safari, and the local inhabitants seemed to live with technology reminiscent of a century past. The architecture was predominantly traditional, constructed from rock and wood, while the two desert towns primarily utilized mudbrick. However, in Asven, modern metal and concrete structures had begun to blend with the older styles, at least according to the few images he had encountered.

    The locals eventually established their own government and sought independence. Although there were initial tensions, the situation remained largely peaceful without escalating into war. The political factions aimed to move in a certain direction, yet every regional Pok¨¦mon league rallied behind the people of Tenera, including the Kanto League, which was the most inclined to support the government. While the Pok¨¦mon league operated independently from the government, both entities held equal sway in decision-making. The government primarily managed agriculture, commerce, education, energy, health, treasury, labor, and housing, whereas the league oversaw justice, defense, and homeland security. They were also responsible for organizing league events, which included the entire process of badge collection and ensuring safe travel routes for trainers of all ages. The balance was delicate; routes needed to be secure enough to prevent fatalities while still presenting enough challenges to foster growth among trainers. The overarching goal was to cultivate powerful trainers, driven by the understanding that the wilds were home to formidable Pok¨¦mon capable of devastating cities in an instant, but also by the competitive nature of neighboring regions. Elduran was acutely aware of this dynamic, being deeply entrenched in the system, and he often caught the murmurs of its inner workings.

    The bus finally arrived at the edge of the city, where contemporary concrete homes stood in neat rows, primarily designed for residential living, with most structures reaching up to three stories high. Just a few minutes later, he found himself in the bustling heart of the city, confronted by an odd blend of architecture that was even more jarring than the images he had seen prior to his arrival. The city center was adorned with stunning brick buildings, including a grand city hall that rose majestically to four stories, its pinkish hue catching the eye. Yet, towering skyscrapers, some reaching twenty stories or more, intermingled with these charming structures, creating a striking contrast. Asven, the largest city in Tenera, boasted a population of around 150,000, but the streets were surprisingly devoid of cars, with no road wider than two lanes in either direction. Most residents opted to walk, bike, or travel on Pok¨¦mon, which made him uneasy; he was accustomed to regions where there were strict limits on the number of Pok¨¦mon one could have out of their Pok¨¦ Balls. Although he didn¡¯t see any excessively large or heavy Pok¨¦mon, he wondered if such regulations still applied here. He knew he had to confront his discomfort, especially now that he had a Pok¨¦mon partner and aspired to expand his team. Yet the mere mention of Vivillon stirred a mix of happiness and irritation within him, as it highlighted the striking difference between his companion''s serene demeanor and the chaotic nature of many other Pok¨¦mon. With a sigh, he acknowledged the inner turmoil he still needed to resolve, recognizing that Vivillon would be his steadfast support and guide on this journey.

    The bus finally arrived at its sole destination, a modest glass structure that served as the bus station. Elduran pondered whether this stop was exclusively for shuttling passengers between the airport and the city, as it seemed far too small to function as a major bus terminal. Pulling out his phone, he activated the navigation app to locate the nearest Pok¨¦mon Center. As he tried to maintain his composure amidst the flurry of Pok¨¦mon bustling around him, he retrieved Vivillon''s Pok¨¦ Ball and set her free. "Hey there, I should have let you out sooner. It looks like Pok¨¦mon roam freely in this area," Elduran remarked with excitement. Vivillon responded with a soft "Vi," her eyes wide with wonder at the stark contrast from Kanto. She playfully shot a string shot onto his back and nestled herself there, a habit she had picked up from her previous trainer, Nancy. Elduran mused that perhaps it was a comfort for her or a way to keep him safe, and being a pragmatist, he preferred to believe it was the latter.

    Most of the roads he traveled on to reach the pok¨¦mon center had tram tracks, which explained why buses weren''t commonly used in the city. He reached his destination and entered inside. The Pok¨¦mon Center was a practical hub of activity. The waiting area featured simple benches and a few tables scattered around for trainers to sit and catch their breath. A large reception desk stood at the front, staffed by a nurse who efficiently processed trainers checking in their Pok¨¦mon. The walls were lined with information boards detailing services, rules, and nearby facilities. Trainers shuffled in and out, some glancing at maps on the wall, while the sounds of Pok¨¦mon being treated in the back provided a steady background noise. This was a place to get what you needed, healing, information, or just a moment of respite before heading out again. He made his way towards a large kiosk with a sign that read "housing accommodation," a woman behind the desk greeted him and asked if he was visiting someone.

    "I''m actually here to book a room," he replied.

    "Oh, my apologies for assuming. We don''t often see adults joining the league tour, but it''s certainly allowed," she said. "The cost will be 100 crimson cetis."

    "Actually, this is my first year as a trainer, so I believe it''s free," Elduran said confidently as he handed her his trainer card. He was amused by the look of surprise on the woman''s face, but he wasn''t embarrassed in the slightest. He was never one to shy away from attention.

    "Oh dear, I apologize again sir. I seem to be making quite a few assumptions today," she chuckled nervously as she scanned his card in their system. "Hmm, sir...it appears you haven''t visited our pok¨¦mon registry office yet. Your card needs to be updated."

    "Raikou''s shit!" Elduran exclaimed in frustration. "They told me at the Kanto registry that everything was taken care of. Oh...sorry about my language," he added quickly, noticing her name tag on her shirt. She was quite attractive, he thought to himself, around his age with long blonde hair and fair skin, and those big round purple glasses added an interesting touch. But he didn''t come here to flirt with women.

    "Brie, do you mind if I go to the registry office now? I''ll be back in no time,¡± Elduran asked politely.

    "Of course not, take your time. I''ll still be here for a few more hours," she replied, glancing at the clock on the wall.

    He joked, "I better hurry then, I don''t want to come back and find you''ve been replaced." He winked at her before turning to leave the building with Vivillon still clinging onto his back.

    Upon exiting, Elduran placed the Pok¨¦mon registry in his navigator and proceeded onward, pleased to find it was just a brief two-minute walk, a pleasant surprise indeed. His stroll was uneventful, and soon he arrived at his destination. As he stepped inside the Pok¨¦mon Registry Office nestled in the venerable brick building, he was struck by the stark contrast between its weathered facade and the sleek modernity within. The mingling scent of aged bricks and cutting-edge technology was palpable. The rhythmic clatter of rapid, precise keystrokes resonated through the otherwise quiet space, hinting at the advanced technology sheltered within a relic of yesteryears. Despite the building¡¯s austere exterior, the interior was brightly illuminated, casting a warm glow over the rows of digital data terminals lining the walls.

    A dozen employees stood ready behind their desks, eager to assist customers. Noticing the absence of a waiting line and with three employees unoccupied, he instinctively approached the digital kiosk to obtain a number. Just as he was about to do so, an employee from desk number seven beckoned him forward.

    The man, in his fifties, sporting curly black and white hair and a thick mustache, with dark skin and clad in a classic white button-down shirt, greeted him warmly.

    "How may I assist you, sir?" he inquired.

    Elduran presented his trainer card, handing it over to the man across the desk.

    "This card seems to need updating at one of your regional offices," Elduran explained.

    "Let''s take a look," said the man, swiping the card through a reader. "Ah, I see you''re from Kanto. My name''s Jeremiah, by the way, pleased to assist you, Elduran."

    "Can you explain why everything seemed fine at the Kanto registry office? They indicated my card was ready for immediate use," Elduran queried.

    "Indeed, there''s a reason," Jeremiah affirmed. "The champion of the league, John Gianic, has introduced a new rule requiring all first-time trainers in Tenera to come here to release a minor hold on their cards. Tenera operates differently, and trainers often assume the same rules apply as elsewhere, losing months caught unaware. To release the hold, I¡¯ll simply explain how the league tour functions here," Jeremiah added with a subtle smile.

    "You could have just put that information online," Elduran retorted.

    "We did, but you''d be surprised how many trainers ignore it completely," Jeremiah replied.

    "Trust me, I get it. We humans often assume we know everything and frequently overlook instructions," Elduran commented.

    "True enough," Jeremiah chuckled before continuing. "The tour operates quite differently. Abroad trainers often find it surprising that all gym leaders perform at the same level regardless of the number of badges you have. Whether one or seven, their strength remains the same. However, with zero badges, you face a 2 on 2, one badge makes it a 3 on 3, two badges a 4 on 4, and subsequently, all battles are 5 on 5."

    "That''s quite the change. Is there anything else I should know?" Elduran asked.

    "Oh, certainly. Here, you need only collect your first badge before your sixth month to extend your first-year trainer benefits for a full year," Jeremiah continued.

    "That''s promising, though it seems more challenging than collecting four badges in regions with weaker gym Pok¨¦mon," Elduran mused.

    "You¡¯re not wrong, but here in Tenera, you only need to collect your badges once, not annually. We call it a tour, but there¡¯s no time constraint, apart from first-year benefits. The Pok¨¦mon League Championship starts on September one, which is today. If you¡¯ve collected all badges by the end of August next year, you can participate. If not, there¡¯s always the next year, without having to re-earn previously acquired badges," Jeremiah explained.

    "That''s bold. So, if I collect all badges now, I could potentially participate in the league even ten years down the line?" Elduran asked.

    "Excellent question. The league has a committee that tests trainers who''ve been away from battling for too long. These trainers face opponents equal to gym leaders in strength, albeit not as formidable as their personal teams. Failing means collecting all badges anew, this time all battles are 5 on 5," Jeremiah elaborated.

    "I see, so one could settle into a normal life while keeping the championship as an option. Tenera¡¯s system seems more accommodating," Elduran observed.

    "Quite so, and with that, your card is ready for use in Tenera. You have until March to claim your first badge. After that, your first-year benefits will extend to September of the next year. Best of luck, Elduran! Hope to face you at the championship!" Jeremiah concluded with a smile.

    "Hold on, are you an embodiment of the scenario I described? You collected your gym badges as a teen, then pursued a career and family, joining the league year after year without needing the committee?" Elduran asked.

    "I am indeed that embodiment," Jeremiah chuckled. "My inaugural match is the day after tomorrow, and I''m catching the train to Pinnacle Rock this evening. Over three decades, I''ve only ever lost in the first round three times, so the committee saw no reason to test me. My best result was ranking within the top two hundred fifty-six when I was thirty-two. I hope to see you there next year!"

    "Oh, you will. Maybe not next year, but certainly within two," Elduran laughed softly, taking his card. "Take care, Jeremiah. Thanks for everything. I truly appreciate it," Elduran said as he made his way to the exit. Jeremiah nodded in farewell.

    Elduran walked in silence, absorbed in his thoughts. The path he followed led him far from any championship dreams; survival until next year seemed a more reasonable hope than collecting eight trivial tokens. He had noted a park across the street a few minutes ago and decided to make his way there. Crossing over, he found an empty bench and, as he removed his duffel bag, Vivillon dislodged, swiftly shaking off the remnants of a string shot before he could even set the bag down against the bench.

    "Let¡¯s grab a bite, Viv," he suggested.

    Vivillon settled beside him, still taking in her surroundings with wide eyes, the world around her still a new and startling experience.

    Elduran retrieved a protein bar from his duffel bag and some kibble intended for Vivillon. Though she was part Flying and part Bug, she seemed to favor the Bug-type food. Attempts to mix in some Flying-type fare had once resulted in her simply gusting it away. He took one of the bowls from his bag, filled it with the kibble, and offered it to her. She finished her meal faster than he managed to eat his protein bar.

    "Careful, or you¡¯ll get fat!" Elduran teased.

    "Viiiiii," Vivillon retorted with a playful tone. "Yeah, yeah, I know, you¡¯ll never get fat. How do you like this city, Viv?" he queried.

    "Vii," she replied, her voice high and enthusiastic.

    "You like it, huh? Personally, I find it a bit ugly, but I do appreciate how it¡¯s less crowded than Saffron," he mused.

    Vivillon inched closer until she was nestled against him. A few moments later, she was asleep. Although tiredness began to creep over him as well, he resisted, aware of the tasks ahead. Not wishing to disturb Vivillon, he gently recalled her into her Pok¨¦ball.

    "I don¡¯t quite understand how you Pok¨¦mon can enjoy being digital forms within these Pok¨¦balls, and I can only wonder how the interior appears to you. But Viv, if I manage to scrape together enough money, I¡¯ll upgrade your Pok¨¦ball, it''ll be like a mansion in there," he said softly, speaking to Vivillon¡¯s Pok¨¦ball. Rising from the bench, he headed towards the Pok¨¦mon Center.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.

    Upon entering the Pok¨¦mon Center, Elduran found Brie still there. He approached her directly and handed her his card.

    "Mission accomplished, Brie. Hope you didn¡¯t miss me too much," Elduran quipped.

    "You were gone for only an hour. Hardly time to miss you," she replied with a smile.

    "Tell me, do you happen to have eight badges?" he inquired.

    "Oh no, as a matter of fact, I have none. Tried being a trainer for about eighteen months, but I wasn¡¯t very good," she admitted, gesturing toward the Aipom snoozing on a couch behind her. "That¡¯s my Aipom, my starter. My other is a Chikorita, but she prefers staying in her Pok¨¦ball."

    "No worries. Between you and me, I''m not all that impressed by the League tour," he said quietly, so only she could hear.

    "Then why pursue it if you feel that way?" she questioned aloud, returning his card along with a card key.

    "My reasons are my own. Maybe it¡¯s the free travel and a year of vacation, who can say?" Elduran replied, taking back his card and key.

    "Well, enjoy your stay. Let us know if there¡¯s anything you need to make it more comfortable. The stairs to the rooms are just here to the left," she indicated, her tone suddenly brisk.

    Elduran sensed he might have offended her; her last words were tinged with a chill. He¡¯d intended to lift her spirits by downplaying the tour, but when he glanced back, he saw her engrossed in the championship match on the TV behind her. Two trainers were locked in battle. It hit him then, she loved Pok¨¦mon battling, despite her lack of success. He felt a pang of regret for his thoughtlessness, realizing a frequent misstep of his was inadvertently offending others when he meant well.

    Ascending the stairs, he noted his card read 3H, meaning his room was located on the third floor. He found his room easily. It was compact, just big enough for a small closet, a tiny bathroom, a compact desk, but, surprisingly, a full-sized bed. Having grown up in the army, he was accustomed to sharing a space like this with three other men. He knew he had to visit the supermarket for necessities and the Pok¨¦mart for Vivillon¡¯s food, but exhaustion was overtaking him. He decided to defer it to tomorrow. It was only 7 p.m., but with Kanto being four hours ahead, his body clock felt it was 11 p.m. An early rise seemed inevitable. After a quick shower, he collapsed into bed. Vivillon, fond of resting in her Pok¨¦ball, remained inside it. Elduran wished he could coax her into enjoying the outside when asleep, but for now, he let her be.

    He awoke at 3:00 AM, just as expected. He knew pok¨¦cafes operated around the clock, and having passed one during his walk from the bus station to the Pok¨¦mon Center the previous day, he knew it was a mere five-minute stroll away. Despite the availability of instant coffee at the Pok¨¦mon Center, he had a strong distaste for it. The pok¨¦cafes brewed the traditional pot-boiled coffee he favored, a style gradually fading from popularity. This method was the easiest to prepare while traveling, reminiscent of his army days where it was the only option. However, upon arrival, he discovered the pok¨¦cafe was closed, a letdown as he realized that in Tenera, pok¨¦cafes were not 24/7. He turned to his phone''s map app to search for open cafes at this hour. Today, he truly embodied an owl, both in name and nature, he mused. He found several options but chose one on the town''s periphery for a distinct reason. To his surprise, the tram was operational at this early hour, and delightfully, his trainer card provided free rides, a perk presumably linked to his status as a first-year trainer.

    After a -minute tram journey, he arrived at a small gray brick structure with two modest windows flanking a wooden front door reminiscent of a cellar entrance. Inside, the cozy ambiance was accentuated by soft yellow lighting, a welcome contrast to the widespread obsession with the stark, near-blue illumination. The snug space accommodated about a dozen small wooden tables, as the ordering and coffee-preparation counter occupied much of the interior. Only one table was in use, occupied by a solitary young teenager seated in the corner. Her striking long green hair cascaded to her shoulders, where it curled and transitioned to vivid yellow. Her skin was pale even by Kanto standards, suggesting she was not a local. Tenera''s populace, he had observed, generally possessed olive or dark complexions. He speculated she might be a first-year trainer from Sinnoh, possibly no older than 17, and he remained perplexed by the contemporary penchant for vibrant hair colors. Her belt already held four Pok¨¦balls.

    Approaching the counter, he ordered a stovetop black coffee, astounded by its modest price of five crimson cetis. Tenera, at least, offered affordable coffee, he mused. With his coffee in hand moments later, he seated himself at the table nearest the front door. He began scanning for news related to any destruction or odd phenomena in the region. Gemma, a top-tier intelligence agent, was convinced of their presence here, and he trusted her instincts implicitly. The problem was a lack of leads. Tenera''s distinction as the only region untouched by legendary Pok¨¦mon attacks was curious, yet he would have dismissed it by default. Not so for Gemma; her instincts were unparalleled. Thinking of Gemma, he realized how much he missed her. She had been his only genuine relationship, lasting two years, a feat by Elduran standards, as none had previously surpassed six months. He was invariably drawn to slightly older women, for they seemed to provide stability, influencing him to listen rather than control. Their maturity earned his respect, granting them the right to steer their shared course. Nevertheless, that chapter was now firmly in the past.

    Across the caf¨¦, the girl kept casting glances his way whenever he seemed preoccupied. Elduran didn''t fancy himself particularly clever, in fact, he often thought himself quite the opposite, but he possessed a keen sixth sense for survival. Whether it be spatial awareness, discerning sounds, or sensing when eyes were upon him, he was usually attuned. Yet with this girl, there was no sense of threat; perhaps she was merely intrigued by the presence of someone else at such an early hour. In a caf¨¦ occupied by only two souls, it''s natural for one''s gaze to occasionally wander toward the other.

    The only notable news in Tenera lately was the river in Erim town running dry, one of the desert towns. Meanwhile, Dendra City seemed to demand special tax treatment for all the renewable forest infrastructure they were setting up to supply Tenera with lumber. Elduran had heard this story before¡ªcities asking for tax breaks simply because they weren''t as reliant on neighboring towns or cities. Just a load of Moltres droppings, if only things were that simple. There hadn¡¯t been any legendary Pok¨¦mon assaults, and the region appeared relatively peaceful, yet Gemma insisted he come here. She wouldn''t deceive him; he knew her too well for that. Clearly, something was amiss. He could spare a day or two to decide his next step.

    After finishing his coffee, he stepped out, noticing the girl glancing at him again as he exited. He headed towards the end of town¡ªthe very reason he picked that specific caf¨¦. He needed to train with Vivillon. He released Vivillon from her pok¨¦ball, happy to see she was awake, if only barely. She made a pitiful "Viii" sound.

    "Wake up, you lazy bug! We run first, then train at the town''s edge," Elduran instructed.

    "Viii," Vivillon protested, but followed once Elduran began jogging.

    Vivillon disliked early mornings, a stark contrast to Elduran, which often led them to butt heads. After about minutes, they reached the town¡¯s outskirts just before the farms. They stood on the eastern side of town as the Volcano spewed red rivers in the distance¡ªa breathtaking sight.

    "Alright, work on Struggle Bug. Perfect it; I know you can," Elduran encouraged Vivillon.

    "Viii," Vivillon responded with determination.

    Elduran then proceeded with his workout routine¡ªpush-ups, crunches, and other exercises he did daily after leaving the army. He even found a sturdy tree branch suitable for pull-ups.

    Vivillon was improving. Bits of goo launched from her body in all directions, still too slow. Elduran felt he could help but couldn''t pinpoint how. She was making progress, though slowly¡ªit¡¯d take another two weeks to perfect the move, and that was too long. He felt more secure in Pok¨¦mon battles than training. Perhaps Vivillon was a slow learner, but it was odd her former trainer hadn''t taught her this move. Struggle Bug, a move where she barely had to move but could attack everything around her, seemed invaluable. Her current attacking moves were limited to Gust and Psybeam. That needed correcting. However, her status effect moves were superb¡ªSleep Powder, Stun Spore, and Poison Powder were magnificent, complemented by Light Screen and Supersonic. Psybeam, a peculiar move, temporarily confused the target for a split second. That second was what Elduran intended to exploit.

    After about an hour of exercising, he sat down on a rock at a safe distance from Vivillon, watching her train, still unsure how to help. Vivillon, noticing him resting, decided she needed a break too.

    "Come on, just a little more. I want Struggle Bug to extend maybe an inch or two." He took a swig from his water bottle.

    "Viiiii," Vivillon protested, lying on the ground, eyeing his water bottle.

    "You''re hopeless. Spoiled brat attitude. Too bad it''s cute when you¡¯re like this. Here," he said, tossing the water bottle her way.

    "Viii," Vivillon looked at the bottle, puzzled, as she caught it.

    Elduran approached with her water bowl. "Nice catch!" He poured some water into her bowl before taking back the bottle.

    He then spotted a teenager approaching, a single pok¨¦ball on his belt, clad in jean shorts and a red t-shirt, topped with a red hat.

    "Hello, mister," the boy greeted.

    "Hey," Elduran replied. "Can I help you with something?"

    The first rays of the sun started to break the horizon.

    "I''m a new trainer. Got my starter Pok¨¦mon yesterday. I couldn''t sleep from excitement and saw you from my bedroom window. I live in that building on the top floor," he pointed. "I was hoping you¡¯d give me my first battle."

    Elduran considered it would be his first too, unbeknownst to the boy. A good opportunity to test if his military precision and fearlessness in missions would apply to Pok¨¦mon battles.

    "Sure, why not? I''m Elduran. What¡¯s your name, lad?" Elduran asked.

    "Tony. Nice to meet you. Can we just do the minimum bet, 100 cetis?" Tony suggested.

    "Right, 100 cetis is fine," Elduran agreed, recalling how top trainers could demand fortunes per battle. "This is a one-on-one. Viv, you''re up," Elduran indicated to Vivillon behind him.

    Tony released his Pok¨¦ball, revealing a Bidoof, a small rodent like pok¨¦mon with 2 big front teeth.

    "Alright, here we go," Tony struck a pose, commanding, "Tackle!"

    Elduran suppressed laughter at Tony''s overly dramatic stance, but maintained focus.

    "Viv, poison powder in front of you and fly back."

    Vivillon spread poisonous particles in the air, effortlessly flying backward. Tony issued no new commands, and Bidoof charged through the powder, heading for Vivillon. Within seconds, Bidoof appeared hurt yet kept pursuing.

    "If it keeps coming, use Gust," Elduran instructed calmly.

    "Bidoof, stop and use Defense Curl!" Tony shouted.

    Bidoof ceased running, curling into a ball. Its skin shimmered momentarily, toughening its hide. The gust hit, but Bidoof largely resisted, staying grounded.

    "Bidoof, Rollout!" Tony commanded excitedly.

    Knowing Rollout''s strength against Flying Pok¨¦mon, Elduran needed Vivillon to dodge. Simply flying up to wait for Bidoof to succumb to poison felt cheap; he wanted to test Vivillon¡¯s trust in him for a more effective counterattack.

    "Viv, turn toward me," Elduran directed. Vivillon hesitated as Bidoof became a rolling sphere. ¡°Please, look at me. Turn and face me.¡± She hovered, staring at Elduran. ¡°Now hold... just a little longer... now! Fly up!¡±

    Bidoof leaped last second, but Vivillon ascended, causing Bidoof to miss.

    "Psybeam and finish with Gust!" Elduran ordered.

    Positioned perfectly as Bidoof rolled beneath, Vivillon had ample time to strike with Psybeam and Gust before Bidoof hit the ground as she was already facing it, causing it to faint mid-air.

    "Well done, Bidoof. We''ll improve," Tony reassured as he recalled his Pok¨¦mon. Approaching Elduran, he transferred cetis via a phone scan of Elduran''s trainer barcode. "Thanks for the battle, mister. That was a smooth move. You and Vivillon are in sync. I hope Bidoof and I reach that level of trust. Take care!" He walked away.

    Vivillon smiled, dancing around Elduran, playfully gusting him with her wings, clearly cheerful about the victory. Elduran pondered her excitement, given her past wins with Nancy against tougher foes, then decided to ask.

    "Viv, that Bidoof was below your level. Why the excitement?" Elduran queried.

    "Viiiv... viiv," she hummed.

    "Oh, it felt good trying something new?" Elduran realized. "You know, right back at you. Felt great you trusted me to fight blind, gaining an edge."

    As he gathered Vivillon''s bowl and water bottle, he noticed her again¡ªthe girl from the caf¨¦, now wearing a pink hat, trying to hide. Her unmistakable hair was concealed, but Elduran remembered everything: faces, clothing¡ªhis memory was sharp. He caught a glimpse of her before she disappeared behind the building where Tony lived. Elduran quickly assembled his bow, a folding one, suited for emergencies¡ªnot as accurate as a recurve or longbow, and he disliked compound bows despite their precise single shots due to poor firing rates.

    Elduran signaled Vivillon to approach. "Viv, listen. A girl is tailing us, behind that building." He pointed. "You go left; I¡¯ll take the other side. Don''t harm her unless threatened. If necessary, prioritize our safety. Prevent her from releasing her Pok¨¦mon." Elduran directed, hoping Vivillon understood.

    Near the building¡¯s corner, Elduran swiftly turned, bow ready. No one was there; Vivillon approached from the opposite side.

    "Viv, to the sky. Look for a pink hat. Once you spot her, stay high. Signal me with a string shot once you''ve found her," Elduran instructed.

    For two weeks before departing Kanto, Elduran trained Vivillon in these military-like and surveillance tactics, explaining their lack of combat until now¡ªthey focused on these skills instead. His planning was paying off.

    In about a minute, a string landed nearby, Vivillon moving west. Elduran followed quickly, tucking the arrow away due to curious stares from passersby. It was 6:30 AM; the streets were growing busier.

    After minutes, Vivillon guided him back to the caf¨¦ he''d visited earlier. Through the window, he saw her at the same table. Elduran stored his bow and entered.

    "Viv, stay left, be ready. Any threat and string shot her," he instructed.

    His knife remained holstered and concealed. He could accurately aim for the head at a distance of 20 feet, 30 feet for the torso. The caf¨¦ was small enough. He entered, unfazed, directly towards her table.

    Though the girl was sweating and panting, she was smiling. She posed no visible threat but Pok¨¦mon could make anyone formidable if trained well. Elduran approached, sitting across from her, Vivillon hovering above.

    "Why are you following me?" Elduran demanded, a cold, intimidating stare aimed at her.

    "Damn, you''re good. But I''m good too. I¡¯m impressed with both of us,¡± she giggled despite gasping for breath.

    "Explain! Now! My patience is running thin," Elduran''s voice cut like ice, yet she remained unfazed.

    "Alright, listen. Let''s go to the room I''m renting¡ªright across the street. We can''t afford anyone overhearing us," her tone turned serious.

    "I''m not moving an inch until I know why you''re tailing me. One released Pok¨¦mon could kill me instantly. I''m not stupid enough to risk that," Elduran replied firmly.

    "Okay, I''ll say one word, which if you''re not dumb, will make you come across to my room... Gemma," she whispered.

    Elduran facepalmed, realizing what might have occurred.

    "Alright, let''s go. You lead where I can see you," he instructed.

    She led Elduran to a building across the street labeled "Luxury Rooms for Rent." After saluting the receptionist, they took a creaky elevator to the fifth floor. The poorly maintained interior didn¡¯t live up to the ¡®luxury¡¯ name. Her room, , mirrored the dreary corridors. Spacious yet unfinished, the cement interior felt uninviting compared to his Pok¨¦mon Center accommodation.

    "Can I release a Pok¨¦mon to soundproof the room?" she requested.

    "Go on. Viv, if anything goes wrong... you know what to do." His hand readied at his waist knife.

    From her Pok¨¦ Ball emerged a round, pink creature with only its mouth visible; its vibrant blue mane concealed the rest of its face. Its tail resembled a festive party hat, and this Hatenna, when evolved into the formidable Hatterene, was a rare and powerful pok¨¦mon indeed.

    "Soundproof, Candy," she ordered gently.

    An imperceptible sphere enveloped the chamber, secluding everything but the furthest corners. Hatenna merrily propelled a beach ball with psychic might toward Vivillon, who retorted with playful gusts. Elduran recognized that Vivillon''s lowered guard wasn''t ideal, and that the Pok¨¦mon was adept at utilizing psychic, a highly advanced move, which caused him unease. Yet, the spectacle nearly coaxed a smile from him. Shifting his focus, he faced the girl.

    "Are you that reckless? Using ¡®Gemma¡¯¡ªout of all words? You might''ve endangered her, you foolish brat!" he lashed out angrily.

    "Look who''s talking¡ªfucking commando style on me! You let absolutely nothing through, you prick!" she retorted with equal intensity.

    "Screw this. Don¡¯t tell me Gemma sent you, because if she did, you''re on the next plane out," he growled.

    "Gemma did send me, you ungrateful brute. Observing your training and battling, you need to be thankful. You won''t last a week alone here. You''re hopeless in every way except maybe hunting deer," she shot back.

    Taking deep breaths, Elduran moved past her, sitting on the bed.

    "Let''s start again¡ªcalmly. What''s your name, kiddo? I''m sure you know mine," he softened his tone.

    "First off, you old codger, don¡¯t call me kiddo. I¡¯m Aisha... Aisha Emeralds. I work for Kanto''s Intelligence Agency under Gemma. I¡¯m on a mission here, of course more covert than the story suggests¡ªbut the Watchers are a serious threat," she clarified.

    "How''s a teenager in Intelligence? Last I checked, a degree took four years," he doubted.

    "Moltres feathers, who said I was a teenager? I¡¯m 20 years old . Get your eyes checked; we don¡¯t want your arrows hitting your own pok¨¦mon," she advised, adding humor.

    "At 20, with a psychic-capable Hatenna meaning a successful tour and a degree... how did you manage?" Elduran questioned, skeptical ignoring her previous comment.

    "I juggled a Pok¨¦mon tour and college. My first year was online, and I managed six badges. Three years at Viridian College followed, before Gemma recruited me¡ªa plan brewed long before graduating," she explained.

    ¡°The plan sprang into action the moment my foolish self announced that hunting season for the Watchers was open," Elduran said.

    "I won''t deny it; you certainly handed her a prime opportunity. She wasn''t planning to start this mission yet," Aisha remarked.

    "Gemma turned me into nothing more than a glorified bodyguard for her treasured new baby prodigy. I must admit, she played me like a fiddle," Elduran conceded.

    "Listen, I''m quite adept at gathering intel and predicting how things will unfold. Here''s an example: I was on the next flight, arriving six hours after you. I still don''t know which Pok¨¦mon Center you''re staying at, but I knew you''d show up at this exact caf¨¦ early this morning," Aisha explained.

    "And just how did you know that you bright spark?" Elduran inquired.

    "All Pok¨¦mon Centers are either in the town center or on the west side, so, given the jet lag, you''d fall asleep early and wake up early. You''d refuse the Pok¨¦mon Center''s instant coffee¡ªcredit to Gemma for that insight. You''d look for a Pok¨¦caf¨¦, of which there are only two in the entire city and both west. Naturally, you''d assume they were open all night like those in Kanto, not bothering to check that they weren''t open in the dead of night. Upon arriving at one, you''d consult your map app to see which traditional caf¨¦ was open. You''d find only five: two on the east side, too distant from both Pok¨¦caf¨¦s; one to the north; one to the south; and one to the west. You''d choose the west side caf¨¦ without hesitation because the north has the city-bound farms, the south hosts the lake, and the east is too close to the town''s outskirts before farmland reclaims the land. And Arceus forbid you miss your daily morning workout! But those outskirts are crucial, what with that poor Vivillon in your daily routine, another tidbit from Gemma. So, I booked the room across from this caf¨¦ before I even boarded my plane. Another tip from Gemma was not to employ anyone to tail you, as she mentioned you''d notice someone following from a mile away. By piecing together Gemma''s insights, I located you without having to shadow your movements."

    "Are you done worshipping yourself? What''s this clue about the Watchers?" Elduran asked.

    "Not yet. Tomorrow, we''ll leave. I¡¯ll battle you outside town, proving your inadequacy in training. Then, I''ll divulge everything I know on the Watchers," she challenged.

    "I¡¯m not babysitting. This is serious shit; people might die, you¡ªmight die! Are you ready for that little light bulb?" he inquired maturely.

    "I damn well am. The Watchers must fall, Heatran''s balls be damned, I will be a part of their destruction," she vowed, serious as steel.

    "Oh, for fuck''s sake, Gemma turned me into a babysitter" Elduran groaned, rising. "Fine, your death''s on you. Vivillon, we¡¯re out," he ordered, glancing at Vivillon, distracted with Hatenna and a beach ball like nothing was wrong. "The supermarket visit just got more urgent," he muttered.

    "And why is that?" Aisha called as Elduran exited.

    "We¡¯ll need fucking diapers."

 Chapter 3 - Blur of Blue

    Chapter 3

    Blur of Blue

    At the Kanto Intelligence Agency headquarters in Saffron City, a man in his sixties sat immersed in work. Clad in a dark gray suit, completely bald with a white mustache, and of a portly build, he was both reviewing various folders and files and diligently typing notes on his computer¨¦. His desk was a vast expanse of mahogany, and the office was meticulously organized, offering ample space with two small couches to the side. This was, after all, the department''s head office. The entire wall behind his chair was a vast pane of clear glass, revealing the distant aftermath of Ho-oh''s devastation in the heart of Saffron just over a month ago. Many buildings lay completely destroyed.

    A knock sounded at the door.

    "Come in," said the man.

    A woman in her late thirties entered the room. She had olive skin, straight black hair just grazing her shoulders, hazel eyes, a tall and attractive figure. She was dressed in a light gray skirt and jacket, a white button-down shirt, and long black heels. Clear frameless glasses also adorned her face.

    "Hello," bowed the woman with just the slightest nod of her head. "You wished to see me, Mr. Jacobs?"

    "Ah, Gemma Hawthorne, the prodigious agent who refuses to settle for mere competence, always striving for excellence. Naturally, I wanted to see you. I''ve mentioned countless times for everyone to address me by my first name. Henry suffices. I need to discuss your field agents with you," Henry replied.

    "What about my field agents, Henry?" she inquired.

    "Well, I''m not the head of the agency without knowing at least approximately what my agents are up to; I got this position somehow, you know," he responded.

    "You need to be more specific, Henry. I have numerous field agents," Gemma replied.

    "I''m referring to the agents you dispatched to Tenera, despite our explicit instructions not to," Henry stated.

    "To begin with, there''s just a single agent involved. The other individual is someone the agent intends to seek assistance from. Let''s refer to this individual as... a bodyguard," Gemma clarified.

    "Why did you go against my orders?" Henry inquired.

    "I truly believe the Watchers are there, Henry, and you know precisely why. What did you say just a little while ago? I always strive for excellence," Gemma replied.

    "Good...very good" Henry said

    "Um...excuse me?" Gemma inquired.

    "I reckon the Watchers are stationed in Tenera too. Once upon a time, I employed the same tactics you just used to land this position" Henry chuckled.

    "I see...the President ordered you to avoid wasting resources on Tenera because we have not managed to get a single lead connecting the Watchers there. Also, Tenera not being a victim of a single legendary Pok¨¦mon attack does not help our cause" Gemma said

    "Except it does, it is an anomaly, and it should have been enough to convince everyone, but alas..." Henry said.

    "You were hoping one of your agents disobeyed your order" Gemma said

    "Indeed, I did, but rest assured, your secret remains with me. Choosing to disobey orders by entrusting select, reliable agents with this knowledge could have gone disastrously wrong if any of those so-called trustworthy individuals proved otherwise," he spoke, his words measured and calm.

    "I truly believe these two can confirm their presence in Tenera, allowing us to fully focus our resources on their capture," Gemma declared.

    "You''re ruthless, which is quite a commendable trait for an intelligence officer, but Gemma...you dispatched a young woman of twenty and your former lover on what could prove a fatal mission. Will you be able to bear the consequences of this decision when the moment arrives?" Henry inquired.

    With a sigh, Gemma settled into one of the two chairs opposite Henry Jacobs'' desk.

    "You''re aware of both of them? I won''t probe into how you gained that knowledge¡ªit''s evident you won''t divulge. However, the ease with which you''ve unearthed this is disturbing. Should their discovery occur without a plausible fault, you would be the immediate suspect in my mind, Henry. Your skill in this is alarmingly proficient. But to respond to your inquiry, acceptance is necessary. The lives spared in this process will both validate and ease the weight on my conscience, just look at that crater of destruction behind you" Gemma stated.

    "Honestly, it was remarkably simple to deduce. Did you really expect me to believe that Elduran, after his near-fatal encounter with Ho-oh, would venture to Tenera without prior intelligence? Leaving APSO and entering a region untouched by these Monstrous Pok¨¦mon?" Henry inquired, his tone remaining unruffled.

    "You raise a valid point. I simply did not anticipate that he would be on the agency''s radar. Yet, once you associated him with me, all you needed was to track any agents of mine headed to Tenera. In hindsight, it seems quite evident," Gemma acknowledged.

    "Gemma, I believe you''re quite clever, and you do have a knack for outside-the-box thinking. I see Aisha fitting into this scenario, but Elduran¡ªa soldier forbidden from using firearms¡ªturning into a Pok¨¦mon trainer at his advanced age? I suspect your judgment may be clouded on that point." Henry remarked

    "Elduran simply doesn''t know when to quit, and that tenacity makes him ideal for this mission. However, I doubt he''ll survive, not due to a lack of ability, but because the moment he encounters anyone linked to the Watchers, he''ll attack them with everything he''s got. I''ve given Aisha clear instructions to heed Elduran''s command when that happens. He will undoubtedly instruct her to retreat to a safe distance before he launches his assault, and then to return and report their findings to us. Our main objective is to gather sufficient evidence of the Watchers'' presence at that location. I''m confident the Tenera government will welcome international assistance once we provide such proof." Gemma asserted.

    "He might have been your lover, but I doubt you know him as well as you think. You''re mistaken. With access to all his missions, when did he ever launch an attack unprovoked? Your judgment is clouded by how he behaves in everyday life, yet his file tells a different story: almost always level-headed, the most hesitant to strike, and he consistently chose options to minimize fatalities in his squad. He only took risks when they were cornered. An acquaintance of mine in APSO once remarked that he had never seen someone appear so foolish yet act so shrewdly," Henry remarked.

    "If you believe that, then why did you think he was a poor choice?" Gemma inquired.

    "Because, my dear, you and I both know the attack the Watchers weren''t behind was the Kyogre incident in Cianwood, which obliterated his entire childhood. I¡¯m certain you never disclosed that to him, understandably, since it was the governments of Kanto and Johto that were at fault. We were merely trying to uncover the Watchers'' methods; we learned nothing and only managed to awaken it. But he won''t see it that way," Henry explained.

    "I still don''t grasp how this revelation changes anything, apart from angering him. They carried out all those other attacks," Gemma countered.

    "We don''t understand their agenda, Gemma, or their recruitment process. What we do know is that each attack targeted towns and cities with Pok¨¦mon Storage Facilities (PSF). Every Pok¨¦mon resides in digital form in one of these facilities when not part of a trainer''s active six. If their goal were merely to acquire more Pok¨¦mon, it would be simpler to capture them in the wild. If their intentions are sinister toward Pok¨¦mon..." Henry trailed off.

    "What exactly are you implying, Henry? Get to the point," Gemma pressed.

    "Quite simply... there¡¯s a significant possibility... that Elduran will join them," Henry Jacobs stated with a grave tone.

    - - - -

    Back in Tenera

    Having just purchased some basic travel necessities, Elduran emerged from the supermarket. The morning was still young. Aisha waited outside near the entrance, seated on a bench she had found. It appeared she had just finished feeding Hatenna some treats. Three more Pok¨¦mon were on the ground in front of her, each partaking of kibble from their own bowls: a Marill, a Clefairy, and a Togetic. Elduran walked past her without even a sideways glance and took a seat on the nearby bench, mirroring her actions. He retrieved a bowl and placed some kibble in it for Vivillon. As he released Vivillon from its Pok¨¦ball, she remained asleep, unsurprisingly.

    "Viv, I know that was too brief a morning nap, but you can''t slumber all day. Come on, eat your breakfast!" he urged, gently shaking Vivillon to rouse her.

    Vivillon awoke with painstaking slowness and considerable effort, emitting a prolonged and deliberate "Viiiiiiiiiiiii." Yet, she eventually began to nibble on her meal, too drowsy to notice the quartet of Pok¨¦mon on the neighboring bench.

    Several minutes must have slipped by in silence before Aisha chose to break it. "Do you have more stops to make? Anything else you need to buy?"

    "I need to visit a hunting store and, naturally, a coffee shop," Elduran replied, doing his utmost to mask his irritation.

    "I can see why you''d need the hunting store, but a coffee shop? Didn''t they have coffee in there?" Aisha inquired.

    "Not the kind I prefer," Elduran responded coolly, striving to keep his answers brief to halt her questioning.

    "We don''t have to leave today, you know. If you need more time to settle in, we can delay a day or two," she suggested.

    "I don''t need to settle in. Once I''m finished with both stores, we''re heading from the Pok¨¦mon Center to grab my duffel bag and check out," he stated, his annoyance now barely restrained.

    "Alright, alright. Once you''re done, we''ll head onto Route 111, right by where your battle took place earlier today," she said quickly.

    After finishing her meal, Vivillon flew straight to Hatenna. Elduran watched as Hatenna seemed to introduce her to the others. Though their exchange was a series of indecipherable noises, Elduran recognized the sound Vivillon made¡ªan expression akin to a "hello," lending the encounter a surprisingly human-like quality. It unsettled him slightly.

    Elduran grabbed his backpack and bowl, setting off towards the hunting store he had located using his navigation app. Aisha hurriedly gathered her three bowls, swiftly stowing them in her backpack. She wore a knee-length, high-waisted black pleated skirt with a large black belt, a white v-neck short-sleeve shirt, and black sneakers¡ªa stark contrast to Elduran, who donned dark green tactical pants, dark gray tactical boots, a black t-shirt and a dark gray lightweight military jacket.

    "You know, we don¡¯t always have to walk everywhere. Trams are a thing," Aisha remarked to Elduran.

    "You could use the exercise. When I was chasing you earlier, you looked like a Grimer," Elduran teased.

    "Do you always talk to women like that? Such a charmer," Aisha retorted with a hint of sarcasm.

    "No... only to little girls, and little boys too. Your gender doesn''t matter; kids these days think they own the world," Elduran replied as they crossed a street.

    "Our age gap is merely ten years; my birthday is approaching on September 18. Technically, we belong to the same generation, yet I regret to inform you that I seem to be the adult in this scenario, as your behavior remains utterly childish," she remarked, aiming to provoke him.

    Elduran ignored her attempts to provoke him and continued on his way until he stopped before a hunting shop, far more expansive than he anticipated. The structure loomed, a stark and unsightly edifice of concrete.

    "Remain outside with the Pok¨¦mon," he advised. "This isn''t your environment¡ªyou might accidentally injure yourself...on something."

    Upon stepping inside, Elduran was met with a meticulously arranged space; polished wooden floors complemented by the earthy scents of leather and metal. To his left, glass cabinets curated an array of firearms and blades, while racks paraded an assortment of bows and hunting paraphernalia. Mounted trophies, such as a taxidermied Ursaring, imparted a rustic charm. The softly utilitarian lighting accentuated the tactical apparel and accessories adorning the walls. Toward the back stood a counter brimming with ammunition and supplies, presided over by an affable clerk, embodying the store''s ethos of rugged preparedness.

    ¡°Hello, can I assist you with anything?¡± inquired the clerk, a sturdily built man sporting a buzz cut and stubble.

    The door swung open, admitting Aisha and Vivillon. Elduran looked back at them, just as Vivillon nearly collided with a glass case housing rifles. He quickly returned her to her Pok¨¦ball.

    ¡°What are you doing in here?¡± Elduran demanded.

    ¡°I was merely curious to see the place. It feels very somber, as if death pervades,¡± she replied.

    ¡°Everything here is designed for hunting, what did you expect¡ªstuffed animals?¡± he retorted, teasing her.

    "That would have been nice, but I''m inside because I actually need a knife with a thigh strap for skirts and a belt strap for pants," she remarked to Elduran. "Kind sir, could you assist me?" she requested, turning her attention to the clerk.

    "Certainly, miss. I have this four-inch blade¡ª" the clerk began, but Elduran interrupted.

    "A four-inch blade is a toy. Give her the six-inch one over there with the leather handle; it might help her maintain her grip if she ever needs to stab something more formidable than a mouse," Elduran advised.

    "Ah, of course. You seem knowledgeable," the clerk acknowledged. He retrieved the knife from the glass display and collected two straps from behind him, one for the thigh and one for the waist. "Here you go, miss. That will be 850 cetis in total."

    "Certainly, here you are," Aisha replied, tapping her phone on the payment station. "Thank you very much," she said to the clerk.

    "You''re welcome, my pleasure," the clerk responded.

    "I need 12 aluminum arrows, each with a total mass 700 grains, featuring 200 grain, two-blade fixed broadheads. Additionally, I would like six carbon ones of identical specifications. All of them 29.25 inches long. Lastly, I need one of those new flat, wide quivers, designed to sit comfortably between my back and my large duffel bag. A 24 arrow capacity quiver with three compartments: one holding 12 arrows and the other two holding 6," Elduran instructed.

    "Certainly, sir. Could you allow me thirty minutes to prepare everything?" the clerk asked.

    "Of course... let me pay now, and I''ll return shortly," Elduran replied.

    "That will be 1250 cetis," the clerk informed.

    "Alright, here you go," Elduran said, pressing his phone to the pay station, still surprised by the affordability of things in Tenera.

    "Let me guess, coffee shop?" Aisha queried.

    "Indeed, you''re quite the genius. Now I understand why she sent you my way," Elduran replied, laced with a hint of sarcasm.

    "If you¡¯re after good coffee, take the tram to Coffee Bliss. It¡¯s just a ten-minute ride and far superior to the one nearby. They have beans from Kalos," the clerk suggested.

    "Now here¡¯s a man who knows his coffee. I appreciate this more than you know. Alright, lets take the tram!" Elduran exclaimed.

    "And I thought I needed exercise," Aisha quipped.

    "You move too slow,!" Elduran urged.

    Minutes later, they stepped off the tram and into an all-glass building that seemed to sit serenely in the heart of a sprawling plaza. The sight was breathtaking. It wasn''t merely a coffee shop; it was a caf¨¦ bustling with life, with people relaxing outside at elegantly appointed dark brown tables and chairs.

    "This looks just like the caf¨¦s in Lumiose City," Aisha commented, her excitement evident.

    "You''ve been to Lumiose?" Elduran inquired, his curiosity piqued.

    "Naturally. I hail from Kalos. Born and bred in Snowbelle City," she replied with pride.

    "No wonder you¡¯re so fair-skinned. Honestly, I thought you might be from Sinnoh, given the pale complexions there. But Snowbelle City fits, especially with that hair of yours. The hair fashion is wild there. Everything falls into place now. When we leave town, you¡¯ll need to explain why you''re working for another region. It doesn¡¯t quite make sense," Elduran remarked.

    "Of course, of course, no worries¡ªdo you also interrogate your reflection, or does it escape scrutiny?" Aisha quipped.

    Elduran just ignored her.

    As they strolled inside, they noted two counters: one on the left for ordering coffee, and another on the right for purchasing coffee beans, either whole or ground. They headed to the right.

    Elduran scanned the shelves, his expression brightening when he spotted his favorite coffee.

    "Hello, could I get five pounds of Pomace Dark Roast, extra¡ª" Elduran began, but Aisha interjected.

    "Extra fine for him, and the same for me, but just one pound and coarse ground," Aisha added.

    "Let me guess, our mutual acquaintance again..." Elduran muttered.

    "In fact, all she mentioned was your preference for stovetop coffee, which calls for extra fine. But we do share a common taste; Pomace Dark Roast is the finest coffee there is. I¡¯m from Kalos¡ªI know coffee. And please, stop looking at me like that," Aisha said.

    "Like what?" Elduran asked.

    "Like a normal human being, as if, for once, you don¡¯t want to kill me. It¡¯s unnerving," Aisha joked, swiftly paying for their order.

    "You didn¡¯t have to do that, but... thanks," Elduran said.

    "Only because you ordered Pomace," she replied with a smile.

    They stepped outside and boarded the tram.

    "You know, the Pok¨¦mon Center is pretty close to the hunting grounds. I''ll hop off here to gather my arrows and gear. Let''s meet at 11 AM, outside by Route 111 . You go ahead and pack so we don''t waste any time; there''s still enough daylight to travel a fair distance today," Elduran said.

    Aisha eyed him with suspicion.

    "Please, don¡¯t flee. I''m placing my trust in you. I do have a clue as to where we should head. I realize you may not be fond of me, and honestly, the sentiment is shared, though you''re starting to grow on me. Also..." Aisha started, but Elduran cut her off.

    "I''ll be there. I honestly have no leads. What you need to figure out is how you''re going to convince me why I still need you after you''ve handed over your information," Elduran replied.

    "Oh, that''s easy. I told you, I''m not saying anything until we have that Pok¨¦mon battle," Aisha said.

    "You think that beating me in a battle is going to make me want you to come along? Are you out of your mind? Do you really believe I care about getting revenge for losing a Pok¨¦mon battle?" Elduran asked incredulously.

    "I''ll let you decide on that. This is your stop. See you soon, Smiley!" Aisha said.

    Elduran stepped off the tram, feeling the weight of uncertainty latching onto him. He had no concrete leads and had to bear her presence a while longer. He mused to himself, pondering if this was what parenting felt like¡ªthough perhaps this girl was in a category all her own. With a resigned shrug, he collected his arrows and quiver from the hunting spot, expressing gratitude again for the tip about the coffee shop¡¯s location. He then made his way to the Pok¨¦mon Center, only to find Brie still absent. He sincerely wanted to apologize to her, but as things stood, he accepted it as such. Upon entering his room, he released Vivillon, granting her the freedom to entertain herself with string shot as he prepared for a shower, noticing he still had thirty minutes to spare. Vivillon delighted in crafting intricate designs on the walls, showcasing remarkable skill. Her ability to clear her own string art from the wall with a simple gust was the reason Elduran permitted her creative indulgences.

    A short while later, Elduran reached the eastern outskirts of Asven, returning to the spot where he had his first Pok¨¦mon battle earlier that morning. The journey there was quite the spectacle. Outfitted with a quiver holding eighteen arrows, a duffel bag, a bow secured to his belt, he drew wary gazes from passersby both on the street and aboard the Tram. Although he engaged in nothing unlawful, onlookers might have suspected he was preparing to confront a Salamence or something similarly formidable. At five foot eleven and not overly muscular, yet impressively toned, Elduran''s load seemed hefty enough to surpass his carrying capacity.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

    Aisha was waiting ahead, now dressed in jeans and a white t-shirt. She wore a white hat, and a tan leather jacket left unzipped, paired with matching hiking boots, effortlessly blending fashion with function. A white hiking backpack rested on the ground beside her. All four of her Pok¨¦mon were out of their Pok¨¦balls, that beach ball was there too . Hatenna stood with eyes closed, an aura emanating around her as she used calm mind¡ªjust how advanced was this Pok¨¦mon, Elduran wondered. Marill and Togetic practiced together; Marill aimed water guns at Togetic, who dodged elegantly. Meanwhile, Clefairy was off in the distance, using dazzling gleam away from the others. Aisha stood among them, issuing instructions that her Pok¨¦mon followed intently. Elduran couldn''t shake the feeling that she was like the fifth Pok¨¦mon among them.

    Vivillon fluttered alongside Elduran, her expression sour because he refused to let her hitch a ride on the back of his duffel bag. "You need to exercise and fly as much as you can when you''re out of your Pok¨¦ball. It''ll make you stronger," Elduran said, perhaps for the tenth time since they departed from the Pok¨¦mon Center. In truth, the burden he bore was becoming ever so slightly uncomfortable. The instant Vivillon spotted the other Pok¨¦mon, she darted straight for Hatenna and her beach ball. It was Gust versus Psychic once more, both taking turns tagging the ball. Each encounter seemed to bring these two a little closer, their friendship blossoming with every meeting. Aisha noticed Elduran and made her way over to him.

    "I always thought men packed less clothes than us, yet here you are, carrying your whole household on your back," Aisha quipped.

    "I have just four sets of clothes¡ªtwo for cold weather, two for hot. Most of this is supplies, and mind your own business," Elduran replied, clearly irritated at having to explain the basics.

    "Oh, touchy, aren''t we? I''m just saying, with that quiver and oversized pack, you look like a walking armory. You could easily be mistaken for a Pok¨¦seeker hunter. Don''t be surprised if someone stops you and asks the rate for catching a Pok¨¦mon. Some of them carry bows, too¡ªmakes catching easier and faster if it''s seven-on-one and the trainer steps in," Aisha commented.

    "Outside of Trainer Pok¨¦mon battles, I''ll stand my ground if there''s any hint of danger to me or Viv''s life," Elduran declared.

    "Duly noted. Now, are you ready for our battle?" Aisha asked.

    "Sure, show me how amazing you are," Elduran mocked her, "just let me place my bag under that tree."

    "Guys, take your time and rest in your Pok¨¦balls. You did amazing today," she said, recalling all of them except her Clefairy. "Luna, you''re up," she addressed her Pok¨¦mon.

    Elduran backed away until they were about thirty feet apart.

    "Are you seriously keeping the quiver and bow for a Pok¨¦mon trainer battle? " She joked.

    "Never hurts to be prepared. You never know when you might be attacked," he replied. "Viv, you have a Clefairy to beat. Let''s smash her," he instructed his Vivillon.

    "Alright, let''s start. You go first, ''smiley''," she teased.

    "Don''t mind if I do. Viv, String Shot!" he commanded.

    "Luna, Defense Curl," Aisha responded.

    Vivillon''s String Shot enveloped Clefairy, but its fur shone as it curled up into a ball.

    "Alright, it won''t be able to move. Use Gust, Viv!" Elduran ordered.

    "Charm," Aisha said confidently.

    Clefairy winked at Vivillon, and a glare from its eye made Vivillon hesitate, releasing a very weak gust.

    "Now, Thunderbolt, Luna!" Aisha called as the weak gust hit Clefairy, barely causing any damage.

    "Vivillon, dodge sideways and start angling toward her," Elduran instructed, realizing a Thunderbolt hit could be decisive.

    The Thunderbolt missed as Vivillon expertly dodged to the left, then another Thunderbolt came, but Vivillon managed to dodge again.

    "Vivillon, that''s great! You''re almost there! Use Sleep Powder and fly over her," Elduran said, feeling genuinely excited.

    "Luna, they fell into your trap. Dazzling Gleam!" Aisha said calmly.

    Elduran realized he had been played. The Dazzling Gleam from that range couldn''t miss. Clefairy hadn¡¯t moved at all, covered in string, while Vivillon was excreting more energy. A pink blast of light erupted from Clefairy, barraging Vivillon.

    "Get away from her, Viv!" Elduran yelled.

    Vivillon retreated but was already panting.

    "Alright, Viv, one more time. Fly fast towards her," Elduran urged.

    "Just hold your ground again, Luna," Aisha said, even calmer than before.

    "Now Viv, use Supersonic and dash faster. Then use Stun Spore," Elduran directed.

    A thin Supersonic wave escaped Vivillon''s mouth, aiming directly at Clefairy.

    "Luna, pound the floor... now," Aisha commanded.

    Clefairy¡¯s tail flashed, hitting the ground with force, propelling it off the floor as the Supersonic sailed past.

    "You got her, Dazzling Gleam!" Aisha exclaimed.

    Clefairy lit up again, even closer this time. Vivillon was pushed back, unable to use Stun Spore. The string around Clefairy seemed to dissolve from the pound and the air as it propelled up.

    "Finish her, Luna: Thunderbolt!" Aisha ordered.

    "Viv, dodge and fly behind the tree. Put the tree between you," Elduran said, noticing Vivillon''s exhaustion.

    "Oh no you don¡¯t. Luna, burn that tree¡ªThunderbolt!" Aisha shouted.

    Elduran realized he was entirely outclassed by this girl, and he knew this Clefairy wasn¡¯t even her strongest Pok¨¦mon. He felt utterly inadequate; when he had that rifle aimed at Ho-oh, he had been confident¡ªcertainly more than now. Maybe the trainer path was a mistake, and he should have stuck to firearms. But... Vivillon¡ªhe couldn¡¯t abandon her. She would have lost her second trainer in weeks. No, this Pok¨¦mon, the only one he cared about, had locked him into this path.

    The Thunderbolt struck the tree just as Vivillon flew past, causing it to immediately catch fire. Too close to the trunk, Vivillon was singed by the heat, but managed to push through.

    A blur of blue descended from the trees and struck Clefairy with such force that it sent her hurtling towards Aisha. Risking injury, Aisha dove to catch her, but the velocity of Clefairy''s flight sent them both sprawling. The blue figure halted momentarily, allowing Elduran to discern that it was a Heracross, and, judging by its strength, not a feeble one. Heracross seemed to have targeted Clefairy specifically as it swooped down again, performing an aerial ace that struck them both. Instincts sharp, Elduran unclipped his bow with one hand and drew an aluminum arrow with the other in a single fluid motion. He aimed and loosed the arrow just as Heracross prepared to launch another attack. The arrow pierced its arm just as it readied an arm thrust. Heracross turned, locking eyes with Elduran, malice burning in its gaze. In a split second, it was charging for him, but at least Clefairy and Aisha were safe¡ªfor the moment.

    "Viv, no time to rest, hit it with Psybeam!" Elduran commanded.

    Vivillon''s purple energy beam hit Heracross squarely in the face, causing just the disorientation Elduran needed to let another arrow fly. However, Heracross''s wild flailing in that brief confusion caused the arrow to embed itself in its side rather than striking the center mass Elduran had targeted. Rising to its feet with eyes blazing with fury, Heracross vanished into the cornfield.

    "Oh no, you don¡¯t. You just hurt a human, you piece of bug filth; how far do you think you¡¯ll get with that arrow in you? Viv, let''s give chase!" Elduran exclaimed.

    Elduran plunged into the cornfield, Vivillon hovering above.

    "Go up, find it, and start string shooting. I''ll follow the direction you shoot," Elduran instructed.

    Visibility was low as the stalks towered above him; he glanced up at Vivillon, puzzled by her hesitance. The field was dense, but Heracross was large, the vegetation wasn''t impenetrable. She looked right at him with fear, or rather, past him. Startled by a noise to his right, Elduran leaped left without looking, trusting Vivillon to seize the opportunity. Heracross''s arm thrust barely missed him, and Vivillon''s string shot hit its mark. However, Heracross moved swiftly amidst the corn, rendering the string shot less effective. Elduran thought a gust from Vivillon would do massive damage given Heracross''s dual Bug and Fighting type. As Heracross prepared to take flight, Elduran anticipated it and fired another arrow into its left wing. Heracross growled in frustration; unable to fly and retaliate against Vivillon, it charged at Elduran.

    "Shit! It knows Horn Attack, Viv!" Elduran shouted, ducking into the field.

    "I''ve faced legendary Pok¨¦mon and lived to tell the tale; I''m not going to be done in by a cursed blue beetle," Elduran murmured, a wry smile touching his lips at the absurdity of the situation.

    Vivillon continued entangling it with string shot. Pride swelled in Elduran¡ªhis Vivillon might not excel in traditional Pok¨¦mon battles with Elduran as her trainer, but she was invaluable now, needing no orders. With no time to spare, Elduran rolled away as Heracross attempted another horn attack. The resulting dust cloud was monumental. Seizing his knife, he stabbed Heracross¡¯s back before sprinting away, nocking another arrow as he ran. Heracross pursued relentlessly. He needed to stun it for Vivillon to land a powerful gust.

    "That''s it," he realized mid-sprint.

    "Viv, fly ahead in my direction!" he called, zigzagging through the field. Heracross''s attempts to tackle were hindered by string shot residue, and blood loss from its side wound was slowing it down. Vivillon moved into place.

    Not quite a stun, yet it will suffice, he mused.

    "Viv, unleash your strongest gust right at me! If you hesitate, I''m as good as dead¡ªtrust me!" Elduran encouraged, hoping she''d comply.

    Vivillon charged it for three seconds before unleashing a gust that nearly transformed into a mini-tornado. Elduran smiled as it barreled toward him.

    "Atta girl," he whispered.

    Just before impact, Elduran decelerated, letting Heracross come closer for a tackle before deftly sidestepping. The gust ripped into Heracross, stripping away portions of its shell. Elduran stood poised, bow in hand, awaiting Heracross''s downfall. The once-mighty creature lay on its back , its form mangled yet astonishingly alive. Barely drawing breath, it glared defiantly at Elduran. He took aim, ready to shoot an arrow between its eyes, stunned by the destructive might of Vivillon''s gust. Vivillon hovered nearby, glaring at Heracross. The formidable prowess of his Pok¨¦mon amazed him¡ªVivillon had the power to rend him asunder if she wished, yet he trusted her utterly, certain she would never harm him. He mused about why these powerful entities chose to battle on behalf of humans.

    He needed to finish this and check if Aisha was alright¡ªhe''d almost forgotten her. His fingers were poised to release the arrow when a weak voice shouted from behind.

    "Stop!" Aisha called, limping toward him. Upon reaching Heracross, she broke into tears, frantically searching her belt.

    "Please, give me one of your empty Pok¨¦balls," she pleaded.

    "Are you crazy? It tried to kill us," Elduran responded.

    "Please, capturing it will stabilize it until we reach a Pok¨¦mon Center," she entreated, tears flowing.

    "Aisha, you''re not thinking clearly¡ª" he began, but she interrupted.

    "Elduran, do it for me. It''s my fault. I burned its home... this is my fault," she said, tears streaming.

    "I don''t want this thing," he retorted.

    "We can release it later. I promise to reimburse the Pok¨¦ball. Elduran, what would you do if two Pok¨¦mon attacked your home during a fight?" she reasoned.

    Elduran understood that Aisha''s words had hit home. With a heavy sigh, he adjusted his perspective. As he neared Heracross, his gaze, once filled with contempt, shifted to a grudging respect. Kneeling beside the injured creature, he placed a gentle hand on its bloodied chest.

    ''We fucked up your home, I get it. I''d probably do the same thing in your shoes. But you tried to kill me, so I don''t regret turning you into a bug-mangled mess. I saw it in your eyes when I was about to fire that arrow - you accepted defeat. Nothing unfair about that. Only weaklings whine about it. For that, you''ve earned my respect," he whispered softly. With a gentle touch, he pressed the Pok¨¦ball against Heracross. A crimson glow enveloped the Pok¨¦mon, its energy flowing smoothly into the device. The Pok¨¦ball clicked shut, signifying the successful capture of Heracross."

    "Thank you, Elduran. I truly appreciate this. But we need to get to a Pok¨¦mon Center as soon as possible," she said, rising to her feet. "Luna''s in dire need of care too. We were fortunate she used Defense Curl when fighting Viv. She took those hits head-on. If that Heracross had landed a blow on me, I likely wouldn''t be speaking to you now," she added, walking back toward the tree where her Marill was dousing the flames with Water Gun. He was nearly finished.

    "Alright, let me gather my things," he replied to Aisha. "Viv, you were incredible today in both fights. You really saved my skin against that Heracross," he said to Vivillon.

    "Viiiii," Vivillon chirped happily, though she struggled to stay airborne.

    "Damn, you need rest. I''m terrible at managing this. Thank you, Viv!" Elduran said, recalling her into her Pok¨¦ball.

    Elduran retrieved the two arrows left behind when Heracross was recalled into its Pok¨¦ball, then found another that had pierced Heracross''s hand at the beginning of their encounter. With his bag in hand, Marill was already finished and safely back in his Pok¨¦ball. Elduran set off toward Asven with Aisha following silently beside him.

    A Pok¨¦mon Center was located much closer than the one Elduran had previously stayed at, southwest of town near the lake, just minutes from where they were. As they entered, Elduran noted how much more vibrant this Center appeared compared to the last one. This time, instead of heading to the housing accommodations desk, they approached the main desk in the center, marked by a red cross. Elduran unclipped Heracross''s Pok¨¦ball from his belt and handed it to the nurse.

    She wore the standard white dress with pink accents, her hat matching with a Pok¨¦ball emblem. Her name tag read Jennifer. She had short blond hair and appeared to be in her forties.

    "Please, this Heracross is in critical condition, it is also wild, so handle it with care," Aisha advised as the Nurse took the Pok¨¦ball from Elduran.

    "And please heal my other Pok¨¦mon as well," Elduran added, handing over Vivillon''s Pok¨¦ball.

    "I have one too," Aisha said, passing Clefairy''s Pok¨¦ball to the nurse.

    "Of course," the nurse replied. "Chansey, start with the severely injured one, I''ll be there shortly," she instructed the Chansey. "May I see your Trainer IDs, please?" she requested of Elduran and Aisha.

    She scanned their cards. "All set," she confirmed.

    "Wait, every Pok¨¦mon trainer has free Pok¨¦mon health insurance, not just first years?" Elduran asked.

    "Yes, indeed, sir," the nurse responded.

    "You really didn¡¯t read up on the regional differences before coming here, did you?" Aisha teased.

    "I only read what''s necessary for a first-year, since that''s what I am," Elduran replied.

    The nurse departed to the patient room.

    "Our Pok¨¦mon will be ready in about two hours, if I had to guess. Let''s get a room; a promise is a promise. I''ll share what I know about them," she whispered conspiratorially.

    "Allow me," Elduran smirked, "first-year trainer, after all."

    Once Elduran secured the keycard to a room on the second floor, they ascended the stairs. Upon entering, Aisha released Hatenna and soundproofed the space.

    "Dirthrow," she began, pausing for effect. "For months, four individuals have been reportedly devouring the contents of the old Pok¨¦mon library there, which specializes in Pok¨¦mon myths."

    "Please tell me you''ve got more than just that," Elduran pressed.

    "A library worker''s been stirring up forums with secret posts, claiming these individuals only seek books featuring Yveltal, Xerneas, Zygarde, and Dialga. He''s even dubbed them the ''Crazy Four,''" Aisha explained.

    "Connected any dots between those four yet?" Elduran inquired.

    "Of the four, Yveltal is notably tied to destruction. Xerneas embodies creation, while Zygarde maintains a balance between them. Dialga can manipulate time¡ªother than Yveltal, the others are neither purely good nor evil. I can''t piece it all together yet; the Watchers'' aim remains unclear," Aisha admitted.

    "I was hoping for deeper insight. They might just be obsessed fans," Elduran mused.

    "Trust isn''t required, but I''m adept at uncovering anomalies hidden in the mundane. If they''re fixated on Pok¨¦mon, obsession with the Aura trio¡ªYveltal, Xerneas, and Zygarde¡ªmakes sense. But why Dialga? Why exclude Palkia and Giratina from the Creation Trio? While they seem like mere fanatics to you, I sense a scheme that could exploit Dialga''s time-altering abilities to disrupt Yveltal, Xerneas, and Zygarde''s balance," Aisha argued.

    "The worker could be lying," Elduran cautioned.

    "He''s genuine. His posts have led locals to identify these four. They''re practically a town joke now," Aisha asserted.

    "All this from forum reading?" Elduran was incredulous.

    "It''s surprisingly effective. By the time people realize they''re exposed, it''s too late," Aisha replied.

    "Right now, Dirthrow seems like our best option," he conceded.

    "Another thing¡ªI won''t force you to travel with me, but after our battle, even you must see you need my help to improve as a trainer. I''ll head to Dirthrow, with or without you. Walking''s the best option to grow, unlike just riding the monorail. If you refuse, I''ll mix rail and routes myself. I need two more Pok¨¦mon and aim to evolve mine further. Unlike you, I lack a bow when my Pok¨¦mon falter," Aisha reasoned.

    "Fine, you''re right. You can come but not...not another word. That smile¡ªI see it; stop," Elduran huffed as he stormed out. Yet he felt relief. After today''s brush with death, he feared Aisha might leave, weary of near-fatal adventures. She was right; he needed her expertise and would welcome it. He decided to grab coffee at the nearest Pok¨¦caf¨¦.

    Returning to the Pok¨¦mon Center, he overheard Aisha speaking with Nurse Jennifer.

    "An entire day? I''ve seen Pok¨¦mon on death¡¯s doorstep, but a whole day to recover?" Aisha asked, troubled.

    "Death''s door? This Heracross was beyond it, mere moments from the door shutting permanently," Jennifer clarified.

    They couldn¡¯t afford to wait any longer for this Heracross.

    "Could I have its Pok¨¦ball? I''ll release it now. Once healed, could you guide it to the city outskirts?" Elduran requested.

    "Truly heartless! She recounted your adventures to me," Jennifer pointed at Aisha. "You destroyed its home, shot arrows at it, and nearly killed it. Now you abandon it? Release it yourself; otherwise, it''ll cost you 1000 crimson cetis," Jennifer retorted, livid.

    "Alright, nurse...point taken," Elduran remarked to Nurse Jennifer. "Aisha, I suppose you''ll need to arrange for a room tonight," he added with a sigh.

    - - - -

    The following day, after retrieving all of their Pok¨¦mon from the Pok¨¦mon Center, they found themselves once more at the exact spot they had been a day prior, beside the scorched tree¡ªHeracross''s former home. Vivillon and all of Aisha''s Pok¨¦mon were free from their Pok¨¦balls.

    "Before you release it, Elduran, take it out of its Pok¨¦ball. If it attacks on sight, you can always recall it. I hate to say it, but we can¡¯t afford another day fighting," Aisha advised.

    Elduran raised Heracross''s Pok¨¦ball high and released it, the beam shooting as far as it could.

    Heracross glanced around, repeatedly touching itself as if doubting its own survival. To Elduran, Pok¨¦mon regeneration always seemed like a heap of Tauros shit. It gazed at its tree home, a sorrowful expression crossing its face.

    "Heracross, I¡¯m really sorry for burning your home. It was entirely my fault," Aisha confessed.

    "She¡¯s also the reason you¡¯re alive. If it were up to me, you wouldn¡¯t be breathing now," Elduran added, his face impassive.

    Aisha punched him in the arm.

    "Are you a total idiot? Are you trying to make this harder or do you actually want another fight?" she snapped at Elduran. "Heracross, don¡¯t listen to him. He¡¯s a complete moron," she reassured the Bug Pok¨¦mon.

    Heracross eyed them in disbelief.

    "Anyway, let¡¯s settle this between us. I can tell you¡¯re male, so let¡¯s handle this man-to-man, ¡®Blue¡¯. Unfortunately for you, I¡¯m the one who caught you, simply because Aisha begged me to save you. I¡¯ll release you and break your link with the Pok¨¦ball, but promise us you won¡¯t attack. You go your way, we¡¯ll go ours. Do we have an understanding?" Elduran inquired.

    Heracross shook his head, pointed to his chest, gestured toward his Pok¨¦ball, and then punched his fists together.

    "I think he wants to travel with us and get stronger. He respects our strength," Aisha interpreted.

    "Are you sure about this?" Elduran questioned.

    "Heraaa," Heracross nodded.

    "If you want to become stronger, you know who the stronger trainer is while watching from your tree. I¡¯ll transfer you to Aisha here. She¡¯ll look after you," Elduran decided.

    "If I take you, Heracross, there¡¯s a condition. I¡¯m pursuing a dream to become a Fairy Pok¨¦mon specialist. I¡¯ll keep you until I have six Pok¨¦mon, you will get a lot stronger and then I¡¯ll release you. Does that sound good to you?" Aisha proposed.

    "Heeeeerrraaaa!" Heracross exclaimed, punching his fists and smiling at Elduran. "We both got the wrong idea about him," Aisha told Elduran. "He¡¯s interested in you, likely because he recognizes your strength as a fighter more than as a Pok¨¦mon trainer. Oh dear, we''ve got another nut job joining our group." Aisha exclaimed. "But this is definitely a positive change; I''d have felt guilty about letting him go later," she chuckled. "I really pity you, Viv. How on earth are you going to manage with these two knuckleheads?" she began to laugh, and Vivillon joined in with her.

    "You two are absolutely hilarious," Elduran exclaimed. "Blue, you¡¯re welcome to stay, but I must be honest about my reservations with Pok¨¦mon. Trust does not come easily when it comes to your kind. Give me time, it''s nothing personal. And as Aisha mentioned, I am indeed a terrible trainer," Elduran admitted, unabashedly. "Now off to Dirthrow we go; we''ve got an appointment with some folks who are positively book-mad," Elduran declared.

 Chapter 4- Cleavers

    Chapter 4 ¨C Cleavers

    "Why are we taking Route 111? Shouldn¡¯t we head through Asven and use its southern exit to reach Route 107? I see Route 110 connects to it," Elduran said, peering at his map.

    "That''s a terrible idea. Believe it or not, the Ashen Sky Volcano is actually considered less hazardous than the Valt Swamp. By traversing Ashen Sky, we limit our time in the swamp to maybe two days after leaving the volcano. Plus, we''ll reach Dirthrow at least two to three days earlier," Aisha explained.

    "You figured all this out through the forums too?" Elduran remarked.

    "No, I just checked Tenera.gov. All the regional information is there. Valt Swamp is listed among the most dangerous locations. Do you want me to show you how to access the internet? Or perhaps how to type a website into that phone of yours?" Aisha teased Elduran.

    "Is it customary for you to address your elders in such a manner?" Elduran inquired.

    "Only the ones who are grouchy," Aisha responded.

    "Duly noted," Elduran remarked.

    As Elduran and Aisha journey through the Asven Easter farms, the landscape offers a serene tapestry of rolling fields dotted with patches of wildflowers swaying gently in the breeze. The sun shines warmly, casting soft, golden light across their path. Throughout the fields, friendly Pok¨¦mon roam quietly, contently munching on the abundant grasses or fluttering about, paying little attention to the passing travelers. A pair of Wooloo lazily graze nearby, while a playful Skitty scampers up a tree, its tail twirling like a ribbon.

    They transition from the orderly expanse of the farms into a stark, open terrain blanketed in deep black soil. This change is a signal of their approach towards the Ashen Sky Volcano. The vegetation dwindles rapidly, leaving behind a barren landscape that seems to stretch endlessly.

    The air carries a slightly acrid scent, mingled with the heat that rises from the dark earth beneath their feet. Without the shade of trees, the sun''s rays feel more intense, casting long shadows that add to the starkness of their surroundings.

    The black soil stretches out in every direction, creating an otherworldly tapestry beneath their feet. The ground is uneven, with subtle ridges and undulations that hint at the powerful geological activity beneath.

    The air is thick with the scent of minerals, and the horizon seems to shimmer with a heat haze, lending a dreamlike quality to the scene. Without the cover of trees, the sun scorches the open ground, its intense light casting shadows that shift and dance as if alive.

    Interspersed across the terrain, Geodude blend seamlessly into the rocky outcrops, their tough, stone-like bodies providing perfect camouflage. Slugma slither lazily across the hot ground, their lava bodies seeming to fuse with the soil as they move. Sandshrew burrow and emerge, their tracks weaving intricate patterns through the volcanic dust.

    Numel, slow and steady, wander in small groups, absorbing the surrounding heat with contented sighs. Occasionally, a Torkoal can be seen basking in the sun, using the rich volcanic soil to fuel the fire within its shell.

    This tapestry of hardy Pok¨¦mon, living harmoniously in such harsh conditions, adds life and intrigue to the alien landscape shaped by fire and stone.

    A solitary cabin standing at the threshold of this forbidding landscape. Constructed from rugged, dark logs, the cabin mirrors the resilience of its surroundings. Its sloping roof, heavy with protective thatch, offers shade from the relentless sun, casting cool shadows over the rustic porch that stretches across the front.

    The cabin''s windows, framed with simple shutters, are slightly ajar, allowing the faint scent of fresh herbs to mingle with the earthy aroma of the volcanic soil. A sturdy wooden door, adorned with a carved symbol of a Geodude, stands slightly open, beckoning weary travelers to rest.

    Inside, the cabin is modest yet inviting, though eerily quiet. A generous hearth dominates one corner, its stone facade warm to the touch, hinting that the space had been recently occupied and cared for. Rough-hewn tables and chairs stand empty, seemingly waiting for stories to be shared. Shelves along the walls hold basic supplies¡ªcanteens of fresh water, simple rations, and dusty lanterns¡ªleft for travelers in need.

    The vacant cabin, absent of any human life, hums with a serene stillness, providing solitude and a brief respite from the elements in anticipation of the long journey ahead. It sat at the crossroads of Route 111 from which they arrived, Route 117 leading toward Zest Desert, and Route 112 directing them straight to the Volcano, that path they were taking.

    "I wish I could find cabins like these during my missions back in the army," mused Elduran.

    "I must admit, seeing it in photos and experiencing it firsthand are worlds apart. The rangers have maintained it magnificently, far beyond what I imagined," Aisha remarked.

    "Honestly, how does this place remain so pristine? Are you saying the rangers come out here and tidy it up too?" Elduran queried.

    "It''s clear you skipped over the first year trainer manual too," Aisha chided, "This was mentioned right at the start alongside Asven. This was once a proper Ranger Cabin; there were four, in fact, in Tenera, acting like small wilderness Pok¨¦mon centers. But this one was too close to Asven city itself, so people rarely needed its healing facilities or stayed overnight. So, they converted it into a refuge cabin. You can donate as much as you wish at the payment station over there. Donations are encouraged, especially if you use the logs, take provisions, and it''s suggested to clean a bit before departing," Aisha explained.

    "Impressive," Elduran remarked, as he grabbed a few logs and began to work on a fire.

    "I didn''t think something like this would impress you," Aisha replied.

    "These things impress me more than politicians running a city. Being out in the wild, in danger¡ªthese are the havens. Not everyone is as skilled a trainer as you; some people really need these structures," he said, pulling out his coffee and two pots from his bag.

    "Since you like it so much, do you want to stay the rest of the day and spend the night here, or continue? We have at least six more hours of daylight," Aisha suggested.

    "Nah, let''s just have some coffee and lunch, then be on our way," Elduran said, releasing Vivillon.

    "Viiiii," Vivillon chirped.

    "Yes, I should have released you earlier, but you''d only complain about flying too much, you lazy butterfly!" Elduran teased, pouring two scoops of coffee into a pot filled with water.

    Aisha released all four of her Pok¨¦mon. Hatenna went straight to Vivillon, as those two were inseparable at this point. Clefairy sat next to Elduran, observing him stir the coffee, making him slightly tense.

    Aisha took her pot and coffee from her bag, moving toward Elduran to boil water.

    "You won''t need that. This second pot is for you. The water''s already boiling. But could you ask your Clefairy to scoot back a bit?" he said, handing her the pot.

    "Geez, thanks. Luna, give him some space. He''s afraid of you after you beat him in battle," Aisha said with a smile, pouring hot water into her mug.

    "That battle never ended. Luna, tell your trainer that if it wasn''t for Viv and me, you might not have made it out breathing from that encounter," Elduran told the Clefairy.

    "Cleeeeh," Clefairy replied.

    "Oh, don''t agree with him, traitor," Aisha laughed, pouring coffee into a filter pouch, tying it, and submerging it in the hot water.

    "Luna, I''m beginning to like you. Back me up more, and your trainer might come down from her high Mudsdale," Elduran chuckled, pouring the unfiltered coffee into his mug, grounds and all.

    "You know that coffee is unhealthy. You should switch to filtered," Aisha said while feeding her Pok¨¦mon.

    "It''s not as unhealthy as people think. Most grounds settle at the bottom. Plus, it tastes better," Elduran said, feeding Vivillon.

    "You also need to feed Heracross. Have you named him yet?" she asked, removing the pouch and sipping her black coffee.

    "Thought it was obvious. His name is Blue," he said, releasing Heracross through the window outside. "Blue, see the farm''s edge? Go eat, and come back when you''re done, but stay outside. I don''t trust you inside yet."

    "Heeera," Heracross buzzed, flying off toward the farm.

    "Really, Blue? So original," Aisha quipped.

    "Says the one who named her Clefairy ''Luna.''" Elduran laughed.

    "Yeah, laugh it up. You know you''ll need to bond with him eventually," Aisha pointed out.

    "I can''t understand what he''s saying half the time!" Elduran exclaimed.

    "That''s why you need to bond with him," Aisha replied. "Do you have food for him? There won''t be farms on the volcano."

    "I gathered some corn from the fields. Signs everywhere say to collect freely but not excessively. Still don¡¯t fully get it," Elduran said, sipping his coffee.

    "It''s simple and not unlimited. It says to collect without excess. With no roads through the wilds, and the farms able to feed four regions as big as Tenera, they allow travelers to take what they need. Even with rangers unable to catch every thief that owns large Pok¨¦mon that grabs lots amount of produce, about 20% of Tenera''s crops go to waste," Aisha explained.

    "Interesting. Why no roads though?" Elduran asked.

    "They have advanced, affordable monorails¡ªwhy spend five hours traveling by road when the monorail takes one? But the Pok¨¦mon League here has more influence than in other regions. They keep areas outside towns as natural Pok¨¦mon habitats. Roads lead to buildings, towns form, and before you know it, your region is like Unova," Aisha replied.

    "So, why are you working for the Kanto Government?" Elduran inquired.

    "I was waiting for that question," Aisha replied with a hint of anticipation. "The answer is pretty simple, though. Kanto, specifically Gemma, offered me a chance to get a degree. Kalos didn''t."

    "But Kalos is renowned for its education, only trailing behind Unova and Paldea. What do you mean by that?" Elduran asked, puzzled.

    "That''s precisely the issue with those three regions. The quality of education comes at a steep price. Unless you''re a prodigy, scholarships are out of reach. I excelled in everything but Math and Physics, and for some reason, those subjects are crucial for criminal justice at least in Kalos, it makes no sense. My father drives a truck, and my mother... she passed away when I was five. She was a CEO of a toy company, making toys that resembled Pok¨¦mon. Her income was the backbone of our family," she explained.

    "What happened to her?" Elduran asked gently.

    "Volcanion happened," Aisha said, her voice filled with sorrow. "She was in Anistar City for business when the attack occurred. The Pok¨¦mon League acted swiftly, and casualties were low, but she was one of them."

    "Which explains your animosity towards the Watchers. We have that in common," Elduran said with discomfort.

    "I won''t pretend our situations are the same. I lost a mother. You lost everything. But, yes, a lost mother is something we both share," Aisha said with empathy.

    "How did Gemma find you?" Elduran asked.

    "While in Kalos for business, she stopped by my house. She mentioned that the Kanto Government would fully cover my tuition if I consented to join the agency post-graduation. She was astounded to learn I was at the top of my class in nearly every subject yet couldn''t secure a scholarship. It bewildered her that representatives from other regions hadn''t approached me first," Aisha confessed.

    "That was kind of her," Elduran acknowledged.

    "I''m not naive. She saw an opportunity. It wasn''t a perfect solution. To work for the agency, I had to give up my Kalos citizenship," Aisha said.

    "That¡¯s unfortunate but understandable," Elduran remarked.

    "Anyway, the past is behind us. Now, we need to turn you into a real trainer. Right now, you''re more of a trainee. You direct your Pok¨¦mon to train, and you do the same for yourself. You might need to trim some muscle mass and focus on giving your Pok¨¦mon clear instructions, or find a balance between the two," she advised.

    "I don''t even know where to start," Elduran admitted.

    "First things first," Aisha said, rising from her chair. She walked over to her bag, picked up an empty Pok¨¦ball, pressed her finger against the top until a blue ring of light illuminated, did something with her phone, and tossed the Pok¨¦ball to Elduran. He caught it. "That''s yours. I promised to reimburse you for the Pok¨¦ball when you caught Heracross."

    "But I ended up keeping him, so I don''t think you owe me this," Elduran replied.

    "Nonsense. Now, let''s head outside. Viv! Join us," Aisha commanded.

    Aisha led the way outside with Elduran and Vivillon trailing behind. Hatenna followed, not wanting to be separated from Vivillon.

    "I noticed you''re trying to teach Vivillon to use Struggle Bug, but you seem to be expecting her to learn it on her own," Aisha observed.

    "That''s how they learn in the wild," Elduran defended himself.

    "In the wild, it could take years to learn new moves. Do you have years to wait?" Aisha questioned.

    Elduran remained silent.

    "Every Pok¨¦mon is different. Some benefit from watching a video of another Pok¨¦mon using the move. Others respond well to positive reinforcement. For some, you may have to battle them and insist that the only move they can use is the one you''re teaching, forcing them to learn it just to avoid defeat¡ªa method I don''t recommend, but it works for some. The key is recognizing that each Pok¨¦mon is unique, but doing push-ups while they do their own thing will never work," Aisha explained sensibly.

    "Alright, here goes nothing. Viv, use Struggle Bug!" Elduran commanded.

    Vivillon attempted Struggle Bug, but only a few bits of what seemed like bug skin drifted off her in all directions as she flailed, lacking both speed and intensity. Elduran captured the effort on his phone. He then found an online video featuring a Masquerain using the move and called Vivillon over to show her both videos¡ªthe Masquerain¡¯s and her own. Neither Vivillon nor Elduran seemed to notice the discrepancy.

    "Maybe a video isn¡¯t enough for her, but are you telling me you can¡¯t see a glaring difference between the two?" Aisha inquired.

    "Not really; the outcome¡¯s different, that¡¯s about it," Elduran replied.

    "You''re hopeless! Look again. Viv¡¯s flailing. What''s Masquerain doing?" Aisha prompted.

    "It¡¯s flailing," Elduran answered.

    "Let¡¯s put it this way: if Viv were caught in an Arbok¡¯s bind, could she use Struggle Bug?" Aisha asked.

    "Well, no, although it¡¯s supposed to be effective against restricting moves. Wait, let¡¯s review Masquerain¡¯s video. Ah, I see. It¡¯s not flailing; it¡¯s vibrating," Elduran realized.

    "Exactly. It vibrates rapidly¡ªmight look like flailing, but it¡¯s not," Aisha clarified.

    "Blue! Get over here and be useful!" Elduran summoned.

    Heracross flew over, eager and ready.

    "Training time. You¡¯re going to practice two things today¡ªenduring hits and hugging Viv to prevent her movement. You¡¯ll help her learn Struggle Bug. Being a Bug-type, the move shouldn''t harm you much. Got it?" Elduran asked.

    "Heeeera," Heracross affirmed.

    "Hope that means yes," Elduran said.

    "Viiiiiii," Vivillon responded.

    "Don¡¯t worry, Viv; I¡¯ll be here with my bow, in case he tries anything foolish," Elduran reassured.

    "Heeera," Heracross said, sounding a bit downcast.

    "Viv, I expected better from you. Blue¡¯s part of the family now. Give him a chance. But, are you really asking him to just stand there while she learns a move? Are you insane?" Aisha questioned.

    "Yes, I am. Viv, Struggle Bug requires you to vibrate, not flail. Just by Blue holding you, you might grasp the concept," Elduran encouraged.

    Elduran readied his bow but did not aim as he motioned for them to start. Heracross enveloped Vivillon in a tight hug, immobilizing her. Vivillon attempted Struggle Bug, initially to no effect. After Elduran''s steady encouragement, she eventually improved significantly. Despite taking damage, Heracross smiled through it all. Aisha retreated inside the cabin, disapproving of their methods. After half an hour, Elduran considered Vivillon¡¯s Struggle Bug ready for battle¡ªthough still requiring refinement with practice. Both Heracross and Vivillon were exhausted.

    "Great job, you two. Viv, go inside with Aisha and Candy for some rest. I need a word with Blue," Elduran instructed.

    Vivillon hesitated, reluctant to leave Heracross alone with Elduran, but was persuaded to enter the cabin. Elduran returned his bow and quiver in place yet held Heracross¡¯s Pok¨¦ball.

    "I¡¯m unsure if you¡¯re acting or sincere, hoping we¡¯ll relax our guard. But if genuine, I appreciate your help with Vivillon. She improved a lot. There were other ways to restrain her, but building trust is crucial. You''re on the right path to changing my view," Elduran praised.

    "Heeeeeera," Heracross responded, excitedly.

    "Now, I need to know if you understand my commands. You know Arm Thrust, Tackle, Aerial Ace, and Horn Attack; you used them against us. You seem to get most of what I say, but let¡¯s confirm. Show me Arm Thrust," Elduran requested.

    Heracross punched ahead.

    "That''s just a punch. Arm Thrust should make your hands glow, as you are punching with alternating fists," Elduran explained, demonstrating with air punches.

    Heracross executed a flawless Arm Thrust, thrilled by his success.

    "Good, remember this is Arm Thrust. Next, Aerial Ace!" Elduran signaled with a flying motion and pointed upward.

    Heracross performed Aerial Ace with a smile.

    "Well done. Now, Horn Attack," Elduran instructed, pointing at Heracross¡¯s horn.

    Heracross delivered a clean Horn Attack.

    "Fantastic. You also know Tackle, which is simply ramming opponents," Elduran noted.

    Heracross tried tackling Elduran, who deftly dodged.

    "What the hell are you doing? I didn''t say tackle me. Are you clueless, or was that deliberate?" Elduran chided.

    Heracross looked dejected, slumping to the ground.

    "You know what, I should''ve specified: Train without striking a target. That was my mistake, so cheer up," Elduran reassured, energizing Heracross.

    "Now, do you know any other moves?" Elduran asked, not expecting much.

    Heracross seemed to understand and used Pin Missile, launching three needles into the air. He turned to Elduran, his eyes glowing, causing Elduran to stumble.

    "Alright, skirting the not-attacking rule, but crucial to demonstrate. So, you know Leer and Pin Missile. Impressive moveset, Blue," Elduran admitted.

    "Heeeeera," Heracross agreed.

    "Nice work today," Elduran commended, returning Heracross to the Pok¨¦ball.

    From the window, Aisha and a smiling Vivillon watched the bonding unfold. Elduran entered the cabin.

    "We should prepare; we¡¯ve still got daylight," he suggested, gathering pots and coffee. "Does Dirthrow have a Gym?" Elduran queried.

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    "Check your map. Towns with a green star have gyms. Yes, Dirthrow has one. It''s Gym Leader, Stephanie Crock, specializes in Dark Pok¨¦mon. I¡¯ll challenge her¡ªFairy types are highly effective against Dark," Aisha stated, packing her things.

    "If she uses Dark types, I¡¯ll have an advantage too; type-wise at least," Elduran noted, packing snacks.

    "True, your team has a strong type advantage. Being a Bug specialist works in your favor here," Aisha acknowledged.

    "I¡¯m not a Bug specialist; it¡¯s mere coincidence. But I¡¯ll avoid ghost Pok¨¦mon¡ªcan¡¯t stand them. And dragons; way too arrogant," Elduran grumbled as he began sweeping.

    "What are you doing?" Aisha asked, surprised at his cleaning.

    "What do you think? Cleaning for the next guests. Didn¡¯t you read that online?" Elduran replied.

    "If even a third of visitors clean, it stays maintained. We¡¯ve a world to save¡ªsurely exempt from cleaning," Aisha rationalized.

    "Spoiled brat," Elduran teased, finishing up.

    He proceeded to the pay station, flashing his phone and donating 100 cetis.

    "Paying too? You¡¯re insane; you just cleaned!" Aisha protested.

    "Move along, your highness. After you," Elduran quipped.

    Leaving the cabin behind, Elduran and his companions venture deeper into the black soil terrain, making their way toward the outskirts of the volcano cave. The air feels thick with anticipation, yet tranquil, as if nature itself holds its breath in reverence of the towering volcano ahead.

    Along their path, peaceful Pok¨¦mon maintain their quiet existence amidst the rugged landscape. A group of Numel amble leisurely, absorbing the sun''s warmth, their gentle hums mingling with the whisper of a soft breeze. Nearby, a cluster of Baltoy spin gracefully across the ground, their motions adding an almost meditative rhythm to the journey.

    As the volcano''s entrance looms closer, its presence a silent guardian, the peaceful coexistence of these wild Pok¨¦mon offers a gentle reminder of the harmony that persists even in the most challenging terrains.

    Emerging from the shadowy mouth of the volcano, three travelers stride confidently into the light. Each exudes an aura of peak physical condition, their movements fluid and purposeful. The first man, his head smoothly shaven, looks every bit like a seasoned adventurer. A second man strides beside him, his long brown hair and dense, flowing beard lending him a rugged demeanor. Completing the trio is a woman with short hair, her features chiseled and weathered by the elements, speaking to her strength and resilience.

    As they pass Elduran and Aisha, the trio nods with silent acknowledgment, their eyes scanning the duo with discerning, appraising looks. It''s hard not to notice the sheer number of Pok¨¦balls adorning their belts¡ªfar exceeding the usual six. The spheres remain expanded, indicating they are occupied, hints of their recent, prolific captures evident without the convenience of transferring them to the Pok¨¦mon Storage Facility.

    Elduran casts a glance at Aisha and notices the unease in her expression. Sweat beads on her brow, her discomfort palpable as the trio crosses their path, leaving behind a trail of unspoken stories captured under the volcano''s gaze.

    The path forward gradually narrows, the open terrain of black soil giving way to jagged rock. As Elduran and Aisha approach, the entrance to the volcano reveals itself¡ªa wide, cavernous maw that seems to slice cleanly through the volcanic structure. The exterior is marked by ancient lava flows, frozen in time, their swirling patterns reminiscent of an artist''s brushwork across the rugged stone.

    The route transitions seamlessly into a cave, the walls etched with the story of the mountain''s fiery past. Shadows play along the jagged surfaces, deepening the sense of mystery with each step they take. The air is cooler here, a welcome reprieve from the sun''s unrelenting glare outside, with the faint scent of sulfur serving as a gentle reminder of the volcano''s dormant power.

    Inside, the cave slopes gently downward, guiding travelers through a labyrinth of tunnels that echo softly with their footsteps. The ambiance shifts to a quiet murmur, nature¡¯s whisper among the stalagmites and stalactites, adding an almost ethereal quality to their journey into the heart of the volcano.

    Elduran halted abruptly, grasping Aisha''s arm to compel her gaze upon him.

    "What troubles you, Aisha? I believe we''ve distanced ourselves enough from them. You''re tense, as though wading through knee-deep waters. Speak up!" Elduran demanded.

    "I... I... suspect those were Cleavers... the group notorious for hunting Pok¨¦mon for their meat. Clearly, you''re not familiar with them either," Aisha replied.

    "And why the concern? We''re allowed to hunt Pok¨¦mon when survival demands it. What unsettles you so?" Elduran inquired, rummaging through his bag.

    "Because it''s illegal to sell Pok¨¦mon for meat. It''s only sanctioned when all other options are exhausted," Aisha replied, her voice trembling.

    "Why do you believe they are Cleavers?" he asked, extracting a flashlight and clipping it to his shirt, as it was growing too dark to see.

    "Why else would they carry so many Pok¨¦balls? Who ventures into a volcano to capture multiple Pok¨¦mon, and what''s the likelihood that all three would share the same intention? They traveled light, implying they were capturing anything they could. Pok¨¦seeker Hunters, on the other hand, carry heavy loads; they target specific Pok¨¦mon based on their contracts and often remain for days to find their quarry, aiming for rare catches," Aisha explained.

    "Damn! Keep your Pok¨¦mon in their balls for now, and follow me swiftly," Elduran instructed, recalling Vivillon and releasing Heracross from its Pok¨¦ball. "Aisha, hand your backpack to him. Blue, you carry her backpack! That will quicken our pace," Elduran commanded.

    Once Aisha surrendered her backpack to Heracross, Elduran already had his bow unclipped and an arrow at the ready.

    The cave expanded into a vast chamber, now hundreds of feet in width and height. Numerous smaller tunnels branched off in myriad directions, marked with arrows indicating route 112 though was the path going through the center. Yet, Elduran chose one of the smaller caves, trekking about fifty feet before discovering a sizable boulder and maneuvering Aisha behind it, followed by himself.

    "What the hell, Elduran? Why are we running?" Aisha demanded.

    "They''re hunting us," Elduran replied, as casually as if he were mentioning he was hungry.

    "What do you mean? They''re not. We never gave them any reason to know we were onto them," Aisha retorted.

    "Keep it down. I don''t need to hear or see them to sense they''re on our trail." Elduran released Vivillon, instructing it to gently gust the ground behind them, erasing any trace of their footsteps. "The way you looked at them, your tension¡ªit practically broadcasted their profession to them. The only reason we''re not dead yet is because they''re discussing how to finish us off, and doing it at the volcano with fewer witnesses seems to be their plan. What are you doing?" he asked when he noticed Aisha fiddling with her phone.

    "I sent a Ranger SOS. It''s a survival app," Aisha replied.

    "That''s pretty clever. Good thinking," Elduran acknowledged.

    "If your plan involves traversing these side caves, we''re essentially walking into our doom. The Pok¨¦mon by the main routes are far less aggressive than those off the path," Aisha informed.

    "Those three will likely confront us with eighteen Pok¨¦mon, if my estimate is correct, and they seem quite formidable on their own. I can handle one, possibly two, but all three? Absolutely not, especially if they''re armed with knives. This means, at best, you, your four Pok¨¦mon, and my two will have to contend with eighteen Pok¨¦mon¡ªa battle we simply cannot win. I¡¯d much rather face a wild Pok¨¦mon. Does that app of yours let you describe our situation? It could aid the rangers, making them aware this is a rescue from criminals, not just a wild Pok¨¦mon incident. We can¡¯t have a solo ranger showing up, they''ll need numbers and as much information as possible. Understanding the fight is crucial," Elduran advised.

    "Damn it, you are right, let me provide them with some more details," Aisha pleaded, tears welling up. "How do you stay so calm in all of this? I feared you might just charge at them, dying like an idiot and leaving me behind. It''s as if you''ve become someone else," Aisha confessed, tears streaming.

    "Nah, it''s still me, just weighing my options," Elduran replied, placing a reassuring hand on Aisha''s shoulder. "I''ll do my best, and I think our odds of getting out of here are pretty good. We''ll outsmart them until the rangers arrive. Let''s move deeper; there''s no rush now, just slow and cautious. Bring out your Clefairy; she can see in low light, can''t she?" Elduran suggested.

    "Only slightly better than we can¡ªshe can''t see in complete darkness," Aisha responded, releasing her Clefairy. "Luna, please scout ahead for any threats," Aisha instructed.

    "Cleh," Clefairy acknowledged quietly, taking her role seriously as she led the way.

    Elduran, Aisha, Clefairy, and Heracross move cautiously through the cave''s winding passages, where the subdued light and echoing sounds create an eerie, yet somewhat reassuring atmosphere. As they tread quietly, they encounter various non-aggressive Pok¨¦mon, their presence barely acknowledged as the group remains focused on their path.

    When a Rhydon unexpectedly appears, Elduran remains composed. He swiftly releases Vivillon from her Pok¨¦ball, she gracefully disperses a gentle Sleep Powder, allowing the Rhydon to slumber peacefully as the group continues undisturbed.

    With each intersection, Elduran guides them southeastward, his sense of direction sharpened by the need to find an exit. Although the journey seems endless, Elduran''s steadfast confidence keeps them moving onward. They press on, even with the fatigue of late-night travel weighing heavily on their bodies, losing track of time in the dim, labyrinthine expanse of the volcano''s cave.

    Though the trio of pursuers remains unseen, Elduran is convinced they''re being searched for, a lingering tension that spurs the group to remain vigilant as they make their way, ever cautiously, through the subterranean maze.

    The cave echoes with a deep roar followed by the pounding of heavy footsteps, signaling a heavy Pok¨¦mon nearby. Elduran, ever vigilant, also catches the distinct sound of human footsteps trailing behind them. Peering around a rocky corner, he spots a looming Turtonator ahead, unsure if danger stalks them from behind in the form of Cleavers or perhaps arriving Rangers.

    Thinking quickly, Elduran orders Vivillon to release a gentle cloud of Sleep Powder once again, coaxing the Turtonator into slumber. With the path ahead momentarily clear, he urges the group onward, but decides to linger with Vivillon just beyond the corner, maintaining a cautious eye on the Turtonator.

    Suddenly, a figure emerges¡ªthe bald man from the Cleavers¡ªapproaching with a Breloom and Hitmonchan flanking him. They try to navigate the sleeping Turtonator with care. Just as Elduran anticipated, they are vulnerable in their caution.

    Seizing the opportunity, Elduran commands Vivillon with a whisper to unleash a Psybeam upon the Turtonator, jolting it awake. Not pausing to witness the ensuing chaos, Elduran and Vivillon swiftly retreat, racing to rejoin Aisha, Clefairy, and Heracross, propelled by the urgency of their escape.

    Upon catching up to the group nestled behind a sizable rock, they found the cavern expanding grandly in every direction. Clearly, they had returned to the path, though further along, as evidenced by the lingering remnants that had withstood the devastation. The scene burst into vivid turmoil before them as they witnessed a ranger, donned in the unmistakable dark green uniform, showcased with a prominent Pok¨¦ball emblem gracing the back of his jacket and the front of his hat, bravely engaging in a fierce struggle against the formidable might of the remaining two Cleavers and their contingent of a dozen Pok¨¦mon.

    The ranger''s team¡ªconsisting of Alakazam, Blastoise, Scizor, Torkoal, Umbreon, and Flygon¡ªdefends and counterattacks with expert precision. Alakazam stands as a shield for its trainer, while the others fiercely clash with the Cleavers'' diverse battalion: Weavile, Houndoom, Starmie, Ivysaur, Persian, Igglytuff, Golduck, Haunter, Raichu, Charmeleon, Absol, and Dragonair. Amidst this chaos, smaller Pok¨¦mon scurry away in a frantic attempt to flee, including a startled Cyndaquil that bumps into Elduran. In an instinctive gesture of kindness, he steadies the creature and urges it to retreat, all while being too engrossed in forming a plan in his mind to realize what he had done.

    Taking stock of the scene, Elduran forms a plan. He instructs Aisha, Vivillon, and Heracross to prepare for a coordinated assault, signaling when the time is right. With stealthy precision, Elduran threads through the chaos and positions himself behind a Cleaver woman with cropped hair. A deft blow from his knife''s hilt robs her of consciousness; noting the six Pok¨¦balls on her right side and several more on her left, he concludes that her active Pok¨¦mon belong to the right side. He swiftly recalls all six of her Pok¨¦mon¡ªDragonair, Absol, Weavile, Haunter, Raichu, and Houndoom¡ªconfirming her as the more formidable opponent after hearing her command Haunter. Elduran is uncomfortable around Pok¨¦mon but when it comes to ghost Pok¨¦mon it stops being uncomfortable, it tuns into paranoia.

    On cue, Elduran signals his allies, prompting a concerted attack against the remaining Pok¨¦mon. By now, the ranger''s team has dwindled to Blastoise, Flygon, and Alakazam, but the tide turns as the Cleaver¡¯s remaining lineup¡ªStarmie, Ivysaur, Golduck, Charmeleon, and Persian¡ªis surrounded by the reinvigorated alliance. Aisha''s Clefairy, Hatenna, Togetic, Marill, alongside Elduran''s Heracross and Vivillon, join the fray to subdue the foes. The Cleaver and their Pok¨¦mon are encircled. In a decisive gesture, Elduran draws his bow, arrow poised at the last Cleaver, demanding the surrender and recall of his Pok¨¦mon. The Cleaver concedes, recalling his Pok¨¦mon, as the ranger steps forward, asking Elduran to lower his bow, before proceeding to handcuff the Cleaver.

    The ranger then secures the unconscious Cleaver lying on the ground. A Cyndaquil, at Elduran¡¯s feet, affectionately nuzzles against him, and he gently nudges it away. The ranger gathers every pok¨¦ball from the two Cleavers and proceeds toward Elduran. The ranger, in his early forties with a prominent black mustache, introduces himself.

    "Hello, my name is Josh. Are you the two who sent the SOS?" he asks hastily.

    "Yes," Elduran replies, sitting on the large rock behind him. Glancing at his phone, he notes it is two in the morning, realizing they have been escaping the Cleavers for over eight hours.

    "You mentioned in the message that there were three of them?" Josh inquires.

    "I set a trap for the third one. An angry wild Turtonator stirred right beside him. I don''t know what happened after," Elduran explains.

    "How did you identify them as Cleavers?" Josh asks further.

    Elduran gestures at Aisha, who was already sprawled on the ground, panting. He admired her effort. Josh approached her, and Aisha recounted to him the same way she told Elduran how she deduced their enemies were Cleavers.

    "Quite impressive, you two. Very capable, managing to withstand three Cleavers with full teams, at least two of them thus far," Josh remarks.

    "It was mostly him," she says, pointing to Elduran.

    Josh consults his phone, and a smile touches his lips.

    "The other rangers with me located the last Cleaver. It seems the Turtonator did the job. He lies there, apparently dead, along with three of his Pok¨¦mon," Josh informs them.

    "Then I owe that Turtonator a drink. It truly deserves it," Elduran remarked with a grin. "But let me make sure I''ve got this right¡ªthey''re actually called Cleavers? That''s not just a nickname people have given them? They call themselves that?" Elduran inquired.

    "They genuinely do," Josh confirmed.

    "Damn, I''d love to meet the dumbass who thought up that name," Elduran joked.

    "Yeah, go ahead and laugh, but when you meet him, he''ll be cleaving you to pieces. You''re both targets now," the Cleaver warned.

    Josh swiftly punched him in the face.

    "Well, that felt satisfying," Josh noted.

    "He''s not entirely wrong, though. Soon enough, they''ll have our descriptions and names. Short of taking them out right now, we''re marked," Elduran admitted.

    "You know we can''t do that. I''ll take that as a joke, but you''re giving them too much credit. Any phone calls they make, we''ll trace. Any contacts from prison, we''ll track. No Cleaver would be stupid enough to align themselves with these two," Josh countered.

    "Their families, though¡ªcriminals or not¡ªwill visit them. It doesn''t necessarily mean those visitors are Cleavers too, but you never know. I''m sure they''ll find a way. This means you might be getting SOS calls from us in the future, Josh," Elduran added.

    "Hopefully not. But should the situation arise, we will address it. You''re currently standing on Route 112 amidst all the destruction, if you couldn''t already tell. It''s quite safe here. Would you like us to escort you back to Asven, or do you plan to remain here?" Josh inquires.

    "We''re headed to Dirthrow, so we''ll set up camp here," Elduran replies.

    "Could I have your trainer cards for the report, please?" Josh requests.

    Josh takes their cards, scans them with his phone, and returns them.

    "Were you in the military, or are you a Pok¨¦seeker Hunter?" Josh questions.

    "Ex-military, yes. The bow gave it away, huh?" Elduran responds.

    "The bow? No, lots of people carry bows, and half don''t know how to use them. Not even your strike with the knife hilt to that bastard''s head gave it away. It was your instincts and the absence of fear," Josh clarifies.

    ¡°Military or not, we would be dead, thanks for coming to our aid," Elduran says as they shake hands.

    "Also, thank you, both of you. I would be dead without your help too," Josh adds, signaling Blastoise and Alakazam to grab the prisoners. Blastoise lifts one, and Alakazam carries the other with psychic power. "Let''s find the others. Farewell!" Josh calls as they depart.

    Elduran rose and swiftly set up camp, for there was no need for tents within the confines of a Volcano Cave. After quenching his thirst with water, he prepared kibble for Vivillon and extended a corn cob in invitation to Heracross.

    "Blue, if you truly intended to kill me, you''d have had ample opportunities today," he remarked, handing over the corn. "Thank you for standing by us," Elduran continued.

    "Heeera," Heracross replied cheerily, clapping its fists together before indulging in its meal.

    The Cyndaquil from earlier approached Elduran''s foot once more, prompting him to gently nudge it away again.

    "You really don''t get it, do you? Must I really chase you away?" Elduran questioned it.

    Cyndaquil appeared hurt, tears brimming in its eyes as it buried its head in the ground.

    Meanwhile, Aisha had finished feeding her Pok¨¦mon and made her way to Elduran. She seated herself beside him on the rock, embracing him from the side, resting her forehead against his arm, and began to weep.

    "We... would be dead... without you... today..." she murmured, her tears streaming down her face onto Elduran''s arm. "For all my talk... about being a better... trainer... than you... in real emergency... you''re the one... who ensured... our survival... I''m sorry... for being a burden," Aisha confessed through her sobs.

    Elduran was taken aback by her emotional response, only to realize that despite her bravado and intelligence, she was just a child. He gently patted her head with his free arm, lifted her up, and laid her down. He lay beside her, instructing Vivillon and Heracross to take turns keeping watch while they slept. Aisha''s Pok¨¦mon were all asleep, unused to such protocols. Elduran knew she would require training in survival skills as well; she was no longer merely a trainer but was taking on a major criminal organization¡ªa venture where expecting fair Pok¨¦mon battles would be folly. As he lay on his back, Aisha turned and embraced his arm, drifting into sleep with remnants of tears still on her cheeks. The Cyndaquil curled up next to Elduran''s thigh on the other side, falling asleep too. Apparently, the Cyndaquil posed no threat in Vivillon''s estimation, as Elduran checked to see who was on first watch. He let it be; he could barely keep his eyes open any longer. With a tear-streaked girl on one side and a snug Cyndaquil on the other, he succumbed to sleep.

 Chapter 5 - Persistence

    Chapter 5 - Persistence

    Elduran''s eyes fluttered open, revealing a large figure looming above, obscuring his entire view. Feigning sleep, Elduran cautiously opened his eyes wider, recognizing the figure as a Golurk engaged in some form of dialogue with Heracross. Striving to stay motionless, Elduran strained to comprehend Heracross''s words but understood very little. One certainty emerged in Elduran''s mind: Heracross did not perceive Golurk as a threat. He hoped that Vivillon was the one orchestrating the conversation. She was the sole Pok¨¦mon he could comprehend with the depth a human might grasp a Pok¨¦mon, or so he believed.

    Gollurk might have been a ghost, but Elduran knew they were among the friendliest Pok¨¦mon around. These mechanical beings, shrouded in mystery as to their origin, functioned precisely like any other Pok¨¦mon. They could faint, learn moves, die, and fit into a Pok¨¦ball just like their organic counterparts, possessing the uncanny ability to convert into a digital form¡ªor something akin to it. Though the specifics remained a mystery that Elduran had trouble buying into, surely someone must have deciphered this digital transformation. What was clear to all was that these Pok¨¦mon didn''t turn into mere software, beyond the reach of hackers and immune to deletion. Yet, they could be transferred with digital devices, provided their digital form remained intact. To this day, no one had succeeded in duplicating or altering them when they existed in this state; it was a concept that baffled Elduran. Destroying their Pok¨¦ball merely resulted in their release. Anyone brazen enough to attack a Pok¨¦mon Storage Facility would unleash a veritable zoo, set free by the servers'' destruction.

    He had faith in Heracross, but more crucially, he trusted Vivillon. Therefore, he ceased feigning slumber and began to rise, mindful that Aisha still lay beside him in deep sleep. Rising with care, he nonetheless managed to gently nudge the Cyndaquil nestled by his foot. It seemed unbothered and rather attentive to the soft conversation between Heracross and Golurk, yet it perked up with enthusiasm upon seeing Elduran awake. It commenced trotting merrily in circles around Elduran''s feet. Elduran took little notice, yet this time he skillfully avoided making contact with the lively creature. The cave was illuminated by daylight streaming through several openings, indicating it was daytime outside. He advanced toward Golurk and Heracross, noticing Vivillon engaged nearby as well. She was skillfully crafting an illustration with string shot on the cave wall, producing an impressive likeness of Golurk.

    "Wow Viv, that looks pretty good," Elduran praised Vivillon.

    "Viiii," Vivillon responded with a radiant beam.

    "You''re definitely getting better. So, what''s the story with this Golurk? Don''t give me that look¡ªI know Golurk are harmless unless provoked, I don''t distrust all Pok¨¦mon and you trust it won''t harm me," Elduran continued.

    "Heeera," Heracross chimed in.

    "Sorry, Blue, I''m still not there with fully understanding you, but I can sense you trust it too," Elduran replied to Heracross.

    Through Vivillon, Elduran discerned that Golurk acted as a guardian for the more vulnerable Pok¨¦mon residing within the volcano. At least, that was the impression he gathered, and he sensed its gratitude for their aid against the Cleavers. Surveying the area, Elduran noted the many lifeless Pok¨¦mon strewn about, innocent casualties of the clash between the ranger and the two Cleavers. Before withdrawing for the night, he absorbed much of the destruction, uncertain if Aisha had perceived it as well. She remained in a state of shock, and he worried for her well-being at the sight of the bodies and remnants lying around, though she might need to start becoming accustomed to such scenes. The Cyndaquil now dashed into the distance, and he pondered what might have disturbed it. He glanced at Aisha, knowing she wouldn''t be waking any time soon. Checking his watch, he estimated he had slept for about six hours¡ªone more than his usual five. He often mused that he might meet his end either at the hands of Pok¨¦mon or from a lack of sleep.

    Among Aisha''s Pok¨¦mon, only Togetic remained in slumber. Drawing upon its Psychic powers, Hatenna was skillfully lifting and arranging the Pok¨¦mon bodies against a wall where sunlight streamed through a break in the ceiling. Elduran regarded Aisha''s Pok¨¦mon as remarkably intelligent. While Marill and Clefairy were aiding in the effort, they lacked Hatenna''s capability to lift entire Pok¨¦mon, resulting in less efficiency. Marill was presently dragging what seemed to be the lower half of a Diglett¡ªa grim spectacle.

    "Hey Golurk, mind if we burn the bodies?" Elduran inquired.

    Golurk made a hissing noise, and Elduran looked to Vivillon for confirmation. After confirming with Vivillon that Golurk was not only agreeable but relieved, Elduran began to assist Aisha''s Pok¨¦mon. He picked up a decapitated Zubat head and a Whismur ear from the ground and added them to the pile being formed. Heracross followed his lead, gathering more bodies. Elduran estimated that nine Pok¨¦mon had perished in the chaos, eight of which were already piled up. He decided to let Cyndaquil have more time before dealing with the ninth. The lifeless body of a female Quilava lay on the ground, and Cyndaquil wept beside her. Torn apart, her figure was barely recognizable, and Cyndaquil was soaked in blood. Elduran sat beside the grieving Cyndaquil, remaining silent. After a few minutes, Cyndaquil turned its head towards him, eyes closed as usual. Their vision and smell were their strongest senses.

    "Are you ready?" Elduran asked.

    "Cyyyyn," Cyndaquil responded.

    "I''ll take that as a yes. You have a task to do, little one," Elduran said to it.

    He rose, carefully lifting Quilava to set her atop the heap. It dawned on him that Pok¨¦mon possessed much greater intelligence than he had ever credited them for; they had arranged the bodies precisely where a fracture in the ceiling allowed sunlight to stream through¡ªa natural chimney within the cavern. Elduran thought that Aisha must have definitely explained the intricacies of smoke and its exhaust to her Pok¨¦mon, and she and her team must have burned Pok¨¦mon corpses before; she was a trainer, after all. "Blue, I need large rocks. We have to construct a barrier around the pile so that only the smoke ascends," Elduran instructed Heracross.

    Heracross understood, and so did Hatenna, who assisted with the task. After several minutes, they constructed a makeshift firepit with a small opening in the front.

    "Come here," Elduran said to Cyndaquil. "You know what you have to do, right?" he asked.

    "Cyyyn," Cyndaquil replied, nodding with tears in its eyes.

    Elduran realized it was a male. He was asking it to burn its mother, but he was sure Pok¨¦mon understood necessity better than humans did.

    "Unfortunately, I have no wood to help you start, so take it easy, okay? We need a long, continuous Ember. It doesn''t need to be intense, just consistent. Take breaks as needed," Elduran instructed.

    As he was walking back to Vivillon and Golurk, the sound of flames igniting reached his ears. Glancing back, he caught sight of Cyndaquil, a steady stream of fire emanating from its mouth, tears tracing paths down its tightly shut eyes. Elduran was overwhelmed with the realization that he truly felt a deep sorrow for the little one.

    Half-awake, Aisha spotted the Golurk and carefully reached for her Pok¨¦balls, only to find them all shrunk. Her Pok¨¦mon were already out; had she forgotten to recall them before drifting off to sleep? As she pondered this, she noticed Hatenna nudging Togetic awake, while Marill played cheerfully with Clefairy. She was asking herself if anyone cared about the imposing Golurk standing before them.

    Sensing Aisha¡¯s fear, Hatenna established a psychic connection, sharing emotions, images, and visions of what she needed Aisha to understand. Aisha realized that at some point during the night, after they all fell asleep, Hatenna had awakened to find the Golurk stationed before them, its back turned in a protective stance. Vivillon had awoken next, also unfazed by its presence. Hatenna conveyed that the Golurk was safeguarding them and even Elduran seemed to trust it. Aisha found this peculiar, but then Elduran''s voice broke the silence.

    "I don''t recognize any of those Pok¨¦mon, Golurk, and I won''t feign interest¡ªI never feign anything. Yet I do comprehend loss, whether it''s of people or Pok¨¦mon. You have my sympathy for that," Elduran spoke to Golurk.

    Golurk gazed at him, his expression unreadable, before slowly nodding.

    ¡°Ever the charmer,¡± Aisha mumbled from the floor, half-yawning.

    ¡°Ah, the sleeping beauty finally graces us with her presence,¡± Elduran retorted.

    ¡°You really should work on your empathy. Are you like this with humans too? I don¡¯t think it¡¯s just a Pok¨¦mon issue,¡± Aisha remarked.

    ¡°You''re right, why pretend? With humans, I¡¯m slightly more polite by keeping my mouth shut. It¡¯s served me well so far,¡± Elduran replied.

    ¡°You know, all this time, I couldn¡¯t see why you and Gemma were ever a thing. But now I get it. She¡¯s quite apathetic too but has the decency to fake it,¡± Aisha observed.

    ¡°At last, someone notices. What Gemma feels and what she says are worlds apart. She¡¯s skilled at hiding it. We¡¯re both very practical, no doubt about that. You really are insightful!¡± Elduran admitted.

    ¡°What went wrong with you two?¡± Aisha inquired.

    ¡°That¡¯s not your concern,¡± Elduran replied curtly.

    ¡°Oh shit, you¡¯re still in love with her,¡± Aisha concluded.

    ¡°I said, mind your own business,¡± Elduran insisted firmly.

    ¡°Okay, okay, my mistake. I¡¯m sorry,¡± Aisha apologized.

    "Golurk, it seems we owe our safety through the night to your presence. Safe or not, after all the commotion yesterday, I''m certain some dangerous Pok¨¦mon that rarely come near would have been drawn by curiosity. For this, I am grateful," Elduran said.

    Golurk let out a sibilant hiss. Yet, through Vivillon, Elduran sensed his assumption was likely correct. He began to gather his belongings, eager to leave the confines of the Cave. The oppressive heat was starting to grate on his nerves. Silently, Aisha mirrored his actions, collecting her things. As she did so, her gaze fell upon the fire and the Cyndaquil.

    "What is that adorable Cyndaquil up to?" Aisha inquired.

    "Setting his mother ablaze," Elduran responded with a sardonic edge.

    "You really can be a real jerk sometimes," Aisha retorted.

    "Actually, that''s precisely what he''s doing," Elduran replied.

    Aisha approached her Pok¨¦mon, questioning them about the events that transpired before she awoke. She appeared somewhat disturbed as realization dawned upon her. Elduran was confident she finally grasped that he had been telling the truth.

    Elduran''s heart quickened at the sound of heavy footsteps in the distance. He recognized them at once. A Turtonator emerged from around the corner. He couldn¡¯t be certain it was the same one that had slain the Cleaver, but he suspected as much, given their rarity. The likelihood of encountering two such creatures passing through a cave was exceedingly slim.

    Golurk began to advance toward the Turtonator, who glared furiously at Aisha and Elduran. Golurk placed a firm hand on Turtonator''s chest, halting its movement. A tense chorus of Golurk''s hissing and Turtonator''s low growls ensued.

    "Aisha, start retreating slowly," Elduran advised, a tone of urgency lacing his words. "If Golurk fails to hold its ground, that Turtonator is old and too powerful for us."

    "I think you''re right," Aisha agreed, her voice tinged with concern. "Fairy specialist or not, I don''t think we can take it on."

    Suddenly, the Turtonator began to flush a menacing red. Elduran shouted for Aisha to find cover immediately. An explosive blast of incinerating flames erupted from Turtonator, engulfing the entire vicinity. In the nick of time, Aisha managed to recall her Pok¨¦mon, as did Elduran¡ªeither''s companions would have likely fainted, or worse, given their vulnerability to fire this fierce. They both took refuge behind a boulder, yet the searing heat threatened to consume them.

    "Quick, release your Marill and have it drench us!" Elduran exclaimed.

    Aisha released her Marill, instructing it to shower them both with water. From behind the rock, even the Cyndaquil sought shelter; the attack proved too overwhelming even for the fire-type Pok¨¦mon. At long last, the fiery onslaught subsided, but the ground immediately quaked as Golurk unleashed an earthquake upon Turtonator. Elduran peeked over the rock, glimpsing the Turtonator tossed about like a rag doll by the upheaved earth. Golurk turned its head, a full 180 degrees, hissing in their direction. Elduran interpreted this as a cue to flee¡ªpromptly. Thankfully, the direction opposite the battling Pok¨¦mon was their intended path.

    Elduran signaled Aisha to follow, and together they bolted away. As they dashed through the landscape, Elduran stole a swift look back at the Pok¨¦mon remains¡ªthe field of ashes left by the incineration. At least the Turtonator had unwittingly done some good. Cyndaquil would no longer spend time attempting to burn them further.

    The cave narrowed into a slender corridor, and Elduran doubted that Turtonator could even squeeze through, while Golurk surely would not. He noticed the number 112 painted on the cave''s wall, and Elduran found it hard to believe that this cramped passage was actually classified as a route. Although Turtonator might not fit through here, it could certainly navigate around via a different path, as it was far more familiar with the cave system than Elduran. However, he surmised that their journey to the cave''s exit wouldn''t take much longer, considering Turtonator''s slow pace the chance of him catching up to them was slim.

    After what felt like half an hour of running, Aisha was barely able to walk. Exhausted, she collapsed onto the floor. Elduran halted, realizing they couldn''t keep up this speed until they reached the exit. She was at her limit, while he barely broke a sweat.

    "You know what? I''ve known you for merely three days¡ªthree fucking days¡ªand I''ve almost perished on each. How does that even happen?" Aisha demanded of Elduran.

    "You''re pinning this on me? Seriously? Who set the tree Heracross was on ablaze? Who flailed about like a fish out of water facing those crooks? And today, that Turtonator... If not for the Cleavers, we''d never have veered off course into its path. My near-death moments usually involve clashing with legendary Pok¨¦mon. But with you, I''m starting to believe I''ll meet my end courtesy of a Rattata or some pesky Pidgey," Elduran shot back.

    Elduran perked up at the faint sound of footsteps, quickly releasing Vivillon and Heracross. Aisha, worn out, remained oblivious. Just as Elduran was about to unclip his bow, he stopped, witnessing who rounded the corner¡ªa Cyndaquil, equally weary and teetering on the brink of collapse. It looked at Elduran with joy despite its legs giving out beneath it.

    "What are you doing here? The farther away you are from us, the safer you''ll be," Elduran advised the Cyndaquil gently.

    "You¡¯re a fool. That Cyndaquil is as good as gone¡ªjust look how tiny it is, it can''t be more than two months old. If his mother¡¯s really gone, he might not survive. Why aren¡¯t you catching it anyway? It doesn¡¯t seem like he¡¯d object," Aisha urged.

    "I''m already a weak trainer; I can''t afford to take on weak Pok¨¦mon too," Elduran replied.

    Cyndaquil began to weep upon hearing Elduran''s words.

    "The Cyndaquil line is among the strongest fire types. Why not give it a chance? They''re rare, after all," Aisha implored.

    "I don''t deny that. If I didn''t have Viv and Blue, I¡¯d welcome him to join us. But right now, it makes no sense. I already have two strong Pok¨¦mon that give me the edge in capturing others. Why catch one so weak? With how inexperienced I am, he might remain a Cyndaquil forever and know only a handful of moves. That doesn¡¯t benefit either of us," said Elduran.

    Cyndaquil¡¯s tears flowed like a waterfall.

    "You realize that Pok¨¦mon, when trained from a young age, can become even more powerful than those caught in adulthood, right?" Aisha queried.

    "I¡¯ve heard that before, but I¡¯m not convinced," Elduran replied.

    Heracross and Vivillon tried to console the weeping Cyndaquil.

    "Oh, come on, you two too? Viv, Blue might not understand what we''re up against yet, but you do. We confronted Ho-oh together. Do you honestly think it''s fair to take him and pit him against adversaries of that magnitude? It¡¯s not just about power; joining us likely spells doom and..." Elduran began, only for a deafening explosion to cut him short.

    Dust and debris burst into the air as Golurk emerged from a hole it had created. It gestured for them to follow.

    "I don''t get it. It''s overly eager to help us, which makes no sense. And how on earth did it catch up to us? Viv, can you check if we''re safe from that Turtonator? In the meantime, let''s follow it. It hasn''t given us any reason to mistrust it," Elduran said.

    Vivillon fluttered ahead, striking up a conversation with Golurk, while Aisha stood up and began to follow. Heracross lifted Cyndaquil and joined the procession. Although Elduran frowned upon Heracross''s initiative, he chose to overlook it for now. However, he did instruct Cyndaquil to illuminate his back to save the flashlight''s battery; if it was joining them, it would at least serve some purpose.

    After walking for some time, now clearly off their original path, Vivillon returned to explain what she had discovered. Apparently, the Turtonator was no longer a threat. Golurk was shielding them from a Pok¨¦mon far stronger than Turtonator, which piqued Elduran''s interest. Perhaps he should attempt to capture it if the opportunity arose. What troubled Elduran was their path toward the mountain''s center, likely leading to the volcano''s crater¡ªa direction that made no sense. The rising temperature only strengthened his suspicions.

    "Golurk! We can''t move any closer to the center. We''re getting scorched here," Elduran exclaimed.

    "Yeah, I''ve hit my limit too. It''s impossible to continue," Aisha added.

    Golurk pointed forward to a dead end. It raised its hand and unleashed a shadow ball. The rock crumbled away, leaving a hole roughly a foot in diameter. Light and intense heat poured from the opening, prompting Aisha to instinctively release her Marill and command it to drench them all in water. Elduran, concerned for the safety of his two bug Pok¨¦mon, quickly recalled them. Cyndaquil dropped to the ground as Heracross returned. Golurk steadfastly indicated the hole.

    "Alright, damn it, I''ll see what you want me to see," Elduran muttered.

    He approached the chest-high opening and peered through. Below lay the crater; if it erupted right then, they wouldn''t stand a chance. As Elduran gazed into the volcano''s core, time seemed to pause. The crater was a vast abyss shaped by the fury of past eruptions. Jagged rock encircled the rim, a testament to nature''s raw power. Far below, about five hundred feet down, molten lava churned like a restless ocean, casting a glow that painted the surrounding stone with fiery hues of red and orange.

    Rivers of magma wound through the depths, emitting waves of blistering heat that shimmered in the air, distorting the view. Occasionally, a geyser of sparks erupted, illuminating the cavern with bursts of incandescent light. The echoes of hissing steam and the subtle rumble of bubbling lava created a symphony, while streams of cooled magma formed eerie patterns, frozen along the crater walls.

    The air was thick with sulfur, a harsh reminder of the volcano''s dormant power, as if whispering tales of past eruptions and untold stories buried beneath layers of ash and stone. For Elduran, standing at the brink of the cliff, it was a place that commanded respect¡ªa reminder of the delicate balance between creation and destruction, shaped by the untamed forces of the earth.

    "What am I supposed to be looking for? It''s the heart of the volcano. I''ve seen them before; I battled Moltres and Heatran in similar places. If I''m about to be roasted alive, at least let me know..." Elduran stopped, breathless.

    He saw it. A chill ran down his spine. Walking on the lava was none other than... Heatran. Elduran''s mind raced¡ªhow on earth was this possible?

    Eight years ago, he had fought Heatran in Sinnoh, at Stark Mountain. It felt like a miracle back then; by the time they had arrived, the crisis hadn''t yet been resolved. Just a day before, Heatran had been setting everything ablaze, but then it retreated. Dealing with a legendary Pok¨¦mon usually warranted international aid; Kanto was always willing to send APSO, but often, by the time they got on the plane, the issue was handled. Legendary Pok¨¦mon were formidable, but a seasoned trainer with champion-level Pok¨¦mon could handle them. The challenge wasn''t in defeating them¡ªit was about how swiftly it was done. They could wreak havoc, decimate thousands within moments.

    Outside Johto and Kanto, the only legendary Pok¨¦mon Elduran ever managed to repel was Heatran, with a bullet to its eye. The fires engulfing the mountain were ferocious; no one could approach. It seemed intent on incinerating the island by remaining nearby. With a handful of trainers controlling flying and water Pok¨¦mon, they cleared Elduran''s shot through the smoke. The ground-infused bullet penetrated Heatran''s eye and embedded into its brain. Like all legendary Pok¨¦mon pushed to their limits, it vanished after some violent struggles. How they reappeared, or where, remained a mystery. Perhaps Arceus made sure those creatures were immortal. So now the pressing question: did it simply resurface here? Or had it moved here after some kind of revival¡ªif that was the right word¡ªby some means Elduran couldn''t comprehend, Arceus be damned.

    Elduran strolled back to Golurk, standing right beside it. He tried to utter words, but they refused to form. On and on he attempted, his hands gesturing, lips almost moving, pacing in circles with fists clenched.

    "This is hilarious," Aisha remarked to Golurk. "Elduran¡¯s trying to hurl insults at you, but I bet after every curse he imagines you could flatten him with one punch, so he hesitates, tries to phrase it politely. Then it dawns on him he can¡¯t. It''s like a snake chasing its tail."

    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    Golurk shifted its gaze from Elduran to Aisha, expressionless, then turned back to Elduran, patiently waiting for him to speak at last.

    "Why the fuck is Heatran down there?" Elduran finally blurted, a dangerous glint in his eyes.

    Aisha gasped, but couldn''t hold back her curiosity. She instructed Marill to splash her with more water and slowly approached the hole Golurk had created earlier. Trembling with a mix of fear and excitement, she peered down and indeed saw it¡ªmajestic yet terrifying. Her instincts screamed to flee. This volcano, besides the volcano itself, was supposed to be a safe zone, she thought, though evidently mistaken. She stared intently at the beast until, mustering her willpower, she tore her gaze away and joined Elduran and Golurk.

    "In the glittering realm of Diancie''s diamonds, what on earth is Heatran doing down there, Golurk?" Aisha pondered aloud to Golurk. "Surely, you must want something from us?"

    "Absolutely not, this situation is beyond us. I have no rifle, and I assure you our Pok¨¦mon can''t face such a challenge. We''re as good as dead if we attempt it, even with Golurk''s help. Not a chance," Elduran declared, turning to Cyndaquil. "Now you see why I can''t allow you to join us. Look down from that hole Golurk has carved and understand, little one¡ªthat''s where my battle lies, against foes like that creature."

    Cyndaquil, although crestfallen, complied with Elduran''s request, making its way toward the breach in the cave''s wall.

    "It became undeniable that Golurk was not protecting us from Heatran. Instead, Golurk arrived with its own agenda. ''Aisha, might you release Hatenna? It appears I misunderstood Viv''s earlier message. We must understand Golurk''s purpose,¡± Elduran suggested.

    Meanwhile, Cyndaquil scaled the cave wall, striving to reach the opening''s edge. Catching a glimpse of the outside, it recoiled in alarm and swiftly returned to the group. Complying, Aisha released her Hatenna, urging it to communicate with Golurk and uncover its intentions.

    Cyndaquil nestled by Elduran''s feet, forming a small, coiled ball barely touching him. With its psychic abilities, Hatenna acted as a vital liaison between humans and Pok¨¦mon, able to convey images and emotions with speech-like clarity. After delving into Golurk''s thoughts, Hatenna began transmitting its findings to Aisha."

    Aisha turned to Elduran with a stern expression.

    "You were right, it wants you to take it down. Hatennna described it to me; it thinks you can defeat it easily. I can''t see how," Aisha remarked.

    Elduran sighed deeply.

    "Golurk, I have no idea where this notion comes from, but I assure you, I can''t bring down Heatran. If I had a rifle, maybe I could do it, especially since it doesn''t know where I am, catching it by surprise and all. But I don''t have a rifle anymore, and what''s the point? It isn''t causing trouble. Last time, it was under the control of the Watchers; this time, it doesn''t seem to be. Even if..." Elduran paused, realizing something.

    "Lugia¡¯s feathers, you''re THAT Golurk. What was your trainer''s name... Jack, right?" Elduran asked, and Golurk hissed, its eyes gleaming.

    "Now it all makes sense. I''m sorry about Jack. He was one of the trainers trying to give me an opening to shoot. He was flying on you, commanding his Flying-type Pok¨¦mon while riding on your back. That flamethrower from Heatran hit you both. You''re a Pok¨¦mon, you survived, but he didn''t. That''s your burden, isn''t it?" Elduran questioned.

    Golurk''s knees buckled, and it lowered itself to the ground, its eyes conveying sorrow.

    "I''ve given up on firearms, Golurk. I want to be as strong as Jack was. He was incredibly strong, your trainer. I heard he reached the semi-finals of the Sinnoh League twice. That''s as close to the top as you can get," Elduran continued.

    Golurk gazed downward, expressing a semblance of emotion that was nearly human-like for the construct Pok¨¦mon

    "Listen, whatever I do, Heatran will return, you know that. Like I said, it wasn''t its fault¡ªat least not entirely. I''m trying to understand how the Watchers manipulate them. If all they do is provoke them and these legendary Pok¨¦mon have any free will during their rampages, then I''ll return here. Not just to defeat it but with the knowledge to end it for good. That''s my promise to you," Elduran vowed.

    "This is Jack Dwild''s Pok¨¦mon? Entei''s blessing, he was such a formidable trainer. I saw a beautiful documentary about his life once. You, Golurk, were by far his mightiest Pok¨¦mon. I''m truly sorry about your trainer," Aisha added.

    "I don''t know how you ended up in Tenera, Golurk. I know you can fly, but it''s tragic that the Pok¨¦mon that killed your trainer revived here, where you chose to settle. Perhaps you''ve been scouring the regions, searching every volcanic area to exact your revenge. Your reasons are your own. But my promise stands: if I can become as strong as Jack, I''ll return, and we can have some fun tearing it into pieces. Do we have a deal?" Elduran asked.

    Golurk rose, hissed, and nodded, clearly in better spirits than before.

    "You know, I keep saying I need to get stronger. What better way than to have you as my partner? You could come with me and teach me to be a strong trainer," Elduran suggested to it.

    Cyndaquil deflated again, expressing sadness.

    Golurk looked at him, emitting hissing sounds like escaping steam. Elduran couldn''t decipher it. He glanced at Aisha, who seemed to be communicating with Hatenna, translating Golurk''s words. Aisha chuckled.

    "It said that traveling with you would only impede your progress as a trainer. You need to start from the ground up, learn as your Pok¨¦mon learn. If Golurk joins you now, you''ll never be prepared to face Heatran. Your treatment of Cyndaquil reveals you''re not ready to be a trainer. Perhaps you should reconsider firearms," Aisha laughed.

    Elduran stood up, kicking a rock in frustration. After a few moments, he took a few deep breaths and calmed down.

    "Alright, I''ll show you both I have what it takes. I''ll return when I have five Pok¨¦mon, and you can judge if I''m ready for you to join as my sixth," Elduran declared.

    Golurk began its mechanical hissing again. Hatenna continued relaying messages to Aisha.

    "Elduran, I think it''s taunting you. I like it. It''s basically saying that if you come here to recruit it, you haven''t learned anything about being a trainer. I can''t even fathom what it''s trying to convey. When the day comes that you understand, you''ll finally know what it means to be a top trainer," Aisha explained.

    "Now even Pok¨¦mon speak in riddles. Wonderful. Rub it in a little more," Elduran replied with a hint of sarcasm.

    "I think we''re done here, let¡¯s head back to the route," Aisha suggested.

    Golurk hissed again, and Hatenna conveyed the message to Aisha.

    "It wants to walk with us until the exit," Aisha shared.

    "Be my guest!" Elduran responded.

    "Splash, we''ll be alright now; it won''t be as hot from here on out. Thank you for your hard work," Aisha said, recalling Marill. "Candy, you should rest as well. I believe everything that needed saying has been said," Aisha continued, as she recalled her Hatenna.

    Golurk lifted the Cyndaquil and placed it gently on its shoulder, before turning to head back along the route. Cyndaquil continued to gaze at Elduran with a melancholy expression.

    "For heaven''s sake, could you stop looking at me like that? What is it about me that fascinates you so?" Elduran exclaimed.

    Tears welled up in Cyndaquil''s eyes once more.

    Aisha placed a hand on Elduran''s shoulder. He turned, curious about her intentions.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Elduran inquired.

    ¡°Wait a moment, let¡¯s slow our pace. Let them get a little further ahead,¡± Aisha suggested.

    ¡°Arceus shit, this is about that Cyndaquil, isn¡¯t it?¡± Elduran asked.

    ¡°Yes, it is. None of this adds up. You¡¯re not the sentimental type, so it doesn¡¯t make any sense why you¡¯re not allowing it to travel with you,¡± Aisha replied.

    ¡°For the Cyndaquil, it¡¯s a guaranteed death sentence,¡± Elduran stated.

    ¡°Exactly. That¡¯s something I would care about, but you? It¡¯s illogical. Its death could ensure Viv¡¯s survival, so what¡¯s really going on?¡± Aisha pressed further.

    ¡°The extra hassle of catching it means I¡¯d have to train it too. I don¡¯t have the time to start with baby Pok¨¦mon,¡± Elduran explained.

    ¡°No, you really don¡¯t have to. It can travel with us until you need your sixth Pok¨¦mon. That argument doesn¡¯t hold up,¡± Aisha countered.

    ¡°And then what, throw it to the Tyranitars and Gyarados to feast on?¡± Elduran retorted.

    ¡°You know it won¡¯t be a baby by then¡ªtrained or not, you¡¯d have significantly boosted its chances. Elduran, you¡¯re just conjuring excuses. I haven¡¯t pushed much because it¡¯s clear something¡¯s really bothering you. So, what is it?¡± Aisha insisted.

    ¡°You know, your ability to read people is infuriating, have I mentioned that?¡± Elduran remarked.

    ¡°You¡¯re still avoiding the question,¡± Aisha said, locking eyes with him.

    Elduran met her gaze, wrestling with the decision to speak. Aisha could sense his inner struggle; he was on the cusp of revealing the truth but...

    ¡°I won¡¯t discuss it. Forget it. But I¡¯ll tell you this: Cyndaquil¡¯s weakness is a factor, though it¡¯s not the main reason, as you¡¯ve inferred,¡± Elduran confessed.

    ¡°Fine, have it your way!¡± she said, hastening her pace to rejoin Golurk and Cyndaquil.

    Aisha, Elduran, Golurk, and Cyndaquil ventured deeper into the shadowy cave, the path ahead a swirling tapestry of mystery and anticipation. Golurk, with its hulking form, was at the lead, ensuring they adhered to the winding route, ever the vigilant guardian against unseen threats. Its presence was a sentinel, deterring any lurking Pok¨¦mon from considering an attack, the whisper of its mechanical stride sending echoes through the cavern.

    The cave wrapped around them, its walls resembling ancient, gnarled branches reaching out from the darkness. Shadows danced across the rocky surfaces as Cyndaquil''s fiery back illuminated their path, painting the cave in warm, flickering tones. Its gentle glow provided just enough light to navigate the twisting corridors without expending their precious flashlight batteries.

    Each turn and bend in the cavern felt like uncovering the next hidden chapter in an unfolding tale. The path grew narrow and then wide again, an unpredictable dance choreographed by nature itself. The journey stretched on, the hours melting together under the ethereal glow. As fatigue crept into their bones, a faint glimmer of daylight appeared ahead, promising reprieve. The cave mouth loomed like an enormous portal to another world, its edges aglow with the soft hues of evening, casting long, dramatic shadows across their final steps within the cavern.

    Emerging into the open air, the adventurers paused, letting the gentle breeze caress their weary faces. Behind them, the cave stood silent, a guardian keeping its secrets sealed tightly within. As the sun dipped low on the horizon, painting the sky in shades of pink and orange, Aisha and Elduran took a moment to breathe, to soak in the vastness of the world before them, knowing that another chapter of their journey awaited beyond the stony embrace of the cave.

    The dark soil from the volcano sloped down to the mountain''s base, where it merged into a sprawling swamp that seemed to stretch endlessly. The swamp was an ominous expanse, shrouded in mist and mystery, its surface dotted with murky pools and deceptive patches that hinted at deep, unseen dangers below. The air was thick with the scents of muddied earth and decay, warning of hidden perils within its vast, wild embrace.

    "Before witnessing it myself, I''d never have believed that a swamp could pose more peril than a shadowy cavern tunneling through a mountain with an active volcano. I retract all my remarks from yesterday about steering clear of the volcano and choosing to spend more days navigating that," Elduran remarked, gesturing toward the swamp ahead. "I think we should make camp here; it looks quite safe, especially behind those rocks where there''s a broad clearing for some training," Aisha suggested.

    "You''re right, let''s go ahead. I could use some coffee, but I need wood," Elduran said, releasing Heracross. "Blue, could you fly over to the edge of the swamp and gather some firewood? Be careful, that place seems treacherous," Elduran advised Heracross.

    Aisha released all her Pok¨¦mon, then turned to Golurk and Cyndaquil.

    "Thank you both for guiding us safely to the exit. I hope we meet again," Aisha expressed her gratitude.

    Golurk placed Cyndaquil down, turned around, and started walking back into the cave.

    "Hey, where are you going? Are you really going to leave Cyndaquil alone?" Aisha inquired.

    Golurk emitted a prolonged mechanical hissing noise as he continued walking.

    "Candy, please tell me what it said," Aisha asked.

    Hatenna communicated to her trainer that Golurk respected Cyndaquil''s desire to be left alone and to grow stronger.

    "For heaven''s sake, you''ve traumatized it. Congratulations, Elduran, you''ve truly evolved¡ªfrom a merely unsympathetic human to a complete jerk and you did not even need an evolution stone" Aisha quipped.

    Elduran paid her no heed.

    He methodically set up camp, the comforting aroma of coffee brewing over the crackling fire. Heracross had dutifully hauled wood from the nearby swamp, unwavering in its loyalty. Aisha watched with mild amusement as Elduran released Vivillon, its colorful wings catching the lingering rays of sunlight like stained glass. Despite the hour of daylight remaining, the decision was made to rest before the evening¡¯s training.

    As they sat, sharing a quiet meal with their Pok¨¦mon, a palpable tension hung in the air. Cyndaquil remained at a distance, eyes fixed on the group, a flicker of defiance in its gaze. It was a silent vow¡ªto become stronger, to be more than just the wounded creature Elduran knew. The little Pok¨¦mon was set on proving itself, determined to show that its spirit burned brighter than any ember. Aisha felt a pang of sympathy but knew better than to approach; some battles were fought alone.

    "Gale, today we''ll keep sharpening Baby Doll Eyes. You''re nearly there¡ªjust a few more days and you''ll perfect the move," Aisha encouraged Togetic. She then turned to Clefairy, "Luna, let''s focus on Encore; there''s much work ahead for us." Addressing Hatenna, she added, "Candy, continue with Life Dew, please," before finally advising Splash, "Keep practicing Slam."

    Elduran quietly distanced himself from Aisha, motioning for Vivillon and Heracross to join him.

    "Alright, changes are necessary. I commit to observing more attentively to accelerate your learning of new moves. Once you, Viv, master Struggle Bug, and you, Blue, grasp Brick Break, we¡¯ll dive into strategies. I know, Blue, that move is naturally within your reach, and though I might not be the most exceptional trainer, in time, you¡¯ll see I¡¯m like a living Pok¨¦mon encyclopedia. Strategies might come more instinctively to me, but rest assured, Blue, like with Viv, we¡¯ll hone them outside the realm of Pok¨¦mon battles as well. This includes scouting, gathering intelligence, keeping vigilant without explicit commands, and facing adversaries armed with weapons. We¡¯re not restricted to just Pok¨¦mon battles," Elduran proclaimed to both, "Aisha might initially surpass us in Pok¨¦mon battles, but where we will truly succeed is by emerging unscathed from any encounter."

    Aisha, as ever, flitted from one Pok¨¦mon to the next, as though she were gracefully dancing among them. Elduran watched her with fleeting glances, unable to fathom the subtle adjustments she was making to aid her Pok¨¦mon in mastering their moves. While he demonstrated a straightforward karate chop in the air to instruct Heracross, supplemented by a Machoke training video, his attention was largely focused on observation¡ªnot so much to aid his Pok¨¦mon, but to refine his own ability to perceive their needs. In truth, Vivillon was becoming quite proficient at Struggle Bug. Heracross still had a significant journey ahead, yet it showed signs of progress by observing examples of other Pok¨¦mon surpassing Vivillon''s performance through learning moves from watching videos.

    In the distance, the sound of fire crackled. Both Elduran and Aisha turned to see Cyndaquil practicing its Ember. Despite being just a baby, it possessed remarkable strength. Aisha couldn''t help but smile. Later, Cyndaquil was seen tackling a boulder thirty times its size. Aisha almost rushed to stop it from getting hurt, but then noticed Elduran watching with admiration. Naturally, this kind of determination would catch Elduran''s attention. Cyndaquil then used Smokescreen, effectively concealing itself within the dense cloud. When the haze cleared, Cyndaquil''s eyes met Elduran''s with a flash. Elduran''s knees buckled slightly, as he barely managed to keep himself upright. Cyndaquil had just used Leer on him, and Aisha burst into laughter. Cyndaquil was showing off, trying to convince Elduran of the power he was missing by not recruiting him. Aisha was genuinely impressed¡ªfour moves were impressive for such a young Pok¨¦mon. As if that weren''t enough, the little one was also training in Quick Attack. The moves it mastered were likely a legacy from its mother, who must have started teaching it before she passed away. Though still in the early stages, Quick Attack gave Cyndaquil quite the burst of speed. Cyndaquil could become incredibly swift, mastering Quick Attack, Flame Wheel, Flame Charge, and Rollout, zipping across the battlefield with ease.

    The sun dipped low, casting a golden hue over the tranquil field where Elduran and Aisha had been training tirelessly. Their efforts drew to a close as twilight bathed the horizon in purples and pinks. Elduran, his expression tinged with both fatigue and resolve, motioned to Aisha. "Before you retire for the night," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper, "there''s something I must tell you." The weight of his words hung in the cool evening air, resonating with unspoken significance, as Aisha''s curiosity piqued, her heart quickening with anticipation.

    "My parents were well-off financially, and, like many parents with means, they intended to sponsor my first Pok¨¦mon. This way, I could begin my journey with something more remarkable than a Pidgey, Rattata, or Bidoof. They incessantly inquired about my favorite Pok¨¦mon, and I consistently replied with Salamence. Needless to say, choosing a dragon Pok¨¦mon as a starter was a terrible idea given their aggressive nature. Besides, affording a Bagon was akin to purchasing a house. On my fourteenth birthday, they presented me with a card. Upon opening it, I found it was the birth certificate and initial trainer ownership document of a Cyndaquil. It wasn¡¯t a Bagon. While it was still a costly and rare Pok¨¦mon, it wasn¡¯t what I desired. In response, I petulantly hurled the papers at them and caused a scene, even declaring my hatred for them. I was so incredibly spoiled. Merely two weeks later... Kyogre struck, and my parents perished while their son remained in anger towards them. The baby Cyndaquil also perished at the location where it awaited my sixteenth birthday. So, that Cyndaquil you see over there only dredges up painful memories. It might sound foolish to you," Elduran recounted.

    "Actually, Elduran, it seems like a valid reason to avoid having a Cyndaquil around. I completely understand, and thank you for sharing," Aisha replied, keeping her response succinct as she noticed Elduran''s eyes glistening. He was too proud to allow tears to fall.

    "I know I am wired differently than most. If you were in my position, you''d likely make it your partner, honoring the choice your parents made. But I just can''t see it that way. Given my path, training a young Pok¨¦mon isn''t feasible¡ªI wasn''t lying to Golurk. My confrontation with the Watchers could arrive in six months or merely six days," Elduran explained.

    "You''re right; if I were in your shoes, I would let it be my partner. But people differ. Regarding age, you''re mistaken. Young Pok¨¦mon learn at an accelerated pace. Pre-evolved forms grasp things more swiftly. Humans are similar, learning rapidly in youth. Just like mastering a first language, you witnessed today that Cyndaquil knows nearly five established moves thanks to its nurturing mother. Imagine what young Pok¨¦mon can accomplish with humans. The reason a trainer''s first Pok¨¦mon is often their strongest is that they begin young alongside the trainer. Maybe not in six days, but within six weeks, I wager that Cyndaquil will surpass both Vivillon and Heracross. I don''t understand why more trainers don''t recognize this," Aisha expressed.

    "I hear you, but my mind just struggles to accept it," Elduran replied.

    Aisha regarded Elduran with a knowing smile before speaking, "You''re aware of the Johto Champion, Rurik, aren''t you?"

    Elduran''s eyebrows arched in curiosity. "Who isn''t? What''s notable about him?" he returned, clearly intrigued.

    "Well," Aisha began with a glint of admiration in her eyes, "every Pok¨¦mon in his team was hatched from an egg, save for his Eevee, which was barely more than a month old when they began their journey together."

    This revelation left Elduran momentarily speechless, admiration wrestling with disbelief. "That''s truly something remarkable," he admitted, feeling a flicker of awe at the thought of nurturing an entire team from infancy to championship glory. Elduran appreciated being listened to and offered a moment of respite. "Thanks, Aisha. Your insights are refreshing, bringing clarity to my convoluted thoughts."

    As night descended, casting its shadow over the duo''s camp, Aisha offered a warm farewell. "It''s nothing. After all," she added with a hint of fondness, "I''m here to help organize your chaos. Good night, Elduran."

    The first light of dawn unveiled a vast canvas painted with strokes of orange and pink. The morning air was crisp, an awakening breath amid the weight of the surrounding shadows. As Elduran and Aisha meticulously prepared their belongings, their minds were burdened by the anticipation of navigating the swamp''s murky depths. Elduran, ever vigilant, scanned the horizon. Aisha, meanwhile, seemed serene, exuding calm that masked the trepidation of their forthcoming journey.

    A few paces away, Cyndaquil stood silently, observing Elduran with a mixture of hope and desperation. The flickering flame on its back was not just a source of heat¡ªit was an emblem of its resolute spirit. Yet, within that fiery resolve, a struggle raged. The small creature fought valiantly to stifle the tears threatening to fall, aware that any sign of vulnerability might seal the finality of Elduran''s decision.

    Elduran, determined to adhere to his earlier resolution, bore an expression of stoic resolve. Carefully, he aligned his focus towards the path stretching before them, mentally bracing for the unknown dangers hidden within the swamp''s embrace. Just as the duo took their first steps forward, breaking the silence of the morning, the air was pierced by Cyndaquil''s heart-wrenching cries. The Pok¨¦mon''s voice quivered, exuding a raw plea that resonated with the untamed wilderness around them. Despite knowing the odds, it appealed to Elduran, not with words, but with the purity of its emotion.

    Elduran''s heart, encased by a self-imposed barrier of practicality and past wounds, trembled at the sound. He hesitated, casting a glance over his shoulder. The sight that met him was one of genuine, unguarded determination, and he found himself ensnared by those tear-filled eyes. Something deep within him stirred¡ªa tidal wave that broke over his defenses, unveiling a part of his soul he had long shrouded in shadow.

    A lone tear escaped Elduran¡¯s eye, shimmering in the burgeoning sunlight as he knelt, waiting for the little Pok¨¦mon. Cyndaquil, without hesitation, bounded forward, landing gently in the crook of his arms. Elduran gently caressed the Pok¨¦mon''s head, feeling the warmth of its spirit. Setting Cyndaquil down, he presented a Pok¨¦ Ball.

    With a radiant smile, Cyndaquil charged forward, tapping the Pok¨¦ Ball with enthusiasm. As the device sealed Cyndaquil''s fate, Elduran knew¡ªmore than acquiring a partner, he had regained a part of himself, setting the stage for their adventures to come.

 Chapter 6 â€“ Trudging Through Mud

    Chapter 6 ¨C Trudging Through Mud

    Elduran and Aisha ventured into the dense, early morning fog that crept around them like a cautious whisper as they traversed Route ''s 112 soggy terrain. Though named a route, it looked more like a forgotten bog, with thick, mucky waters at sections threatening to swallow their legs whole in its grasp. Each step was a blind leap of faith, obscured by the mire¡¯s seduction, and carried with it the promise of hidden dangers lurking beneath. Yet, the swamp thrummed with life; an ecosystem weaving together the antics of curious Wooper, elusive Poliwag, and the hypnotic flutter of Yanma''s wings. Eyes, more inquisitive than threatening, watched from beneath swaying reeds and moss-laden branches, each a quiet spectator to the travelers'' determined journey through the lacustrine labyrinth.

    Elduran sensed this was a place others shunned, with scarcely any trace of human activity; footsteps were a rare occurrence here. The sheer abundance of Pok¨¦mon surrounding them rendered any attempts to stealthily bypass the creatures futile. He muttered to himself about the presence of Feraligatr in the distance and the distinct growl of a Poliwrath nearby¡ªencounters best avoided. Heracross hovered protectively beside them while Vivillon glided above, ever vigilant for potential threats.

    Cyndaquil remained safely ensconced in his Pok¨¦ball, ill-suited for the waterlogged environment where his tiny feet would succumb to the soggy terrain. In contrast, Aisha''s Marill thrived¡ªthe swamp seemed like a homecoming for him, splashing joyfully at her side. Wild Azurill, Marill, and even the occasional Azumarill peppered their path, much to Aisha''s delight. She reveled in the thought of her Marill evolving one day into its majestic form.

    Elduran''s thoughts, however, were more pragmatic. He contemplated the futility of setting up camp in the watery expanse and examined the map, calculating their progress. If they pressed on with relentless determination, he estimated they could leave the swamp by late that night¡ªalbeit after a few inevitable skirmishes with the wild Pok¨¦mon that were bound to occur.

    "Aisha, let''s push hard today. According to the map, this swamp ends shortly after the intersection of routes 112, 113 and 116. We should be able to reach the other side by the day''s end. I can''t fathom the thought of spending a night here; perhaps the only viable option would be up in a tree. I''ve never been in a region with so many Pok¨¦mon¡ªit¡¯s astonishingly dense," Elduran remarked.

    "I agree, I¡¯ve never encountered such a density of Pok¨¦mon either. You might be right, but I¡¯m not sure I can manage walking through this terrain all day. It¡¯s exhausting. Another day I¡¯ll probably land us in trouble," Aisha admitted.

    "Just like I need to enhance my skills in guiding my Pok¨¦mon as they learn new moves, you need to improve your physical endurance. We¡¯re up against some seriously dangerous people; you can''t be just a trainer. I can teach you some self-defense too¡ªit¡¯ll be useful," Elduran suggested.

    "You''re not wrong. I may not like it, but you''re right. I need a bit more of your skills, just as you could use a little more of mine," Aisha quipped.

    The air became heavy with tension as Elduran and Aisha pushed through the swamp, the distant murmurs of unseen creatures echoing around them. Suddenly, the stillness shattered. A nearby deep patch of water erupted violently, and a massive form burst forth¡ªa Feraligatr, its eyes fixed on Aisha with a predatory gleam.

    Time seemed to slow as Elduran''s instincts screamed a warning. In an instant, he lunged forward, wrapping his arm around Aisha and pulling her close. They slammed onto the muddy ground with a thud, rolling just in time to feel the rush of wind from Feraligatr''s powerful claw swiping the space they had occupied moments before.

    Scrambling to their feet, their Pok¨¦mon sprang into action. Heracross and Marill positioned themselves staunchly between their trainers and the threat, their determination almost tangible. Marill crouched low, water droplets gathering around its form, as Heracross buzzed its wings with a menacing hum, ready to confront their foe.

    Above, Vivillon hovered with intense focus, its vibrant wings flickering furiously. In a flash, it unleashed a string shot, the silken threads slicing through the murky light to bind Feraligatr¡¯s limbs with surprising speed.

    Breathless but resolute, Elduran and Aisha steadied themselves, hearts pounding with adrenaline and an unyielding resolve to face this challenge head-on.

    Feraligatr began to gather water in its mouth, glaring at them with malicious intent. In a split second, both Aisha and Elduran issued commands to their Pok¨¦mon.

    "Use charm, Splash!" Aisha commanded Marill. Marill obeyed, causing Feraligatr to hesitate momentarily.

    "String shot its mouth, Viv! Buy us some time!" Elduran commanded Vivillon while releasing Cyndaquil. "Use Smokescreen now! Blue, you can''t protect us from what''s approaching. Aerial Ace, strike it swiftly from the side!" As smoke enveloped them, Elduran recalled Cyndaquil back and quickly pushed Aisha aside, both concealed in smoke. "Apologies, but hold your breath," Elduran advised her.

    Breaking free from the silken bind Vivillon had placed over its mouth, Feraligatr reared back, its immense jaws open wide, an overwhelming power building within. With a roar that echoed through the swamp, it unleashed a Hydro Pump. A torrent of water burst forth with tremendous force, a column of liquid power slicing through the air like cannon fire. The shimmering spray reflected the swamp¡¯s still waters¡ªa swirling, bending arc of elemental fury. It struck the spot where Aisha and Elduran had stood just moments before, sending shockwaves rippling through the marsh, as though the swamp''s very essence sought to crush those who dared challenge its might.

    Heracross struck Feraligatr with Aerial Ace, sending it soaring through the air. Vivillon, without awaiting a command from her trainer, began launching a series of swift gentle gusts at the foe, more to irritate it and buy Elduran time to regain control of the battle. Marill stood poised, patiently awaiting her trainer''s directive.

    Elduran, covered in mud, rose to his feet, unclipped his bow, nocked an arrow, and restrained himself from shooting. He wanted to test his skills as a trainer first; if the situation became critical, the bow could see action. He pondered something in his mind as the Feraligatr struggled to its feet. With a gentle smile, Elduran returned the arrow to his quiver and reclipped his bow. He picked up Vivillon''s Pok¨¦ Ball in his left hand and Heracross''s in his right.

    "Alright, let''s do this!" Elduran declared.

    "Marill, use Defense Curl and Rollout to get close!" Aisha instructed, rising from the mud and coughing uncontrollably.

    "Blue, use Leer!" Elduran commanded as he recalled Vivillon to her Pok¨¦ Ball, releasing her immediately behind the Feraligatr. "Use Struggle Bug, Viv!" Elduran added.

    As the Feraligatr rose, it marched toward Heracross but faltered slightly due to Heracross''s Leer. Marill, curled into a ball, rolled towards it, while Vivillon attacked from behind with Struggle Bug. The Feraligatr ignored Vivillon and Marill, dark smoke billowing from its mouth as it prepared to bite Heracross with Crunch, only to snap at empty air. Elduran had recalled Heracross and sent it back out to his flank just in time.

    "Blue, use Horn Attack!" Elduran commanded.

    Feraligatr lunged at Heracross, aiming a slashing strike, but Vivillon swiftly intervened, assaulting from behind with needle-like shards from Struggle Bug. Meanwhile, Marill propelled itself into Feraligatr¡¯s chest with a rolling charge. Heracross counterattacked with Arm Thrust, fiercely battering with alternating fists. With blinding speed, disregarding the pain from Marill''s powerful impact, Feraligatr raised its claws and slashed at Heracross with razor-sharp precision. The attack was so swift that Elduran had no time to return Heracross to its Pok¨¦ball. Heracross stumbled but held its ground, four deep claw marks slicing from its left shoulder to the lower right torso.

    Feraligatr unleashed a roar as water engulfed its tail, which swung with a rapid motion, striking Marill and continuing its arc towards Vivillon. This time, Elduran was quick, recalling Vivillon into the safety of its Pok¨¦ball. Marill, resilient due to its water type nature, wasn¡¯t gravely harmed by the impact but was sent crashing into a tree trunk. The defense bolstered by the prior Defense Curl allowed Marill to recover and rejoin the fray.

    Aisha drew another Pok¨¦ball from her side and released Hatenna. "Candy, this one''s a formidable opponent. Use Psychic to slam it into the ground. Splash, prepare another Rollout¡ªcharge it up and go for it!" Aisha commanded.

    Hatenna and Feraligatr were locked in a tense standoff. Hatenna strained to lift Feraligatr with Psychic, but it resisted, grunting each time it was nearly lifted, its feet landing firmly back on the ground. Yet, it couldn''t break free from the attack. Elduran marveled at the resilience of this Hatenna, managing to hold a Feraligatr in place. He also noticed Marill charging up, nearly ready to launch at great speed toward Feraligatr. If Marill struck while Feraligatr was on the ground, it would be decisive. Elduran knew he had to assist Hatenna. He sent out Vivillon behind the Feraligatr.

    "Viv, help Candy out. Let¡¯s finish this. Psybeam!" Elduran instructed.

    Vivillon''s purple beam struck Feraligatr from behind, and the momentary confusion was just what Hatenna needed. She lifted it off the ground and began slamming it repeatedly with tremendous force. Exhausted yet determined, Hatenna managed one last powerful slam, leaving Feraligatr sprawled helplessly. As it struggled to rise, Marill slammed into its face with great force, sending it back to the ground.

    Remarkably, the Feraligatr had not yet fainted. As it fought to regain its footing, Elduran called out to Heracross, "Blue, on you. Horn Attack!" Heracross stepped forward and delivered a powerful blow to Feraligatr''s side. The formidable strike from Heracross''s horn caused Feraligatr to collapse once more, a gaping wound left in its wake, blood flowing swiftly. Incredibly, it remained conscious, but the battle was decided. Heracross shimmered with a faint glow, and it dawned on Elduran that Heracross possessed the Moxie ability, which enhanced his attack power upon believing he had defeated a foe. Shortly thereafter, since he was neither threatened nor engaged in combat, the glow faded away. That was a potent and rare ability for his Pok¨¦mon to possess, and power invariably filled Elduran with satisfaction.

    "What was that glow on Blue just now?" Aisha asked Elduran.

    "Well... it seems that Blue possesses the Moxie ability," Elduran replied.

    "Damn, that''s freaking awesome. It''s supposed to be a rare ability," Aisha remarked.

    Upon realizing the battle had ended, Vivillon fluttered over to Hatenna and gently used delicate Gusts from behind to lift her out of the mud. Hatenna appeared despondent, stuck in the murky terrain.

    Marill arrived, gently lifted Hatenna from the muddy ground, and set her down on a dry spot. Then, with a delicate stream of water from his mouth, he provided her with a refreshing full-body bath. Hatenna beamed with happiness.

    "I''m truly sorry, Candy. I understand how much you dislike mud, yet I genuinely needed your help. Thank you!" Aisha expressed gratefully as she returned Hatenna to its Pok¨¦ball. "Viv, your efforts are most appreciated!" she continued, observing Vivillon''s cheerful smile as it ascended once more to survey the area for any potential threats. "Splash, that was very chivalrous of you," she remarked to Marill with a warm smile.

    Elduran approached Heracross, retrieved a potion, and sprayed it over his wounds, despite his protests. Surprisingly, this time Elduran could comprehend what Heracross was trying to express; he believed that using a potion might make him appear weak or something similar.

    "Stop being an idiot, Blue! I need you to be healthy and strong; there''s a long journey ahead before we reach a place where you can rest and recover naturally," Elduran told him.

    "Heera," Heracross replied, accepting Elduran''s reasoning.

    "You performed admirably; that was a formidable Horn Attack," Elduran remarked to him, as Heracross beamed with joy, clapping his fists together.

    Elduran and Aisha approached the Feraligatr, and Aisha couldn¡¯t tear her gaze from it.

    ¡°Please, don¡¯t tell me you want me to catch it again. That¡¯s a flat no!¡± Elduran exclaimed.

    ¡°What? Oh no, it got what it deserved. This isn¡¯t like Blue¡¯s situation. Back then, it was our fault. This Feraligatr attacked us; it doesn¡¯t deserve our sympathy,¡± Aisha replied.

    Elduran looked at her incredulously, unable to believe his ears. ¡°Good. For a moment there, seeing you staring at it like that, I thought I¡¯d need a truckload of Pok¨¦balls to catch everything we encounter,¡± he said.

    ¡°My sympathy is limited to Pok¨¦mon that attack without reason. But from a Pok¨¦mon trainer¡¯s perspective, I¡¯m surprised you¡¯re not trying to add it to your team. A fully evolved Pok¨¦mon¡ªthat¡¯s what you wanted, isn¡¯t it?¡± Aisha remarked.

    ¡°You misunderstand me. That¡¯s not all I¡¯m after. See the way it¡¯s staring at us? It thinks this situation is unfair. A Pok¨¦mon that chose to attack us, not the other way around, believes it¡¯s unfair because it didn¡¯t win. That¡¯s pathetic to me, a weak mentality. With Blue, as you said, we invaded its home. When I leaned over to catch him, I saw acceptance in his eyes. He didn¡¯t think it was unfair, even though he had every reason to. He didn¡¯t expect us to bend over and take it, unlike this piece of filth assumed we will,¡± Elduran said, pointing at the Feraligatr.

    "I must say, you may not excel in grasping human emotions, but your knack for interpreting Pok¨¦mon is extraordinary, despite your struggles to comprehend them. It''s clear you''ve dedicated more time to studying Pok¨¦mon than people," she laughed

    "I was in APSO; the first two letters stand for Anti-Pok¨¦mon, and that''s all I ever focused on¡ªwhat else did you expect?" Elduran inquired.

    "No way; you can''t get that good at reading Pok¨¦mon just by studying them on paper. You study them alright and that''s not the kind of studying I meant. I think you''ve been learning from observing them through your scope, always trying to sense their movement, understand their peculiarities, what they like, what they don¡¯t like" Aisha remarked.

    "There you go again, bright spark, you¡¯ve pieced it all together. Let¡¯s get moving before any more wild Pok¨¦mon decide to attack us," Elduran advised, resuming his stride with Vivillon soaring overhead and Heracross gliding closely alongside.

    "For as skilled as you are at reading them, I''m surprised you''re utterly hopeless at understanding their speech," Aisha commented, beginning to walk as she encouraged Marill to proceed in front of them.

    "Well, like you said, it''s all about bonding with them, right?" Elduran replied.

    "Yes and no. Bonded or not, I can grasp some meaning even when wild Pok¨¦mon try to communicate with me," Aisha explained.

    "Good for you. Just seeing their eyes is enough for me to decide whether I need to put an arrow through them or not. That''s all the understanding I need," Elduran said.This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    "I''m not trying to offend you; it''s just curious. You''re like... a video game character," Aisha said with a smile.

    "What? What does that even mean?" Elduran asked, bewildered.

    "You know, in video games, when your character earns skill points to allocate to attributes after gaining experience? It''s like you maxed out Survival and Combat, leaving Intelligence, Charisma, and Wisdom at zero," Aisha said with a laugh.

    "I have no idea what you''re talking about. I haven''t played a video game in... well, ages," Elduran responded thoughtfully.

    "Anyway, never mind that. Do you think Feraligatr will pull through?" Aisha inquired, casting a glance backward where it was now out of sight. They had walked farther than she realized.

    "If it were a human, that¡¯d be doubtful, but since it¡¯s a Pok¨¦mon, it definitely has a shot. To be honest, I don''t really give a shit if it survives or not," Elduran remarked as he hoisted the fallen log lying across the path.

    "Indeed, I understand. While I wish it well, I maintain that it received what it deserved. You might have let Blue handle that log for you¡ªevery Heracross delights in tasks that involve lifting," Aisha replied, casting a knowing wink at Heracross.

    "Heeera," Heracross said excitedly.

    "You''re right; I had nearly forgotten about that. Blue, the next log is yours. Let''s just hope our skirmish doesn''t draw the attention of that Poliwrath I heard earlier," Elduran remarked, his eyes darting around as he scanned for potential threats.

    "Do you really believe you heard a Poliwrath? That''s quite unfortunate. They are so rare; what are the chances of a Poliwhirl happening upon a Water Stone in the wild?" Aisha asked, now scanning for it, her fear heightened by Elduran.

    "Quite rare in most regions, but here in Tenera, with less development outside the cities, I suspect the odds are higher," Elduran replied.

    "That theory makes sense. However, how can you distinguish it as a Poliwrath, given the constant symphony of Pok¨¦mon cries surrounding us?" Aisha inquired.

    "I can identify the cries of approximately 95% of all Pok¨¦mon. As for the legendary ones, unless I''ve encountered them personally, I''m unfamiliar with their sounds. Some Pok¨¦mon have cries that remain undocumented due to their rarity or because their encounters ended in their demise," Elduran explained. As he directed Heracross to clear another log from their path, Heracross complied effortlessly. Elduran found himself impressed, as he hadn''t believed even two individuals could manage such a feat. He praised Heracross for his impressive strength, and Heracross beamed with pride.

    "That''s some impressive survival knowledge, but can you name a few Pok¨¦mon whose cries you''d fail to recognize?" Aisha remarked, giving Heracross a friendly fist-bump on the shoulder and adding a playful wink as she walked by.

    "Relicanth is one. I''ve only seen sketches. It supposedly exists. Spiritomb is another¡ªthough I vanquished one, I did so from afar. And then there''s Genesect, rumored to be real, but who the hell knows?" Elduran answered.

    "So only the exceedingly rare ones, then. Interesting. Since I work in Intelligence, I''ll give you just one piece of information: Genesect are real, but that is all you are getting" Aisha divulged.

    Elduran didn''t bother questioning her source. As an ex-lover of another intelligence agent, he understood they disclosed only what they wished. There was no point in pursuing further, knowing answers wouldn''t be forthcoming.

    "Honestly, the way you recalled Viv and Blue into their pok¨¦balls, only to swiftly release them in strategic spots, was quite impressive. I can''t recall witnessing anything like it before. Did you come up with that on your own?" Aisha inquired.

    "I have witnessed that before, typically from formidable trainers unaligned with any Region''s League. League trainers, I imagine, would usually refuse to resort to such tactics, even against legendary Pok¨¦mon, owing to some misguided sense of pride," Elduran remarked.

    "Do you mean those known as mercenary trainers or freelance trainers?" Aisha inquired.

    "Indeed, precisely so. We''ve received far more assistance from these trainers compared to league trainers in precarious Pok¨¦mon situations. More often than not, they are residents of various regions, having successfully gathered every gym badge from those areas at least once. By steering clear of any league affiliation, they maintain their citizenships. This enables them to move freely among the regions where they are citizens," Elduran replied.

    "I understand your...admiration for them, but let''s be honest¡ªthey exploit the system, and you''re well aware of it. The citizenship granted to trainers who gather all the gym badges in the region is meant as a chance for them to live there for a year or two before deciding whether to join the regional Pok¨¦mon league. They refuse of course and they take on roles as mercenaries, addressing people''s problems for a fee, naturally. The issue with this is that the league must expend numerous resources to monitor them since they remain outside the system. You might view all these legendary Pok¨¦mon as threats, but do you realize how swiftly and effortlessly one of these formidable trainers could level a city if they chose to? Some are on par with champion-level trainers," Aisha remarked.

    "All I know is that the casualties would be far greater without them. They respond much faster than the league does. And when disaster strikes, they offer their aid for free, so you can''t fault them for that. Also, I don¡¯t fucking admire them, I respect them" Elduran stated.

    "Elduran, you''re incredibly stupid on this matter. The league''s slow response to disasters is due to their severe understaffing. If those mercenary trainers were part of the official system, then responding to emergencies¡ªwhether involving dangerous Pok¨¦mon or legendary ones¡ªwould be vastly improved. As for those trainers you admire...sorry respect so much, everything they do comes at a price, whereas league trainers offer their services for free. However, since they''re so understaffed, people often have to pay to get their problems solved promptly; otherwise, they face long waits. Of course, there are the rangers, too, but they generally don''t match the league trainers'' caliber," Aisha explained.

    "Yeah, sure. If they¡¯ were part of the system, by the time they got the green light to assist, half of us might already be dead. When an emergency strikes, it''s anyone''s guess if it first reaches the champion. Then, who knows who it goes to next, and if we''re lucky, the trainers dispatched to help might be third in line. Naturally, before they even set out, they have to devise plans to ensure they don''t cause more harm than the Pok¨¦mon wreaking havoc. Do all that, and if luck is on our side, they arrive only thirty minutes late, half the city is gone by then" Elduran remarked.

    "You know very well that these mercenary trainers have led to countless needless deaths. Few face jail time because people see them as heroes simply for arriving before the league does. As you said, the league turns up later because they''re mindful not to do more harm than the Pok¨¦mon they''re confronting and..." Aisha was talking, her words cutting off as she gasped at what lay ahead.

    Bathed in the gentle light filtering through the tree canopy, stood a majestic Goodra. Its glossy, lavender scales glistened, a living gem amid the drab greens and browns of the swamp. Aisha¡¯s eyes widened with wonder; she had only read about Goodra in the depths of guidebooks, never expecting to meet one here in such wild isolation. Elduran, however, merely nodded with recognition and a hint of respect. He had crossed paths with a few Goodra in his previous missions, knowing well their gentle temperament. His calm presence reassured Aisha, and she allowed herself to sit on a nearby rock, captivated by its serene aura.

    As Aisha gazed at Goodra, their eyes met, unveiling an intelligence and serenity that was irresistibly contagious. Elduran, noticing Aisha''s fascination, paused briefly to tend to his Pok¨¦mon. From a safe distance, Heracross and Vivillon acknowledged Goodra, fluttering around with keen interest. Cyndaquil, upon being released from his pok¨¦ball, displayed his usual curiosity and independence, becoming enchanted by the surrounding flora. He prodded at mushrooms with innocent intrigue and soon began sampling various plants and insects.

    Heracross, with its usual daring nature, wasted no time bridging the gap between the mysterious Dragon Pok¨¦mon and the humans. Before Elduran could caution, Heracross was already in Goodra¡¯s proximity. Yet, to his relief, Goodra''s disposition was one of amused indulgence, allowing Heracross to engage in animated chatter.

    Aisha, keen to understand, released Hatenna. Her mind-reading Pok¨¦mon leaned in, interpreting the conversation for its trainer. Heracross was extolling the camaraderie and growth that came with human partnerships, painting vivid tales of battle and triumph. Goodra listened with a slow nod, its large eyes twinkling with nostalgia. It confessed to once having a trainer itself, recounting the bittersweet symphony of companionship and eventual loss. The dragon shared how Pok¨¦mon, having tasted such bonds, often found it hard to transition, retreating back to the wild, where they could roam free from the heartache of outliving their human friends.

    Aisha recounted the conversation to Elduran, her words interwoven with a blend of admiration and melancholy. Elduran, though familiar with the bittersweet truths of Pok¨¦mon companionship, found himself pondering the growing bonds with his own Pok¨¦mon. His expression softened as Heracross eagerly returned to his side, having forged a new friendship with Goodra.

    "Remarkable creatures, aren¡¯t they?" Aisha mused, her voice a mere echo through the dense foliage as they resumed their journey. Goodra remained a poignant memory, its gentle nature a lingering warmth in the chilly swamp. They moved forward, energized by the unexpected encounter, knowing that even in the heart of danger, beauty and kinship could be found.

    The hours in Valt Swamp stretched like the shadows cast by the waning sun, marking the path with an eerie glow. As fatigue settled into her bones, Aisha''s pace faltered, her weary limbs betraying her. With a sudden misstep, she tumbled forward, landing face-first into the cool embrace of the mud, the splatter echoing her exhaustion. Elduran halted, turning back with a mixture of concern and patience. The swamp, both adversary and teacher, had seized its moment to remind them of their limits.

    Elduran had recalled Cyndaquil as they resumed their march, knowing he wouldn''t be of much assistance, just as Aisha had withdrawn her Hatenna. Although Hatenna could have easily lifted her from the mud with its psychic abilities, Elduran believed that Heracross was best suited to help her, aside from himself, naturally.

    "Blue, go help her!" Elduran instructed Heracross, already turning his attention forward with concern.

    Heracross swiftly flew over to Aisha and, slipping his hands beneath her arms, lifted her to her feet.

    "Well, I was already caked in mud," Aisha commented, throwing a look of disdain at Elduran as he turned to face her.

    "But didn''t you say Heracross enjoy lifting things?" Elduran quipped.

    "Key word... things," Aisha replied, still fixated on Elduran before addressing Heracross. "Blue, thank you for your help. Please tell your trainer I am extremely grateful for sending you to my aid," Aisha expressed her gratitude to Heracross while staring daggers at Elduran.

    Heracross gazed at both of them with curiosity, unsure if he had erred in some way. Vivillon fluttered down, soothing him with the assurance that it was merely a human issue. Elduran turned to Vivillon with a grin.

    "He''s not the sharpest, is he?" Elduran remarked.

    "Heera," Heracross sighed dejectedly, lowering his head.

    "Oh, don''t fret, you''re more like me than you realize; we thrive on tackling problems with strength and vigor," Elduran said, smiling warmly.

    "Heeeeera," Heracross replied, clashing his fists together as his spirits soared.

    "Viiiii," Vivillon chimed in, pleased to see Heracross cheerful once more.

    Aisha pondered Elduran''s words, knowing they strayed far from the truth. In hindsight, anyone unfamiliar with his conduct in perilous situations¡ªwhere every choice teetered between life and death¡ªcouldn''t possibly recognize how that irritating fellow transformed under pressure. Here was someone who would immerse himself obsessively in studying Pok¨¦mon, their habits, and those exasperating cries, yet couldn''t be bothered to read even a three-page guide for rookie trainers in Tenera or so much as a single page comparing Tenera with other regions. It was a mystery to her. Yet what was undeniably clear was that he hadn''t taken a single misstep in the dire situations they faced, whereas she, despite priding herself on her intelligence, had inadvertently put them in jeopardy each and every time. Elduran wasn''t mistaken in that regard. He must have considered her utterly useless beyond being a compass, merely indicating their direction. Even in the realm of training, she felt she''d let him down. Though he made earnest attempts to improve their training, his methods remained unorthodox. She struggled to envision his growth when his approach to training was so flawed, and she felt it was her failing that she couldn''t impart to him an understanding of the process.

    As dusk settled over the Valt Swamp, the landscape became a tranquil oasis. The air was cool, carrying the scent of damp earth and wildflowers. Lotad floated gently on the still waters, their lily-pad backs blending seamlessly with the murky surface. Oddish peeked out from their leafy hiding spots, their bright leaves contrasting with the darkening sky. Nearby, Psyduck waded calmly, occasionally dipping their bills into the refreshing water. Barboach slithered quietly along the muddy bottom, their movements smooth and effortless. The peaceful presence of these Pok¨¦mon wrapped the swamp in a serene, calming embrace, offering Aisha a moment of quiet reflection as she cleaned herself.

    "I am so exhausted, I don''t think I can keep going," Aisha groaned, taking a few weary steps forward.

    "We need to keep moving. In about thirty minutes, it will be pitch black, and our pace will slow even more. The sun has already set," Elduran cautioned, just as the sound he dreaded finally reached them, this time much closer.

    "Is that the Poliwrath?" Aisha asked, not hearing it herself, but the look on Elduran¡¯s face told her he had.

    "What? Oh, no, that''s not the Poliwrath. That one stopped stalking us after we met Goodra. This is far worse. I suspected it would wait until darkness," Elduran replied.

    "I didn¡¯t hear anything. What is it?" she asked as she released all four of her Pok¨¦mon.

    "Do you hear those soft hisses in the air? It¡¯s jumping and moving quickly. I¡¯m sure you can guess the rest," Elduran said, releasing Cyndaquil onto his shoulder.

    "Shit, it¡¯s a Greninja. Why not just say it?" Aisha shot back. Elduran just ignored her, deciding to allocate all his attention to surviving.

    "Alright, little one, your job is to light up the area. We¡¯re dealing with a Water-type, so attacking aggressively would be foolish," Elduran instructed Cyndaquil.

    "Splash, get in the water and listen for it coming from there!" Aisha commanded Marill. "Luna, scan all around us. With Cyndaquil¡¯s light, you should be able to spot it," she told Clefairy as she firmly planted her feet, scanning around.

    "Just keep walking," Elduran said nonchalantly as he began to walk.

    "Are you insane?" Aisha exclaimed.

    "If we stand here with our Pok¨¦mon at the ready, it¡¯ll never attack us," Elduran replied calmly, continuing to stroll.

    Aisha stumbled to her feet to catch up with him. "Isn¡¯t that the point, not to be attacked?" she questioned.

    "Are you ready to wait all night for it to attack? Just keep moving. It¡¯ll have to strike before we exit the swamp, or maybe it''s just observing us. Either way, I¡¯m not wasting time just waiting for it. We can¡¯t track it unless it makes a move¡ªit¡¯s too fast," Elduran said as Heracross and Vivillon followed him without a care in the world. Even Marill and Togetic were trotting along, seemingly relaxed. Clefairy was definitely on edge, but she usually was. Hatenna, however, didn¡¯t ignore her like the others but nudged her to move along. Even she trusted Elduran to be right.

    "How can you be so relaxed right now?" Aisha asked as she picked up the pace, her tiredness forgotten, adrenaline fueling her.

    "It¡¯s just a Pok¨¦mon encounter. If we can¡¯t handle this, how do you expect us to deal with the Watchers? Plus, we have seven Pok¨¦mon against one. This might be stronger than Blue, who knows, but when I faced Blue, I only had Viv. You and Luna were out cold," Elduran said.

    Aisha noticed he wasn¡¯t even scanning for it anymore. He was pretending not to be concerned. He really wanted the Greninja to attack. Maybe he was right, she thought. Better to confront it and move on than worry for hours. He had a point. "You know what, you might be right. I always stress before an encounter, but I do relax a little once it begins," Aisha confessed.

    "As I''ve observed, all your Pok¨¦mon, apart from Splash, wield offensive fairy moves. This is advantageous, yet the issue arises with Dazzling Gleam being a close-range attack, whereas Greninja prefers long-distance combat. Viv''s Struggle Bug is also close-range. The cornerstone of our strategy lies in Blue''s Pin Missile¡ªsuper effective and long-range¡ªthough admittedly on the weaker side. However, as I mentioned, we have seven Pok¨¦mon at our disposal. I noted during your training that Gale used Wish. Maximize its use on Blue; we''ll heavily depend on him in this fight," Elduran advised, not even glancing in her direction.

    "You catch that, Gale? He''s right. Whenever Blue takes a hit, use Wish on him," she instructed Togetic. "When did you first realize this Greninja was tailing us?" Aisha inquired of Elduran, clearly angered.

    "I first became aware a couple of hours ago, shortly after we parted ways with Goodra. I heard nothing more until now and assumed it would wait for nightfall to make a move," Elduran responded.

    "Why the heck didn''t you mention it earlier?" Aisha demanded.

    "You''d have been uneasy, and you would have slowed us down," he replied with a serene detachment, undeterred by her irritation.

    "For goodness'' sake. You¡¯re impossible. But we managed the king of the swamp, right? Isn¡¯t that what they call Feraligatr? We should be capable of handling a Greninja," Aisha remarked.

    "Feraligatr, in my experience, are quite dumb in the wild. Under a trainer''s command, though, especially around here, I¡¯d agree¡ªking of the swamp. Greninja, by contrast, are cunning and elusive, yet vulnerable to close-range attacks. We must determine how to close in on it," Elduran elaborated.

    A few moments later, Elduran and Aisha clipped their flashlights onto their jackets, as Cyndaquil''s light had been their sole beacon until then. Suddenly, the air was pierced by a whistle, and Cyndaquil let out a groan.

    "That was a water shuriken," Aisha observed, noting that Cyndaquil was far tougher than it appeared. A super-effective move from a fully evolved Pok¨¦mon had landed, yet Cyndaquil''s light remained steady.

    "This may sound foolish, but we still can''t take action. Keep moving! Even my bow is useless here."

    ¡°Forget this!¡± exclaimed Aisha, crouching to give Splash its orders: to plunge into the depths and stay concealed until Greninja was found. Elduran, within earshot, couldn¡¯t help but grin.

    "Alright, that''s risky, but I like it. Splash will be vulnerable for a moment, so stay alert¡ªwe''ll need to react swiftly," Elduran advised.

    Not a minute passed before they heard Splash emerge from the water fifteen feet away, roaring as it used Charm on Greninja, momentarily stunning it¡ªjust the opening everyone required.

    "String Shot and Pin Missile," Elduran commanded. Vivillon immobilized Greninja''s feet with its string, while Heracross unleashed a barrage of Pin Missiles. Judging by Greninja''s cries, it was certainly feeling the impact.

    "Candy, throw Luna with psychic power towards it. Luna, use Dazzling Gleam in midair. Gale, start a fairy wind and don''t stop!" Hatenna lifted Clefairy with psychic power, skillfully sending her hurtling towards Greninja. Midair, Clefairy unleashed Dazzling Gleam, illuminating the entire area. Greninja howled in pain, while Togetic''s relentless fairy wind added to its torment.

    Following a brief telepathic exchange with Hatenna, Aisha swiftly turned to Elduran, this time noting the bow gripped in his left hand, an arrow already nocked and ready. In his right hand, he held a Pok¨¦ball, prompting her to wonder whose it was and whether he could manage to shoot while clutching one.

    "Elduran, some info you should know: Greninja knows the moves Lick, Night Slash, and Shadow Sneak," Aisha relayed to him.

    "Wait, how do you know that?" Elduran asked, briefly glancing her way before resting his gaze on Hatenna. "Ah, never mind, Candy''s ability is Anticipation, isn''t it? She senses moves that are super effective against her. That''s valuable intel¡ªcould turn the tide of battle. Handy skill." Elduran remarked to her.

    Gale don''t stop using Fairy Wind. Keep at it!" Aisha commanded her Togetic.

    "Blue, the same for you, just nonstop Pin-Missile," Elduran commanded.

    Greninja steeled itself despite the relentless barrage of attacks it endured. Amidst the chaos, it unleashed an extremely swift Night Slash against Marill, its hand morphing into dark shadow claws. Three dark scars, emitting smoke, were seared into Marill''s body. Even with its legs ensnared by String Shot, Greninja executed a Water Shuriken, severing the strings, then leaped swiftly into the air, performing a backflip, gliding towards Vivillon. It was executing an Aerial Ace with remarkable speed¡ªa move that would be super effective against Vivillon. Just as the attack was about to strike, Vivillon transformed into red light; Elduran had managed to recall her just in time. In the ensuing confusion, as Greninja landed and turned, livid, towards Elduran and Cyndaquil perched on his shoulder, an arrow struck its chest.

    A crimson glow appeared in its eyes¡ªElduran recognized that Torrent, its ability, had activated, signaling Greninja was nearly spent. Its water attacks would become devastating. It lunged toward him, launching enlarged Water Shurikens. Elduran quickly instructed Cyndaquil to use Smokescreen, like the strategy against Feraligatr. Just as he began to roll aside, a Water Shuriken cut his cheek, and another struck his shoulder. Despite the pain, he completed the roll, casting Cyndaquil to safety, and then heard Greninja land precisely where he and Cyndaquil had been a split second before.

    Elduran released Vivillon before him, commanding her to deploy Struggle Bug. Greninja, not expecting this obstacle in its path to Elduran, collided with Vivillon. Despite the impact, Vivillon unleashed Struggle Bug, tearing into Greninja. Heracross, regaining sight of Greninja, unleashed another Pin Missile barrage. Realizing the proximity of Elduran, Cyndaquil, and Vivillon, Aisha commanded Togetic to cease using Fairy Wind and instead to employ Ancient Power behind Greninja. The tactic succeeded; as Greninja attempted to withdraw, it crashed against a barrier of floating rocks, propelling it back toward Vivillon''s Struggle Bug. The miniscule, needle-like shards shredded Greninja, and just before it collided again with Vivillon, Clefairy, heeding Aisha''s command, delivered a precise Thunderbolt from afar. Greninja finally crumpled to the ground. Vivillon ceased her attack, but Heracross persisted with Pin Missile, guided by Elduran''s instincts to continue. His intuition was confirmed when Greninja smoothly rose, somersaulted, and delivered another blistering Aerial Ace to Heracross. The blow caused Heracross to howl in pain, yet it maintained its stance. Aisha instructed her Togetic to use Wish to heal Heracross, and a star shape light ascended into the sky from Togetic.

    "Blue, forget Pin Missile. It''s barely standing. Go all out! Arm Thrust! Don''t stop until it drops!" Elduran commanded.

    Heracross began pummeling Greninja with alternating punches. Even as Greninja utilized Shadow Sneak, extending its shadow, and continued to paralyze Heracross momentarily with Lick, Heracross remained undeterred. After the third time Greninja reappeared behind him, Heracross'' Arm Thrust evolved into a form of Elbow Thrust, as he turned to continue his assault. Neither Pok¨¦mon had much fight left, but a precisely aimed Air Cutter from Togetic¡ªa thin blade of air traveling at high speed¡ªstruck Greninja. Then, Marill leaped over Greninja, delivering a powerful Slam that drove it to its knees. As Heracross neared exhaustion, an ethereal star descended from the heavens, infusing Heracross with light and renewing its vigor. However, Heracross needn''t act further; Vivillon arrived, encasing Greninja in a cocoon of String Shot, then bombarded it with Struggle Bug for three relentless seconds. Greninja was undoubtedly down for the count.

 Chapter 7 - Truth Disclosed

    Chapter 7 - Truth Disclosed

    "Viv, you can stop now. It''s finished," Elduran soothed Vivillon as she was still using Struggle Bug. "It¡¯s not your fault; we all stopped attacking. Blue kept attacking because he''s a knucklehead," he assured her, winking at Heracross to signal his jest.

    "Viiii," Vivillon whispered as she calmed down and embraced Heracross, nearly choking him. Elduran empathized with the sensation. She felt she was the reason Heracross got a beat down.

    "Wow, is it just me, or did this thing take more hits than the Feraligatr to finally go down? Jeez!" Aisha exclaimed.

    "Little Light Bulb... that was a really smart move with Splash! Truly clever thinking. You''ve made the rest of our journey tonight far less stressful, sparing us from constantly looking over our shoulders in the dark," Elduran remarked.

    "Light Bulb? What''s that supposed to mean?" Aisha inquired.

    "When you come up with great ideas, you remind me of cartoon characters. It''s like a light bulb flashes above your head, and your eyes widen to improbable proportions," Elduran joked, laughing heartily.

    "You are insufferable," Aisha remarked, though in private she bestowed her with a nickname that underscored her cleverness, a trait she admired. If only the "Little" could be removed from that nickname.

    Elduran carefully approached Greninja and skillfully cut away the strings ensnaring its body with his knife. The sight that greeted him was dreadful. Vivillon had wrought terrible harm. What was left of Greninja was hardly discernible¡ªits skin was almost non-existent, drenched from head to toe in blood, and its form was a mangled ruin. Though it lay unconscious, it still breathed; yet Elduran harbored doubts about its chances of survival. Its long tongue was splayed on the ground, nearly detached, as it had tried to protect itself from Vivillon''s Struggle Bug with its tongue.

    Nearby, Aisha was attending to her Pok¨¦mon, carefully applying a potion to Marill. Once finished, she recalled Hatenna in her Pok¨¦ball, sparing her the discomfort of trudging through the mud. She then approached Elduran, and upon witnessing the grave condition of Greninja, she averted her gaze as Elduran extracted the arrow lodged in its chest, cleaning the shaft with a rag before returning it to his quiver. Afterward, he gently positioned Cyndaquil on his shoulder and directed his attention to Heracross, which appeared severely battered.

    Aisha didn¡¯t necessarily pity the Greninja for the predicament it found itself in, after all, they were only defending themselves. She simply pondered over what provoked it to attack them in the first place. Typically, Greninja weren''t known to be aggressive Pok¨¦mon. Still, a lost Pok¨¦mon''s life felt like such a waste to her. She wasn¡¯t some naive little girl who believed she could save every Pok¨¦mon in the world. Yet, when she felt at fault, it stirred something deep within her. She found it hard to accept her mistakes, and when she made them, she moved heaven and earth to correct them. Like with Heracross, that was a situation where she undoubtedly bore the blame.

    Elduran approached Heracross, who was in dire straits¡ªpotions wouldn''t suffice. It needed a good night''s rest and certainly a visit to a Pok¨¦mon Center. For now, though, Elduran painstakingly sprayed Heracross''s entire body, paying extra attention to the claw mark Feraligatr had left as a souvenir across his entire frontal torso. Blood flowed like a stream, particularly from a large wound beneath his right eye. How Heracross remained conscious was a mystery to Elduran, even after the timely intervention of Togetic''s healing Wish during his battle with the Greninja. Despite everything, Heracross wore a broad smile, as if he''d achieved an evolution beyond his current form.

    "Blue, you''re bleeding quite a bit. You need to retreat into your Pok¨¦ball; it''ll speed up your recovery," Elduran advised him.

    "Heeeera," Heracross responded, his expression turning somber.

    "I understand your strength, and trust there''s no need to worry. If we encounter danger again, I know you''re ready to fight. I promise to release you to unleash your power," Elduran assured, raising a fist with one hand and holding the Pok¨¦ball in the other. Once Heracross returned the fist bump, Elduran recalled him into the safety of the Pok¨¦ball.

    "Viv, you won''t be able to see much up there anymore, so keep low and watch our backs," Elduran instructed her. Vivillon nodded in understanding.

    "It''s pitch dark, Gale, help her out!" Aisha called to Togetic. "Luna, come here; I will carry you. I need your eyes, and I know this mud is terrible for you. Splash, continue what you did before¡ªstay near the water and scout for danger. Thank you, everyone, for your hard work. A few more hours, and we''ll camp on dry ground," Aisha said, lifting her Clefairy. Marill pushed ahead, hidden from view, while Togetic joined Vivillon at the rear of the group.

    Elduran approached the fallen Greninja for a final time. It had stopped breathing, having succumbed to its wounds. Most of the fresh blood pooled around the arrow wound, a result of the projectile being removed from its chest. Perhaps it might have survived had the arrow remained, giving it a chance to heal and strengthen before removing it itself. However, Elduran needed the arrow; he didn''t need a wild Greninja alive in the middle of a treacherous swamp. Practically speaking, if another encounter arose and he needed eighteen arrows instead of seventeen, that single arrow could make all the difference. A living Greninja miles away could not. Plain and simple.

    Aisha trailed behind Elduran, feeling the exhaustion begin to reclaim her as the rush of the battle ebbed. Her eyes flicked to the Greninja they passed, and the reality settled ¡ª Greninja lay lifeless. Soon, Greninja would merge with the swamp, bits of him absorbed by other Pok¨¦mon, fragments sinking into the mud, and remnants swallowed by the sea. Yet eternally, it would become a tale, a testament to the enduring might of Pok¨¦mon in the perilous depths of the swamp.

    "It has passed away; it no longer breathes," Aisha remarked to Elduran.

    "Yes, I am aware," he responded, not even sparing her a glance as he continued to trudge forward.

    Aisha observed that Elduran''s left cheek and shoulder were bleeding. He was, quite literally, bandaging himself as he walked. She couldn''t determine whether he epitomized efficiency or utter madness.

    "Could we pause for just five minutes so I can properly bandage you? It seems you''re doing a terrible job," Aisha suggested.

    "Nah, it''s pointless for these two scratches. Honestly, I don''t even think they need bandaging," Elduran replied.

    The wounds did not seem that superficial. That was all she needed to confirm her suspicions. He clearly epitomized utter madness.

    "Assuming we maintain this pace, and with Arceus'' blessing we avoid any perilous encounters, how long do you estimate until we escape the swamp?" Aisha inquired.

    "A few hours... provided we sustain this speed," Elduran replied, putting particular emphasis on the word speed.

    "Alright, I''ll manage. No need for grumpiness. Some of us have actual human legs, you know," Aisha remarked with a touch of sarcasm.

    "For someone who spent a year on tour collecting badges, you do tire quite easily. Perhaps you should double-check if those legs are indeed human," Elduran replied, matching her sarcasm.

    "I had the whole year to visit eight gyms, and I took my time since I was studying alongside," Aisha responded, a hint of disappointment in her voice, which Elduran noticed.

    "You''re a formidable trainer, Aisha. Don¡¯t short yourself. You''ve demonstrated your strength twice today. If you didn¡¯t have to study while being a trainer, you would likely already have your eight badges. Let¡¯s focus on getting out of this swamp in one piece," Elduran encouraged.

    The moon hung high and full, casting a faint silver blanket over the swamp as Elduran and Aisha pushed onwards. The night was a chorus of croaks and rustles, with Marill leading the way, scanning the path that twisted under pooled water and thick mud. Behind it, Cyndaquil rested on Elduran''s shoulder, flames snuffed to a soft glow, casting gentle light that stretched and contracted with their movements.

    Aisha carried Clefairy, the Pok¨¦mon¡¯s keen eyes navigating through the inky blackness. Above, Vivillon and Togetic flitted like watchful sentinels, their wings twinkling intermittently against the moon¡¯s light, ensuring no danger followed from behind. The air was damp and thick, like a living thing pressing down on them.

    The swamp was a network of convoluted routes that seemed determined to lead its travelers in endless circles. Half the time, paths were indistinguishable under muddy water that gurgled sluggishly around them. It was a relief when they neared a sluggish Drednaw, stout and seemingly disinterested in the travelers. They made a silent detour, the large Pok¨¦mon seeing no need to chase.

    As they pressed on, the deeper patches of water revealed shapes and ripples indicating life below. Among them were several Totodile, and a lone Croconaw that prowled with an air of authority. Elduran paused momentarily, considering the Croconaw with a tempered gaze. But once the pack caught scent of the humans, they dispersed into the wetlands, leaving naught but ripples. Aisha noted Elduran¡¯s expression, a mix of contemplation followed by aversion, yet no words passed between them. Exhaustion clung to their bones like shadows, and questions were best saved for better hours.

    Their movements through the swamp took them briefly past a mirthful Ludicolo, swaying by itself in a patch of reeds under the moonlight. Togetic and Vivillon, caught up in the whimsy of the moment, danced along its rhythm before following Aisha and Elduran further into the swamp''s heart. Sightings of Surskit skimming the water¡¯s surface and clusters of Tympole crooning their evening lullabies marked their passage. Amidst this were Bellosom and Gulpin, scuttling away from their path.

    A piercing unease gripped Elduran as his eyes detected several Skorupi slipping between shadows. A Drapion could lurk nearby, its presence signaling unavoidable conflict. But the swamp held its dread secret, and no beast of shadow made itself known. His ears, attentive to the swamp¡¯s whispers, caught nothing to conjure additional fear. Still, there was another potential threat in the form of a Seismitoad, a solitary kind yet potentially formidable if disturbed. Elduran advised caution, instructing Aisha to keep Marill¡¯s frolicsome nature in check, lest an unintended bump trigger an unwanted confrontation in these treacherous waters.

    Hours into their trek, the swamp gave way to diverging paths. To the right, Route 116 promised several days¡¯ journey through a quagmire of peril, infamous throughout Tenera for its treachery. To the left, Route 113 led towards Dirthrow, their intended destination. The wind carried with it the promise of conclusion, and Elduran¡¯s heart lightened as ahead lay the vast expanse of a lake framed by moonlit serenity. In her private thought, Aisha imagined the lake under dawn''s light, a mirror reflecting an untouched sky.

    As they pressed on, the foliage thinned beneath the blue-black sky, and their steps grew more assured as the ground firmed beneath them. Yet tranquility proved evasive as echoes of skirmish broke through the night. Elduran signaled a halt, and they moved with stealth, their eyes scanning the partially lit clearing ahead. There, amidst sparse cover, a Croagunk, bearing a long scar across its back, faced off against a Toxicroak. Their contest was fierce, poised delicately upon the edge of skill and determination.

    With Cyndaquil¡¯s light extinguished, Elduran remained silent, observing the raw display of territorial aggression. When the Toxicroak emerged victorious yet departed without further malice, Elduran and Aisha remained unnoticed. The Croagunk, though wounded, summoned the strength to rise, pursuing the Toxicroak with a subdued resolve. Perhaps this had been a challenge¡ªnot the first, and certainly not the last. A silent tale of survival and hierarchy woven into the wilderness.

    Elduran allowed a fleeting smile, acknowledging the poignant irony of survival in wild places where human presence was but a superficial veneer. Yet he clung to his silent reflection, with exhaustion preventing any further interaction beyond measured pacing. The final hour brought them to the fringes where the swamp''s grip loosened, giving way to a landscape brushed in sandy browns and an expanse of open sky.

    Elduran surveyed the terrain, unshielded as it was, he thought camp demanded the shelter of stone and proximity to the lake. They veered southwards, bearing towards the towering silhouette of a rock formation that reared into the starlit sky. It was immense and sheer, anchoring their campsite against rising winds that softened against taut tent fabric. The craggy shelter presented a visual spectacle, a natural bulwark from which to watch the shifting theater of dawn.

    Once the tent was set up, Elduran entrusted Cyndaquil with the first watch. The dependable Pok¨¦mon, despite the evening¡¯s weariness, was the most refreshed of Elduran''s group, having spent the majority of the trek tucked away in its Pok¨¦ball. Taking on the duty with eyes alight with pride and readiness, Cyndaquil listened as Elduran adjusted his instructions¡ªAisha''s Clefairy was to relieve Cyndaquil halfway through the night. Aisha concurred and briefed Clefairy about the arrangement before she cozied herself into the embrace of sleep. She instructed Cyndaquil to wake Clefairy once fatigue set in.

    Silence claimed the camp as deep slumber descended upon both humans. Elduran surrendered willingly, hoping their Pok¨¦mon to keep vigil through the night. The night sang its ancient lullaby around them, and as the moon fell below the horizon, the celestial tapestry unveiled a prelude to dawn¡ªa new adventure on the brink of beginning.

    As Elduran''s eyes fluttered open to embrace the dawn, his first sight was Cyndaquil, vigilant and ever-awake, faithfully holding its post through the starlit hours, having chosen not to awaken Clefairy for relief. Such loyalty was commendable, yet the demands of the morning called for renewed energy¡ªthe final leg of their journey still relied on untapped reserves. Now Elduran faced the day with an injured Heracross and a weary Cyndaquil for today''s trek. It would be up to him and Vivillon once more.

    As the first light of morning unfurled its gentle touch over the landscape, the vast lake ahead shimmered under the pale embrace of the dawn. Mist danced lazily atop its glassy surface, creating a gauzy veil of mystery, while the water echoed hues of soft pinks and golds, painting a tranquil portrait of serenity.

    Behind them, the towering mesa stood as a colossal sentinel, its rugged face adorned by the play of light and shadow. The mesa''s sheer cliffs rose mightily, their rocky visage weathered by time but unyielding, casting long shadows that stretched across the terrain like protective arms cradling the camp.

    To the north, a rocky dark brown dirt desert stretched out, its surface illuminated by the morning sun, casting a fiery glow that stood in stark contrast to the lake''s gentle allure. Instead of dunes, the landscape was dotted with clusters of towering cacti and sparse vegetation, resilient lifeforms that eked out an existence in the barren lands. The desert extended into the horizon, a sea of rust-colored earth and rugged stones, whispering secrets from its ancient past to any who dared to listen.

    The harmony of these three elements¡ªthe serene lake, the steadfast mesa, and the expansive desert¡ªcrafted a breathtaking theater of nature.

    Elduran rose to greet Cyndaquil, offering quiet gratitude to his companion, knowing full well the weight each shared for the journey ahead. Vivillon hovered nearby, ready to assume her protective duty with renewed earnestness. In these moments of transition, Elduran felt the rhythm of nature, the unending cycle of challenge and rebirth¡ªa living tableau where another story awaited just beyond the horizon.

    "Cyndaquil, you must follow my instructions next time. I appreciate you keeping watch, but by choosing not to wake Luna, you''ll be exhausted for today''s journey and less able to assist Viv if we face an attack," Elduran admonished.

    "Cyyyyn," Cyndaquil whimpered, struggling to hold back tears welling up in its eyes.

    "Cyndaquil, another thing you must work on is crying less. My words are part of your training. I often tell these things to Blue too. Do you see him crying?" Elduran queried.

    "Cyyyyn," Cyndaquil replied with a steadier tone, wiping away its tears.

    Vivillon approached Cyndaquil, enveloping him within her wings, offering comfort in a gentle embrace.

    "Viv, I''m quite certain if you don''t release him in about two seconds, you might either crush all his bones or completely suffocate him," Elduran remarked with a sigh.

    Vivillon let go, and Cyndaquil began to take deep breaths immediately.

    Aisha yawned from within the tent, got up, and joined them, gazing at the scene before her.

    "Wow, what a vista! Here we stand in a spot where towering rocks rise behind us, and ahead stretches a vast lake with no discernible end. To the northwest, the swamp remains visible, while due north lies a stark rocky desert. Damn, if this isn¡¯t a sight, what is?" Aisha exclaimed in amazement.

    "It sure is something," Elduran remarked, as he absorbed the scenery.

    "You know, you need to give him a name. You can''t keep calling him Cyndaquil," Aisha remarked.

    "Oh right, I completely forgot. Your name is Forge," Elduran declared.

    "Cyyyn," Cyndaquil chirped with excitement, the flames on his back flaring up.

    "Forge? Seriously? That''s the best you could come up with? I mean, I get it¡ªhe¡¯s a fire Pok¨¦mon, but if fire¡¯s the theme, why not Ember, Blaze, or even Inferno? Flame¡¯s a solid choice too. But Forge?" Aisha questioned.

    Cyndaquil''s excitement diminished, unable to grasp the meaning of Forge, but sensing from Aisha¡¯s tone that his trainer might have given him a foolish name. He glanced at Elduran, hoping for reassurance.

    "Forge suits him perfectly. That Cyndaquil over there forged this partnership through sheer determination and hard work. Just like a forge¡ªhot, stubborn, and always creating through heat and labor," Elduran explained.

    Cyndaquil turned to Aisha, hoping she would come around and not consider the name ridiculous.

    "Oh wow, that¡¯s surprisingly well thought-out from you. How could someone who named his Heracross Blue come up with such a fitting name for his Cyndaquil? Are you of two minds?" Aisha teased Elduran, then turned to Cyndaquil, "Cyndaquil, you adorable thing, stop staring at me like that¡ªyour silly trainer actually gave you a wonderful name."

    "Cyyyyyn!" Cyndaquil chimed with joy.

    "We can take it easy today. Let''s just rest this morning. To reach Dirthrow, we only need about seven or eight hours," Elduran remarked, glancing at the map. "Let''s depart around eleven. Have some breakfast, brew some coffee, definitely bathe in the lake to wash this mud off our skin, and then we can have a conversation. I have a few questions I need to ask," Elduran added, checking his watch and noting it was only seven in the morning.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    "You know what, that sounds good, but I am definitely starting with bathing. I can''t wait to be somewhat clean again," Aisha said to Elduran.

    "That was my plan too. Release Splash in the water, tell him to scout ahead just in case we manage to lure a Gyarados to us," he said half joking.

    "I was never going in there without Splash by my side. Let''s walk down there," Aisha said, glancing back at Luna, who was still asleep. She opted to let her rest. She released her Togetic from its Pok¨¦ball and instructed it to watch over Luna. Her other two Pok¨¦mon ensured her safety.

    "Viv you come with us, you too Forge," Elduran said to both as he picked up his bag, put over his shoulder and started walking towards the lake Aisha right behind him with her own bag on her back.

    It must have taken them five minutes to reach the lake, while Aisha initially thought it would take only a minute. The lake was so big, it looked that it was much closer than it looked.

    The expansive lake unfolded before them like a painter''s masterpiece, its surface capturing the gentle glow of the morning sun. True to its name, Lake Tranquility was indeed tranquil. Along the sandy shore, several Staryu lay partially buried, their five-pointed forms subtly shimmering in the day''s early light. Nearby, a few Slowpoke lounged idly, their tails dipping into the cool water, as if pondering some profound mystery.

    Both East Sea and West Sea Gastrodon traversed the pebbled shoreline, their contrasting colors¡ªone vibrant pink, the other a deep green¡ªadding a splash of diversity to the scene. Among them, Wimpod scuttled nervously, always alert and ready to dart back into the safety of the underbrush with the slightest hint of danger.

    In the gentle embrace of the lake''s waters, groups of Psyduck paddled aimlessly, occasionally stopping to quack at each other in apparent confusion. Chewtle bobbed along playfully, snapping at floating bits of leaves, while Ducklett glided gracefully across the surface, their blue feathers mirroring the sky.

    Further out, a lone Quaxly swam with elegance, its unique presence marking it as a true gem of the lake''s ecosystem. Its rarity added an air of enchantment to the scene, a reminder of the wonders hidden within the wild. The tableau of diverse Pok¨¦mon painted a living portrait of tranquility and natural balance, making the lake a true oasis in the sprawling wilderness.

    "Seems like we''ve mostly got friendly Pok¨¦mon around here. Just make sure to steer clear of those Chewtle¡ªthey can get aggressive if you get too close. Over there on the left looks clear of Pok¨¦mon, so let''s head that way and release Splash to scout for underwater Pok¨¦mon we can''t see," Elduran suggested, pointing to a part of the beach to their left, mostly free of Pok¨¦mon save for a lone Staryu.

    Aisha released Marill, instructing her to scout underwater for any lurking dangers. Marill was thrilled, rolling forward like a small torpedo straight into the water. Aisha and Elduran reached the beach, where they both set their bags down.

    "The only issue here is the lack of big rocks or trees," Aisha remarked, contemplating how to undress and enter the water with him nearby.

    "What do you need those for?" Elduran inquired.

    To Aisha''s surprise, he began undressing as he walked toward the water, wearing only his black boxer briefs. His physique was more toned than she had imagined. Upon first meeting him in Asven, she thought he seemed too slender for a soldier. As the group''s sniper, though, it made sense he favored speed over brute strength. But what truly captivated her were the scars covering his skin¡ªa grim testament to his past skirmishes, each one a rugged tale etched into his flesh. His back alone was visible to her, a landscape of crevices and canyons telling stories of survival.

    Then, without hesitation, he stripped completely, standing before her unashamed. Why had she expected anything different?

    "Are you completely insane?" Aisha questioned him.

    "What are you talking about?" Elduran replied, turning to face her.

    Of course, he turned around to complete the spectacle. There he stood, utterly naked, his member exposed. Yet again, scars demanded her attention¡ªless dense than on his back, but one massive wound traveled from his upper right shoulder to just beneath his left pectoral. It was clearly a fierce battle he had narrowly survived. Realizing she was staring, Aisha quickly averted her gaze. How was it that he was the one unclothed, yet she felt embarrassed?

    "Why are you acting so weird?" Elduran asked, then realization struck him. "Oh, I get it, you''ve probably never seen a dick before. Get used to it, little light bulb, every guy''s got one!" Elduran stated, diving into the water.

    "You have absolutely no shame," Aisha shouted, her eyes blazing as Elduran turned to face her, his head barely above the water. "You''re not normal. I''ve been in a few relationships, so I''ve seen a dick before, but there''s definitely something wrong with you," she continued, her voice taut with anger.

    "Can I ask you something? Why are you really angry right now?" Elduran questioned, his voice as calm as the ripples spreading from his movements in the lake.

    Aisha paused, for a moment caught off guard by the simplicity of his question. It was as if someone had plunged cold water over her heated thoughts. Why was she really angry? The question echoed in her mind, teasing loose the threads of her reasons. Anger seemed like an old friend, always there to justify her inner turmoil. But now, in the soft morning light, challenged by Elduran¡¯s straightforwardness, she was forced to confront the empty underpinnings of her emotions.

    Elduran''s shocking actions challenged her ingrained reserve, revealing that her vigilant adherence to unspoken conventions was unnecessary. She glanced sideways at Cyndaquil and Vivillon, who seemed at ease with the disregard for social mores. Pok¨¦mon, wild and free, moved unburdened by human modesty, a state she found strangely enviable at this moment.

    Determined for some sanity, she pulled Hatenna from her Pok¨¦ball. The small psychic Pok¨¦mon blinked slowly in the light, her delicate hat-looking antenna rising to gauge Aisha¡¯s emotional state. Hatenna''s calming presence washed over her.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, everything¡¯s fine,¡± she said, offering reassurance more to herself than her Pok¨¦mon. ¡°This idiot we¡¯re traveling with just decided to strip naked in front of me without so much as a warning.¡±

    Hatenna cocked her head, eyeing Aisha with bewilderment, before examining the scenario with intrigue. It conveyed a telepathic message, a gentle nudge reminding that, in the natural order, such limitations were truly unnecessary. Unclothed, unfettered¡ªit was the essence of existence. A whisper of amusement touched Aisha¡¯s lips as Hatenna imparted this truth, gently urging her to discard her biases and embrace acceptance.

    Defeated by the logic no amount of human rationale could argue against, she let out a resigned sigh. Her own Pok¨¦mon, at ease in their nonchalance, made her objections seem petty in the grand scheme of existence. Maybe, she mused, Elduran wasn¡¯t the fool in this regard. Ironically enlightened by his raw openness, she watched him wash himself, appreciating his pragmatism.

    "Screw this!" She declared aloud to the world, standing decisively. Time to toss dignity to the winds and join the morning¡¯s liberation. Stripping away layers of both mud-stained clothing and unnecessary self-consciousness, she discarded her shoes, jeans, jacket, and shirt, standing only in her white underwear that clung to her skin. Just then, her movements seem synchronized with Elduran¡¯s casual turn toward her.

    ¡°Look who finally decided to join the party,¡± he teased, the sound of his chuckle light and warm over the morning lake.

    "Here goes nothing," Aisha muttered as if summoning courage. She unclasped her bra with a decisive motion and slipped out of her panties, allowing the cool breeze to wrap her in freedom¡¯s embrace before plunging into the lake¡¯s calm, cold embrace. The water shocked her senses, banishing any lingering doubts with every shiver.

    A part of her reclaimed its laughter at the shock of cold and the pleasure of letting go. Elduran, ever the instigator of spontaneous enlightenment, watched her with a hint of conspiratorial pride. In the water, where bodies moved like shadows beneath the mirrored surface, she found unexpected kinship.

    "The water feels wonderful, a much-needed recharge," Elduran remarked, his teasing tone noticeably absent.

    "It truly does. Elduran, I''m sorry for how I reacted earlier. I judged you just because you wanted a simple swim without all the ritualistic nonsense about who should look away, who should go in when, and all that. Honestly, it''s liberating," Aisha admitted.

    "What are you talking about? If you''re shy, that''s completely fine. I was only teasing," Elduran replied, smiling sincerely.

    Had Aisha overthought it? Had she imagined he had a grand plan to help her feel more at ease, to free herself from self-imposed barriers? As her mind raced, she studied him. Relaxed and at peace, she leaned towards the notion that Elduran was, indeed, just teasing. None of his antics were about making her feel better; he was merely having fun. In retrospect, not realizing this sooner turned out to be liberating. Taking that first step was most of the battle itself.

    ¡°I miss the swim. Can we venture further? I could use the exercise,¡± Elduran called to Marill, whose enthusiastic paddling left trails of bubbles.

    "Count me in. Swimming''s the one exercise I really love,¡± Aisha responded buoyantly, acknowledging the shared sentiment.

    "Well, well," Elduran grinned, his respect plainly evident, ¡°something in common after all. Consider me impressed.¡±

    The serene morning led them deeper into the lake, where silence and shimmering reflections evoked unspoken introspections. Each stroke transcended words, immersing them in timeless tranquility. Embraced by the lake, Aisha felt attuned to nature, shedding embarrassment in favor of pure joy¡ªa revelation born from water and freedom.

    Emerging from their swim, Elduran and Aisha stepped out of the water, leaving Marill behind to fully enjoy his time there. Elduran felt a wave of relief knowing no dangerous Pok¨¦mon had been spotted by Marill. The tranquility of swimming always soothed him. He began sorting through his belongings, pulling out a towel and then a fresh set of clothes. Aisha mirrored his actions right beside him.

    Elduran''s fresh attire mirrored his previous outfit: dark green tactical pants, dark gray tactical boots, a black t-shirt, and a dark gray lightweight military jacket. Aisha, however, opted for another pair of jeans, this time pairing them with a black t-shirt. She donned a dark, well-worn leather jacket. Naturally, she wore the same tan leather boots but had an identical spare white hat.

    Marill required considerable persuading to leave the water, but Aisha succeeded. A short while later, they returned to their tent, where Clefairy remarkably remained asleep. Clefairy preferred to slumber during the day and stay awake at night, though this was a rare occurrence for most when under a trainer''s care. Nevertheless, their nature made them lethargic during the day despite the amount of shut-eye they had obtained during the night.

    Elduran carefully gathered a modest bundle of dry wood from the scant trees, more akin to dense shrubs, littering the landscape. Cyndaquil was instructed to ignite the wood into a small, steadfast fire, the flames casting a warming glow against the morning chill. As the aroma of freshly brewed coffee began to weave through the air, Aisha joined them, her presence a quiet reassurance. Togetic settled comfortably on her lap, offering its soft warmth. Meanwhile, just beside their pitched tent, Marill, Hatenna, and Vivillon huddled in a cozy assembly, lost in their own gentle chatter.

    "Little Light Bulb... it''s time for you to share some insights," Elduran spoke with a calm authority.

    Aisha cast a look at him, seldom seeing such gravity etched across his features. His face was serious. "What is it exactly that you wish to know?" Aisha inquired.

    "The Watchers. I am utterly clueless about them. All I understand is that they are invariably sighted during legendary Pok¨¦mon assaults. Sighted in what manner?" queried Elduran.

    "I trust you understand that unless directed otherwise, I''m simply unable to share any information," Aisha stated.

    "I¡¯m essentially working for you, cut the crap. By now, I could just as well be considered a field operative for your agency. I deserve more information, to understand precisely what I¡¯m up against," Elduran demanded irritably.

    "Elduran, you''re not under the agency''s employ; you arrived of your own free will. No one compelled you to be here," Aisha spoke with calm assurance.

    "Then why seek me out? Why not dispatch a genuine field operative, someone seasoned in combat, to accompany you? Why choose me? I realize I may not be the sharpest, I understand that, but I''m not a complete fool," Elduran questioned, sensing he had touched a nerve.

    "You know what, screw this! You deserve to know. To answer your earlier question, as far as I have been informed, we haven''t glimpsed a single person affiliated with that organization," Aisha declared.

    "Elduran inquired incredulously, ''What? You''ve not only failed to capture any of them, but you haven''t even spotted a single one?''".

    "No, unless Gemma is withholding information from me, or the higher-ups are from her, the answer to your question remains a no," Aisha replied with a sigh.

    "But how the hell do you even know they''re called Watchers? The media and even my commanders always refer to them as Watchers. Just how in Suicune''s wet ass do we know they''re behind all these past attacks?" Elduran shouted, clearly enraged, as every single one of their Pok¨¦mon halted what they were doing and stared at him.

    "Elduran, take a deep breath. Let me explain, but you must promise not to tell anyone until we have evidence; otherwise, I''m as good as fired," Aisha expressed with evident concern.

    "Aisha, the reason you''re speaking to me right now is not because I''m angry or out of some misguided kindness, willing to keep your secrets to spare you trouble. You''re speaking to me because you''ve read me like an open book, as you always do, and for some mysterious reason, you''ve calculated that whatever you tell me, I will take to my grave. So there¡¯s no need for me to assure you¡ªI won¡¯t breathe a word. Please, proceed," Elduran said, irritation lacing his voice.

    Aisha stood up and began pacing back and forth, inhaling deeply as she pondered the potential repercussions if Elduran betrayed her trust. "When Moltres rampaged around 33 years ago on Cinnabar," she reflected, "it wasn''t the first time a legendary Pok¨¦mon went on such a rampage, but it was the first instance where something was discovered. Among the wreckage, a peculiar Pok¨¦ball was found¡ªone that, at first glance, resembled any other Pok¨¦ball you¡¯d see, red and white. Yet, a league trainer¡¯s Magnezone, while assisting in clearing metal debris after the attack, drew in this particular Pok¨¦ball with its magnetic pull," Aisha recounted.

    "I may not be well-versed in physics, but I am certain that this is impossible. If memory serves, the Pok¨¦balls are crafted from tungsten, which isn''t ferromagnetic, correct?" Elduran said, his curiosity piqued.

    "Indeed, they''re crafted from tungsten and, as you''ve noted, are not ferromagnetic. However, this particular ball was fashioned from an unknown metal¡ªa pure blue metal. While easily worn, it possesses remarkable strength, but Pok¨¦mon digital energy makes it erode. Magnets can attract it with ease. Another unusual aspect was its encoding: advanced engineering at its finest. Although all Pok¨¦balls incorporate security measures, this one was extraordinarily complex. The red light emitted when Pok¨¦mon are digitized spilled outwards, turning the unpainted sections of the metal a vivid purple. Thus, when engineers attempted to simulate a Pok¨¦mon being inside, the area around the button¡ªthe bare metal of the ball¡ªshimmered in shades of purple. It''s akin to the Pok¨¦ball''s button being likened to a purple eye. Yet, despite the damage, programmers managed to salvage some information from the limited data that remained within the Pok¨¦ball. The name ''Watchers'' appeared repeatedly in files. That occurred years ago; now, nothing can be restored as the Pok¨¦balls are typically recovered in minuscule fragments. Still, those balls persist," Aisha explained as she settled back into her seat.

    "Do you mean to say they''ve truly succeeded in capturing legendary and mythical Pok¨¦mon?" Elduran asked in disbelief.

    "Yes, but these Pok¨¦balls cannot contain the Pok¨¦mon indefinitely. While the capture boasts a 100% success rate, Pok¨¦mon inevitably break free. Through countless fragments collected over the years, we have forged our own Pok¨¦balls using this metal. We know that no Pok¨¦mon can resist capture. Yet, even weak Pok¨¦mon eventually liberate themselves, for a Pok¨¦ball has a finite lifespan. A mere Rattata shattered the ball after nearly a year, and as a Pok¨¦mon approaches freedom, more scratches mar the surface, as if their digital essence strains against the ball. A feeble Rattata overpowering any Pok¨¦ball is indeed pitiful. However, the most astonishing instance was the immediate capture of a formidable Tyranitar. It took 26 days for the Tyranitar to escape the Pok¨¦ball. Some may deem the Pok¨¦ball inadequate, but¡ª" Aisha was narrating when Elduran interrupted her.

    "Yet to hold a Tyranitar for a whopping twenty-six days¡ªan extraordinary feat, considering this Pok¨¦mon¡¯s power rivals even the most mythical of its kind¡ªis impressive in itself. Recall that league trainer who subdued Regice with just one Tyranitar around a decade ago in Sinnoh. So, picturing myself holding down a Moltres for a mere fifteen to twenty days seems plausible enough. But Rayquaza, now that''s a conundrum! How did they ever manage to capture Rayquaza? I can¡¯t fathom holding that creature for longer than a day. The incident took place in Alola, yet Rayquaza is known to reside in Hoenn. If they indeed captured it there, and with the flight to Alola taking what, seven hours? Even on a speedy Pok¨¦mon, that journey would cut down to two or three hours, max. This leaves scant time for preparation. Surely, they don¡¯t just waltz into a town and casually toss a Pok¨¦ Ball into some rubbish bin," Elduran marveled at the astonishing information unfolding before him.

    "Indeed, you¡¯ve grasped the essence of it. This is why it''s so difficult to track them down. They literally conceal a Pok¨¦ball somewhere, and days later, the attack unfolds. It''s a daunting task to defend against that, regardless of how many Magnezones and Magnetons league trainers deploy daily, tirelessly searching for any trace of that metal," Aisha elaborated.

    "Shit, but do you have any insight into why these Pok¨¦mon are attacking the cities?" Elduran inquired.

    "You ask, hoping to determine if they act of their own accord, yet we believe they do not. Something in the ball''s coding influences them. We have yet to decipher any of it," Aisha replied.

    "Shit again, are the balls always red and white?" Elduran questioned.

    "They can be painted any which way, yet they must be painted; otherwise, a Pok¨¦ball resembles a purple disco ball that doesn¡¯t actually emit any light. It''s tricky to describe, but if you take one into a dark cave, you''ll see it clearly, yet it won¡¯t illuminate your path. We think they''ve chosen the typical red and white to keep attention at bay, but these Pok¨¦balls are not meant for public display. The button, however, always emits a faint purple glow. For reasons still unclear to us, that section remains unpainted, even on standard Pok¨¦balls. Don¡¯t get it twisted, though¡ªthe glow is subtle. Place the Pok¨¦balls on a belt with the button facing in, and you wouldn¡¯t see a thing. Yet, the scratches marking the Pok¨¦balls are impossible to conceal. We saw those marks form right before our eyes with Tyranitar; just imagine the speed with Rayquaza," Aisha explained.

    "Have you chosen a name for the metal yet?" Elduran inquired with gentle curiosity.

    "The very first person to study it called it Galazon," Aisha told him.

    "The situation is more dire than I anticipated," Elduran remarked.

    "What are you implying?" Aisha asked.

    "Well, I was hoping to at least discover how they engage in combat, whether they are trainers, or if they use firearms. That was essentially my inquiry, but, damn, did I end up with far more than I anticipated," Elduran said.

    "You were genuinely infuriated when I mentioned our failure to capture even one, and without detailing the circumstances, your frustration would persist until Arceus deems it time to forge a new realm," Aisha remarked.

    "No, that wasn''t the reason you spoke to me; you simply wished to dodge answering the other question I posed. Little Light Bulb... why are you here with me?" Elduran inquired with a sly grin, confident he had caught her out.

    Aisha rose once more, pacing as she weighed her choices, but ultimately, she resolved to divulge the truth and lay everything bare.

    "My mission isn''t sanctioned. Gemma sent me here against her superior''s wishes," Aisha confessed, returning to her seat.

    "That cunning weasel. Indeed, that''s Gemma for you," Elduran remarked with a smile.

    Aisha was incredulous. He was smiling¡ªunchanged by anger. As usual, she wondered about the man before her: what on earth was wrong with him?

    "Aren''t you upset?" Aisha inquired.

    "And why should I be upset?" Elduran replied.

    "We don''t have the backing of any government as we carry out our mission right now. There''s no help beyond a modest financial contribution she''ll be sending, but you can forget about any military or league support," Aisha remarked.

    "I truly never expected that, even if your mission was officially endorsed. I''ve been entwined with the whims of these Pok¨¦mon leagues and governments for far too long, and I know securing assistance in a foreign region is sheer madness," Elduran replied with absolute certainty.

    Aisha felt that this had gone far better than she had ever anticipated. She was nearly convinced he would have struck her at least once. Remarkably, he seemed more at ease than before.

    "Why, by Articuno''s beak, are you more at ease now than when you first discovered everything was so bleak and hopeless?" Aisha asked.

    "As it turns out, I''m not the only one swimming in shit; we''re all swimming in shit, clearly," he exclaimed with a hearty laugh.

    "You are insufferable! Now it''s my turn to ask a question that unsettles you," Aisha declared, her eyes ablaze with a fiery resolve to conquer the world. "What is your reason for being here, and why as a trainer?"

    "Come on, you understand why. For years, the Watchers have played me like a pawn. I crave my vengeance, and it''s clear to all that trainers wield far more power than the military. It''s plain and simple," Elduran declared.

    Certainly, you''ve managed to persuade everyone else, and I must admit, you''ve even convinced Gemma, which is quite the feat. She truly believes that you utterly dislike Pok¨¦mon, but that''s far from the truth. This isn''t some vendetta for you; it''s the ideal reason to finally enjoy the Pok¨¦mon companionship you''ve always desired, yet never permitted yourself," Aisha remarked to him.

    "I can''t take this Pidgey shit seriously. Spare me the humor," Elduran replied with a dismissive tone.

    "It is simply the truth. While you may not yet love Pok¨¦mon, you certainly respect their strength and admire their willingness to heed your guidance and grow. Despite your claims to the contrary, you genuinely care for them," Aisha remarked.

    ¡°I have no idea how you reached that conclusion," Elduran responded uneasily.

    "The level of communication you share with Blue and Viv speaks volumes. In just three days of bonding, you''ve come to understand Blue almost perfectly, something rare for most trainers. Your connection with your Pok¨¦mon is extraordinary, limited only to those you truly trust, and it''s clear your trust in these two knows no bounds. Such depth in understanding usually takes months for others to achieve. Trusting Blue to stand guard in the Volcano after just one day of knowing him is practically unheard of. Honestly, I never did that with any of my own Pok¨¦mon. This level of communication signifies complete trust¡ªyou genuinely care for Blue''s well-being above your own. Even with Candy, who can use psychic communication with me, it took a week to reach a similar understanding, and she stayed in her ball while I slept for the first two weeks," AIsha recalled, turning to Hatenna with an apology. "People often carry the fear in the back of their minds that their Pok¨¦mon could one day rebel, break free from their Pok¨¦balls," AIsha admitted as Elduran felt the weight of her words.

    "This is utter nonsense," Elduran remarked

    "No, it is not, but it is not all rosy. There''s no doubt you value strength in a Pok¨¦mon, yet they also capture your heart. Forge certainly did. That Croconaw from yesterday did too, until it did something that put you off¡ªif I were to hazard a guess, it was the moment it opted to flee rather than stand its ground against you; perhaps you saw it as cowardly, that''s my theory. But that Croagunk, you took a liking to it, that much was obvious. I''m only speculating here, but perhaps you appreciated that it faced a Pok¨¦mon with no hope of victory. I suppose when pitted against legendary Pok¨¦mon, your preference for such Pok¨¦mon has its merit. Despite what I consider flawed judgment in selecting your Pok¨¦mon allies, once they become yours, you would lay down your life for each of them. You could easily come here and shooting your way through obstacles, likely lasting longer. Yet you choose the harder path, not because you think trainers become stronger over time¡ªyou keep saying that¡ªbut because you also maintain that we¡¯re on a suicide mission, implying you don¡¯t really believe you¡¯ll achieve that level. You¡¯re merely finding a reason to be with Pok¨¦mon, even if it ultimately leads to your demise," Aisha declared, finally managing to strike a chord in Elduran, leaving him slightly embarrassed¡ªthis was her retribution.

    "Gather your things now, we''ve lingered long enough. We¡¯re leaving!" Elduran ordered as he rose, visibly rattled.

 Chapter 8 - Work is Hard

    Chapter 8 ¨C Work is Hard

    The sun beat down as Elduran and Aisha trudged across the desert, leaving behind the soothing waters of Lake Tranquility. They moved in silence, the tension from their morning disagreement hanging like a tangible presence between them.

    The desert stretched out beneath the relentless noonday sun, an expanse of rocky, dark brown earth shimmering with heat. The sky was a vast, unbroken dome of azure, clashing brilliantly against the arid land that seemed to swallow the horizon whole. Sunlight poured over the jagged landscape, highlighting the rust-colored stones and boulders that peered from the ground like sentinels of time.

    Cacti stood scattered across the expanse, their towering forms casting long, jagged shadows that seemed to dance over the earth in concert with the shifting breeze. The spines of the cacti glinted fiercely, their vivid green a stark contrast against the dark soil, while hardy shrubs clung stubbornly to the rocky terrain, their leaves whispering secrets of survival.

    The air was heavy with the scent of warm earth, a dry and dusty balm that filled the senses¡ªa fragrance of endurance. In the distance, mirages played tricks on weary eyes, blurring the line between sky and land in a delicate ballet of light and illusion.

    Above, the sun¡¯s rays created a shimmering aura, painting the desert in hues of gold and brown¡ªearthly tones that spoke of ancient stories embedded within the land''s heart. Occasionally, the silence was broken by the call of distant Pok¨¦mon, the only life daring to breach the heat''s oppressive grasp.

    This was a place of solitude and resilience, where nature''s raw beauty wove a tapestry of strength and mystery, inviting those who crossed its threshold to unravel the tales whispered by the winds.

    Cyndaquil trotted confidently ahead, his flames flickering gently with each step as if marking a path through the maze of rocks and cacti. The sun above cast its warm glow on Cyndaquil''s smooth, fiery back, creating an ever-shifting illumination that danced in rhythm with the breeze. Despite the harsh surroundings, it moved with purpose, its innocent curiosity leading the way forward.

    Above, Vivillon and Togetic soared in graceful arcs, their wings catching the light as they navigated the open skies. Vivillon¡¯s red and white patterns seemed to mirror the vibrant hues of the desert flowers scattered sparsely across the terrain, while Togetic¡¯s ethereal charm added a touch of whimsy to the stark landscape.

    Together, they served as vigilant guardians, their keen eyes scanning the horizon with practiced ease. They weaved through the air with agility, occasionally crossing paths as they circled over the group, ensuring the way ahead was clear of any unforeseen threats.

    Their harmonious dance in the sky was a spectacle of nature¡¯s elegance¡ªa testament to the bond between them and their human companions below.

    Elduran and Aisha followed closely behind Cyndaquil, their eyes frequently darting to the skies, reassured by Vivillon and Togetic''s aerial oversight. Each step over the rocky ground resonated with a shared rhythm, a unity underscored by the presence of their Pok¨¦mon allies who heralded both protection and companionship across the sunlit expanse.

    Cyndaquil shuffled across the rocky desert floor, its curious eyes tracing the unfamiliar landscape. It soon approached a formidable cactus, intrigued by its towering form and spiny silhouette against the sky. Never having encountered such a plant before, Cyndaquil''s curiosity got the better of it. It leaned in, extending a cautious tongue to taste the cactus, hoping for a hint of life in this arid world.

    The instant its tongue touched the cactus''s green skin, Cyndaquil yelped, pulling back sharply. Needles pricked its tongue, a painful surprise that quickly turned into irritation. Fueled by discomfort and rage at this unexpected retaliation, Cyndaquil''s back flared up with vibrant flames, and with a defiant puff, it unleashed a fiery Ember at the cactus.

    The parched plant caught fire swiftly, with flames leaping up its length, crackling in the arid desert air. Observing the blaze spread quickly, Vivillon descended gracefully, soothing Cyndaquil with her gentle presence. She calmed him with the soft, undulating motion of her red and white wings and tranquil speech.

    Meanwhile, Aisha swiftly released Marill from its Pok¨¦ball. "Splash, use Water Gun!" she instructed with urgency.

    The blue Pok¨¦mon responded promptly, waddling forward before releasing a jet of water aimed directly at the blazing cactus. Marill''s Water Gun splashed over the flames, extinguishing them with a sizzle and the soothing whistle of steam, leaving a few charred remains in its wake.

    With the flames quenched and Cyndaquil''s temper simmering down alongside the smoldering cactus, Vivillon flitted back into the air, content that tranquility had been restored. Now more composed, Cyndaquil shrugged off the remnants of its irritation, having gained a touch more understanding of the desert''s ways. Aisha thanked her Pok¨¦mon. After the incident, she swiftly returned Marill. Elduran advised Cyndaquil to contemplate before taking action, a lesson it earnestly embraced, demonstrating its effort to outgrow the immaturity of tearfully reacting each time Elduran pointed out a mistake.

    As they regrouped, the journey continued under the watchful eyes of Cyndaquil, Vivillon, and Togetic, each more aware of the subtle challenges the desert might hold.

    As Cyndaquil continued to lead the way, casting playful flickers of light over the rocky ground, a troop of Sandshrew scurried nearby, their tan bodies expertly camouflaged against the landscape. They burrowed swiftly into the sand, leaving only trailing patterns as evidence of their passage.

    On a nearby ridge, a few Cubone wandered with their skeletal helmets gleaming dully in the sunlight. A lone Marowak kept a watchful eye on them, ensuring their safety as it patrolled, but Elduran and Aisha smartly chose a route to bypass its territory, avoiding any unnecessary confrontation.

    Deeper into the desert, the terrain opened into a quarry ahead. As Elduran and Aisha approached, they were met with a scene that juxtaposed harmony with exhaustion¡ªa testament to the enduring yet strained bond between humans and Pok¨¦mon.

    Gravelers rolled heavily across the rocky expanse, their efforts guided by human supervisors whose voices, though firm and encouraging, carried a hint of weariness. Commands were still executed with precision, but the pace was methodical, reflecting the toll of relentless labor.

    Amidst the activity, Machoke struggled slightly under the weight of boulders, their movements not as fluid as they once were. The muscular laborer, keen-eyed yet visibly fatigued, ensured safety amid the clamor, his directions met with slow, deliberate responses from Machoke and their human companions.

    Copperajah, strong yet lumbered with wear, added its might to the quarry¡¯s efforts. The experienced operator, standing at its side, guided its trunk with measured signals, directing the piled stones with care rather than vigor.

    The old woman with her Hariyama trudged toward the working masses, expressions of quiet resilience marking their shared task. Hariyama effortlessly carried heavy water buckets, though its movements bore the languid signs of overuse, fueled only by the soft encouragement of its lifelong companion.

    Her presence, while adding cohesion amidst the quarry¡¯s wearied roar, also spoke to the underlying strain that linked nature''s might with human ingenuity. People and Pok¨¦mon worked steadfastly, shouldering existence and endeavor, yet their efforts painted a picture of silent struggle amidst the desert¡¯s vast expanse.

    Elduran and Aisha took in the scene before them, absorbing the spirit of cooperation tinged with fatigue¡ªa tapestry of determination against the desert''s stark realism, propelling them onward into the promise of their unfolding expedition.

    Elduran stepped cautiously towards the elderly woman, a solitary figure amidst the bustling quarry. Her attire, a monochrome ensemble of gray baggy trousers and a long-sleeved shirt, seemed relics of a decade past, speaking volumes of a life lived in the shadows of time. In stark contrast to the bustling workers clad in safety gear, she wore no helmet, her mane of white hair dusted with particles from the day''s toil. Yet there was a serene wisdom about her¡ªa quiet resilience mirrored in the landscape. Elduran felt drawn to her, as if she held secrets to the desert''s resilient spirit.

    "Interesting operation you have going here," Elduran remarked. "You look like the foreman."

    The woman chuckled; a sound as dry as the desert wind. "Foreman, you say? I wish. I shouldered the burden of ownership years ago," she admitted with a resigned sigh.

    "Why does ownership feel unfortunate?" Elduran probed gently.

    Aisha joined the conversation with a concerned glance at their surroundings. "Do you see their conditions, Elduran? It¡¯s evident."

    Elduran turned to take in the scene: the dilapidated stone buildings, the rusted iron bones of long-abandoned machinery. The exhausted Pok¨¦mon moved sluggishly; their energy sapped by the harshness of their environment.

    It was a place where the hope of thriving had been overshadowed by sheer survival. The woman¡¯s eyes, reflecting the struggles of her workers and Pok¨¦mon alike, revealed a silent plea for change amidst the desert¡¯s unrelenting challenge.

    "The problem isn''t the abundance of stone," Elduran murmured, his voice tinged with skepticism. "Perhaps it''s the heat and the desert. It seems logical."

    The old woman''s laughter came to them, an unexpected melody amidst the solemnity. "Oh, there''s no shortage of stone, and believe me, it''s not the heat or the desert that concerns us. The issue that''s draining the very life from this place is the absence of a promised road. It''s been a decade now. Ten years since they assured us of its construction."

    Aisha, her expression a mask of confusion and disbelief, intervened. "Why not build your own road if this quarry is privately owned?"

    The old woman''s eyes glimmered with an understanding of outsiders'' naivet¨¦. "Ah, that question right there marks you as strangers to Tenera. We can''t build roads. Hell, we can''t even drive trucks outside the city limits without them being illegal. Archaic laws from before our independence still govern us. I don''t know your reasons for being here but take heed. Perhaps consider returning to Asven and flying out before you become entangled in this mess."

    Elduran, trying to make sense of the contradictions in her story, pressed on, "Then why was the construction of a road anticipated?"

    "A law was supposed to change to permit it. But the Pok¨¦mon League opposed it," The old woman exclaimed, exasperation creeping into her tone.

    "It¡¯s a ruse to protect the natural habitat, or so they claim," Aisha noted with derision. "Isn''t that just propaganda to attract trainers? For sure, part of Pok¨¦mon tourism. And yet, there already exists a road from the airport to Asven. Either this league is utterly corrupt or they indeed care about Pok¨¦mon¡ªbut these quarry conditions point to the former."

    The old lady appraised her anew, a flicker of respect softening her gaze. "You¡¯ve got a good head on your shoulders. I''m Dorothy. And you are?"

    "I''m Aisha, and this is Elduran," Aisha introduced, gesturing to her companion.

    Dorothy smiled, a hint of warmth creeping into the barren landscape of her face. "Judging by that Vivillon and Togetic and the adorable little Cyndaquil following you, you''re trainers. Are you here for the Gym challenge? They say it''s the toughest there is. Since you¡¯ve come from the west whether you trekked through the Valt swamp or escaped the Volcano, you¡¯ve endured part of it. Not too shabby for trainers. Come inside. At the very least, I can offer you a respite and some refreshments."

    Aisha accepted graciously, "We¡¯d appreciate that."

    Inside the modest building closest to them, a symphony of creaking hinges announced their entry. The air inside was cooler, subdued; the room was a sparse, no-frills refuge with a table for eight, a small kitchen, and an array of six bunk beds with a solitary, slightly larger bed¡ªa testament to Dorothy¡¯s lack of privacy even in her ownership.

    Coffee, water, or tea? Dorothy inquired, her manner simple, her hospitality genuine, even in the midst of desolation. Aisha chose tea, Elduran, the coffee¡ªhis eyes meeting a particular challenge head-on, just as he would regard any adversary or obstacle.

    Dorothy noted a tentative camaraderie between her guests, though their rapport seemed fresh from the kiln of recent disputes. To Elduran, she served a cup, saying, "It''s drip coffee, pretty good if I might add."

    "Stove pot coffee is the best," he acknowledged, "but I enjoy whatever''s available. One must appreciate what''s at hand."

    Aisha turned her gaze around the stark interior, her heart aching for the plight of the weary Pok¨¦mon outside. "Dorothy, the humans have the option to move, to leave, but these Pok¨¦mon¡ªthey''re akin to slaves. I apologize for being so blunt."

    Dorothy smiled wryly, a tempered sort of amusement curling her lips. "Not just Pok¨¦mon, but humans too. Yet, these Pok¨¦mon aren''t mine. I''ve only two¡ªHariyama and a single Machoke. The rest belong to the workers. If a worker comes with a Pok¨¦mon, I hire them. Who would hire workers without Pok¨¦mon? It¡¯s the nature of the world. Good labor relies on good labor Pok¨¦mon. Simple economics in a harsh world. Only one laborer here has three Pok¨¦mon, a pitiful reflection of our woes."

    Elduran nodded, his expression contemplative. "Tenera''s government rivals the corruption globally."

    "Worse," Dorothy corrected, a bitter edge hardening her words. "No government is as bad. The town you''re headed to, it¡¯s chaos personified. Tenera¡¯s so-called cities, save Asven, are pitiful. Dendra¡ªbeautiful, maybe, but steeped in corruption. Zest, though populous, is a dilapidated relic from the past. This corruption¡ªit defies logic. Roads could ease conditions for these Pok¨¦mon. Why does the league obstruct progress? I¡¯m too weary for these endless battles."

    "You¡¯re right," Aisha concurred, ¡°it¡¯s nonsensical."

    "Since you managed to survive the swamp, you must be trainers capable of handling yourselves. I have a favor to ask. I''ve reached out to our esteemed league for assistance, but I''ve been waiting for nearly a month with no response, and I can''t afford to hire independent trainers," Dorothy said.

    "What is the problem?" Elduran inquired, sipping his coffee.

    "I have a ghost Pok¨¦mon problem, specifically a Drifblim," Dorothy replied.

    "Those damn ghosts. Let me guess, it snatched a worker or a Pok¨¦mon, soared high, and then dropped them to their doom?" Elduran speculated.

    "Exactly, one of my workers. I haven''t been able to replace the poor soul since everyone is now terrified of this place. Some of my workers have attempted to set up an ambush, particularly those with Gravelers, because unfortunately, most of us use Fighting, Ground, or Copperajah, which are hard to conceal. Our Mudsdales, mainly responsible for transporting rocks to Dirthrow, are borderline useless too. But this Drifblim seems to be biding its time, waiting for us to lower our guard again. It''s frustrating to always have to keep one Graveler out of work just to stand guard at night," Dorothy lamented.

    "I will deal with this Drifblim easily, rest assured. Have everyone sleep today, let it think you''ve finally lowered your defenses," Elduran proposed. "But I won''t do it for free; since we''ll have to stay overnight, we need beds, food, and drink. Is that agreeable?" he asked.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

    "Yes, of course, that''s the least I can offer. Do you have Pok¨¦mon that are effective against ghosts?" Dorothy inquired.

    "Actually, I''ll handle this personally," Elduran said.

    Aisha stood up, "Excuse me, Dorothy, but let me speak to Elduran privately for a minute." She motioned for him to follow her to the door. Once they were far enough from the building to ensure their conversation was private, Aisha confronted him, "Are you insane? We don''t have time for this. Yes, maybe a person or two might die, but every day we delay in dealing with the Watchers, a whole city could perish. You''re not thinking clearly," Aisha scolded him.

    "For someone who was so broken up about saving a bleeding Heracross that delayed us by a whole day, you''re remarkably unsympathetic to human lives. I''m clearly not employed by the Kanto Intelligence Agency, as you pointed out. I''m here to enjoy being a Pok¨¦mon trainer, and part of that enjoyment is dealing with ghost Pok¨¦mon. Now, if I happen across some Watchers on the way, I''ll be sure to handle them too," Elduran said.

    "You''re insufferable!" Aisha retorted. "Even if it had been a Pok¨¦mon that Drifblim killed, I''d have said the same thing."

    "Then I don''t understand your standpoint. Contrary to what you may believe, I''m not heartless; I''m a pragmatist but certainly not heartless, unlike you. Let me give you some advice: help who you can, don''t become a slave to your agency; be human, Aisha. Instead of being a puppet to your job, use it, use their resources to do some good in this world. We might head to Dirthrow, encounter the Watchers before we know it, and end up dead on the street by morning, but at least we could have helped these people first," Elduran reasoned.

    "Look, I see your point, I really do, but I can''t keep doing this. I feel like I¡¯m drowning every second I waste not pursuing them. I''ll head to Dirthrow, leave right now, and do some reconnaissance tonight and tomorrow before you arrive," Aisha said.

    "Alright, actually, that sounds like a solid plan. It¡¯s the best way to do both¡ªhelp these people and make progress on finding intel about the Watchers. I like it," Elduran agreed.

    "Wow, you truly think in a no-nonsense way, don''t you? Anyway, let me fetch Gale, and I''ll get going. We''ll be staying at the sole Pok¨¦mon Center in town¡ªhard for even you to miss. With several hours of daylight remaining, and Route 113 appearing fairly safe thus far," Aisha remarked.

    "Alright, see you in the morning. And just so you know, there are no hard feelings about our argument earlier. Work is work, I won''t lose sight of that, but you did strike a chord. It¡¯s not that I''m hiding anything; I haven''t yet admitted to myself what seems obvious to you. You might be right about everything, but it''s something I can''t accept yet, at least not openly. It''s not embarrassment¡ªI don''t even think I know that feeling¡ªit''s more like..." Elduran began, but Aisha interrupted.

    "It''s fear. the fear that all these years have slipped by without pursuing the desires of your heart, chasing the Watchers on your terms¡ªthe trainer''s way. You''re simply scared that you may have chosen the wrong path," Aisha said.

    "You might be right, but I still need to work it all out in my mind. I''m just not ready yet to fully embrace your theory. There''s something that tells me to hold back on fully committing to the non-combat aspects of Pok¨¦mon. Perhaps I''ve already embraced them, and I''m just deceiving myself," Elduran admitted.

    "Alright, I won''t push you. I''ll let you figure it out for yourself," Aisha said as she walked back toward the building to retrieve her Togetic.

    True to her word, Aisha picked up Togetic and left the quarry, while Elduran reminded Dorothy that tonight there would be no Pok¨¦mon or humans keeping watch. He instructed them to heed her command, knowing he wouldn''t waste another night trying to help. He needed Drifblim to take the bait¡ªthe bait being himself. Initially, he considered using Cyndaquil, but Drifblim seldom lifted Pok¨¦mon only to drop them. On the other hand, watching humans fall to their demise was a thrill for them.

    Elduran released Heracross from its Pok¨¦ball to assess its condition and was pleasantly surprised at the improvement, although it was clear that none of his three Pok¨¦mon fared well against ghost types. With Heracross still injured, Elduran''s prediction that he''d be the reason for Drifblim''s end wasn''t an empty boast.

    From his bag, he extracted a special black cassette containing 16 vials filled with Pok¨¦mon type essences. How these were extracted remained a mystery to him, though he marveled at how immune humans were to them. There were no normal or fighting essences. The absence of the normal type made sense, and while fighting seemed almost logical, given that it''s essentially normal moves with a martial arts slant, still, some Pok¨¦mon with fighting moves demolished others that resisted normal attacks. Nevertheless, he didn''t consider it crucial since no Pok¨¦mon was solely weak against fighting moves.

    Each vial cost 20,000 Pok¨¦dollars¡ªor Crimson Cetis in Tenera. He presumed the price would be comparable and could check in Dirthrow the following day. A single vial could likely coat his entire quiver, requiring just a few drops and some rubbing to spread over the arrowheads, lasting easily for twenty to thirty hours.

    He coated two aluminum arrows with the dark vial, applying two drops on each and spreading the liquid with his finger, since humans remained unaffected by these essences. Carbon arrows were reserved for special long-range shots, but this would be a straightforward, short-range task if planned correctly. He estimated two arrows would suffice after stabbing with his knife, which he also coated only at the tip, requiring merely two drops.

    He spent a couple of hours working on the plan with Cyndaquil, Vivillon, and Heracross. Vivillon was crucial here; although Cyndaquil would''ve been ideal, Elduran doubted ember would affect Drifblim significantly. Vivillon''s role was to ensure his second shot was a clear one and to resolve the Drifblim issue definitively.

    As sunset descended, casting the desert and quarry in gray, Elduran knew it was time to rest until awakening around eleven. His sleep, split into two phases, would envelop him before and after the encounter. As he re-entered the building, he noticed the workers leaving, except for Dorothy. When he inquired, she explained she''d given them Saturday off since it was Friday, ensuring no interference with his mission. They wouldn''t return from Dirthrow until Monday, which worked perfectly for Elduran.

    Thanking her, he settled on the bottom bunk. Cyndaquil, by his waist, exuded blissful contentment. Heracross and Vivillon claimed the top bunk, their wings offering ample lift. There was no need to keep watch; Dorothy told him she etired around midnight, well past his set alarm. Thanks to his army days and missions, Elduran had mastered the art of falling asleep swiftly and efficiently; within ten seconds of laying his head down, he was enveloped by slumber.

    Hours later, his watch vibrated, it was time. Heracross had already awakened, pacing, testing its injury. Elduran roused Vivillon and Cyndaquil, while Dorothy quietly sipped tea at the table writing a note. With a finger to his lips, he signaled for silence. He zipped up his jacket and, moving deliberately and quietly, stepped outside, ten feet from the building¡¯s door. Surrounded by emptiness, he was exposed¡ªeasy prey. He undid his bow and nocked one of the arrows soaked in dark essence, holding it in his left hand. With his right hand, he unsheathed his dark-essence-coated knife from his back. Then, he sat down, crossing his legs, head tilted forward, feigning sleep. All of his Pok¨¦mon were concealed, waiting patiently by the door.

    For at least an hour, he must have remained in that position, growing increasingly uncomfortable. Perhaps today, the Drifblim would not launch an attack. Dorothy wouldn''t be pleased. Yet, all hope was not lost. He assured her that tonight he would exert his utmost effort, even if it meant enduring the entire night like this. At least he would know he had done all he could. Maybe a slight movement was needed, in case it hovered nearby, and his stillness prevented even the Drifblim from detecting him. He stretched a bit, shifting gently left and right to ease the tension in his hips, then settled back into waiting.

    A noise descended from above, the faint hiss of air. Elduran, still excessively calm, listened intently. It was indeed moving slowly¡ªbut was it coming toward him? Perhaps it was a different Pok¨¦mon, preoccupied with its own affairs. Yet, there it was, inching closer with certainty. Elduran''s heart began to race, adrenaline coursing through him, but his training and resolve rendered that invisible. Anyone observing him at that moment might have thought he was lifeless¡ªnot moving, not panicking, not sweating. In fact, doing nothing at all.

    Elduran felt something tap his shoulder. Without a glance, he twisted, driving his knife into the largest Drifblim he had ever seen. The Drifblim let out a piercing shriek as a black spot spread from the wound. As Elduran tried to raise his left arm to draw his bow, a powerful gust erupted, sending both him and Drifblim soaring through the air at tremendous speed. The Drifblim had used Tailwind, an advanced maneuver that allowed it to harness the winds to its advantage. Elduran tumbled across the ground before coming to a halt. When he raised his head, his team was already rushing to his aid. He knew he needed to act quickly; this creature was far stronger than any of his Pok¨¦mon.

    He still held the bow firmly, though the arrow had disappeared. With any luck, a single arrow would be enough. Arrows were still powerful, though they didn''t quite compare to bullets; bullets could often get lodged within a Pok¨¦mon, depending on the creature, whereas arrows, again contingent on the Pok¨¦mon, provided more opportunities for removal. Drawing another arrow infused with darkness, he took aim. Drifblim moved too hastily; the shot seemed improbable regardless. His skill was unquestionable, yet the gusting wind and turbulence from Tailwind made the attempt fruitless. Patience was crucial; he needed to wait for the perfect moment to strike from point-blank range. He re-attached his bow and returned the arrow to his quiver.

    Drifblim spun rapidly, conjuring a tornado-like wind that surged toward Elduran. It had used Gust, prompting Elduran to dash to his right. "Blue! To me!" he called out, and Heracross swiftly flew over, snatching Elduran and whisking him a few feet to safety as the Gust swept past them. "Forge, use Ember!" he commanded Cyndaquil, who immediately unleashed flames from its mouth, striking Drifblim squarely. Yet, Drifblim remained motionless, absorbing the assault as if welcoming it. What was wrong? Elduran pondered, knowing Drifblim could easily evade within the tailwind. Then realization struck him. "Damn, Forge, stop! Stop quickly!" he urgently instructed, and Cyndaquil obeyed. It was then that Elduran noticed Drifblim was aflame, its eyes now three times their normal size. Too late, Elduran understood that this Drifblim possessed Flare Boost, an ability enhancing its power when engulfed in flames.

    Vivillon soared through the sky as Drifblim vanished into thin air. It had used Phantom Force and would soon reemerge beneath one of them with fierce intensity. Since it seemed more aggravated with him, Elduran anticipated it would target him. Without hesitation, he thrust his knife into the ground. Half a heartbeat later, a shadow loomed around him. Indeed, it had chosen him, and Elduran permitted a faint smile to play upon his lips. As the darkness lunged toward him, his knife, infused with shadow, sliced through it like a thin veil. Drifblim let out a screech as Elduran wrenched the blade from its form, then swiftly turned, rolling backward just as Drifblim erupted angrily from the earth. As he retreated from the dust-laden crater, Elduran commanded Cyndaquil to use Leer and Heracross to launch an assault with Pin Missile. With some luck, Drifblim would continue its pursuit, as the knife proved to be the most effective against it.

    Cyndaquil flashed his eyes on him and Drifblim defences did falter as Heracross bombarded it with thin missiles forming and expaulding from his body. It was definitely affecting it, but the best in this situation was Vivillon. She had all tools to make Drifblim a sitting duck for him, but he needed to focus on Heracross now in order for plan B to spring into action, since plan A was clearly to just finish it himself with a stab and an arrow or two in face. That clearly had not worked. Drifblim took the bait and just instructed hours before, his Pok¨¦mon did as commanded. Cyndaquil used a weak form of quick attack, since it had not mastered the move yet, to move fast towards Heracross, when it arrived it used Smoke Screen to hide them both. Drifblim was almost upon them, Elduran was sure that it would use either Shadow Ball or Gust to clear the smoke. The smart move would be Shadow Ball, stronger and a big Pok¨¦mon like it was, Elduran was sure it could probably hit both of them without having to see them, the obvious move would be to use Gust to help tailwind clear the smoke even faster, but the move was weaker and slower. Drifblim started twisting, it decided to use gust and Elduran was very proud of Vivillon right now, as it was already over his head.

    ¡°Commence with Stun Spore as planned,¡± Elduran instructed. Though not rapidly executed, Drifblim, consumed by its own fury, failed to notice the spores enveloping it, rendering the creature momentarily paralyzed just after it unleashed a Gust at Cyndaquil and Heracross. The duo had already vacated their position, allowing Heracross to continue its onslaught with a volley of pin missiles. This is the opportunity, Elduran mused, as he unhooked his bow with precision. He deftly extracted the dark-infused arrow from his quiver, and within seconds, it was in flight. Simultaneously, Elduran commanded Vivillon to release a Psybeam to further bewilder Drifblim, extending the effect of the Stun Spore, preventing its motion temporarily before commencing with Poison Powder. Vivillon was unparalleled in manipulating adversaries. When the arrow and Psybeam struck in unison, Drifblim emitted a piercing wail. Elduran felt certain it would be defeated, yet he remained vigilant until victory was unmistakable. With Vivillon dispersing poison particles over Drifblim, Elduran fixed his gaze on his objective. Swiftly advancing, he spotted the misplaced arrow roughly ten feet away. Sliding to reclaim it, he swiftly nocked it and took aim once more. Although Drifblim had succumbed, he prudently kept his bow trained on it as he approached, its tailwind entirely subdued.

    Elduran stood over the Drifblim. It wasn''t breathing¡ªa trait shared by most Ghost-type Pok¨¦mon. Yet, it was still alive. Ghost Pok¨¦mon only perished when they vanished entirely. Dorothy approached them, emerging from her dwelling.

    "A tragedy," she lamented, sadness welling in her eyes.

    "You know I must end this," Elduran responded curtly.

    "Yes, I understand. But that doesn''t lessen the waste, ghost or not, it is still a life" Dorothy replied.

    Cyndaquil appeared crestfallen, sensing what Elduran was about to do. Vivillon flitted closer, striving to lift its spirits. Heracross looked worn out. Elduran contemplated recalling him to his Pok¨¦ball for some much-needed respite after the grueling past three days. Yet, one final task awaited. He clutched his knife firmly with both hands, plunging it deep into Drifblim''s form. So faint was it that it didn''t stir as it dissipated into mist, then vanished entirely.

    Elduran reattached his bow, retrieved the arrow from the spot where Drifblim had lingered moments before, and returned it to his quiver. Kneeling beside Cyndaquil, he spoke, "Remember, Forge, you can''t show mercy to those who aim to harm you. It may sadden you now, but imagine the grief if it had awoken and harmed me, Viv, or Blue."

    "Cyyyyn," Cyndaquil murmured, its expression a blend of sadness and comprehension.

    Dorothy approached Elduran and extended her hand. He rose to accept the handshake. "Thank you for everything. I''ve never witnessed anyone fight alongside their Pok¨¦mon as you have," she admitted.

    Elduran assured Heracross that he needed to rest, promising the next time he would emerge from his Pok¨¦ball, it would be at a Pok¨¦mon Center. With that, he recalled him back into his Pok¨¦ball. Turning back to Dorothy, he confessed, "Fighting alongside my Pok¨¦mon is likely to get me killed someday, but for now, it remains a necessity."

    "I won''t pry. It''s obvious you and that girl have reasons far beyond simple joy rides, battling trainers, or collecting gym badges. Your business is your own. You should find some rest," Dorothy advised, her expression serious.

    Elduran appreciated her discretion, sparing him the need for fabricated answers to uncomfortable questions. He left Vivillon and Cyndaquil outside their Pok¨¦balls since they preferred sleeping in the open. While most Pok¨¦mon favored the ideal virtual environment provided by a Pok¨¦ball for rest, these two insisted on staying out¡ªperhaps wary that he might make a reckless decision and put himself in danger. Vivillon and Cyndaquil had witnessed enough loss in recent times.

    He walked with measured deliberation, arriving at the building once more. Without hesitation, he headed directly for the lower bunk bed as before. Vivillon fluttered to the upper bunk, while Cyndaquil nestled beside Elduran. In moments, all three were fast asleep.

    Dorothy lingered outside, entranced by the night sky and the stillness surrounding her. Ensuring that Elduran had retreated indoors, she permitted the tears to fall. Drifblim was truly gone. Her error had been addressed, yet it could never be undone. It was her fault that poor Jay had perished, he was a good worker. Drifblim had claimed only one human life, but it had also led to the demise of numerous livestock. She gazed toward the distant chicken coop at the quarry''s edge¡ªonly seven fowl remained. The turmoil had wrought immeasurable havoc; laborers were reluctant to venture here, leading to food shortages and a pervasive dread after sundown.

    She sat down before the place where Drifblim had perished, gazing at the spot as if it could return her gaze. She hesitated, pondering her words like someone preparing a speech for an audience. "I am so sorry you had to die. I know it¡¯s my fault, and my being here now, with you gone¡­ wherever you are, offers no peace, I understand that," she said, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I should never have released you; I was weak. I abandoned you, my own child. I couldn¡¯t handle your evolution, that much was clear, but who casts their children to the winds? You must have searched for me for decades, seeking vengeance, yet when you found me you never attacked me directly. Instead, you destroyed everything around me. I would have let you end my life for closure, but what you did, Floaty, harmed innocents. I¡¯m sorry I failed you. I¡¯m sorry I was a terrible trainer. I¡¯m sorry... for everything."

    She stood and began her walk away from the quarry, heading toward the shadowed stone mesas that loomed majestically against the horizon. At dawn, the view from their heights offered an unparalleled perspective, one that seemed to promise clarity and peace. Leaving now meant she would arrive just in time for the sunrise¡ªa moment of profound significance in her heart. As she walked, a sense of finality enveloped her, as if this solitary journey required the perfect convergence of place and time.

    Elduran''s eyes fluttered open as he turned his head to the side; the windows were shrouded in darkness. The still of night lingered outside. Returning to sleep seemed futile. He glanced at his watch, noting the hour¡ª4:30 a.m. Though his slumber had been fragmented, he had exceeded his usual five hours of rest. He felt refreshed. Rising carefully to avoid disturbing Cyndaquil, nestled cozily beside him, he noticed Dorothy¡¯s bed was empty¡ªas was the kitchen. He pondered her whereabouts briefly but dismissed the thought; his task here was complete, and he needed nothing further from her. He ambled to the kitchen, found a small pot, and embarked on his ritual¡ªcoffee was paramount, come what may. Spying some dried meat on the table with a note instructing him to take it along, he took a bite, identifying it as chicken. It tasted quite agreeable, and he packed the remainder for his journey while the coffee brewed.

    Sipping the freshly brewed coffee, Elduran cleaned the pot and table before proceeding to the beds. He recalled Cyndaquil and Vivillon to their Pok¨¦balls, then removed the used bed linens, depositing them in a laundry bin a few feet away. Gathering fresh sheets from a nearby open shelf cabinet, he made both beds anew. He polished off the dregs of his coffee, washed the mug, slung his duffel bag over his shoulder, and embarked on his march toward Dirthrow. After a short five-minute walk, he cast a backward glance toward the quarry. Realizing he had never seen a name for this place, he could still not spot one from this vantage. The Nameless Quarry, Elduran decided, was a fitting moniker to etch into his memory.

    He observed that Route 113 was heavily trafficked. The paths worn by constant human passage and the trek of large Pok¨¦mon were unmistakably clear. Even in the deepest night, their presence was evident. The footprints of Copperajah, were impossible to overlook. Dorothy faced considerable challenges; she was simply doing what was necessary to sustain herself and her workers.

    The horizon slowly warmed with the first whispers of sunlight, casting golden rays across the rocky desert. Shadows of towering cacti stretched long over the brown soil, their silhouettes sharp against the soft pink and orange hues that painted the sky. As the sun''s gentle glow crept over the rugged terrain, each jagged rock and spine-tipped plant bathed in a light that seemed to breathe life into the desert, setting the stage for another day of stark beauty and quiet resilience.

    In the stretches of open sky above, Gligar glided occasionally, their bat-like wings casting fleeting shadows on the ground. They showed mild interest in the traveler below, but a gust of wind would soon carry them further, leaving the desert''s silence behind.

    Nearby, a group of Makuhita practiced their sparring, their stout yellow figures rhythmically punching the air with determined gestures. The sound of their rehearsed movements mixed with the desert wind, creating a rhythmic pulse that marked the desert''s hidden life.

    The varied mix of Pok¨¦mon added vibrancy to the landscape, transforming the barren expanse into a tapestry of life woven into the rocks and cacti.

    Elduran seeing that many Pok¨¦mon up and about already this early in the morning took out Cyndaquil and Vivillon out of their Pok¨¦balls for safety. Cyndaquil emerged first, landing gently on the ground with a curious gleam in its eyes. Its back flickered with tiny, playful flames. Eager and full of energy, Cyndaquil sniffed the air, inquisitive about the scents and sounds of the open desert around it. Above, Vivillon unfurled with a delicate grace, its vibrant wings stretching in a flourish of red and white. The air shimmered as it took flight, gliding effortlessly in a circle around Elduran. Its aerial dance infused the environment with a sense of calm, Vivillon''s gentle presence a vivid counterpoint to the rugged desert below.

    Cyndaquil trotted ahead, growling at every cactus he passed, as if each thorny plant was his sworn foe. Elduran couldn''t help but chuckle softly, though it was clear that Cyndaquil needed to mature quickly. Encountering yet another cactus, Cyndaquil growled and stumbled back, almost bumping into another prickly adversary. This misstep agitated him so much that in a fiery outburst, he set the cactus ablaze. Elduran sighed, preparing to instruct Vivillon to use Gust to quench the flames, but then the cactus moved. A flurry of needles erupted, embedding themselves in Cyndaquil¡ªit was a Cacnea he had enflamed. Vivillon darted toward Cyndaquil''s side, ready to help, but Elduran held Vivillon back. Cyndaquil needed to understand the repercussions of his fiery temperament.

    "Forge, use Ember," Elduran instructed with calm authority.

    Cyndaquil complied, unleashing a stream of fire from his mouth, which surged towards Cacnea. The opponent attempted to shield itself, arms raised futilely against the onslaught. Already singed, Cacnea bore the brunt of the full attack, visibly anguished. It began to roll frantically on the ground to quench the flames, all the while flinging sand towards Cyndaquil''s face. Not a bad tactic, Elduran mused.

    "Don''t let it regain its footing. Use Leer, then follow up with Ember!" Elduran directed, keeping his tone even.

    Cyndaquil fixed a menacing gaze upon Cacnea, his eyes flashing ominously. Cacnea flinched, if only for a heartbeat, before another torrent of flame engulfed it, this time striking its face directly. The Cacnea attempted to set up Ingrain, but the Ember was too much, causing it to faint nearly instantly.

    "Viv, use a gentle Gust to snuff out the flames. We don''t want that freak Aisha to glean something from my expression next time we see her," Elduran added, his smile soft. Vivillon sent delicate gusts of wind to extinguish the lingering fire. Cyndaquil glowed with joy from his swift victory.

    Elduran approached Cyndaquil, kneeling to meet his gaze. "You must exercise caution, Forge. Well done on the win, but this battle was wholly unnecessary. The Cacnea meant no harm, merely tending to its own affairs."

    Cyndaquil lowered his head, but this time without tears. A sign of progress, Elduran noted. Then, raising his head, he looked at Elduran with closed eyes, softly uttering a "Cyyyn," acknowledging and absorbing his advice. Though not one for words, Cyndaquil didn¡¯t need verbal communication to convey that he had learned his lesson sincerely.

    Elduran glanced at Cacnea; it was evident it would survive, provided no predator Pok¨¦mon lurked nearby, beyond his control. Dirthrow appeared in the distance, just as Dorothy had described¡ªa dreary place. The monorail track stretched to his left, leading him onward.

    Approaching the town''s edge, Elduran couldn''t shake the thought: this place had squandered potential. Situated by a river, facing the sea, and encircled by stunning stone mesas, it could have been remarkable. Such lost potential. Instead, he saw a cluster of dilapidated stone buildings. From his vantage point, none appeared well-maintained, and the road was no more than a dirt path, beginning¡ªor ending¡ªat his feet, depending on one''s perspective.

    This didn''t trouble Elduran much; he wasn''t here for the scenery, but for a mission. He checked his watch, 7:00 AM. There was no chance Aisha was up without him waking her¡ªunless she had a reason, as on the day they met. Thus, her early arrival in Dirthrow was advantageous only if she''d accomplished something the previous night, which Elduran doubted. An idea struck him: he would handle that first before heading to the Pok¨¦mon Center. It was best not to have a young girl around for what he intended to do.

 Chapter 9 - Library

    Chapter 9 ¨C Library

    Aisha stood in front of a large wooden door of the grandest building in Dirthrow, still grappling with the incongruity of such a structure existing in a town so dilapidated. She knew it was among the oldest edifices in Tenera and reputedly the largest library in the world, which partially justified its immense size. Yet, she couldn''t shake the feeling that it was entirely out of place. The gym, sitting right next to the library, seemed dwarfed by comparison. She had never visited the library in Canalave, but it was said to be only half the size of the one she was now entering.

    The library was perpetually open, operating every hour of the day and night. Alongside the gym, only two elements seemed to keep Dirthrow thriving: the stream of tourists drawn by the library and the stone hewn from the numerous quarries encircling the town, particularly to the south. Dorothy wasn''t the only quarry operator, but her quarry was the most distant from town.

    The Pok¨¦mon Center marked the southernmost point of the town, which allowed Aisha, upon her arrival, to glimpse all the quarries from her room while it was still light outside. The Pok¨¦mon Center, Pok¨¦mart, and Pok¨¦caf¨¦ appeared hastily assembled on the town¡¯s southern edge, with their metal structures clashing against the stone fa?ades of the older buildings. At least some effort was made with the gym; it was centrally located and built of stone to blend with the town¡¯s aesthetic, creating an intriguing focal point together with the library. Although the library bore the marks of time and was in dire need of restoration, Aisha doubted it would ever receive such attention, given the town¡¯s apparent neglect.

    As Aisha turned the heavy, weathered door of the library, she gasped at the extraordinary sight awaiting her inside. The grand structure loomed high above her, four stories tall, with the cool touch of stone walls echoing the library''s timelessness. Dust motes danced in the shafts of light filtering through the few cracked windows tucked high above the entrance, illuminating row after row of forgotten tomes that beckoned her with whispered secrets.

    The scent of aged paper enveloped her like a warm blanket¡ªa bittersweet aroma of lost knowledge and fragmented memories that seemed to resonate within these ancient walls. The expansive interior was lined with bookshelves soaring to the ceiling, filled with thousands upon thousands of volumes, each one a world waiting to be explored.

    Multiple spiral staircases spiraled off in various directions, intricately designed, but it was the impressive main staircase on the opposite side of the entrance that caught her gaze¡ªit was wide and inviting, adorned with ornate carvings that hinted at secrets of its own. The promise of discovery lingered in the air as Aisha imagined herself gliding through the library, wandering among the stories nestled within the tomes.

    Scattered throughout the four floors were numerous tables and chairs, inviting readers to settle in and lose themselves in pages lined with history and imagination. Each level offered a different ambiance, but there were no windows to the outside world, creating a cocoon of concentrated thought and introspection. In the hushed corners, scholars and curious minds thrived in the quiet embrace of literature.

    Aisha noted the stern-looking figure of a security guard stationed just in front of the main door, an assurance that no book would ever leave this sacred space. The weight of the library''s significance pressed against her chest¡ªa labyrinth of stories beneath layers of neglect, waiting to be unfurled and shared with those willing to delve into the depths of time.

    With her heart racing in anticipation, she begun to venture deeper into the monumental library, eager to uncover the secrets concealed within its pages.

    The security guard ambled toward her, a white plastic basket in hand, presenting it as if it were a revered offering. "You¡¯ll need to leave your Pok¨¦mon with me, miss. No Pok¨¦mon or firearms are permitted inside the library," he said, his tone lazily indifferent.

    Her gaze flickered to the firearm holstered at his side¡ªa clear indication that he was no trainer. He appeared young, perhaps only a few years her senior, towering at around 6¡¯-5¡± with a muscular build, neutral skin color, a neatly trimmed mustache, and a tuft of curly blond hair cropped close. Undeniably handsome, she noted, though the fatigue etched into his features dulled his appeal.

    Aisha placed her four Pok¨¦balls into the basket, watching as the guard affixed a sticker marked to it. He then handed her a card bearing the same number.

    Aisha stared at him incredulously. "This is all I get? What if I misplace my card? Shouldn''t this be equipped with a fingerprint scanner or something? This is downright archaic," she complained.

    The guard met her gaze, seemingly unfazed by her inquiries, as if she had simply remarked on the weather in Dirthrow. He gestured toward a camera mounted above them, just above the main door. Turning to face the camera, he continued, "This very polite individual here has four Pok¨¦balls, and her number is 512 ." He turned back to her, delivering his next words with a forced smile. "There, now in case you lose your card, we have video proof that the well-mannered girl with green and yellow hair owns the Pok¨¦mon in basket 512. Are you satisfied now?"

    Aisha remained rooted in place, incredulous at the archaic system in place. Yet the presence of the camera did ease her nerves, providing at least some reassurance, though she braced herself for a lengthy process. She felt compelled to ask for his name¡ªjust in case anything went awry. It might be overreacting, but she felt uncomfortably exposed without her Pok¨¦mon, more so than when she swum in Lake Tranquility, stark naked. "What is your name, sir?" Aisha inquired.

    The guard regarded her with an expression of deliberation, weighing whether or not to respond. She sensed he had little choice in the matter. "Faelan," he replied briefly.

    It was Aisha''s turn to lock her gaze with his. "You hate your job, don''t you? How about I bring a little excitement to your day? Do you know... where I might find books about... Zygarde?" she asked him.

    Faelan, for the first time, showed an expression; disbelief flickered across his face. "I have no idea where a single book is in this place. I¡¯ve never even touched a book here," he replied, his tone laced with annoyance. Aisha noted that she had at least established he wasn¡¯t a robot. Well, this guy is of no use to me, she thought.

    "Alright, Faelan, please take good care of my Pok¨¦mon!" Aisha called to him as she began her walk toward the heart of the library.

    Faelan glanced over his shoulder and replied, "You think I¡¯m going to take your Pok¨¦mon out of their Pok¨¦balls just to, what, pet them? Feed them? Not a chance¡ªthey stay put."

    Aisha turned back to him, baffled. Was he genuinely serious, or was his stupidity boundless? His inscrutable expression made it impossible to decipher his thoughts, but she chose to dismiss it. There were more pressing matters demanding her attention.

    She observed several workers assisting patrons in locating their books. The men were clad in brown suits, while the women wore brown skirts paired with matching jackets, seamlessly merging with the dark brown shelves that lined the library. Perhaps that was by design. A central desk occupied the heart of the main floor, yet Aisha hesitated to inquire about the location of books discussing Zygarde, Xerneas, Yveltal, or Dialga. She wished to keep her budding interest in those titles under wraps.

    There was no way it could be that difficult to find. Somewhere within the vast expanse of the library, a table laden with books awaited¡ªmore volumes than anyone could hope to read in a single day. It would likely involve just two people at a time, while the other two rested, ready to swap in as needed, thus allowing them to keep the books indefinitely. What a ridiculous system, Aisha thought.

    It didn''t take long for Aisha to spot precisely what she sought on the second floor. A table housed two individuals: one, a heavyset man with dark skin, devoid of a single strand of hair atop his head, likely in his forties, was engrossed in one of the twelve books sprawled across the table. Opposite him sat a younger woman, her skin strikingly pale, perhaps in her mid-thirties, alarmingly slender, with long blonde hair cascading down to her lower back. She was in heated debate with a dark-skinned man, his hair styled in multiple cornrows that transformed into braids and extended up to his shoulders. He sported a thick bushy beard that made him seem older than his probable thirties, and he wore a white lab coat draped over jeans.

    Aisha pretended not to care, picked up a random book...about the Kanto-Johto war apparently...and sat two tables away, opening the book on a random page and pretending to be reading it while she listened what was happening on the other table. Even though they were arguing, since this was a library, they were doing a good job keeping it quiet, not quiet enough for her not to discern what they were saying though.

    "I was prepared to give you perhaps a day, maybe even two, with the books. I arrived just yesterday, so I thought waiting a few days would suffice. But today, one of the clerks informed me that you two, along with your other friends, have been keeping these books¡ªlet¡¯s say, ''company,'' for approximately ten weeks," the man in the lab coat said, visibly agitated.

    "We''re not doing anything illegal. I''ve already told you that, so why don''t you just leave us alone?" the thin woman retorted.

    "You''re absolutely correct; you aren''t doing anything illegal," the man in the lab coat replied as he settled into one of the chairs around the table, picked up a book from the stack, and opened to its first page.

    "What the hell do you think you''re doing?" the thin woman demanded.

    "I''m merely taking a seat at the table where these twelve books have been borrowed. There''s no law against my sitting here with you. Since you aren''t actively reading this book at the moment, as long as I remain at this table, I can read it," the man in the lab coat stated.

    Aisha had just come to the startling realization that she genuinely liked this man. The audacity he possessed was remarkable. Yet, the looming threat persisted; if these individuals were truly aligned with the Watchers, he was treading on perilous ground. Still, that did little to diminish the fact that, at this moment, he was advancing her cause. She decided it was wiser to let the situation unfold without her interference.

    The bald man finally lowered his book. He turned to the woman beside him, ¡°Just threaten him already, Keesh. Make him go away.¡±

    Keesh rose and moved behind the man in the lab coat, placing her hands firmly on his shoulders. The man didn¡¯t flinch; he remained engrossed in his reading. Keesh then squeezed his shoulders, but Aisha doubted it had any effect. Lab coat or not, he seemed in excellent condition, probably just a few pounds heavier than usual, and all of it distributed evenly around his frame. While he wasn¡¯t as tall as Faelen, Aisha guessed he was roughly the same height as Elduran. Just as she thought, he kept reading.

    At last, he seemed to find the specific page he¡¯d been searching for. "Could you shift a bit to the right with your hand? I think I¡¯ve got a knot there. Thanks for this, by the way, Keesh. Oh, where are my manners? I know your name but haven''t introduced myself. I''m Jabari Reid, pleased to meet you."

    Aisha sensed that if Keesh had a gun in that moment, she would have shot him without a second thought. Fury flashed across her face. ¡°Dan, what do you want me to do?¡± she asked, looking at the bald man.

    Her mind sparked into action; she swiftly reached for her phone. With a quick press on the home screen, Aisha activated the recording function, a task she had mastered to do discreetly from her pocket. The phone vibrated softly, confirming it was recording.

    Dan directed his gaze at Jabari this time. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table, chin cradled in his hands. "Let me be very clear, Mr. Jabari. If you don¡¯t leave within the next minute, I, along with my three associates, will ensure you won''t see another sunrise."

    Jabari stood, clearly aggravated, then walked around the table to stand beside Dan, who didn¡¯t even bother to acknowledge him. ¡°You just threatened me, Mr. Dan. If my life were solely my own, I would still be sitting there,¡± he said, gesturing toward the chair he had vacated moments ago. ¡°I don¡¯t know who you people are, but as grim as this town may be, it¡¯s clear you¡¯re trouble,¡± he remarked, beginning his stride toward the main stairway.

    Aisha longed to follow Jabari, but rising now would be suspicious. From their vantage point, they had an unobstructed view of her. The upper floors all had balconies overlooking the main level, where the spiral staircases wound their way up to the fourth floor. Sitting close to the edge, Aisha watched Jabari make his way to the exit, a surge of curiosity gripping her. She yearned to uncover his story and more importantly, his motives. If she was right¡ªand she usually was¡ªthis man knew who these men were, or at the very least, he suspected the truth, just as she did.

    She turned her gaze back to the table, feigning interest in the book, keenly observing the men out of the corner of her eye. They were either cautious or simply not as chatty. What could be so significant in those books? Aisha pondered. If these people were truly affiliated with the Watchers, what had changed now? In the past, they could summon legendary Pok¨¦mon without reliance on texts; she had no record of them obsessively poring over lore. What was it about these four legendary Pok¨¦mon that was so different?

    Aisha sensed she knew the answer, yet it did little to resolve her quandary. The Watchers had truly failed in their endeavors. Many viewed them as terrorists, but Aisha understood they were not. They sought something elusive, but failure haunted their every attempt. Yet, they persisted. One thing was certain¡ªElduran was right about that. The league responded to threats with increasing slowness; the military followed suit. It wasn''t wrong to say that freelance trainers had been carrying the weight as of late. Were the Watchers responsible for that as well? Had these freelance trainers effectively thwarted their plans?

    Aisha''s mind said yes. Saffron City was undeniable proof. Ho-oh attacked while Elduran was on military leave, caught in a dispute with one of his commanders; she wondered if he would ever reveal that argument, as it was absent from any file. APSO had been occupied in Cinnabar, and the league had convened a council at Indigo Plateau that could last at least a week. The first freelance trainer had arrived ten minutes after Ho-oh¡¯s appearance, an especially tardy response for the third most populous city in the world. The tournament in Viridian, boasting a prize of twenty million Pok¨¦dollars, had drawn nearly all the trainers in Kanto away from Saffron.

    Elduran likely believed he had only saved a handful of lives, that one of the trainers he so deeply respected had been a heartbeat late when he pulled the trigger. Had Elduran not taken that shot, Saffron might have smoldered to ash. The Watchers hadn¡¯t accounted for the deadliest sniper in the world still being in Saffron and making that shot, yet terrifyingly, they had come alarmingly close this time. Whatever they sought, this time, they were within reach. All agencies were aware that the Watchers targeted cities and towns with Pok¨¦mon Storage Facilities (PSF), but even Aisha, no matter how fiercely her mind screamed that the answer was just beyond her grasp, couldn¡¯t decipher why.

    It was growing late, and Aisha could barely keep her eyes open after such a long day. The argument with Elduran felt like it had happened ages ago, though it had merely been this morning. Exhaustion hung heavily upon her, making her acutely aware that mistakes were bound to happen in her current state. Jabari had left at least ten minutes ago; departing now might seem natural. Timing her exit with the passing of a patron, she took it as her cue to rise. Keesh was barely reading, her back to Aisha, while Dan, deeply absorbed in his book, failed to notice her stand. Aisha feigned interest in finding another book, heading in the opposite direction away from the main staircase.

    She descended the tight, spiral staircase, unease creeping in with each step. It was no wonder only a few ventured this way; she realized now why those near the wall opted for the longer route.

    Emerging from the staircase, she almost ran into Faelan, who looked at her with the same expression he had before¡ªutter boredom.

    ¡°You have any belongings? Can I have the card with your number?¡± he asked, rising from his desk.

    ¡°Seriously, you forgot me already? I¡¯ve only been here an hour,¡± she replied, incredulity lacing her tone.

    ¡°So, I take it you don¡¯t have a number. Good night, miss,¡± he said, plopping back into his chair.

    Aisha was incredulous. This guy was a machine. ¡°I have a number, you know,¡± she said, retrieving the card from her pocket.

    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you say so the first time? You made me stand up twice,¡± he said, swiftly pulling the card from her hand. He wandered to the back of his desk, taking his time sifting through bins, then returned, guiding her as she collected her four Pok¨¦balls.

    As she gathered her Pok¨¦balls, Aisha weighed whether her next move was wise. Perhaps waiting for the morning security guard would be better. This guy was hopeless. But for Elduran to spring into action effectively, it made sense for those four men not to be behind the library''s safety net. So, she decided to take the risk with this robot.

    ¡°I need to report something, but can I do it anonymously? I don¡¯t want my name attached,¡± she said.

    ¡°You can report it anonymously. What¡¯s the problem?¡± he replied, still inscrutable.

    Aisha approached him, pulling out her phone to play the recording. To her astonishment, Faelan¡¯s face shifted to one of urgency and seriousness once it finished. He locked the front door, then hurried back to her, walking briskly. ¡°Since you¡¯re doing this anonymously, send that recording to my phone,¡± he instructed, giving her his number, and Aisha complied.

    He ascended the spiral staircase with surprising agility, leaving Aisha to muse that this could not possibly be the same person. Unable to resist, she slipped back to the spot where the two men were, positioned just below them in the main floor to catch every word. Faelan¡¯s footsteps grew louder¡ªdeliberately so, Aisha noted. Then he spoke.

    ¡°You are to vacate the premises immediately. I have proof you threatened a patron. These books also will be confiscated for further examination,¡± Faelan declared.

    ¡°You can¡¯t be serious,¡± Dan protested.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t start walking toward the exit right now, I¡¯ll handcuff you and escort you to the police station myself. Clear?¡± Faelan retorted.

    Way to go, Faelan, Aisha thought. By the sounds of it, both men stood and followed Faelan toward the main staircase. Aisha carefully made her way to the exit, leaning against the nearest bookcase. As Faelan, Keesh, and Dan passed, she ducked around the other side of the staircase to watch the drama unfold. Dan suddenly halted, turning back.

    ¡°You¡¯ll lose your job for this. Let me back up there, you insolent fool,¡± Dan spat, yanking at Faelan¡¯s shirt in a futile attempt to shake him.

    In a fluid motion, Faelan twisted Dan¡¯s hand behind his back and shoved him toward the exit. Maintaining his grip, he unlocked the door with his free hand, ushering Keesh out first. Dan stumbled as he was propelled outside, landing face-first on the rocky pavement. Faelan closed the door and returned to his chair, calling for a clerk to confiscate the books from the specific table on the second floor. He began writing on a piece of paper, and Aisha, suddenly aware that she still had her Pok¨¦mon with her, panicked. Shit, she thought; she might end up kicked out just like the others. Acting as if nothing had happened, she walked toward the exit.

    ¡°Miss, thank you for reporting this,¡± Faelan said, returning to his report, clearly aware of her presence long before she came into view.

    Aisha¡¯s heart raced, but Faelan merely let her go. She hurried outside, just in case he remembered her Pok¨¦balls. Outside, Dan and Keesh were already gone, and blood stained the pavement. If those two were truly Watchers, Faelan had difficult days ahead of him. Yet, how had that guy transformed so quickly, evolving from a Weedle into a Beedrill, completely skipping the Kakuna stage? She raised her phone, scrolling to the messages she had sent the recording to, saving the number under Faelan.

    Aisha released all four of her Pok¨¦mon simultaneously. She doubted those two had noticed her, and it seemed they were unarmed, without either guns or Pok¨¦mon, since they hadn''t demanded their belongings back when Faelan kicked them out. Still, Aisha sought extra security. Clefairy let out a joyful squeal, confusing Aisha for a moment, until she lifted her gaze to the full moon above¡ªa source of bliss for Clefairy. Distracted by this, Aisha paid her no mind. Togetic flitted about, occasionally nudging her cheek. Marill simply observed the surroundings, likely sharing Aisha¡¯s sentiment that the place was a mess. Hatenna, as usual, tuned into her trainer''s psyche, ensuring all was well. Aisha relished her achievements of the day. Hatenna would surely sense that, but Aisha had no time to spare. Her focus shifted to Togetic.

    ¡°Gale, two people left this spot five minutes ago¡ªa bald, heavyset man and a very skinny woman. Fly up and head in that direction,¡± she instructed, pointing southward. ¡°We¡¯ll be heading to the Pok¨¦mon Center. Don¡¯t fly off in any other direction. We¡¯re not confronting them, just seeking them out. I¡¯m exhausted and need rest, but if they¡¯re heading the same way we are, it would be foolish not to discover where they¡¯re staying. That¡¯s all I want to know.¡± Aisha spoke as Hatenna conveyed the nuances to Togetic¡ªdetails he might not grasp. Elduran had dedicated a great deal of time training with Vivillon in Kanto before mastering command and understanding during his journey to Tenera. Aisha felt confident Heracross would soon reach that level too. She knew she needed to pursue this kind of training herself. Her path would require more than fair battles against fellow trainers. The future promised anything but fairness, and she couldn¡¯t rely solely on Hatenna¡¯s presence.

    Aisha arrived at the Pok¨¦mon Center in about ten minutes, yet Togetic hadn''t spotted either of the two. She had suspected he wouldn''t. If Aisha were in their position, she would choose to reside as close to the library as possible. The Watchers appeared to have the resources to secure any room in this dismal town. Given their creation of a Pok¨¦ball capable of capturing legendary Pok¨¦mon, embedded with coding that compelled them to attack nearby cities and towns¡ªa feat no government, to her agency''s knowledge, had been able to replicate after all these years¡ªit was clear they had the funds to recruit top-notch talent. Aisha was certain they were located very near the library.

    After entering, she handed Marill to the nurse, recalling him to his Pok¨¦ball, as he was the only one somewhat injured from the swamp trek. Securing a room and collecting her key card, she promptly headed to her room on the second floor. She contemplated skipping a shower and going straight to bed as she was, but she ultimately decided against it, valuing the feeling of cleanliness too much. After her shower, she, along with Hatenna, Clefairy, and Togetic, cuddled together in bed, where exhaustion and fatigue overwhelmed them.

    ***

    Elduran had longed for even the tiniest Pok¨¦mon to aid his mission. Security had seized his bow and Pok¨¦mon, complicating his task immensely. He had hoped Vivillon might deploy Sleep Powder on any unsuspecting Watchers while he provided a diversion, allowing him to swipe their books, stow them in his duffel bag, and pretend to read random tomes at another desk, observing their reactions as they awoke. Alas, his duffel bag hadn¡¯t been allowed. Curse these libraries. It was his first venture into such a place. His plan was flawed, as it risked revealing his face, meaning they would not escape this town alive. The Watchers must not realize he was targeting them, yet he desperately needed their information. He was convinced that had his plan succeeded, all four would eventually gather, revealing their identities and whereabouts. Luckily, his phone had been permitted, an unusual concession. A snapshot combined with Vivillon¡¯s assistance would have ensured their tracking. If only that crafty old guard hadn¡¯t noticed his attempt to hide Vivillon¡¯s Pok¨¦ball. The morning had taken a sour turn. At the very least, he¡¯d wanted to glimpse a few faces before texting Aisha to confirm he¡¯d arrived. Besides, he still needed to head to the Pok¨¦mon Center for Heracross¡¯s treatment.

    The second part of the plan involved forcefully entering their residence, binding and torturing them until they revealed the information he needed. This, of course, was the challenging aspect, and precisely why he hesitated to involve Aisha. She would insist on confirming they were indeed Watchers before taking any such drastic action. His method, however, promised speed. Concealing his face in case they were innocent meant he could release them thereafter. But it seemed that accessing their location wouldn¡¯t be as straightforward. Particularly since he couldn¡¯t find a single table in the entire library accommodating even one to four people with more than seven or eight books¡ªthose specifics eluded him now. Besides, he was reluctant to inquire with any clerks, preferring no one to know of his search. A possibility crossed his mind: perhaps Aisha had achieved something the previous night. If she had managed to extricate them from here, well... that would be extraordinary. This setting was far from conducive to his work.

    He conducted another thorough search of the library, but his efforts proved fruitless. Resigned, he gathered his belongings and Pok¨¦balls. Something about the cheerful, portly guard irked him; there was just too much happiness in his constant smile. Who could enjoy their job that much? Elduran mused silently. This fellow had an array of six Pok¨¦balls strapped to his belt¡ªa full-fledged trainer, Elduran noted. The instant he exited, he released Vivillon.

    "Sorry, Viv, things didn''t go according to plan. I had to leave you behind¡ªno Pok¨¦mon allowed," Elduran confided to her.

    "Viiiii," Vivillon responded with sadness.

    "In any case, it doesn''t matter much. I doubt they were there, or perhaps I failed to spot them. Let''s head over to the Pok¨¦mon Center and rouse Ms. Bright Spark. As much as I hate to admit it, she might have done something last night that got those bastards out of the library," Elduran said, setting off southward.

    Just before reaching the Pok¨¦mon Center, he spotted a hunting store. Alas, it wouldn''t open until 8:00 AM. He urgently needed to replenish his dark essence vial; though he had plenty left, he preferred to keep it full. Upon arriving at the Pok¨¦mon Center, he was struck by how incongruous the building appeared. Alongside the Pok¨¦mart and the Pok¨¦caf¨¦, these three structures stood at the very edge of town as the sole modern edifices, fashioned entirely from metal. He found them distinctly out of place, and admittedly, he wasn¡¯t overly concerned about the town¡¯s state. However, these three buildings were nothing short of an eyesore.

    Elduran entered, handed the nurse Heracross''s Pok¨¦ball, and checked in for a room. Initially assigned to the third floor, he quickly realized it would be more prudent to have his room next to Aisha''s, if possible, for security reasons should they be compromised. Deciding to call her, he discovered¡ªbased on her groggy response¡ªthat he had indeed awoken her. Aisha was on the second floor. With a reassuring word for her to return to sleep, he planned to shower and grab a bite at the Pok¨¦Caf¨¦ nearby. Learning that she resided on the second floor, he promptly exchanged his room for one adjacent to hers.

    Upon entering his room with Vivillon fluttering behind him, he released Cyndaquil and headed for the shower. When done he instructed his two Pok¨¦mon to accompany him, his next destination was the Pok¨¦Caf¨¦. There, he carefully purchased two sandwiches, some snacks and a few drinks, ensuring he remained within his 50 Cetis daily allowance as a first-year trainer. Then, he made his way to the Pok¨¦mart, where he spent about 95 Cetis on kibble. He took the time to let Cyndaquil sample all the options suitable for fire-type Pok¨¦mon, and they settled on a mid-priced variety. The Pok¨¦mon food should last for about a week; Cyndaquil and Vivillon didn''t consume much, though Heracross was another story. Next, he visited the hunting store, which was now open, where he received an unexpected surprise. A vial cost a mere 5000 Cetis, with another option of simply refilling an existing one and only paying for what was used. Elduran selected this option since his dark essence vial was nearly full, resulting in a cost of just 450 Cetis. With this task completed, it was time to awaken Aisha once more. He returned to the Pok¨¦mon Center.

    Elduran knocked on Aisha''s door, which she opened promptly¡ªclearly, she was already awake, he mused. Hatenna was once more engrossed with her beach ball, and predictably, Vivillon buzzed straight to her side. Meanwhile, Cyndaquil made a beeline for Clefairy, who was the only one of Aisha¡¯s Pok¨¦mon still finishing his meal. Togetic quickly descended, positioning itself between Cyndaquil and Clefairy, standing guard for its friend.

    "Hey! Seems you had a busy night," Elduran remarked to Aisha, then noticed Cyndaquil''s actions. "Forge! I brought food for you and Viv here. Never swipe another trainer¡¯s Pok¨¦mon¡¯s meal," he admonished, producing two bowls with different kibble¡ªone for Cyndaquil, one for Vivillon. Cyndaquil was atop his dish in a flash, whereas Vivillon remained enraptured by Hatenna. At least Cyndaquil would never touch Vivillon¡¯s food; he respected her too much for that, Elduran concluded.

    Aisha petted Cyndaquil, "To be fair, Forge, you shouldn¡¯t take any Pok¨¦mon¡¯s food, not just a trainer''s."

    Elduran chuckled, "Don¡¯t listen to her, Forge. Just make sure you can handle them if you''re caught," he said, winking at Cyndaquil.

    Aisha approached the desk and settled into the chair, then pivoted towards Elduran. "So, what made you assume I was occupied last night?" she inquired.

    "Well, I got here really early and stopped by the library, trying to gauge our suspects. The most books anyone had on a single table was three¡ªdefinitely not our targets," Elduran explained.

    "I managed to discreetly have two kicked out. They were intimidating a man in a lab coat," she pointed to the photo on her screen, "but he wasn¡¯t phased, just wanted to read one of the books they had. I recorded their threats, handed it to security, and voil¨¤. They confiscated the books, though. I think it''s only temporary," Aisha said.

    "Great job, ''Little Light Bulb''! Knowing two of them is plenty to work with. Awesome!" Elduran exclaimed.

    Aisha looked curious, "Why are you so happy about this?"

    "The library was a new environment¡ªno Pok¨¦mon, no weapons, no violence. I was completely stumped," Elduran confessed, deciding against sharing his more aggressive plans.

    "Also, neither asked for their Pok¨¦mon or weapons when expelled, which seemed odd," Aisha noted.

    "Indeed, maybe the Watchers are like monks," Elduran speculated.

    Aisha rolled her eyes, "Monks have Pok¨¦mon. What happened with the Drifblim?"

    "Handled," Elduran replied.

    "That''s all I get?" Aisha asked, disappointed.

    "What more do you need?" Elduran retorted.

    "Nevermind. Dorothy must have been pleased," Aisha said.

    "Actually, she was upset I had to kill the Drifblim, called it a waste. She stayed up that night and was gone in the morning. I couldn¡¯t wait around," Elduran explained.

    "Interesting. I criticized her for using Pok¨¦mon like slaves, yet she''s saddened by a wild one''s death¡ªone that killed her worker. Maybe I misjudged her. Anyway, we have more urgent matters now," Aisha concluded.

    Aisha rose and began pacing, as she often did when deep in thought¡ªa pattern emerging clear enough for even Elduran to discern. Abruptly, she halted and fixed her gaze on him. "This mission is exceedingly delicate. We must confirm their allegiance to the Watchers before we move to apprehend them. We can''t simply beat confessions out of them; what if we''re wrong?" Aisha asserted.

    Elduran met her eyes with a somber look. "There''s an uncomfortable question I need to ask. You do understand that if they are with the Watchers, their deaths are necessary, right?"

    Aisha sank onto the bed, deflated. "I''ve played every scenario through my mind. Suppose we manage to confirm their ties to the Watchers and, by sheer luck, gather intelligence about their organization without their notice. Even then, we can''t act without proof, and my greatest concern is whether the government of Tenera will even imprison them. What if they''re complicit? Moreover, if we hand them over to the authorities, the government will question us. You might escape scrutiny, but they won''t take long to discover a foreign agency funded my education. They''ll connect the dots. If we choose that path, my involvement must remain hidden, and those four mustn¡¯t ever see or hear of me. Otherwise, when they''re interrogated, my name will surface as the one who aided you," Aisha concluded.

    "Little Light Bulb, use your head! If they''re alive and imprisoned, even if only my name is revealed, I¡¯ll be hunted like a dog. Do you think the Watchers won''t find a way to communicate with them somehow? My description will be everywhere, and that''s assuming the best case scenario¡ªthat the government isn''t involved, as you suggested, and isn''t aiding them in some way. Should we manage to gather any information by tailing them, overhearing conversations, or any other means without being detected, and if you don''t want their deaths on your conscience, there¡¯s only one solution. We leave them be and pursue the bigger fish," Elduran stated.

    "Could you really do that? Just let criminals go free?" Aisha questioned.

    "It would be the most strategic decision. But all of this hinges on the best case scenario where we can confirm they are with the Watchers without extracting the information through...interrogation. What if we can''t? Are you prepared to escalate? You could leave that to me; you needn''t know the specifics. I genuinely believe they should die, though I''d rather see them languish in prison forever. Sadly, it''s either freedom for them or death. Between those two, I prefer death. Yet, if I discover they aren''t with the Watchers, my mission ceases. You should be aware of that. If I learn they''re innocent, I¡¯ll turn myself in to the police. I will not take innocent lives, and if that makes me a fugitive for letting them walk, then so be it," Elduran explained.

    "We''re just not enough, for crying out loud! How can two people uncover the whereabouts of the most secretive organization?" Aisha exclaimed.

    "You''re right¡ªwe aren''t enough. We must start recruiting anyone willing to join the fight against them. We can''t be in just one place at a time, either. Plus, we need to make our Pok¨¦mon stronger¡ªrushing in without that doesn''t achieve much. Aisha, I understand your urgency to bring them down, but this endeavor will take time. A lot of time," Elduran explained.

    "They won''t notice me, that''s certain, but you, Aisha? You''re clever, and being here proves it. You tell yourself that all the time. You would be an invaluable asset to them. But we don¡¯t just need trainers; we need everything. We need a network, not merely an army. We require people who can provide capital, others skilled in surveillance, hacking, and all that tech stuff I understand absolutely nothing about, spies in everyday places gathering strange bits of mundane information that only you can connect. An army is one thing; believe me, that¡¯s the easiest part to find. Surely, there must be trainers who have battled legendary Pok¨¦mon in foreign regions residing in Tenera. But without the rest, why on earth would they join us? We need to offer them something first, an organization of our own," Elduran declared.

    "You aren''t mistaken, but as you mentioned, we first need something to offer them. I''ll have to ponder over the logistics of how to move forward," Aisha remarked with a touch of despondency. After a moment of silence passed between them, she continued, "There''s so much to consider right now, and not even a few facts to grasp. For now, let''s go catch some Watchers. I''m sure at least one of the other two is already inside the library, ready to seize the books the instant the clerks return them to the shelves. And I know exactly which table they''ll be at," Aisha declared.

    "After you!" Elduran said, gesturing toward the door.

    As they strolled through the streets in those late morning hours, the absolute squalor and destitution of this town became increasingly evident. More people donned rags than decent clothing. Beggars seemed to outnumber passersby, and nearly every shopkeeper stationed a Pok¨¦mon or two at their entrance for protection. If the whole town mirrored this section, Elduran thought it would surely be the most dismal town he¡¯d ever visited. Fighting, Rock, and Ground type Pok¨¦mon appeared to be the popular choice among the inhabitants of this part of Tenera. The Rock and Ground types, Elduran speculated, were likely favored for their utility in quarrying, while Fighting types, often humanoid, were well-suited for labor and security. Without question, Machoke was the most prevalent Pok¨¦mon here. Its evolved form, Machamp, was an unattainable aspiration for these townsfolk. For a Machoke to evolve, it would need to achieve some notable triumph¡ªa championship, perhaps, or the collection of all badges, and winning a local tournament was also a common path. Yet, these people seemed destined never to win such accolades. Still, Machoke remained formidable, and encountering a Machamp in the wild was nearly unheard of.

    In a secluded alleyway facing the small plaza before the library, three children and a Cubone, seemingly homeless, huddled together, trying desperately to kindle a firepit with scant scraps of paper. Judging by the pot they had precariously positioned above the embers, they were likely attempting to concoct a rudimentary soup or something akin to it. Elduran retrieved Cyndaquil''s Pok¨¦ball, and upon releasing it, instructed Cyndaquil to use Ember to light the fire. The children erupted with joy and swiftly began to request money. Cyndaquil, delighted to assist, radiated happiness, and Elduran summoned it back to his side.

    Aisha approached the kids. "We won''t give you money; that won''t solve your problem. But I can offer something better. Is that Cubone your partner?" she inquired.

    One of the kids, a girl no older than ten, spoke up, "Yes, he''s our friend and part of our family. But please, just a few Cetis?" she pleaded.

    Aisha gestured for Cubone to come to her, which it did. "Do you know what a TM is? A technical machine? I have a Flamethrower TM. Teaching it to you would be more valuable than anything else I could offer. I know Cubones can learn it. My father has a Cubone, and it knows Flamethrower," Aisha explained.

    "Boney doesn''t have a Pok¨¦ball. We can''t afford one," one of the two boys admitted.

    "Oh, I understand. None of you are older than sixteen, so it''s impossible to register a Pok¨¦ball in your name. I''ll catch him, teach him the TM, and then release him right away. Do we have a deal?" Aisha asked.

    "Wow, you''ll do that for us? Boney, please let her catch you temporarily. You''ll become so strong," urged the other boy.

    Cubone became excited at the prospect of growing stronger.

    Aisha took out one of her empty Pok¨¦balls, leaned down, and touched it to Cubone. Cubone transformed into a flash of red light, absorbed by the Pok¨¦ball. The ball didn''t even shake. She retrieved a small pink case from her bag, revealing at least six TMs as Elduran watched. She picked up one small disk and after holding it against Cubone''s Pok¨¦ball for five seconds, a ring of blue light flashed. She returned the disk to the case, then placed her thumb in the flashing ring, and after three seconds, the light dissipated.

    "There, he can now start practicing Flamethrower, a high-level move. You need to be cautious with him, or they may take him away. Understand?" Aisha asked.

    The little girl approached Aisha and hugged her waist. "Thank you," was all she could manage.

    "You''re welcome. One more thing before we go our way," Aisha said as she pressed her thumb again on the Pok¨¦ball, activated her phone''s Pok¨¦ball app, and the Pok¨¦ball broke. A red light emerged, reforming into Cubone. "Boney, I''ve given you the knowledge of Flamethrower, but you need to practice every day. I''d suggest one of you take Boney outside town daily and have him practice. You only need a small flame. When one of you turns sixteen, you must catch him. Until then, keep it a secret that he knows Flamethrower, okay? Always have him use a weak one to light fires. When he belongs to one of you, then you can go all out with a full-powered one. Now off you go, and when the time comes, use this¡ªit''s unregistered. I always carry a few unregistered Pok¨¦balls with me," Aisha instructed, handing one of her empty Pok¨¦balls to the little girl. She, Elduran, and their Pok¨¦mon then began to walk away.

    "Wow, that was generous, and here I thought you were heartless," Elduran remarked.

    "Well... semi-heartless. I did it to recruit them. Look at where they hang out¡ªa perfect vantage point to see who goes in and out of the library," Aisha replied.

    "Utterly heartless indeed, yet I admire it! While you may place them in some peril, you''ve undeniably illuminated their prospects. That lad must be around fourteen, and in a couple of years, merely that TM and Pok¨¦ball could remarkably simplify their existence. Cubone, being a Ground-type Pok¨¦mon, could prove invaluable in quarry work, with that bone of his capable of shattering anything. I reckon the fire might be beneficial too. You possess an astonishing knack for accounting for every minute detail. It''s worth noting that you didn''t even initiate this¡ªI did. You are both awe-inspiring and daunting. Assure me, please, that you''ll never aspire to become a Champion in any region or a politician. The thought of you wielding power is truly terrifying," Elduran remarked.

    "You''re insufferable. How you take a compliment and twist it by the end is beyond me," Aisha retorted.

    "Well, I''m glad at least something is beyond you," Elduran chuckled.

    As Elduran and Aisha approached the library''s entrance, Aisha glanced down.

    "There''s still blood on the pavement from one of those thugs," Aisha remarked. "He hit the ground face first after that security guard threw him out last night."

    Elduran followed her gaze and spotted the blood. "You might have mentioned this sooner. I can make use of it. Do you know how keen Cyndaquil''s sense of smell is?" Elduran queried.

    "Actually, I don''t. But I should have spoken up earlier. I need to remember that what seems insignificant to me might be crucial for you," Aisha replied.

    "Exactly," Elduran nodded as he crouched and called Cyndaquil over. "See this blood here? Give it a sniff¡ªwe need to track its path," he instructed Cyndaquil.

    "You know, I won''t be much help with this. You track the blood while I head inside. Keep your phone handy, and only reply with texts. Also, assuming you value my deductive theories, I suspect they''re staying very close to the library, so stay discreet."

    "You found me in Asven''s capital with just your theories in the dead of night, so yes, I trust them," Elduran affirmed.

    Cyndaquil seemed to catch a scent, sniffing his way around the library toward the north, between the library and the gym, with Elduran in tow while Aisha slipped through the library door disappearing into the tumultuous world of books and mysteries.

 Chapter 10 - Cyndaquils Debut

    Chapter 10 - Cyndaquil''s Debut

    Aisha found herself once again inside the library, this time handing over her Pok¨¦mon to an elderly security guard instead of Faelan. The man, likely in his late sixties, was short but surprisingly fit for his age. His clean-shaven face and sparse hair contrasted sharply with his constant smile, which immediately put Aisha at ease.

    "I must say, you''re much more pleasant than that young man from last night," Aisha remarked.

    "Why, thank you, miss. But you''re surely speaking of Faelan. He''s a good lad, just had it rough in life," the old guard replied.

    Intrigued, Aisha pressed, "What happened to him, if you don''t mind my asking?"

    "You know, miss, it''s not my place to say. All in all, I get it if he offended you. He tends to make people uncomfortable just by... well, being there. How about I apologize on his behalf and we call it a day?" the old man offered.

    "Oh, you misunderstand completely. Where are my manners? I''m Aisha, by the way," she said.

    "Anthony. Pleased to meet you, miss. What do you mean I misunderstand?"

    Aisha''s curiosity peaked. She sensed an opportunity to learn more about Faelan''s past. Leaning closer to Anthony, she whispered, feigning embarrassment, "You see, I found Faelan very helpful yesterday. I just meant you''re more pleasant, not that he offended me. Actually, I think he''s quite handsome, and I could use some information about him... you know, to avoid offending him somehow."

    Anthony''s face lit up. "Oh my, that makes me so happy to hear. But I see your point; it''s easy to offend him. Let me give you the short version. He joined a special forces unit in Kanto. His family lived in Cerulean during the Zapdos attack. His unit was deployed there, but poor Faelan was only twenty then, just a few years into service. Tragically, his family perished along with his entire unit. He blames himself - not for his family''s demise, mind you - but I believe, driven by fear of losing them, he might have endangered his unit somehow. Who could blame him?"

    "That''s heartbreaking," Aisha said, unsure if she was still pretending or genuinely empathizing. "Between you and me, I think Faelan''s handling himself remarkably well, all things considered. I''d be far worse off."

    "I''m so glad you feel that way. He needs some light in his life, something to brighten him up," Anthony said.

    Aisha, recalling Elduran''s nickname for her, thought how close Anthony''s comment had hit home. "How did he end up in Tenera though? Surely gaining citizenship couldn''t have been easy," she asked, immediately regretting the obvious probing.

    "Well, his mother was originally from here, born and raised in Dirthrow. He has dual citizenship. After quitting the military, he probably wanted to get as far from Kanto as possible. Dirthrow became his escape, you might say," Anthony explained.

    Realizing she might be asking too many questions, Aisha decided to wrap up the conversation. "Thank you so much for all this information. I knew he was a good man. I won''t take any more of your time. It was a pleasure talking to you, Anthony."

    "The pleasure was mine, miss, but... don''t you want to ask for his number?" Anthony asked with a wink.

    Aisha found his concern for Faelan endearing. "I already have it. Asked for it last night, and he gave it to me," she replied, winking back and inwardly smiling at the technical truth of her statement.

    "I knew there was something special about you. I hope you see the real him soon. Don''t let me hold you up any longer. Take care, Aisha," Anthony said, returning to his desk.

    Aisha offered a crisp salute and ascended to the library''s second floor. Despite the delay, she deemed the detour valuable. Perhaps Elduran was acquainted with him; after all, APSO primarily handled legendary Pok¨¦mon incidents, so he likely belonged to their ranks, though other units occasionally stepped in when APSO was otherwise engaged.

    Aisha immediately saw two individuals seated at the same desk where she had seen another pair of people the previous day. They were absorbed in their phones. Both bore the native olive complexion of Tenera. One was a man with short, dark brown hair, clean-shaven, sporting glasses, and a notably muscular build. The other was a woman with long, straight black hair cascading to her shoulders, distinguished by a slightly longer than average nose. The word ''raven'' sprang to Aisha''s mind at the sight of her. They appeared to be in their forties, sitting in close proximity, which led Aisha to speculate they might be a couple.

    As she approached their table, they glanced at her, and she offered a nod, continuing on her way. This time, unlike with the Cleavers, she felt she didn''t exude fear. She supposed Elduran''s influence was indeed washing over her. As she passed, she discreetly glimpsed them out of the corner of her eye¡ªdefinitely a couple, she decided. The man''s hand rested on the woman''s thigh. Perhaps they were a couple, or perhaps just very close friends. Elduran would undoubtedly call them ''fuck buddies'', she mused, amused by the thought.

    She proceeded to a table about fifty feet past the corner, positioned almost directly above the main entrance. From this vantage point, she could observe them clearly, with only two sets of rails separating them¡ªtheirs on their side, hers on hers. There were no spiral staircases obstructing her view; she needed to capture a photo this time. At least Elduran would get a glimpse of two of their faces. As for the other two, he¡¯d have to make do with her descriptions for now.

    With her phone in hand, she zoomed in, feigning disinterest as she captured their image. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed a man in a white lab coat approaching them. She snapped the picture and lowered her phone to watch the scene unfold.

    Jabari seemed to be fixated on her for a moment, then refocused his attention on the pair. He leaned down, spoke with them briefly, and left their table. The pair looked furious, their eyes following him with silent fury as he moved toward Aisha. Turning a corner, he aimed directly for her, speaking without pausing, his gaze fixed ahead, "You! Fourth floor, back wall, wait five minutes before coming."

    Aisha considered the scenarios, confident that he wasn''t aligned with the pair based on his demeanor yesterday. She determined there was no immediate threat, but sent Elduran a text detailing the situation along with the photo. His reply was a morbid emoji of a head with a knife through it¡ªtypical, she thought. If anything happened, Jabari would certainly encounter Elduran¡¯s wrath.

    After about six minutes, she stood and headed for the fourth floor. This time she opted for the main staircase, avoiding the spiral ones she disliked. The main staircase was at the back wall, where she needed to go. Upstairs, she found him at a small desk in the far corner, with only two chairs. She took a seat opposite him

    "You stand out too much, girl. Next time, try a wig¡ªit¡¯s hard to forget someone with hair like green and yellow," remarked Jabari.

    "For a lab coat, your observational skills are sharp. Who are you really?" Aisha inquired.

    "My observation skills are lousy; you¡¯re just too conspicuous. You were fortunate those two aren''t the same ones from yesterday," Jabari elaborated.

    "So, who are you?" Aisha pressed once more, her curiosity piqued.

    "I''m Jabari, an aspiring Pok¨¦mon professor," he declared with a hint of pride.

    Aisha introduced herself in turn. "I''m Aisha. As far as I know, this is the only region without a Professor dedicated to any major Pok¨¦mon research," she observed, her tone a mix of interest and concern.

    "That''s precisely why I''m determined to become one. I need a compelling field of study, something to prove my worth, preferably a unique area that other regions haven''t explored," Jabari replied.

    "So, that''s the reason for your presence here," Aisha surmised.

    Jabari offered her a gentle smile and simply nodded in affirmation.

    "How many new fields could possibly remain? Kanto delves into human-Pok¨¦mon interaction, Johto focuses on Pok¨¦mon evolution, and so on. Is there truly an unexplored field left?" Aisha wondered aloud.

    "Yes," Jabari stated with evident pride, "deciphering ancient mythologies to uncover the secrets of locating Mythical and Legendary Pok¨¦mon, and, importantly, understanding our actions upon encountering them."

    "Wow, you''re essentially attempting to validate with science what all these monasteries and temples have been proclaiming about their legendary Pok¨¦mon scattered across every region? That''s quite the undertaking. Good luck swaying the Sinnoh temples, for that matter! Especially if your findings diverge from their long-held beliefs. Who knows, perhaps you''ll discover that Arceus didn''t create the world," Aisha quipped.

    "In the end, science always wins out. Besides, these Watchers are on the verge of dismantling these temples and monasteries themselves. Let those religious fanatics believe what they will. But this isn''t divine retribution from Arceus for mistreating Pok¨¦mon; the Watchers are real, and acceptance is overdue. Though we lack tangible evidence, if Arceus intended our destruction, we wouldn''t be here. They''ve managed to command these Mythical beasts, contrary to what their sermons deem impossible," Jabari asserted.

    "Are you examining Legendary Pok¨¦mon, or is it the Watchers you''re focused on?" Aisha inquired.

    "Both, as they have intertwined over the past several decades," Jabari clarified.

    "And yet, you confess this openly. I could be one of them," Aisha remarked.

    "I''m certain you are not. Moreover, observing you, it''s obvious you''re actually pursuing them. Whom are you working for? You''re not a local, and being here is not exactly training to take on the gym," Jabari stated.

    "I am not obligated to answer that," Aisha said as she rose to leave.

    "I apologize if I offended you, but please, sit down. I am in search of allies. My fianc¨¦ and I are in way over our heads."

    They had mentioned needing allies just this morning. She could at least hear him out. She resumed her seat.

    "What do you have against the Watchers, and in what capacity?" Aisha asked.

    "I seek to understand their patterns, to predict their attacks, and ultimately to save lives. In what role are you pursuing this? Are you a journalist or something?" Jabari inquired.

    "Oh, I am definitely not a journalist. Jabari, I feel a strong sense of trust toward you¡ªthough my intuition hardly ever fails me¡ªI must consult my partner''s more practical judgment before revealing further details," Aisha replied.

    "Sounds fair! Hand over your phone, and I''ll trust you with my number. You can call me anytime to arrange a meeting. I won¡¯t need your number; I''m choosing to trust you without expectation. Just know that wherever we meet, my fianc¨¦ will accompany me. She is the more practical one between us also, perhaps a bit too practical, you are warned," Jabari said with a smile.

    Aisha passed her phone to him. After dialing his number and returning the phone, she saved his contact information.

    "I think I''m finished here anyway. There''s not much else I can do. I mostly came to see the faces of the other two. Like you said, I''m too obvious," Aisha said.

    "So it was you. They thought I somehow pushed the other two out. That''s why they were mad at me, and that¡¯s why you were confident you''d find the other two today. It all makes sense now. How did you manage that?" Jabari asked.

    "Damn, this means you''re in danger. I''d feel terrible if something happened to you because of what I did. Yes, I recorded them threatening your life and showed it to the security guard," Aisha admitted.

    "Ah, that explains a lot," Jabari said.

    "Jabari, I''ll be in touch soon. But for now, I suggest you take your fianc¨¦ and stay in a public place until I reach out. Whether it''s a park or a restaurant, it doesn¡¯t matter, just avoid being in your hotel room or wherever you''re staying," Aisha advised.

    "Alright, that sounds smart. I''ll do exactly that. Let''s get moving, I''ll leave first," Jabari said.

    Jabari departed, and shortly after, Aisha followed, sending a text to Elduran expressing an urgent need to talk.

    ***

    Cyndaquil paused at the first building to the north of the library, persistently butting his head against the door, a clear signal for Elduran to open it for him.

    "Easy there, Forge. You did an excellent job!" Elduran encouraged, and as always, Cyndaquil basked in the joy of the praise.

    The structure was a three-story rectangular edifice, with ¡°hotel¡± scrawled with black brush strokes above the main glass door, contrasting sharply against the pale gray stone of the fa?ade, though two letters had nearly faded away completely. He opened the door and stepped inside. Behind the reception desk sat a very plump woman in her late sixties. Elduran approached her, knowing that securing a room was the best course of action. He noticed Cyndaquil about to head up the stairs, nose to the ground.

    "Forge, come here, please," Elduran called, and Cyndaquil obediently returned to him. Elduran picked him up and, moving back towards the entrance, whispered, "When the lady isn''t watching, find out which door the scent is coming from, then come right back to me, okay?" Setting Cyndaquil down, he hurried over to where the woman was seated, positioning himself far to her left so that she had to turn her head away from the staircase. Elduran doubted Cyndaquil understood the details of his plan, and even if he did, compliance was uncertain.

    The idea was simple: if Cyndaquil could discern the correct floor, Elduran would request a room there, stalling for time. "I apologize, my Cyndaquil is incredibly curious," he said, catching the woman¡¯s attention as she turned towards him. From the corner of his eye, Elduran saw Cyndaquil wait patiently until her gaze was averted before trotting up the stairs. Elduran noted with satisfaction that Cyndaquil was truly improving.

    "Hello, sir. I''m sorry, but we don''t have any rooms available," the old lady informed him.

    Elduran was astounded. A hotel in Dirthrow, in this godforsaken town, completely booked? It seemed impossible. He might not be the sharpest, but he prided himself on his way with words. There had to be a trick to this, surely those four had secured the entire inn. He needed a clever approach to glean more information. Direct confrontation was out of the question; that would be too blatant. Aisha, with her keen instincts, would undoubtedly assess whether this woman was a mere employee, the owner, or perhaps linked to the organization. An idea struck him¡ªthe possible watchers had been staying here for nearly ten weeks, if his memory served him right.

    "Oh, what a pity! I was here four months ago and would have loved to rent one of your rooms again. It was such a delightful experience. Are you really fully booked? When might a room become available?" inquired Elduran.

    "I''m afraid you misunderstand. The rooms are unavailable because we''re renovating. I wasn''t working here back then¡ªthe previous owner sold this place, and the new owner hired me," explained the old lady.

    "If you¡¯re renovating, why is the door open?" Elduran asked, realizing he might be scrutinizing her too closely. Hastily, he added, "Had there been a sign saying ''closed,'' I wouldn¡¯t have bothered you. Your time is valuable," though he was certain there was no construction occurring in the building.

    "Oh, don''t trouble yourself over my time. The new owner wanted to leave the door open to give the impression that the establishment is still operational. It''s one of his peculiarities. Plus, he likes not having to unlock two doors to get to his room. I can''t quite grasp how that makes any sense," the old lady replied.

    This was beyond Elduran''s comprehension. The notion that they had purchased the entire property merely for those four to play the role of scholars utterly puzzled him. It might be advantageous to determine which floor they resided on, yet he felt confident that Cyndaquil had likely already deduced that; Elduran hadn''t even noticed him descend; suddenly, he was already standing right beside him. This was far preferable, as he preferred not to have her inform them about a man nosily inquiring about them. Aisha sent a message indicating she would converse with the lab coat-clad individual she had mentioned the previous day, accompanied by a photograph of a man and a woman. Two out of the four faces were now etched in his memory. He responded with an emoji he customarily sent to his companions. His task here was complete.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

    "I regret that I am unable to rent a room at this time. Perhaps on another occasion. Have a wonderful day!" Elduran conveyed to her.

    "Take care, sir," responded the elderly lady.

    As he approached the exit, two individuals entered: a dark-skinned, heavyset man, completely bald, and a slender woman with cascading blonde hair. They matched Aisha''s description exactly; all four faces were now engrained in his memory. Jackpot! He regarded them with an air of innocence.

    "Hello! It seems this establishment is closed due to renovation. What a shame. It''s the ideal spot if you wish to stay near the gym," Elduran remarked.

    The man scrutinized him, contemplating a reply. "Yes, indeed. We''re here to tally the materials required for the renovation."

    Catching a lie would be effortless, Elduran mused, but his goal was to become a forgotten encounter. So he played along.

    "Well, best of luck to you! I''ll leave you to it. Farewell!" Elduran said as he departed the premises followed by Cyndaquil.

    Upon stepping out, he turned right, and then quickly took another right into a narrow alley barely wide enough for a car to squeeze between the buildings. Elduran began counting windows, estimating two per room¡ªone for the bathroom, one for the sleeping area. He counted eight in total, suggesting four rooms on each side, amounting to eight rooms per floor. The alley behind the apartments expanded into a broad road, easily accommodating two cars. Thus far, the only vehicles Elduran had encountered were trucks, likely transporting stone from the quarries on the town''s outskirts to the north, where the monorail station was situated.

    Elduran released Vivillon and knelt beside Cyndaquil.

    "Were you able to find out which room they''re in, Forge?" Elduran inquired of Cyndaquil.

    "Cyyyyn," responded Cyndaquil.

    Vivillon was on the verge of speaking, but Elduran gestured her to pause.

    "Hold on, before you translate, let me attempt to understand him myself. I owe him that," Elduran said to Vivillon. He turned back to Cyndaquil, "Is it the first floor?" he asked, motioning towards the second-floor windows of the building.

    "Cyyyyyyyyn," growled Cyndaquil in reply.

    "So, that''s a no. Third floor it is, then," Elduran chuckled, moving on to the more intricate query, "Which specific room? Viv, hold back for a moment, let him try to explain it to me," Elduran said.

    "Viiiii," Vivillon replied with a smile, clearly relishing the exchange between Elduran and Cyndaquil.

    Cyndaquil dashed across to the far side of the building, with Elduran in pursuit, not attempting to hold him back. Cyndaquil paused at the first window on the left as he faced the building from the rear. So, a back corner room, Elduran mused, likely for that bald one¡ªpresumably the leader, he speculated. This is valuable information, he thought. We''ve got all four of their faces and know their residence. A more productive day than he anticipated.

    "Excellent work, Forge!" Elduran praised Cyndaquil.

    "Cyyyyyn," Cyndaquil replied, just as Vivillon descended to embrace him with her wings.

    "Alright, Viv...you can release him now," Elduran gently reminded her.

    Vivillon released him. Elduran glanced at the road before him, his mind clouded with thoughts of the dismal hotel, oblivious to the coffee shop right in front of him. The sign proclaimed ''Traditional Fine Coffee''. His destination was clear. Another stone building, single-story, with a barely operable door, yet as long as the coffee was exceptional, its appearance mattered little to him. He stepped inside with Vivillon and Cyndaquil trailing behind. A young boy rudely brushed past, racing to what could loosely be called the counter. Essentially a large table, it supported four gas burners preparing coffee. The boy didn''t even offer an apology. He only turned momentarily to Elduran,

    "Awesome! You''re a trainer. We should have a battle," he declared without awaiting a reply, shifting his focus to the old man behind the desk, who was preparing drinks, likely for the only other two patrons in the room. There were just two tables, each with four chairs. These, alongside the larger one with burners and a register, occupied most of the space. At least the walls were coated with bright white plaster, lending the interior a sense of novelty uncommon in this town. Business appeared to be thriving, hopefully due to the quality of the coffee. "Could I get an Iced Latte, extra sweet?" the boy requested of the man.

    "Huh? I haven''t the foggiest what that is. Besides, I don''t even have any ice. I''m pretty sure I can''t assist you with that," the old man replied, and Elduran allowed a faint smile to play across his lips.

    "Really? What kind of lousy place is this? Well, it seems I''ll have to trudge all the way to the Pok¨¦Caf¨¦. What a pain," the boy grumbled as he turned toward the exit, the old man and the two patrons silently watching him.

    Elduran seized the boy''s arm, his voice firm, "I''ll say this just once¡ªyou need to return to that gentleman over there and offer him an apology," he said, gesturing towards the old man.

    "Let go of me. Just who do you think you are?" the boy challenged.

    "I''m the guy who''s going to kick your butt unless you go back and do the right thing," Elduran retorted.

    In a flash, the boy snatched both his Pok¨¦balls, his movements surprisingly swift.

    "If you don''t let me go right now, my two Pok¨¦mon will make you regret it, crazy grump. I¡¯m sure your Vivillon and Cyndaquil will jump in to defend you, and this place will end up in ruins. Then, you¡¯ll find yourself apologizing to him, not me, because I was just defending myself. Release me, or I let them loose," the boy warned Elduran.

    Elduran, seeing no other choice, set him free. The boy, still clutching his two Pok¨¦balls, addressed Elduran, "If you can beat me in a two-on-two Pok¨¦ball battle, I''ll come back and apologize to him. Let''s move, there''s a nice open area by the monorail station."

    "Alright, it''s a deal, let''s go," Elduran replied, sensing an opportunity, though lacking his Heracross, which was likely healed by now, added a layer of difficulty. He followed the boy out, postponing his coffee until after the battle. The boy seemed to be a first-year trainer, probably around sixteen, with medium brown hair and no facial hair, not even the stray hairs typical of teenagers. He wore a black leather vest without a shirt, heavily distressed jean shorts, and tan leather boots. A blue hat with a Pok¨¦ball logo sat atop his head, paired with blue prescription glasses. He was a short lad, no taller than ''5-5", appearing to be on the cusp of building some muscle on his lean frame.

    Elduran received a message from Aisha, urging him to meet her as soon as possible. Elduran contemplated the upcoming battle as an opportunity to grow stronger and was reluctant to cancel. He messaged Aisha, suggesting they meet near the monorail and mentioning a Pok¨¦mon battle he had planned with a baby opponent, someone a bit younger than she was.

    The northern side of town appeared noticeably more refined than the southern areas, with homes and shops looking as if they had been rejuvenated into new constructions. Upon reaching the monorail station, positioned by the sea and the river, the surrounding architecture appeared in immaculate condition. This was likely the neighborhood of the town''s politicians and quarry owners. The roads here were notably wide and, unlike the dusty paths elsewhere, were at least covered with gravel. Adjacent to the monorail lay a small dock, which was overshadowed by the monorail station, tenfold in size. The area buzzed with trucks offloading rocks into containers, which cranes lifted onto monorail train wagons. It was clear that there were far more trucks than passengers.

    Adjacent to the monorail and alongside the river sprawled a ravaged expanse, likely worn by relentless Pok¨¦mon battles. Elduran viewed it as the unofficial training grounds frequented by trainers in Dirthrow.

    "Alright, here we go. Two-on-two with one switch allowed. Are you good with a wager of 1000 cetis?" the young boy inquired.

    "Oh, so you want to put money on it too? How about this: if you win, I won¡¯t kick your ass. If I win, you crawl back over there and beg for forgiveness," Elduran proposed.

    "Fine by me. I enjoy putting loudmouths like you in their place. I¡¯m undefeated so far, and I doubt you stand a chance. I¡¯ve been training to be a Pok¨¦mon trainer since before I was ten, taught by one of the best," the young boy declared confidently.

    "Oh really, and who might that be?" Elduran mocked, a glint of skepticism in his eye.

    "As if I¡¯d tell a nobody like you. I¡¯m going to be known as Zane the Invincible, celebrated across all regions," Zane proclaimed.

    "Zane, huh? So you¡¯re aiming to become a champion, are you?" Elduran asked, amused by the boy¡¯s bravado.

    "Champion? They¡¯re nothing but assholes, slightly better than politicians¡ªif that. They have power but choose to do nothing with it," Zane retorted with disdain.

    "A freelance trainer, then? That¡¯s intriguing. Not many at sixteen aim for that path; they usually get nudged in that direction after they¡¯ve had their fill with the league. What made you despise the league at such a young age?" Elduran mused.

    "That''s none of your damned business. Are we doing this or not?" Zane snapped.

    Aisha arrived with Hatenna trailing behind her and Togetic gliding above. She looked at Elduran. "The meeting I mentioned will take place here. Two more participants will join us after your battle. So, this is the baby you talked about? Seems older than a baby, but judging by maturity and from what little I overheard, maybe you''re not far off," Aisha remarked.

    "Maturity? What do you know about maturity? You two, huh? Don''t make me laugh. Enough delay, we''re starting now. Once I crush you, I''m heading to the Pok¨¦caf¨¦ for some decent coffee," Zane declared, releasing a Mienfoo that immediately began punching and kicking the air.

    Elduran found it odd that Zane hadn''t waited for them to release their first Pok¨¦mon simultaneously. Either he was exceptionally skilled or just extremely overconfident. The Mienfoo appeared very energetic. Elduran instructed Vivillon to step forward.

    "Viv, unleash Gust!" Elduran commanded.

    "Mienfoo, Fake Out, then Pound," Zane instructed with a confident smile.

    Vivillon began to summon a gust, but Mienfoo reached her in a flash, striking her face with both palms, disrupting her Gust. It then followed up with a blow from its thigh.

    At least Fake Out can only be used once each time she exits her Pok¨¦ball, Elduran thought.

    "Mienfoo, Hone Claws!" Zane called out.

    So close to Vivillon, Elduran mused. The audacity of this kid.

    "Viv, use Psybeam!" Elduran ordered.

    Vivillon emitted a purple beam that shot toward Mienfoo.

    "Cancel and dodge, quickly!" Zane shouted.

    Mienfoo leaped to the side, but even in her agile dodge, Psybeam clipped her foot, causing her to lose her footing and crash to the ground. She skillfully rolled several times before rising again, though clearly in pain from the hit.

    "Another Psybeam, Viv," Elduran ordered, aiming to exploit the super effective power of psychic attacks against a fighting type.

    Just before Psybeam reached Mienfoo, Zane swiftly recalled her and released a Toxel. Without missing a beat, he retrieved a berry from his pocket and tossed it towards Toxel. Instinctively, Toxel opened his mouth and swallowed it whole with practiced ease.

    Elduran recalled that Toxel possessed the move Belch, a formidable attack best utilized at close range. To unleash it, Toxel required the consumption of any type of berry. Though he should have acted more swiftly, Elduran found himself truly impressed by this young trainer. The kid''s knowledge and ability to issue rapid commands stood out. Unafraid to halt attacks midway, he fought with the acumen not typical of a first-year trainer.

    "Viv, maintain your distance. Toxel isn''t known for long-range attacks. Initiate a Gust," Elduran instructed.

    "Charge straight towards her," Zane ordered.

    Toxel surged forward at a speed far exceeding Elduran''s expectations. As Vivillon unleashed a Gust, Zane shouted, "Tearful Eyes!"

    Toxel''s eyes welled with tears as he gazed at Vivillon, causing even the stoic Elduran to shift uncomfortably, let alone the delicate butterfly Pok¨¦mon. The gust attack, already set in motion, maintained its full force, yet Toxel charged through it, bracing his tiny feet and absorbing the brunt of the damage. Vivillon stood momentarily bewildered, a pang of guilt striking her as she faced an opponent weeping so intensely. As the gust subsided, Toxel, now bleeding from numerous wounds, leaped towards Vivillon with fierce determination, not waiting for any command from Zane.

    "Hold back on Belch for now; brush against her gently, Nuzzle!" Zane ordered.

    "Viv, step aside," Elduran directed, aware that she still grappled with the lingering effects of those tears.

    She attempted to dodge, yet her speed failed her, and Toxel was upon her in an instant, delivering a shock with one of the least potent electric attacks known in the world of Pok¨¦mon. However, this Nuzzle seemed far stronger than normal, and Vivillon suffered greatly, being a flying type vulnerable to electricity. Despite the excruciating pain, she persevered and, without waiting for a command from Elduran, unleashed struggle bug. Her body emitted a flurry of fuzzy needles, relentlessly bombarding Toxel into submission.

    "Toxel, Belch!" called Zane with a smile.

    As Toxel was plummeting to the ground, it let out an ear-splitting belch, unleashing a purple wave that crashed into Vivillon, causing her to faint almost instantly. Toxel too succumbed, knocked out by the struggle bug. Just before Toxel could hit the ground, Zane swiftly recalled him, sparing him the drop. Elduran made no such effort; Vivillon landed with a dull thud. He sighed and recalled her.

    "Forge, it¡¯s on you!" Elduran announced, noticing Zane¡¯s confident grin. Zane had accurately judged Vivillon to be the greater threat compared to Cyndaquil, and he managed to bring her down using, perhaps, his least formidable Pok¨¦mon. His Mienfoo seemed like the danger. Elduran acknowledged Zane''s tactical advantage.

    Zane reintroduced Mienfoo to the fray. Without delay, he commanded, "Hone Claws!"

    "Ember, Forge!" Elduran countered.

    Mienfoo began sharpening her claws as Cyndaquil unleashed a fiery ember from his mouth, aiming directly at her. Just as she finished honing, and just before the ember reached her, she swiftly dodged to the side. Without any command, she darted toward Cyndaquil.

    "Smoke screen, Cyndaquil!" Elduran shouted, feeling his confidence waning.

    "Go in and use Force Palm," Zane instructed.

    Cyndaquil enveloped himself and the surrounding area in smoke, but Mienfoo plunged in regardless.

    "Sniff him out, evade his attack, and then strike with Ember," Elduran ordered.

    Neither trainer could see the ongoing battle. As the smoke cleared, Cyndaquil was emitting a continuous stream of flames toward Mienfoo, who held up her hand, absorbing most of the intense heat to protect her body.

    Cyndaquil is definitely upping his game, Elduran thought to himself.

    "Alright, Mienfoo, let''s end this¡ªDrain Punch!" Zane commanded.

    Mienfoo charged headlong at Cyndaquil through the flames, its fist poised for a life-draining energy punch that would heal some of the damage Mienfoo had sustained along the way.

    ¡°Dodge swiftly, Forge,¡± Elduran commanded.

    To Elduran''s surprise, Cyndaquil evaded the attack just in the nick of time, employing a barely functional quick attack as a means of escape. Not bad, Elduran mused; there was potential there, if only Cyndaquil''s attacks weren''t so feeble.

    ¡°Ember, once more,¡± Elduran instructed, begrudging the fact that it was the sole viable offensive move in this predicament.

    ¡°Detect,¡± Zane declared confidently.

    As the ember neared Mienfoo, it deftly sidestepped with a split-second dodge, almost as if she had teleported. In the blink of an eye, Mienfoo stood before Cyndaquil, executing a Force Palm that paralyzed him and swiftly concluding with a Drain Punch.

    Elduran returned Cyndaquil to its Pok¨¦ball. ¡°You performed beyond my expectations,¡± he admitted. He then turned to Zane, ¡°You truly have a knack for being a trainer, kid. A deal is a deal, so I''ll let you off the hook today; however, you''re still an absolute jerk. Try to show some courtesy to others. You don''t need to be kind or polite, just don¡¯t be a dick.¡±

    "Whatever," Zane remarked as he withdrew Mienfoo and made his way toward the town.

    Aisha caught up to him, "Wow, that kid''s impressive. I searched the database and couldn''t find a first-year trainer named Zane. But there is a Zanexanthos. Makes sense to go by Zane, don''t you think? What kind of name is that anyway?"

    Elduran turned to her and said, "If you ask me, he''s exceptionally talented. He wasn''t boasting either, likely because he was trained by a skilled mentor. That Toxel has been with him long before his sixteenth birthday. Though not officially his, someone kept it for him as he trained. Mienfoo is indeed a strong Pok¨¦mon, so it''s plausible to see it become this powerful in a short span if the trainer is adept. Assuming he acquired it at sixteen, it makes sense."

    "Damn, you''re becoming me in every way," Aisha remarked.

    "I''m not turning into you, but I do have a knack for assessing Pok¨¦mon strength, you know," Elduran replied.

    "Well, his grandfather is none other than Gaidin Freeks. The man who, years ago, dared to challenge the Hoenn champion not once, but six times, reaching the finals on each occasion. Nearly four decades have passed since he faced the previous Hoenn champion. He''s also immensely wealthy, commanding the majority of the trucking industry in Hoenn and overseeing the entire network of monorail trucking wagons in Tenera. A decade ago, at the age of 62, he came here, conquered all the gym badges, secured residency, and decided to settle down, all while maintaining his trucking empire in Mauville City, Hoenn."

    "But why on earth did he come here?" Elduran inquired.

    "His entire family¡ªhis wife, his son, his three daughters and their spouses, along with his grandchildren, except for his younger daughter''s son, who was only two at the time and remained with him in Mauville City¡ªvisited Lavaridge Town to enjoy the hot springs for a weekend, and all perished. I think you can guess the rest," Aisha said.

    "Blast it, the Groudon incident¡ªLavaridge is practically wiped off the map now. I heard it''s down to about ten residents. So, this grandson is Zane, and the old man settled here because it¡¯s the only region untouched by Legendary Pok¨¦mon attacks?" Elduran inquired.

    "As you probably guessed, he wanted to shield his last surviving family member, Zanexanthos," Aisha replied.

    "That explains his disdain for the Pok¨¦mon league trainers. It all falls into place," Elduran nodded.

    "True, he''s had a tough run, but I bet Gaidin taught him to battle with Pok¨¦mon as soon as he could talk," Elduran mused.

    "Look at you, admiring him. Oh, I see it now, you''re about the same age¡ªdid you start to fancy him?" Elduran teased with a grin.

    "What? Absolutely not! That immature kid," Aisha scoffed.

    "Oh no, I see what''s going on. You want to recruit him. That''s a big no from me¡ªno more kids in this operation," Elduran asserted.

    "Alright, just throwing it out there. He probably despises the watchers, plus, he''s a capable trainer, and you know..." Aisha was interrupted as Elduran interjected.

    "If he lives through the next few years and we somehow survive as well, he can join us¡ªor honestly, by then, he might be so powerful that we''d end up joining him," Elduran sighed.

    "That''s fine with me; you''re the one who mentioned wanting a team. But there are a couple of people you should meet. Look, here they come now, from the distance," Aisha pointed out, as a man and a woman approached. Aisha quickly gave him the abridged version of her story with Jabari. She was obviously surprised when he didn¡¯t seem to object to the idea of forming a team, knowing so little about them. All Elduran cared about was that they weren¡¯t part of the Watchers and, like them, held a clear dislike for that group. Now, he just needed to gauge how deep that dislike ran and what measures they were willing to take to counter them.

    The man, exactly like Aisha had described, wore a lab coat. The woman appeared to be in her early thirties, with dark skin, fluffy black curly hair, and an athletic build. She donned a white tank top with gray joggers, complemented by white sneakers, and had two Pok¨¦balls clipped to her waist. Jabari also had two Pok¨¦balls.

    As they drew nearer, Jabari''s fianc¨¦ spoke first, her words cutting through the air with precision. "Let''s dispense with the pleasantries¡ªthe handshakes and all that jazz can wait until we know there''s a need for them. If we''re not going to work together, there''s no point in getting acquainted. What exactly is your aim with the Watchers? Actually, scratch that. We''ll go first. Jabari was somewhat frank with Aisha earlier. We''re gathering information to expose them, hoping that some government or league can finally put an end to them."

    Elduran marveled at her directness; it was his turn to speak. "Wow, straight to the point. I absolutely love it. We share the same objective, but here''s where we need to align: at least for myself¡ªthough I can''t speak for Aisha¡ªI''m willing to kill to keep them from knowing I''m on their trail. Otherwise, I just don''t see how we can succeed," Elduran asserted.

    "What on earth is wrong with those two?" Aisha burst out, unable to contain herself any longer.

    "I cautioned you about her," Jabari said with a sly smile.

    "This is bizarre¡ªI don''t even know her name," Aisha admitted.

    "Her name''s Anaya," Jabari interjected on her behalf.

    Anaya turned to Jabari, saying, "You see, I told you they are far more serious about this than we are. I don''t think we can actually kill anyone. Oh well, it was worth a try."

    Jabari locked eyes with her, his face fell, and he murmured, "My love, I don''t think we have a choice in this matter. What do you suppose they''ll do if they find out we spared any of the Watchers? At least after we''ve gathered all the information we need from them."

    "Fuck," was all Anaya could muster.

    "Who are ''they''?" Elduran asked.

    Jabari turned to Anaya, studying her intently. She nodded. Jabari then faced Elduran, "We¡¯re working for someone."

    "You left that out of our conversation," Aisha interjected angrily.

    "Just let him speak. Who are ''they''?" Elduran asked with icy calm.

    "This is ''they,''" Jabari announced, raising one of his Pok¨¦balls and allowing it to settle on his palm. It was an Ultra Ball; in fact, both of them were.

    "You¡¯re working for a Pok¨¦mon? You¡¯ve lost your mind," Elduran exclaimed.

    "Oh shit," Aisha muttered, her voice quivering. "I had a feeling this was bound to happen sooner or later. All my theories and suspicions... I just couldn''t fathom that none of them would call on us for help. They''re actually being manipulated and used as tools even more than our regular Pok¨¦mon," Aisha concluded.

    "Am I missing something here?" Elduran asked.

    "I must say, you seem way smarter than you are," Anaya remarked.

    "You¡¯d be surprised how knowledgeable he is about some topics, and how utterly clueless about others," Aisha said to Anaya, then turned her attention to her partner. "Elduran... he has a legendary Pok¨¦mon in that ball."

 Chapter 11 - The Hit

    Chapter 11 - The Hit

    "How the fuck do have a legendary Pok¨¦mon inside a mere Ultra Ball? That''s downright impossible," Elduran exclaimed to Jabari.

    "They''re in there by choice," Jabari replied.

    "It''s incredible that even willingly, a Pok¨¦ball can contain a legendary Pok¨¦mon," Aisha marveled.

    "Well, a regular Pok¨¦ball or even a Great Ball couldn''t manage it, but we found that the Ultra Ball could. Still, if they wanted to break free, they could. This is the third Ultra Ball. They seem to be improving, and I think they''re starting to appreciate the environment the ball creates for them," Jabari explained.

    "Which Pok¨¦mon do you have in there?" Elduran inquired calmly.

    "Not here," Anaya interjected. She began to walk further away from the town towards the river and a half-standing stone bridge. "Let''s continue past the river, behind those huge rocks up ahead."

    The others simply nodded and began to follow her. As they crossed the bridge, Anaya turned to Elduran. "How is it that you two are chasing the Watchers with just two Pok¨¦balls, while she has four?" she asked, gesturing at Aisha.

    "I''ve got three¡ªone''s at the Pok¨¦mon Center. I haven''t been a trainer for long; I was more of a gun-and-shoot kind of guy growing up. But don''t underestimate Aisha; she''s a force with just those four. I notice you only have two as well, and so does Jabari," Elduran replied.

    "I only have two because I don''t battle with Pok¨¦mon. My profession is being an artist," Anaya explained.

    "A professor and an artist¡ªthis team''s shaping up to be quite the formidable force," Elduran commented sarcastically.

    "You can drop the sarcasm, Elduran. Always focus on a person''s strengths rather than their weaknesses, and then plan according to the team''s assets," Jabari advised.

    "Wow, that sounded really wise. Unfortunately, the meaning went right over my head," Elduran quipped.

    Once they were behind the massive rocks, Jabari picked up both of his Ultra Balls.

    "Each of these holds a legendary Pok¨¦mon," he revealed.

    "Why am I not surprised?" Elduran remarked.

    "Listen up: here''s a word of advice¡ªnever threaten them; instead, treat them as equals. In fact, it might be wiser to regard them as your superiors. One of them, Meltan, seems weak at the moment, but don¡¯t be fooled; they can easily break free from their confines whenever they choose. Perhaps ''weak'' applies only in the context of battle. There''s something inherently elusive about these mythical beings; in their digital form, they¡¯re nearly impossible to contain. Almost as if their strength lies in their limitless potential," Jabari asserted.

    "Meltan are undeniably adorable, and although it¡¯s rare to encounter one, they are among those mythical Pok¨¦mon you can actually encounter. Still, every trainer has been warned to never attempt to imprison any of them. When 201 Meltan fuse together, they transform into an alpha Meltan which gains the power to summon all of the other Meltan to its location to become a Melmetal. Those foolish enough to hold a Meltan against its will should prepare themselves; once a Melmetal emerges, they carry the collective memories of the Meltan from which they originated," Aisha explained.

    "That''s spot on. But how exactly did you come by that knowledge?" Jabari inquired.

    "I enjoy reading about legendary Pok¨¦mon myself," Aisha fibbed.

    "Ah, I see. A clever reply, but now how about the truth?" Jabari pressed.

    Aisha glanced at Elduran, who found the situation amusing. She knew he would simply urge her to confess. "Go ahead, tell them," Elduran encouraged.

    "I''m so getting fired. Anyway, I work for the Kanto Intelligence Agency. I''ve been sent here on a covert mission by my superior, somewhat against the agency''s directives. He and I firmly believe the Watcher''s main base is in Tenera, a belief most agencies across various regions dismiss," Aisha revealed.

    "Wow, an agent. Now I''m beginning to think that having a professor and an artist in your group might be a little foolish. Sorry, Elduran, but maybe you''re right," Anaya remarked.

    "Certainly more comforting than being a journalist," Jabari commented with a smile. "That does shed light on your knowledge of Meltan and Melmetal."

    "I am a former APSO from Kanto. I''ve spent my life training to counter these powerful Pok¨¦mon, yet this is the first I''m hearing about how a Melmetal comes into existence," Elduran confessed.

    "How is it possible for an APSO member to own Pok¨¦mon?" Jabari inquired.

    "I resigned, that¡¯s how," Elduran replied.

    "And you opted to become a Pok¨¦mon trainer?" Anaya interjected.

    "Indeed," Elduran replied with brevity.

    "No more information forthcoming, is there?" Anaya pressed.

    "None," Elduran confirmed.

    "Very well, no need to push, my dear. He will reveal more when he''s ready. Now, regarding the second Pok¨¦mon. It¡¯s Mew," Jabari announced.

    "Fuck," was all Elduran managed to utter.

    "Indeed, they possess great strength. However, it is not overwhelming. I am confident that high-ranking league trainers can manage them. They aren''t really combative by nature. The main concern is their ability to annihilate us all with a single psychic strike, but such is the case for any powerful Pok¨¦mon out there," remarked Jabari.

    "They are assessed as a level 6 threat. Legendary Pok¨¦mon begin to appear at level 5 on the threat scale. At least, that''s how APSO would categorize them," Elduran added.

    "I''m not entirely knowledgeable about that, but remember this: always show respect and acknowledge their superiority. For now, I''ll release only Mew. I''d prefer to share the tale of how Mew, Meltan, and I came to travel together and pursue the Watchers, with them outside their Pok¨¦balls. Are you prepared?" Jabari inquired.

    "Sure, just go ahead. I only wish I had my dang bow with some dark-infused arrows right now," Elduran remarked cautiously.

    "Let them loose already," Aisha urged, her voice brimming with excitement.

    Jabari lifted an Ultra Ball and pressed the button, releasing a red beam that materialized into Mew.

    Mew hovered slightly above the ground, scanning the surroundings with keen interest, especially at the unfamiliar faces of Elduran and Aisha. Then, they unleashed a potent psychic blast, leaving only Elduran standing, while the other three lay sprawled on the ground. "Mew, they''re not enemies; they''re here to assist us. They''re also targeting the Watchers," Jabari explained, dusting himself off as he rose. Mew appeared to be communicating telepathically with Jabari¡ªmuch like Hatenna does with Aisha, Elduran mused. Despite Jabari''s assurances, Mew''s demeanor remained visibly perturbed. Undeterred, Elduran approached Mew, who regarded him with curious eyes. With audacity, he positioned himself directly in front of Mew, a mere breath away. "Elduran, are you insane? Do you want to die?" Jabari exclaimed. Elduran ignored Jabari, locking eyes with Mew. "Listen here, you piece of shit. You can pretend to be a deity among us, but frankly, I don''t give a shit. I know you could unleash your psychic powers on me right now, and my final vision in this world would be of you¡ªa grim way to leave. But, honestly, I don''t care. I''ve faced Legendary Pok¨¦mon far mightier than you: Kyogre, Ho-Oh, Darkrai, and several others, but most notably, your counterpart, Mewtwo, and I¡¯ve lived to tell the tale. So your grand entrance here, pretending to be some hot shit, doesn''t impress me in the least. I need the Watchers eliminated, and it appears we share that objective. So cooperate, act like a responsible ally, and let¡¯s get down to business," Elduran declared.

    Mew fixated on Elduran, then gradually relaxed, beginning to circle him with a curious air, as if analyzing him. The creature seemed genuinely happier.

    "What just happened?" Aisha inquired.

    "Hell if I know," Anaya responded.

    "I''ve never seen them happier," Jabari observed. "Mew actually likes him."

    "I was aiming for the opposite effect," Elduran confessed.

    "All right, here goes the next one," Jabari said, releasing Meltan. Upon seeing Elduran and Aisha, Meltan immediately dashed to Jabari''s leg and clung tightly.

    "It''s okay, little one," Jabari said, lifting Meltan gently. "These are friends; they''ll help us find your siblings or... other you. Honestly, I''m not entirely sure how that works."

    "Help you find them?" Aisha questioned.

    Anaya grinned, approaching Jabari and Meltan. Pointing to Meltan, she remarked, "Amusingly, the Watchers'' attempt to gather Meltan is how we''ll locate them. The challenge is this Meltan needs to reach 201 fused Meltan before theirs do."

    "So this Meltan can detect where the others are?" Aisha asked.

    "Not exactly, but once they''re nearby, yes, they can," Jabari clarified.

    "And how do you know they''re not in another region?" Aisha pressed further.

    "That much Meltan can sense. This Meltan, with the help of Mew, had 169 Meltans fused," Jabari said, gesturing to the little Pok¨¦mon in his lap. "The last Melmetal rusted and fell apart in Tenera, so most of the Meltan should be here. As Aisha probably knows, the rusted pieces it leaves behind, in its last years of life before completely rusting out and dying, eventually¡ªafter hundreds of years¡ªare reborn as Meltan. And thus, the cycle continues," Jabari explained.

    "Why does Mew want to help Meltan?" Aisha inquired.

    "Simply because they wish to assist a fellow Pok¨¦mon. Yet, their goal extends to aiding all Pok¨¦mon who have endured mind control. For decades, Mew has been relentless in their pursuit of this understanding. They live in fear that if these formidable Pok¨¦mon decide they''ve had enough, they might annihilate humanity to ensure such enslavement never recurs. Imagine if they unite, unleashing their wrath upon everything in their path," Jabari said.

    "That''s what my agency fears the most, too," Aisha admitted.

    "I¡¯ve had enough of explanations. Okay, we¡¯re all here to go after these bastards. We need a plan to extract some info from them, assuming they are even Watchers. As far as I understand it, if they never see us, we might get some location. Also, we need to figure out what they seek in those books," Elduran stated.

    "He''s right, but we need to determine where they reside first," Anaya added.

    "Yeah, I got that. Since Mew can go invisible, let them fly into the room with them and stay hidden until we learn more. What do you think, Mew?" Elduran asked, looking at Mew.

    "Meeeeew," Mew responded, sending emotions and images to Elduran¡¯s mind, agreeing with him.

    "Try not to hurt anyone, Mew, for one, we¡¯re not sure they¡¯re Watchers, and killing them without thought might bring the police after us," Jabari cautioned Mew.

    "This looks like it will be a multi-day operation. I doubt they discuss their bases daily, and that assumes they even know where their bases are. Who knows, they might just be lowly grunts," Aisha speculated.

    "Aisha is right. Jabari, go with Elduran and direct Mew where they live, so they can start surveillance right away. Also, we can¡¯t keep going to the Library; we need to appear here for other reasons. Well, except for you, my love, they already know you¡¯re here for reading," Anaya said.

    "Well, Aisha and I are doing the gym challenge. I almost forgot about it. Training and battling the gym leader are good enough reasons for us to be here and gives us an excuse for staying a few days in Dirthrow," Elduran said.

    "Perfect. I¡¯ll start painting, selling art in the plaza in front of the Library and Gym," Anaya declared.

    "By the way, we¡¯re staying on the west side of town at a small hotel, cheaper even than the Pok¨¦mon Center," Jabari noted.

    "We¡¯re staying at the Pok¨¦mon Center. Elduran is a first-year trainer after all. Free room for him," Aisha smiled.

    "Alright, let¡¯s all exchange addresses and phone numbers. Then you, me, and Mew, let¡¯s head to where these punks are staying," Jabari suggested.

    Mew began flying fast, darting through the air, bombarding the surroundings with psychic blasts, looking both overly excited and threatening at the same time.

    After exchanging phone numbers and addresses, they parted ways. Aisha decided to arrange a date for the gym challenge, while Anaya returned to her room to gather supplies for a painting she intended to create in the plaza in front of the Gym and Library. The artwork would beautifully capture the two buildings standing side by side. Elduran and Jabari headed to the hotel, with Mew reluctantly agreeing to return to their Pok¨¦ Ball, just in case they lost control and someone saw them.

    As Elduran and Jabari approached the hotel, there was an intriguing detail in the professor''s peculiar tale that had gone unspoken. Elduran pondered whether this omission was intentional or simply overlooked; regardless, he knew inquiry was the sole path to enlightenment.

    "So, Professor, how did you and Mew end up on that whimsical venture together?" Elduran inquired.

    "Ah, you''re right, I failed to mention that," Jabari acknowledged.

    "Aisha believes they sought your assistance, but I find that hard to accept," Elduran remarked skeptically.

    "You are mistaken in that respect," Jabari responded. "I comprehend your viewpoint¡ªbeing involved with APSO, dedicating your existence to battling Legendary Pok¨¦mon, which breeds only hostility. Nonetheless, they truly sought our assistance, just as Aisha correctly foresaw."

    Elduran regarded him with skepticism and asked, "So, why you? Why were you the one they chose?"

    Jabari grinned and fixed his gaze firmly on Elduran''s eyes. "Quite simply," he replied, "it was a matter of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. I was deep in thought in Vlastisi Forest near Dasos City, musing aloud about my aspirations to protect legendary Pok¨¦mon and learn to communicate with them to become a professor specializing in their lore. It seems Mew overheard me. They approached, clearly misinterpreting my intentions. Though I never spoke of confronting the Watchers, now that I understand, even if Mew had vanished, I would still feel compelled to bring them down. , the grief they endure is immense. They suffer profoundly because of the Watchers'' actions towards other Pok¨¦mon. Their agony has persisted for years."

    "Talk about bad luck. Why in the world were you having a monologue in the middle of the forest?" Elduran inquired.

    "Oh, that? I was examining some fascinating ruins¡ªI believe they might be connected to Celebi," Jabari replied.

    "You''re hopeless, truly," Elduran remarked.

    "That I am, my friend," Jabari chuckled.

    "I noticed you only have two Pok¨¦balls, so it''s just Mew and Meltan? No Pok¨¦mon of your own?" Elduran asked.

    "Nope. I find Pok¨¦mon battling somewhat cruel and keeping them in Pok¨¦balls doesn''t sit right with me, although I know some Pok¨¦mon enjoy it. I bear no grudge against those who choose differently, as long as the Pok¨¦mon willingly follow the trainer," Jabari explained.

    "As a professor, you''d be the only one without Pok¨¦mon partners," Elduran observed.

    "I''m friends with many Pok¨¦mon. I live on the outskirts of Vrachos City; they come and go as they please, and I always welcome them into my home, assuming they fit. I enjoy living in harmony with them," Jabari said.

    "And how do you manage for protection?" Elduran questioned.

    "Well, I''ve got Mew, which I believe offers quite a solid layer of protection," Jabari remarked with a grin. "Before that, I had a handgun, though I¡¯m a dreadful shot. It¡¯s now safely locked away, rendered useless since Mew and Meltan came into the picture; the trigger won¡¯t even budge. It''s amusing, really, how effectively they''ve integrated this technology. But I do agree; it certainly keeps personal power in check," Jabari continued. Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

    "Tell me about it," Elduran mused.

    "You''ve been with APSO for over a decade. Last I recall, you mentioned Ho-oh¡ªthe latest Legendary Pok¨¦mon attack. That one hit Saffron, right?" Jabari inquired.

    "I spent 15 years in APSO, joined as soon as I could at 16. You''re right, Ho-oh was the most recent attack," Elduran replied.

    "So, you''d be 31 now. Life gives me a five-year lead, I''m sure my hair will start turning white soon as I near 40," Jabari laughed. "What made you change careers after the Ho-oh attack?" he pressed.

    "Honestly, I''d had my fill of being jerked around by these powerful Pok¨¦mon, always reacting to attacks instead of addressing the root of the problem. Plus, Aisha pointed out that I harbored a secret longing to be a Pok¨¦mon trainer¡ªit was just well-buried. But still, Pok¨¦mon trainers surpass firearms in strength. It''ll take time, but I must keep growing stronger," Elduran explained.

    "I see. It all depends on how skilled you are in each field. I''m pretty sure you''d beat me with firearms if I faced you with a Pok¨¦mon," Jabari chuckled.

    "Perhaps, who can say? Anyway, this is the spot. The dark-skinned, bald fellow is lodging in that room over there," Elduran remarked, gesturing toward a corner room on the third floor of the hotel.

    "Alright, maybe Mew can turn invisible and slip through the bathroom vent. It seems big enough for them," Jabari suggested.

    "True, but they¡¯ll need to break open the vent grilles. As a psychic, I¡¯m sure they can manage that quietly," Elduran replied.

    Jabari ensured no one was watching before he released Mew. Upon emerging, Mew was promptly instructed to become invisible, which they did willingly. Jabari then continued, "Mew, look up at that vent on the third floor. We suspect the leader, a dark-skinned bald man, is there. Break through those vent grilles and slip inside¡ªjust keep it quiet," he directed.

    Elduran approached the spot where Mew had been set free. Though they were hidden from view, he presumed they remained there. He was prepared to deliver his own speech, so he began, "Listen, this will require time. You can''t stay inside indefinitely, but avoid harming anyone. We need locations, any piece of information really. You will have to take breaks; the downside of this approach is that we''ll never obtain concrete proof. I wish we could establish some surveillance in there," Elduran remarked.

    A subtle push from behind nearly sent him off balance, though Elduran managed to steady himself. The culprit was evidently a prankster, he mused. Clearly, Mew wasn¡¯t where it had been released. Suddenly, a flood of emotions and images filled his mind¡ªMew was communicating with him. At that moment, Elduran recognized an intelligence comparable to that of humans. Mew comprehended everything with remarkable clarity. Moreover, it conveyed that each night, when the man retired to bed, they would return to Jabari to share any newfound information and rest, as their invisibility failed during slumber.

    ¡°That¡¯s acceptable,¡± Elduran reassured them. ¡°Jabari, they''ll return to you every night,¡± he informed him.

    ¡°Yes, I understand. Mew was conversing with me simultaneously. With practice, you¡¯ll discern with whom else they communicate as they speak to you. I¡¯m unaware of any other Psychic Pok¨¦mon capable of such a feat, perhaps only the legendary ones can do that,¡± Jabari replied.

    Elduran watched as the grilles of the vent shattered silently, then descended gracefully to the floor. Jabari picked them up swiftly. Mew was inside. It was time to make their move.

    ¡°Now that that¡¯s taken care of, I¡¯m finally heading over to grab some coffee from across the street. Care to join me?¡± Elduran inquired.

    ¡°I¡¯ll accompany you, but I must confess, I cannot abide coffee; I¡¯m strictly a tea drinker, my treat though¡± Jabari replied.

    ¡°Alright then, thanks¡± Elduran said.

    After stepping inside and ordering a coffee for Elduran, Jabari took the cup and settled at one of the tables. They both sat down. Elduran sipped his coffee, and Jabari then began to speak.

    "You know, Anaya''s younger sister has remarkable skills with computers. She spent a few months in jail for hacking¡ªperhaps you could say too remarkable. I''m sure she would come if Anaya asked; she has a soft spot for her. No matter how unruly she was, Anaya always stood by her, blaming their parents for the way she turned out. Even I don¡¯t know all the details, but it¡¯s clear the girls didn¡¯t have the most loving father and mother," Jabari said.

    "You mean to set up surveillance? That¡¯s not a bad idea, Jabari. Where is she now?" Elduran inquired.

    "She¡¯s in Krion Village. That''s where Anaya is from," Jabari replied.

    Elduran pulled out his map to locate Krion. "Damn, it''s on the other side of the region," he remarked.

    "That¡¯s not a huge deal; you forget how fast the monorail trains are. It¡¯s a maximum travel time of a day, though she might need some extra time to prepare everything she''ll need to bring here. I¡¯ll talk with Anaya tonight and gauge how she feels about it," Jabari said.

    "Alright, having someone skilled with computers would be a significant advantage. I still need to find someone with capital. This operation we¡¯re undertaking, frankly, it requires money. At some point, we¡¯ll run out," Elduran stated.

    "That would certainly help. Since Mew and Meltan have basically taken over my life, I''ve been working at a pharmaceutical company in Vrachos, making healing potions for Pok¨¦mon¡ªthe same potions you find in Pok¨¦marts for trainers. So, I don¡¯t have huge savings either. Anaya is supporting us¡ªshe paints and sells her artwork as we go; she truly is something else," Jabari shared.

    "Yes, she seems quite capable," Elduran agreed.

    "Oh, she definitely is! I¡¯m so lucky to have her," Jabari said.

    "Alright, I need to retrieve my other Pok¨¦mon from the Pok¨¦mon Center and then get some training in. I also have to challenge the gym," Elduran declared.

    "Okay, you handle that. I¡¯ll head to the library and see if those goons returned the books," Jabari replied.

    Elduran finished the last of his coffee, then both got up, exited the coffee shop, and went their separate ways.

    ***

    Aisha stepped into the grand edifice of the Gym, a massive round building crafted entirely from stone. In contrast to the rest of the town, this structure appeared far more modern, nearly matching the library in height. It boasted hundreds of windows encircling its three floors. Behind a sizable front desk sat a man, who looked up and offered her a warm smile. The wall behind him gleamed with pure tungsten¡ªa familiar sight to Aisha, as most gyms featured such walls to safeguard against Pok¨¦mon attacks. She reckoned the arena lay just beyond that formidable barrier of metal.

    "Hello, are you here to observe or participate?" the man inquired.

    He was a slender figure, his thick, prominent glasses being his most striking feature.

    "Participate," Aisha replied.

    "Alright, may I see your trainer ID, please?" he requested.

    Aisha handed over her card, which he promptly scanned on the reader.

    "You currently have zero badges, so it will be a two-on-two battle with one switch permitted. The gym leader, Stephanie Crock, specializes in dark-type Pok¨¦mon," he explained while typing away on his keyboard. He turned back to Aisha. "She has an opening five days from now, for the night match," he informed her.

    "Night match?" Aisha queried.

    "Indeed. She conducts two matches daily, one at noon and another at night. If you can afford to wait a little longer, the next available noon match is in twelve days," he replied.

    "What difference does it make? Isn''t it just an arena surrounded by metal?" Aisha asked.

    "Oh no, miss, Ms. Crock''s arena is akin to the league''s finals arena. It is open above; there is no metal ceiling, just a faint green laser roof, barely detectable. It turns red if a Pok¨¦mon touches it, leading to disqualification. The standards match those of the finals arena; attacks dissipate upon contact with the laser roof. From the third floor, you can view the match directly, without needing to rely on cameras. Unlike most gyms you might know, you''re not within the arena itself. Gym trainers and the gym leader issue commands from two small alcoves on the third floor. The laser roof lies just beneath your feet," the man explained.

    Aisha found this impressive. This laser technology was exceptionally costly and typically reserved for championship finals, allowing spectators to watch without the aid of cameras.

    "So, this structure is basically a ring. I assume, since she specializes in Dark types, her Pok¨¦mon thrive in darkness. Hence, trainers prefer the noon slot. With no roof, Pok¨¦mon benefiting from sunlight need to battle during the day," Aisha noted.

    "Absolutely correct. Additionally, Ms. Crock prefers the gym to operate without any lighting, day or night. The night slot, particularly when the moon is crescent, is so dark that even trainers struggle to see the action. There are only some faint purple lights on the third floor where observers are, so don''t expect any help from them," the man added.

    Aisha realized she might have a significant advantage. She had spent the last month training both Clefairy and Togetic in using Moonblast. Clefairy had become nearly adept at it, and with another week of practice, Togetic would perfect the move too. The move''s power increased under a full moon. Aisha pulled out her phone to check the next full moon, which was in eight days.

    "Is the night spot available eight days from today?" Aisha inquired.

    The man glanced at his computer and gave a nod.

    "So, you wish to have that night reserved?" he asked.

    "Yes, that would be wonderful, thank you," Aisha replied.

    "Alright then, you''re set to face Stephanie Crock eight nights from today. Good luck to you, challenger!" he announced.

    "May I ask when Zanexanthos Freeks is challenging the leader?" Aisha questioned.

    "Certainly, he''s slated to compete against Ms. Crock two days from now, with the match starting at 23:00," the man informed her.

    "How much is the admission for a match?" Aisha asked.

    "One hundred cetis, the standard rate for all gyms in Tenera," the man answered.

    "Thank you so much; you''ve been very helpful. I''ll take my leave now," Aisha said.

    "Take care, miss," the man replied.

    Aisha stepped out of the gym, noting the growing dusk. She checked her phone¡ªnearly eight o''clock. It was the ideal hour for training Moon Blast. Her gaze drifted to the library, where the unmistakable form of Faelan was slipping inside. Probably the start of his shift, she mused. Understanding his history now, his somber demeanor and lethargic gait all pieced together perfectly in her mind. It was evident that guilt gnawed at him. She didn''t even have the chance to probe Elduran about him. An inkling urged her to go inside and inquire if he belonged to APSO, but she realized she could easily find out on her own. Since he was situated in Kanto, it would only take her five minutes.

    She noticed the children with the Cubone from earlier that morning still perched at the entrance of the alleyway. She made her way toward them. To the left, the building bordering the alley appeared perilously decrepit. Aisha marveled that such a structure was permitted to remain in this condition¡ªclearly abandoned and facing the plaza that housed the two most significant edifices in Dirthrow. Its location was prime, yet a sign hung before it, declaring it for sale at the mere price of twenty thousand crimson cetis. How was it possible, she mused, that no one sought to invest in such a valuable site? This spoke volumes about the dire state of the town¡¯s economy. It seemed clear that only the northern part of Dirthrow received any attention, where the port, the train station, and the hub of the stone industry trade and export activities thrived. Aisha speculated that a hotel would be ideal in this spot, but then recalled the opposite side of the plaza. There lay another hotel¡ªclosed, yet its doors deliberately left ajar to arouse little curiosity. She could only assume that the economical lodgings situated further from the town¡¯s center were enjoying more prosperous business.

    As an idea dawned on her, she realized what this town truly lacked was a modern caf¨¦. After wandering through much of the town, she noticed there were plenty of traditional coffee houses and just the Pok¨¦caf¨¦ on the town''s southern edge for those seeking unusually automated brews. What the town needed was something in between. The building she had in mind was a square structure with two stories, capable of accommodating numerous tables. The offerings would be simple: coffee, tea, and snacks, all affordably priced. This venture could be a promising start to generating income. However, one significant concern lingered in her mind¡ªthey would have to place their trust entirely in Jabari and Anaya. Being citizens of Tenera, any investment they made together to purchase and renovate the property would be under their name. But, what other choice did they have?

    "Hello, kids and hello Boney!" Aisha greeted.

    Cubone responded with a happy growl.

    "Oh, it''s the kind lady," the little girl exclaimed as she ran and wrapped her arms around her.

    "What are your names?" Aisha inquired.

    "My name''s Taylor," replied the older child with thick black hair. He pointed to the other boy with dark brown hair. "This one''s Jake."

    "My name is Tress," announced the young girl with curly black hair.

    "How old are you all?" Aisha asked.

    "I''m fifteen, Jake is thirteen, and Tress is eleven," Taylor responded.

    "Wow, two years apart for all three of you¡ªhow cute. How about I give you kids ten cetis a day to inform me when four individuals enter and exit the library? These two are among them; I''ll need to describe the other two," Aisha proposed, showing them a picture she had sent to Elduran earlier that day.

    "We''ve seen those two numerous times. I''m pretty sure I know who the other two are; they''ve been frequenting the library for weeks. One is a guy with a bald head, and the other is a very skinny woman," Taylor said.

    "Indeed, that''s precisely correct," Aisha concurred, her focus shifting to a faint noise followed by a quick burst of light that lit up the western part of her surroundings. She speculated that perhaps some trainers had decided to duel in a Pok¨¦mon battle right there on the street.

    "We can do that for you, it''s quite simple," Taylor assured her.

    "Alright, here are ten cetis," Aisha said, passing the money over as the raucous sounds continued to echo from the west. The kids around her seemed unfazed, likely accustomed to the sight of tipsy locals enjoying Pok¨¦mon battles.

    Jake accepted it eagerly. "We can buy some broth and onions and make a big soup. Thank you, miss," he said.

    "And I thank you. The information you''ll provide will be valuable, especially in the coming days. Take care!" Aisha said.

    "What is your name?" Tress asked, her voice bubbling with excitement.

    "Oh, of course! My name is Aisha, little one," Aisha replied with a warm smile.

    Tress wrapped her arms around Aisha once more. "Thank you, Aisha. You are truly kind to us," she said, her heart full of gratitude.

    Aisha bent down to return the embrace before rising to start heading toward the southern edge of town. It was training time; she needed to sharpen her skills. Her moon blasts had to be perfect. But a text message halted her progress, prompting her to dash towards the west side of town.

    ***

    Jabari walked past the library, glancing around the plaza but finding no sign of Anaya. She must still be in her room, preparing for that night painting of the plaza she had planned. The darkness enveloped the area, and he considered the possibility that she was busy making a meal for them. As much as he knew her culinary skills left something to be desired, he still appreciated those efforts. He was undoubtedly the better cook. Jabari intended to ask her about reaching out to her sister before he lost himself in the library for several hours. He needed to unravel the motives behind these men¡¯s extensive reading on those legendary Pok¨¦mon.

    His thoughts also lingered on Elduran¡ªhis insight into their need for capital weighed heavily on him. He had someone in mind but felt hesitant about involving her. Anaya''s sister, Ashanti, had a wealthy acquaintance from her youth: the infamous Zendaya Mbeki. Always the supportive friend, Zendaya stood by Ashanti in every scheme she crafted, a steadfast ally in her quest to improve the world. While Ashanti was not a bad person, her perception of corruption was pervasive, leading her to break the law in her attempts to expose corrupt politicians and league members. Perhaps she was disillusioned, but her convictions certainly had merit.

    Jabari understood that Ashanti would leap at the chance to assist if Anaya revealed their intentions to expose the watchers. However, that would mean convincing Anaya to dissuade her sister from getting entangled with the watchers should she uncover even the slightest evidence, which could place her in danger. Yet, he knew Anaya longed for something that would keep Ashanti occupied¡ªsomething to prevent another reckless hack into politician¡¯s computers that might land her behind bars once more.

    On the contrary, Zendaya had endured her own tragedy, having lost both parents in a supposedly accidental collapse near the Agor docks. She had narrowly escaped that fate, thanks to her Braviary, which caught her in mid-air as she plummeted when the state-of-the-art crane her parents had purchased failed during a demonstration. Though labeled an accident, few truly believed it. It was fortunate for Zendaya that, unlike her parents, she possessed Pok¨¦mon of her own. Her family had garnered many enemies as the most affluent merchants and ship owners. Naive as she was, Zendaya had stepped up, hiring countless employees to manage her company while retreating into her heavily secured mansion. Before the tragedy, her life had revolved around traversing Tenera, forging bonds with Pok¨¦mon¡ªa passion that consumed her.

    There was a rift in the friendship between Zendaya and Ashanti, reasons unknown to Jabari and Anaya. Nevertheless, they kept in touch, and Ashanti still visited her from time to time in Agor, a journey easily accomplished in just a few hours by train from Krion. Zendaya made a point to visit Ashanti during her stints in prison, a clear indication that their bond remained strong. Jabari believed that through her friendship with Zendaya, Ashanti could provide them with both the expertise in computers they desperately needed and the capital to help carry out their plans.

    A hooded figure, accompanied by a Hitmonlee and a Hitmonchan, blocked his path. The narrow walkway was rendered impassable as they stood shoulder to shoulder, forming an unyielding barrier. Jabari waited quietly, expecting the man to command his Pok¨¦mon to step aside. However, a chilling truth crept over him¡ªthis man had no intention of letting him pass. He was an assassin. Stealing a glance over his shoulder, Jabari observed a Manectric and Nosepass effectively sealing off his retreat. His lone ally was Meltan. The streets lay nearly deserted despite the daylight, rendering any plea for help useless and likely to provoke an immediate assault. There was only one course of action: with all the urgency he could summon, Jabari released Meltan.

    "Meltan, I need your help¡ªapologies, my friend," Jabari uttered hurriedly.

    The hooded man was taken aback upon witnessing a Meltan emerge from the Pok¨¦ball.

    "Just finish him," he commanded tersely.

    Meltan emitted a growl, cloaking itself with acid as the ground trembled beneath Jabari''s feet. A rock erupted from the earth, razor-sharp, accelerating toward Jabari. Meltan unleashed a pale gray beam, slicing through the Stone Edge''s tip as it surged toward Nosepass, striking it squarely in the chest. Nosepass collapsed instantly.

    The Flash Cannon brilliantly illuminated the entire area, the sound of severed rock unmistakable, likely audible from a considerable distance. Jabari was certain now; people knew a battle brewed.

    "Watch out!" Jabari called to Meltan as a wave of electricity surged toward it. But Meltan, quick to react, mirrored the attack, sending an electric wave headlong into Menectric. The Thunder Wave versus Thunder Wave collided, creating a burst of dazzling light. Hitmonlee and Hitmonchan, unfortunately, flanked Jabari, ready to strike in mere seconds, leaving Jabari without an escape. Meltan could scarcely manage the remaining three foes while safeguarding him.

    Meltan darted toward Hitmonlee, ramming it while simultaneously electrocuting Hitmonchan, halting one from kicking and the other from landing a punch on Jabari. Meanwhile, Menectric charged, electricity coursing through its body toward Jabari. Yet again, Meltan performed the implausible, hurling its hexagonal nut, a part of its own head, at Menectric. The projectile struck Menectric squarely in the face, causing it to stagger into the nearby wall.

    Hitmonlee unleashed a mighty kick, propelling Meltan against the wall opposite where Manectric had landed. Despite the force, Meltan did not faint, as its Acid Armor had significantly bolstered its defenses. Hitmonchan advanced to strike Jabari, but its punch halted mid-air, grappling with an invisible force. Suddenly, with overpowering might, its fist recoiled, slamming back into its own face. At the same time, Hitmonlee was flung toward the cloaked man with such vigor that Jabari heard the unsettling crack of bones. Manectric, poised to sink its Thunder Fang into Jabari, encountered Mew, who interceded by unleashing Ancient Power. Stones rained down, battering Manectric until it collapsed to the ground.

    Mew then approached Meltan, channeling psychic energy into their feet and floating their hexagonal nut back into place. The two began to interact as Jabari crumpled to the ground, his legs giving way under the weight of the suspense and adrenaline. How many times had he nearly met his end today, he pondered. Mew turned its gaze toward the hooded trainer, eyes brimming with a malice Jabari had never witnessed before. The man was slumped against the wall, helpless in his seated position, unable to move his feet; either his spine lay shattered or his legs were utterly broken. Hitmonlee rose to safeguard its trainer, yet Mew employed Psychic, sending them crashing against the wall. In that tense moment, all Jabari could think was that these walls, whether dilapidated or not, showed no compassion.

    Mew then fixed their focus on the man, whose struggle was palpable. Though he remained motionless, he glared at Mew, barely managing to breathe as his neck strained and his hands clenched into fists. It lasted only three seconds before Jabari heard the sickening crack¡ª the man¡¯s head now twisted grotesquely to face the opposite direction of his chest. Mew then shattered all four of his Pok¨¦ Balls into fragments. While they inflicted no further harm on the man¡¯s Pok¨¦mon, it was clear that the four were receiving a stern admonishment; even Nosepass, likely roused from slumber by Mew¡¯s intervention, bowed its head and fled into the night.

    Meltan darted toward Jabari, leaping onto his neck and wrapping around him with a joyful squeal. Jabari raised his hand and embraced Meltan tightly, filled with gratitude for the little one. They had saved his life that night; without them, he would surely be dead. Today, he realized that Meltan was a force to be reckoned with. The fact that they had taken one opponent down and delayed the other three for as long as they did was nothing short of remarkable.

    "Thank you, little one. You did wonderfully tonight," Jabari said, squeezing Meltan a bit tighter in a show of appreciation. "Now I need to find some quality metal for you to munch on as a reward," he chuckled.

    Mew floated before him, radiating joy and relief.

    "You overheard them hiring a killer, didn''t you?" Jabari asked.

    The telepathic bond confirmed his suspicions. The bald man, Dan, had indeed ordered a hit on him.

    "Please tell me you didn¡¯t kill him," Jabari pleaded.

    Mew communicated that they had not. A wave of relief washed over Jabari.

    "Good. We still need to uncover their base of operations," he said, glancing at the body sprawled on the ground. "Now we must figure out how to explain this situation," he added, sending Aisha an SOS text along with his location. Remarkably, she arrived just a minute later, before the police could show up.

 Chapter 12 - Zane the Invincible

    Chapter 12 - Zane the Invincible

    Jabari awoke from a restless night. He glanced at his watch; it was already late in the morning, nearly ten o''clock. Exhausted from the struggle to sleep through most of the night, the weariness finally claimed him in the early hours. Meanwhile, Anaya, in the kitchenette, was endeavoring to be as quiet as possible, likely warming water for tea.

    She glanced back at him, noticing he had awakened, and rushed to his side. Lying close beside him on the bed, she embraced him and kissed him as though it were their very first kiss. It lingered for over ten seconds before she let him breathe, yet her eyes remained locked on his, saying nothing, simply gazing with those beautifully understanding eyes of hers. She wasn''t the romantic type, or so he thought he was; for her, everything needed a reason. Right now, she likely believed words were unnecessary, and she was probably right. Just looking into her eyes made him feel better already.

    He was compelled to initiate the difficult conversation that awaited him. She would undoubtedly urge him to abandon everything, and after last night, Mew would comprehend. They might be moved to Elduran, who would likely be amenable since they were ready to oppose the Watchers entirely. Her logic was probably sound, and any counterarguments failed to materialize in his mind. She was likely right; their contributions in this situation were marginal. Perhaps if he could examine the books, he might aid Aisha and Elduran, but he doubted he would ever possess the opportunity to hold even one of those books. Rightly so, if Elduran and Aisha could have Mew and Meltan¡ªtruly Jabari and Anaya¡ªas allies, it wouldn''t be a significant loss if they were no longer part of the plan. Reluctantly, he had to admit that Anaya''s sister, Ashanti, could indeed be of far greater value to Elduran and Aisha.

    "My love, we need to talk," Jabari said.

    "Yes, indeed, we must devise the most brutal ways to eliminate those four bastards," Anaya replied.

    Jabari was taken aback by her response. Was he hearing her right? Was this his pragmatic future wife speaking, or had someone else taken her place, he wondered.

    "Pardon me?" Jabari asked.

    "I said we need to kill those four bastards," Anaya reiterated.

    Upon awakening, Jabari noticed Grafaiai and Smeargle¡ªAnaya''s sole Pok¨¦mon companions¡ªcurled up around a pillow at the bed''s corner, with Meltan slumbering peacefully atop it. The two Pok¨¦mon had earnestly assisted Anaya in nursing Meltan back to health. The previous night, Mew had been the powerhouse, yet without Meltan, Jabari was acutely aware that he wouldn''t have survived. He was amazed at how fiercely Meltan had fought to save him. However, Jabari soon realized that Mew was nowhere to be found, and there seemed to be no reason for the Pok¨¦mon to remain invisible within the room.

    "Where''s Mew Anaya?" Jabari inquired.

    "Probably with those bastards, invisible right under their noses," Anaya replied.

    "Just to clarify, you still want to pursue them?" Jabari questioned.

    "Really? I thought you hadn''t been hit yesterday. What nonsense are you speaking?" Anaya retorted.

    "I''m just taken aback. After everything that went down yesterday, I figured this chat would head in a completely different direction," Jabari admitted.

    "You thought I¡¯d just say we should throw in the towel? After what they tried to pull on you? Absolutely not," Anaya insisted.

    "Honestly, yes. Next time, I might truly lose you, or you could lose me. What do we really bring to this group, my love?" Jabari said.

    "I pondered that, and as for myself, I may not offer much, but you, you are mistaken to think you bring nothing to the table. You provide wisdom. This group desperately needs you. Among us¡ªme, who sees only outcomes; Aisha, who seems overly driven by success if you ask me; and Elduran¡ªwell, Elduran is an entirely different story. He''s quite the enigma, pursuing the Watchers with little concern for success, more intent on doing what he believes is right, even if it means he perishes in the process. They need you to anchor them in reality. Just as you always do with me," Anaya said.

    "That''s just nonsense. All I do is highlight what your inner voice already bellows within your mind. Convincing you isn''t really my task," Jabari remarked with a smile.

    "You know you do much more than that. I was like a lost puppy until you found me. I didn''t deserve you then, and I still don''t deserve you now. But when it comes to this Jabari, I see potential in them both¡ªAisha and Elduran possess their own strengths, and it''s clear how well they complement each other. Yet, they need you to steer them in the right direction," Anaya said.

    "Yesterday, Aisha handled the police with remarkable finesse. Not that the officers were really invested. It still baffles me how they so readily accepted her story, or if they even bothered to scrutinize it. Concealing Mew¡¯s and Meltan¡¯s Pok¨¦balls in her bag and claiming she defeated him with her four Pok¨¦mon, while flaunting her six Kanto region badges, was sheer brilliance¡ªI nearly believed it myself. I still find it hard to grasp that she earned six badges with just those four. Not one of them fully evolved: a Hatenna, Marill, Togetic, and a Clefairy. Utterly incredible. She mentioned to them her dream of becoming a Fairy-type specialist. Elduran wasn¡¯t exaggerating when he spoke of her prowess as a trainer," Jabari remarked.

    "The cops bought it too easily, something feels wrong. I can''t fathom how no one seems to care about anything in this town. Her questioning only lasted half an hour, and then they just let you both go on your merry way¡ªwhat is up with that?" Anaya said.

    "Why did they ask her such an odd question about why she risked herself to save a stranger? I''ll admit, most people might flee and call the police, but after she mentioned that we knew each other, I noticed those two exchange glances and question her further, saying, ''What does that matter? You should have come to us first. Better one dead than two.'' Who says something like that?" Jabari exclaimed.

    "I can''t say for sure, Tenera is definitely chaotic, but this town tops it. They claim Zest City is the most dreadful place in Tenera you could ever visit, but I find it hard to believe any town could be worse than this one," Anaya remarked.

    "I''ve steered clear of Zest like a plague after hearing all the dreadful tales," Jabari remarked.

    "Same here," Anaya replied.

    "Turning to a more serious matter, if we truly intend to carry on with this plan, Elduran did have a valid point about installing surveillance in their room, perhaps a bug or a hidden camera. However, he confessed that he was terrible at handling such things," Jabari was saying when Aisha interrupted him.

    "Are you asking me if Ashanti can join us?" Anaya inquired.

    "I regret even bringing it up. Forget I mentioned anything. It''s too risky to involve more people. But we could work it out if Ashanti just told us what we need to take up there, what gear is required. Honestly, it''d be better if Mew stayed with us even during the day; their protection is priceless. It would liberate them from spending their days listening to ants. I can''t imagine they view those four any differently," Jabari said.

    "My sister coming here is a fantastic idea. She''s really down right now, doing her best not to do anything rash. Granted, this will be reckless, but I''ve heard her say in one of her conspiracy theories that the Watchers remain uncaught because they either are the government or they control it, meaning if I ask her, she''ll definitely come¡ªshe despises every government," Anaya said.

    "Are you certain about this, my love?" Jabari inquired.

    "It¡¯s a wonderful idea, and having Mew protecting you will surely comfort me," Anaya replied.

    "Alright, as you call her, I''ll go grab a hyper potion for the little one," Jabari remarked, eyes fixed on Meltan. "I''ll be right back. Then, it¡¯s off to the Library for me, acting as if nothing transpired. Time to make those punks squirm," he added.

    "That''s the spirit! They won''t dare do anything rash. Better to leave them doubting whether you know anything or not. Leave Meltan''s Pok¨¦ball here in the room and just carry them with you; they can easily tuck away somewhere in your clothes," Anaya advised.

    "Smart thinking. After the hyper potion, they''ll be as good as new. Just look at them¡ªevery scratch already gone from their body. I''m starting to think they might not even need it. If you thought regular Pok¨¦mon healed quickly, well, Legendary Pok¨¦mon seem to recover at double the rate," Jabari observed.

    "Just so you know, Mew and I... we''re on good terms now. They saved you, and I have immense respect and gratitude for them; I wanted you to know that. We had a meaningful conversation last night. Plus, after Elduran''s lecture, they¡¯ve been behaving much better. It''s like they''re actually our friend now, not just some superior, and more importantly, they genuinely seem to care for us. I just wanted to let you know," Anaya said.

    "That''s great to hear. I''m so happy about it," Jabari replied before kissing her. He then got up to dress and headed to the Pok¨¦Mart, ready to purchase a product he had developed an expertise in evaluating over the past decade.

    ***

    Aisha awoke quite late; the night before had been filled with events that were both pressing and critical. Nevertheless, after submitting her report to the police and ensuring that Jabari returned safely to his room, she devoted hours to training, concentrating intensely on honing Togetic''s Moon Blast and refining Clefairy''s technique. She promised herself to maintain this regimen in the nights to follow, committing to train each evening.

    Exiting the Pok¨¦mon Center, she made her way directly to Elduran. He was visible in the distance, deeply absorbed in his training. He was set to secure a slot to challenge the gym leader today, assuming he hadn''t already. Amid the whirlwind of yesterday''s chaos, she had neglected to ask him a question that persistently lingered in her mind.

    Elduran was undoubtedly improving. He was actively engaging in the training sessions. That skirmish with Zane had certainly elevated Cyndaquil in his estimation; he was particularly attentive to Cyndaquil''s progress, and it appeared that Cyndaquil had finally perfected its Quick Attack. It was a blur of motion. Yet, she wondered about the rolling maneuver Elduran had taught Cyndaquil to perform at the end of each Quick Attack. Perhaps he aimed to train it in Rollout; not a bad strategy, considering Quick Attack provides a speed boost, overcoming the speed-acquisition challenge when Pok¨¦mon begin mastering such moves. Elduran might be onto something indeed. Though his training methods might lack conventional efficiency, he unquestionably had his own unique approach.

    Aisha waited until Elduran had everyone absorbed in their drills. Heracross was diligently practicing Swords Dance, an exceptionally advanced move that would be a tremendous asset in the upcoming gym battle. In contrast, Vivillon appeared serenely relaxed, though it was clear that this was her natural approach. Aisha speculated that Vivillon was beginning to master Bug Buzz, experimenting with sound as she fluttered her wings¡ªa formidable technique for the battle ahead. Elduran seemed indifferent to whether he won or lost, yet he was determined to give his all and overwhelm the gym leader. As he noticed Aisha, he turned and walked toward her with purpose.

    "What¡¯s up, little light bulb?" Elduran inquired.

    "I had something to ask you yesterday, but it kept slipping my mind," Aisha admitted.

    "Go ahead!" Elduran encouraged.

    "I looked up someone named Faelan who was supposedly in APSO. Did you know him personally?" Aisha asked.

    "Faelan? Oh, I knew him well. One of the finest soldiers I''ve encountered, and so young too," Elduran replied.

    "He''s working as a security guard at the library now, doing the night shift. He was the one who helped me evict those two troublemakers," Aisha mentioned.

    "Really? I should pay him a visit at night then," Elduran mused.

    "You will? I mean, you don¡¯t hold any grudges against him?" Aisha questioned.

    "Why would I?" Elduran responded.

    "Because, according to the report, due to his reckless choice, he annihilated his entire squad while they attempted to rescue him," Aisha explained.

    "You know he left on his own, right? He wasn''t discharged," Elduran remarked.

    "What does that imply?" Aisha asked.

    "It wasn''t his fault, simple as that. His squad leader was old Greg, but the man didn''t always make the best decisions; he was too good-hearted for that role. Greg and I definitely led the most missions, but I wouldn''t have attempted to aid Faelan under those circumstances. What Faelan did was reckless, yet Greg''s actions were even more irresponsible. Had Greg survived, he''d have faced discharge; he endangered the entire city and his squad to save a single man. In the end, you might say he managed to save him, but it came at the cost of a third of the city''s population and his entire squad. It was a disastrous decision," Elduran concluded.

    "So you don''t hold Faelan responsible?" Aisha asked.

    "Not at all. That day was riddled with too many missteps. My unit had been stationed in Pallet Town, tasked with controlling a rampant Salamence that had developed a perilous hunger for humans. In cases involving non-legendary Pok¨¦mon, protocol dictates that old Greg''s unit is deployed first, with mine held in reserve for more severe threats. Yet, inexplicably, they sent us against a lone Salamence. However, they overlooked the fact that someone on Greg''s team had relatives in Cerulean. Faelan should have been pulled from the mission. In his position, I might have behaved similarly¡ªcharging ahead against orders¡ªbecause waiting patiently for the perfect moment to strike is unbearable when your loved ones are in jeopardy. Sometimes, all it takes is a matter of seconds, and in those brief moments, the destruction these Pok¨¦mon can unleash is immense," Elduran noted.

    "He is a wreck at the moment, barely speaking and appearing as if he bears the weight of the world on his shoulders every second of his life. He certainly doesn''t side with you. Yet, when I handed him the recording, he transformed right before my eyes. He straightened up, moved with a quick, deliberate stride, and handled those two as if they were mere children, even going so far as to kick Dan out the door, leaving him to land face-first on the pavement," Aisha recounted.

    "I have never witnessed anyone excel so profoundly in close quarters combat. While his rifle skills were lacking, his expertise with the shotgun and martial arts was unparalleled. His pistol accuracy was beyond belief¡ªI doubt anyone anywhere could rival him in that regard. He was both accurate and incredibly swift. I recall attempting to teach him archery when he was about nineteen, but he wanted no part of it. He argued, not unreasonably, that a pistol was superior in all aspects. However, I explained that should he ever find himself in the wilderness with nothing but his own resourcefulness, a bow could be his lifeline. Learning to craft a bow and arrows in nature is an invaluable skill, yet he dismissed my words," Elduran said.

    "That''s why he handled distraction duty in his squad," Aisha remarked.

    "Exactly. He''d approach the Pok¨¦mon and wreak havoc on their peace, creating chances for us to attack. With expertly aimed pistol shots, grenades, and utilizing the environment, all to ensure that those of us with rifles could land the perfect shot. Had he stuck around a few more years, he would have surely transferred to my team. Damn him and Robert¡ªthough we all call him Bob¡ªtogether, they could have kept any legendary Pok¨¦mon occupied indefinitely," Elduran said with a smile, his gaze lost in the distance, his mind drifting elsewhere.

    "I believe seeing you would be beneficial, though it may provoke questions. He should certainly join us; his job is an obvious source of discontent for him. I suspect he also harbors a strong disdain for the Watchers. Please refrain from pointing out that those four individuals are likely Watchers¡ªwe might very well discover them dead by morning if you do. There¡¯s something exceedingly corrupt about this town, warranting our presence here. The conduct of the police yesterday was alarmingly abnormal, even for a notoriously rough area. I will eventually discuss matters with Jabari and Anaya, but acquiring a building in the plaza for just 20,000 Cetis seems prudent. We could use it as a front for our operations. He mentioned that we might enlist a computer expert, perhaps Anaya''s sister. Establishing a legitimate business to generate revenue while maintaining a covert operation for logistics in this dismal town¡ªwhich my instincts suggest is complicit, at least the local government¡ªseems advantageous," Aisha remarked.

    "I trust your judgment, but I won''t hide anything from Faelan. There are still things I need to handle my way, yet I concur with everything else you mentioned. You''ve clearly given this some careful thought. Plus, for a plaza building, it''s far too cheap, you''re right about that. It''s like 5,000 Cetis per person, or even less if Faelan joins us. We''re aiming for a traditional coffee shop, aren''t we?" Elduran remarked.

    "Definitely not. I said we need funds, so we''re creating a budget-friendly caf¨¦ offering modern coffee experiences, just not automated like the pok¨¦caf¨¦s. But sure, we can still brew some stovetop coffee for some old fucks. And we''ll have snacks, mostly lunch items like sandwiches and other simple bites. That''s the vision I have, though I''m open to other ideas¡ªjust not yours. Everything you prefer is a relic from the past," Aisha retorted.

    "Whatever. That presumes Jabari and Anaya remain in the mix after yesterday¡¯s assassination attempt," Elduran remarked.

    "I received a text from Anaya; they¡¯re definitely still on board," Aisha replied.

    "Alright, that''s pretty unusual, but I''m not complaining," Elduran admitted.

    "When are you planning to visit the Gym to schedule the match?" Aisha inquired.

    "Already done. We''ll be fighting in eleven days at noon," Elduran informed.

    "Damn already? You¡¯re quick. I¡¯m watching Zane''s gym challenge tomorrow. I have a hunch it¡¯ll be a thrilling match and a great chance to scout the two Pok¨¦mon we¡¯ll face. I think Zane will at least compel the gym leader to use both of her Pok¨¦mon," Aisha suggested.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

    "Are you sure there''s no crush involved here?" Elduran teased with a grin.

    "You¡¯re absolutely insufferable!" Aisha retorted.

    "Just calling it as I see it. I¡¯m taking it easy today. Looks like we¡¯re all waiting on Jabari to convince Anaya to bring her sister here or for Mew to dig up some intel. After training my Pok¨¦mon, they and I will engage in some physical training. Building muscle, stamina, speed¡ªyou know, all the essentials. They might not become the best, but by hell, they''ll be able to take a hit and run like the wind. That goes for me too," he added with a smile.

    "Hey, each trainer has their own style. But your plan¡¯s solid. I ought to start that myself¡ªI don¡¯t want to be a burden on our travels. Well, it seems I¡¯m off to purchase some gym clothes. See you later," Aisha said as she walked away.

    Elduran turned back to his Pok¨¦mon.

    ***

    Anaya had just hung up the phone after chatting with her sister. It felt good to connect again after what seemed like ages. She began to pack her backpack with everything she needed for today''s painting. The original plan was to create a night painting of the Gym and Library, but she considered capturing both wasn¡¯t a bad idea either. It was apparent they would be staying in town for a while.

    Jabari was expected back soon; he had gone just to rattle them a bit. After administering the potion to Meltan, it was as good as new. She still marveled at how Meltan protected Jabari for so long until Mew arrived, standing up against four powerful Pok¨¦mon. It was reassuring to think that at least Meltan was always there, protecting him.

    Anaya glanced at her blue-tailed Smeargle, who was trying once again to lift the canvas by herself, ever so eager to help.

    ¡°Brush, I must have told you a hundred times not to try lifting the canvas on your own. It¡¯s bigger than you, and you might damage it again. Come on, you should know better,¡± Anaya gently admonished.

    ¡°Smeeeear,¡± Smeargle responded with a hint of sadness, then shifted her efforts to help lift the backpack.

    ¡°Well, you can just about manage that,¡± Anaya remarked to her. Turning her attention to Grafaiai, she instructed, ¡°Ink, don¡¯t forget your berry bag.¡±

    ¡°Aiaiai,¡± Grafaiai responded, gesturing towards the small pouch at his side, while his other hand''s long pointer finger rested inside his mouth, stained with red saliva.

    A key turned in the door, and Jabari stepped inside. Wasting no time, he went straight to embrace her. After releasing her and planting a quick kiss, he announced.

    "Good news¡ªno, great news. The library has instituted fresh regulations: only one book per visitor. The other two members of the group remain out of reach. Only the other woman was there today, so with merely two individuals permitted inside now, it appears they¡¯re alternating turns with what they deem the most crucial book, if I were to speculate. I spent a while with one of the books they previously had, primarily concerning Zygarde," Jabari relayed.

    "That''s fantastic! Did she make a surprised face when she saw you alive?" Anaya inquired.

    "Her expression said it all¡ªshe looked shocked. Once I walked a bit further from her, she started texting frantically for about five minutes," Jabari replied.

    "Good, let them stew a bit," Anaya remarked.

    "It seems I''ll have plenty of time to read in the coming days," Jabari added, releasing Meltan from their Pok¨¦ball.

    Meltan began engaging with Smeargle¡ªthey appeared to be developing a budding friendship. Conversely, relations with Grafaiai didn¡¯t seem quite as harmonious.

    "Ashanti is on her way," Anaya stated.

    Jabari¡¯s reaction was unsurprised, as if he knew already. All he said was, "That''s good."

    Anaya observed him with interest, "Is that all? I expected you''d be happier," she commented.

    "My love, I knew she would come the moment we decided you¡¯d call her. When has she ever refused you?" Jabari replied.

    "True, you have a point. The only issue is that she''ll arrive in about eight days. Apparently, she has some work to complete for a client. When I asked what kind of work, she merely assured me it was legit and legal. I can''t say I fully trust her word," Anaya admitted.

    "She¡¯ll be fine, I''m sure of it. Just relax and be happy you''ll see her soon," Jabari said, stifling a yawn.

    "Get some rest. You didn¡¯t sleep much last night. I¡¯ll head over to the plaza to set up for painting," Anaya suggested.

    "Just what I was thinking. I couldn¡¯t keep my eyes open¡ªhence my early return," Jabari said.

    "Yes, I figured as much. Take it easy and let Meltan stay out of their Pok¨¦ball," Anaya advised.

    "Don''t worry, from now on, they''ll always be out of their Pok¨¦ball while I sleep. I can''t wait to see your new painting, my love," Jabari said, giving her another swift kiss before laying down on the bed as Anaya exited.

    Reaching the plaza took little time, merely a ten-minute walk. Anaya paused near the library, seeking a vantage point where the library would be situated to the left, with the gym positioned behind it to the right. Her chosen angle allowed part of the gym to remain obscured, nestled behind the library.

    She set up the canvas on the tripod she unfolded. Then she retrieved her backpack from Smeargle, taking out a case with her brushes and a wooden painter''s palette. Smeargle offered his tail, and as she had done countless times before, she squeezed it, letting blue ink drip onto the palette. Grafaiai added by spitting red, creating a basic red paint.

    "I think I''ll need a bit more red, just a touch more before you switch colors," Anaya requested of Grafaiai.

    Grafaiai spat a bit more red, and once Anaya was satisfied, she instructed him to switch to yellow. He opened his berry pouch, picked a yellow berry, and ate it. His saliva turned yellow, and he spat a stream of saliva that essentially was high-quality yellow paint. The paints produced by Grafaiai''s saliva and Smeargle''s tail were considered top-notch. Anaya then directed Grafaiai to eat a white berry, and after repeating the process, he consumed a green berry to get green paint.

    Now, she had the five colors she cherished: red, blue, yellow, white, and green. While Grafaiai enjoyed marking trees with his saliva as a territorial sign, he wasn''t adept at fine painting. Smeargle, on the other hand, had an innate talent for it. Whenever blue was needed, she would blend a hue on his tail and begin drawing with it, wielding her tail like a brush with remarkable precision. This allowed Anaya to take short breaks. In nearly all her paintings, Smeargle had rendered most of the skies or water scenes.

    The moment had arrived to create yet another exquisite work of art.

    ***

    As night descended, Elduran made his way through the plaza and stepped into the library. His hair was still clipped into a buzz cut, and a small beard now adorned his chin. He wondered if Faelan would recognize him. There was only one way to find out as he pushed open the library door and walked inside. There he was, just as Aisha had described¡ªlooking lifeless and as if he''d aged a decade. Despite this, it was clear he still maintained his body in peak condition. The mustache was a new addition. With a plastic bin in hand, Faelan approached Elduran in a slow, robotic gait, without even a glance upward to meet his eyes.

    "Don¡¯t trouble yourself over the bin; we fellows scarcely give a thought to books," Elduran remarked.

    Faelan lifted his gaze, and at last, Elduran''s features came into view. A spark of recognition lit up his expression; he had indeed recognized him.

    "Owl? What brings you here?" Faelan inquired.

    "I could pose the same question to you," Elduran replied.

    "I''m half Tenerian. I realized my fondness for this region was too profound, so I decided to settle here," Faelan explained.

    "Oh, you mean you chose to escape here," Elduran remarked.

    "Interpret it as you will," Faelan responded.

    "Man, I''ve genuinely missed you. I was convinced you''d eventually join my unit," Elduran said, extending his hand.

    As they shook hands, Faelan asked, "Why would you want a failure like me?"

    "Failure? You were the best of us. Anyone would have made the same choice you did. Command was mistaken in sending you on that mission. But that''s the past, and we can''t alter it. I''ve come to discuss the future," Elduran said.

    "This is my future. I''m not returning," Faelan stated.

    "I''m not here to bring you back. I''ve quit too," Elduran said, gesturing to his side, revealing three Pok¨¦balls.

    "Those must be fake, right? The legendary Pok¨¦mon hater has turned trainer?" Faelan joked.

    "They''re real. I resigned after the Ho-oh incident. I''m tired of merely reacting. Now I''m pursuing them on my own terms," Elduran declared.

    "I heard APSO didn''t even confront Ho-oh. What happened? Did some freelance trainers handle it?" Faelan asked.

    "APSO wasn''t present, but I was¡ªinside a building Ho-oh demolished. A Pok¨¦mon saved me, altering my world view," Elduran revealed.

    "No way! That was enough to make you a trainer? Hold on a moment¡ªwere you really in that collapsing building and lived to tell the tale? You don¡¯t go anywhere without your rifle, so either you faced them yourself, or you would have met your end trying. Did you actually take down Ho-oh all by yourself?" Faelan questioned, disbelief etched across his face.

    "That''s all in the past. Let''s focus on the present," Elduran said.

    "Please, for the love of everything, for those of us who navigate this world without depending on Pok¨¦mon, did you bring them down?" Faelan inquired.

    "Yes, I did. Now can I talk to you about why I am here or are you going to worship me?" Elduran said.

    "Wow, Owl, if only we possessed even a fraction of your talent. But if you''re truly pursuing those sons of bitches, this is the sole region untouched by the assaults of legendary Pok¨¦mon," Faelan remarked.

    "They''re here. The duo you drove out two nights ago, along with their comrades, we suspect they''re Watchers," Elduran explained.

    "How do you know about that?" Faelan queried.

    "That girl with green and yellow hair who gave you the recording, we work together," Elduran replied.

    "A little girl as your partner now?" Faelan teased.

    "You''re only about three years older than her. She''s turning twenty-one soon, in about two weeks, I think," Elduran said, noting how Faelan was returning to his old self during their conversation. It was good for him, diverting his mind from the past.

    "She seemed younger, though truthfully, I barely recall her face," Faelan admitted.

    "Has guilt ruined more than just your mind, your dick was affected too. You don''t even remember pretty girls anymore?" Elduran quipped.

    "You could say that," Faelan replied.

    "Honestly, join us," Elduran urged.

    "I get the feeling, you are going to push my emotions with the Watchers and I will have no option to refuse, ain''t I?" Faelan said.

    "I don''t have to push anything. You want those bastards dead as much as I do," Elduran replied.

    "What''s the plan?" Faelan asked.

    "I''ll explain more later, but here''s the gist: We''ll attempt to acquire that two-story house opposite the library, near the alley with the homeless kids and the Cubone. We''ll set up a front, perhaps a coffee shop, and establish operations to monitor everything those four and, particularly, the local politicians do. Aisha''s smart, if she senses something off, I believe her. We need to pinpoint their base of operations," Elduran explained.

    "That two-story building isn''t abandoned. I live there and have been trying to sell it," Faelan said.

    "Why sell it if you live there?" Elduran inquired.

    "Because I can''t afford the repairs. With the money, I could buy a cheap studio apartment," Faelan explained.

    "Looks like you just found investors. Don''t worry, we''ll leave you a corner for your studio," Elduran said with a smile.

    "Alright, fill me in. How do we make those bastards pay?" Faelan asked.

    ***

    The following night, Aisha ascended the stairs to the third floor of the gym, enveloped in shadows and illuminated by a subtle purple glow on every level. Perhaps the dim ambiance was intentional, for if fully lit, the spectators might strain to see even the limited view afforded during the night sessions. Few opted for the evening matches, believing their tickets squandered due to poor visibility. Consequently, they resorted to watching the action on screens instead.

    Aisha wanted to gauge the atmosphere. The third floor maintained a ring-like shape similar to the previous levels, but instead of solid tungsten walls in the inner ring, there was glass. Three-tiered spectator stands encircled the floor as closely as possible to the glass wall. Only three spectators were present, and among them was Elduran. She approached his seat in the first row of the stands, situated between the two platforms that overlooked the arena where the challenger and the gym leader would stand in about five minutes. The Arena featured two modest sections at opposing ends, each adorned with a small water pond. The rest of the terrain was composed of sand.

    As soon as Aisha sat next to him, she anticipated what was coming: his complaint that they had spent their money for nothing, as it would be impossible to see anything.

    Elduran smiled at her, "I have to admit, this is rather intriguing. Quite unique. I can''t believe I¡¯m saying this, but I¡¯m actually excited for it to begin," he said.

    How often she misjudged Elduran¡ªif only he knew how frequently she was wrong about his responses, he''d think twice about praising her skill in reading people.

    "I figured you''d like it," Aisha lied.

    "By the way, I got a text from Faelan. He''s off tomorrow, and I told him we''d meet at his place," Elduran added.

    Aisha was still amazed that Faelan actually lived in that building, yet she couldn''t believe their luck¡ªhim being the owner and practically worshiping Elduran.

    "That''s great. We might not have base locations from Mew, but we''ve gathered plenty of intel on what they''re researching. Jabari believes he''s close to deciphering their objectives," Aisha replied.

    "There he is, your boyfriend has arrived," Elduran teased.

    "Insufferable fool," Aisha muttered upon seeing Zane step onto the platform, followed soon by Stephanie Crock. She was a dark-skinned woman with slender black cornrows cascading past her waist, appearing to be in her forties. She wore tall black heels, a short black skirt, and a long-sleeved black shirt that almost hid her skirt entirely. Although short, her heels gave her a taller appearance.

    As she reached her platform, a voice resonated throughout the arena.

    "Challenger, you have issued a challenge to Gym Leader Crock for a two-on-two battle with one switch-in. Mrs. Crock will commence with Shiftry, while her other Pok¨¦mon is Crawdaunt. Should any of your Pok¨¦mon touch the green laser roof beneath you, they will be disqualified. A Pok¨¦mon deliberately thrown towards the laser roof will also be disqualified. Most attacks dissipate upon contact with the laser, yet more powerful moves can penetrate, resulting in disqualification. Exercise extreme caution when commanding your Pok¨¦mon to aim upwards. The safety of onlookers is of utmost importance. Challenger, release your first Pok¨¦mon to face Shiftry," the announcer proclaimed.

    "Are you aware of the Pok¨¦mon you''ll face beforehand?" Elduran asked, curious.

    "You really don¡¯t read much. Yes, you''ll always contend with her Shiftry and Crawdaunt, without exception to your level, plus an additional Pok¨¦mon that corresponds to your number of badges. Challengers are well-informed about the Pok¨¦mon they will encounter, including the gym leader¡¯s starting choice," Aisha clarified.

    "Wow, that certainly simplifies things," Elduran noted.

    "The only catch is that regardless of a challenger¡¯s badges, the intensity of the gym leader''s battle remains unwavering. It matches the difficulty presented by the eight-level gym leaders found in other regions. However, you''re partly right¡ªat the zero and one badge levels, if your team counters the gym leader''s primary and secondary types, it does make things easier. But as the gym leader¡¯s roster expands beyond two badges, it becomes increasingly daunting. From two to four badge levels, Tenera is infamously challenging. Nevertheless, at levels five to eight, other regions may offer tougher adversaries due to their unpredictability, even if the challenge here remains formidable," Aisha elaborated.

    Zane sent Mienfoo into the arena below. Catherine released Shiftry and remarked, "Good luck, challenger."

    "I don''t need luck. I am Zane the Invincible. Prepare for your defeat," he boldly declared.

    "Why do I feel embarrassed hearing him boast like that, considering I don¡¯t even know him?" Aisha mused aloud.

    "You really don¡¯t want me to answer that, do you?" Elduran replied, a hint of amusement in his tone.

    "Damn you, Elduran," Aisha muttered, exasperated.

    "A confident challenger today," Catherine observed, smiling.

    "Let¡¯s dispense with the pleasantries. Mienfoo, strike first with Fake Out and then unleash Force Palm!" Zane commanded.

    In a flash, Mienfoo zipped in front of Shiftry, landing a slap with both paws that stunned him momentarily before thrusting her palm against Shiftry''s chest, channeling a powerful force that sent him tumbling backward to the ground.

    "Return the favor with Air Cutter, Shiftry," Catherine instructed calmly.

    Shiftry blurred into motion, striking Mienfoo across the face with rapid-fire leaf slaps. He then created a razor-sharp wind that sliced through Mienfoo¡¯s chest, leaving her bleeding as if cleaved by a blade.

    "Shit, he knows flying moves! Dodge those at all costs! Now, unleash Fury Swipes!" Zane ordered urgently.

    "Counter with Mega Drain," Catherine directed.

    As Mienfoo lunged towards Shiftry to claw him with her swift strikes, Shiftry focused on her, preparing to absorb her vital energy to mend his own wounds.

    "Run past him quickly!" Zane commanded.

    Mienfoo dodged low, slipping beneath Shiftry''s arm before turning around to strike him from behind with Fury Swipes.

    "Just use Harden and endure the hits," Catherine instructed.

    Shiftry braced himself, his bark seeming to harden as the blows rained upon him from behind.

    "We can only use super-effective moves; we''re barely scratching him! Force Palm!" Zane exclaimed.

    "That''s something you have to dodge," Catherine replied with unwavering calm.

    Shiftry shifted to his right, facing Mienfoo, but a Force Palm clipped him on the side, causing him to collapse to the ground.

    "Now''s our chance! Hone Claws!" Zane instructed.

    Mienfoo began sharpening her claws, readying herself for the next onslaught.

    "Stop her! Razor Leaf!" Catherine shouted.

    Shiftry released a flurry of sharp leaves toward Mienfoo, but after two struck her, she had finished honing her claws and dodged to the side, racing toward Shiftry.

    "For a new trainer, you''re not half bad," Catherine complimented, "Use Rollout!" she commanded with determination.

    "Hone Claws again!" Zane insisted.

    Shiftry began to roll into position, giving Mienfoo the brief moment she needed to finish sharpening her claws.

    "Detect!" Zane cried.

    Just before Shiftry could hit, Mienfoo, with extraordinary agility, jumped over him, timing her movement almost as if reading her opponent¡¯s thoughts.

    "Execute a swift Force Palm while you leap over him!" Zane shouted.

    Mienfoo complied, clipping Shiftry as she soared over, and with the power she had gained, sent Shiftry crashing against the wall. Remarkably, Shiftry rose again.

    "Enough games! Synthesis!" Catherine commanded.

    "At night?" Zane retorted. "Fuck this, he won¡¯t heal much¡ªHone Claws!" he said, grinning.

    Mienfoo started sharpening her claws once more.

    "Cancel that and bombard her with Razor Leaf!" Catherine ordered.

    "Just sharpen your claws again, then dodge!" Zane urged.

    Leaves struck Mienfoo, adding to her injuries, but she managed to evade most of the attack as her claws gleamed ominously.

    "Charge at him with Drain Punch!" Zane directed.

    Just as the punch was poised to land, Catherine recalled Shiftry.

    "Now that Mienfoo is powered up, just a couple of fighting moves from her and any of my Pok¨¦mon would be down," Catherine said, her smile revealing her enjoyment of the battle.

    "Blah blah blah, are you going to send out your second Pok¨¦mon?" Zane questioned, eager.

    Catherine released Crawdaunt at a distance from Mienfoo.

    "Swords Dance!" she commanded.

    "Oh crap, that¡¯s much stronger than Hone Claws! You¡¯re too far¡ªdamn it!" Zane exclaimed, recalling Mienfoo swiftly and sending out Toxel right next to Crawdaunt. "Nuzzle, right away!" he ordered.

    With a single step, Toxel''s cheeks connected with Crawdaunt, emitting a jolt of electricity that interrupted his Swords Dance.

    "Wow, that is one seriously strong Nuzzle! Toxel is impressive¡ªCrawdaunt, Crabhammer!" she commanded.

    Crawdaunt raised one of his pincers, preparing to strike Toxel fiercely.

    "Tearful Look!" Zane shouted.

    Toxel started crying while gazing at Crawdaunt, causing the attack to lessen in ferocity. As the blow landed, Toxel managed to withstand the hit and took the opportunity to unleash another Nuzzle on Crawdaunt.The clash of an Electric attack against a part Water-type Pok¨¦mon like Crawdaunt left it howling in pain.

    As he stumbled away from Toxel, he began to limp backward while unleashing Razor Shell, following instincts rather than commands from Catherine. Shards of shell flew from his body toward Toxel.

    "He''s still close enough¡ªBelch!" Zane yelled.

    As Toxel let out a huge burp, a wave of poison surged toward Crawdaunt, gnawing away at his shell and causing him to faint. Yet, Toxel, battered by the sharp shells, could barely move.

    "You had him eat a berry just before our fight. Smart move," Catherine noted, her smile unwavering.

    She released Shiftry as far as possible, fully aware that Zane had no more switch-ins.

    "Finish him with Razor Leaf!" she commanded.

    Though Shiftry appeared exhausted, he summoned sharp leaves that darted toward Toxel.

    In a swift movement, Zane recalled Toxel, forfeiting him and sending out Mienfoo right beside Shiftry, catching even Catherine off guard. Her expression transformed from surprise to delight, witnessing a young trainer battle with such intelligence.

    "Time to heal¡ªDrain Punch!" Zane instructed.

    Mienfoo''s claws, once gleaming, had reverted to their original state upon being recalled to their Pok¨¦ball. But at this moment, healing was paramount for both exhausted Pok¨¦mon.

    Mienfoo delivered a punch that drained energy from Shiftry, bringing him closer to collapse. Yet, Shiftry, driven by sheer determination, retaliated with Mega Drain.

    "Detect!" Zane commanded.

    Yet again, with incredible agility, Mienfoo dodged, instinctively utilizing another Drain Punch without needing direction.

    "I know it¡¯s not optimal to use a Dark move against a Fighting type, but use Payback!" Catherine encouraged.

    As Mienfoo''s punch landed, healing her once more, Shiftry retaliated with a shadowy strike¡ªa move twice as powerful following Mienfoo''s hit. If Mienfoo hadn''t resisted the move as a Fighting type, she might have been finished.

    "Forget Drain Punch! He''s barely standing¡ªoverwhelm him with Fury Swipes!" Zane ordered, his focus unwavering.

    "Try to Mega Drain in between the hits!" Catherine continued, still smiling.

    Mienfoo launched a rapid succession of claw swipes. Shiftry attempted to absorb her life force, but fatigue and distractions rendered him powerless against Mienfoo¡¯s relentless barrage. A final swipe sent Shiftry crashing to the ground, unconscious.

    "The challenger has emerged victorious! What an impressive display of skill. Congratulations on earning your very first badge, the Midnight Badge," the speaker announced.

    A bridge formed, connecting both platforms of the challenger and gym leader. Catherine walked halfway across, awaiting Zane¡¯s approach.

    "You¡¯re supposed to walk the other half," she said, a playful smile adorning her face.

    "I thought victory meant you walk the whole way here," Zane countered.

    "Oh my, your manners require some refinement," Catherine replied, her smile still bright.

    Zane met her halfway, where she presented him with the Midnight Badge, shaped like a black comet.

    "You possess unimaginable potential, kid; I look forward to our rematch in the League Finals someday," Catherine remarked.

    "I will conquer the entire league. And when they crown me champion, I¡¯ll refuse the title," Zane declared as he turned to leave.

    Aisha looked on in disbelief, astonished by his brazen attitude. She glanced beside her to see Elduran laughing, as if it were the most amusing spectacle in the world. Naturally, he would find delight in a behavior like that.

    "I misjudged that kid. I absolutely love his style," he said, laughter filling the air.

    Aisha could only sigh, her disbelief resonating in the silence around her.

 Chapter 13 - The Break In

    Chapter 13: The Break In

    The two-story stone building loomed ominously at the edge of the plaza, its weathered fa?ade a warning of secrets held within. Cracks spiderwebbed across the grey stones, each fissure deepening with time, while patches of moss clung desperately to the crevices, a testament to nature''s relentless will to reclaim what was once vibrant. The wooden doors, long ago painted a vibrant cerulean blue that signified warmth and welcome, now hung awkwardly on rusted hinges, creaking open to a darkened interior that felt like a breath held, waiting for the disturbance of intruders.

    Inside, the air was thick with the smell of dampness and decay; shafts of muted light streamed through barred windows, casting eerie shadows upon the walls, while the distant drip of water echoed in the stillness. The stonework, while sturdy, revealed the ravages of neglect¡ªplastered sections peeling away to expose crumbling mortar beneath. Dust hung in the air like forgotten memories, whispers of a once-vibrant life hinting at the absence of warmth, laughter, and care that had long since faded.

    The ground floor featured gaping holes where shelves once stood, remnants of splintered wood scattered about like fallen leaves. Broken furniture lay strewn haphazardly, each chair and table telling a story of abrupt abandonment. The staircase, a sturdy spiral stone construction, was still intact yet dimmed by layers of dust, leading to the second floor where the true extent of disrepair was laid bare.

    Upstairs, the long hallway stretched out, its walls lined with peeling wallpaper stained with age and moisture. Doors swung ajar on rusted hinges, revealing rooms stripped bare¡ªthe echoes of conversations and laughter now replaced by the haunting silence of desolation. In one corner, pieces of shattered ceramics lay like fallen stars, remnants of what used to be cherished items.

    Yet, one room shimmered like a breath of fresh air amid the decay¡ªthe sole place that radiated a sense of newness. Here, Faelan had devoted himself to restoration, pouring his heart into transforming this dilapidated space, as it symbolized his hope for a new beginning. Here, Faelan had devoted himself to restoration, molding it into a humble yet inviting living space. Fresh paint adorned the walls, and the floor lay swept and polished, a striking contrast to the surrounding neglect. Shelves brimming with firearms and shotguns momentarily dispelled the shadows of desolation, embodying Faelan''s ambition not just to defend, but to breathe new life into this crumbling edifice, transforming it into a secure home. A neatly made bed with crisp sheets stood ready, while a table had been hastily arranged to accommodate Faelan and his four guests: Elduran, Aisha, Jabari, and Anaya.

    The roof, though still intact, showed signs of sagging with the weight of neglect, allowing sporadic leaks during storms. On days when the sun shone, patches of light illuminated the dust motes, momentarily breathing life into the lifeless space. Yet a prevailing sense of abandonment lingered, palpable and heavy, like a secret waiting to be uncovered within this stone shell of memories lost.

    The quintet had been engaged in discussions for nearly two hours. Aisha absorbed the information, feeling the weight of unfamiliar dynamics as Faelan was brought up to speed. Aisha was struck by how markedly different he seemed; the haze appeared to have cleared from his mind. She was almost convinced by the tales Elduran shared about him. Despite this, his aloof nature remained unchanged¡ªperhaps a shield against his past experiences¡ªmaking it evident that this distance was a permanent trait.

    "Honestly, now that we''ve figured out the financial aspect, I''ve had significant revelations about the legendary Pok¨¦mon featured in all those books I''m reading. As for handling the renovation of the building, I believe it''s up to Aisha and Faelan. They should stay a bit longer after we''re done to discuss it. Aisha seems to have a handle on the business side of things, and well... it is Faelan¡¯s house," Jabari remarked.

    "Sounds good to me. I¡¯m not too concerned about those details, but I do care that stove pot coffee is on offer," Elduran added.

    "Man, your obsession with coffee¡ªyou¡¯re like a broken record. Do you think about anything else? Do you even dream about coffee?" Aisha quipped.

    "You don''t need to be so harsh," Faelan interjected.

    "Faelan, you don¡¯t have to shield me. Aisha is at her best when she channels her energy into tackling high-stakes situations; talking about anything else seems absurd to her. Just ignore her. Eventually, she might grumble about the time you spend cleaning your firearms. Anaya might hear it for painting too much, and Jabari will only stay in her good books if he reads mission-related material. She¡¯s a good person once you get to know her. Like I said, just brush it off when she vents¡ªshe doesn¡¯t really mean it, she''s simply always on edge," Elduran explained.

    Elduran''s words resonated deep within her. Lately, Aisha found herself often venting about trivial matters. Her empathy seemed to wane as well. She had forsaken Dorothy, put Jabari at risk with the recording that nearly led to his assassination, and manipulated the homeless children right outside this very building to serve her own ends. A re-evaluation of her life and ideals was imperative; she was transforming into someone she scarcely recognized or wanted to be.

    "Let¡¯s maintain our civility. As I was mentioning, I¡¯ve caught wind of part of the scheme they¡¯re concocting. They intend to employ Dialga to transport Xerneas and Zygarde out of the present moment, leveraging Yveltal for sheer devastation. I¡¯m not certain what kind of destruction they envision, but Yveltal is a Pok¨¦mon whose power is counterbalanced by Xerneas, and without that balance, Zygarde is the one who restores it. If both are absent, who can fathom the extent of the chaos Yveltal could unleash?" Jabari elucidated.

    "That''s impossible; there are far too many Zygarde cores and cells. There''s no way they can locate them all. What if their plan is to simply eliminate Xerneas from this present moment? Without Xerneas, Zygarde has no means to restore equilibrium. However, they might still be conducting research¡ªjust in case their calculations prove to be flawed," Aisha remarked.

    "I can at least be certain that their primary Pok¨¦mon for the attack is Yveltal. I don''t even believe they need to capture or control them; merely disrupting the balance between them and Xerneas should suffice. All they need to do is awaken them. Hopefully, they haven''t found their cocoon, because if they have, I fear they''ll find a way to awaken them prematurely," Jabari stated.

    "We need more information, damn it," Aisha exclaimed.

    "I''m trying, Aisha, I''m truly doing my best. This requires time," Jabari replied.

    "What? Oh, I''m sorry, Jabari, I didn¡¯t mean it like that. I wasn¡¯t directing my frustration at you. My fault," Aisha apologized.

    "Don''t worry, we''re all feeling the pressure here. No offense taken," Jabari assured.

    Elduran stood, moved to Aisha, and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Given our circumstances, we''re doing our best, Little Light Bulb. Use that mind of yours. Do you honestly think the five of us could have accomplished more by now, or are we perhaps exceeding expectations?" Elduran asked her.

    She didn¡¯t even turn to face him as she pondered his question, her mind a whirlwind of relief and anxiety as she weighed their recent successes. Just days ago, they were only two; now their numbers had increased to five, with Ashanti arriving soon to be the sixth. They had uncovered part of the enemy''s plan, barred two adversaries from accessing library intel, and had a legendary Pok¨¦mon ready to detect the enemy''s location. Elduran was right; they were indeed overachieving¡ªa testament to their teamwork and mutual support during this chaotic time. She took a deep breath, fighting the tension that curled in her gut, and allowed herself to sink deeper into her chair, grasping a moment of solace amidst the chaos. "You¡¯re right, we¡¯re doing far better than I expected we would a few days ago.  I need to gather myself; with everything progressing, moving in seems rational. I¡¯m truly sorry for being so tense, guys," she said, her voice tinged with a vulnerable sincerity.

    "I''m not sure about you all, but I''m definitely moving in here. The closer we are, the better. I spotted a furniture store, and aside from a bed, I don¡¯t really care about much else!¡± Elduran declared with infectious enthusiasm as he released his trio of Pok¨¦mon. "While renovations are important, we still need to tidy up. Blue, gather all the broken furniture, cut it into small pieces, and stack them in the fireplace downstairs. Forge, start burning them¡ªslowly, of course. We''ve got a big fireplace, so pace yourself. Viv, your task is to tackle the dust and clear out the cobwebs," Elduran directed.

    His three Pok¨¦mon dashed downstairs, and soon the entire building echoed with the sound of wood splintering as furniture began to break.

    "Is there even a functioning bathroom here, or are we resorting to the great outdoors?¡± Aisha inquired, with an exasperated smile.

    "The one across from this room, yes. It¡¯s a mess, but the toilet, sink, and shower are functional. I just don''t have hot water because the furnace refuses to ignite," Faelan replied.

    "That''s a problem. I can''t manage this," Aisha admitted.

    "The furnace can be operational today with Forge''s help. We can call someone in to fix it tomorrow. Do you know anyone who can handle that, Faelan?" Elduran asked.

    "Yes, but he isn''t cheap. It¡¯ll be about 400 cetis," Faelan said.

    "I can''t wrap my head around these prices; that¡¯s ridiculously low," Elduran said.

    "Wages in Tenera are not substantial. For someone from Kanto, yes, it''s a bargain. How much did you bring with you? What is your savings?" Faelan inquired.

    "Around 140,000 cetis," Elduran revealed.

    "Wow, that will last you quite a while here," Faelan noted.

    "I have a bit more than that," Aisha mentioned.

    "We¡¯re lucky to have you Kanto folks then, because Jabari and I barely have 12,000 cetis between us," Anaya pointed out.

    "I don''t even have 1,000," Faelan confessed.

    "No wonder it''s difficult for outsiders to relocate here. Apart from the badge route, the only other way is to possess a skill they need. If many people moved here, the prices would surge, as they''d afford everything, while locals might struggle to get by with the wages they earn here," Aisha said.

    "My issue is that we lack a functional kitchen. Eating out constantly is quite costly," Anaya remarked.

    "My dear, we can simply purchase a stovetop and a fridge for now. We''ll need them soon anyway," Jabari suggested.

    "Faelan, are you comfortable with all this? I notice no one asking your thoughts on us moving in here," Aisha inquired.

    "Well, since we¡¯ve decided to turn this into a business, and given the funds you all possess, we could hire a crew to get this place ready in as little as two weeks, I imagine. So, whether you move in now or later makes little difference. You¡¯re welcome to my room, by the way, like Elduran all I also need is a bed," Faelan replied.

    "We spoke about starting a business, not moving in with you," Aisha clarified.

    "I just assumed we would. There are four bedrooms on the second floor. I have free rooms at Pok¨¦mon centers, but the rest of you don¡¯t. So why not? Jabari and Anaya can share one, Aisha, you can take another, Faelan can keep his own room, and Ashanti the last," Elduran proposed.

    "And what about you?" Aisha questioned.

    "I''m perfectly fine with setting up my bed in the corridor," Elduran answered nonchalantly.

    "You think I left the army and suddenly I desire privacy? Elduran, you can place your bed here," Faelan insisted.

    "I¡¯ll stay with Ashanti when she arrives. Faelan¡¯s right, we should share rooms," Aisha agreed.

    "But there¡¯s an extra bedroom," Anaya pointed out.

    "There isn¡¯t. Those homeless kids outside will use that room. We¡¯ll need workers soon," Aisha explained.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure whether to feel uneasy about the implications of this suggestion or relieved at your foresight," Jabari commented thoughtfully.

    "Forcing them? What are you talking about? I¡¯ll ask them. If they prefer to stay outside, they¡¯re welcome to. We can offer them free lodging, meals, and certainly pay. I¡¯m not suggesting they work for nothing. As far as I know, Tenera doesn¡¯t have child labor laws," Aisha responded.

    "There aren¡¯t any, but as long as they¡¯re paid, it¡¯s fine with me," Jabari conceded.

    Aisha released her four Pok¨¦mon. "Candy, assist Blue by moving what he breaks over to Forge. Splash, wash each wall once Viv has dusted it¡ªwait for her to finish dusting first. Gale, help Viv, as I suspect dusting will take the most time. Luna, lend Blue a hand with the demolition," she directed.

    "Regrettably, I must take Brush and Ink with me to continue my painting," Anaya announced.

    "That''s fine. How about Elduran and I go shopping? We could use a few beds, mattresses, a stove, and a fridge for starters. I''ll keep Meltan with me for protection, though I''m sure Elduran is quite adept with the bow," Jabari suggested.

    "Elduran''s skill with the bow surpasses that of half of APSO soldiers with rifles¡ªif that gives you any idea," Faelan commented.

    "I can vouch for that; I''ve witnessed him in action," Aisha confirmed.

    "Well, that¡¯s reassuring," Jabari replied with a smile.

    "Alright, let''s get going, Professor. Let''s leave the renovation planning to them," Elduran said to Jabari.

    Anaya departed first, planning to continue her painting at the nearby plaza. Jabari and Elduran followed suit. Faelan appeared reluctant to start the conversation, so she took the initiative, "Bring as many workers as you can; they''ll be ready to start tomorrow," she directed.

    "Tomorrow? Seems like there¡¯s a lot to clean up here," Faelan remarked.

    "There are seven Pok¨¦mon currently handling the clean-up. By tonight, it should be quite presentable. Pok¨¦mon work swiftly," Aisha assured.

    "Yeah, I don¡¯t doubt that for a second," Faelan muttered, casting his gaze towards the ground, the weight of unexpressed worries furrowing his brow.

    She noticed something troubled him regarding Pok¨¦mon but decided to let it pass, focusing on more pressing matters.

    "The kitchen can remain where it is; it¡¯s spacious enough for preparing sandwiches and breakfast items like eggs. We don¡¯t need anything larger than that. A wall can enclose it and extend to envelop the staircase leading to the second floor. This design ensures access to the second floor through the kitchen, making it an ''employees only'' area. It reflects a smart use of space," Aisha outlined confidently, inspiring Faelan with her clarity.

    "You¡¯ve thought this out quickly. Sounds good to me," Faelan responded.

    "The toughest task will be tearing down the remaining walls downstairs," Aisha mentioned.

    "All the walls, in all four rooms?" Faelan queried.

    "Absolutely. The space will be for customer seating. Of course, structural columns will remain to support the second floor, but hopefully with minimal beams," Aisha clarified.

    "How do you know so much about construction?" Faelan asked.

    "My father took a hands-on approach after my mother passed. To save money, he learned to do everything himself. We did renovations together. His job is unrelated¡ªhe is a truck driver¡ªbut he was committed to becoming self-sufficient. I assisted by handling instructions better than he did," Aisha explained.

    "That makes sense. My father was a painter, so I''m familiar with that field. Beyond that, he didn¡¯t engage much with construction¡ªjust prepping walls, covering holes, but not building from scratch," Faelan recounted.

    "No wonder this room looks almost new; a fresh coat of paint can transform it. The second floor requires little work: patching and covering wall holes, sanding, and finishing the floor. Downstairs, we need more windows in the seating area. That might be the renovation''s major expense," Aisha suggested.

    "It should improve the atmosphere," Faelan agreed.

    "Indeed. We can decide paint colors and other details later," Aisha conceded.

    "Alright, I¡¯ll contact a construction crew I know. They¡¯re sizable, but we have the funds, and they work quickly," Faelan proposed.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    "Perfect. Let me assist my Pok¨¦mon," Aisha said, rising from her seat.

    "Wait," Faelan interjected, pausing as he considered his next words, "How is Elduran managing?"

    "What exactly do you mean? He¡¯s fine. What concerns you about him?" Aisha asked as she settled back into her seat.

    "I mean, how¡¯s he really handling things as a trainer?" Faelan pressed; his concern genuine.

    "Keep this between us; he¡¯d be angry if he knew I told you, but he genuinely loves Pok¨¦mon. He¡¯s been deceiving himself for years. I confronted him, and his reaction was basically an admission," Aisha confided.

    "Really? So, it¡¯s not just about them being superior to firearms?" Faelan questioned.

    "That too, but it¡¯s mostly his love for being a trainer. Please keep it discreet," Aisha advised with concern.

    "Why should I keep it a secret? He remains indifferent to others'' opinions; he''s truly unaffected," Faelan remarked.

    "You¡¯re probably right. He was upset when I told him because he didn¡¯t realize it himself. He wasn¡¯t mad at me, but at himself," Aisha explained.

    "Naturally, his fury arose from the situation itself rather than your remarks, if I were to hazard a guess," Faelan observed, a faint smile ghosting across his lips.

    "He spoke highly of you during your time in APSO," Aisha mentioned.

    "All lies. I was terrible¡ªstill am. I haven''t recovered; I¡¯m hiding at the end of the world," Faelan said.

    "Faelan, what you went through, anyone would have reacted similarly. You¡¯ve nothing to be ashamed of," Aisha consoled.

    "It isn¡¯t about shame. It¡¯s about how it shattered me. I¡¯m not like him; he¡¯s strong, and I am weak. He lost his parents, you lost your father, yet both of you endured. But I was the one who ran," Faelan confessed, his eyes struggling to hold back tears, never lifting a hand to wipe them, to conceal his vulnerability. However, Aisha had the keen vision of a Braviary for the subtle actions of both humans and Pok¨¦mon, an ability that allowed her to understand them completely.

    "It¡¯s different; you feel responsible for your unit¡¯s demise," Aisha reasoned.

    "Maybe not exactly like you, but Elduran was made commander at twenty-two, failed his first mission with his unit killed. Given another chance, the second mission wasn''t all his fault, but only he and a soldier named Robert survived. Command was stripped, but two years later, he was reinstated. Despite losses, he continued facing the Gods, never running like I did," Faelan shared, his eyes still betraying the effort to hold back tears.

    "Why isn¡¯t that on record? I know nothing of it," Aisha asked.

    "Because disclosing it would¡¯ve meant his discharge, which command couldn¡¯t afford. Elduran was an exceptional sniper. They buried it. Officially, the records state he was temporarily relieved of command post-second mission for trauma recovery, not faults. Bureaucracy would¡¯ve eliminated the best we had," Faelan explained.

    "Damn. He¡¯s like a machine. I¡¯d have acted like you. Why didn¡¯t you try being a trainer?" Aisha wondered.

    "I never cared for them, even as a kid. I didn''t want anyone relying on me. Hyper-independence, they called it. Pok¨¦mon need dependency," Faelan replied.

    "Indeed, you can''t escape that truth. Even during your time in APSO, you were constantly pushing your boundaries. Even without direct orders, others depend on you. Every role relies on someone else in some way," Aisha conceded, instantly regretting her words as Faelan bowed his head onto the table, face-first. Gently, she moved closer, placing her hands over his in a comforting gesture. "Faelan, we''ll face this challenge together. For now, understand that it''s okay to act¡ªor to choose not to. You''ve got people standing by you. Failure is among the possibilities. Our friendship will endure, and you won''t let us down. We will all be there for each other, Faelan," Aisha assured him, meeting his eyes with a look of deep comprehension as he raised his head to look at her.

    Faelan withdrew his hand from Aisha¡¯s hold, and rose, heading to the door, "I¡¯ll talk to the contractor."

    Aisha pondered the challenge his condition posed to group work. She doubted Elduran knew, but if not, she couldn¡¯t disclose it, unlike how Elduran might not mind, Faelan would likely be upset. Situations were becoming more complex. If not for the building being Faelan''s, she¡¯d have considered removing him from the group. She wondered when she¡¯d grown so heartless. Seeking distraction, she ventured downstairs, invited the children to stay in the building in exchange for helping her Pok¨¦mon with cleanup. They agreed eagerly, their smiles wide.

    ***

    Elduran entrusted the construction to Aisha and Faelan, avoiding the house for the last four days until after six o''clock, when the construction crew departed. The progress was speeding far beyond his expectations. He devoted all his time to training his Pok¨¦mon for the looming gym battle. Vivillon had mastered Bug Buzz; she took some time to catch on initially, but once she grasped the basics, her learning was swift. Heracross, on the other hand, absorbed information quickly, regardless of how simplistic the explanation, yet took longer to refine his skills. Elduran''s attempts to mimic Swords Dance must have appeared comical to any onlookers¡ªindeed, Vivillon and Cyndaquil seemed amused¡ªbut he was unfazed as long as Heracross understood, which he ultimately did as the move neared perfection.

    Cyndaquil was another matter entirely. Whether peculiar to this particular Cyndaquil or not, his understanding and learning were rapid. Perhaps Aisha¡¯s theory about young, unevolved Pok¨¦mon learning more swiftly held merit. Rollout was close to being perfected. By the time Heracross mastered Swords Dance, Cyndaquil might have acquired three moves. If Cyndaquil learned yet another move before departing Dirthrow, it would make three: Quick Attack, Rollout, and a third yet to be chosen by Elduran. He didn''t need to consult his phone to recall Cyndaquil¡¯s potential moves; he knew them all by heart. Rollout and Quick Attack significantly enhanced Cyndaquil''s mobility. Elduran was torn between teaching Flame Wheel or Flame Charge next. Flame Wheel packed a punch and enhanced maneuverability, while Flame Charge increased speed with each use. Though both moves typically hit harder than Ember, Cyndaquil''s expertise as a special attacker, meaning moves that mostly were effective from distance, made Flame Wheel only slightly stronger since it was a physical move. Elduran leaned towards Flame Charge though, opting to rely entirely on evasion in battle.

    In the past few days, he couldn''t shake the feeling that without someone directing him where to go and whom to target, he''d become obsolete to the group. Even Faelan proved more valuable¡ªafter all, Faelan owned the house. While such doubts might plague others, he found they didn''t trouble him, though he kept pondering over the shift. Despite the pervasive danger lurking in every shadow and the possibility that today might mark him as an assassination target, this was the first time in ages that the group didn''t entirely depend on him. The dynamics had shifted. He never enjoyed leading, he merely recognized his proficiency in it. Each time they arrived in a town or city, he wished others would take the helm. Out in the wilderness, however, he sensed that leadership would once more be thrust upon him, regardless of his desires.

    Elduran settled onto the ground, reclining on his back as the sun gradually descended into the evening sky. The construction crew would soon be departing. He called his Pok¨¦mon for a well-deserved break, and all three approached him. Cyndaquil, as usual, nestled comfortably on his chest, savoring the closeness. Vivillon had been like that initially when he first encountered her¡ªperhaps a reaction to the trauma she endured during the Ho-oh attack, losing her trainer, and then gaining a new one, a stranger in a completely altered environment. Now, Vivillon was no longer so clingy. Heracross, on the other hand, mirrored Elduran in his preference for space. He respected and loved everyone, though he wasn''t particularly eager to display it. Nonetheless, he delighted in a bit of praise for his skill and strength, a complete goofball at heart.

    Elduran allowed himself and his Pok¨¦mon to rest there for half an hour; they had earned it, and he needed them rejuvenated for what lay ahead¡ªa venture both foolhardy and utterly necessary. He wouldn''t breathe a word of his plan to the others; they needn''t know, and they''d likely disapprove of his tactics.

    Elduran assured Cyndaquil, Vivillon, and Heracross, "If anyone wants out, let me know now¡ªI won''t hold it against you, seriously."

    All three met his gaze with undeniable resolve. That was all the answer he needed. He required at least one of them, as bringing his bow was out of the question; it would broadcast his identity to the world. Displaying his Pok¨¦mon would be risky enough, but he was confident he could keep even that under wraps.

    He recalled his Pok¨¦mon and, after traversing a few blocks, entered a clothing store. It didn''t take long to find the desired item¡ªa white hooded cape, light and common in this town. Locals used it to shield themselves from the searing sun on scorching days. After purchasing it, he donned it immediately and, before heading out, raised the hood. Once on the street, he kept his head bowed and started walking. He passed Faelan''s house on the right, where construction workers were busily engaged with the building''s exterior. The progress was impressive.

    At the plaza, he spotted Anaya with her two Pok¨¦mon, Smeargle and Grafaiai, setting up their equipment. She had completed a painting yesterday and now aimed to create a similar one by night. Elduran chose to skirt around the gym, avoiding proximity to her as a precaution against recognition. Navigating through two more intersections, he went around the gym and library, emerging on the opposite side of the plaza¡ªa bit closer to Anaya than he preferred. The first building on the west side of the plaza stood before him. It was undoubtedly the finest building there, newly renovated and fenced, with a lawn adorned with various flowers encircling the two-story stone structure.

    He waited until the street was clear, then released Vivillon and Cyndaquil. They acted without instruction, having rehearsed the plan multiple times over the past three days. Vivillon would lift Cyndaquil toward the small circular window on the second floor, likely a bathroom window, people and their obsession with fresh air, Elduran mused. She could ascend a little before fatigue set in. Cyndaquil perched on her back while she flew up; the crucial part was for Vivillon to hover just below the window long enough for Cyndaquil to squeeze through. Though a tight fit, Vivillon was steady for more than two seconds. The plan worked; Cyndaquil was inside.

    Minutes later, Elduran recognized the creak of a door swinging open. His primary worry had been whether Cyndaquil could manage the lock. They had practiced on various doors, yet the twist knob posed the greatest challenge¡ªit was simply too small to grasp while leaping. In the worst-case scenario, had Cyndaquil refused to join him on this venture, he would have resorted to breaking a window; he might still have to resort to that option. He considered the likelihood of alarms being installed; given that the door was locked only at the knob and the bathroom window was perpetually ajar, he doubted it was even secured. The top lock had never been engaged; the individual he observed always locked only the knob. As people strolled by, he bided his time, then approached the gate, which was always left unlocked, and made his way to the main entrance.

    Inside, Cyndaquil awaited him near the door. The lock had been an easy push knob¡ªserendipity indeed. Otherwise, Cyndaquil would have needed several attempts. The kitchen lay straight ahead. Elduran proceeded, after locking the main door, noting brand-new white cabinets. Any lingering doubts he had about the occupant''s innocence dissipated upon seeing the house''s lavish interior. The kitchen table was against the wall he entered from, perfect for remaining unseen from the doorway. Aware of the time, he opted to scout the rest of the house before taking a seat, ensuring there were no unexpected surprises. He always preferred to err on the side of caution, a lesson learned from experiences that left no room for mistakes.

    The house was unremarkable throughout, freshly renovated, and that was the essence of the building. Whether right or wrong, legal or not, Elduran was indifferent. His sole concern was the information he was about to receive. He returned to the kitchen, choosing the chair furthest from the doorway. Carefully, he released Heracross and recalled Vivillon and Cyndaquil. It was prudent not to reveal all his Pok¨¦mon in case things turned sour. The presence of a Heracross wouldn¡¯t lead anyone directly to him; after all, he had spotted numerous trainers with one on the streets of Dirthrow. However, he realized he had seen none like Cyndaquil and Vivillon in that area.

    About an hour later, the sound of a key turning in the lock echoed through the stillness, followed by the familiar creak of the door as it swung open and then shut once more. Slow, deliberate footsteps approached the kitchen, and a plump woman in her sixties entered, flicking on the lights as she went. She headed straight for the refrigerator, oblivious to Heracross and Elduran lurking nearby. Pulling open the fridge door, she retrieved a water bottle and filled a glass she had just taken from the upper cabinet beside it. As she drank, she turned around, only to find Heracross suddenly right in front of her. The glass slipped from her grip and shattered on the floor. Stumbling backward into the cabinet, she caught sight of Elduran as well¡ªa shadowy figure, his head bowed beneath a flowing white hooded cloak.

    Elduran trusted Heracross implicitly, convinced she bore no Pok¨¦ Balls; otherwise, he would have acted with swiftness. This situation had certainly become less complex, he mused. Following their earlier instructions, he moved cautiously closer, attuned to the possibility of a firearm, though he harbored little belief that she would possess one.

    "You are going to tell me everything you know about those four staying in the hotel," Elduran commanded, his voice turning sharp and unforgiving.

    "The hotel is closed," she replied, her voice trembling.

    "Not a great start to our little chat. One more wrong answer and Heracross here might have to get involved. Let''s try this again... Audrey. Share anything you might have overheard about them, even if it''s just a random Pok¨¦mon name, a city or town, anywhere in the world. I don''t need specifics, just anything," Elduran pressed.

    "They bought the place and hired me from a poster out front. I was literally the first person to apply. How do you know my name?" Audrey asked, clearly terrified.

    "You''re avoiding my question. It¡¯s quite easy to find names these days. This is your last chance¡ªtalk," Elduran warned as Heracross moved so close he was almost touching her.

    "I overheard something about Route 114 near Dasos City. That''s it, I swear. Why are you doing this to me?" Audrey pleaded, trying to put distance between herself and Heracross, but failing as he matched her every move.

    "Because you¡¯ve been a naughty girl, Audrey. You''re being paid an exorbitant amount of money to run a supposedly closed business. Your new and beautiful home doesn''t quite fit a front desk clerk''s salary. You must realize they''re up to something illegal. I''d think a woman of your experience would recognize Tauros shit" Elduran continued, his tone still harsh.

    "Even if they are," she sobbed, "I¡¯m not doing anything illegal myself. I needed the money; I was close to having nothing for retirement. Do you know how tough things are in Tenera? Are you even from around here? Your accent says otherwise. Who are you to judge me?" Audrey asked, tears streaming down her face, yet showing a glimmer of defiance.

    Elduran disregarded her question. She had provided something, which was more than they had gleaned from Mew, who had been secluded in their room for days. Yet, it was merely a random City name with no context beyond the route designation. Still, it was something.

    "Anything else? Think hard. Sometimes Heracross just likes to punch things even without my command. He has a knack for sensing when someone''s lying, I believe," Elduran said.

    "I know their names," Audrey said.

    In truth, Elduran realized they hadn''t uncovered the couple''s names. They knew of Dan and Keesh, but the others had likely mentioned something he''d overlooked. His inattention to names was remarkable. They held little significance to him, but in case the others hadn''t identified the remaining two, this was an opportunity. Plus, if she omitted Dan and Keesh, he''d know she was lying.

    "Actually, I don''t. Never cared much for their names. Go ahead, tell me," Elduran said.

    "They''re Sue, Jake, Keesh, and Dan. I swear I don''t know their surnames," Audrey replied.

    She''d spoken truthfully about Keesh and Dan, so likely the others were genuine too. Still, all he had was a route and a city name.

    "Anything else unusual? Ever seen them with Pok¨¦mon or even Pok¨¦balls?" Elduran pressed.

    "No, I haven''t," she said, her legs seeming ready to buckle. He remained indifferent.

    "Firearms?"

    "No, no firearms either," she answered.

    "Anything else you''ve heard them discuss? Think hard, Audrey," Elduran urged.

    Audrey appeared to be straining to find something to appease him. No, not to appease, he thought, but to prevent him from killing her¡ªsomething he had no intention of doing.

    "They really don''t talk at all in front of me," Audrey stated, a hint of frustration in her voice.

    She had wrestled with her thoughts to muster that simple response, there was more there. Elduran wished Aisha were with him; alone, he had only one recourse. In a cold, detached tone, he instructed Heracross, "Punch her."

    Heracross obliged, executing what had been practiced numerous times before¡ªa feeble blow that resembled a slap. Yet, it still sent Audrey to her knees, bleeding from broken glass scattered on the floor. Elduran remained indifferent. Her sobs grew loud until Heracross silenced her with a firm hand over her mouth.

    "Let us review this once again. Recall anything¡ªno matter how insignificant or absurd it might appear¡ªthat you may have overheard from them. Bear in mind, your generous compensation for this...exhausting task you perform for them will continue, and I assure you, your life is secure," Elduran promised her.

    When Audrey relaxed, Heracross released her, allowing her to speak. Tears streaking her face, she began, "We don''t need more people, we can''t look incompetent. The Mayor is on our side, they¡¯ll let us back in the library. To be cautious, he''ll meet me on Route 114 near the Dasos City base to discuss."

    "Wait, who said that? How did you even hear it?" Elduran probed.

    As I was tidying up the hallway upstairs, the door was left ajar for the first time. Dan, the oldest of the four, spoke of it¡ªnot in precise terms, but in a manner that lingers in my memory. I wasn''t meant to overhear, so I slipped quietly to my desk. You can''t tell anyone! This could ruin everything!" Audrey urged, her voice a trembling whisper, her eyes wide with the weight of uncertainty.

    "If I ever have a heart-to-heart with them, Audrey, rest assured it¡¯ll differ greatly from our exchange. This conversation won¡¯t surface, trust me," Elduran assured her, though the weight of the decision lingered heavily on his conscience as he rose, moving toward the front door while keeping his face obscured. As he left the kitchen, he advised, "Consider finding a legitimate job. I¡¯d hate to see what happens once the police start... cleaning up."

    As he was exiting the building, he recalled Heracross from afar. Leaving the property, he veered away from the plaza. When out of sight, he swiftly removed his cape, its fabric whispering against the air; he folded it into a small rectangle with practiced hands, tucking it into his knee pocket¡ªremarkable how thin it was, hidden yet invaluable. Later, he made his way back to the plaza, seeing Anaya, Smeargle, and Grafaiai engrossed in painting on its west side. He approached them.

    The day''s revelations were significant. He should have sought Audrey sooner. The Mayor was either entangled with the Watchers or he was one of them, and a base near Route 114 close to Dasos City was crucial intel. The eavesdropped conversation must have occurred the night they were expelled; otherwise, Mew would have overheard as they never left until Dan retired for the night.

    This information needed to be shared. No matter how he tried to present it, there was no recounting his discovery without embedding the truth. Faelan would surely understand, and perhaps Anaya would as well. Yet, Aisha and Jabari¡ªthey would be furious. With Anaya standing before him, he resolved to enlist her support for the challenging conversation that lay ahead. Anger or disappointment from Jabari and Aisha didn''t trouble him; he knew that feigning remorse or regret might somewhat appease them, but he never understood why he found it impossible to fake anything. He had been deceiving himself ever since the day his parents died, up until the moment Aisha had knocked him down repeatedly using a Copperajah¡¯s ass, forcing him to awaken from the illusions he''d built around hating everything that could use Tackle and be contained in a red and white orb. It must have taken an immense amount of effort to construct such a barrier, yet it took that much and more for him to sustain a lie or a pretense¡ªhe had to truly believe it.

    "Damn, your painting looks awful," Elduran remarked, catching Anaya off guard as she swiftly turned to face him.

    "Well, of course it does; I''ve just started. But at this stage, I think it bears a slight resemblance to your face," Anaya replied.

    "Fair enough, I can see that too. Maybe I should buy it as it is; I''ll never need a mirror again," Elduran quipped.

    "Five thousand should cover it," Anaya said, extending her hand expectantly.

    "Damn, that''s an awfully expensive mirror," Elduran chuckled.

    Grafaiai shot him a menacing glance, as if Elduran''s presence was unwelcome¡ªof course, it probably was. Smeargle, on the other hand, appeared delighted to see him; then again, Smeargle always seemed pleased to see everyone.

    "What brings you here, anyway? Coming from the west, huh? What''s out there for you? Ah, let me guess, you discovered a new coffee shop," Anaya teased.

    "Nope, no coffee shop today. Instead, I broke into a house, threatened an old lady, had Blue knock her down on broken glass, and got some intel about Dave meeting the Mayor at a base on Route 114 near Dasos City. They''re planning to pressure the library into letting those two fools keep revisiting," Elduran recounted.

    "Wow, that''s some serious improvisation¡ªimpressive skills," Anaya remarked.

    Elduran merely watched her, a smirk playing on his lips, not uttering a word but maintaining his gaze. It dawned on him that he was undeniably drawn to Anaya. Her spark and straightforwardness captivated him. Although he wouldn''t act on these feelings, denying them would be foolish. She returned his gaze, still expecting an answer.

    "Did an Arbok bite your tongue or something?" Anaya quipped.

    Elduran continued to look at her.

    "You know what, I give up," Anaya said, turning away and picking up her brush. She barely painted three strokes before glancing back, finding Elduran with the same smirking expression. Handing the brush to Smeargle, she turned to him again. "Damn, you''re actually telling the truth, aren''t you?" she acknowledged.

    "Yes, I''m afraid I am," he confirmed.

    "Arceus''s stinking urine, Jabari will have your hide¡ªand he''s got two Legendary Pok¨¦mon with him," Anaya warned.

    "I''m sure Mew would side with me," Elduran replied confidently.

    "They would, they definitely would. You''ve stirred up quite the fucking storm. Tell me everything damn it," Anaya demanded.

 Chapter 14 - Faelan

    Chapter 14 - Faelan

    Faelan clocked in from 14:00 to 22:00, at which point Xylen arrived to take over his duties. She worked the night shift as a security guard, someone he didn''t particularly care for. Her overt sociability and friendliness unsettled him, and she''d repeatedly suggested they go on  a date¡ªan idea that held no appeal for Faelan. Not with her, at least. Her muscular build wasn''t to his taste, but what really put him off was her immaturity. Despite being a few years older than him, she behaved like a child. He loathed admitting it, but he sought more of a maternal figure in a companion, not an equal partner. He was too messed up for that. He needed someone to guide him, to say what needed to be done.

    She once did invite him, having grown tired of constantly refusing her, to just come over to her apartment and simply have fun. Faelan interpreted that as an invitation for intimacy, no strings attached, which is why he agreed at the time. It began as such, but afterwards, she would not let him be; she refused to let him leave her apartment and wouldn''t even allow him to dress. She had manipulated the situation, believing that after the act left him feeling good and relaxed, he would be enamored with her. Contrary to her expectations, once it was over, he felt even more repelled by her. Those invitations continued to come; however, he had learned his lesson. There was no chance he would find himself in the same situation with her again.

    He gathered his belongings, ignoring her greeting, and exited through the front door. As he crossed the plaza toward his home, he noticed Elduran and Anaya engaged in a heated argument on his right, not far from where he stood. He nearly approached them but chose not to intervene. What would he achieve, he wondered. He¡¯d likely just be a quiet onlooker, and they probably wouldn¡¯t want him there anyway. Continuing to his house, he entered and found Jabari warming water on the stove, which stood alone against the wall. All the cabinets had been removed by that time. Further inside, on the opposite side of the room, Aisha was speaking with the three children, while the ever-faithful Cubone stayed by their side, never leaving the kids.

    "Care for some tea?" Jabari inquired of Faelan.

    "Sure, why not. Thanks," Faelan replied.

    Jabari retrieved two cups from a nearby small table, placed a tea bag in each, and poured in the hot water. He set them on the cooktop and turned to Faelan, "They''ll be ready in five minutes," he said.

    Faelan nodded, his attention caught by laughter. He turned to see Aisha and the children. Little Tress was sprinting away from Aisha, clutching a broom and giggling, as Aisha chased her, a wide smile lighting up her face. Aisha caught up, gently tackling Tress to the ground with care, heedless of the dusty floor. Tress still clung to the broom, laughing as Aisha tickled her, trying to coax her to release it. Cubone hopped onto Aisha, as if aiding her, and soon the boys joined in on Aisha''s side, forming Team Aisha against Team Tress. Jake, the boy with brown hair and the most common name in Tenera, finally succeeded in snatching the broom. Everyone was enveloped in joyous laughter. Aisha seemed like a different person, Faelan mused.

    "For all her talk, justifying why she brought them in, she really cares for them. It''s nothing to do with labor¡ªdon¡¯t tell her that, though," Jabari remarked, his gaze also fixed on them.

    "She''s a good person," Faelan said.

    "Do your talks with her help you at all?" Jabari asked.

    "She told you about them?" Faelan asked, a hint of shyness coloring his voice.

    "No, my boy, but it''s clear you''re looking a tad better, and there''s no way you''re discussing renovations all those hours in her room upstairs," Jabari replied with a gentle smile, turning to remove the tea bags from the mugs and handing one to Faelan.

    "Is it that obvious?" Faelan inquired.

    "It is, but there''s no need to fret. Eventually, all the pieces will fall into place. You''ll see," Jabari replied.

    "What are you implying?" Faelan pressed.

    "Trying to decipher my words, huh? Forget it. Sometimes even I don''t grasp what I''m saying. Words just escape my mind," Jabari explained.

    "You enjoy speaking in riddles, don''t you?" Faelan remarked.

    "Aren''t we all riddles? Such is the nature of the human mind," Jabari mused.

    "Are you taking Aisha''s place tonight?" Faelan asked.

    "Oh no, I wouldn''t dare," Jabari responded.

    Mew appeared suddenly, catching Faelan by surprise. His training instinctively led his hand to his gun before realizing it was only Mew. Faelan didn''t harbor the same animosity toward legendary Pok¨¦mon as Elduran once did, though he wasn''t sure if Elduran still held those feelings. He had witnessed the tremendous power a small Pok¨¦mon like Mew possessed. It was astonishing. The other day, they had lifted all the cabinets simultaneously and shattered them in seconds. He couldn''t even imagine their combat capabilities. Considering powerful trainers could actually defeat them with a team of six highly-trained Pok¨¦mon, his handgun seemed rather insignificant. No wonder Elduran eventually broke his mental barriers and became a trainer. To be fair, Mew was friendly with the whole team, especially Jabari, though Elduran wasn''t far behind. Possessing immense strength didn''t mean they wanted to harm everyone¡ªa lesson the Watchers could learn.

    Meltan emerged from Jabari''s jacket to greet Mew. They rarely stayed in their Pok¨¦balls. Well, if you could even call those Pok¨¦balls theirs. They could easily break them if they wished. The connection between Mew and Meltan was extraordinary. Faelan wondered why he couldn''t ever feel like that. It had nothing to do with the Watchers killing his family. He just couldn''t show emotion. He felt it, but displaying it seemed burdensome. How could he ever connect with anyone that way? Deep down, he knew that once you cared for something, expectations arose. And that was the issue: expecting anything from him was absurd, relying on him, utterly insane. They saw him as a good soldier. He wasn''t sure how much they understood the turmoil within his mind, but if they equated lack of emotion with being the perfect soldier, they were mistaken. Not showing emotion and not having any are different. He focused on training more than anyone else, even more so than Elduran. Elduran put significant effort into studying Pok¨¦mon, and given his successful career later on, he certainly chose wisely.

    "Hello, Mew! Greetings, Meltan! I shall leave you now to confer with Jabari. You likely have important information to share with him," Faelan said, as Meltan sprang onto him, nestling warmly against his neck. A rare moment of affection from a Pok¨¦mon caught him off guard, stirring something within him. He savored a sip of his tea, setting the cup gently upon the stove, scarcely tasting it. Suddenly, a flood of images, thoughts, and emotions inundated his mind. Turning, he met Mew¡¯s gaze, who smiled gently at him. A soothing wave of reassurance washed over him¡ªnot mere emotional support, but a profound acceptance of his very being. It was an unfamiliar, yet welcome sensation. Unsure of how to respond, Faelan instinctively began to bow, but a telepathic force lifted his head back up, the stern expression on Mew¡¯s face making it clear they disliked such reverence. Elduran had warned everyone that Mew rejected worship; few had heeded, but Faelan now recognized Elduran''s truth. He gently lifted Meltan from his neck, handing them back to Jabari. "Thank you, both," he said, his gaze shifting from Meltan to Mew. With a final glance towards Aisha and the children, he ascended the stairs to his room¡ªshared with Elduran.

    Barely a minute after stepping into the room, there came a knock at the door. Faelan called out for the visitor to enter, and when the door swung open, Aisha walked in.

    "Hey, how''d your shift go?" Aisha asked.

    "Same as always," Faelan replied.

    "Well, not always; I did tweak your schedule a bit that day," Aisha said.

    "That you did," Faelan acknowledged with a smile.

    Aisha''s face lit up with a smile of her own.

    "What¡¯s got you smiling?" Elduran inquired.

    "Because you¡¯re smiling. I can¡¯t remember the last time I saw you do that. Come on, let''s head to my room in case Elduran comes back. Where is he, anyway?" Aisha wondered.

    As Faelan followed her out of the room, he mentioned, "I saw him arguing with Anaya down at the plaza, where she paints."

    "Are you sure it was an argument?" Aisha asked, opening the door to her room.

    "With those two, who knows? Sometimes I think Anaya¡¯s like a female Elduran, but even more... I can''t quite find the word," Faelan said.

    "Direct. That''s the word you''re looking for. Neither of them sugarcoats anything; what''s on their mind just comes out," Aisha noted as she sat on the bed, the room''s only piece of furniture. Faelan joined her there.

    "Anyway, I don¡¯t think there¡¯s much left to discuss. We''ve covered pretty much everything about the renovation. I trust you to make the decisions; it seems that''s how it''s going anyway," Faelan stated.

    "We have plenty to discuss, but as for the renovation, you''ve contributed a lot. What are you talking about?" Aisha asked.

    "I''m not complaining. You''re much better at this, honestly. I''d actually feel more comfortable if you took charge. Besides, you guys are contributing more financially anyway," Faelan said.

    "That''s why we need to keep talking. You like shoving responsibility onto others, but that''s not about the money. But you do look better today¡ªsmiling, even," Aisha remarked.

    "I have smiled before," Faelan insisted.

    "No, you haven''t. Did something happen? Did you get laid or something?" Aisha teased.

    "What? No, definitely not. I''d probably feel the opposite if I did," Faelan confessed.

    "Why would that be? Do you not enjoy sex?" Aisha pressed.

    "Are you channeling Elduran now? Sensitive questions seem to come too easily," Faelan said.

    "It''s just a sex question. I thought men talked more easily about this... sensitive topic. You said sex leaves you feeling worse. I was curious, especially since you''ve been opening up a lot these past few days. I''m just wondering why this question''s touchy for you, that''s all," Aisha said as she released Hatenna, who leaped onto her lap. "Hey, Candy. Soundproof the room, please," Aisha instructed before turning her attention back to Faelan as Hatenna created an invisible bubble around them. "Feel like sharing now? No pressure, you don''t have to if you don''t want to," she added.

    "It''s not that I dislike sex; it''s more that I don''t like... I can''t quite explain it," Faelan said.

    "I get it. You don''t like the before and after. Now that makes sense," Aisha said.

    "Damn, am I that obvious?" Faelan asked.

    "I''m just good at this; I should''ve been a therapist," Aisha said with a smile.

    "Thanks for not laughing at me," Faelan said.

    "Why would I laugh? It¡¯s serious. How are we ever going to find you a girlfriend?" she joked, still smiling.

    "I don¡¯t need any of that," Faelan said.

    "You¡¯ll realize sometime that you do. You just need someone who understands you perfectly. So, why are you in such a good mood, anyway? Still dodging my question," Aisha said.

    "Huh? Well, you ask two questions every time you talk, and don¡¯t give me time to answer," Faelan pointed out.

    "My bad. It''s a habit of mine¡ªcramming questions into my sentences. That¡¯s my agent side talking. So?" Aisha prompted.

    "Mew connected with me telepathically and made me feel... good about being... me. No one¡¯s ever done that. People usually try to change me," Faelan said.

    "Damn, I thought our talks made you feel better. I don¡¯t completely agree with Mew, but I¡¯ve come to see these past few days that you need a little change, to allow people into your life. Endure them for a bit, and maybe they¡¯ll understand who you are and what you want and give you the space you need. Mew¡¯s right about that part. I¡¯m sorry if I pushed too hard," Aisha admitted.

    "Aisha, our conversations have helped. Not necessarily to make me feel better about myself, but I do feel more comfortable with all of you¡ªexcept for Anaya. Everyone else gives me space and only asks what''s necessary. I don¡¯t like small talk; you know that. But this perfect girlfriend you talk about doesn¡¯t exist, and she shouldn¡¯t. What relationship survives without random conversations? It wouldn¡¯t be fair to her or me. Someone would suffer," Faelan explained.

    Hatenna leapt onto Faelan¡¯s lap, her tail pointed toward his head as she settled in and entered his mind. He felt happiness from her and gratitude as she drifted off to sleep.

    "Wow. Candy loves calm environments, and you must be brimming with calmness. Maybe I should transfer her to you. You¡¯re probably the calmest person around. A perfect trainer for the Hatenna line," she said, smiling.

    Faelan watched the sleeping Hatenna on his lap. At least he was good to someone in this state, he thought. She seemed to be in bliss. His eyes then drifted to Aisha, who wore a gentle smile directed at both him and Hatenna. Why had it taken him so long to recognize her allure? She spoke more than he preferred, and standing so tall, he couldn''t help but notice she fell short of his ideal height. Her vibrant hair, a vivid blend of green and yellow, was far from his usual taste for understated beauty, favoring natural looks with hardly a trace of makeup. Yet, in that fleeting moment, he acknowledged that she might not be the most beautiful woman he had ever encountered, but she certainly ranked among the most captivating. For someone like him, that distinction held immense significance.

    "Um, Faelan, are you alright? You''ve been staring at me. Is there something on your mind?" Aisha inquired.

    "What? Oh, no... nothing," Faelan replied as he stood up and gently set Hatenna on the bed. Turning to Aisha, he continued, "I''ll head out now and let you get some rest. You''ve got an important day tomorrow. Best of luck with your gym battle," Faelan added.

    Aisha smiled at him. "You know, sometimes it''s good to be a bit like Elduran and express what''s on your mind. Who knows, I might have said yes," she remarked.

    "What do you mean? Said yes to what?" Faelan questioned.

    "Nevermind. Will you come to watch my battle? It''s just an hour after your shift ends," Aisha asked.

    "Do you want me to be there?" Faelan inquired.

    "Yes, I would love that very much," Aisha replied.

    Faelan prepared to leave, "I''ll be there," he promised.

    "Thank you, see you in the morning," Aisha called after him.

    Faelan was making his way to his room when Elduran ascended the stairs in apparent good spirits¡ªperhaps he had misunderstood and Elduran and Anaya had not quarreled after all. Without a word, Elduran opened the door for him. Faelan entered first, followed by Elduran, who released all three of his Pok¨¦mon. Cyndaquil dashed toward the bed, always in search of comfort. Heracross, however, preferred to settle by the door, ever the vigilant guardian. Among the trio, Heracross was the most peculiar¡ªa formidable Pok¨¦mon, yet his bond with Elduran was extraordinarily strong. Aisha had told him that Elduran had effectively battled Heracross alone with only Vivillon''s support. Her theory was that Heracross respected Elduran''s strength after their encounter, and she believed that he saw Elduran as an elder brother. Of all Elduran''s Pok¨¦mon, Heracross reflected his personality most closely. Yet, it was Vivillon who held the most special place in Elduran''s heart, their bond forged when they survived the Ho-oh attack and were trapped for over a week in a truck trailer. Vivillon, too, headed for the bed, choosing her usual spot at its foot when Elduran slept. She appeared tired, as Faelan noticed with clarity.

    "I saw you with Anaya at the plaza," mentioned Faelan.

    "We have something vital to discuss, but it will have to wait until after Little Light Bulb''s gym battle," replied Elduran.

    "And why is that?" inquired Faelan.

    "Because it might unsettle her; she is quite sensitive," Elduran explained.

    "You know, you can treat her like an adult," Faelan suggested.

    "See, that right there shows exactly why I need to wait until after her battle to speak," Elduran remarked.

    "What do you mean?" asked Faelan.

    "That anything I say to you now, you won''t be able to keep it from her. Faelan, trust me, I''m glad you''re getting close to her, but for her benefit, this conversation will take place the morning after her gym battle," Elduran assured.

    Faelan inhaled deeply. It might have been the first time Elduran had truly grated on his nerves. Perhaps he ought to put his faith in him, he mused. It was well-known that Elduran had a legendary reputation in APSO for maintaining his composure in the most challenging situations. Moreover, Elduran was likely correct; for some reason, Faelan doubted that if the information was significant, he would have managed to keep it a secret from Aisha.

    "Alright, I trust you," Faelan said.

    "Don''t look so gloomy, you acting like this actually makes me happy. She is infusing life inside that husk you call body of yours," Elduran said. The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    Faelan lay on the bed, rested his head on the pillow, and turned to face the wall. He should have been furious with Elduran for the way he had spoken to him, yet he never was. Not with Elduran. While Elduran wasn''t always correct, his perspective had consistently been understandable. He had seemed devoid of hidden agendas, merely expressing his view of how things had appeared. It had been practically impossible to ask him to refrain from doing so. Truthfully, Faelan had considered this trait preferable; Elduran had been like a window into others'' minds, offering insight into how they would have probably perceived him.

    ***

    Upon awakening, Faelan was greeted by the clamor emanating from the ground floor. It was the day set aside for the installation of new windows. Elduran was already awake, likely engrossed in training with his Pok¨¦mon¡ªa pursuit he had become almost obsessed with of late. After a refreshing shower, Faelan glanced toward Aisha¡¯s room, noting her door stood ajar. A quick peek confirmed her absence; surely, she too was engaged in training, given her impending gym battle. It dawned on Faelan that staying at home might not be wise today. Even Jabari and Anaya, who were hardly early risers, seemed to have vacated the premises.

    Faelan counted himself among those who relied on the invigorating surge of a cold morning shower to awaken his senses. It roused his spirits, preparing him to face the challenges of the day ahead. Despite running diligently each morning, his exercise regimen was devoid of rest days. He had long realized that his dedication stemmed less from a desire to maintain physical fitness and more from the mental clarity he achieved through his runs and strength training, which fueled his persistence. He dedicated roughly an hour each morning to this ritual, before even indulging in breakfast, concluding with a soothing hot shower¡ªa routine that remained steadfast and unwavering. Today, he adhered once more to his usual routine.

    After completing his hot shower, he chose not to squander his time today by watching shows on his phone¡ªa habit he had maintained for years. Though a TV would have been preferable, the phone sufficed for his needs. Additionally, he forwent his habitual and overly meticulous gun cleaning, a daily ritual that verged on the obsessive even by the most extreme measures.

    He began his walk toward the northern part of town, which undeniably stood as the more charming section of Dirthrow¡ªat least, he mused, more so than the rest. He spotted even more fresh faces than he had the day before, mostly young. Likely all trainers, drawn to Dirthrow for their inaugural gym challenge. It would have been advantageous, he reflected, if their caf¨¦¡ªor whatever it was that Aisha truly envisioned¡ªwere open now, so they could begin making money. The contractor informed him earlier today that at least two good weeks were necessary to complete the first floor to Aisha''s specifications, allowing them to open the business while the second floor was still under construction. But what about the noise¡ªit crossed his mind¡ªwouldn''t that deter customers? Well, he supposed Aisha had probably considered that.

    As he walked, he realized he was right by the hotel where those goons stayed. Mew was there now, according to the intel¡ªtop floor, last window, with a vent beside it for entry and exit. Glancing up to check the vent, he saw it warp open, then warp shut. That was strange, he thought, but it could only be Mew causing it, he figured after a moment. Did they just go in or come out? Curse that invisibility, he thought. Then he felt Mew transmitting information to him through various means, but images worked best for him, a fact Mew understood, and so more images flooded his mind.

    "Are you suggesting we¡¯re trailing Dan?" Faelan whispered cautiously.

    Mew suggested he keep an eye out for Dan emerging from around the corner down the road.

    "I¡¯m probably the worst candidate to tail him; he knows my face too well¡ªhard to forget the person who expelled you from a facility," Faelan mused, fully aware that Mew could be lurking just out of sight, easily slipping past his notice.

    As predicted by Mew, a heavyset man with very dark skin and a completely bald head, appearing to be in his late forties, rounded the corner. That was undeniably Dan, Faelan noted. Given his lack of disguise, Faelan had no choice but to follow from a considerable distance.

    "Just fly up and ensure you don''t lose him," he murmured softly, hoping Mew would heed him, "I¡¯m unsure of how far your communication can reach, but I suggest you ascend and keep track of him. If you can still relay information from above, guide me accordingly," Faelan concluded.

    Messages of agreement filtered through to him. Time to see how this method would work. Purposefully, he let Dan blend into the crowd, and mere moments later, Mew relayed impressions telepathically, forming vivid images in his mind of when and where to navigate. Following someone like this was astonishingly straightforward, he thought. Mew even warned him to slow down as Dan paused ahead. How often does one follow without ever seeing the individual, Faelan pondered. Moments later, Mew urged him forward. Five minutes after, Dan reached the monorail station and boarded a train. Mew insisted Faelan follow, while they returned to possibly scout Keesh, unwilling to abandon Jabari and Meltan. Faelan noted the train''s destination¡ªDasos City. Rationally, boarding the train was the clear course of action; he planned to resign in a week and could notify others to inform the library he was resigning just a few days earlier. Yet, he could not bring himself to do it. Any other day, perhaps, but not today.

    "I¡¯m sorry, Mew, but I cannot go either," he whispered as quietly as he could, walking away, half-expecting Mew to psychically compel him onto the train. Instead, he was met with a strikingly human question in the form of an image entering his mind, simply: why?

    "I promised Aisha I¡¯d watch her match today. But honestly, Mew, it''s more than that; I genuinely want to see her compete. I am sorry," Faelan expressed, pleasantly surprised by Mew''s understanding. An idea suddenly sparked in Faelan''s mind¡ªthe tracking devices from his APSO days. Their batteries could hold out for a couple of days at least. He began to murmur, "The train won''t leave for another fifteen minutes. Go to my room and grab a tracker. I''ll picture it for you¡ªit¡¯s on the top shelf with my firearms. Did you catch that?" Faelan asked. Mew responded with a sensation of affirmation. Faelan whispered on, "Hurry, as fast as you can, please." He paused, waiting for Mew''s telepathic connection, but nothing came. Faelan allowed himself a slight smile; they had already departed.

    He knew which wagon Dan had entered, but Dan might have switched to another. A street vendor was peddling hats with Pok¨¦ball logos, so he swiftly purchased one and pulled it low enough to see from the corners of his eyes. As he strolled along, he glanced into each wagon''s windows, looking for his quarry. He spotted Dan in a wagon further ahead¡ªhis bald head was unmistakable. There were two seats on either side; Dan claimed the aisle seat with a small suitcase occupying the window seat beside him. Advising Mew to slip the tracker behind Dan''s coat collar seemed like the best option; fortunately, Dan''s black coat would effectively hide the black tracker. Suitcases weren''t as reliable unless you had time to attach it near the wheels, and with the suitcase on the window side, the task grew even more challenging. Nonetheless, Mew was more than up to the job. He would lay out both possibilities and let Mew decide.

    He sat on a bench near the wagon where Dan was, waiting for Mew, only three minutes left, damn it, he thought. He looked behind him towards the south, though he couldn''t explain why he did that¡ªMew would be invisible, rendering his glance futile. As he turned his head back, he caught sight of something unusual, prompting him to turn again and confirm what he saw: a black dot hurtling straight toward him. Damn, the tracker doesn¡¯t turn invisible like Mew. When it arrived, he snatched it with a swift motion, hoping not too many people noticed. Now for the final part of the plan¡ªMew would go in and place the tracker. But then Faelan had a harrowing realization: everyone would see a small black metal object floating in mid-air. Damn, he thought.

    ¡°I guess I have to do this. If they see a floating metal device, people might panic. If Dan spots it, this is over,¡± Faelan whispered, fully aware that Mew was invisibly beside him. They radiated a presence of encouragement. ¡°Here goes nothing,¡± Faelan muttered, louder than he intended.

    He rose, calculating he had a minute left, fortunate that tickets were not needed to enter¡ªthe scanning happened once the train was en route. He entered the wagon; Dan was seated in the third row ahead, on the right. Luckily, no one sat behind Dan. Faelan didn¡¯t have time to do this the right way, and truth be told, he wasn''t adept at the alternative. He had to try, nevertheless. He approached the seat behind Dan and, as he lowered himself, feigned a stumble, grabbing Dan''s chair and part of his collar as he discreetly placed the device under the crease. Dan retaliated, turning to him, while Faelan feigned pain, looking out the window with his head bowed.

    ¡°What the hell do you think you¡¯re doing?¡± Dan demanded.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, kind sir. I slipped. I have chronic back pain¡ªit¡¯s tough standing up and sitting down,¡± Faelan replied.

    ¡°Learn to deal with it without bothering others, you filthy piece of shit,¡± Dan snapped, turning back to face forward.

    ¡°I¡¯ll move to another wagon to avoid disrupting you in the future. Please accept my apologies,¡± Faelan said, rising carefully, still holding his back and feigning pain. Dan didn¡¯t bother with another glance or word. An announcement that the doors were closing prompted Faelan to turn towards the exit; he managed to wedge his foot between the closing doors, forcing them to reopen as a precaution against passengers getting stuck, then he hurried out. As the train picked up speed, he pulled out his phone, connected it to his software, and let a smile spread as a red dot moved along the map.

    ¡°We did it, Mew,¡± Faelan whispered.

    Mew didn¡¯t hold back from showing his appreciation, projecting it deep into Faelan''s heart.

    It was time to get to work soon. Returning home first would have been ideal, but it was better to explain to Aisha after her match, ensuring nothing distracted her focus. Faelan realized he was behaving just like he¡¯d criticized Elduran for doing the previous night. Yesterday, he believed it was wrong; today, his perspective shifted. Trusting Elduran the previous night and not pressing the issue was the right call, he felt satisfied with his choice.

    ***

    Faelan was the last to arrive at the gym. As he reached the top floor, he spotted Elduran, Jabari, and Anaya seated together to his left. He made his way over to join them just as Aisha was being called to send out her first Pok¨¦mon. The gym leader, Stephanie Crock, had already released Shiftry onto the battlefield. Faelan''s mind wandered for a moment, amused by how Stephanie seemed to overcompensate for her height with those long heels. Shaking off the stray thought, he refocused on the battle as Aisha sent Togetic to meet Shiftry. She appeared calm and confident¡ªquite unlike her usual self.

    "Hey guys, looks like I made it just in time," Faelan greeted as he settled in next to Elduran.

    "Came to watch the thrashing?" Elduran quipped.

    "You think Aisha doesn¡¯t stand a chance?" Faelan inquired.

    "Elduran''s convinced Aisha is going to clean the floor with the gym leader," Anaya remarked.

    "Aisha''s a strong trainer, especially in this kind of setting¡ªone-on-one battles with minimal risk of Pok¨¦mon getting seriously hurt. She''s focusing on getting more comfortable with battles that feel like life or death. I know I''m not the best, but I couldn¡¯t even touch her, and I never did," Elduran confessed.

    "Don''t underestimate yourself, Elduran. Aisha just has more experience," Jabari encouraged.

    "Alright, shush, the battle¡¯s starting," Faelan cut in.

    Elduran, Jabari, and Anaya exchanged knowing smiles.

    "Begin with a wish, Gale, and elevate yourself as high as you can before encountering the laser," Aisha instructed.

    ¡°Air Cutter,¡± Stephanie commanded.

    Togetic conjured a bright, small star that soared towards the sky, only to be intercepted by the razor-sharp gusts of Shiftry''s air cutter. The wind attack dissipated just before striking the laser, demonstrating Shiftry''s remarkable mastery over the attack''s range. Togetic already bore two crimson slash wounds on each of its sides.

    "Follow up with Razor Leaf," Stephanie said.

    Aisha responded, "Counter with Fairy Wind for protection."

    Razor-edged leaves whipped towards Togetic, but the gentle breeze, tinged with a soft pink hue emanating from Togetic, effortlessly halted them in their path. Shifty, however, remained out of reach from the wind''s effect.

    "Charge at him, Shiftry! Slip underneath and unleash your whirlwind," instructed Stephanie.

    "That won¡¯t do much damage, but beware¡ªthey''re plotting to disqualify you. They want you to rise and hit the laser. Fly a bit lower and stay in motion, keeping Shiftry from getting directly beneath you," Aisha warned.

    "You''re quite perceptive," Stephanie remarked to Aisha.

    Aisha remained silent, her attention riveted on the battlefield. She had yet to make a single offensive move, yet a calmness enveloped her; Faelan sensed a strategy brewing in her mind.

    Togetic descended to about fifteen feet above the ground, and Faelan estimated there still remained at least nine feet of altitude above him. Even if struck, he believed he could escape the whirlwind before facing elimination.

    With elegance, Togetic managed to evade one Whirlwind, but was grazed by Shiftry¡¯s second attempt. However, he swiftly broke free from its clutches moments later. Shiftry made several more attempts, yet Togetic continued to dodge effortlessly. What was her plan? Faelan wondered.

    "Unleash Air Cutter," Stephanie commanded.

    "The moment has arrived, Gale," Aisha remarked, gazing upward.

    Togetic, without waiting for a command, swooped down, enduring the sting of two Air Slashes cutting into him. Bleeding from his injuries, he appeared weakened, yet before Stephanie could issue an order, Togetic had already pressed a kiss to Shiftry''s chest. This act left a pink gash while his own wounds healed significantly¡ªhe had used Draining Kiss.

    "Reciprocate the gesture Shiftry," Stephanie commanded sharply, and that was when Faelan noticed it¡ªAisha''s smile. Whatever she had been crafting had come to fruition, though its nature eluded him still.

    Shiftry unleashed Mega Drain, siphoning the life force from Togetic.

    "Sweet Kiss, Gale. Let¡¯s bring this to a close," Aisha intoned with quiet resolve.

    "Stop and..." Stephanie began, but with Togetic so near, she fell silent; by the time Stephanie uttered a word, Togetic had already executed the move. This second kiss move had struck Shiftry. Sweet Kiss, a ranged Kiss Move, sent pink lips flying from Togetic to land on Shiftry, leaving him bewildered. He seemed utterly oblivious to his surroundings.

    "Moonblast Gale!" Aisha shouted.

    Togetic began to conjure a massive orb of moonlight energy before him, swelling in size at an astonishing rate. Faelan glanced upward. The Moon Blast was more potent and quicker when the moon was clear and full, and tonight, a luminous full moon hung directly above them, casting down serenity and peace. Yet, Togetic was harnessing that energy to manifest the opposite¡ªpure, unadulterated power. As he channeled this energy, a small star, seemingly in sync with the moon, descended and embedded itself into Togetic, miraculously healing him from the wounds inflicted by the two Air Cutters. The Moon Blast swelled to an almost insane diameter of ten feet, creating a crater in the sandy arena floor.

    Stephanie reached for Shiftry''s Pok¨¦ Ball but hesitated to recall him. Faelan quickly discerned that even if she were to summon her second Pok¨¦mon into the arena, it would undoubtedly be overwhelmed¡ªthe second being a Crawdaunt, a sluggish creature with little hope of evading this impending strike. He doubted whether any Pok¨¦mon of dark typing could withstand such a blow without succumbing; fairy moves held a significant advantage over dark types. In that moment, Stephanie had to decide whom to sacrifice, acutely aware that Crawdaunt might be better equipped to face Togetic.

    "Snap out of it, Shiftry! It''s now or never¡ªdim the moon''s glow!" Stephanie commanded.

    With renewed focus, Shiftry shook off his distraction, and upon witnessing the unfolding events, he conjured a Sunny Day. Aisha''s smile faltered, but she quickly regained her poise and commanded, "Launch it!"

    Above the arena floated an artificial sun, a sight that made Faelan wonder about its legality, considering it extended beyond the laser ceiling''s bounds. Yet, with Aisha''s silence, he figured there might be a rule he was unaware of. Meanwhile, Shiftry began to shimmer, a sign Faelan recognized thanks to Elduran¡¯s teachings on Pok¨¦mon abilities¡ªChlorophyll was at play. Shiftry''s speed surged astonishingly. The immense blast seemed powerful enough already; it didn''t require additional force. As it hurtled forth, Faelan observed that its vast size didn¡¯t hinder its velocity. Instead, the moon seemed to amplify its acceleration. Shiftry moved with the swiftness akin to a Quick Attack, yet the Moonblast was enormous. Remarkably, Shiftry nearly evaded it, but ultimately, the attack enveloped him. With Shiftry fainted, Stephanie had no choice but to recall him and send Crawdaunt onto the battlefield.

    Aisha appeared less assured than before, yet not quite panicked. She was indeed a Pok¨¦mon ahead, and if Faelan had to wager, her strategy likely relied on harnessing the power of the Moon regardless of what Pok¨¦mon she used. Now, her aim would be to extend the battle until the man-made sun waned. Stephanie, on the other hand, demonstrated wisdom in not recalling Shiftry since she required the sunny day to prevent Aisha from exploiting Moon Blast. Moreover, Crawdaunt might possess more ranged capabilities to challenge Togetic. A trade-off was necessary for any hope of success. All of Aisha''s Pok¨¦mon served as direct counters to Stephanie''s team, firmly establishing Aisha as the favorite in this confrontation.

    "That was an impressive tactic, my dear strategist, executed with remarkable finesse. I am eager to see how you tackle the new challenge I''ve devised for you," Stephanie remarked with a gentle smile.

    "Thank you, Leader Stephanie. Your praise means a lot to me," Aisha replied.

    "Let''s press on, Sword Dance!" commanded Stephanie.

    "Wish, Gale," Aisha countered.

    Once again, a small star soared into the sky, while Crawdaunt performed a menacing dance filled with malevolent intent. Upon its conclusion, its pincers gleamed ominously.

    "Baby Doll Eyes," Aisha instructed.

    "Another Sword Dance," Stephanie ordered.

    Togetic''s tears began to fall, prompting Crawdaunt to avert his eyes, yet he managed to execute another Swords Dance. Faelan noted that the Swords Dance significantly boosted Crawdaunt''s Attack, far surpassing the reduction caused by Togetic''s tears. Aisha was banking on avoiding any physical hits, merely stalling until the sunny day concluded. Catherine was acutely aware of this, making it evident that she believed Crawdaunt had a strategy to draw Togetic into melee range and finish the battle.

    "Aisha seems uncertain of her actions at this moment; it defies logic. Even if her aim is to stall, should Catherine find a means for Crawdaunt to strike Gale, neither he nor any of Aisha''s Pok¨¦mon would stand a chance against a Crawdaunt invigorated by several Swords Dances," Jabari observed.

    "This is all just too bewildering," Anaya admitted, her brow furrowed.

    "She''s got this in the bag," Elduran replied, his voice brimming with assurance.

    Faelan couldn''t help but question what insight Elduran possessed that eluded him.

    "Ice Beam!" Stephanie commanded sharply.

    "Dodge! Channel every ounce of your focus into evasion," Aisha urged fervently.

    Togetic did exactly that; it seemed to focus solely on maintaining as much distance as possible from Crawdaunt. Despite Crawdaunt''s persistent attempts to close the gap by advancing and firing Ice Beams, Togetic adeptly maneuvered around the arena, ensuring it maintained a safe distance.

    "Something quicker, Swift," Stephanie urged.

    "Just keep your mind on dodging," Aisha reiterated.

    Swift was undeniably swifter than Ice Beam, but Togetic skillfully evaded the first two strikes, only to be caught squarely by the third, sending him crashing to the ground¡ªstill a considerable distance from Crawdaunt.

    "Ice Beam, now," instructed Stephanie.

    Just as Togetic began to regain his strength after the fall, an Ice Beam struck him head-on. He did not succumb to fainting, but multiple parts of his body became encased in ice; being a part Flying type, he was particularly vulnerable to such attacks. At that moment, the warm embrace of the Sunny Day faded, revealing the full Moon once more, casting its silvery glow across the night sky.

    "Alright, one more Sword Dance to fully charge for her next Pok¨¦mon, then finish him with another Ice Beam," Stephanie instructed.

    While Crawdaunt commenced another Swords Dance, Aisha quickly withdrew Togetic, replacing it with Clefairy at the farthest distance possible from Crawdaunt. As Clefairy materialized from laser to full form, Aisha commanded, "Encore, Luna."

    Stephanie commanded Crawdaunt to perform Crabhammer, a close-quarters attack, even though the distance between Crawdaunt and Clefairy made it seem illogical. In that moment, he realized what Aisha had done. Stephanie simply wanted Crawdaunt to execute an attack, but Clefairy had already locked eyes with Crawdaunt, compelling it to repeat its last move over and over. Without any need for Aisha''s guidance, Clefairy began channeling a Moonblast. Stephanie knew she was already defeated; Faelan saw it in her expression, acknowledging her inevitable loss, as she focused on Aisha with a smile, ignoring the unfolding battle. Clefairy''s Moonblast was already larger than Togetic''s had been when targeting Shiftry, indicating Clefairy''s superior proficiency in Moonblast over Togetic. Poor Crawdaunt was futilely boosting itself, forced to repeatedly use Swords Dance. Eventually, the compulsion for Crawdaunt to continue Swords Dance faded, and Clefairy unleashed a massive purple sphere of energy towards it. Stephanie swiftly recalled Crawdaunt before it could be struck.

    "The challenger has emerged victorious, leaving gym leader Crock without Pok¨¦mon. Congratulations," announced the voice from above.

    With a determined effort to conceal her delight, Aisha recalled Clefairy, wary that showing her excitement might come across as juvenile. To Faelan, it was charming in its own way. Her attempt, however, was not particularly successful. She then advanced across the newly constructed bridge that linked her platform to the gym leaders. They converged at its midpoint. The intercom broadcasted their voices for everyone to hear.

    ¡°You have some talent, girl. You devised a plan that completely exposed me. I sense that if given time to analyze your opponent, you possess the ability to formulate strategies to dismantle anyone. It seems fighting me during the night of a full moon was also part of your plan,¡± Stephanie remarked, glancing from her to the moonlit sky.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure about all that, but yes, fighting tonight was part of my plan. Thank you for your kind words,¡± Aisha replied.

    ¡°The gratitude is mutual. There is nothing more beautiful than witnessing the new generation rise to the challenge; our hope is always for the trainers that come after us to surpass us. I am deeply honored and delighted to present you with the Midnight Badge for the extraordinary performance you and your Pok¨¦mon displayed today,¡± Stephanie said with a smile.

    ¡°Thank you again,¡± Aisha responded, her joy now uncontainable.

    ¡°They say Tenera has a particularly challenging Gym format. Despite the greater ferocity compared to other regions, with the predictability of our starting Pok¨¦mon and the knowledge you gain of our teams, your meticulous planning is bound to be a significant advantage,¡± Stephanie noted, extending her hand.

    Aisha was left speechless but mirrored the gesture, accepting the praise with a handshake. They then began to walk in opposite directions.

    Aisha began to walk toward them, and Elduran stepped forward to welcome her.

    "Congratulations, Little Light Bulb, never doubted you," he said with a smile, patting her head. She dodged his hand with a bow, still smiling all the while.

    Jabari and Anaya moved ahead of Faelan, who stood rooted to the spot, feeling happy for her. They embraced her warmly, and after returning their hugs, she continued her path towards Faelan. It was only then he realized that ever since she stopped speaking with Stephanie, her gaze had been fixed on him.

    Aisha came within a breath¡¯s distance and wrapped her arms around him. He returned the gesture instinctively, his heart pounding in his chest. Without a second thought, he lowered his head so that his cheek met the crown of her head. Then, without warning, Aisha pulled back enough to let her lips find his. Faelan offered no resistance.

 Chapter 15 - The Offer

    Chapter 15 ¨C The Offer

    Jabari awoke to a quiet house. Anaya lay next to him, still in the embrace of slumber, and he placed a gentle kiss on her forehead before rising and dressing. The door to Aisha''s room remained firmly shut; he suspected it would stay that way for a good while, given that she and Faelan stayed up late last night. The children''s room, across from Aisha''s, was also closed. He felt the need for a cup of tea. Of course, Elduran''s door stood wide open. By now, Elduran was likely deep into his training routine, which always began at five in the morning. Jabari glanced at his watch¡ªit was seven. He contemplated a visit to the library to wait for everyone to awaken, but decided against it, just in case they were up sooner than he expected.

    Elduran had instructed everyone to gather at his usual training grounds upon waking; he had important news to share. Though his tone was calm, Jabari sensed a weight behind his words. Yet, he knew that even if Elduran were delivering news of his own imminent demise, he would likely do so with the same nonchalance as ordering a coffee.

    Descending the stairs, Jabari was struck by the transformation that had taken place. It was the first time he''d seen the ground floor in daylight with all the additional windows installed. The difference was stark¡ªflooded with light, the space felt vast and open, with only four posts remaining where walls used to stand. The day¡¯s task for the construction crew was to work on the wall around the kitchen and the stairs. Despite Faelan''s insistence that he had done nothing, his choice of construction crew seemed pivotal; their efficiency was remarkable. Jabari hoped their efforts would pay off, not only for their operation but also as a financial venture. From tomorrow, he, Anaya, and Ashanti would co-own the building with Faelan. Anaya¡¯s sister had agreed to the plan without hesitation, assuring them she had the funds¡ªa claim she made so swiftly that her confidence felt unshakable. When pressed about the source of her money, she simply told them not to worry. Jabari wished she would spin a tale, something plausible enough to ease Anaya''s concerns.

    A few minutes later, with tea in hand, Taylor, the oldest of the three children, came downstairs with Cubone.

    "Good morning, Taylor, and good morning to you too, Boney!" Jabari greeted.

    "Good morning, Mr. Jabari," Taylor replied.

    "Cuuu," Cubone added, yawning.

    "Taylor, do me a favor and drop the ''mister.'' I feel old enough already. Just call me Jabari, will you?" Jabari suggested.

    "Alright, no problem. I was just trying to be polite," Taylor explained.

    "I know, and all I¡¯m trying to do is hide my age¡­ from myself," Jabari chuckled, and Taylor joined in. Cubone joined too, but Jabari doubted the little creature understood why.

    "Try not to hide your age too much, or I just might leave you," Anaya remarked as she descended the stairs. "I¡¯m kind of attracted to older folks," she teased.

    "Oh, you¡¯ll get plenty of that, my dear. There¡¯s hot water in the pot. Feel free to make yourself some tea," Jabari said with a smile.

    "Hey Taylor, make sure you, Jake, and Tress guard the place this morning. We have a meeting to attend, alright?" Anaya instructed while she dropped a tea bag into a cup of steaming water.

    "Yes, Ma¡¯am," Taylor responded.

    "What, you¡¯re not going to stop him from calling you Ma¡¯am?" Jabari asked.

    "Unlike you, I embrace my age. Plus, it¡¯s good for them to get used to ''Ma¡¯am,'' ''sir,'' ''mister.'' If they¡¯re going to work here, we need polite workers. Don¡¯t you agree, Taylor?" Anaya inquired.

    "Yes, Ma¡¯am," Taylor confirmed.

    "Are you brainwashing the kids, honey?" Jabari asked, smiling.

    "The problem with you is that you''re too polite," Anaya teased him with a grin.

    Footsteps sounded again on the stairs as Aisha and Faelan came down.

    "Either you two were too excited to sleep, or I don¡¯t know what¡¯s wrong with you¡ªwaking up so early? First nights mean late wake-ups," Anaya noted.

    "First nights? What do you mean?" Taylor asked, curious.

    "Aren¡¯t you fifteen?" Anaya asked.

    Taylor looked as if he was thinking hard, glanced at Aisha and Faelan, and then back to Anaya.

    "Oh, now I get it. They fucked," Taylor concluded.

    "Taylor, don¡¯t you dare use that word again," Aisha admonished him with a stern look, though Faelan didn¡¯t seem to mind.

    Anaya couldn¡¯t suppress her laughter, while Jabari approached her.

    "My love, I think you should be stricter with these kids, or they might pick up bad habits," Jabari suggested quietly enough so only she could hear.

    Anaya looked into his eyes, her expression softened, and her smile faded. It was clear she knew he was right.

    "Taylor! Don¡¯t use that word again¡­ in that way," Anaya instructed.

    "But you were just laughing," Taylor protested.

    "Just because I found it amusing doesn¡¯t mean you weren¡¯t wrong," Anaya replied, giving him a stern look.

    "Alright, my bad. I¡¯m sorry, Aisha, for speaking out of turn," Taylor apologized.

    "I forgive you," Aisha said.

    Taylor glanced at Aisha, who stood still on the last step of the staircase, and at Faelan, who was making coffee by the stove. "So, you two are a couple?" he asked.

    "Yes, we are," Aisha confirmed.

    Taylor seemed a bit downcast as he gestured to Cubone, and they both headed upstairs, trying to conceal his disappointment. Jabari knew that Aisha noticed and sighed, shaking her head.

    "Well, this just got more complicated. Can you really blame the lad? You took them out of the street, provided food, shelter, and a future. He¡¯s fifteen¡ªit¡¯s natural for him to have a crush on you. But trust me, he¡¯ll get over it. Kids move on from their early crushes quickly," Jabari assured her.

    "Taylor likes Aisha? Faelan, seems you have some competition," Anaya said, smiling.

    "Why is it a competition? If Aisha prefers Taylor, she¡¯s free to choose. She¡¯s not my prisoner," Faelan responded.

    "Oh boy, I¡¯m doomed. Faelan, Taylor is a kid and¡­ you know what, forget it. I¡¯m already breaking my promise. Damn," Aisha said as she approached Faelan and quickly kissed him.

    "I must admit, I¡¯m having a hard time understanding any of this," Anaya commented.

    Jabari took her by the arm and nudged her towards the front door. "Leave them be, my love. Their relationship will have its own unique commitments that might not look normal to those accustomed to traditional relationships," Jabari explained.

    "You call that only...unique?" Anaya questioned.

    "Yes, I do. Let¡¯s walk ahead. Let them have breakfast in peace. Let''s head to the meeting. Guys, see you soon¡ªwe¡¯re off to Elduran," Jabari announced.

    "Alright, we¡¯ll meet you there shortly," Aisha replied.

    A few minutes later, Jabari and Anaya arrived at the spot where Elduran was engaged in training with Vivillon, Heracross, and Cyndaquil. All four were drenched in sweat. Jabari observed Heracross expertly executing a flawless Swords Dance. It seemed Elduran was prepared to confront fire with fire. Meanwhile, Vivillon was training alongside Cyndaquil, employing a Bug Buzz¡ªa formidable sound-based move initiated by the powerful flapping of wings. This attack traveled in a cylindrical pattern towards its target, with the strength of the Pok¨¦mon dictating the move''s diameter. Jabari estimated it at roughly a foot, perhaps slightly more; there was still potential for growth. Cyndaquil was deftly dodging the attack while enveloped in flames. The last time Jabari inquired about Cyndaquil''s progress, he had mentioned learning rollout, with flame charge as his next milestone. To Jabari''s eyes, it appeared perfected. Unsurprisingly, Cyndaquil, still being a young Pok¨¦mon, showed swift learning; his time would eventually come when mastering new moves would take months. Nonetheless, Jabari doubted Vivillon could ever land a hit on him. Cyndaquil was virtually a red blur, gaining speed with each flame charge utilized. Were it not for the flames, he might have been nearly invisible to the naked eye by now.

    Elduran was taking a water break, so Jabari found the opportunity to get closer to him.

    "Good morning¡ªor is it afternoon for you?" Jabari asked.

    "Feels like afternoon," Elduran replied.

    "Could you put your shirt back on, soldier boy? We wouldn''t want my dear fianc¨¦e feeling threatened, thinking I might run off with you," Anaya quipped.

    "It''s quite obvious your fianc¨¦e is the best among us. If you run away with me, it would only prove he didn''t choose the best woman to be his wife. We''d be doing him a favor, saving him from a future with wedding bands," Elduran retorted.

    "There are moments when I believe there might actually be wisdom in that head of yours," Jabari chuckled.

    "You''re calling him wise? Ha! Just wait until you hear what he has to say today," Anaya teased.

    "You already know what he''ll say?" Jabari asked.

    "You didn''t tell him?" Elduran inquired.

    "You told me not to tell him," Anaya responded.

    "I told you not to mention anything to Aisha or Faelan¡ªso Aisha wouldn''t be distracted during her gym battle, and Faelan, because I figured he''d spill the beans to her anyway," Elduran remarked.

    "I assumed you meant everyone, so why didn''t you specify if I should tell Jabari to make sure he doesn''t blab to Aisha?" Anaya questioned.

    "Because your future husband is clever enough to keep it from Aisha without being told, unlike you," Elduran replied.

    "It''s fine. Anaya, I understand you didn''t say anything because you thought Elduran instructed you not to. It''s alright," Jabari assured.

    "Here they come. Faelan looks exactly the same, but Aisha¡ªshe seems livelier. Too bad that won''t last once she hears what I have to say," Elduran commented.

    "Now I''m starting to feel anxious," Jabari admitted.

    "Nothing to worry about, it''s all good news¡ªmostly," Elduran said.

    "Yeah, mostly," Anaya echoed with a sigh.

    Aisha and Faelan joined the group, greeting everyone.

    "Are we really doing this under this blazing sun? Not all of us can strip off our shirts like you," Aisha said.

    "Why can''t you? Who''s stopping you?" Elduran teased.

    "I need to stop falling for his stupid tricks," Aisha muttered.

    "So, word is Elduran and Faelan have something to share with us," Anaya announced.

    "Well, I already told Aisha last night," Faelan began, "I was out for a walk-in town late yesterday morning when I passed by the hotel where those thugs are staying. I spotted Mew¡ªor rather, Mew spotted me. He cautioned me that Dan was leaving town, so we tailed him to the train station. With Mew''s help, we managed to plant a tracking device on him as he boarded the train. According to the app on my phone," he continued, displaying the screen to everyone, revealing a map with a blinking red dot, "he''s currently located somewhere northeast of Dasos along route 114."

    "Dammit. So, my revelation makes this more complicated¡ªFaelan''s scouting would have been much more credible if I hadn''t infiltrated Audrey''s home," Elduran admitted.

    "Audrey? The hotel front desk clerk? Why did you break into her place?" Aisha questioned.

    "To gather intel on those four thugs, obviously," Elduran replied.

    "When you say ''gather intel,'' surely you mean you snuck in to check documents, hidden notes, that sort of thing, right? You weren''t reckless enough to be there while she was at home, especially not foolish enough to actually engage her, right?" Aisha pressed.

    "Are you serious, Aisha? Of course, he talked to her¡ªhe even gave her a beating with Blue," Anaya chimed in, laughing.

    "What? Please tell me she''s joking," Aisha pleaded.

    "She is not lying. She told me that Dave was planning to meet the mayor of Dirthrow somewhere along Route 114, nearer to Dasos than to Dirthrow, to overturn the ban preventing him and Keesh from entering the library. I also found out the other two are named Jake and Sue," Elduran stated.

    "That was incredibly risky, what you did, Elduran," Jabari remarked.

    "Risky? Are you joking? It was sheer foolishness. He could have wound up in jail as the best-case scenario, and now he''s likely being targeted, just like you were. Plus, he assaulted a woman for what reason? She might be innocent, and we already knew their names. If you¡¯d paid attention during our meetings, you would have known them. Mew identified them on the first day of scouting," Aisha replied.

    "Oh, she¡¯s not innocent. That beautiful house on the west side of the plaza? That¡¯s hers. Six months ago, it was a wreck, as bad as Faelan¡¯s house. I asked around to confirm what Elduran told me. Even if she isn''t a Watcher, she should realize she''s overpaid for sitting behind a desk at a hotel closed for renovation. My sister also needs to find a way to place some surveillance on the mayor. We need to discover whether he merely collaborates with them or is one of them," Anaya added.

    "Alright, has everyone concluded their argument? From where I stand, Elduran''s actions lend greater credence to what I uncovered yesterday. Elduran, in what ways do your actions further entangle matters?" asked Faelan.

    "If this is a trap, they''ve flawlessly executed everything she described; it''s all too conveniently suspicious, leading us to believe we have two sources to rely upon," Elduran replied.

    "Right, you have a point," Faelan conceded.

    "We shouldn''t pursue this lead," Elduran insisted.

    "Nonsense, of course, we pursue it. What if it''s not a trap?" countered Anaya.

    "My dear, listen to Elduran; he''s experienced in these matters," Jabari suggested.

    "He''s experienced in combat, not strategizing deployments," Anaya retorted.

    "Reluctantly, I agree with Anaya," Aisha began. "We can''t ignore this lead; we must at least investigate its validity," Aisha asserted.

    "Little Light Bulb, think clearly! You''re being too eager and impatient. This is a trap. I have learned to trust my instincts, and they''re urging caution," Elduran warned.

    "Aisha, I''d recommend trusting him. His instincts have saved numerous lives during missions," Faelan added.

    "I apologize, but I simply can''t resist seeing if there''s anything at those coordinates of yours. We don''t need to rush; we can take a few days to prepare. If he was meeting the Mayor of Dirthrow, that meeting would have concluded by now anyway. We need to at least check if they have a base there," Aisha remarked.

    "I''m going too. No way are we missing this opportunity," Anaya insisted.

    "Anaya, what are you thinking? I know Brush and Ink can handle themselves better than you give them credit for, but we''re dealing with the Watchers here. What''s gotten into you?" Jabari questioned.

    "I want this over with, so we can return to our normal lives. Is that too much to ask?" Anaya responded.

    "No, it''s not," Jabari admitted.

    "Then Aisha and I, along with anyone brave enough, will go. Otherwise, it''s just the two of us," Anaya declared.

    "Well, if that''s the case, then count me in too," Jabari decided.

    "Don''t be foolish, Jabari. You need to stay here in case it''s a trap. Your research is actually more crucial than anything the rest of us are doing," Anaya cautioned.

    "She''s right," Aisha agreed.

    "There''s no way we''re splitting up, my love," Jabari said firmly.

    "You two girls are being extremely reckless right now," Elduran scolded.

    "Look who''s talking¡ªrecklessness personified," Aisha retorted.

    "You''re staying here, Jabari. I''ll be back before you know it," Anaya promised.

    "If you''re going, then I''m going too," Faelan voiced to Aisha.

    "No, you are not, Faelan," Elduran began, "At least Anaya and Aisha had the sense to suggest that Jabari remain here to continue his research, which is the most vital work any of us are engaged in. On that point, they''re correct; good thing they laid it out plainly enough for the rest of us dumb fucks to grasp. Faelan, you will stay here with Jabari to ensure his protection. I will accompany them," Elduran declared.

    "He is right, Faelan. We will be fine. Please stay and protect Jabari, and remember to leave your job when we depart," Aisha insisted.

    "I trust your judgment, Aisha. I will do as you ask," Faelan replied.

    "Anaya, if anything happens to you, I..." Jabari began, but his voice was interrupted.

    "Nothing will happen to me, Jabari. I promise I will be careful," Anaya assured.

    "You''ve never been careful, don¡¯t give me that," Jabari retorted.

    "Jabari, for the record, I find this mission utterly foolish, but I assure you, I will do my utmost to safeguard her. Faelan, that includes you; even though Aisha scarcely needs any protection, I shall endeavor to keep her highness safe," Elduran vowed.

    "I appreciate that, Elduran. Anaya, why do you truly desire to go there?" Jabari inquired of his fianc¨¦e.

    "Because I feel useless here. Besides, I could earn some money for the group. I crave new vistas to paint; it¡¯s becoming monotonous here," Anaya replied. If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.

    "You are far from useless, just by the support you provide¡ª" Jabari began, only to be interrupted by Anaya once more.

    "I don¡¯t want to merely be support. I''m going, and that''s final," Anaya asserted.

    Jabari sighed, his expression softening, "Very well, my love, I apologize. I will be wishing for your safe return," he conceded.

    "To be honest, I trust you in this, Elduran, more than I trust myself. If only one of us were to go, I''d prefer it to be you protecting Aisha over me," Faelan admitted.

    "That''s not the usual response one would expect from a man about another man guarding her girl, but coming from you, Faelan, I''ll take it," Elduran replied.

    Aisha gazed at Faelan in awe, but her expression soon softened and a smile graced her face. Jabari realized she finally understood the point Faelan was making¡ªhe was choosing Elduran''s protection skills over his own because the woman he cared for had a better chance of returning alive if he didn''t accompany her. It was a lesson Jabari needed to learn from the young man; his presence would likely complicate matters, adding an extra person for Elduran to protect, especially since Mew likely wouldn''t follow. Their words were cryptic last night, but it seemed that Keesh was a better target to spy on, as she conversed more openly with Jake and Sue, unlike Dan. Jabari was already aware of much of what Faelan had to disclose today, thanks to Mew''s revelations about the previous day''s events, largely centered around scouting Keesh. When he had inquired about Dan, he finally discovered the truth.

    "There are three conditions in all of this," Elduran began. "First, Ashanti is arriving tomorrow, and we shall assist her in setting up surveillance throughout their rooms¡ªideally, the mayor''s as well, should she need our support. The second condition concerns our departure, set after my gym battle in three days, which means we leave four days from now. Lastly, we must adhere to the third condition: we shall walk there," Elduran stated.

    "I can agree to the first two, but why walk when the train is much quicker?" Aisha inquired.

    "Because if it¡¯s a trap, they¡¯ll expect us to arrive in Dasos City by train, allowing the ambush to be set elsewhere than the location Faelan marked on the map. But given what I¡¯ve observed, that site is two-thirds of the way to Dasos City, so we only lose a day. We¡¯ll leave Dirthrow in the middle of the night to avoid prying eyes," Elduran explained.

    "Alright, sounds reasonable," Anaya agreed.

    "You present a valid argument," Aisha conceded.

    "Now, let''s return to the house. I need to move my bed to the small linen closet," Elduran remarked, recalling his exhausted Pok¨¦mon, who were sprawled on the floor.

    "And why is that?" Aisha queried.

    "Because you two need your privacy," Elduran said. "Move in with Faelan and give Ashanti her own room."

    Aisha was left speechless, unable to raise any objections. Her eyes fixed on him, filled with disbelief. Jabari could see, without a doubt, that guilt weighed on her. Throughout the meeting, she had done nothing but criticize Elduran. Yet again, he had absorbed her harsh words without retaliating. Now, he was set to accompany her, ensuring her safety on a journey he deemed unwise. On top of that, he had just offered his room to her and Faelan for their privacy. Aisha might have thought Elduran was more spirit than flesh, navigating his path intuitively, but today, Jabari was haunted by the notion that perhaps they should follow that spirit and intuition over logic, intelligence, and common sense.

    ***

    The next morning, Jabari and Anaya stood at the train station. Jabari observed how Anaya buzzed with excitement¡ªshe truly adored her sister. The train had already come to a standstill, leaving Anaya scanning the crowd eagerly to find her. The moment she spotted Ashanti, she sprinted towards her, enveloping her in a hug, unbothered by the people she jostled along the way, unapologetic and unreserved. Despite being in her mid-thirties, Anaya occasionally behaved like a teenager, much like Ashanti did.

    Jabari couldn''t help but notice the changes in Ashanti over the past nine months. It was astonishing that Anaya had managed to keep away from her sister for so long. Something had changed in Ashanti besides her looks, though Jabari couldn''t quite pinpoint it. Perhaps she had matured? No, that seemed unlikely, definitely not Ashanti¡ªmaybe the opposite¡ªyet there was something different. An air of cockiness perhaps, a confidence in her stride saying, "present a problem, and I''ll solve it." He was unsure whether this was a positive trait; if forced to wager, he''d bet it wasn''t.

    Ashanti appeared more feminine than the last time he saw her. Gone were her baggy, hole-ridden jeans; now she wore authentic skinny jeans. Instead of oversized T-shirts, she now sported a fitted pink sleeveless top that actually matched her size. What a transformation. She still favored sneakers, but these weren¡¯t the skateboard-friendly ones she previously wore; they were sleek, almost elegant, with a high, light pink sole.

    The most striking change, however, was her hair. She had dyed it dark red, straightened to perfection, and it hung just above her shoulders, complementing her red glasses. Despite Ashanti''s striking transformation, Jabari couldn''t help but admire Anaya''s natural beauty more. Anaya, four years Ashanti''s senior¡ªmaking Ashanti about thirty¡ªpossessed effortless beauty. Clad in jogger pants and a plain white T-shirt, with her hair naturally fluffy and wavy, she exuded a charm that needed no embellishment. It was a curious coupling, Jabari always thought, given how he considered his own qualities the opposite of hers. However, to be fair to Ashanti, beyond her exponentially lighter skin than Anaya''s, which was a deeper shade similar to his, Ashanti was probably fifteen pounds underweight. If she were at her optimal weight, she might truly rival Anaya''s beauty.

    After finishing her embrace with Anaya, Ashanti moved directly towards him. He enveloped her in a warm, tight hug.

    "It''s good to see you again. How was your journey, Ashanti?" Jabari inquired.

    "It¡¯s lovely to see you both as well. The journey seemed prolonged due to all the stops; I had to switch trains at Agor and Asven. In fact, speaking of Asven, I arrived there last night and spent the night at a hotel near the station. For how budget-friendly the rooms were, they were quite pleasant and tidy. By the way, I go by Tia now. Didn¡¯t Anaya mention anything?" Ashanti inquired, presenting her ID with a slight flourish.

    "No, she didn¡¯t. What¡¯s the story?" Jabari asked, intrigued.

    "I decided to adopt a name that carries fond memories, one my grandmother always used: Tia. To this day, I¡¯m not entirely sure why she called me that, but I associate it with happy times. In contrast, all I recall from my parents are scoldings and lectures. I¡¯m done with the name they chose for me," Tia explained.

    "It¡¯s a bit strange, I¡¯ll admit, but I didn¡¯t realize you¡¯d gone so far as to change your official documents. Regardless, I¡¯ll respect your decision, sis. So, what¡¯s with this transformation? Have you found a boyfriend?" Anaya teased with a playful smile.

    "Why do I need to find a boyfriend just to change my appearance?" Tia retorted.

    "You¡¯ve got a point," Anaya admitted.

    "Well, my opinion might not hold much weight, but aside from the hair, I approve of your new look," Jabari commented.

    "Yeah, the hair is kind of unusual," Anaya noted as she began walking.

    "I absolutely love it," Tia said, trailing after Anaya.

    "If you like it, then you should keep it just as it is. That''s all that matters," Jabari assured, following close behind the two.

    "Thanks, Jabari. So, are we really going to be living in the abandoned building you mentioned a few days ago?" Tia asked.

    "Actually, it''s gradually transforming into a home, and the company certainly makes it feel cozier than it actually is," Anaya responded.

    "Wow, didn¡¯t expect to hear that from you," Jabari remarked with surprise.

    "Hey, I can like people sometimes," Anaya said with a shrug.

    "You, liking someone besides Jabari? I wonder where my sister¡¯s gone," Tia joked, turning to Jabari.

    "I''m pondering the same thing," he replied with a laugh, which Tia joined in.

    "You two can laugh it up. Oh, by the way, you have your own room now. Aisha and Faelan started seeing each other, so Elduran left the room to give them privacy. He moved his bed to a small closet, and it barely fits," Anaya explained with a grin.

    "Privacy, opposite sexes, and all that nonsense¡ªhe can move his bed into my room. I really don''t mind," Tia shrugged.

    "I''m not sure how I feel about that," Anaya said cautiously.

    "Don''t worry, nothing will happen. And even if it did, I''m a grown woman. Why should it concern you?" Tia asked.

    "I might not have stressed enough how... odd he is. You¡¯ll see soon. Honestly, apart from Jabari, all of us are pretty quirky, but Elduran¡ªhe''s like a different species," Anaya explained.

    "It doesn''t change my stance; we can share a room. How much further now?" Tia asked.

    "In just under ten minutes, we¡¯ll arrive. Be ready for Elduran to attempt to put you straight to work; just don¡¯t let him," Anaya advised.

    "Good, because I''m eager to get started. No reason to hold him back," Tia said optimistically.

    "My, my, everyone seems so eager these days¡ªready to leap into challenges. It worries me a bit. But anyhow, tonight we''re throwing a surprise party for Aisha. She turned twenty-one today. So, whatever you and Elduran end up doing, ensure you remind him about the party," Jabari instructed.

    "Alright, you have my word; I''ll make sure to do that," Tia promised.

    Upon arriving at the house, everyone was present, even Elduran, having returned from his training, likely to discuss possible courses of action with Tia. They introduced themselves to one another and, crucially, updated Tia on the situation.

    "Let me be perfectly clear," Tia began looking at Aisha, "I''m not your biggest fan. You may not be from Tenera, but you''re still part of a government¡ªthe worst part, intelligence. I despise any arm of the government that conceals the truth from its citizens."

    "That, Ashanti, is the nature of intelligence... I apologize, Tia. Sometimes concealing the truth is in the best interest of your people. If the civilians know everything, so do the rival regions. How old are you again?" Aisha inquired.

    "Oh no, this will be an endless debate. We don''t have time for this. Tia, or whatever you''re fucking calling yourself today, arguing with Aisha is pointless. Whether she''s right or wrong, she''ll emerge victorious. That doesn¡¯t mean she¡¯s correct, but trust me, work with her, and let go of your disdain for what she stands for. She is a good girl when you get to know her, just a little annoying from time to time," Elduran advised Tia.

    "Whatever. From what you described, putting surveillance on those goons is easy as pie. The Mayor, on the other hand, that''s more complicated," Tia said, pulling her laptop from her backpack. She released a Porygon from it''s Pok¨¦ball with a small smirk. "This is Pogo, everyone," she announced as she powered on her laptop.

    "Aren''t Porygon illegal to own in Tenera?" Elduran asked, a frown crossing his face.

    "Not gonna lie, I''m wondering that too," Aisha added.

    "They are indeed illegal. How do you even have one, Ashanti?" Anaya inquired.

    "It''s Tia, Anaya, please," Tia corrected. "I caught it with a hacked Pok¨¦ball that registers as ownerless. No trace of Porygon leads back to me."

    Elduran grabbed a chair, sitting directly across from Tia, meeting her gaze. "I won''t ask how you did it since I probably wouldn¡¯t understand a thing, no matter how long you explained. My question is, how did you come across a Porygon? They''re not in the wild, and apart from the agencies you despise, the only other sources are criminals. I''m clear about my stance on bad guys, just as you are about agencies," he steeled his gaze.

    "Actually, I stole it...from a criminal. Or more accurately, I took it after Porygon killed him," Tia confessed.

    "What the hell, Tia? What kind of jobs are you taking on lately? You think just because you took the Porygon from some lowlife, it¡¯s acceptable?" Anaya challenged.

    "I''m okay with it," Elduran said with a stretch, unfazed.

    "Elduran shut up! Tia, what circles are you running in?" Anaya pressed.

    "I''m working as a private investigator...for Zendaya," Tia revealed.

    "You''re back in contact?" Anaya seemed surprised.

    "We never stopped being close, not really," Tia said, a flicker of sadness crossing her features.

    "You barely spoke these past years. Even though she visited you in prison, I thought that drift was real," Anaya pondered.

    "What sort of work are you doing for Zendaya?" Jabari asked, making a concerted effort to refrain from probing why she seemed to wilt at the mention of her friendship with Zendaya.

    "I''m trying to find her parents'' killers," Tia answered.

    "That¡¯s incredibly dangerous. What were you thinking?" Anaya exclaimed.

    "And yet asking me to work against the Watchers isn''t? Talk about being hypocritical," Tia countered.

    "She''s right, you know. There''s nothing more daring than challenging the Watchers," Elduran remarked, rising to his feet. As he neared Jabari, he murmured softly, "Suggest that Anaya step outside for a moment, clear her mind. Her overprotectiveness isn''t needed; her sister is an adult now."

    Elduran was right, and Anaya had no grounds to speak with Tia about making perilous decisions. She and Aisha had chosen to endanger their lives in what Elduran clearly believed was a trap; moreover, they were also putting Elduran himself in jeopardy, for he would refuse to let them face the threat alone.

    "My dear, step outside for a moment, gather your thoughts," Jabari suggested, gently guiding Anaya to the door. She seemed lost in thought, not even responding to him. Once outside, Jabari joined the others again.

    "Why did Porygon kill its owner? And why not use his Pok¨¦ball? If it was hacked, it could¡¯ve been useful," Aisha probed.

    "Him hacking a Pok¨¦ball? Please. That fool never even had Porygon in one. It languished in an underground lair he brazenly called home," Tia reminisced. "He was assigned to address a defect in a crane my friend''s parents purchased. Naturally, he never fulfilled the task; he was incentivized to neglect it. I impersonated a fellow collaborator, claiming to have a fresh opportunity for him from the same employer, which wasn''t challenging to orchestrate with a few crafted fake emails, hoping he''d divulge something. He did, granting me access to his den in the sewers, so it somewhat succeeded. I infiltrated his computer using my laptop while feigning note-taking. Found nothing. He was probably rewarded generously for that solitary job, but it was all through anonymous means, and they never contacted him again. To eliminate him, my Misdreavus and Kecleon weren''t required. I communicated directly with Porygon, inquiring about its trainer. It detested him. Thus, I breached its confinement and liberated it; the rest, as they say, is history."

    "That''s resourceful. I like your style," Elduran said approvingly.

    "You''re terrifying," muttered Aisha.

    "I don''t care what you think, Aisha. But here, show me where those goons are exactly," Tia instructed, turning her laptop around to display a map of Dirthrow.

    Jabari mused that Tia needed to ease up a bit concerning Aisha. Yet, he couldn''t help but feel a touch of pride at how competent his future sister-in-law appeared.

    Elduran pointed out the spot on the map, describing each room''s occupants.

    "Alright, give me a moment... There are four computers on site: one on the first floor, three on the third," Tia analyzed.

    "Dan''s probably still away, so those are the computers of the three. The last one''s likely Audrey¡¯s, the desk clerk. Focus on the ones on the third floor," Aisha advised.

    "Alright, if we add the mayor to our surveillance list, the fewer the better; but three should be manageable." Tia nodded at Porygon, who closed its eyes. Tia began typing furiously, Porygon aiding her in some unseen way. Jabari never really grasped hacking or the workings of a Porygon. They were like living computers, equipped with artificial intelligence.

    "Are we heading there to plant something? We''re wasting time," Elduran urged.

    "There, done. Plant what? These guys have next to no security. As long as their laptops have any battery left, I''m recording every sound in their rooms, even if they turn off the screen. If they''re active, I have access through their webcam," Tia explained.

    "Damn, you''re impressive. Where have you been all this time?" Elduran inquired.

    "This is pretty basic stuff. With a Porygon, this is amateur hour," Tia said with a shrug.

    "I should try getting a Porygon myself," Elduran mused.

    "Elduran, even with a Porygon, you¡¯d struggle to find the power button in any laptop," Aisha teased, yet Elduran only grinned.

    "Now, as for the mayor, let''s locate him online," Tia said.

    Jabari felt somewhat sidelined, tempted to step outside like Anaya had. Yet, observing Elduran¡¯s infectious zeal, despite his equal lack of utility in the present circumstances, reminded him of their collective mission. His responsibility to unravel the enigma of Yveltal and the other legendary Pok¨¦mon was vital. Not everyone could be of use at all times.

    "It won''t be as straightforward to hack the mayor from here, right?" Faelan surmised.

    "I''m scanning his estate now. Let''s see... too many firewalls, and they have their own Porygon. Pogo, did they detect you?" Tia asked.

    Porygon emitted a digital hiss, seemingly pleased.

    "Good. This will be tougher. We''ll need to place something with no wireless connection at all, not even to us; otherwise, their Porygon will detect it in minutes," Tia reasoned.

    "If we can''t see or hear him, what''s the point?" Elduran asked.

    "It means we need to recover it after a few days and see what it recorded, right?" Faelan guessed.

    "Is Aisha really the smart one here? Faelan, you¡¯re absolutely right. It¡¯s our only option. Mew¡¯s not viable, either. The place is crawling with dark-types, and they¡¯d easily sense Mew," Tia explained.

    It was clear Aisha felt irritation brewing towards Anaya''s sister. Those two needed to find common ground soon; otherwise, the team risked serious division.

    "I can''t see a way to infiltrate his office. The town hall has more security than the police department. If this guy isn''t a Watcher, then I don''t know who is," Tia remarked.

    "Well... I can get in," Faelan replied.

    "You can?" Aisha queried.

    "Yes, even though I work as a security guard, I''m basically police by Dirthrow logistics. Remember, the library is a public building. I chose to be a security guard on purpose¡ªtired of the killing, the pressure, the tension. They''re always pestering me to step up to homicide detective, impressed more by my battle metrics than my mind solving murder cases. I can enter quite a few places civilians can''t, especially the transfer department. I could pretend I need to request a transfer. But I''ve also got a way into the mayor''s office, assuming he''s there and not absent like Dan. Mayor Steven Collins himself asked me twice to visit his office. I declined both times, but he always sent letters saying I could come whenever I wanted. Always found that odd," Faelan explained.

    "Good thing you''ve been refusing to quit your job no matter how much I nag. You just saved the day," Aisha said, hugging and kissing him passionately.

    "I''m pretty sure there''s a bed upstairs for such displays?" Tia asked.

    "Ah, let them have their moment. No need to be a spoilsport. I still don''t see how Faelan can plant the tracking device with Collins watching him. What kind of device are we talking about anyway?" Elduran chimed in.

    Tia bent down to search her backpack, then straightened up with a pen in her hand. "This is it," she said.

    "A pen?" Elduran asked, puzzled.

    "It looks like the most common pen in Tenera. But what if Collins doesn''t have these pens in his office?" Jabari inquired.

    "I don''t know, but if not, you can hide it somewhere¡ªbehind a picture frame, in a drawer, anywhere it won''t be easily found. It works as a regular pen too, so even if he discovers it, he''ll likely think an employee left it or he did himself," Tia replied.

    Aisha released her hold on Faelan, appearing skeptical. "If they discard the pen, how do we find it later?" she asked.

    "Simple, with this gadget," Tia said, showing a metal disc no thicker than a coin. "It vibrates stronger as you get closer to the pen, even if the pen''s battery is drained."

    "How does that work? Why can''t Porygon trace it?" Aisha questioned.

    "They can''t. Do I have to explain everything? It''s exhausting. Can we focus on how to plant it in Collins'' office?" Tia asked, exasperated.

    "Tia!" Jabari''s voice boomed.

    Tia turned to him, confused. "Yes?" she asked.

    "Enough!" Jabari asserted, his voice firm. "You''re being downright disrespectful. Regardless of Aisha''s role in the government, she is a fundamentally good person. She''s here in Tenera on an undercover mission, even from her own agency, and she merits your respect. You¡¯re behaving like a petulant child. She''s a full decade your junior, yet I would hardly guess it by your actions. It''s time to wake up!"

    Everyone in the room froze, staring at Jabari, while Elduran leaned back, grinning.

    "You don''t need to defend me, Jabari, but thank you," Aisha said, moving toward the door. She paused but before leaving, she turned to Faelan. "Stay and help them with the pen in Collins'' office. Your government position doesn''t seem to bother her, at least," she added, stepping out.

    "It''s her birthday for Arceus'' sake. Can you stop resenting the world for a day? We''re planning a surprise party for her tonight, as your sister and I reminded you. What''s wrong with you?" Jabari demanded.

    Elduran continued to smile, clearly intrigued by the unfolding drama.

    Tia was on the verge of tears. The situation was escalating. Faelan approached her; she braced herself, expecting the worst.

    "How do we activate this device?" Faelan inquired, extending his hand for the pen.

    Tia, rendered speechless, demonstrated instead; she clicked the pen, retracting and extending the tip until it hummed with vibration, and then silently returned it to him. Faelan accepted it and made his way to the door. Jabari watched in awe at Faelan''s remarkable self-control. That boy possessed an intelligence often overlooked.

    ***

    "The mayor is in his office at the moment; let me inform him of your arrival," the woman behind the desk said.

    She picked up the phone and spoke briefly. After merely ten seconds, she hung up and motioned Faelan to proceed to Collins'' office. Faelan didn''t hesitate; as the secretary opened the door, he stepped inside.

    The office was sizable but far from lavish. It appeared as if the mayor had quite an obsession with plants, with numerous flowers and cacti adorning the room. A massive bookcase, brimming with books, stood close to his desk¡ªa perfect hiding spot for the pen, Faelan speculated. The most striking feature, however, was the multitude of picture frames lining the walls, all conveying the same message: A world without Pok¨¦mon. Scenes of cities and natural vistas showed roads, settlements, and numerous humans, yet Pok¨¦mon were conspicuously absent even from the landscapes. Each painting bore a symbol¡ªa scythe¡ªthe symbol of the Reapers society. This group regarded Pok¨¦mon as a blight on the land. Though not overtly aggressive, they were widely disliked. His involvement with them or even aligning with their ideals would be scandalous enough to prevent him from winning any election, indicating this was a secret. It also begged the question of why he would allow someone like Faelan to witness this. Then realization struck Faelan. He had lost his family to a Pok¨¦mon attack and, unlike many in Dirthrow''s police force, he wielded firearms. The mayor likely presumed Faelan would resonate with the Reapers'' sentiments, if not wholeheartedly, then at least in principle. The desk of the mayor, as well as the man himself, was positioned directly across from the door, in front of expansive windows that stretched across the entire rear wall. All the pens in his holder were of the luxurious kind, Faelan observed, realizing he could not leave the pen there; it would be far too conspicuous.

    Steven Collins, a man with olive skin, was in his late fifties. He appeared to take care of himself; his physique suggested strength beneath his clothes. Tall, though not as tall as Faelan, with short black hair combed back, clean-shaven, and dressed in a dark gray suit. He smiled at Faelan as he rose to greet him with a handshake.

    "Finally, you''re here. I''ve been waiting for you," Steven said.

    "I know, and I apologize for the delay," Faelan replied.

    "Nah, it''s fine. You''re here now. I see you''ve noticed my art around the room. What do you think?" Steven inquired.

    "That you appreciate what the Reapers believe, their vision?" Faelan responded.

    "Indeed, more than you might realize," Steven admitted.

    "Isn''t it risky to admit that so openly?" Faelan asked.

    "To you? Come on, surely you don''t expect me to believe you don''t respect the Reapers'' ideals yourself," Steven pressed.

    While Faelan didn''t share these beliefs, he needed to buy some time and chose his words carefully.

    "I wouldn''t claim to fully align with them, yet imagining a world where Pok¨¦mon might naturally fade into extinction, with no fault of humans, yes, I can perceive that as a beautiful outcome," Faelan remarked, with a hint of truth.

    "That''s an unusual way to view it; you''re essentially asking for the impossible," Steven expressed, dissatisfaction apparent, though Faelan''s ambiguous response seemed sufficient to reassure him that Faelan wouldn''t expose his Reaper affiliation.

    "I''m here to discuss my job," Faelan stated.

    "Ah, yes. I''ve been meaning to talk to you about an ideal position," Steven said.

    The notion of being considered for homicide detective amused Faelan.

    "Unfortunately, I have no interest in becoming a detective of any kind," Faelan countered.

    "If I intended you to be a detective, I wouldn¡¯t need to call you here," Steven remarked with a smile.

    Faelan was about to announce his intention to resign and open a caf¨¦, but curiosity piqued him.

    "And what did you have in mind?" he asked.

    "Jay Ketcher, the president of Tenera, wants to establish a secret special ops group focused on discovering Legendary Pok¨¦mon in Tenera¡ªnot to eliminate them, but solely to uncover them. This won''t be APSO. It promises a steady income with the possibility of working just once or twice annually. We''d fabricate a story about you being unfit to continue in the police due to past trauma, enabling you to receive a pension. So, each mission departure would seem like a vacation. However, there''s a condition: he insists you lead the group," Steven explained.

    Faelan was astounded, unable to think clearly. He considered refusing, but he suspected Aisha would never forgive him. He could always agree and later back out, unless Aisha had other plans. On the other hand, could he refuse? It was a government offer, after all. Then again, it was also a secret. He nearly forgot his initial purpose for being there.

    "This is unexpected; may I have a glass of water?" Faelan asked, an uncontrollable cough overtaking him. Steven moved toward his desk, possibly to call for assistance, but seeing Faelan''s distress, he quickly headed towards the door to fetch water himself. Faelan would be alone soon, but his cough was genuine. He felt cold sweat trickling down his body¡ªwas he having a panic attack? Despite the coughing, he reminded himself he had a mission. As Steven left, he quickly scanned the bookshelf, spotting a bright green book that appeared untouched¡ªa low-risk hiding spot for the pen. He discreetly placed it behind the book. Steven returned shortly with a glass of water, which Faelan downed in one gulp, feeling immediate relief.

    "Are you okay, Faelan?" Steven asked.

    "I think I just had a panic attack from the anxiety. A whole region relying on me¡ªit¡¯s overwhelming," Faelan confessed. The anxiety stemmed not from the region''s expectations, but from leading a team, entering the heart of danger, and ensuring their safe return. Faelan readied himself for the words that would change everything: "Tell Jay Ketcher that I''m in."

 Chapter 16 - Alien

    Chapter 16 - Alien

    Elduran glanced between Jabari and Tia, sensing an unspoken connection that eluded him. Just moments prior, Faelan had exited, yet a silence lingered between the two, unbroken and heavy. Eventually, Jabari departed as well, offering only a nod to Elduran, who remained fixated on Tia, his curiosity piquing at the sight of tears cascading down her cheeks. Rising from his seat, Elduran moved past her toward the stove and, without turning, asked, "Do you prefer tea or coffee?"

    "Do you have vodka?" Tia inquired.

    Elduran set down the pot he had been filling with water and reached for two small glasses. "Come with me," he said gently, placing a hand on her arm to assist her in standing. She complied without protest. "For vodka, we¡¯ll head to my room. I''ve recently taken to dabbling in alcohol¡ªsomething I avoided for years¡ªbut you''ll have to make do with whiskey," he mentioned.

    As they climbed the stairs, Tia broke the silence. "I heard you live in a closet," she said, her voice laced with curiosity.

    Elduran smirked, "Not anymore. It''s got a bed in it now, so essentially, it''s a bedroom."

    "If you say so," Tia replied skeptically.

    Upon opening the door, Tia gasped. The twin bed dominated the space, leaving just enough room to sidle past it. There were no windows; a solitary floor lamp provided the only illumination. Elduran gestured for her to sit near the foot of the bed, the only available seating. He sat at the head of the bed, crossed his legs, and reached beneath it to retrieve a whiskey bottle.

    "Not going to lie, I¡¯m still getting used to the taste of alcohol," Elduran admitted, taking a sip and grimacing. "Still trying to figure out why people even drink it."

    "I can¡¯t speak to the taste, but I know why they drink it," Tia replied, accepting a glass filled with whiskey, a measure he poured for himself as well.

    "You can drink as much as you want," Elduran encouraged, taking another sip.

    "Thanks. Shouldn''t you be doing something to help Faelan?" Tia inquired, downing her glass in one go.

    "What exactly can I do? I¡¯m more of a ''point me in a direction and I¡¯ll get you there'' kind of guy," Elduran responded as Tia poured herself another serving.

    "I thought you were more of the ''point me at something to shoot'' type," Tia teased.

    "I wish I were. It would make things far simpler, but honestly, I was better at keeping my unit alive than just shooting aimlessly," Elduran explained.

    "Other than your start as a commander," Tia added.

    "You did research me, didn¡¯t you? If I had your skills, I¡¯d have researched myself too," Elduran laughed, releasing his Heracross and Cyndaquil into the corridor. He turned to them, "Guys, can you please make me some coffee? Don¡¯t use the stove. Blue, just warm up the pot on Forge''s back; I''m not quite ready to trust you with the stove yet, although you''re getting there." The two Pok¨¦mon beamed with delight at his words. A swirl of color interrupted as he released Vivillon, who danced through the air, narrowly avoiding collision with them, before spitting string onto the wall near the ceiling and settling there, her back pressed against it. "This is Tia, Viv, our genius hacker," he introduced.

    "Viiiii," Vivillon chimed, surveying Tia with curiosity.

    "She¡¯s beautiful! I¡¯ve never seen a Vivillon with colors like that in Tenera," Tia exclaimed, delight lighting her features.

    "You see that? She blinked at you. I think Viv possesses a feline spirit; she does that when she likes someone, just like cats," Elduran observed.

    Tia seemed to brighten, her tears subsiding as she smiled at Vivillon.

    "Can I release mine too?" she asked.

    "You don¡¯t need to ask, Tia. Just go for it," Elduran encouraged.

    Tia complied, letting out Kecleon and Misdreavus from their Pok¨¦balls. The moment Kecleon spotted Elduran, it vanished, melding with the color of his bed sheets, its distinctive stripe the only hint of its presence. In contrast, Misdreavus was more sociable, circling Elduran playfully and tugging at his hair. Elduran turned to her, "I freaking hate ghost Pok¨¦mon, so if you don¡¯t want to end up as ghost dust, you better keep your distance. Assuming we understand each other, I¡¯m glad to meet you, but maintain that distance," he added, prompting a mischievous laugh from Misdreavus as she darted to Tia, twirling in the air around her before fluttering to greet Vivillon.

    "Wow, you really hate ghost Pok¨¦mon?" Tia asked, intrigued.

    "Yes, but I used to hate many more things before I became a trainer. Who knows; those feelings might fade too," Elduran replied.

    "She¡¯s called Giggla, and the nearly invisible Pok¨¦mon no one can see is Camo," Tia said, a playful smile crossing her lips as she sipped her whiskey.

    "You look much better now. May I ask you a couple of questions? Just small talk; you don¡¯t have to answer," Elduran said.

    "Fire away. I¡¯m sure it involves Aisha," Tia replied, handing him the opening.

    "Aisha? No, it doesn¡¯t. That¡¯s between you and her. I can relate; I didn¡¯t like her at first¡ªbut for very different reasons than yours," Elduran remarked.

    "And what were your reasons?" Tia inquired.

    "It wasn¡¯t dislike, per se. The moment I met her, I knew I¡¯d need her help, and I thought she was too young to chase after the watchers, making me feel like I¡¯d have to babysit her all day," he explained.

    "That¡¯s a form of dislike," Tia countered.

    "True, but I¡¯m not worried. I know you two will get along eventually, which is why that¡¯s not my main question," Elduran said.

    "Hold on. What makes you think we¡¯ll get along?" Tia pressed, intrigued.

    "Tia, I¡¯ve stayed away from Pok¨¦mon my entire life. A single Vivillon changed my perspective. I learned that it¡¯s not about what they are, but who they are that counts," Elduran said, glancing affectionately at Vivillon.

    "And you think that who Aisha is will override all my disdain for her profession?" Tia challenged.

    "Absolutely. Now, if you¡¯re willing to share, tell me the story between you and Jabari," Elduran prompted.

    "Me and Jabari? Is it that obvious?" Tia responded.

    "He means a lot to you, that much is clear," Elduran noted.

    "I was cautioned about all of you, told you were an unusual group. And yet, oddly, you¡ªlabeled as if you were of a separate species from another planet¡ªseem to be the most human of them all," Tia confessed, scrutinizing him.

    "Anaya called me an alien, did she? She¡¯s likely the one who mirrors my character the most among us all. Our own little hypocrite," Elduran remarked with a smirk.

    "That she is. Jabari and I have history, around eight years, give or take. I was hired by...certain goons to steal data on potion-making, so I traveled from Krion Village to Vrachos City and infiltrated the building where Jabari worked. I nearly succeeded, but back then, I didn''t have Pogo, which made me slower and far less experienced. Jabari, which was pulling an all-nighter shift, caught me in the act as I connected my laptop to one of their computers. I froze, unable to speak or move. I thought of using Misdreavus against him, but he was just an innocent employee. I couldn¡¯t bring myself to harm him. So, I confessed the truth, bracing myself for him to call the police and end it," Tia recounted.

    "And he didn¡¯t, I presume?" Elduran continued.

    "He committed an act far worse. After I mentioned my roots in Krion Village, he escorted me to the train station, traveled alongside me, and accompanied me to my doorstep. By then, dawn had broken, and he knocked on the exuberant Okoye Residence. My dear parents answered the door, and Jabari, believing he was doing the right thing, recounted the events, hoping for their compassion and understanding to help resolve my troubles. However, throughout my life, I faced punishment merely for existing. My mother erupted in fury, and my father quickly joined her, striking me right in front of Jabari. I remained unresponsive. This was routine. I endured it silently. Anaya stayed secluded in her room, too frightened to intervene. They always treated her far better than me, for reasons beyond our understanding. It perplexed us both why I was considered lesser. But then, something in Jabari broke. He threatened to notify the authorities and urged me to gather a few clothes and essentials. I bid farewell to my sister with an embrace; she was relieved at my departure¡ªshe despised how they treated me. We returned to Vrachos City, where he offered me a refuge," Tia concluded, her voice heavy with the burden of her memories.

    "Damn, that man has a massive heart. I see why you listen to him when he¡¯s flustered¡ªit takes a lot to get him worked up. So, when he did today, you knew you were probably in the wrong," Elduran said.

    "Pretty much. There¡¯s no one I respect more than Jabari," Tia affirmed.

    "So, no romantic feelings then?" Elduran ventured.

    "No, none of that. I see him as an older brother, the brother I desperately needed to shield me from our monstrous parents," Tia clarified.

    "He¡¯s mentioned in the past your issues with your parents, but he lied when he said he didn¡¯t know much about it," Elduran noted.

    "He didn¡¯t lie; he never inquired again. I think he avoids it, with Anaya as well," Tia replied.

    "I gather that misadventure of yours in Vrachos is how Anaya and Jabari met," Elduran mused.

    "Yes, my sister kept visiting. In doing so, she grew closer to Jabari. They fell for each other¡ªmy sister has struggled with anger management, and Jabari worked wonders for her. But it was apparent from the beginning that Anaya had captivated him. Our parents did a number on us," Tia recounted.

    "Considering how your life began, Tia, you¡¯ve turned out alright," Elduran remarked with a smirk, rising just as Heracross returned with a steaming cup of coffee, followed closely by Cyndaquil. "Oh, thank you, guys! I¡¯ve been craving this cup," he said, gratitude radiating from him. Heracross delivered a triumphant fist-pump, and Cyndaquil released a jubilant flame from its back, turning to Tia. "I¡¯ll go fetch your luggage and bring it up¡ªyour room''s the last one on the right. Let¡¯s get you settled in," Elduran said.

    When Elduran returned upstairs, he found Tia repositioning his bed, pulling it halfway out of the room, with Heracross lending a helping hand. Tears streamed down her cheeks once again. He placed her luggage down and approached slowly. "What are you doing?" he asked, concern etching his features.

    "You¡¯re not staying in this cramped closet," Tia asserted.

    "I told you; it¡¯s a bedroom. If you¡¯re taking my bed away, you are responsible for turning it into a closet again. What¡¯s going on, Tia? Why are you crying?" Elduran asked, confusion amplifying.

    "You¡¯re staying with me. I won¡¯t have you sleep in these conditions," she insisted.

    "Isn¡¯t this moving a bit fast?" Elduran smiled, sensing the weight of her emotions.

    "Two people of different sexes can share a room; those beliefs are outdated," Tia reasoned.

    "I¡¯m not disputing you, just being courteous. If you don¡¯t want privacy, then let¡¯s move the bed," Elduran replied, pushing the bed toward her room and setting it against the opposite wall. "You know your sister will kill me," he warned.

    "I don¡¯t care. You¡¯ve treated me better than anyone else so far. Thank you," Tia said, sincerity shining through her tear-streaked smile.

    "Why are you crying, Tia?" Elduran pressed gently.

    "Because you remind me of Jabari. Instead of the older brother vibe he gives off, you radiate a best friend vibe. Both of you seem to genuinely care about me, despite barely knowing me. I don¡¯t quite understand either of you," Tia admitted, her eyes glistening with grateful tears.

    "I¡¯m nothing like Jabari. I¡¯m not even half the man he is. But come here," Elduran said, opening his arms. Tia stepped forward, and he enveloped her in a warm embrace, his presence aiming to soothe her turmoil.

    At that moment, the door swung open. Faelan¡¯s voice echoed through the house, calling out to see if anyone was home. It was time to discover how his mission had gone.

    ***

    Cyndaquil was setting a few logs ablaze in the fireplace as Heracross placed the last chairs around the large folding plastic table, which comfortably could sit eight. At the table''s center lay a small white cake with yellow trim, adorned with two candles: a number two and a number one. In vibrant yellow icing, the words ''Happy Birthday Aisha!'' were elegantly scripted above the candles.

    The construction crew had the day off, granting the team time to tidy up. Even though the construction was mostly focused on the kitchen wall at this time, while the team placed the table on the opposite side near the corner. Night had already fallen, but they had purchased a few floor lamps for the occasion, not that they wouldn''t require them later on. Faelan had taken Aisha on a supposed hike to the northern outskirts of town to help her unwind after the morning''s quarrel between her and Tia. He assured them they would have at least four hours to prepare the surprise.

    Grafaiai and Smeargle found themselves in the whimsical realm of Paradise. Together, they adorned the unfinished walls with spontaneous splashes of creativity. These surfaces, yet to be smoothed for artist''s work, became their canvas for a few glorious days of unfettered expression. Meanwhile, Vivillon played with Cubone and Meltan, forming a playful trio. Cubone, positioned amidst the two, watched his bone tossed back and forth in a merry game of keep-away. Meltan, with its peculiar form and diminutive limbs, amusingly managed to seize and hurl the oversized bone using unseen moves. Vivillon, in contrast, demonstrated adept mastery over her Gust attack, deftly guiding the bone with precision back toward Meltan with every throw. It was remarkable how trusting Cubone was with them. By nature, Cubone are not Pok¨¦mon that easily extend their trust. Yet, allowing them to use his bone as a toy illustrated his happiness. Naturally, this was easy to comprehend; these individuals had provided refuge for the three people dearest to him. Tress, Jake, and Taylor had moved from a state of homelessness to having a roof over their heads. It was inevitable to extend trust, yet it was evidently Aisha''s idea to welcome them in.

    Tia realized her mistake with a heavy heart. Jabari''s words carried significant weight. Her resentment toward the government would not dissipate, yet she repeatedly found herself ensnared by the same pitfalls. It wasn''t fair to assume that all who served the government were inherently bad, especially those who genuinely believed in their mission to do good. The wrongdoers were those aware of their harmful actions. Aisha was young and likely convinced of her righteousness, believing the government''s actions were justified in maintaining peace. Tia understood she had no reason to direct her anger at someone simply misguided, compelling her to seek forgiveness from Aisha.

    She released Misdreavus and Kecleon to join the other Pok¨¦mon. Porygon remained upstairs, permanently connected to the computer. Nothing made it happier than having a mission. If Tia instructed it to monitor the computer for ten years, it would do so with pleasure. Possessing AI, Porygons could begin developing minds akin to Pok¨¦mon or even smarter, but a distinct difference remained: the absence of physical needs. Living beings cherished eating, drinking, stretching, breathing fresh air, mating¡ªconcepts a Porygon would never grasp. Her Porygon was on the verge of succeeding in fully transforming into digital data, able to enter the web and return to its physical form at will, making hacking even easier than it currently was. She wouldn''t even need to touch the keyboard.

    Misdreavus, ever reserved around other Pok¨¦mon, felt uneasy even in the presence of Kecleon, despite their companionship spanning over a decade. Kecleon was Tia''s first partner, but as Tia began delving into the shadows of cyberspace for confidential information, she realized the need for a Pok¨¦mon adept at trespassing. Misdreavus could infiltrate homes seamlessly, remain nearly invisible as she phased through walls or nestled within them. Time and again, she aided Tia by observing passwords or codes being input when individuals believed they were unobserved. Remarkably, Misdreavus was never apprehended; only Tia faced capture, and thrice at that.

    As was his habit, Kecleon slipped into camouflage mode the moment he exited the pok¨¦ball. Once he had surveyed his surroundings and assured himself there was no danger, he revealed himself fully. He meandered over to where Heracross was brewing coffee for Elduran. Just how many cups of coffee did Elduran consume in a day, she wondered. Elduran was deep in conversation with Jabari and Anaya, likely discussing matters related to her. Eventually, Jabari and Anaya approached her, with Misdreavus following suit, fussing with her hair, a habit she¡¯d grown accustomed to, allowing it to continue unbothered.

    ¡°We need to talk,¡± Anaya said as she drew near.

    ¡°Look, I¡¯m not sure what Elduran told you about me, but if he defended me, he¡¯s mistaken. I was too harsh, and I¡¯ll apologize to her,¡± Tia replied.

    ¡°He didn¡¯t actually mention you at all. We were discussing our options, given that Faelan is likely an undercover operative working for the Watchers,¡± Jabari interjected.

    ¡°Well, I did ask him why he moved his bed,¡± Anaya began, continuing with irritation. ¡°The audacity of that man! I can¡¯t believe he just up and forced himself into the same room with you, claiming he wanted you to learn how it really is to be around assholes. What did he say, Jabari? Oh right, that living with him would teach you to tolerate anyone else in the world. What nonsense. We know exactly what he¡¯s after,¡± Anaya explained.

    ¡°He actually said that?¡± Tia asked.

    ¡°Yes, can you believe it?¡± Anaya confirmed.

    ¡°Well, he lied. I was halfway through moving his bed out of that so-called bedroom of his when he came up with my luggage. He didn¡¯t want to leave that closet,¡± Tia stated.

    ¡°I had a feeling that''s what happened,¡± Jabari expressed.

    ¡°You did? Why didn¡¯t you say anything?¡± Anaya questioned.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

    ¡°Because you wouldn¡¯t have believed me, and he¡¯d never admit it. He seems to have a way of helping people without wanting any credit,¡± Jabari explained.

    ¡°What an idiot. Why on earth would you want to sleep in the same room as him?¡± Anaya inquired.

    ¡°Because, out of everyone here, including you, he¡¯s the only one who¡¯s treated me like a friend, despite just meeting me. That doesn¡¯t include you, Jabari, because honestly, I was wrong, and you were right to call me out. But you, sis, you need to stop treating me like a child. I make my own choices and face the consequences, and you¡¯ll have to accept that,¡± Tia declared.

    ¡°Listen here...¡± Anaya began, but Jabari interrupted.

    ¡°You need to stop now. She has a point, and you''re not much different. Your insistence on scouting a potential Watchers base what most likely is a trap with Aisha proves that,¡± Jabari said.

    Anaya, shaken but resolute, replied, ¡°You¡¯re right. I¡¯m not acting differently. But I¡¯m still going, so Tia, it¡¯s my turn to apologize. Jabari, that¡¯s two people you''ve confronted today with the last name Okoye.¡±

    ¡°Well, not for long, if you consent to take my last name,¡± Jabari proposed.

    ¡°Of course I will. Anaya Reid does sound nice. My sister discarded her first name, so I¡¯ll at least discard my last,¡± Anaya said with a smile.

    ¡°I almost changed my last name too, but decided to keep it for now. It gives me motivation to find someone someday to relinquish it to," Tia added.

    ¡°Wow, sis, that¡¯s well thought out. Listen, no matter what Elduran said about Aisha, apologize only if you truly mean it¡ªdon¡¯t do it just because he spoke highly of her,¡± Anaya advised.

    ¡°He didn¡¯t actually do that either, did he¡± Jabari noted.

    Tia chuckled, ¡°No, he didn¡¯t. He told me he didn¡¯t want to talk about Aisha at all. Actually, he mentioned he didn¡¯t like his first encounter with her either,¡± she shared.

    ¡°That man is a mystery,¡± Anaya concluded.

    Tia couldn''t shake the feeling that Elduran was casting sidelong glances at them, all the while smiling. Meanwhile, he was instructing the eldest of the three children, Taylor, on the proper stance and technique for holding and firing an arrow from his bow. Taylor was eager to try it himself, persistently asking for a turn, but Elduran warned him he might get hurt. Yet it seemed Elduran was less concerned about that and more worried about Taylor damaging his bow by dry firing¡ªwhatever that meant, Tia mused.

    Tess and Jake were each at different windows, keeping watch for Aisha and Faelan''s arrival, vigilantly covering both directions. Tess moved toward the door just as a knock sounded. Wasn''t she supposed to alert them before anyone entered? Tia pondered. When the door swung open, a young boy appeared, clutching six large pizza boxes. Elduran ordered Heracross to take the boxes and set them on the table. After expressing his thanks, the kid departed.

    "Weren''t you supposed to wait until they showed up to order, in case they arrived together you dumbass?" Anaya questioned Elduran.

    "I was meant to, but I''m starving and they''re taking ages. A little longer, and I''d have started on that birthday cake. Alright, everyone, let''s dig in," Elduran declared, moving toward the pizza just as a shriek erupted from Tess.

    "They''re here! They''re here! Turn off the lights!" she exclaimed.

    "I couldn''t even snag a slice, damn it," Elduran grumbled.

    "Turn off the lights!" Jake shouted.

    Once Vivillon had swiftly extinguished the lights with its graceful flight, they all congregated around the table. The soft glow from the tranquil flames in the hearth was the room¡¯s sole illumination. A few second later, the door opened. Aisha walked first inside then Faelan.

    "Did they really leave the fireplace burning unattended?" Aisha asked.

    "I''m fairly certain there was a reason," Faelan replied.

    Suddenly, the group switched on the lights and all shouted in unison, "Happy birthday!" Their voices were harmonized by the Pok¨¦mon, who joined the chorus with their unique cries and sounds. With the faintest flicker of ember, Cyndaquil illuminated the candles atop the cake after Heracross gently lifted him onto the table. Aisha, quite literally, was taken aback. After her initial shock, laughter burst forth, and she went around embracing each person, one by one. Meanwhile, Tia chose to remain in the far corner, feigning interest in the absolute nothingness beyond the window. She felt awkward, yet it was her own doing.

    When Aisha had finished kissing Faelan, she asked, "Who on earth remembered it was my birthday today?"

    "Honestly, it was Elduran," Faelan replied. "He recalled it was around this time. Wasn''t too hard to check your ID while you were asleep."

    "Wow, thanks a ton, guys," Aisha said, moving towards Elduran. "I really appreciate this¡ªI kind of like surprises, well, the pleasant ones, anyway," she added with a laugh.

    "Okay, enough with the thanks, can we finally eat?" Elduran interjected.

    "Keep your hunger in check; she has candles to blow out," Jabari remarked.

    "We can''t let him starve," Aisha remarked as she approached the cake. "Truly, everyone, I am truly grateful for all of you doing this," she added, tears welling up as she gently extinguished the candles.

    With a gentle flourish, she called forth all four of her Pok¨¦mon to join the gathering. Hatenna dashed eagerly toward Vivillon once more. Meanwhile, Maril and Togetic made a beeline for the pizza as Elduran revealed the contents of the boxes. Clefairy wandered over to Tia, settling beside her, intent on discerning what captivated her gaze beyond the window.

    Aisha surprised Tia, appearing silently beside her, seated on the floor with her back against the wall, gazing up.

    "Do you mind?" Aisha asked, gesturing to the space next to her, inviting Tia to sit as Clefairy leapt onto Aisha''s lap.

    "Alright, why not," Tia replied, settling beside Aisha.

    "Look, Tia, I..." Aisha began but was cut off by Tia.

    "No, don''t, please. It''s my fault, Aisha. I acted like a teenager. We can disagree on how much power governments should wield and how much must be kept hidden from their citizens, but my anger should be directed only at those in charge. People like you genuinely believe you''re doing good in the world, and I shouldn''t be upset about that," Tia said.

    "I accept your apology. Honestly, I''ve been a bit insistent with my questions, but that''s just how I am¡ªyou''ll get used to it. I''m incredibly curious about how things function, and truth be told, even if you explained half of your process, it would likely go over my head. While I may not be as hopeless as Elduran when it comes to computers and the internet, next to you, I''m sure I''m not much better than an insect. I have faith in Anaya and Jabari, and they trust you¡ªthat should have been sufficient. So, I apologize as well," Aisha admitted.

    "Nah, you don''t need to apologize at all. I never thought you were doubting me, honestly. I understood it was just curiosity. So really, I can¡¯t accept your apology because there''s no reason for one," Tia said, laughing even as tears welled up in her eyes.

    Aisha extended her hand to Tia, who hesitated for a moment before accepting it. Aisha grasped it firmly and declared, "Here¡¯s to a fresh start. It''s high time there''s another intellectual here. Jabari favors the wisdom side," she chuckled. "I''m genuinely glad you''re here, Tia." Just then, Hatenna appeared, her Psychic Power levitating three slices of pizza around her. One slice hovered near her mouth for her to enjoy, while she offered the other two slices to Aisha and Tia.

    "Thank you, Hatenna," Tia said as she accepted her slice.

    "Thank you, sweetie. By the way, her name is Candy," Aisha added, taking her piece.

    Hatenna''s face twisted in discomfort, as though she was enduring some internal struggle while she gazed at Tia and Aisha. Her expression was one of sadness and pain.

    "What''s wrong with her?" Tia asked.

    "It''s our emotions. She can''t stand strong emotions. I suspect we''re radiating a lot of them right now," Aisha explained, turning back to Hatenna. "Candy, I suggest you return to Faelan. Let him hug you¡ªhe¡¯s like nirvana for you," she said with a smile. Hatenna promptly dashed toward Faelan, still munching on her floating pizza slice. Seeing that Clefairy had dozed off on her lap, Aisha gently placed her on the ground. "Luna, if you don''t go grab a slice or two, I suspect you won''t get any pizza tonight," she remarked.

    Clefairy paused for a moment to gather her thoughts, and upon spotting the pizza, a sudden realization struck her. In an instant, she dashed toward it.

    "Luna is a bit aloof, isn''t she?" Tia remarked.

    "Oh, you don''t need to sugarcoat it; she''s a little slow. But she responds to commands more swiftly than any of my other Pok¨¦mon. As long as you''re there and don''t leave her to handle a battle alone, she is second only to Candy in strength. Regardless, I really adore her; I love her personality, it almost reminds me of Faelan," Aisha chuckled, her laughter harmonizing with Tia''s as she joined in.

    "Okay, enough wallowing in self-pity, let''s go join the others," Tia said as she stood up, extending a hand to Aisha to help her rise. Aisha gratefully accepted, and together they returned to the group to enjoy more pizza and finally savor the cake, which was, unsurprisingly, already half eaten.

    All of a sudden, the front door swung open and closed on its own, and Mew made their appearance.

    "Here you go, buddy," Jabari offered, handing a slice to Mew, who accepted it with evident delight. "Unless what you found today is extremely urgent, save it for the morning. Just relax, enjoy some pizza and cake, and have a good time," he advised, moving around the room to cover the windows with makeshift cardboard now that Mew was here, she probably figured.

    "After seeing Meltan and not thinking much of it, I can''t say I feel the same looking at Mew. It''s like I can sense their power," Tia remarked, gazing at Mew with wonder.

    "When Mew is happy or sad, the rest of us feel their power¡ªit''s an unfortunate side effect, but you get used to it. Just give it time. A word of advice: treat them as friends, not like some superior. Thank Elduran for that," Aisha said with a smile.

    "What is that supposed to mean? Do I really want to know?" Tia asked.

    "Honestly, maybe not. You might be tempted to emulate him, and things may not play out the same way. Elduran has a knack for pulling off the most idiotic stunts," Aisha replied.

    "He lectured them?" Tia questioned, intrigued.

    "Oh, you wish that was the extent of it. He actually mocked them, daring them to end him if they believed he would bow to them," Aisha elaborated.

    "Holy hell," Tia exclaimed, startled by Mew suddenly hovering before her, gazing intently. She panicked, dropping her slice of pizza. Mew nudged into her mind, not demanding access but gently asking. She hesitated, fearing they''d judge her if she withheld, as if hiding something. Just as Mew began to release their mental hold, Tia changed her mind, opening up completely. Emotions flooded in¡ªMew was absorbing her feelings, hopes, and fears. They then infused her with a flood of positive and hopeful emotions, altering her perspective on the future, the Watchers, her trust issues, her job as a private investigator, and Zendaya. Her outlook on all these matters became overwhelmingly optimistic. She watched them, trying to reciprocate, conveying her gratitude through her thoughts and emotions. Judging by the happiness she sensed from them, she had succeeded, or perhaps they simply understood her intentions. Either way, the result was the same, and she felt ready to face the world anew.

    Hours later, Tia was the last to ascend the stairs to bed. It was well past midnight, and she had a penchant for late nights, often immersing herself in conspiracies or indulging in video games when not engrossed in a project. But tonight, she lingered in thought, relishing the rare tranquility of this evening, a rarity in her tumultuous life. She cherished it, fully aware of its fleeting nature. Unlike what the others thought of her, she understood the gravity of what lay ahead; facing such a challenge was a path fraught with scars and blood. She was determined to savor these fleeting moments of joy, and today she had done just that. Entering her room, she found Elduran, the first to retire, softly snoring¡ªa near silence compared to the cacophony of her previous cellmates, who rivaled the loudest of men. Vivillon remained awake, vigilant, while Cyndaquil and Heracross slumbered. She suspected the three rotated watch duties through the night, ensuring that never all four were asleep, even with Mew nearby. Tia gently stroked Vivillon, who welcomed the gesture. She made her way to her bed, placed her glasses on the makeshift bedside table¡ªa portable folding table¡ªand snuggled beneath the covers. With her head nestled on the pillow, she drifted into slumber in less than a minute.

    ***

    Basking in the glow of a radiant sun two days hence, Elduran strode confidently onto his platform to confront the gym leader. Moments later, Stephanie Crock joined him, stepping onto her own platform opposite Elduran, as the arena beneath them illuminated magnificently in its full splendor.

    The stands were noticeably fuller today, nearly reaching half capacity. Aisha understood why; the spectators could enjoy a clear view of the battle without heavily relying on the overhead screens. Only Tia came to watch the match, as Jabari felt he was on the brink of a breakthrough and opted to spend his day immersed in the library. Anaya, less interested in Pok¨¦mon battles, saw no reason to attend since Jabari wasn''t coming. Meanwhile, Faelan had been summoned by the mayor; he wouldn¡¯t pass up the chance to meet Steven Collins. Faelan had inadvertently become their strongest connection to unlocking any secrets about the Watchers. She eagerly anticipated learning the purpose of the meeting.

    The announcer started saying the usual before any battle. Introduction, rules just like he did with her battle. Tia turned her head and looked at her, staring at her eyes.

    "What''s up?" Aisha inquired.

    "I''m absolutely certain that where you''re headed tomorrow is a trap. Elduran''s intuition seems spot on about this," Tia remarked.

    "So, are you saying I shouldn''t go?" Aisha asked.

    "No, unlike the others, I''m really proud of both you and my sister for wanting to proceed. You''re both incredibly brave. It''s the right thing to do, trap or not. Elduran''s plan to take the longer route by foot might give you an advantage," Tia replied.

    "You still think they''re aware they''re being observed?" Aisha questioned.

    "Yes, they must be. There''s no way they''d speak so little when together in a room. I even hacked into their phones, especially Dan''s, after he returned yesterday. Everything''s clean¡ªno messages and, most concerning, no record of any past messages. It''s illogical. They''re not merely being cautious; they''re behaving as if they know they''re under surveillance," Tia said.

    "Which is why you actually want Anaya and me to go¡ªto figure out how they know," Aisha concluded.

    "Exactly. They''re hardly using their laptops, which means I can scarcely monitor them through the webcam. I suspect they''re communicating in writing," Tia responded.

    "But wouldn''t Mew notice that?" Aisha pondered.

    "That''s what bothers me most¡ªhow have they not noticed anything? I know they''re focusing more on Keesh, but I believe they should shift their attention back to Dan. Perhaps Keesh is merely pretending to be the weak link, diverting Mew''s focus from Dan," Tia speculated.

    "Thank you, Tia, for being the only one who truly stands by this mission. I promise, I will give it my all to uncover some answers," Aisha declared, her gaze fixed ahead. Stephanie had just released Shiftry into the arena, and Elduran followed suit with Vivillon. "The match is about to begin," she said.

    "Do you think he has a shot? He kept repeating last night that this would either be a quick defeat or a swift victory, grinning like a jester the whole time. I think I''m more nervous than he is right now," Tia remarked.

    "Tia, that man isn''t anxious in the slightest at the moment. I wonder if he even knows what anxiety means. He stands a chance, but his success hinges on catching Stephanie off guard with an unconventional strategy that borders on reckless. Given his potential to pull that off, I believe he has a solid shot at winning today," Aisha replied.

    Tia observed that Elduran wore the broadest grin she had ever seen on him. "Is it normal for him to smile that much? It''s kind of creepy," Tia remarked.

    "I suspect that for Elduran, what he''s doing now is akin to a dream he once had, a dream that was never realized and buried beneath numerous barriers," Aisha replied.

    Elduran called out, "Viv, use Bug Buzz!"

    "Evade and unleash Air Cutters, keep her low in the ground," Stephanie ordered swiftly.

    Vivillon, skimming close to the ground, flicked her wings and sent forth a cacophonous sound that rolled out in a swirling wave towards Shiftry. With agile precision, Shiftry sidestepped and retaliated with a razor-sharp gust aimed at Vivillon.

    "Dodge, Viv! Never mind going up¡ªjust keep darting toward him, evading as many as you can," Elduran urged.

    Vivillon did exactly that. After eluding the first four Air Cutters, the fifth caught her; she let out a shriek, as it was particularly damaging to her as a bug. Nevertheless, she persevered, flying onward toward Shiftry.

    "I have no clue what you''re scheming, but getting too close to Shiftry isn''t the smartest move," Stephanie warned Elduran, then turned her gaze to Shiftry. "When she gets within range, unleash Leaf Blade, and if she tries to dodge, follow up with Razor Leaf," she instructed.

    "Viv, keep a steady course straight toward him... now, release Psybeam," Elduran commanded.

    Vivillon unleashed a Psybeam at point-blank range, yet Shiftry''s leaf-covered branches, now razor-sharp blades, were unfazed, the beam striking directly but leaving him unscathed. Being a Dark Pok¨¦mon, Shiftry was immune to psychic attacks. Anticipating this, Vivillon followed the Psybeam with a Gust, the two attacks closely trailing one another. Though the Gust was not fully charged, merely a weak miniature tornado, it still hit Shiftry. Unperturbed, Shiftry retaliated with full force, slashing at Vivillon. Amidst the onslaught, Vivillon released String Shot at a frenzied pace. Though blood flowed from Vivillon¡¯s wounds, it relentlessly continued shooting the sticky strands, ensnaring Shiftry in layers of string.

    "Simply have them all cut down with Leaf Blade," Stephanie commanded.

    "As he''s busy with that task, Viv, how about you attack with Struggle Bug?" Elduran suggested.

    As Shiftry summoned another blade and began slicing through the strands entwining his legs, Vivillon unleashed a barrage of bug-like energy emanating from her form. Shiftry cried out in agony; bug-type moves were not merely effective against him but devastatingly so, as both his Dark and Grass affinities were vulnerable to bug attacks. Despite the pain, he managed to sever the strings, and as his hand swung upward, it connected with Vivillon. The blow was sufficient to halt her Struggle Bug.

    "End it, Hurricane," Stephanie urged.

    "Fuck! Viv, you need to give it everything you¡¯ve got¡ªyou¡¯re too close to him to dodge. You¡¯ve done well, just try to unleash a supersonic before you pass out," Elduran said.

    The hurricane was already conjured, its control was beyond impressive. Shiftry spun with immense speed to create it, the wind swirling around as it embedded the Razor Leaf attack, scattering razor-sharp leaves within the tempest. Vivillon was ensnared, yet managed to release a Bug Buzz from her wings but soon ceased it to unleash a supersonic wave at Shiftry, who was still whirling tirelessly at the hurricane''s core, maintaining its ferocity. Afterward, Vivillon succumbed to unconsciousness, yet the hurricane continued to hold her captive, twirling her through the air. This time, the Bug Buzz found its mark on Shiftry, causing him to halt his relentless spinning. The hurricane dwindled, plainly showing how Shiftry was on the brink of collapse. The ensuing supersonic hit him squarely in the chest, leaving him confused.

    "I just don''t get it¡ªwhy not aim for a longer Bug Buzz to force the double KO? Using Supersonic isn''t a guaranteed victory for Blue, assuming he''s wise enough to avoid using Forge with a Crawdaunt in pursuit," Aisha remarked.

    "I have no idea; this battle is beyond me," Tia remarked with a sigh.

    Elduran recalled Vivillon and released Heracross beside Shiftry. Stephanie clutched her Pok¨¦ball, ready to recall Shiftry, but she hesitated.

    "I need one last effort from you, Shiftry. Shake it off and execute an Air Cutter," Stephanie urged.

    "Brace yourself and slam him with Arm Thrust," Elduran commanded.

    "Did he really just command him to brace the hit? Against a flying-type move? Blue is both Bug and Fighting type, both of which are weak against flying moves. What the fuck?" Aisha questioned.

    Shiftry indeed powered through the confusion, unleashing two swift air slashes that would have sent lesser bug-type Pok¨¦mon sprawling. Yet, Heracross, undeterred, absorbed the blows and retaliated with an onslaught of rapid punches, each hit landing with precision until Shiftry collapsed, unable to continue the fight.

    "Swords Dance!" Elduran commanded with an air of calm.

    Stephanie swiftly recalled Shiftry, determined not to allow Heracross too much free time for another Swords Dance.

    As Stephanie sent Crawdaunt into the arena, Heracross was nearly finished with his Swords Dance, his eyes aglow with determination and his entire form shimmered with a gentle luminescence.

    "That''s his plan, which is why he didn''t want Shiftry to faint against Viv. He needed Blue to finish him," Aisha remarked.

    "I''m confused, what are you talking about?" Tia queried.

    "Blue possesses the unique ability known as Moxie. With every victory over an opponent''s Pok¨¦mon, his attack power is significantly amplified. Recently, Blue further enhanced this power using Swords Dance. Elduran''s strategy seems to be relying on the philosophy of ''take a hit, but deliver a stronger one in return,''" Aisha remarked with a laugh.

    "Elduran, I doubt that Crawdaunt has any moves capable of striking you with great effectiveness. If you believe you can endure another attack, go ahead and use Swords Dance. Otherwise, you know the course of action," Elduran advised.

    "Maintain your distance, Crawdaunt, and unleash Swift," commanded Stephanie.

    Heracross resolved to execute another Swords Dance, displaying a formidable and intimidating maneuver even as he was bombarded by a barrage of flying stars. By now, Heracross bore too many slashes, and every step he took left a trail of blood on the ground. Yet, his expression remained one of fierce determination.

    "Bubble Beam, Crawdaunt," commanded Stephanie.

    "Use Aerial Ace to dodge and get closer!" Elduran instructed.

    As Crawdaunt unleashed a torrent of bubbles racing toward Heracross, he vaulted into the air, unfurled his wings, and swooped down, aiming straight for Crawdaunt.

    "Pin Missile," Elduran commanded.

    The pins that Heracross launched were no longer mere pin-sized¡ªthese projectiles resembled arrows.

    "Protect!" ordered Stephanie.

    Crawdaunt''s protective barrier materialized just in time, intercepting the incoming pins as Heracross closed in, now nearly face-to-face with Crawdaunt.

    "Crabhammer," called Stephanie.

    "Enough hesitation! Go full force¡ªBrick Break through its pincer!" Elduran shouted.

    Crawdaunt raised his pincer, charging it for half a second, its size swelling to double before he lunged it towards Heracross, aiming to pummel him into the ground. In response, Heracross formed a karate chop; his hands shimmered a fierce red as he prepared to meet Crawdaunt¡¯s assault. When pincer met palm, Heracross¡¯s strength proved overwhelming¡ªhis palm shattered the pincer upon impact and continued forward, striking Crawdaunt squarely. The moment was brutal; Crawdaunt collapsed instantly, a deep crack spreading along the length of his exoskeleton, grotesquely evident. Stephane wasted no time, recalling Crawdaunt at once, handing the Pok¨¦ball to one of her assistants to rush him swiftly to the Pok¨¦mon Center. Elduran had emerged victorious, yet the crowd remained hushed, the announcer calling out the win amidst an eerie silence¡ªa Pok¨¦mon lay injured, teetering on the edge of life.

    Elduran''s smile had already vanished. With measured steps, he advanced toward the middle of the freshly constructed bridge connecting Stephanie''s platform to his, maintaining his head high. They converged at the midpoint, as was the custom.

    "I must apologize. I am quite new to all this, and to be honest, I''m uncertain if I''ll ever gain the confidence required to face formidable opponents under tournament rules. The precision needed¡ªto merely render your opponent''s Pok¨¦mon unconscious without causing harm¡ªis daunting," Elduran confessed.

    "The essence of your strategy¡ªor perhaps the absence thereof¡ªstands as plain as daylight. Indeed, Moxie was your tactic today, and it was clever indeed. Yet, remember, in channeling strength through a Pok¨¦mon influenced by Moxie, you tread dangerously close to grievously harming another. I share the blame, for I too could have withdrawn Crawdaunt and conceded the match. My own selfishness played a part. Clearly, we both gleaned a valuable lesson on this day. As your Pok¨¦mon grow in power, they gain wisdom to assess how much another can endure. Mastering the art of attack to ensure that fainting is the furthest extent of harm requires no herculean effort. The Pok¨¦mon instinctively grasp this. The more they engage in battle, the more they perceive it as a sport that delights both their spirits and ours," Stephanie remarked.

    "Solid advice, truly," Elduran remarked.

    "Exactly. So here is the midnight badge. Since it¡¯s your first victory in this gym, you''re set to receive ten thousand crimson cetis into your account. Don¡¯t worry¡ªCrawdaunt will recover," Stephanie replied.

    "Of course he will. He''s resilient¡ªtough nut to crack...oh wait," Elduran said with a sly grin.

    "Seriously, do you lack all sense of empathy?" Stephanie retorted.

    "Oof, poor timing for a joke, huh?" Elduran acknowledged.

    "Very poor. Extremely so," Stephanie huffed as she turned on her heel.

    In that moment, Tia completely grasped what Jabari and Anaya had mentioned about him. Indeed, he was without a single doubt, a freaking alien.

 Chapter 17 - Poison

    Chapter 17 - Poison

    Upon Elduran''s return from the Pok¨¦mon center, having retrieved Vivillon and Heracross, he made a final attempt to dissuade Aisha and Anaya from their planned departure to Dasos City the next day¡ªa task rendered more challenging now that Tia endorsed their decision. They soon pivoted to the topic of funding Faelan to finally launch his venture, stipulating that Faelan should not surrender any ownership share to Jabari, Anaya, or Tia. The arrangement would remain a gentlemen''s agreement, with Faelan responsible for income distribution. Now under the employ of Steven Collins, Faelan needed to maintain minimal ties to Jabari; sharing business ownership with him, his fianc¨¦e, or future sister-in-law would prompt too many questions.

    Aisha, however, held a different view, suggesting transparency as perhaps the wiser course, given the likelihood that awareness already lingered¡ªor would inevitably surface. She proposed crafting a narrative explaining Faelan''s partnership with the others, to be established before Steven advised him against any affiliations with Jabari, due to the latter¡¯s history with their circle. Aisha''s notion involved portraying Jabari as an alleged acquaintance of Faelan''s Uncle in Vrachos City, the younger sibling of his late father¡ªa tale she believed would give Steven pause before insisting Elduran sever ties with Jabari.

    The clock had struck ten at night. Departure was set for four in the morning. He resolved to head upstairs and catch some sleep. The others needed to follow suit, yet he doubted they would; they always lingered, engrossed in endless discussions about their surveillance and potential plans. He had hoped Tia''s watchful efforts might advance their cause, but they hadn''t. Now, Tia and Aisha suspected that Dan somehow knew he was under surveillance. When Elduran returned from Dasos, he would deal with those four in his own way. Enough of this intolerable, sluggish progress leading nowhere.

    As Elduran prepared to take his first step, Aisha''s voice halted him. She sat with her laptop open, eyes fixed on the screen, engrossed in reading.

    "Elduran, Dorothy¡¯s been found dead," Aisha announced.

    "The quarry owner?" Elduran questioned, moving toward her.

    "They''re calling it the Sunstrike Quarry¡ªwhat a name. Investigators are labeling it a suicide, and the pieces fit," Aisha explained.

    "What story are they telling?" Elduran inquired.

    "The Drifblim you eliminated. It was one of her former Pok¨¦mon, abandoned when she quit being a trainer," Aisha replied.

    "That explains why she seemed so upset when I destroyed it. But why would she hire me for that?" Elduran pondered.

    "Perhaps she attempted to reconcile with it. It notes here that she vanished after hiring a mercenary to eliminate her troublesome Pok¨¦mon, which had been wreaking havoc at the quarry, resulting in numerous livestock losses and a worker''s death," Aisha said.

    "Damn. Did they indicate how she took her own life?" Elduran asked.

    "Apparently, she leapt off a cliff overlooking the quarry. It was one of her cherished spots; she often hiked up that mountain," Aisha mentioned.

    "A tragic end, I suppose," Elduran remarked.

    Aisha tore her gaze from the screen, observing Elduran¡ªhis expression unreadable. Strange, she thought, before speaking, "You know, you don¡¯t have to feel guilty. She did hire you for the task."

    Elduran met her eyes with a look of curiosity, "What do you mean? I don¡¯t feel guilty at all. I believe I did the right thing and would do so again, regardless of knowing the outcome. She, however, might have chosen differently with foresight," Elduran said as he turned and walked upstairs to his room.

    When he stepped into the room, he released all three of his Pok¨¦mon.

    "Viv, you''ll take the first watch; Forge, the second; and Blue, the last," Elduran instructed them.

    Each of them nodded in agreement.

    As he was shedding most of his clothes to slip under the covers, Tia entered the room. He was fully aware that she knew he didn''t give modesty any thought. Just the previous day, she had virtually seen him naked. Elduran himself, naturally, remained unfazed, and she too seemed utterly unperturbed, as though nudity, or witnessing him in such a state, was of no concern to her. She remained an enigma. And he was determined to unravel her mysteries eventually.

    She went to lie down on her bed, but it was impossible for her to sleep this early as she always went to bed so late. She wanted to talk. Yet, what was there to say? They had already discussed everything they needed to over the past two days. The most crucial player in their group right now was undeniably Faelan. His first mission was already set, and he would be leaving in about two weeks. However, Steven had yet to inform him which Pok¨¦mon he would be investigating or where. Elduran dismissed the thought that Tia might request him to protect Anaya¡ªhe would do so of his own accord. She had no right to impose such a demand. Instead, she should exert every effort to keep Anaya from embarking on this mission, but she insisted that Anaya was justified in walking into a potential trap.

    She did not settle under her bed sheets; she definitely wanted to talk. Elduran, meanwhile, feigned closing his eyes to sleep. Then she spoke, "Before you leave, I have a demand," Tia said.

    Elduran kept his eyes shut. "And what might that be?" he asked.

    "Please, start this journey with them, yet find a way to scare them before reaching the destination, some excuse not to end up where Dan''s coordinates are set," Tia said.

    Elduran opened his eyes and stared at her in disbelief, "What the fuck are you talking about? You''ve been pushing those two to carry on with their plan all this time," he said.

    "Yes, I did¡ªand for a foolishly childish reason. I always do reckless things like that. Trying to be different from my sister, I didn¡¯t want to tell her that what she was doing was dangerous and reckless. Thus, when my future missteps occur, Anaya might reflect on this instance, recalling how I stood by her idea to embrace danger. With this memory, she may find herself supporting my ventures, no matter how ill-advised they may seem," Tia confessed.

    "Wow, Tia, if your opinion mattered to Aisha and Anaya right now, I''d be tempted to get up and slap you. But even if you went to them and told them not to proceed, it wouldn¡¯t change a thing. Still, these games you¡¯re playing could cost your sister her life. Maybe not on this mission, but perhaps on a future one. Stop thinking like that and start thinking differently¡ªmaybe your sister is always trying to stop you from doing stupid things because she genuinely cares about you and doesn¡¯t want to see you end up dead or locked up¡­ again," Elduran replied.

    "You speak like that because you haven''t experienced the feeling of being perpetually judged, thinking every action or word is deemed incorrect," Tia expressed.

    "That, I haven''t," Elduran replied. "Most people usually heeded my words. But let me tell you, the privilege of being trusted and heard is something you earn; it isn''t just handed over. Now, let me pose this question to you; would you rather be heard and trusted, or let all that slip away to ensure your sister remains alive in the coming days?" His voice was tinged with frustration.

    Tia appeared deep in thought over Elduran''s words. No words passed her lips as they both sat there in silence. Finally, Tia spoke, "Damn, I hate to admit it, but you''re right. I need to go and talk to them. What is wrong with me?" she said as she got up to leave.

    "Tia, you may try, but nothing will change. I''m not saying this to console you, but whether you backed their venture from the start or not, we would still be departing tomorrow. As for what plagues you¡ªwell, that''s what plagues all of us. Truly, only Jabari seems untouched by a sorrowful or grim past, free from the relentless task of rising each time he''s struck down like the rest of us. You have your own demons, and I''m sorry to say they won''t ever fully vanish, but you must learn to coexist with them. Changing your name is proof of your attempt to escape them, but they remain no matter how fast you run. Had you retained your name and invited the mother fuckers to dine at your table, it would have demonstrated your authority over them," Elduran remarked.

    Tia settled back onto her bed, her spine pressing against the wall. She tilted her head to face Elduran. "You really do speak your mind without trimming the edges. I appreciate that more than you realize," she remarked.

    "Then take a page from my book and do likewise," Elduran replied.

    "What do you mean? You just told me not to even attempt to dissuade them from going tomorrow," she countered.

    "Not that; you can still give it a shot. I''m just warning you; it''s a lost cause. Look, your sister will be fine. I promise to guard her closely, not a single hair on her head will be harmed. But I''m talking about the rest of the burdens you¡¯re hiding. It''s apparent there''s a lot swirling inside your mind. Being around Aisha, it won¡¯t stay secret for long; that girl has a knack for reading people like open books. Better to lay it all out now than to be uncovered later¡ªno matter how trivial it seems, it''s best to release the weight that''s been lurking in the shadows," Elduran said.

    "I carry too many secrets buried within my heart. It''s time I begin to unfold them. You all truly do feel like family. I''m astounded by the depth of your connection despite having known each other for such a brief span. A shared adversary with death as the price of failure seems to forge stronger bonds, I suppose. On the topic of Anaya, it''s quite apparent you harbor feelings for her," Tia remarked.

    "Feelings? I wouldn''t quite call it that. Would I consider sharing a bed with her? Certainly, her allure is undeniable, yet I could never act on it. I hold genuine regard for Jabari and wouldn''t betray him, or anyone else, that way. There''s a world of potential partners out there without the need to tread upon the bonds of others," Elduran remarked.

    "Wow, that''s incredibly pragmatic. I can hardly believe that there are people who genuinely say what you just said and truly mean it" Tia said, laughing.

    "Whether you choose to believe it is entirely up to you," Elduran remarked.

    "Anaya certainly inherited the beauty between the two of us. I always believed I had the brains, yet recently, I''m beginning to question even that," Tia remarked, a faint smile playing at her lips.

    "Simply admiring Anaya''s beauty doesn''t diminish yours, Tia. If you showed even a hint of interest, I''d be pursuing you as well," Elduran remarked with a smile.

    "What makes you think I don''t find you handsome?" Tia inquired.

    "The other day, you practically saw me without a stitch on, yet you didn''t even glance at my crotch. That''s not exactly normal, so I must be utterly unappealing to you. If the roles were reversed, I''d be checking your ass in a heartbeat," Elduran replied with a wide grin.

    "Wow, you are incredibly straightforward. Do you really have no shame? Well, I mentioned I need to get some things off my chest. So, here''s one: it''s not that I find you unattractive, it''s just that if given a choice, I prefer women over men," Tia confessed.

    "If given a choice? So, you essentially go for both but have a stronger preference for women, if I understand you correctly? Hey, you like what you like, and no one can fault you for that," Elduran responded.

    "Really? That''s it?" Tia queried.

    "What are you expecting me to say? I''m just letting you know that if ever you desire some company, whether for a day...or two, I''m more than willing to oblige, with no strings attached. I find you quite captivating and genuinely enjoy our conversations. You have a remarkable personality, at least when your adolescent alter ego doesn''t make an appearance," Elduran said with a smile.

    "Wow, you really are something," Tia said, her voice trailing off. "But... thanks, I guess."

    Elduran raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "Now it all makes sense. Zendaya, past lover?"

    Tia''s expression transformed from shock to a deep sadness in mere seconds. "No, unfortunately, love doesn''t work that way. While I developed feelings for her as we navigated our friendship, she never reciprocated. She¡¯s attracted to men, and I knew that all along. But one day, I just let it slip¡ªI told her I was madly in love with her. You see, it¡¯s not as simple for us. When a man tries to woo a woman, his chances of igniting at least some interest are fairly solid; it¡¯s just him they¡¯re judging. For us, we first have to contend with the minority that actually identifies as homosexual. It¡¯s not easy," Tia explained.

    "Wow, I never considered it that way before. It all makes sense, to be honest. Did she sever the friendship when she found out?" Elduran inquired.

    "No, not at all. She understood my pain, but confessed that she couldn''t reciprocate that love. She wanted us to remain the best of friends and assured me that nothing had changed from her perspective in that respect. Unfortunately, I couldn''t do that. Just another in a long list of my life''s mistakes," Tia replied.

    "But things are on the mend now, aren''t they? Working for her, being near her again?" Elduran inquired.

    "They truly are. I believe a part of me will always care for her, but honestly, seeing her happy brings me joy now. Especially with the men I approve of and who I genuinely like," Tia replied, smiling as she rose.

    "Tia, you''ll eventually discover your other half; just give it some time. Speaking from experience, having been somewhat fixated on one person myself, you truly have to put in the effort to let go and seek that other half. I''m not just talking about physical intimacy¡ªthat''s easily found, believe me. If that''s all you want, I''m more than willing to oblige," Elduran teased her playfully. Then, adopting a more tender tone, he added, "What I truly mean is a meaningful relationship that has the potential to endure a lifetime for both of you."

    Tia opened the door, gently stroking Vivillon, whose spirits soared, her wings fluttering languidly and her eyes blinking. As Tia stepped outside, she remarked, "For a soldier boy, you''re really quite eloquent. Thank you once again. Good luck tomorrow!" With that, she departed and closed the door behind her.

    ***

    At 5:30 in the morning, Elduran, Aisha, Anaya and Clefairy had already crossed beyond the perimeters of Dirthrow. Steering them away from Route 114, Elduran led them directly south towards the imposing mesa. His primary concern was ensuring that no one would track them, insisting on avoiding any established path while he was in charge of their safety. This cautious approach also explained why he informed them it would take slightly more than two days to reach the coordinates where Dan was last traced before his tracker''s battery failed. Had they chosen to remain on the route and maintained a steady pace, they might have arrived at the location within two days.

    Anaya, with her athletic prowess, exercised diligently every evening since he met her. Aisha, however, deserved some recognition from Elduran. She had begun establishing a routine to work out perhaps twice a week, though recently, since she and Faelan started seeing each other, she had significantly upped her efforts. She would have no trouble keeping pace with Anaya and Faelan on this journey unless they all found themselves running for hours, a situation Elduran doubted would arise. Conversely, Elduran felt that his three Pok¨¦mon had grown much stronger; including himself in the mix, armed with his bow, he recalled the Feraligatr, Greninja, and Drifblim he had defeated before. He was confident that tackling them now would have been considerably easier.

    As they reached the base of the towering mesa, the landscape unfurled around them like an artist''s dreamscape. The desert stretched out in every direction, vast and seemingly infinite, its dark brown dirt yielding under their feet. The sandy soil bore testament to the area''s timelessness, whispering stories of those who once traversed this arid expanse.

    Cacti punctuated the landscape, their tall, spiny forms looming like ancient sentinels, casting elongated shadows that danced provocatively in the growing light. Each cactus stood resolute, their green hues contrasting sharply against the earthy backdrop, a testament to nature''s resilience and adaptability.

    The towering mesa itself was a monumental presence, its face kissed by the first glimmers of sunrise. Sunlight crept over the horizon, filtering through the harsh, rugged edges of the mesa, painting the desert canvas with soft tones of gold and ochre. The mesa''s shadow loomed large, stretching far across the desert floor, creating a striking juxtaposition between light and dark.

    The air was thick with the scent of dry earth and a faint trace of moisture carried by the morning breeze. Silence enveloped the scene, broken only by the whispers of the wind and the distant call of a lone Pok¨¦mon, echoing through the expanse.

    No longer under the cloak of night, Elduran released all three of his Pok¨¦mon. In response, Aisha mirrored his actions, unleashing her remaining trio. Meanwhile, Anaya, who had yet to train her two Pok¨¦mon in safeguarding her from impending threats, was instructed by Elduran to keep her companions within their Pok¨¦balls for the time being. With three humans and seven Pok¨¦mon, their group was already quite substantial.

    Elduran surveyed his surroundings; some of the cacti were undoubtedly Cacnea. Cyndaquil was already eyeing each one with suspicion, which Elduran considered reassuring. He preferred Cyndaquil''s caution over carelessness. The only Pok¨¦mon he could clearly identify were a few Gligar and Vullaby. The Gligar soared in the distance, minding their own business, while the Vullaby followed them, flitting from one branch to another. These branches jutted from the mesa''s body, suggesting the Vullaby were waiting for an attack on the group, eagerly anticipating the opportunity to ensure nothing went to waste.The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    Elduran instructed Viv, "Soar high and keep an eye from above, I need those aerial sights. Beware of the Vullaby! If there''s trouble or you need to warn us, cast some string our way with String Shot."

    "Viiii," Vivillon exclaimed as she soared through the sky, as happy as she had ever been. This was where Pok¨¦mon truly belonged. Their time in Dirthrow had been lengthy, and Vivillon was accustomed to adventure, challenging gym leaders with her former trainer. Meanwhile, Heracross and Cyndaquil had only been wild Pok¨¦mon a few weeks ago. It was only natural for them to feel invigorated now that they were back in the wilderness.

    "Blue, though your flight may not reach the heights of Viv''s, I require you to guard our rear. Maintain a safe distance with your wings; you can follow from afar," Elduran instructed.

    "Heeera," Heracross responded, soaring back in the direction they had traveled.

    "Forge, stay close and keep an eye out for any Cacneas. Protect us, alright?" Elduran instructed.

    "Cyyyyyyn!" Cyndaquil squealed with delight, truly feeling like a member of the team this time. Elduran genuinely wanted him there for protection. His keen sense of smell was something they had worked on often during their stay in Dirthrow. Though Elduran had been focused on training for the gym battle, he never neglected their survival training.

    "Truthfully, I''d be terrified to let my Pok¨¦mon out of sight with so many predatory Pok¨¦mon lurking around," Anaya confessed to Elduran.

    "They, like myself, must learn to handle much mightier Pok¨¦mon, and humans for that matter, if we aspire to confront the Watchers. It¡¯s best to start stepping out of our comfort zone now," Elduran replied.

    "Hey, Gale, why don''t you team up with Viv and help with scouting?" Aisha suggested to Togetic.

    "Togeee," he replied with a determined look. Elduran couldn''t help but notice that of all Aisha''s Pok¨¦mon, Togetic had experienced the most significant surge in power. It wasn''t about his abilities; it was his confidence that radiated almost as intensely as Hatenna''s. Yes, he performed brilliantly against Shiftry in the gym battle, but Elduran valued more how Togetic surveyed his surroundings, vigilant for any threat, ready to pulverize anyone who dared to glance at Aisha the wrong way. Elduran admired it greatly.

    "Splash and Luna, walk just a touch ahead, seem rather intimidating," Aisha said, her smile bright as they both obliged. Yet it was only Marill who seemed to grasp her intent. Clefairy remained as detached as ever; a Snorlax could be sprawled out right in her path, and she would simply barrel into it without a second thought.

    Aisha gave no commands to Hatenna, despite the possibility of telepathic communication, as the creature rested on her head. He doubted she issued any instructions, aware of her soft spot for Hatenna.

    Elduran observed the stone mesas stretching endlessly across the horizon to his right. A thought flitted through his mind¡ªhow he wished for a flying Pok¨¦mon to lift him to their peaks; the view must be breathtaking from above. However, the most famed mesas lay north of Dirthrow, in a place known as Meteora. It was a popular destination, attracting visitors eager to scale the trail leading to Meteora''s summit. Rangers regularly patrolled the path to the top, rendering it somewhat safer than most routes¡ªat least, according to what Aisha had mentioned when he''d inquired.

    Elduran needed to instill some sense in them and bring a dose of realism to the mission. So, he decided to speak his mind: "Listen, you two. If we manage to scout their trap, do we at least agree that we''ll hightail it out of there? Even if it seems like we can take them on, because you never know if they have more members lurking nearby," he urged.

    "You have my word," Aisha assured.

    "And mine," added Anaya.

    "It bothers me even more now that only Dan is in Dirthrow at present from the four of them. Mew''s failure in finding the other three yesterday has me deeply worried," Elduran confessed.

    "You didn¡¯t mention anything about it bothering you yesterday, why not?" Anaya inquired.

    "I thought they might sense that we weren''t taking their bait, so perhaps they sent those three to test how much we could resist following them. This is why I¡¯m concerned: if my suspicion is right, our resolve has crumbled," Elduran explained.

    "But we intended to proceed regardless, so how did our resolve crumble?" Anaya inquired.

    "Precisely, our resolve crumbled the moment we decided to advance with this reckless scheme, yet they remain oblivious to that fact. It alters nothing from their vantage point," Elduran responded.

    "Perhaps you could muster a bit of faith in this. They might genuinely be unaware of us," Aisha suggested.

    "I might, and I am endeavoring to demonstrate belief in this mission. It becomes exceedingly difficult when intuition screams otherwise. Unlike you, Aisha, despite what logic advises, I always follow my heart," Elduran confessed.

    "When we return, you''ll see¡ªwe''ll have some juicy intel on those bastards," Anaya declared, continuing, "and then Mew will march straight to them, tearing them apart," she asserted.

    "Another thing that does not make any sense, how are they actually defending themselves? I believe if they had Pok¨¦mon, Mew or Tia would have spotted them by now, so I am leaning more towards firearms, those are a lot easier to hide, but it does not change the fact that we are not sure of it," Elduran said.

    Before them stood a Cacnea, overly audacious and clearly eager for a confrontation. It made no attempt to disguise itself as a mere cactus; its intent to battle was unmistakable. Elduran began to circle the creature, feigning indifference, aiming to instill in it the notion that he held no fear. Yet, the Cacnea remained undeterred. Suddenly, a hissing noise pierced the air, followed by the crackling sound of flames. Forge had incinerated all the needles from Cacnea''s Pin Missile, reducing them to ash. Without awaiting a command, he unleashed Flame Charge, transforming into a blazing streak that surged towards the Cacnea with astonishing speed. One blow was all it took¡ªCacnea collapsed, rendered unconscious on the ground. As Forge prepared to unleash Ember, Elduran raised a hand, halting him.

    "Thank you, Forge," Elduran said with a grin. "But I don''t think it deserves a fiery end. I believe it has learned its lesson. The next time it encounters a Cyndaquil, I''m quite sure it will opt to remain a cactus."

    "Cyyyyn," Cyndaquil echoed proudly, darting back to Elduran with a quick attack as the trainer knelt down to affectionately pat him on the head.

    Elduran observed Aisha and Anaya whispering and giggling as they glanced in his direction, yet he paid them no heed. So minimal was the threat that even Heracross and Vivillon didn¡¯t bother returning to his side. This pleased him; it was another lesson those two had embraced well¡ªto remain at their posts unless circumstances truly called for their intervention. He trusted Vivillon to discern when her help was necessary; with Heracross, his confidence was less certain. Heracross was so proud and self-assured he might consider even a Charizard no match for him. Nonetheless, time would reveal whether his assessment was accurate. Heracross had indeed surprised him on numerous occasions, displaying a maturity beyond expectation when needed. It was another trait Elduran found he shared with him.

    "I still think it''s foolish to travel so far off the route. That was just a Cacnea; what if we get attacked by a Cacturne or something equally menacing?" Anaya remarked.

    "A Cacturne would be a piece of cake. All my Pok¨¦mon and Aisha''s have the advantage against a Cacturne," Elduran replied confidently.

    "I also said, or something equally menacing, smartass," Anaya retorted.

    "When it comes, we deal with it, Anaya, Elduran is right in having us stray from the path¡ªI agree with him there. After traversing the swamps together, this should be a walk in the park compared to that journey. The sheer number of Pok¨¦mon in the swamp¡ªeverywhere we looked, a dozen could be spotted. If they''d all chosen to attack us simultaneously, we would have been done for," Aisha remarked.

    "I''ll never set foot in Valt Swamp. You all were out of your minds to traverse that place," Anaya declared.

    "Had we not ventured through the swamp, I doubt I would have ever defeated Stephanie. The trek provided our Pok¨¦mon with crucial battling and survival skills. We''ll need every bit of it if we ever hope to stand a chance against legendary Pok¨¦mon," Elduran replied.

    "Wow, how beautiful!" Aisha exclaimed.

    Both of them turned to glance at her. She was gazing at something in the distance¡ªa Heliolisk. It watched them, though not in a threatening manner. Heliolisks were not known to be aggressive Pok¨¦mon. Clearly, they needed to take a longer route to avoid confronting it directly. Avoiding battles over the next couple of days was crucial; their Pok¨¦mon needed to remain in peak condition.

    As they circled around it, the Heliolisk continued to watch them, its expression softening, possibly appreciating their effort to avoid conflict. This was another Pok¨¦mon that would be rare in the wild anywhere besides Tenera. A creature that evolved with the energy of a sun stone. Yet, in Tenera, Elduran was willing to wager that evolutionary stones were abundant in nature, unlike in other regions where they were obsessively mined.

    The group pressed on, hugging the rugged mesa as they journeyed southward for hours. After a brief respite around midday, they soon found themselves face to face with a swarm of Sandile. This unexpected encounter led them to adopt a cautious, measured pace. While they were indeed in a desert, it wasn''t the kind of sandy terrain the Sandile preferred to burrow into. What truly demanded their vigilance, however, was the potential presence of a lurking Krookodile. An encounter with one of those formidable creatures was sure to lead to unavoidable conflict. Fortunately, no Krookodile appeared, and the group continued its southward trek, ever accompanied by the Vullaby circling overhead.

    As dusk approached, Aisha remarked, "I must admit, Elduran, the exercise routine you had me follow in Dirthrow has truly been beneficial. My former self would have been utterly exhausted hours ago. Not to say I''m not tired now, and I¡¯d be lying if I claimed I wasn¡¯t eager to set up camp and collapse into a deep sleep. However, at least I don¡¯t have that dreadful sensation I experienced when we left Asven, fearing my legs would fail me the next day," Aisha expressed.

    "And that was achieved with only two days of exercise a week?" Anaya inquired.

    "Yeah," Aisha confirmed.

    "You should really incorporate at least one more day into your weekly routine," Anaya suggested.

    "Well, to be honest, last week I ended up doing three days. Faelan insisted," Aisha admitted.

    "Good. I''m pleased to hear that. I only wish I could persuade Jabari to do some cardio once a week. All he does is lift weights twice a week, which isn''t enough," Anaya remarked.

    "Elduran, Faelan, and you train daily; you''re not ordinary humans. So, spare us from judgment," Aisha said with a laugh that quickly vanished when both she and Elduran spotted something unusual. Two Skorupi skittered out from behind the massive boulder looming ahead. The real concern, however, was the heavier footsteps echoing from behind the rock. The Skorupi weren''t fleeing, and that could mean only one thing. Whatever lurked behind the boulder didn''t intimidate them. Exchanging a glance, Elduran looked upward¡ªVivillon was already winging its way toward him. Atta girl, he thought. Alas, unless the first commotion erupted, Heracross would remain oblivious. Togetic swooped down toward them. Without a doubt, in another moment, a Drapion would burst forth, and such a Pok¨¦mon never shies away from a confrontation.

    "We need to quickly target the two Skorupi, Flame Charge the one directly ahead, Forge," Elduran instructed Cyndaquil. He retrieved Cyndaquil into his Pok¨¦ball and then released him right near one of the Skorupi. Unfazed, Cyndaquil immediately executed Flame Charge, crashing into the Skorupi, which shrieked in agony but remained conscious. Elduran hesitated to risk a second attack without pinpointing Drapion''s location, swiftly recalling Cyndaquil into his Pok¨¦ball just as an enormous Drapion loomed from behind the boulder, unleashing a Cross Poison where Cyndaquil had just stood. An X-shaped poison mist lingered in the air, and Drapion''s pincer-like claws dripped with a sinister purple fluid.

    "That''s a big one," Elduran remarked, seizing his bow while swiftly removing the cassette of essences. As he did so, he heard the air whistle with a powerful Air Cutter unleashed by Togetic, aimed directly at the Skorupi that Cyndaquil had attacked mere seconds earlier. The assault left the creature in a gruesome state; if it wasn''t dead, it was certainly incapacitated.

    "Calm Mind, Candy!" Aisha commanded, and Hatenna, already poised on the ground, closed her eyes in deep concentration. She wasn¡¯t the best choice for this encounter; Drapion was vulnerable only to ground-type moves, while also immune to Psychic techniques. Hence, the moves Psychic and Psybeam were off the table, as far as Elduran was aware. Dazzling Gleam was Hatenna¡¯s sole effective move, but it required her to be perilously close to her opponent. Still, Aisha always had a plan. Once Hatenna completed her Calm Mind meditation, her special attacks would hit with the force of a Copperajah. Aisha could employ the maneuver performed with Cyndaquil: withdraw Hatenna, release her adjacent to Drapion, unleash a Dazzling Gleam, and then return her promptly, though this would unfortunately dispel the effects of Calm Mind. When Pok¨¦mon are recalled, any enhancements dissipate, reverting them to their original state. Cyndaquil¡¯s speed advantage from Flame Charge had already vanished since he was returned to his Pok¨¦ball.

    Drapion hissed fiercely and charged at them, zeroing in on Marill and Clefairy at the forefront of the group. Elduran swiftly grasped the vial containing the earth essence. Vivillon swooped in, while Heracross could be seen in the distance, flying steadily towards them. The trailing Skorupi followed Drapion''s lead but moved at a considerably slower pace.

    "Splash, Rollout! Gale, focus another Air Cutter, both of you target Skorupi. Luna, hit Drapion with Thunderbolt," Aisha commanded with precision.

    "Viv, ensnare Drapion with String Shot! Forge, Rollout and strike it from behind," Elduran instructed strategically.

    Marill curled into a ball, hurtling towards Skorupi, which narrowly evaded two Air Cutters from Togetic. Just as Marill was set to collide with Skorupi, Drapion leapt forward, clamping down with a fierce bite that crackled with electricity. Thunder Fang was devastatingly effective against the water type, and Marill let out a howl of pain. Aisha held Clefairy back from using Thunderbolt, knowing it would also harm Marill.

    Vivillon began to ensnare Drapion''s legs with String Shot, while Aisha deftly returned Marill to its Pok¨¦ball. Cyndaquil exceeded Elduran''s expectations, landing a hit on Skorupi as it nimbly climbed onto Drapion''s back, weaving left and right to expertly evade Skorupi''s retaliatory Pin Missiles directed at him. Sensing the threat, Drapion turned to face Cyndaquil, shadows gathering ominously around its claws as it drew back to unleash what Elduran anticipated was a Night Slash. Elduran considered recalling Cyndaquil once more, but then a buzzing noise zipped past him towards Drapion¡ªit was Heracross. Elduran placed his trust in Heracross, believing he would intercept Drapion before it executed its attack.

    Cyndaquil noticed Drapion poised for a counterattack, so just before impact, he executed a leap, turning his charge into a nimble rolling vault, trying to make it more difficult for Drapion to land its hit. Elduran, however, had no doubt that whether Cyndaquil rolled or not, Drapion''s strike would connect. As Drapion''s claws surged forward, cloaked in shadowy energy, Heracross intervened, executing a swift Horn Attack that struck Drapion from behind and sent it skidding back several yards. Cyndaquil''s Rollout simultaneously struck Drapion''s torso, propelling it through the air while Sting remained coiled around its legs.

    "Viv, now! Use Stun Spore," Elduran commanded sharply.

    "Alright, Luna, begin channeling a Moonblast. We''ll cover you. Candy, keep using Calm Mind. Gale, take down that Skorupi with a barrage of Air Cutter," Aisha instructed, observing Anaya clutching a Pok¨¦ball, ready to release one of her Pok¨¦mon. "Maybe hold off; too many Pok¨¦mon on the field can sometimes be a disadvantage. Seven against two is a solid enough edge; everything¡¯s going smoothly," Aisha assured her.

    "This is going smoothly? That Drapion seems invincible."

    "Don¡¯t worry, we''ve got this," Aisha replied confidently.

    Vivillon soared above Drapion, drifting close enough to release spores over its form. Meanwhile, Drapion severed the strings binding its legs, rose swiftly, and unleashed a toxic spray from its mouth aimed at Vivillon. The attack found its mark, but fortunately, the move Venoshock, was far more potent against already poisoned foes. Vivillon skillfully evaded the ensuing assault by ascending higher, narrowly avoiding Drapion''s electrified Thunder Fang¡ªa bite that could''ve truly harmed Vivillon. All the while, the spores enveloped Drapion, rendering it temporarily paralyzed.

    Meanwhile, Togetic unleashed a potent Air Cutter on Skorupi, but simultaneously Skorupi retaliated with a Venoshock on Togetic. Being a fairy type, Togetic cried out in pain, unlike Vivillon. Aisha quickly summoned Marill back beside Skorupi, commanding it to barrage the opponent with Bubble Beam. Skorupi struggled to escape the assault. Elduran, astonished that Skorupi remained standing, sensed it wouldn''t be for much longer. He heard Aisha''s call, "Elduran, Moxie," she said with a grin.

    Elduran, still clutching the ground essence vial, returned her smile and safely tucked the vial into his pocket. He reminded himself that he would only resort to using the bow if survival seemed unlikely. Breaking old habits was challenging; danger usually meant reaching for his gun, and without it, the bow became his next line of defense. "Blue, take down Skorupi with Aerial Ace. Viv, keep your distance and make it difficult for Drapion to rise, more String Shot, and then hammer it with Bug Buzz. Forge, maintain your distance as well and use Ember," Elduran instructed, casting a sidelong glance at Aisha and then at Clefairy. The moon charging over her head nearly matched his height, though not as grand as the one conjured during the gym battle, it was still impressive. "It''s yours," Elduran declared to both of them, but primarily to Clefairy.

    "Dispatch it to Drapion Luna," Aisha uttered with composure.

    After Vivillon adorned Drapion with additional strands of string, she unleashed a potent Bug Buzz, hindering it from severing the bindings and compelling it to shield its face with its arms. The string endured just long enough for Cyndaquil to launch his own fiery assault using Ember, a relentless stream of flames directed at Drapion. Consequently, Drapion failed to notice the colossal violet energy ball hurtling towards it, striking it squarely in the back just as it prepared to pounce on Vivillon with Ice Fang, the frost forming in its mouth clearly indicating its intent. Drapion was propelled several yards backward, yet once more, it began to slowly rise.

    Meanwhile, Heracross descended upon Skorupi with a deft Aerial Ace, precisely as Marill interrupted his attack, showcasing excellent coordination between the two. Skorupi was vanquished, and Heracross, now radiating a slight luminescence, confirmed his Moxie ability had activated. With his attack power bolstered, he wasted no time and soared towards Drapion, passing Hatenna in his pursuit. She was sprinting towards Drapion as fast as she could, though her pace was no match for Drapion¡¯s resilience, who had already risen and launched a Toxic attack at Cyndaquil. Unable to evade with Quick Attack, the venomous onslaught struck. Nonetheless, Heracross collided with Drapion once more, as he had initially joined the fray, delivering a powerful Horn Attack to its back. Drapion was once again sent flying, only to slowly rise to its feet yet again. Observing this, Elduran discerned the battle was reaching its conclusion. Hatenna was remarkably charging head-on towards a Pok¨¦mon towering at least twenty times her size. Elduran couldn¡¯t ascertain how many Calm Minds she had employed, but they had undoubtedly enhanced her special attack and defense, as well as her composure, rendering her less susceptible to intimidation.

    She was about to surpass Heracross and continue her advance when Elduran casually instructed, "Blue, throw her." Heracross flashed his trainer a knowing smirk, turned his attention to Hatenna, scooped her up with no resistance on her part¡ªlikely in agreement with Elduran¡¯s strategy¡ªand hurled her towards Drapion. This time, realizing a Pok¨¦mon was hurtling directly at it, Drapion seemed to have learned its lesson and attempted to dodge, but to no avail. As Hatenna neared, she unleashed a Dazzling Gleam, the area of effect, amplified by Calm Mind, spanning a ten-foot radius. This time, Drapion''s carapace fragmented, shards flying, crimson erupting from every wound. Though drenched in blood in every part of its body, Drapion lingered momentarily, motionless and scarcely breathing, before finally collapsing.

    ***

    An hour later, Anaya had Smeargle out, tending to Cyndaquil and ensuring its recovery from the poison. Although Elduran had administered an antidote, Cyndaquil still needed fluids, rest, and the reassurance of a patient Pok¨¦mon by its side. Elduran claimed he needed no company and accused her of spoiling Cyndaquil. Vivillon maintained a watchful eye while Heracross was already asleep. It was both amazing and sad how soldier-like Elduran had trained his Pok¨¦mon.

    Aisha approached and sat beside Anaya after setting up the second tent. Big enough for both of them and a few small Pok¨¦mon, Aisha''s tent was accommodating, given that her Pok¨¦mon were petite. Her team took turns keeping watch, except Clefairy, whose exclusion was apparent without needing to ask. Her Pok¨¦mon still interacted and socialized before deciding amongst themselves who''d keep watch and when they''d sleep. Elduran¡¯s, on the other hand, went straight to sleep after assigning the watch duty, maximizing rest time.

    Elduran''s silhouette was barely visible against the dark night, yet his stance¡ªdrawing a bow, stringing an arrow, and releasing it¡ªsent a shiver down Anaya''s spine.

    "I have to say, I still don''t agree," Anaya remarked.

    "I''m usually neutral, but it did attack us unprovoked. I can''t feel sorry for it. Elduran''s right; if that Drapion regained even a bit of energy, it would have pursued us. We don¡¯t need a menacing Pok¨¦mon on our tail," Aisha replied.

    "You two fight well together. You hardly spoke during the battle yet seemed to read each other''s minds," Anaya observed.

    "As much as we argue, you''re right. When danger arises, we synchronize well," Aisha added.

    "Elduran seems more at ease using multiple Pok¨¦mon and the Pok¨¦ball system to his advantage, unlike the limited-switch, one-at-a-time rules of regular tournaments," Anaya noted.

    "Absolutely. My Pok¨¦mon might excel in one-on-one battles, but when facing powerful wild Pok¨¦mon, Elduran''s coordination is unmatched. He didn''t even use the bow today. Watching him fight alongside his Pok¨¦mon with it is intimidating," Aisha admitted.

    "I almost don''t wish to see that. Anyway, here he comes. We should rest. Unlike city life, sleep is a luxury when there''s much walking to do. Brush, keep Forge company tonight; it''s a warm night. Aisha''s and Elduran''s Pok¨¦mon will guard us through the night," she said.

    "Smeeer," Smeargle murmured as she petted Cyndaquil''s forehead.

    Elduran returned to the tent after tending to Cyndaquil. Aisha was already there. He had just slain a Pok¨¦mon and now casually settled inside the tent, as if unaffected by the events. Anaya, weary of the day''s happenings, trailed after Aisha into the tent, hoping for a sleep void of dreams.

 Chapther 18 - Battle of the Peak

    Chapter 18 ¨C Battle of the Peak

    Elduran awoke and stepped out of his tent to witness the sun edging above the horizon. Cyndaquil appeared much healthier and was frolicking with Heracross and Hatenna. Meanwhile, Vivillon, Smeargle, Marril, and Togetic were still slumbering. How they could remain asleep amid the clamor of the others playing nearby was beyond him. Heracross was set to relieve Vivillon from watch duties, and it seemed Hatenna was the last of Aisha¡¯s Pok¨¦mon to keep vigil. Once more, she hadn''t bothered to assign Clefairy to the task¡ªlikely a prudent decision. Naturally, Aisha and Anaya remained asleep, unsurprisingly.

    He consulted his map and then glanced at the mesa to his right; the mesas were veering westward precisely where they had set up their camp. With any luck, by evening they would reach Lake Tranquility once more, this time from the opposite side of the stone mesa. He wouldn''t mind another swim; Arceus knew how dearly he missed his weekly indulgence in water. Swimming around Dirthrow was out of the question, though¡ªthe waters there were too dirty and polluted for his taste. It was undoubtedly a bustling port. His passion, however, was undeniably climbing. Climbing enthralled him, and the mesa seemed to beckon him, though he suspected it might prove too challenging. As a Pok¨¦mon trainer, he could eventually acquire a flying Pok¨¦mon to soar beside him, ready to catch him if he fell. The thrill of free soloing would be irresistible.

    Impatience got the better of him, and unable to wait for everyone to wake naturally, he roused them all. After a brief breakfast, they were once more on the move. The monorail track was closer than it had ever been at their current position to the left. In the distance, further left, a mountain loomed, with the first touch of green gracing its slopes. This marked either the outskirts of Dasos city, where greenery began, or the conclusion of the desert surrounding Dirthrow, depending on one''s viewpoint and perspective.

    "Did you also take care of the two Skorupi yesterday?" Anaya inquired.

    "No, the first one we encountered had already succumbed to its injuries. The other, I chose to leave alive, just in case it posed a threat to us; our Pok¨¦mon would have handled it effortlessly. But it fled. I checked this morning, had regained enough strength to at least move," Elduran replied.

    "Or the Vullaby got it," Anaya suggested.

    "With two corpses around, I doubt it. They have plenty of food with that Drapion lying there," Elduran responded.

    "Can''t you express that with at least a modicum of empathy?" Anaya pressed.

    "Anaya, what exactly do you want me to say? It attacked us; it got what it deserved. That''s the hard truth. Pok¨¦mon are intelligent beings; they understand the consequences of their actions," Elduran stated.

    "Alright, someone''s feeling grumpy today," Anaya quipped.

    "Can we please change the subject?" Aisha interjected.

    "Sure, what shall we discuss?" Anaya asked.

    "I don''t know, any questions you''d like to throw my way?" Aisha proposed.

    "Not really," Anaya admitted.

    "How about I ask you a few questions about your sister?" Aisha suggested.

    "Sure, go ahead. I''m open to it," Anaya replied.

    "What are your thoughts on her working as a private investigator?" Aisha inquired.

    "Honestly, I''ve had time to reflect on it. It''s the most legitimate job she''s had to date. I''m actually quite impressed," Anaya answered.

    "Even though she''s working for Zendaya?" Aisha probed.

    "Why would that be an issue? I''m genuinely pleased for her. They used to be the best of friends; Zendaya truly cares for my sister. So, in that sense, she''s got the best employer she could ask for," Anaya explained.

    "Yeah, but I''m more referring to their past relationship. That''s not easy to get over. Reconnecting with ex-partners is complicated. Sure, casual conversations are one thing, but working together is entirely different. I give huge credit to Tia for rising above and not letting that cloud her judgment. She displays a maturity that you, Anaya, seem to overlook," Aisha remarked.

    "Are you actually saying nice things about my sister? The government agent and the conspiracy theorist becoming friends? But what on earth are you talking about with my sister and Zendaya? What relationship?" Anaya asked, bewildered.

    "They were clearly romantically involved. It was obvious from Tia''s expression every time Zendaya was mentioned," Aisha asserted.

    "What? No, they weren''t. My sister... Arceus shit, it all makes sense now. How could I have been so blind?" Anaya exclaimed.

    "What do you mean?" Aisha asked, intrigued.

    "Why the hell didn''t she ever mention this to me?" Anaya questioned; her frustration evident.

    "You mean you were unaware?" Aisha asked, surprised.

    "Aisha... Oh Aisha... You need to consider what you say before speaking. What may seem obvious to you might not be to someone else. Tia clearly kept it a secret for a reason. She intended to share it when the time was right. But you are mistaken; they didn''t have a romantic relationship. It turns out Tia likes women, but Zendaya doesn''t¡ªthat''s the rift between them, she confided in me last night," Elduran clarified.

    "Dammit. I feel so foolish. I could have supported her, be there for her. It explains why I''ve never seen her with a boyfriend. Did she think I would judge her? Why the fuck does it even matter what anyone finds attractive?" Anaya vented.

    "No, that isn''t it. No one cares about things like that. She just felt hurt that the person she grew up with rejected her affection. It would have been the same whether Zendaya was male or female. The reason she didn''t share her feelings about women was that Zendaya would inevitably come up, and it''s still a sore subject for her," Elduran explained.

    "And she shared this with you? Are you two fucking already?" Anaya asked, skepticism lingering in her tone.

    "Nope. But I wish we were," Elduran said, smiling.

    "I swear, if you touch her, I''ll kill you," Anaya warned.

    "Remember, she likes women. You should be more concerned about Aisha than me," he said, still smiling.

    "You are absolutely hilarious," Aisha remarked.

    "I''m serious¡ªstay away from her," Anaya insisted.

    "What¡¯s your problem, Anaya? Am I that terrible a person? Do you want your sister to be single forever? You want her to become a nun?" Elduran countered.

    "Of course not! I just want someone who will keep her safe and stop her from jumping headfirst into danger all the time," Anaya replied.

    "Alright, fair enough. But like we said, she''s interested in women. However, you need to stop that. She¡¯s an adult and will make her own choices, just like you did when you insisted on this reckless trip," Elduran said.

    "Okay, whatever, enough of this," Anaya said, focusing intently on the path ahead.

    ***

    After a long day of travel, just hours before sunset, they finally arrived at the lake. It had been a less eventful day compared to the one before as far as danger was concerned. A few Pok¨¦mon had launched attacks against them, but Elduran and Aisha had each called upon their Pok¨¦mon to face these challenges one-on-one for training. Cyndaquil took on an Orthworm, Heracross battled a Klawf, and Vivillon squared off with a Lokix. Meanwhile, Aisha''s Marill confronted a Sizzlipede, Togetic matched wits with a Nickit, and Hatenna faced a formidable Fuecoco. Unlike the others, Fuecoco did not attack; instead, it presented itself as a worthy challenger, an encounter Aisha hoped would persuade Elduran to capture and train it after it had shown respect by holding its ground. But Elduran remained steadfast; he would not entertain the idea of having any Pok¨¦mon that evolved into a ghost. The reasoning behind Elduran''s choices for future Pok¨¦mon was an enigma; none of the creatures they encountered over the past few days seemed to capture his interest. It was a mystery indeed. If strength was what he sought, Fuecoco had proven its worth by standing toe-to-toe with Hatenna¡ªa surprising sight for both Aisha and Elduran. Yes, he already possessed a fire type, but that clearly did not deter him in the past; he did indeed have two Bug Pok¨¦mon on his team, yet there was no substantial overlap with the specter of potential Ghost moves hovering on the horizon.

    The two tents were pitched uncomfortably close to the water''s edge for her peace of mind. Lake Tranquility was notorious for harboring a few Gyarados. True, the lake was vast, and these creatures generally lurked in its deeper waters, yet this knowledge scarcely eased her worries. Elduran and Aisha intended to swim¡ªnot a mere wade in the shallows, but genuine swimming. This, with only Marill scouting the waters and Vivillon and Togetic keeping watch from above. It bordered on madness. Marill hadn''t even fully evolved into its final form. Anaya planned merely to cleanse herself, nothing more. She noticed a few Barboach led by a Whiscash gliding near the shallows¡ªcreatures generally deemed harmless. Elduran stretched out on the beach as Aisha approached him, undisturbed. Apparently, there was no need to shoo them away. The only other aquatic Pok¨¦mon she spotted were some Horsea¡ªharmless in themselves, though their evolved forms were another story. Marill was already bobbing on the water''s surface; had he noticed a Seadra, he would have undoubtedly alerted them by now. Along the sandy shore, she observed several Wiglett¡ªexceedingly harmless creatures unless provoked. Their evolved form, Wugtrio, however, was quite the opposite. Fortunately, they were conspicuous and difficult to conceal, particularly from Humans or Pok¨¦mon who knew what to watch for, due to their attachment to a jagged rock.

    Elduran began to strip, and Aisha followed suit. Anaya approached them, deciding to strip down to her underwear as well; there was no sense in getting all her clothes wet. But as she observed, Elduran and Aisha removed every stitch of clothing. The last time she checked, Aisha was dating Faelan. What on earth was going on? Almost simultaneously, they dove into the water. When their heads emerged, Anaya could no longer contain herself.

    "Do you two have no modesty? Elduran, for Arceus''s sake, Aisha is with a man! If he were here..." Anaya started, but Elduran interrupted her.

    "Damn you act like Aisha did the first time I dived naked in the water. She used to be embarrased too," Elduran remarked.

    "Well, I¡¯m still embarrassed, but not in front of you anyway. With any other guy¡ªexcept Faelan, of course¡ªI wouldn''t strip. I just don¡¯t consider you human, so there¡¯s no reason for me to feel shy around you. It¡¯s that simple," she replied, then turned around and started swimming toward deeper waters while Marill darted ahead and Togetic soared above.

    "You can splash about in the shallow end while we enjoy a refreshing swim. We¡¯ll be back shortly," Elduran called to Anaya as he also swam out into the depths. He swam fast; she noted with annoyance.

    Anaya, likely the only sane one among them, released Grafaiai and Smeargle from their Pok¨¦balls to keep watch, stripped down to her underwear, and started bathing with a bar of soap in the shallow waters. Let those fools be eaten by a Sharpedo, she thought. Once she finished, she walked to her tent with her two Pok¨¦mon in tow, changed into some dry clothes, set her wet underwear on a rock, and grabbed a snack bar and some food for Smeargle and Grafaiai. Then she sat back, waiting for the two fools to finish their little fish imitation.

    As the sun began to set, Anaya was eager to execute a swift painting. With the lake to the left and the stone mesa to the right, she set up her canvas and got to work, assisted by her ever-faithful Smeargle and Grafaiai. This wouldn''t be one of those intricately detailed artworks; it was the spontaneous nature of the task she cherished most. She dubbed them blitz paintings. Instead of snapping photographs, she created rapid paintings to capture the moment for future reflection¡ªthe same purpose as a photograph. Sometimes Anaya would revisit these blitz pieces, and through studying them alongside her memories, she would create a detailed painting. The sun would set in about an hour, leaving her with nearly another hour of lingering daylight to complete her work. If necessary, Cyndaquil could provide ample light to help her finish.

    Upon their return, Elduran and Aisha donned their clothes while Heracross gathered firewood from the dead branches of nearby bushes and trees by the lake. Meanwhile, Cyndaquil kindled the flames. Marill, having caught what appeared to be three fish, continued to hunt, wading through the water. Overhead, Vivillon and Togetic fluttered above the lake, ready to offer assistance should any perilous Pok¨¦mon approach. Hatenna and Clefairy watched Cyndaquil manage the fire as Heracross arranged the fish atop stones near the blaze, lacking a proper grill. Marill soon emerged with four additional fish in tow. This bounty would suffice for the three humans and the omnivorous Pok¨¦mon. Among them, only Vivillon was an herbivore.

    Elduran approached Anaya, presenting her with a sizable, charred fish while she was still lost in her painting, putting on the final touches.

    "Try some fish; it¡¯s quite good, actually. Not exactly sure what species this is¡ªmaybe bass? There¡¯s also trout if you¡¯re interested; I prefer that one, but Aisha mentioned you¡¯d likely prefer this¡ªless fishy and less oily, I think," Elduran remarked.

    "She¡¯s probably right. I do eat seafood, but it¡¯s not my favorite. Still, thanks. Brush and Ink, dig in; I¡¯ll finish up here and take whatever you leave me. I already had a snack bar, so I¡¯m not too hungry. That¡¯s quite the fish, though," Anaya said as she glanced up from her painting for the first time.

    Elduran surveyed the painting. "How in Raikou''s ass did you finish this so quickly? Usually, it takes you two or three days," he said, watching as Smeargle and Grafaiai began devouring the fish, clearly relishing the flavor, each bite coming quicker than the last.

    "This isn¡¯t a detailed piece; it¡¯s more like memory art. If I decide to recreate the scene later, this will serve as a reference," Anaya explained, her brush still gliding across the canvas.

    "I see. Well, it looks just as good as the other works I¡¯ve seen from you," Elduran replied.

    "You really need to get your eyes checked," Anaya retorted.

    "Maybe I do. But can I ask you something?" Elduran questioned.

    "Can I say no, and will it matter?" Anaya countered.

    "Of course you can," Elduran replied.

    "Alright, fine. Ask away," Anaya said with a hint of resignation.

    "I¡¯ve wanted to ask this for a long time, but I was hoping to figure it out without asking directly. Why are you always vexed?" Elduran inquired.

    "Absolutely not. Mind your own business, soldier boy," Anaya shot back, clearly irritated.

    "Alright, it was worth a try. Hey, Brush and Ink, there''s more fish if you want to finish it off. If your trainer wants some, she knows where to find it," Elduran called, turning to head back toward the fire and the tents.

    Anaya didn''t need Cyndaquil''s light today; the painting was complete. Elduran wasn''t entirely wrong¡ªit had turned out quite nicely for a blitz painting. Perhaps she could sell it as it was. He was right about something else too; her temper was worsening without Jabari to soothe her. But she wasn''t ready to talk about that. She glanced at her two Pok¨¦mon, both sprawled flat on the ground. The fish they had gorged on was picked nearly clean¡ªjust bones, the head, and the tail remained. Tentatively, she tasted some of the meat clinging to the spine and found it surprisingly good. She might as well eat a bit more. She packed away her brushes and supplies and took her painting; it needed time to cure before it could be rolled. Usually, that required at least a week for safety, but with the dry climate and Elduran''s Cyndaquil for extra warmth, she''d ask for his help to speed it up. She wasn''t too bothered about minor creases¡ªthis was a blitz painting, after all¡ªbut she wanted to preserve it as best as she could.

    Before leaving, she looked at her Pok¨¦mon. "When you two can move, come join us. Brush, I know Ink always overeats when he gets the chance, but I expected better from you. You''re both in a food coma," she remarked, and began her walk towards Elduran and Aisha. She felt a familiar irritation rising¡ªirritation at her Pok¨¦mon for one night of overeating. Oh, how she missed Jabari, how deeply she missed him.

    There were at least two fish untouched when she checked the rocks around the fire¡ªone of the kind she had tried and one of the other. Taking a bite of the latter, she quickly realized Aisha was right; she preferred the first one she''d sampled. So, she carved some meat from it and set it on a small metallic plate, placing the painting next to a rock where Cyndaquil lay. She then settled onto the rock and began to eat.

    "Hey Forge, could you do me a favor?" Anaya asked the little creature.

    "Cyyyn," Cyndaquil replied with delight.

    "Can you ignite that fire on your back? I need some heat to make the painting dry and cure quickly. But not too much, okay? Too much heat would be bad," Anaya instructed.

    Cyndaquil''s eyes sparkled, and the flame on his back flared to two feet in length. Anaya realized he hadn''t quite grasped the part about moderation, so she gestured with her hand to show the appropriate height, which was about half of what he produced. That seemed to make sense to him, as he lessened the flame to just the right level.

    "I don''t want you to overexert yourself. The longer you can keep that flame going, the better," Anaya added, noticing Cyndaquil gazing at her expectantly. "Thanks, Forge," she said, and that clearly pleased him as he rested his head back on the ground.

    "He can probably keep that flame going for hours without even nearing exhaustion. I''ll have him keep the first watch, to maintain the heat on your painting," Elduran suggested.

    "That would be great... thanks," Anaya replied gratefully.

    Elduran was gently petting Vivillon, who lay contentedly beside his knee. It was a sight she had never witnessed before¡ªElduran showing her such affection. Anaya had only observed Cyndaquil receiving pets, often to calm him down. This gentle stroking, however, was pure affection. She found it unimaginable that he once harbored a dislike for Pok¨¦mon. The stories Aisha shared hinted at a different past, but Aisha herself met Elduran after he had already bonded with Vivillon. Witnessing this tender moment, it was hard to envision Elduran having a life untouched by Pok¨¦mon. He had confronted his inner demons and triumphed over them in no time at all. She wondered, then, why it was such a challenge for her to do the same.

    Heracross was engaged in a mix of training, learning human martial arts instead of traditional Pok¨¦mon moves. Among all his Pok¨¦mon, it was evident that Heracross admired Elduran the most. Every word Elduran spoke was absorbed with enthusiasm, and Heracross always greeted new instructions with a smile and his signature playful fist bump. She was aware that many league champions trained their Pok¨¦mon to counter moves with unique techniques akin to human martial arts, so Elduran''s approach was hardly unconventional. Why not counter a Karate Chop by catching the opponent¡¯s hand before it made contact? Most trainers, herself included, typically relied on moves like Protect or Detect for defense, as these were straightforward for Pok¨¦mon to execute. When it came to evasion, trainers often simply commanded their Pok¨¦mon to dodge, leaving the specifics¡ªwhether to leap left, right, or upwards¡ªto the Pok¨¦mon''s discretion.

    But exceptional trainers paid attention to how the dodge was performed to set up a subsequent move. Elduran diligently instructed all three of his Pok¨¦mon on the precise meanings of left, right, up, and down. He cared about the manner of their evasion, not just the act itself. If he managed to endure a year or two in this perilous undertaking, they all agreed to embark on, he would truly become a trainer worthy of both fear and respect. Though she doubted he would ever achieve champion status, it was clear that his aspiration to become a freelance trainer fit him perfectly; he would indeed make a positive impact in the world. Though his methods occasionally skirted legality and were not consistently commendable, his earnest commitment to doing good remained undeniable.

    Why was she suddenly fixated on Elduran''s rapid ascent as a trainer and a person? Why did this gnawing sense of worthlessness in the group envelop her? Yes, she was the one generating the most revenue for them, but was that truly all she amounted to¡ªa mere money-making machine? It seemed everyone else was surging ahead in leaps and bounds. Her sister had undergone a remarkable transformation, emerging as a new person; Faelan appeared every bit the soldier, or more aptly, the spy that fate demanded of him. Jabari, on a quest to unveil the Watchers'' intentions, had somehow grown into a formidable force. He had two willing legendary Pok¨¦mon at his command, establishing himself as both a scholar and one of the strongest trainers in the land. As for Aisha and Elduran, not much could be said. Elduran was undeniably pouring every ounce of effort into his training, but Aisha was not far behind. With a mind unlike any she had encountered, she wielded her intellect to her advantage in every aspect, even in the realm of Pok¨¦mon training.

    At that moment, Aisha was ostensibly relaxing, yet she continued to impart battle-oriented vocabulary to her Clefairy. Though the Clefairy was somewhat oblivious, her capacity to follow instructions was indisputably her greatest strength. Anaya was convinced that her Clefairy would grasp complex directives more readily than her Hatenna¡ªof that, she was certain. A typical trainer might have dismissed that Clefairy, returning her to the wilderness, but Aisha perceived potential where others saw mere limitation. She longed to uncover the tale behind how she had even caught her. Knowing this particular Clefairy, Anaya imagined she might have willingly waltzed into the Pok¨¦ball without a second thought. It became clear to Anaya what she needed to do. Once back in Dirthrow, she would seek Aisha''s guidance to transform into a trainer who engaged in actual battles with her Pok¨¦mon, rather than merely painting with them. Yet, that Clefairy''s story beckoned to her; it was time to inquire how Aisha and her partner had forged such a bond.

    "Aisha, what''s the deal with you and Luna? Most trainers would''ve passed her over. I''m curious to know why you didn''t," Anaya inquired.

    "Alright, but it¡¯s not as intriguing as you might hope. Candy was my Pok¨¦mon, gifted to me when I was sixteen. She arrived for me in Viridian City, which was my home at the time. I was studying at Viridian University. While most of my courses were online, I attended in-person classes for the first two weeks. With a Fairy-type as my starter, I chose Jeanne Dren in Cerulean as my first opponent. I didn''t think I had the firepower to tackle the sturdy rock Pok¨¦mon of Kael Vrach in Pewter. So, I opted to walk from Viridian, which meant navigating the Moon Tunnel. That¡¯s where our paths crossed," Aisha recounted.

    "So, you simply spotted her, battled, and caught her? That¡¯s it?" Anaya pressed.

    "Oh, you want the whole story. No, it didn''t happen quite like that. I saw a group¡ªa couple of Clefairy and a Clefable¡ªemerge from a cave wall, followed by a tearful Cleffa. They''re exceptionally rare, so I kept quiet and observed. They abandoned her, likely due to her condition, or because her aloofness nearly revealed their hideout to humans. She told me this later. The Cleffa line is elusive because they hide so well. She almost jeopardized that secret for them. Once they left, I approached her, offered food, and lifted her spirits. I''ve never caught a Pok¨¦mon through battle; they''ve all joined me willingly. Cleffa¡ªLuna¡ªwas no exception. It took us two days to find our way out of the Moon Tunnel; both of us were lost. I could perhaps be forgiven for losing my way, but for her to be lost in her own home was simply absurd. When a pair of Golbat attacked us, she and Hatenna managed to fend them off, and I was awestruck by how well we coordinated. She followed my commands instantly¡ªbetter than Candy could do at the time. I still don¡¯t know how, but she understands human language almost like one of us," Aisha elaborated.

    "No one tried to capture her during those two days together?" Elduran wondered, now drawn into the story.

    "Not really; they assumed she was already mine," Aisha laughed. "But the truth is, she was mine from the moment we met. I couldn''t bear the thought of sending her back to the cave the closer we got to the exit. She joined me as soon as we glimpsed sunlight creeping in, and from that point on, she was part of my team," Aisha concluded.

    "That was quite a lovely tale, Aisha. Apologies for asking so abruptly," Anaya remarked.

    "No issue at all, who wouldn''t enjoy recounting stories about their Pok¨¦mon?" Aisha replied with a smile.

    "To change the subject, can I ask you a question Aisha, is there a reason you haven''t offered me your flamethrower TM for Forge?" Elduran asked.

    Aisha glanced at him and then gave a reassuring smile. "Trust me, Forge learns flamethrower naturally. You might pick it up quicker this way, but to truly master it, natural learning is best. Moves learned via TM usually take a while to reach their full potential. It might even take a year to see them at full power. Flamethrower is an advanced move, and it''ll likely take Forge at least two weeks to get the hang of it. But once he does, I believe he''ll achieve full power in two to three months. And remember, every time a Pok¨¦mon evolves, their moves grow stronger automatically. However, with additional training on their existing move set, they can reach an even higher power ceiling," Aisha explained, while Forge continued to gaze at her, his flame unwavering at a foot tall.

    "How is it that you can list every move a Pok¨¦mon can learn, pinpoint all their weaknesses, detail their eating habits, and even describe how they like to shit, yet you don''t know something as basic as that?" Anaya inquired.

    "Because all I needed was to know how to kill them," he stated, as every Pok¨¦mon turned their gaze towards him, save for Clefairy. Then he added, "Did that answer your question?" Elduran inquired.

    "Indeed, it certainly answered my question in full," Anaya replied with a hint of sarcasm.

    "However, as they are now part of our team, it''s imperative that I learn to protect them. To achieve this, I must undertake something unprecedented¡ªnot to eliminate them, but to empower them. The optimal way to safeguard them is to arm them with the strength to protect themselves," Elduran stated.

    "I get it, you made your point clear the first time," Anaya remarked.

    "Good, I am happy. Everyone, time to head to bed; we have a long day ahead of us tomorrow," Elduran said.

    ***

    The following day unfolded smoothly, save for a few trifling skirmishes with some feeble Pok¨¦mon, and they drew nearer to their destination. Anaya calculated that, at their leisurely pace, they were about an hour away. The landscape had transformed dramatically; they found themselves in a realm that was neither fully a forest nor truly a desert. Both environments loomed in sight, with patches of grass, patches of dirt, and massive boulders punctuating the terrain. In the distance, she spied the familiar pine forest that had captured her heart when she and Jabari had visited Dasos City.

    Its tall, slender trees reaching toward the sky, their dark green needles creating a soothing canopy. Nestled among the pines, a few rugged mountains emerged, their slopes draped in lush greenery that vibrantly complemented the forest below. The mountains stood proudly against the horizon, their peaks often shrouded in wispy clouds, offering a stunning contrast to the deep hues of the trees. Together, this enchanting landscape beckoned with the promise of adventure and the tranquility of nature.

    Elduran gestured for the group to conceal themselves behind a boulder. He prohibited both her and Aisha from releasing a Pok¨¦mon, and he himself refrained from doing so as well.

    "This is troubling. The coordinates direct us to the summit of that mountain. There aren¡¯t many trees or boulders for cover as we ascend. I¡¯m not comfortable with this," Elduran remarked.

    "What if we send Gale and Viv to scout ahead?" Aisha suggested.

    "That''s a terrible idea; they''ll recognize those two as trainer Pok¨¦mon, distinctly non-native to this area," Elduran countered.

    "Damn, you''re right about that," Aisha conceded.

    "I should have caught a Gligar or even a Vullaby," Elduran lamented.

    "The Togepi lineage is a local inhabitant. They dwell within the Vlastisi forest, the very woodland you observe before you," Anaya noted.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

    "Are you serious? Excellent. Then, Aisha, send Gale up the mountain to scout," Elduran instructed

    Aisha dispatched Togetic, instructing him to survey the mountain''s peak and the terrain sprawling below. Meanwhile, Elduran unhooked his bow, set aside his backpack, and retrieved the case that held the elemental essences. He took out his quiver and rested it on his lap, deep in thought about which essence to apply.

    "What¡¯s on your mind?" Aisha inquired.

    "I need to prepare at least four set of four arrows imbued with elements that counter our vulnerabilities. For sure, I''ll need Ground¡ªElectric Pok¨¦mon would overwhelm us. I¡¯m considering dark arrows too, as we¡¯re at a disadvantage against Psychic and Ghost Pok¨¦mon. With Flying types in mind, we need Electric arrows; they also cover our weakness to Water Pok¨¦mon. So, I¡¯m set on Ground, Psychic, and Electric arrows but undecided about the fourth. Steel types are tough, though Luna¡¯s Flamethrower, Forge''s type, and Blue¡¯s fighting moves should suffice. The type I really dislike is Dragon, but your team counters that well enough," Elduran reflected.

    "Prepare some Water arrows. Against Fire and Ground, Splash is our only option, and against Rock, we rely heavily on Blue¡¯s fighting moves. Water covers all three of those types," Aisha suggested.

    "Smart thinking, ''little light bulb.'' Great call. I¡¯ll leave two arrows uncharged in case I face an unexpected element and have time to adjust," Elduran replied, placing the ice and fire vials in his hip pocket. Methodically, he began applying drops from the Ground, Dark, Electric, and Water essences onto his arrows. Once finished, he rose, slipped the case of essences into his duffel bag, retrieved a pair of small binoculars to hang around his neck, and concealed the bag within a bush.

    "You''re just going to leave your bag out here?" Anaya questioned.

    "Absolutely, and you should too. If it''s a trap, you don¡¯t want to be running for your life with a bag weighing you down," he advised, as he hoisted his quiver into position.

    Following Elduran''s lead, Aisha set her bag on another bush, and with resignation, Anaya followed suit.

    He insisted they remain concealed until Togetic returned, which took about half an hour. Upon speaking with Aisha, Togetic relayed to the others that nothing was on the peak.

    "Gale, did you observe many Pok¨¦mon or animals up there?" Elduran inquired.

    Togetic paused thoughtfully; his expression alone confirmed he had not.

    "What does that imply?" Anaya questioned.

    "Just take a look around. I don''t notice any wildlife. When was the last time you couldn''t see or hear at least a single Pok¨¦mon in the vicinity? Something has frightened them, something substantial. It could very well be nestled in its Pok¨¦ball now. A dragon, perhaps, or a Gyarados¡ªnone of those would leave tracks. It''s just too unnervingly quiet for my taste," Elduran mused.

    "Let''s just go up; I think we''re overthinking this. I believe we''ll both be proven wrong. There will be no base and no trap. It was just a meeting in a random spot," Anaya said.

    Aisha sighed, looking at Anaya, "One thing is certain: it is not a random spot. Do you think Steven Collings would expend all that effort to come all the way here just to talk with Dan? Not a chance. Either this base is well hidden, or, as Elduran suggested, it is a trap and we''ve been played," she concluded.

    "Our sole advantage lies in our position on the north side of the mountain. With any luck, they anticipate us from the south, coming from Dasos. Stay close to me and move from cover to cover. Be wary; there might be snipers," Elduran instructed before swiftly advancing and taking cover behind a tree trunk a few meters ahead. Without pausing, he repeated the maneuver, darting to a boulder further up.

    "This will take ages," Anaya remarked, her voice tinged with frustration.

    "Follow his lead; when it comes to safety, you listen to him," Aisha advised, mimicking Elduran''s moves as Togetic soared above them, scouting the path ahead.

    After an agonizing additional thirty minutes, they finally reached the summit, devoid of sight or sound of any other soul.

    "Alright, it''s clear there''s no trap; I don''t see anything suspicious. Let''s begin looking for an entrance," Anaya declared, casting a glance at Elduran. He was still meticulously scanning the surroundings, convinced they might be ambushed. She was certain that he would rather be right and see them all perish than be wrong and acquire some valuable information.

    "Elduran..." Aisha murmured, drawing the attention of both Anaya and Elduran, who turned to face her. Her gaze was downcast, and her complexion had turned pale. Elduran moved steadily toward her, still vigilant, surveying his surroundings. Once he reached her and saw what she had seen, he spun around, scanning the area frantically. Anaya joined them at the spot where Aisha stood. There it was¡ªthe tracker¡ªpositioned atop a rock, encircled by other stones, forming the shape of an X. The tracker lay perfectly centered. The bastard had been right; it was a trap.

    "We stand atop the hill, with no vantage point beyond, where on earth..." Elduran began, yet abruptly paused. He drew his binoculars, scanning the distant higher mountain. With a sigh, he lowered them, slipped them from his neck, and cast them to the ground. Already, Anaya discerned silhouettes in the distant sky.

    "They are coming," he stated with the same nonchalance as if merely expressing hunger.

    Terror consumed Anaya, yet why did no one flee? This defied all reason. "Are we simply going to stand here?" Anaya asked.

    "They approach, four riders upon the wings of Aerodactyl, Corviknight, Tropius, and Flygon, making their swift descent towards us," he remarked. "Our fate seems sealed, yet our best gamble is to hold our ground, ready ourselves for their advance, rather than fleeing and being picked off one by one. There are plenty of boulders and a scattering of trees around us, and we might even descend one side of the mountain, lose their sight, and reemerge from another angle to outflank them," Elduran advised.

    "Alright, I place my trust in you... and Elduran... I am sorry for being so stupid," Aisha replied, though her eyes burned with determination, prepared to stand steadfast even unto death. Anaya, despite her prior insistence on coming here, found herself paralyzed with dread. "Do you recognize any of them?" Aisha added, her voice steady with resolve.

    "Now is not the time for apologies. The three are there: Keesh on Flygon, Jake on Tropius, and the other woman¡ªwhat¡¯s her name? ¡ªis on Corviknight," Elduran mentioned.

    "Her name is Sue. What about the fourth?" Aisha inquired.

    "Unknown, but he¡¯s the trainer," Elduran clarified.

    "What do you mean? Aren¡¯t they all trainers?" Aisha asked, puzzled.

    "No, the three are armed with assault rifles," Elduran explained.

    "Damn, we¡¯re really in deep trouble," Aisha muttered.

    "Actually, that''s the silver lining. It means, at most, we have to deal with two more Pok¨¦mon. Since four are already out and six is the maximum, he can only have two more," Elduran analyzed.

    "I suppose you¡¯re right. So, what''s the plan? They''re closing in¡ªwhy aren''t we hiding?" Aisha queried.

    "Listen, keep pretending we haven¡¯t noticed them. Don¡¯t run for cover until I shoot, and don¡¯t release the rest of your Pok¨¦mon just yet, except for Candy. Act like you¡¯re playing with her and try to have her signal Togetic to send an Air Cutter to whichever trainer I decide to target. The objective is for them to hit the ground quickly, so the others don¡¯t have time to react. I''ll aim for either Sue or Jake, assuming they¡¯re a couple. If one gets hit, the other will likely attempt to help, even if only briefly. It might turn the tide in our favor," Elduran strategized.

    Anaya couldn''t help but stare at the riders.

    "Anaya! Stop staring at them," Aisha urged as she released Hatenna and began to communicate with her. Moments later, Togetic ascended high into the sky.

    "The moment my arrow is in the air, run for cover and unleash all your Pok¨¦mon, then direct them¡ªyou too, Anaya. I know your Pok¨¦mon aren¡¯t exactly fighters, but if we lose, they''ll perish regardless," Elduran warned.

    "Or I could just let them out and tell them to escape," Anaya stammered, panic rising in her voice.

    "That is an option. Do as you see fit," Elduran conceded.

    "What? That¡¯s it? Why aren''t you berating me? I¡¯ve doomed us all. Aisha contributed too, but at least she¡¯s useful in a fight. She has some right to be on this shitty mission. I, on the other hand, had no right; I¡¯m completely useless. What you¡¯re doing is worse¡ªdon¡¯t pretend you¡¯re fine with us dying today. I despise pretending," Anaya confessed passionately.

    "Anaya, I am not pretending, but I don''t have time for this. Snap out of it! Start moving towards cover now¡ªplease walk, don¡¯t run," Elduran commanded, as he clearly was staring at the riders, trying to find who to attack, without straight up looking at them, then he pulled a vial from his hip pocket and applied a few drops of what appeared to be ice essence.

    "You¡¯re going for Tropius, aren''t you?" Aisha asked.

    "An ice arrow to the head should take it down¡ªhopefully Jake too," Elduran replied with a smirk as he turned to face them. He exuded calmness, no hint of fear evident, even as the enemies loomed about fifty yards away. He held his bow steady, the arrow nocked and poised yet still pointed downward. Anaya''s mind raced with confusion; if he were that skilled, why wasn¡¯t he shooting yet? As they closed in to forty yards, his refusal to act convinced her of his incompetence at archery. No good archer would wait this long to release their shot¡ªthough she had no real understanding of the optimal distance.

    When the enemies drew to around thirty yards, Elduran abruptly raised his bow. In a split second, he aimed and let an arrow fly, its tip shimmering with ice particles. Aisha was already running in the opposite direction, Hatenna in tow, releasing her remaining two Pok¨¦mon and shouting instructions. But Anaya was frozen in time, unable to tear her gaze from the soaring arrow.

    The arrow found its mark, embedding itself into Tropius'' neck. The Pok¨¦mon jerked sharply, sending Jake plummeting downward. Keesh and the newcomer, oblivious to the event, were ahead and nearly reaching Elduran, while Sue on Corviknight was directly behind Tropius when chaos struck. Frantically, they attempted to dive to intercept him, but Togetic followed orders flawlessly, diving swiftly and unleashing a series of powerful Air Cutters at Jake. The blows landed squarely on his chest, tearing it apart, and if the wounds weren''t fatal, the fall certainly was, accelerating his descent towards the earth. Anaya heard the ominous thud as he ultimately crashed to the ground¡ªa soft sound that sent shivers up her spine yet thrilled her. Moments later, a louder crash echoed; Tropius had landed, prompting the others to turn back in surprise. This was Elduran''s cue to sprint for cover, forcefully pulling Anaya by the arm and nearly carrying her. Taking refuge behind a boulder different from Aisha''s, he began releasing his three Pok¨¦mon.

    "Damn, you really know how to wield that," Anaya remarked, her gaze fixed on his bow.

    "Anaya, I need you to concentrate. Once chaos erupts, keep moving from cover to cover. These are exceptionally strong Pok¨¦mon," Elduran instructed.

    With a mixture of caution and curiosity, Anaya craned her neck from behind the sheltering boulder, evaluating the scene before her. Keesh stood alongside the trainer¡ªa man in his forties with olive skin and short-cropped brown hair¡ªboth having dismounted their rides. As the trainer reached into his collection of Pok¨¦balls, his intention was clear: to recall Tropius from the cliff. Yet, nothing transpired. Tropius was no more, felled by a solitary arrow. Anaya''s mind raced. How could this be? Without missing a beat, the trainer snatched another Pok¨¦ball, and what came out brought a surge of fear into her heart¡ªa Snorlax appeared.

    "Elduran, he''s got a Snorlax," Aisha exclaimed.

    "Fantastic. Now quit gawking and dash towards that tree. This boulder will shield your path," Elduran urged her.

    "I must admit, I anticipated your arrival much earlier and from another direction," Keesh remarked, before continuing with a smirk, "yet you were still foolish enough to show up. Ah, the torment of tracking your movements, waiting for you to finally leave town. Ultimately, we had to make our exit first just to lead you here," she added, laughing.

    "No, truthfully, we were foolish enough to come no matter what," Elduran admitted from behind the boulder, "though I suspect Jake isn''t truly smiling at the moment," he added.

    "You think Jake''s death affects me one bit? You are mistaken. I hardly knew him. But sad that Jabari did not come with you, he is the one we really wanted dead. Oh well, his turn will come. That you believed the story about the mayor, incredible," Keesh said still laughing.

    "You took down one of my Pok¨¦mon, you asshole; consider yourself finished. I was planning to use just my Snorlax, but now you''ll face the wrath of every single one of my Pok¨¦mon, you insignificant wannabe trainer," declared the stranger.

    Elduran nudged Anaya and darted his eyes toward the tree, indicating he wanted her to move. As she complied, she released her Smeargle, feeling skepticism that anyone would leave this place unscathed. Elduran was probably right¡ªtheir Pok¨¦mon would have to engage in battle. Barely had Smeargle stepped forth when Aerodactyl appeared around the bend, casting a threatening glare at both her and Elduran.

    Elduran suddenly tackled Anaya, and they tumbled to the ground just as a massive, jagged stone thrust upward from the earth where they had stood, it had just used Strone Edge. Quickly checking on Smeargle, Anaya saw that all four Pok¨¦mon were still alive, though Heracross had a minor graze on his arm. The stone, still protruding from the ground, spoke to the immense power involved. Bubbles pelted Aerodactyl''s back, courtesy of Marill¡¯s relentless assault, striking with all his might.

    "Utilize Sketch, Brush," Anaya commanded as she reached the tree, pressing her back against its trunk. She heard the sound of another Stone Edge being executed, albeit a weaker version. Smeargle had managed to mimic the move. Good girl, she thought, glancing over to see Aerodactyl visibly harmed by Smeargle''s modest attack. Meanwhile, Cyndaquil darted from one cover to the next, edging closer to the two humans, while Heracross assaulted it with Pin Missile. The barrage of Bubbles from Marill had ceased as Aisha and her team focused on combating the Flygon. Aerodactyl began gathering dark smoke in its mouth. Elduran shouted at Smeargle to evade, but her Pok¨¦mon remained still. In a desperate attempt, he ordered Vivillon to strike with Stun Spore, but it was too late. Aerodactyl had clamped its jaws around Smeargle. As it raised its head, the bite intensified, and Anaya fumbled with Smeargle''s Pok¨¦ball, attempting to recall her. Her heart plummeted when the Pok¨¦ball failed¡ªher beloved Pok¨¦mon was gone. From either side of Aerodactyl''s gaping maw, a head and two feet began to plummet.

    "Noooooo," cried Anaya, her voice filled with urgency as she dashed toward the Aerodactyl, armed with nothing but her clenched fists. Even Grafaiai''s Pok¨¦ball lay forgotten in her wake.

    She heard the crack of gunfire and, without understanding why, collapsed to the ground. An intense, searing pain radiated from her stomach. With effort, she rolled onto her back and glanced down to see that she had been shot twice, blood pouring from her wounds. Desperately, she crawled towards the nearest cover she could find and managed to pull herself to it, trying to stand, but could only manage to rest her weight against a large rock. Looking around, she saw Elduran with an arrow nocked in his bow, its tip sparking with electricity, while Vivillon and Heracross focused on dodging and launching ranged attacks. Yet none seemed to have much effect on the creature. Elduran, however, was not shooting, and she wondered what he was waiting for. Sue and Corviknight had entered the fray as well. Tears streamed down Sue''s face as she fired her assault rifle wildly, one bullet striking Aerodactyl, yet it appeared to have little effect¡ªit was a rock Pok¨¦mon, after all.

    The gunfire ceased, and Keesh was engaged in a heated argument with Sue as she kicked her and confiscated her rifle. Sue was visibly drowning in grief over the loss of Jake, a feeling that Anaya could empathize with at this moment. Cyndaquil was spotted by Corviknight but skillfully evaded capture, managing to close the distance between himself and Sue and Keesh. In a daring move, Cyndaquil drenched them in flames using Ember, though its effect was short-lived as Corviknight swiftly descended upon it, poised to cleave it with Steel Wing. At the last possible moment, Cyndaquil glimpsed the danger, executing a Quick Attack to dart away. Nonetheless, the wing struck perilously close, sending Cyndaquil hurtling with astonishing speed. She wondered if it would survive the ordeal, for it flew out of her line of sight; without an obstacle to halt its flight, it might continue down the mountain. Meanwhile, Keesh and Sue were fortunate, having rolled on the ground to extinguish the flames licking their garments.

    They were suffering a dismal defeat, and Snorlax hadn''t so much as budged. Yet, its gaze was fixed intently on Anaya. She attempted to fully conceal herself behind the rock, but her strength was waning, leaving her only partially hidden. She was certain that Snorlax still had a clear line of sight on half her body; even as she averted her face, the corner of her eye confirmed its unyielding stare. A Snorlax with its eyes open was a frightening sight; she could not recall ever witnessing the eyes of a Snorlax before.

    Aisha landed with a thud mere meters away, her body bruised and battered, a deep cut slicing across her thigh. Yet, she sprang to her feet and bolted, denying anyone the chance to shoot her down. Flygon¡¯s gaze was locked onto her, and Anaya understood the reason¡ªAisha''s knife was lodged in its neck. The situation had grown dire if Aisha had to resort to battling with a knife. With a team of four Fairy-type Pok¨¦mon against a single Dragon, logic dictated she should prevail. Yet, even in possessing the type and numerical advantage, victory felt elusive, the best trainer among them faltering.

    The Flygon landed, and the earth shattered beneath Aisha''s feet. Earthquake¡ªit seemed Aisha was as good as gone, Anaya thought. Yet, Hatenna lifted her into the air, the small Pok¨¦mon visibly straining, as hoisting a human was evidently a monumental task. Togetic descended from the sky, unleashing a Fairy Wind that was clearly effective; Flygon''s skin began to peel away. Still, the creature was resolute, determined to finish off Aisha before turning its wrath toward Togetic. Meanwhile, Marill had gone to assist Vivillon against Aerodactyl, while Heracross had transitioned to battling Corviknight, a battle that was going quite poorly.

    A Moonblast struck Flygon''s back, crashing it to the ground as the tremors ceased and Hatenna lowered Aisha to the earth, visibly spent from the effort. Clefairy had launched her attack without a command from Aisha, her affection clearly profound. Togetic soared beside Anaya, beginning to gather energy for his own Moonblast. Meanwhile, Flygon, with a vicious roar and blinding speed, regained its footing and lunged toward Clefairy, half-leaping, half-gliding before unleashing a Boomburst right in her face. Everyone was compelled to cover their ears; even Snorlax let out a growl, as the sheer force of the move was astounding. The small pink Pok¨¦mon staggered for a moment, blood trickling from her ears, mouth, and eyes, before collapsing. Aisha frantically tried to recall her, but it was futile. Tears welled in her eyes, yet it was Hatenna who was suffering most, its cries unlike anything heard before. Her body convulsed and transformed, bones snapping and stretching, her skin drawn tight, her shape shifting profoundly, her cries betraying the torment of this metamorphosis. Pok¨¦mon evolution was a brutal and harrowing experience. It came as no surprise that some Pok¨¦mon resisted this transformation. Yet in the end, a Hattrem stood before them.

    Hattrem unleashed Psychic on Flygon, crashing it down right beside her. Then she began bombarding it with Dazzling Gleam, far more potent than it had been when she was a Hatenna. Flygon''s hide was nearly a bloody wreck by now, when Togetic, positioned next to Anaya, launched Moonblast directly at Flygon. As the moonlit attack struck, Flygon collapsed instantly, fainting to the ground. Yet Hattrem did not relent; she continued her relentless assault until it''s trainer finally recalled it saving it from Hattrem''s rage.

    Aisha stood momentarily stunned by Clefairy''s death when a bullet flew perilously close, jolting her into action. She scrambled for cover just as Elduran released an arrow, striking the Corviknight''s wing and diverting its attention towards him. Meanwhile, Heracross was bleeding profusely, his left hand gone. Gunfire echoed once more, and bullets tore into Heracross''s torso, leaving him barely standing. Summoning his last reserves of strength, he flew towards Keesh, the sole rifle holder, executing a miraculous Aerial Ace to evade incoming bullets. As he landed, his horn pierced through her back, an astonishing feat given that his horn lacked a pointed end. While Sue was reaching for her rifle, Heracross hurled Keesh''s body using the power of his horn, sending it sliding off towards Sue and causing her to drop the gun upon impact. Swiftly, Heracross was upon Sue, delivering a deadly horn attack to her neck as she lay prone, her head severed and rolling away from her body.

    An Ice Beam shot forth from Snorlax, and Elduran scrambled to recall Heracross. Yet, in a swift counter, Corviknight swooped low from behind, executing a Brave Bird attack. The bird suffered damage, skimming so close to the earth that Elduran leapt at the final moment, his back grazing the sharp edges of Corviknight''s head. Upon hitting the ground and tumbling to a stop, Anaya marveled at Elduran''s sudden resilience, rising in mere moments to aim Heracross''s Pok¨¦ball at the creature, though by then, hope was lost. Snorlax had already descended with a thunderous Body Slam, obliterating the icy remnants of the Pok¨¦mon beneath its tremendous weight. Its feeble trainer trailed behind, consistently maintaining Snorlax as a barrier between himself and Elduran. Heracross was gone.

    Elduran sprang to his feet, bereft of time for mourning, adrenaline surging through him as he gripped his bow tightly, nocking an arrow from his quiver while sprinting towards Corviknight. He took aim but withheld his shot, observing the way the avian beast shielded its face with a wing, bracing for an incoming strike. Seizing the opportunity while Corviknight''s view was obscured, Elduran surged past it in a swift blur.

    Meanwhile, Marill unleashed a powerful Water Gun, the jet striking Aerodactyl squarely in the mouth just as it lunged for Vivillon. Undeterred, Marill followed up with a determined Rollout, crashing into Aerodactyl with force, while Vivillon chimed in with a resounding Bug Buzz. Yet, the monstrous creature showed little sign of weakening; aside from Snorlax, it undoubtedly reigned as the mightiest member of their adversarial array. Anaya noted their trainer¡¯s hesitance, opting not to command Snorlax into close combat, instead appearing to seek refuge behind the formidable figure of the giant Pok¨¦mon.

    Anaya observed Hattrem, who was deep in concentration using Calm Mind. She pondered how long Hattrem had been at it. Elduran rushed past Aisha, murmuring something to her that Anaya couldn''t catch. As Hattrem''s eyes snapped open, Aisha commanded her to use Psychic to pry open Corviknight''s beak. Swiftly, Aisha leapt aside just as Corviknight launched into another Brave Bird attack. Hattrem used Psychic to force open its beak, while Elduran stopped, turned to face the metal bird Pok¨¦mon, and raised his bow. An arrow, crackling with electricity at its tip, was released, flying straight into the Pok¨¦mon''s open mouth and, Anaya hoped, piercing its internal organs. The heavy Pok¨¦mon crashed to the ground, its massive form sliding forward and almost colliding with Aisha, who quickly moved to avoid its destructive path. When it finally ceased moving, blood pooled from its mouth as its trainer attempted to recall it. Yet, the creature was unmistakably lifeless.

    Aerodactyl let out a deafening roar as it surged through the onslaught of Bubble Beam, undeterred by the pain it inflicted upon itself, its gaze locked onto Elduran with a fierce malice. Elduran found himself perilously close to the chaotic fray involving Vivillon, Togetic, Marill, and Aerodactyl. Evading the impending strike that resembled a Giga Impact appeared utterly impossible until Vivillon crashed into Aerodactyl''s flank, altering its trajectory just enough for Elduran to roll away to safety. In that moment, a flash of lightning erupted from Snorlax, a Thunderbolt attack, striking Marill, already fatigued from the fierce confrontation, and sending it tumbling helplessly to the ground. Without a second¡¯s hesitation, Aisha aimed her Pok¨¦ball at Marill, bracing herself for yet another failure. To her overwhelming relief, it returned her Pok¨¦mon successfully, and she exhaled a deep sigh of relief.

    Aisha instructed Togetic to unleash Ancient Power upon Aerodactyl. As the stones ascended and darted through the air, another Thunderbolt fired from Snorlax, this time struck Togetic, sending it crashing to the ground, already incapacitated. The stones found their target, striking Aerodactyl squarely on the head. Swiftly, Aisha recalled Togetic. Now only Elduran, Vivillon, and Hattrem remained, facing an unharmed Snorlax and a formidable Aerodactyl. Elduran held his bow steady, another electric arrow poised, his gaze fixed on Aerodactyl, waiting for the opportune moment to release it into its gaping maw. He and Aisha strategically positioned themselves behind a boulder, shielding them from Snorlax''s view.

    It was clear that Aerodactyl held a deep affection for Corviknight, its gaze unwaveringly fixated on Elduran, its vanquisher. It prepared to launch a Rock Slide, ready to hurl numerous boulders at the group, but Vivillon shot a string into its eyes and Hattrem used psychic energy, attempting to pry its maw open; however, she was clearly fatigued, or Aerodactyl was simply too strong. Vivillon then unleashed a Psybeam, striking it directly and forcing it to the ground¡ªit was finally showing signs of exhaustion. As it struggled to rise, Vivillon fired another Psybeam, which Aerodactyl dodged by rolling to its side before leaping at Vivillon. With a powerful flap of its wings, it prepared to use Giga Impact, but Elduran fired his arrow, unconcerned about perfect aim, and Hattrem used Dazzling Gleam as it passed dangerously close to her. Both the arrow and Dazzling Gleam connected, rendering Aerodactyl unconscious, yet its immense speed still carried it forward, slamming into Vivillon with tremendous force and sending them crashing into the boulder, Elduran rolling in one direction and Aisha in another. The boulder was nearly cleaved in two, a massive crack cleaving its center, as Aerodactyl slowly slipped from the rock to the ground, while Vivillon, a battered mess, was barely recognizable, stuck to the rock.

    Elduran rose and dashed to Vivillon, attempting unsuccessfully to use his Pok¨¦ball. Another Pok¨¦mon lost. He stepped beside her, placed his hand on the rock next to her head, and touched his forehead to hers. Anaya felt her hearing dimming, on the verge of fainting herself. She felt lightheaded, yet the pain in her stomach had eased. Why was that she wondered¡ªperhaps because she was near death. Hattrem screeched, tears streaming down her face as she looked at Vivillon; those two shared a bond. She began firing a continuous Psybeam toward Aerodactyl, which was trapped between the boulder and its trainer, unable to be recalled. The trainer began running alongside Snorlax, clearly reluctant to lose it as well. He maneuvered to an angle where he could finally recall Aerodactyl. As he did, Snorlax turned its gaze to Anaya. A white light formed in its mouth before a beam shot directly at her. Wasn''t that Hyper Beam, she wondered? The boulder crumbled, and everything went black.

    ***

    Elduran''s adrenaline surged to an all-time high. He tore his eyes away from Vivillon¡ªthere was no time for grieving¡ªand noticed that Anaya was also gone. The rock and Anaya, from chest height, had vanished. What remained was a gruesome scene. That Hyper Beam had obliterated everything in its path. There was no way he could defeat Snorlax with just himself and Hattrem; they needed to target its trainer. He had a plan, a straightforward one, and he just hoped Aisha was ready to risk Hattrem to carry it out.

    "Aisha, keep calling and summoning Candy in random spots around the area and have her attack Snorlax with the weakest moves. I need multiple hits from her to provoke it. I must eliminate its trainer. The first Pok¨¦ball on his belt and the last one towards his back have not been used to try to recall any Pok¨¦mon. One of them holds Snorlax; the other, I don''t know why he hasn''t used it. Just thought I should mention it in case I''m dead and you somehow have a chance to reach him," Elduran said in the most serious and grim tone he had ever spoken.

    "Alright, let''s do it," Aisha said.

    An Ice Beam shot towards Hattrem, but Aisha swiftly recalled her, then released her on Snorlax''s left. As Snorlax turned his head, probably feeling like a fly had landed on him from Hattrem''s Psybeam, Elduran was already preparing an arrow, its head devoid of essence. Snorlax had unknowingly left the trainer exposed as he attempted to retreat behind the enormous creature to once again get cover. Elduran was astonished that this succeeded on the first attempt. That Pok¨¦mon was not the brightest, even for its kind. Just as Snorlax poised to Body Slam Hattrem into the ground, Aisha recalled her in the nick of time, leaving the trainer halted to avoid being crushed himself. Elduran knew the trainer''s fate was sealed the instant the arrow was loosed. The arrow buried itself in the trainer''s chest just as Snorlax rose to see his trainer gasping blood, while Elduran rushed forward. Snorlax unleashed an Earthquake.

    Elduran, a mere ten feet from the man and his Pok¨¦balls, might as well have been a mile away; surviving the Earthquake seemed impossible. He leapt from destroyed platform to platform, dodging falling rocks and fissures in the earth, but eventually slipped, tumbling toward his doom when he suddenly jerked through the air towards the now-lifeless trainer. That was definitely Hattrem, he thought. Landing beside the trainer, he unclipped the first Pok¨¦ball, while the second required flipping the body to reach. Using it, hoping Snorlax would be recalled, unfortunately a Pok¨¦mon was summoned instead, a Furret. Elduran was already working on flipping the body, he grabbed the last Pok¨¦ball on the body''s belt and was about to recall both the Snorlax and the Furret when he saw something unexpected: the Furret was fiercely attacking Snorlax. What on earth, he thought, realizing now why the trainer hadn''t used it. Then he recalled them both.

    The battle had at last come to an end. All lay silent and still, yet as he took in the desolate scene before him, he questioned if this could truly be called a triumph. Pok¨¦mon and humans alike were strewn lifelessly across the ground, another field heavy with the weight of the fallen. He wondered when this all-too-familiar sight would cease its relentless repetition. He had experienced enough of this haunting d¨¦j¨¤ vu for one lifetime.

    The quiet shattered with the wrenching agony of Aisha''s sobs. Adrenaline had finally abandoned her, leaving only the raw pain of losing her dear Clefairy. She lay sprawled upon the ground, her face nestled against Clefairy''s chest, weeping uncontrollably. Through her tears, she murmured the same words repeatedly, "It''s my fault, I''m sorry."

    Elduran rose and retrieved his bow, almost like he was bracing himself for another confrontation. Though losing all three of his Pok¨¦mon pained him more than Anaya¡¯s death, he moved first toward her. She was human after all, and despite his strides in welcoming Pok¨¦mon back into his life, his instinct led him to prioritize her. Approaching the blood-chilling remnants of her¡ªhe remained unfazed by the grisly sight. His sorrow stretched past the heartbreak of her loss, entwining with the grim destiny awaiting their group. Anaya was loved by two; if he were to perish, his absence would scarcely be mourned for long. If it were possible, he would choose for Anaya to live while he perished. His heart ached to switch their places, having failed not only Anaya but also Jabari and Tia, despite his solemn promises to keep her safe.

    He stood and began to walk towards a family member who had even fewer parts of himself remaining¡ªhis loyal Heracross. As he made his way to him, he felt each step growing increasingly burdensome. When he finally reached what was left of Heracross, he gazed down at him and declared, "I''ll avenge you, buddy. I''ll send that bastard to join you, and you can give him the beating of his life. Though, I''m sorry he''ll arrive with parts of him missing; I won''t be able to hold myself." A hard, resolute smirk formed on his face, the most difficult he had ever managed. He knew that if there were an afterlife and Heracross was lingering as a ghost around his body, watching over him, he would appreciate the resolve.

    At last, he began his journey toward Vivillon, yet the steps felt not merely heavy, but utterly insurmountable. His legs seemed to morph into stone, compelling him to inhale deeply and drag the weight of the world with every stride. It seemed a lifetime stretched before he reached her, mirroring the eternity of joy he believed she had bestowed upon him during their fleeting time together.There she lay, gently placed upon the earth in front of the boulder where she had drawn her final breath. With profound empathy, Hattrem had freed her from her rocky tomb, tears mingling with the earth as she wept over Vivillon''s body. Hattrem looked up at Elduran, who murmured, "Thank you, Candy, for laying her down. I truly appreciate it." She gazed at him, projecting her emotions telepathically. Her grief was uncontrollable. She conveyed her deep sorrow, yet there was something else she tried to conceal, a disappointment that he couldn''t quite block out in her current state, a disappointment astonishingly directed toward Aisha. Turning away, she started to walk toward another beloved family member lost on this day, the second longest-standing member after herself, at least until this day took her away.

    Vivillon was beautiful. In any state, she would always appear beautiful to Elduran. His legs finally gave out; he braced the ground with his bow held in his left hand to steady himself, but it wasn''t enough. His knees buckled, and he collapsed beside Vivillon. Tenderly, he used his right hand to close her eyes for the last time and then placed it on her heart. "Viv, thank you for everything. You gave me that brief burst of joy and pride to be your trainer. But more importantly thank you for forming us into a family. I wish I could have saved you, just once. Perhaps I was never meant to be a trainer. I''m truly sorry, Viv, really... truly sorry," he murmured.

    Elduran lifted her into his arms, gently laying her across his lap. From the east, a small silhouette emerged, bleeding from the head and limping toward him. Relief washed over his heart. At least Cyndaquil had made it. He had dreaded the journey to retrieve Cyndaquil as well, fearing that a third loss would shatter him completely. Cyndaquil, already in tears, was over Heracross''s remains, which he had located with his keen sense of smell. With a sudden burst of emotion, unable to contain himself, he dashed toward Elduran, his limp slowing him to nearly a halt as he absorbed the sight of Vivillon''s condition. This time, with his head bowed and tears trailing behind, he walked as though his legs were also made of stone. He climbed onto Elduran''s lap and curled up beside Vivillon, as if he had to do it one last time. In that moment, Elduran realized he could not lose another Pok¨¦mon; he would not allow Cyndaquil to be hurt again.

    With a gentle grip, he held the Pok¨¦ball, pressing his thumb firmly for five seconds until the familiar blue ring emerged. With a tap on his phone, he released Cyndaquil into the wild. Cyndaquil gazed at him, its expression heartbreakingly clear, silently questioning the reason for this sudden farewell. Though he could speak the truth, he knew it would only cause greater harm and ensure that Cyndaquil would never cease following him. Thus, he took the harsher route, saying, ¡°I warned you from the beginning; what we were facing was beyond your abilities. Go live your life, Forge. I am done being a trainer. You will only find death around me; I am returning to firearms.¡±

    The agony of losing his two family members had left Cyndaquil deeply wounded and unwilling to argue. Good, he thought, seeing a flicker of maturity in the creature. Slowly, Cyndaquil stepped down from his lap, choosing instead to curl up and mourn beside Heracross¡ªlonging for the companionship of a friend who, if alive, would still want him nearby.

    Elduran leaned against the cold stone¡ªa mournful slab stained with the blood of his cherished friend, now lifeless in his embrace. This companion, fleeting though their time together was, had offered Elduran a glimpse into the fulfillment of his childhood dream¡ªloving and being loved by Pok¨¦mon, conquering challenges, and forming unbreakable bonds. Yet as swiftly as that dream had blossomed, it was mercilessly torn away. His tears refused to fall; if they did, it would all be over, his resolve shattered. He had a score to settle first, dismissing the Watchers¡ªthere was a man he needed to kill. Shutting his eyes to block her from sight, the emotion still lingered, a simmering rage that stubbornly refused to fade.

    Synopsis for People that skipped the combat section

    Elduran''s arrow claims Tropius first, swiftly followed by Jake, who tumbles from Tropius¡¯s lifeless form mid-flight. Anaya''s Smeargle, [Brush], becomes the next victim, slain by Aerodactyl. Anaya herself is struck down, two bullets piercing her abdomen as she scrambles for cover. Soon, Clefairy [Luna] dies to Flygon. In the heat of chaos, Hatenna [Candy] evolves into Hattrem [Candy], and alongside Togetic [Gale], they manage to defeat Flygon, who is promptly recalled into its Pok¨¦ball. Cyndaquil [Forge] is spotted plummeting from the peak, the aftermath of Corviknight¡¯s assault, presumed lost. Keesh and Sue meet their demise at the hands of Heracross [Blue], who subsequently dies to Snorlax¡ªanother ally of the enigmatic trainer. Corviknight''s end comes by Elduran¡¯s arrow and Hattrem¡¯s [Candy] psychic assault. Then Marill [Splash] and Togetic [Gale] succumb to Snorlax¡¯s thunderbolts, they are recalled. Vivillon [Viv] dies by Aerodactyl, who is also felled and swiftly returned to its Pok¨¦ball. Anaya dies under the force of Snorlax¡¯s hyper beam. The unknown trainer¡¯s life ends with an arrow to the chest from Elduran, who then recalls Snorlax. Cyndaquil [Forge] returns, limping and bleeding from the head. Believing Cyndaquil [Forge] has failed them, Elduran releases him into the wild. The chapter closes with Elduran¡¯s gaze lingering on Vivillon¡¯s [Viv] lifeless form.

 Chapter 19 - The Aftermath

    Chapter 19 - The Aftermath

    Aisha was unsure of how much time had passed as she wept over her cherished Clefairy''s lifeless form. Her tears, however, had finally ceased. She had no more left to give. Hattrem had finished crying as well. Aisha gestured for her to come closer, yearning for a hug. To her astonishment, Hattrem declined.

    Aisha rose and began to approach her. Hattrem started to retreat, using her ponytail-like appendages to propel herself away. Curiosity gripped Aisha as she tried to understand the situation. There was no telepathic connection between them. Was this related to evolution? She recalled how Marill had been somewhat aggressive after evolving from Azurill, but this felt different. Hattrem was not confused; she was self-aware and conscious of her identity. Aisha studied her closely, as she often did with others to read their emotions. With Hattrem, there was seldom a need, for their emotions usually connected telepathically. Yes, now it was clear¡ªshe was harboring anger towards Aisha, or perhaps disappointment was a more accurate description. How could she not feel this way? Aisha''s reckless decision to come here had resulted in the deaths of her two cherished friends, Vivillon and Clefairy. Her feelings were entirely justified.

    "Candy, I truly apologize; your anger is justified. I should have heeded Elduran''s advice, but I''m asking that we lean on each other during this time. I deeply need your support," Aisha expressed with a wounded heart.

    Hattrem appeared utterly indifferent. Elduran began his approach, still cradling Vivillon in his arms. He set her down just a few feet from the others, right beside Heracross''s remains. With an aura of inevitability, he pressed on, his visage akin to that of the grim reaper. He collected what was left of Smeargle and returned, laying it beside the rest. Then he proceeded towards Aisha. Bending low, he lifted Clefairy. Aisha reached out, her fingers grazing his as he raised her.

    "Please, not yet. Just a little more time," Aisha implored.

    "We have no time," he replied, not meeting her gaze, and stood, her grasp slipping away. He carried her over and placed her beside Vivillon. A surge of frustration welled within Aisha, almost to the point of screaming. They both deserved their resentment towards her, without a doubt. When would she learn? She remained as na?ve as Elduran claimed. The situation was far beyond her depth. How could she ever return to Jabari or even Tia? There was no returning to Dirthrow. As turmoil engulfed her mind, Elduran had already placed what was left of Anaya alongside the others. Holding a Pok¨¦ball, he released Grafaiai, a Pok¨¦mon Aisha had almost forgotten Anaya possessed. Grafaiai looked around, bewildered by the scene, but he spotted Anaya''s lower half and Smeargle''s head amidst the pile. Overcome with grief, he began to weep uncontrollably. Hattrem approached, likely to explain to him what had transpired. Next, he turned to Keesh and Sue¡ªno, Aisha thought, surely not¡ªthey couldn''t be consigned to the flames with their kin.

    "You are not putting them, together with our family to burn," Aisha said louder than she would have wished.

    Elduran paid no heed to her thoughts. He carried Sue''s headless body on his right shoulder, her head clutched by the hair in his left hand. Carelessly, he added her to the growing heap. Aisha''s stomach churned¡ªnot from the gruesome sight, but from the utter disrespect shown by that despicable excuse for a human being, now sprawled over their cherished fallen comrades.

    "Please, stop," she implored, her voice a desperate whisper. Elduran glanced her way for a fleeting moment, Keesh''s limp form balanced on his shoulder. His gaze traveled back to the horizon, eyes unfocused, as if seeing beyond to some distant vision of Vivillon, and he released the body onto the pile.

    Beside the somber mound, Cyndaquil stood solemnly. Hattrem walked to him next, offering silent comfort with gentle nudges against Cyndaquil''s side. Remarkably, Cyndaquil''s tears had ceased their flow.

    Elduran then took it upon himself to carry and position the unidentified trainer''s body within the mound of bodies as well.

    "Candy, Forge, stop him," she begged, her legs surrendering beneath her. Their expressions told her they deemed her plea foolish. Forge acted, igniting the fire without Elduran''s command, despite not being his trainer any longer. Elduran had freed him, his Pok¨¦ Ball shattered and discarded, yet an unspoken bond persisted. It was clear why Elduran had released him; it wasn''t due to any perceived weakness in Cyndaquil. Elduran merely sought to spare him from death''s clutches. Aisha sensed Cyndaquil understood this as well. Even one with lesser insight could see it plainly.

    "They are all destined for the same place, regardless of whether they burn together," Elduran stated, his gaze fixed on the flames.

    "What about that?" Aisha questioned as she observed the fire blaze, more tears welling up as she gestured toward Corviknight.

    "No one questions a dead Pok¨¦mon; nature claims its due," Elduran replied, picking up one of the assault rifles.

    "Are you truly reverting to firearms?" she inquired.

    "Yes," Elduran answered plainly.

    "So, what''s the plan? Will you wait a week before you go after Dan? Could be longer, maybe a day or two, before you can handle one. The effects of the Pok¨¦balls should have worn off by then, right?" Aisha asked, drying her tears. Elduran was right; this wasn¡¯t the time for sentimentality. Her childish behavior needed to cease.

    "I have no intention of waiting. He''ll be dead the moment I reach Dirthrow," Elduran declared.

    "So, an arrow to the heart, I suppose," Aisha suggested.

    "I''d rather use my hands," Elduran responded.

    Aisha observed him, sensing the fury simmering within. She noticed his shirt was barely holding together at the back¡ªa tremendous slash wound extended from the base of his neck to his waist. He was losing a significant amount of blood.

    "We should retrieve our bags so I can get the first aid kit. You''re bleeding badly, Elduran," Aisha noted.

    "I''ll manage," he replied with a lack of emotion, slinging the second rifle over his shoulder.

    "I''m certain Tia can program those rifles to work with your fingerprint. The technology for that is supposedly simple to bypass. The Pok¨¦ball energy restriction, however, remains unsolved. Our knowledge of Pok¨¦mon in that form is astoundingly limited," Aisha remarked.

    "You''re talking too fucking much; let me concentrate," Elduran insisted.

    Aisha let it go, no point arguing with him in that state. She walked beside the pyre; the trainer''s face still hadn''t ignited. Suddenly, she realized her folly. Grief had clouded her mind, rendering her thoughts useless, she mused. She retrieved her phone and snapped a picture of his face. Tia would identify him in seconds. Tia... how would she ever confront her again? She decided to send the picture to Elduran''s phone. She did so, hearing the notification tone announce its arrival from his pocket. He didn''t bother to check it, but eventually, he would, she reassured herself.

    Elduran strode to the spot where the trainer had fallen. He knelt, collecting the scattered Pok¨¦balls, focusing intently on one in particular. To Aisha''s surprise, he activated the Pok¨¦ball, releasing the Pok¨¦mon within. Instantly, Hattrem and Cyndaquil braced themselves for battle, Grafaiai did not even care even turning his head, while Aisha reached for her own Pok¨¦balls, remembering that both Marill and Togetic were incapacitated and needed urgent care. Emerging from the Pok¨¦ball was a colossal Furret, larger than any she had ever seen.

    The Furret stood silently, its gaze fixed intently on each member of the group, surveying its surroundings with keen eyes. Suddenly, with almost no warning, it launched itself aggressively towards Elduran. Yet Elduran remained unfazed, his feet unmoving. With remarkable composure, he recalled it into its Pok¨¦ball just in time, mere moments before a Slash from the creature threatened to slice him in two.

    Aisha exhaled in relief. For a moment, she was almost convinced that Elduran was contemplating taking his own life. No, it was evident he was merely consumed by the rage simmering within him. Yet, there it was, unmistakably¡ªa subtle smile touched his lips as he gazed at Furret''s Pok¨¦ball.

    "Elduran, what are you planning to do with that Furret?" Aisha inquired. He didn¡¯t even acknowledge her presence. He secured the Pok¨¦ball to his belt. Unfazed, Aisha pressed on, "I thought you were switching back to firearms."

    This time, Elduran actually turned to face her. "I am," he replied, "but my rifle won''t be ready for a couple of days."

    Aisha stared at him in disbelief. Was he seriously considering using this wild creature against Dan? Was he out of his mind? There was a significant chance this thing could end up consuming them both. There was little she could do at the moment to alter his decision; she held onto the hope that by morning, after a night''s rest, he might see things differently.

    Elduran retrieved another Pok¨¦ball, the only one marred by a scratch¡ªhad he marked it himself, Aisha wondered¡ªand made his way to the expanse ravaged by Snorlax''s Earthquake. He navigated the terrain with caution until he discovered a fissure, whereupon he carefully dropped the Pok¨¦ball into the depths of the Earth. Good riddance, Aisha thought, the lone sensible act Elduran managed today. These Pok¨¦mon deserved no clemency; she could not fathom that Pok¨¦mon were ignorant of their nefarious trainers, who compelled them to commit villainous deeds. That Pok¨¦mon would succumb to dehydration, long before anyone could possibly find it. Within Pok¨¦balls, Pok¨¦mon perished from thirst or hunger roughly twice as slowly, but they inevitably died. Where Pok¨¦balls proved miraculous was in regards to injuries, suspending them indefinitely as long as the Pok¨¦mon remained confined.

    For rangers, discovering the body of a trainer presented another issue. If they identified the trainer, a directive would be sent to the region''s Pok¨¦mon Registry Center (PRC) to remotely release all Pok¨¦mon from the deceased trainer''s Pok¨¦balls. This measure was intended to ensure the Pok¨¦mon''s survival if they were left confined without food or water. Aisha appreciated the law, though she acknowledged its potential risks, since Pok¨¦mon could sometimes be aggressive upon release. However, such incidents were rare, as trainer Pok¨¦mon usually remained amicable towards humans. Thus, the advantages of this policy outweighed the drawbacks. This was another reason Aisha found Elduran''s insistence on carrying that Furret with him foolish. If the Tenera Government presumed the trainer was dead, the command would be executed, leaving Elduran to contend with a Furret that he could not recall into its Pok¨¦ball. On the positive side, every Pok¨¦mon trapped in the fissure would instantly perish, for there would be no room to form physically, crushed eternally by the earth itself. Assuming that he would eventually cast the other Pok¨¦ball into the depths as well, she pondered over what delayed him.

    Elduran methodically pressed the activation buttons on all four remaining Pok¨¦balls. Two, belonging to Tropius and Corviknight, remained inert, refusing to respond. The other two opened, revealing Aerodactyl and Flygon, both grievously wounded and on the brink of death, their bodies marred by blood. With swift motions, Elduran recalled them, and with a resigned yet decisive gesture, he discarded the Pok¨¦balls of Tropius and Corviknight into the same fissure that had claimed what she assumed was Snorlax''s Pok¨¦ball, as it alone had failed to open. He carefully secured the Pok¨¦balls containing Aerodactyl and Flygon into a pouch on his quiver. Aisha stood by, in disbelief at the unfolding scene.

    "Why aren''t you tossing Flygon and Aerodactyl in with the rest? Flygon killed Luna, and Aerodactyl took Viv from you, if you remember. Don¡¯t try to convince me they¡¯re innocent in all this. They could have risen up against that pathetic excuse for a trainer they had," Aisha retorted.

    Elduran halted, pivoted, and fixed his gaze upon her, his expression reminiscent of an adult observing a wayward child. "For someone as astute as you, it baffles me how often you slip into such childishness. Yet, given your remarkable intellect, I find myself occasionally forgetting just how young you truly are. Tell me, do you genuinely think those two would dare defy their trainer''s orders?" Elduran inquired.

    "Why not?" Aisha retorted. "They could kill him in the blink of an eye," she continued.

    "Are you certain of that?" Elduran queried with curiosity. "Are they truly the strongest?" he added.

    "What do you mean?" Aisha inquired, her brow furrowing.

    "Who was the strongest Pok¨¦mon on his team?" Elduran responded, his face remaining expressionless.

    "Snorlax, of course," Aisha replied, a realization dawning upon her as she grasped Elduran''s implication.

    "Now it appears you understand," Elduran remarked, beginning his descent down the mountain as he threw both rifles on the ground. "Remain here; I shall return," he instructed her.

    He was likely retrieving Jake''s body to carry it back up and cast it into the pyre. Yet, he had no Pok¨¦mon to defend him. She doubted any Pok¨¦mon would dare to attack him with the aura of darkness enveloping him. Elduran was right; Snorlax was the sole Pok¨¦mon guilty of the accusations Aisha lodged against the others. Snorlax could have opposed his trainer''s malevolent commands if he truly disdained vile actions. As long as Snorlax obeyed his master, the others had little choice but to follow. This didn¡¯t necessarily imply they relished their trainer¡¯s orders; rather, they were uncertain of their own stance. She contemplated Elduran''s intentions for them. Handing the Pok¨¦balls over to anyone would result in their scan and the trainer''s identity being exposed, potentially leading to Furret''s freedom and setting its sights on Elduran himself. She continued to ponder over what Elduran intended to do with those two.

    Aisha glanced back at the sizable pyre, a sudden pang of fear gripping her. The realization struck that Rangers might mistake it for a wildfire instead of a campfire. Trying to explain the burning bodies to them would be a near-impossible task. It would take time before the bodies reduced to mere bones. Did Elduran not care if the Rangers arrived, or was he prepared to eliminate anyone who did? The situation baffled her. He hadn''t asked her to call the rangers, clearly wishing to avoid lingering in Dasos for questioning. His intention was evident: return to Dirthrow with haste, which meant disposing of these bodies, heading to Dasos City, and catching the train. Yet, dealing with the Watchers posed a challenge¡ªthey could never involve the rangers or city police. Bringing even one in alive would expose their identities to the entire network. Undergo questioning, and the problem remained; who knew where their spies were stationed?

    Aisha began to circle the mountain''s peak, her eyes scanning for anyone who might be ascending toward the pyre. She needed to keep as much distance as possible from it because the smell was unbearable. The stench made her stomach churn, and she fought the urge to vomit. Apparently, the burning of human flesh¡ªor perhaps certain human organs¡ªproduced an especially revolting odor. In the distance, she noticed Elduran approaching with Jake''s body slung over his shoulder and another rifle in hand. No other being, neither Human nor Pok¨¦mon, was visible in the area.

    She reached into her pocket for her phone, knowing she had to call the others. She couldn''t shirk this responsibility, though the thought of facing any of them in person was unbearable. Yet, she had to make that call and inform them of what had transpired. Even Faelan, she couldn''t bring herself to meet his gaze. He had always sided with Elduran, suspecting this would be a trap. She decided she would take the coward''s route and call Faelan, entrusting him with the heavy task of conveying the tragic news of Anaya''s death to Jabari and Tia.

    She gazed at her phone, with the green call icon next to Faelan''s name taunting her to just press it and end the torment. Yet, she couldn''t summon the courage. Then, without warning, the sorrow of losing Clefairy struck her anew, causing her knees to weaken and nearly making her drop the phone. She glanced at the pyre once more, her eyes searching for Clefairy''s burning form. Fortunately, Clefairy lay at the bottom, obscured by the smoldering remains of those three wretched souls, sparing her from having to see Clefairy again. She feared that if she did, her body would miraculously find a new ocean of tears to shed.

    Elduran reached the summit and cast a fleeting glance her way, his attention lingering on the phone cradled in her hand. He pressed onward towards the fire, his voice steady as he asked, "Did you call them yet?" With a grim determination, he heaved Jake''s lifeless body onto the pyre, Aisha hoped fervently that this would be the last for the day.

    Aisha watched him, but he averted his gaze, moving toward the two rifles he had abandoned on the ground. "I did not¡ªI¡¯m too much of a coward," she admitted.

    He turned to face her then, the innocence in his eyes striking. "Good. I don¡¯t want Jabari and Tia to know what transpired today."

    Aisha''s disbelief took form in her widening eyes. "What did you just say? Are you truly that heartless?" she challenged him.

    Once more, Elduran turned away, resuming his stride. "Funny, you blaming me for being heartless. Ask yourself, Aisha¡ªyourself is far cleverer than I am¡ªwhat would Jabari and Tia do if they discovered what happened today?" He arrived at the spot where he had left the other two rifles, dropping the third one beside them with a thud.

    Aisha paused, pondering his question. Was she submerged so deeply in sorrow that simple reasoning eluded her? Of course, calling them would be a catastrophic error. Jabari and Tia would likely throw themselves into danger, attempting to confront Dan. While they possessed Mew and Meltan, Dan was shielded by something formidable, having evaded Mew¡¯s gaze and avoided Tia¡¯s surveillance for days. The thought struck her: he might be an even tougher adversary than what they faced here, hard as that was to fathom. No, waiting for Elduran was the correct choice, though not an ideal one. She glanced at him again; he was on the brink of eruption, a single scream of fury from him capable of ripping the ground apart. If he survived the confrontation with Dan, jail awaited him. She wasn¡¯t naive; there was no convincing Elduran to bypass a direct confrontation with Dan when he arrived in Dirthrow. However, there was one voice he might listen to¡ªFaelan¡¯s. She had to reach out to her boyfriend.

    "You¡¯re right. I¡¯ll speak to Faelan and urge him not to tell anyone until you¡¯ve... dealt with Dan," Aisha resolved.

    Elduran began walking toward the pyre. Cyndaquil¡¯s use of Ember was now sparse, only flickering on dwindling patches of the bodies. The small Pok¨¦mon understood the urgency; the flames needed to consume quickly. Elduran spoke, "You won¡¯t join me? No revenge for Luna?"

    "Revenge won''t restore Luna," she replied, her head bowed. "I lack what you possess, Elduran. I¡¯m brimming with energy and ideas, but when shit hits the fan, I can¡¯t act as you do. I feel... like hiding away in a cave, retreating instead of confronting Dan. He¡¯s played us like puppets. Who knows what further traps he has in store?"

    "I understand," he replied simply, then added, "You can call Faelan," as he settled down beside the massive rock marred by the blood that claimed Vivillon¡¯s life, leaning back against it once more.

    Aisha felt a wave of relief wash over her. She had half-expected him to come over, snatch her phone, and toss it into the flames. Before grappling with the daunting task of calling Faelan, one more question weighed on her mind. "Aren¡¯t you afraid the rangers will come? I¡¯ve been trying to consider your options if they do, but all I envision is you eliminating them."

    He closed his eyes as he spoke. "If they arrive, I will tell the truth. If they comprehend my plight, good; if they doom me to death, knowing full well that a questioning would seal my fate, then so be it. That may just be my escape, my cave, finally freeing me from wielding nothing but sticks and stones against the world."

    Elduran was truly at a breaking point¡ªnot only with the Watchers, but with the harsh truth of being outmatched. What thoughts must be swirling in his mind now, after striving so hard to forge a formidable team, only to find himself reduced once more to a solitary Pok¨¦mon, or perhaps none at all, if anyone were to truly believe that Cyndaquil and he could never unite again, she pondered.

    Aisha once again found herself staring at the daunting green phone icon beside Faelan''s name on her screen. Inhaling deeply, she swiftly pressed it before she lost her nerve. After three rings, he answered.

    "Hey," he greeted, his customary one-word phone salutation. He used the same word for live greetings, Aisha thought.

    "Hi, love, I... I need to tell you something," Aisha said, her voice trembling.

    "What is it? Are you nearing the last known coordinates of the tracker?" Faelan inquired.

    Aisha paused, but Faelan gave her space to respond. "We are already here," she confessed.

    "Aisha, I can hear it in your voice. What happened?" Faelan asked.

    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

    "Not so fast, Faelan. Are you alone?" Aisha replied.

    "Yes. I was just returning from a trip to the supermarket," he said.

    "Go somewhere you can''t be overheard, please," Aisha urged.

    "I already have. I could tell from your tone I needed privacy. I''m in an alley with hardly a soul around," he assured her.

    "Faelan..." Aisha began but broke down into tears, unable to control herself. "I''m so sorry I didn''t listen to you," she sobbed.

    "It''s okay. I''m not judging. Take a deep breath. Talk to me when you''re ready," he said.

    Aisha realized it was the first time he was trying to console her. The dynamic had shifted. "It was a trap, Faelan. A really bad one," she confessed.

    "But you made it through. Who did we lose?" Faelan asked.

    Direct as always, Faelan got straight to the point. In this instance, she appreciated that about him. She wanted to unburden herself without explaining everything. "We lost Anaya... Elduran lost Viv and Blue... I lost... Luna," Aisha said, her voice breaking.

    "Damn, Aisha. I''m truly sorry for not being there. But I''m really glad you''re okay. Are you alright physically?" Faelan inquired.

    Aisha took a moment to steady herself. "I hardly have a scratch on me, yet you should despise me; it''s my fault they''re all gone," she murmured.

    "Maybe it was yours and Anaya''s mistake, but that doesn''t mean I have to hate you. It doesn''t work that way. We all make mistakes¡ªtrust me, I know," Faelan replied.

    Though ironically poor at consoling people, Faelan''s awkward honesty worked. She needed someone to acknowledge her mistake, and he was right. She had spent hours consoling him about his own failures, which were even graver. Her unsocial boyfriend with zero people skills had just managed to make her feel better. She composed herself. "Promise me you won''t tell Jabari and Tia," she said.

    "Elduran told you that, didn''t he?" Faelan asked.

    "Yes, but he has a point. They might do something reckless," Aisha agreed.

    "Like go after Dan? And the others? They''re not coming back, are they?" Faelan asked.

    "They''re dead. Yes, Elduran and Blue made sure of that," Aisha confirmed.

    "Alright, Elduran''s right," Faelan said.

    "We should return to Dirthrow late tomorrow morning by train. We''ll make it to Dasos tonight," Aisha resolved, determined to face the consequences of her actions. Her phone vibrated¡ªa text from Faelan: "Am I on speaker?" She replied with a simple "No."

    "Listen, Aisha, when you''re on the train, send me your time of arrival. I won''t let Elduran face Dan alone. I''ll guard his six," Faelan promised.

    Aisha felt uneasy about Dan and didn''t want either of them confronting him without more information. But how could she ask them to refrain from avenging their friends? It seemed a much worthier cause than her own reckless venture. "Okay, love. Thank you," she said.

    "Elduran¡¯s probably distant, not talking to you after blaming you for everything, right? He''ll come around. Stay close to him. No matter what, he''d die for you. You''re his comrade," Faelan assured her.

    Aisha watched Elduran attempt to meditate, his anger unmistakably seething. "No, love. I wish he blamed me," she said. Elduran showed no reaction. "He''s pretending all this death is Dan¡¯s fault."

    "Alright, you are not speaking to me anymore, are you? I have to get things ready for tomorrow. Remember, stay near him," Faelan concluded.

    "I will, Faelan. See you soon," Aisha said.

    "See you tomorrow, sweetie," he said before hanging up.

    In the midst of her sorrow, Aisha noticed he had finally used a term of endearment. Despite her tears, a faint smile appeared on her lips. She was thankful that he refrained from pressing for more details about the ordeal, choosing not to pry over the phone, especially now, just hours after this poignant confrontation had occurred.

    "It''s not your fault," Elduran said.

    Aisha lifted her head to gaze at him; his eyes remained closed. Hattrem curiously moved towards him. Just one look at Hattrem''s face revealed she was struggling, as if being bruised by invisible blows. Aisha understood why. Elduran was likely overwhelmed by two potent emotions: anger and sorrow. Yet, Hattrem persevered.

    "How exactly is it not my fault?" Aisha asked.

    Elduran replied, "You''re focusing on the outcome of your decision¡ªthat''s your problem."

    She glanced back at the pyre, disbelief evident in her voice. "Yes, the outcome clearly shows it''s my fault," Aisha argued.

    "No. The outcome shows you made a wrong choice. Don''t blame yourself for that. You could just as easily have been right," Elduran responded, his eyes still shut, his words devoid of emotion.

    "You make no sense. With that reasoning, it could never be my fault," Aisha retorted.

    "It can be," Elduran said, eyes still closed. "If you''d had concrete evidence, it was a trap, it would be your fault. But all you had was my instinct, not a solid fact."

    "You know what, I actually believe you mean what you say and aren''t just trying to comfort me. But I really can''t handle this now. I almost feel worse not being scolded."

    Hattrem appeared to be contemplating Elduran''s words as she took tentative steps toward Aisha. However, she soon seemed to regret her decision and halted. Elduran finally opened his eyes and regarded her with a calm gaze.

    "Candy, let go of your anger towards Aisha," Elduran urged gently.

    Hattrem''s telepathic link was evident; she instinctively closed her eyes when reaching out to others.

    "I understand," Elduran replied, "but friends are meant to support one another during trying times."

    Hattrem gave this some thought, her eyes wide with consideration before they fell closed once more.

    "None of us are infallible, Candy. I''ve made many mistakes and will probably make more in the future, Aisha chose wrong, but remember, you''ll make mistakes, too, yet she will always stand by you. I''m not inclined to talk much right now, but as long as actions are driven by righteousness, they are acceptable to me. If she ever requests that you join the Watchers, that is when you must act with such conviction as you do now. I do not entirely absolve a Pok¨¦mon of blame when its trainer is malevolent. Like the wretch burning there," he pointed to the pyre, signaling the trainer who would soon be reduced to mere remnants.

    After further reflection, Hattrem moved closer to Aisha, stopping just within reach, observing her intently. The struggle she faced mirrored her earlier turmoil with Elduran; the weight of sorrow was overwhelming. Aisha''s intense emotions caused her profound distress. Nonetheless, Hattrem leapt into her arms, and Aisha embraced her, tears of joy streaming down her cheek. She glanced at Elduran, who watched them with a mixture of sadness and pity etched on his face. The roles could easily be reversed, with him embracing Vivillon and Aisha witnessing Hattrem''s demise within the flames. Catching his eye, Aisha mouthed the words "thank you," and he responded with a nod before walking toward the pyre.

    "Candy, I apologize. From this moment on, I promise we''ll make tough decisions together, as a team," Aisha vowed. She sensed expressions of gratitude mingled with enduring sorrow. They were all mourning atop this peak. Aisha continued, "Undergoing evolution must have been excruciating. I wish I could have been there for you, for you to evolve under better circumstances, not at the brink of life and death. My offer still stands; I''ll never force any of you to evolve if you choose not to. Becoming stronger be damned," Aisha assured. Hattrem deeply valued Aisha''s words, but the pain of her evolution left Aisha pondering how any Pok¨¦mon willingly undertakes such transformation.

    After a few hours, all that remained of the bodies were their bones, everything else had been consumed by the flames. With Hattrem''s help, Elduran cast them down into the fissures. Once the task was complete, Elduran silently gathered the three rifles, prompting Aisha and Hattrem to follow him without a word. Naturally, Cyndaquil trailed along as well, unhindered by Elduran''s indifference or any attempt to deter him. Aisha was convinced that just as before, Cyndaquil felt no sorrow for being freed by Elduran. His expressions revealed that his grief was solely for the loss of Vivillon and Heracross. She sensed he was also plagued by regret¡ªregret for not being able to do as much as his now-departed family members¡ªbut his mature response toward Elduran showed that he understood his own value. This realization ignited a spark within Aisha''s heart. Cyndaquil would surely grow from this experience, and if Elduran failed to perceive that, his instincts for survival would have faltered entirely. Cyndaquil had the potential to forge a strong bond with Elduran, and Aisha knew that the deeper their bond and trust, the stronger they both would become.

    Aisha glanced at her phone: three in the afternoon. The day already felt interminable, and she knew Elduran wouldn¡¯t rest until they made it to Dasos. Hattrem was officially their sole Pok¨¦mon capable of battling; Grafaiai was not considered a fighter, and it took some persuasion from Hattrem to get him to join their walk. However, Elduran preferred having him outside his Pok¨¦ball to make the group look more intimidating. Elduran had also administered a potion to Cyndaquil before their departure and had once more wished him well on his new journey. Cyndaquil, ever vigilant, refused to leave their side, trailing them faithfully until they reached the bushes where their bags lay hidden. Both hoisted their bags onto their shoulders before Elduran turned his attention to Anaya''s bag.

    "Elduran, you''ve already got a duffel bag, a quiver, three rifles, and a bow strapped to your belt. You can''t carry anything else," Aisha noted, observing that Elduran had retrieved a few of the arrows he had fired in the battle.

    He paid her no heed, rummaging through the smaller outer compartments until he found her wallet, which he slipped into his own pocket. Next, he detached the tube hanging from the backpack¡¯s side¡ªit housed the drawing she had completed the previous evening. He secured it to his own backpack. Grafaiai made an appreciative sound towards Elduran. Aisha, too, recognized the thoughtfulness of Elduran¡¯s gesture. This drawing would be a final keepsake for Jabari, a cherished memory of his fianc¨¦e. He then retrieved one last item, the kibble Grafaiai favored, and tied it into the side of his bag. Though Grafaiai had no interest in food at the moment, he would find appreciation for the gesture in a few hours'' time.

    "Why are you carrying three rifles? Isn''t one enough?" Aisha inquired.

    "I''m planning to sell two of them. These should command a good price from the right buyers," Elduran replied.

    "The system is flawed. The fact that you can stroll with three assault rifles slung over your shoulder and no one checks if they belong to you is ridiculous. There''s so much bureaucracy to obtain one legally, yet if you steal one or acquire one from a deceased person, nothing is done," Aisha remarked.

    "Do they question you about possessing three weapons of mass destruction, called Hattrem, Togetic, and Marill?" Elduran countered.

    Aisha paused for a brief moment, "Point taken," she conceded.

    "Getting ownership of a fully automatic assault rifle is hard, but there are plenty of jobs that allow it. What''s your suggestion¡ªasking for everyone''s ID if they''re carrying a firearm while trainers roam free, no questions asked?" Elduran challenged.

    "As I said, point taken. You''re right," Aisha admitted.

    Grafaiai approached Anaya''s bag, intent on finding something specific.

    "What are you searching for, Ink?" inquired Aisha.

    "Aiaiai," he replied, extracting a large pouch filled with dried berries.

    Aisha came over and gently took the pouch from his grasp, offering him a soft smile.

    "Of course, we can''t forget your berry pouch. I''ll make sure to keep it safe in my backpack," Aisha assured him, patting his head affectionately before tucking the berry pouch into her backpack.

    Elduran set a brisk marching pace, moving swiftly along the path. On several occasions, Aisha attempted to engage him in conversation, but he remained absorbed in his own thoughts, uninterested in speaking. Her attempts were more for her own sanity, as she struggled with the overwhelming pain of loss. The memory of burning their Pok¨¦mon and those they had killed was sickening. Was this their new reality, reducing every foe to ash? It felt dreadfully wrong, yet Elduran''s reasoning was hard to refute. What explanation could they give? They were pursuing the Watchers. As an agent of a foreign region, Aisha''s involvement was already tenuous. And Elduran¡ªhow could he possibly justify his actions? Vigilantism was illegal, after all. It seemed as though every card was stacked against them.

    After a few hours on the trail, the pine forest grew densely packed. The beauty was truly remarkable. Aisha and Elduran had entered the heart of Vlastisi Forest, a vast expanse thick with towering pine trees and craggy mountains looming in the distance. The forest was alive, teeming with Pok¨¦mon in their natural habitats. As they ventured deeper, they observed the vibrant flutter of Caterpie and the gentle metamorphosis of Metapod to Butterfree, each creature going about its evening routine.

    Among the forest''s inhabitants were a few Togepi, their serene presence contrasting with the buzzing excitement of Cutiefly and Ribombee. A lone Ledian watched them from a distance, indifferent and non-threatening. A nearby patch swarmed with Joltik and their larger kin, a solitary Galvantula, while Oddish and Bellsprout swayed in synchrony. Yet the most predominant presence was Deerling, alongside its evolution Sawsbuck, adorned in the stunning hues of Autumn as they pranced gracefully through the underbrush.

    As dusk settled, a swarm of Combee buzzed past, prompting both Elduran and Aisha to heighten their alertness. They knew all too well the fierce temperament of a Vespiquen, likely not far behind, guarding her territory with unyielding vigilance.

    Aisha swiftly returned Grafaiai to his Pok¨¦ball. The moment for intimidation had passed. Now was the time to move slowly and blend into the shadows. Elduran gestured for her to take cover within the bushes, mirroring his own actions. Nearby, Cyndaquil found refuge in a bush of his own, prompting Aisha to also recall Hattrem. Unlike Cyndaquil, Hattrem wasn¡¯t adept at moving silently. They had been concealed for what felt like half an hour. To Aisha, this seemed excessive; the surroundings were nearly shrouded in darkness. Yet again, Elduran¡¯s instincts proved accurate. A Vespiquen appeared, gliding slowly and close to the ground, her gaze vigilant and searching. Perhaps alerted by the Combee, known for their friendliness, Vespiquen was just as notoriously unwelcoming.

    She was unmistakably searching for them, and this was truly dreadful. Cyndaquil held a strong type advantage, but the disparity in power would be immense. Hattrem, on the other hand, was more evenly matched in strength, yet faced a different issue¡ªa type disadvantage, as Bug types were effective against Psychic Pok¨¦mon. It had only been a few hours since those two had battled desperately for survival. They were worn out and considerably battered, with Cyndaquil more so than Hattrem. Elduran, too, was suffering; the wound on his back had ceased bleeding continuously, but she feared that any further conflict would cause the muscles in his back to strain and the injury to reopen. The last thing she needed was an unconscious Elduran, as he could not be placed in a Pok¨¦ball for transport.

    As Vespiquen advanced, Elduran gestured for her to follow him. Unexpectedly, he began to approach in her direction, maintaining a slow and steady pace but keeping his distance. Vespiquen consistently veered to her left, while Elduran subtly shifted to his right. At a certain moment, Aisha sensed that they had put a considerable distance between themselves and her. Could it be that Elduran understood her tendency to move in a circular path and realized that the safest approach was to follow her while veering in the opposite direction?

    Moments later, the forest parted, revealing Lake Tranquility once more in the distance. Route 114 stretched directly between them and the water. More significantly, upon their left, sprawled a city. Even from afar, the city gleamed under the night sky, awash with lights. Nestled right before the lake and encircled by Vlastisi Forest, Dasos City occupied a prime location. Aisha could only imagine how breathtaking it must appear in the daylight.

    Within just another half hour, they arrived at the outskirts of the city. The architecture presented a captivating theme: solid masonry on the first floors, with the upper levels fashioned from graceful wooden log structures. It was a sight to behold. Even at the late hour of nine o''clock, the city buzzed with life and activity. From Aisha''s research, they knew this eastern section, where they had entered, was actually the poorest quarter of the town. Yet, it did not seem so in the least.

    Elduran turned to her and asked, "Do you know where the Pok¨¦mon Center is in this town?"

    Aisha glanced at her phone. "I was just checking," she replied. "There''s one on the north side near the lake, another on the south facing the forest, and one smack in the center." She observed him taking in his surroundings: bustling streets full of the hum of late-night activities, cafes alive with animated conversations, and street performers entertaining passersby. The closed stores seemed to be those of the very small variety. The pebble-stoned road was well-kept, and most of the people didn¡¯t look too poor. She couldn''t imagine what the expensive west side of town was like. Almost all the restaurants and bars had street tables, and most were at least half full. Poor or not, this seemed to be the place to be at night.

    It was evident that this city expanded outward rather than upward. There weren''t many tall structures, not nearby nor off in the distance. Based on the illumination from the windows, she surmised the tallest of them might not exceed five stories. The roadway they traversed appeared to be a main thoroughfare, as it ultimately led to route 114. This path was surely meant for pedestrians, with no vehicles to be seen.

    Elduran disregarded her remarks about the Pok¨¦mon Center¡¯s whereabouts. They likely had another half-hour''s trek ahead before reaching the nearest Center nestled in the heart of town. His gaze swept the surroundings, searching for something Aisha couldn''t discern. Then it dawned on her. Elduran veered into a narrow alley, halting before a shut gun store, where a pair engaged in a game of chess outside its locked entrance. Aisha followed, with Cyndaquil trailing behind.

    "Hello fellows," Elduran addressed them as they turned to face him. Clad in ragged clothing, both bore long, unkempt black hair. One sported a full beard, while the other was clean-shaven. They both looked up at Elduran.

    The bearded man spoke, "You''re disturbing our game, move along," he said, eyeing the rifles slung over Elduran''s shoulder.

    Elduran regarded him calmly. "I''m looking to sell a couple of rifles. I figured you two were the right contacts for that," he proposed.

    The clean-shaven man responded, "Oh, what makes you think so?" he asked.

    Elduran placed the rifles next to their chessboard. "You''re either the owners of this gun store, or you work for them. You purposely dress in rags to appear as if you¡¯re merely enjoying a game, not working. But anyone accustomed to good footwear can''t relinquish that. Your shoes betray your disguise. This will take only five minutes," he explained.

    "We''ve got a clever one here," the bearded man said, rising and retrieving a key from his pocket. He unlocked the store''s door and gestured for Elduran to come in.

    Turning to Aisha, Elduran whispered, "Wait here. I doubt they''re dangerous, but just in case."

    Inside he went, with the clean-shaven man following.

    True to his word, Elduran emerged less than five minutes later, still with one rifle slung over his shoulder. The two men followed him back outside, locked the door, and resumed their chess game.

    "Thanks for the business. Next time, just come in the morning; for those we deem trustworthy, we''re happy to conduct our transactions during regular hours," said the clean-shaven man.

    "You''re welcome, and thanks to both of you. I''ll probably return sooner than you expect, so keep those bolt-action rifles oiled and ready. And by the way, you trust too easily¡ªwork on that habit," Elduran replied as he headed back to the main road, Aisha following close behind. Eventually, she guided them to the Pok¨¦mon Center. There, she soon discovered he sold the rifles for twenty thousand crimson cetis each¡ªa rather fine deal, she mused, just enough to cover the caf¨¦ renovations in Dirthrow.

    Upon reaching the Pok¨¦mon Center, Aisha entrusted her three Pok¨¦mon to the nurse. Her heart ached when Elduran refused to capture Cyndaquil in order to give him in for treatment. Wild Pok¨¦mon needed to be severely injured before the center would attend to them. Relenting, Aisha asked Cyndaquil if he would be comfortable with a temporary capture, winking as she assured him it was only temporary. He didn''t object, marking the first time Aisha had a Pok¨¦mon that wasn¡¯t and would never be able to be a fairy type.

 Chapter 20 - PokÃ©seeker

    Chapter 20 - Pok¨¦seeker

    At four in the morning, Elduran roamed the streets, knowing that five hours of sleep would have to suffice. He sometimes marveled at his own ability to slumber through any disturbance¡ªnoise, lights...even loss. Though he had endured the loss of entire units before, this time, losing Vivillon and Heracross struck him with an inexplicable intensity. He grappled with understanding why their absence hurt more deeply. He had cherished them more than he would admit, even to himself. Yet, he had also cared for the comrades he lost in the army.

    Vivillon and Heracross had depended on him for their survival; that must have been it. It was guilt he experienced. Though, of course, that was a foolish notion. That wasn''t the cause. He had led those units in APSO, and they too counted on him for their survival. He sensed the truth edging into his thoughts, yet steadfastly resisted its full arrival. He dreaded the acceptance, fearing his entire world would collapse if he dared to embrace it.

    He missed Anaya more than he had anticipated. There was something about her that had captivated him. Certainly, she was with another man¡ªa man he deeply respected. Elduran would never entertain the thought of seducing her or anything of the kind. That man would now have to endure the news that Elduran had utterly failed him and allowed his beloved to die a terrible death. He also hoped Jabari was not religious, because at this moment, there was no grave to visit or ashes to hold. All that remained was the last painting she created the night before.

    Elduran acknowledged that he bore more responsibility than Anaya and Aisha did. That was beyond dispute. They had behaved exactly as expected¡ªno one anticipated Aisha would refrain from pursuing the receiver, nor Anaya for that matter. Yet, he was the ex-military man. He ought to have ascended to check the receiver himself. On his own, he might have been able to shake their trail and divert them away from the girls. There was so much more he could have achieved if he had just surveyed that cursed peak alone. How foolish he had been. So much death on his hands.

    He was traversing the southern side of the city. It was decidedly quieter than the bustling east side they''d entered the previous night. Predominantly residential, the area had more roads carved out for automobiles, though the sparse number of vehicles parked along the curbs led him to doubt that many residents owned them. Similar to Dirthrow, trucks were a more common sight. While he wasn''t quite certain of Dasos'' primary industry, the abundance of trucks suggested timber. He was aware that Dendra City was Tenera¡¯s largest timber supplier, a fact well-known due to the political friction between Dendra and Asven, the capital, over demands for Dendra¡¯s tax exemption due to their substantial contributions. To Elduran, that seemed like total Arceus shit. None of it made any sense to him.

    The captivating pebble roads, paired with the stone buildings¡ªall of which, without exception, transformed into wooden log fa?ades from the second floor upward¡ªcrafted a visually striking uniformity and intricate detail throughout the city. At this late hour, scarcely any souls wandered these streets. Each building stood flush with the road, seemingly accompanied by a small communal lawn at the rear, shared by the entire block. The gaps between the buildings appeared so narrow that two people walking side by side would struggle to pass simultaneously. Though enveloped by abundant forest, they had nevertheless constructed this city with remarkable density, a fact that unsettled him as he pondered its rationale.

    There it was ¨C he checked his phone, confirming he had reached his destination as directed by his navigation app: the Pok¨¦seekers office. Nestled on the outskirts of the city, this establishment boasted a sprawling fenced area behind its building. No Pok¨¦mon were seen roaming the grounds at night; perhaps they had been fed and returned to their Pok¨¦balls. Renowned as the Pok¨¦seekers, their services catered more to trainers than to those seeking Pok¨¦mon as mere companions.

    They fulfilled requests from trainers to capture specific Pok¨¦mon, standing apart from Breeders by pursuing even the final evolutionary forms, should the customer be willing to pay the price. Unlike breeders with limited offerings, no Pok¨¦mon was beyond their reach; they always maintained a stock of strong Pok¨¦mon in their inventory. When not engaged in specific contracts, their employee trainers would pursue any rare or powerful Pok¨¦mon they encountered, whereas breeders could only offer what they had raised. Often, trainers would stop by the office to immediately acquire any available strong Pok¨¦mon, necessitating a well-stocked inventory for such spontaneous demands.

    Elduran moved past the building and the secluded fenced area behind it. Venturing deeper into the forest, he ensured that no one was watching before he seized two Pok¨¦balls and released both Pok¨¦mon simultaneously. Flygon and Aerodactyl lay in a state close to death. He set the Pok¨¦balls down and, with a decisive kick, severed their top halves from the bottom while they remained open. From this moment forth, they were free Pok¨¦mon. Then, retrieving two empty Pok¨¦balls, he tossed one to each Pok¨¦mon. It took mere moments; they were registered to him now. That freedom did not last very long he thought. Yet, he knew they would never heed the call of a trainer who had struck down their previous master. Even if they did, the arduous task of taming them would take time, if he managed to survive the process. Since Furret never sustained any damage, he regrettably found himself unable to perform the same process for her. From the brief observations he made, he was convinced that this large Furret was indeed female.

    Elduran approached the Pok¨¦seekers building. Observing the second and third floors, he concluded they were likely residential. Picking up a small stone, he tossed it at a window. Nothing. He tried again, but still no reaction. When the third pebble struck, the window opened, and from it emerged a vibrant red light that took the form of a Dragonite, landing gracefully beside him. Unflustered, Elduran stood his ground, not feigning a calm demeanor, but genuinely feeling no fear for his life.

    A woman''s voice echoed down, "Are you trying to get yourself killed?" she questioned.

    Elduran glanced up to find a woman, her hair a solid black and her age marking her in her fifties, olive skin, gazing at him. "Good morning!" he greeted. "I have a proposal for you, and I simply couldn''t wait for daybreak to share it."

    She continued to scrutinize him before directing her gaze to the Dragonite. "What do you think, Drein?" she inquired.

    Quietly, Dragonite murmured, "Draaaaa."

    "You actually have respect for this guy? That''s quite the compliment coming from you," she remarked to Drein, then addressed Elduran again, "Alright, I''ll hear what you''ve got to say," she conceded, securing the window but leaving Dragonite outdoors with Elduran.

    Elduran met Dragonite''s eyes, "Thanks. I hoped this encounter would go smoothly because yesterday I had a really rough day," he confessed, unsure why he was sharing at all.

    With a gentle "Draaaa," Dragonite seemed to empathize, leaving Elduran to question his own sanity. Imagining comfort from a Pok¨¦mon, he felt oddly reassured.

    After a few minutes, the door swung open, revealing the woman now donned in jeans and a brown tank top. She gestured him inside, and he obliged. The Dragonite was deftly recalled into its Pok¨¦ball, then re-released inside, probably because it did not fit to go through the door.

    Upon entering, Elduran observed the woman perched on one of two couches positioned just beyond the doorway. "A waiting area," he mused, advancing to occupy the opposite seat.

    Her eyes never left him. "If your proposal wastes my time, I assure you, Drein here will rearrange a few of your bones," she warned.

    "I suspect it will prove worthwhile," Elduran replied confidently.

    "Then speak¡ªI¡¯ve a bed awaiting," she urged.

    "I possess two formidable Pok¨¦mon, both exceptional in species and strength, that I wish to sell," Elduran declared.

    Her gaze swept over him, appraising from toe to crown before she queried, "And why conduct this at night?"

    Meeting her stare, Elduran replied, "Because they were not obtained legally, yet they are rightfully mine."

    "Oh, and how does that align?" she inquired.

    "A man assaulted me; He doesn''t really need his Pok¨¦mon anymore. I figured they were owed to me for the death my own," Elduran explained coolly.

    "And why should I trust your tale?"

    "I assumed you didn¡¯t need to," Elduran responded.

    A smile crept onto her lips, "You''re growing on me. You¡¯re correct, I don¡¯t care, yet I need these details. Managing these Pok¨¦mon means ensuring their past doesn¡¯t trail them to me. Are the Pok¨¦balls yours or the original trainer¡¯s?"

    "They¡¯re mine," he answered.

    "A rookie mistake. In future dealings, ensure it doesn''t occur. We could have easily claimed I discovered them in the wild, that their trainer met his end while his killer was sympathetic towards his Pok¨¦mon and had the decency to free them. Now they know they¡¯ve come to me through you," she advised.

    "Not quite; they''re near death and oblivious to me capturing them," Elduran contended.

    "That¡¯s where you are wrong. Inside their Pok¨¦balls, they comprehend more than you imagine. They¡¯ll know of the Pok¨¦ball switch, but without seeing your face during it, we might manage, though their state means a lowered price," she mentioned.

    "Agreed," Elduran acceded.

    "So, which Pok¨¦mon are in question? Let¡¯s see if my time was wasted."

    "An Aerodactyl and a Flygon," Elduran answered.

    Her smile broadened, and she rose, gesturing for him to follow her. She unlocked the rear door, leading him to a fenced enclosure. Facing him, she recalled her Dragonite momentarily before it reappeared at her side. "Release them from their Pok¨¦balls."

    Elduran complied, and Aerodactyl and Flygon materialized before her. Her enthusiasm was palpable as she inspected them, testing muscle tone, examining jaws, and assessing wings. Satisfied, she signaled for Elduran to return them to their Pok¨¦balls. "Let¡¯s go back inside," she stated, recalling her Dragonite for the final time, and this time, it remained unsummoned indoors.

    The woman moved behind the front desk, activating her computer system. While it booted up, she said to him, "You can call me Larsa."

    "Nice to meet you...I suppose?" Elduran remarked.

    "Those Pok¨¦mon possess incredible power, which suggests you must be quite formidable to have defeated their trainer."

    "You should''ve seen his Snorlax¡ªan absolute behemoth," Elduran commented.

    "You have a Snorlax as well?" Larsa inquired; her interest piqued.

    "No, that one I deposited into a chasm so deep it''s virtually unreachable. It never fainted; I doubt I even caused it harm. Its loyalty to its trainer was unyielding. I merely managed to recall it to its Pok¨¦ball before it pulverized me," Elduran recounted.

    "I see. You did well, though I must concede, some Pok¨¦mon become uncontrollable after their trainer''s demise. Attempting to subdue it merely for capture would render it untamable for resale," Larsa admitted.

    "I suspected as much," Elduran replied.

    "That Aerodactyl is quite valuable. Flygon, too, has worth, but Aerodactyl can fetch about 250,000 crimson cetis. I''ll offer you 80,000 for it, and don''t attempt to negotiate," she proposed.

    "That sounds reasonable to me," Elduran replied, realizing he was receiving twice his expected amount and saw no reason for contention.

    "Excellent. The Flygon, I estimate, could sell for 150,000 crimson cetis. Thus 40,000 cetis to you. Do we have an agreement?"

    "Yes," Elduran answered.

    "You aren¡¯t much of a talker, are you?"

    "Not in the mood," Elduran replied.

    "Understood, no pressure. But...I have a proposition for you."

    "What proposition?" he inquired.

    "Join us," Larsa suggested.

    "I can''t. Two reasons: I lack Pok¨¦mon, and I have an imperative mission," Elduran stated.

    "How about as a freelancer, akin to a bounty hunter?" Larsa offered.

    "What do you mean?"

    "You''ll receive requests on your phone, with approximate locations for sought-after Pok¨¦mon. Capture one and deliver it to our offices, and you get paid. You need only capture one annually to maintain benefits," Larsa explained.

    "What benefits?" Elduran inquired.

    "Besides direct request updates and potential location tips, you¡¯ll earn 50% of the profits," Larsa detailed.

    "But I have no Pok¨¦mon," Elduran reminded her.

    "You''re strong; you''ll build a team again shortly."

    "I never had a full team, just three," Elduran revealed.

    "How on earth did you manage to defeat the trainer of these Pok¨¦mon?"

    "Never mind that. So, I can join, and if I don¡¯t capture any Pok¨¦mon from the contracts, I simply lose benefits and that''s it?" Elduran clarified.

    "Exactly," she affirmed.

    "Very well, sign me up."

    "Your trainer ID, please," she requested. Elduran obliged. "Elduran, is it? I''ve never come across that name," she noted.

    "I''ve never encountered a Larsa either," he replied, coaxing a smile from her.

    In ten minutes, Elduran was officially a Pok¨¦seeker and received 120,000 crimson cetis.

    "The payment will be classified as income, so you''re in compliance with the law, and taxes will apply," she informed him with a smile.

    "That''s fine," Elduran acknowledged, considering how the money could last a long time in Tenera. An Aerodactyl of this caliber might have been triple in value in Kanto, but the purchasing power was significantly less there.

    Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

    "I hope you earn all the badges to become a permanent resident; you''re quite promising. If you don''t secure a way to extend your stay in Tenera by the end of next August, your role here concludes," Larsa warned.

    "I will keep that in mind," Elduran replied, though he couldn''t resist the urge to pose one more question, however foolish it might seem; he was curious to witness her reaction. "Do you ever sell to the Watchers?" he inquired.

    She remained unfazed, "Honestly, it''s uncertain. But know this: if someone is a Watcher¡ªas a Pok¨¦seeker now, you''ll learn this from the company''s handbook¡ªwe''re prohibited from selling them Pok¨¦mon. Why, someone of your rank, unfortunately, doesn''t have clearance to know. Supposedly, Tenera is absent of Watchers, but beware; they could be anywhere," she explained.

    "I''m intrigued. Why would a profit-driven organization avoid selling to the Watchers?" Elduran asked.

    "Advance in rank, learn how to climb. Mostly, it''s about fulfilling contracts," Larsa hinted.

    Elduran approached her, placing his hands on the desk. "The man I killed, I firmly believe he was affiliated with them," Elduran shared, risking much. He noticed her eyebrows twitch and her demeanor shift, betraying her composure.

    "I can''t quite read you, Elduran, but you seem decent...for a killer," she commented with a slight smile before continuing, "If your mission opposes them, prioritize those contracts. The better you perform, the more I can advocate for you within our ranks. As a gesture, I''ll personally vouch for you in each Pok¨¦seeker branch, except for Pounai and Krion, where we lack presence," Larsa offered.

    "I don¡¯t appreciate being made to work extensively for potentially life-saving information, but I value having something to strive toward, albeit slower than desired. Farewell, Larsa!" Elduran concluded.

    "Take care, Elduran," Larsa called as Elduran stepped out of the Pok¨¦seekers building. He now held an official, legitimate job in Tenera. He hadn''t questioned why he, as a foreigner, could secure employment here; he trusted that Larsa was aware of the possibilities. In his home regions of Kanto and Johto, he didn''t think foreigners touring the league and collecting badges could legitimately find work. Yet, he wasn''t entirely sure of that.

    He preferred to do this at night because, despite Aisha''s urgency to see Aerodactyl and Flygon eliminated just yesterday, today, after reflecting on it, she might persuade him to hand them over to Love and Provide, commonly known as L&P. He had already noticed their offices in Asven and Dirthrow. Her sharp intellect comprehended their financial necessities, yet occasionally, despite her brilliance, she reverted into a naive young girl with dreams of rescuing the world, neglecting those along the path who required saving. Elduran often forgot that Aisha was still quite young. Certainly, the events of the previous day had accelerated her maturity by a decade. While he assumed she might still opt for the Pok¨¦seekers over L&P, he wasn''t willing to gamble on it.

    L&P was undeniably a safer option. Trainers found immunity there because no money exchanged hands for their unwanted Pok¨¦mon, and inquiries about the origins of the creatures were strictly forbidden. After a certain duration, if a Pok¨¦mon remained unadopted, L&P would release it back into the wild. He couldn¡¯t comprehend how Pok¨¦mon like Aerodactyl and Flygon could be tamed and offered to trainers at a mere fraction of the cost one would pay for even an egg from a breeder of such species. Acquiring a Pok¨¦mon from L&P was considered an absolute bargain. What trainer could resist the allure of an Aerodactyl or a Flygon? Although he was unsure of their exact processes, he speculated that these formidable Pok¨¦mon were likely kept hidden from prospective adopters. They were simply too dangerous and would probably end up being released back into the wild.

    The train station was merely a ten-minute walk from the Pok¨¦mon Center, leading him to assume that Aisha set her alarm for five-thirty at the earliest, as the first train to Dirthrow departed at six. She cherished her sleep, which meant she would soon wake up and realize his absence. He could inform her to meet him at the station, but he needed to retrieve his duffel bag and the assault rifle. His quiver and bow were already on him. He couldn''t recall the last time he had actually packed away his bow; it was almost perpetually clipped to his waist. The battle yesterday highlighted how he could have benefited from a higher pound bow; his current one was built for speed and precision, focusing on targeting weak spots¡ªa misjudgment on his part. He would never have the opportunity to fire two arrows in rapid succession in a battle against Pok¨¦mon as formidable as those he faced yesterday. Were it not for his decision to switch to firearms after Dan''s death, he might have considered acquiring a more robust bow with significantly higher pound draw weight, perhaps up to 80 pounds. Yet, none of that mattered now. What he truly needed was a reliable bolt-action rifle.

    On his journey to the Pok¨¦mon center, he noticed to his left a building towering over the others he had encountered. Curiosity piqued, he opted for a slight detour, reasoning that he could afford a momentary distraction to explore this imposing structure. After passing two intersections, he arrived at the majestic edifice: a pyramid-like building. The lower part was crafted from stone, with numerous windows, while enormous wooden logs, seemingly defying possibility, rested above and stretched skyward, converging at a peak roughly eighty feet off the ground. The longest logs marked the four corners, with smaller ones filling the space between. Above the entrance, a grand sign proclaimed "Dasos Gym," adorned with the drawing of a leaf. Elduran did not need to consult his phone to recognize it as a Grass-type gym.

    Though not typically interested in architecture, this building captivated him. He recalled the grandeur of the library in Dirthrow, yet found himself oddly more intrigued by the structure before him. He mused on how, at the very least, his last remaining Pok¨¦mon had the type advantage here; fire decisively beats grass, as do bug and flying types. Together, Vivillon and Heracross, alongside Cyndaquil, could have stood a real chance at earning another badge and enjoying a battle where failure did not equate to peril. But that was all behind him now; not even Cyndaquil remained. Last remaining Pok¨¦mon, he mocked himself, reminding himself that he had released him, chiding himself for being a fool.

    He felt compelled to tear his gaze away from the building. Turning around, he inhaled deeply and headed towards the Pok¨¦mon Center. Gym battles had never stirred his interest, but his Pok¨¦mon loved them. At that moment, all he could focus on was the happiness they shared, tirelessly training to defeat Stephanie Crock in Dirthrow. Despite the dismal nature of that town, it was there he had made his last treasured memories with his team¡ªmore than just Pok¨¦mon; they were family. Everything had been reduced to ash, and he couldn''t shake the thought that this was quite literal.

    A greater number of people populated the streets now, as this area lay near the train station and shops began to open, offering breakfast and coffee. Yet, not even the aroma of coffee, his cherished scent, could distract him from feeling like a mere husk. No, there would be no coffee until that sack of meat ceased to exist. He continued to scrutinize everyone around¡ªa person''s age, gender, or physical traits were inconsequential; they were all under suspicion in Elduran¡¯s eyes. Who could say whom the Watchers might employ? It was the seemingly innocent who posed the greatest threat, as people often lowered their guard around them.

    Reaching the center didn''t take long; it was half-past five in the morning. He hoped Aisha would be awake, or he would have to leave without her. As he entered, he found her already seated in the waiting area. Her Pok¨¦mon were gathered around her, probably having just been collected from the nurse: Hattrem, Togetic, Marill... and Cyndaquil as well. It was likely the first occasion Togetic and Marill truly mourned Clefairy together with their family. Both appeared deeply saddened. Aisha and Hattrem weren¡¯t in much better spirits. She likely hadn¡¯t slept much, given she was already up and prepared to go. When their eyes met, he simply nodded before his gaze moved to Cyndaquil. The creature was staring directly at him, with his eyes opened, a rare sight, showing no tears or emotion. Elduran wondered when Cyndaquil had become so strong or if it was merely a fa?ade. He turned his head forward and ascended the stairs to his room.

    Gathering his belongings took mere moments; all he needed was his bag and the rifle¡ªfive seconds at most. But as he reached for the door, his arm tensed, and an overwhelming urge surged through him to smash the doorknob he gripped so fiercely. With effort, he released it, returning to the bed where he sat, drawing in deep, steadying breaths. The urge to punch something, anything, consumed him more than ever before. What was wrong with him? The thought echoed in his mind, clouded and confused. Today was meant to be an improvement¡ªit should have been better than yesterday, and tomorrow better than today. He believed he was stronger than this. Was he really going to let loss defeat him? Earlier that morning, he seemed fine; the anger simmered beneath the surface, yet he functioned normally. So, what had struck him so suddenly now? He couldn''t think¡ªno, he didn''t want to think. He had to escape; perhaps being unseen allowed him to drop the fa?ade, to stop pretending he was okay when alone. He needed to go where he could be seen, and he needed to do it now.

    The moment Aisha''s gaze locked on him, his sense of control resurfaced. She pivoted and slipped through the door, and he trailed behind. The first light was beginning to seep from the east, and the streets had grown even more crowded. At this hour, Dirthrow was a ghost town, as was, for that matter, Asven, in comparison to this vibrant place. He could inquire about the reason from Aisha, but he found he didn''t much care at the moment. Moreover, that would necessitate a conversation, which was far from appealing in his present state.

    The buildings terminated abruptly, giving way to a rare expanse in the bustling city¡ªa vast clearing. Before him stretched the grand train station, a harmonious blend of old-world charm and modern innovation. Twin monorail tracks glided gracefully from the east and west, elevated above the urban sprawl like sleek, metallic serpents. Yet, upon nearing the station, they descended sharply, diving earthward with precision. This sudden drop created the necessity for the wide-open space, a calculated clearance to ensure the safety of the city''s inhabitants. The station itself was a complex tapestry of stone and wood.

    In front of the station lay a sprawling plaza. From the glimpse he caught on the north side, it mirrored another plaza on the opposite end. Numerous small kiosks dotted the scene, offering a variety of breakfast options like egg sandwiches, as well as bakery delights such as pretzels, bagels, and donuts. Others peddled souvenirs, mostly shirts emblazoned with the gym''s emblem or keychains, alongside a multitude of T-shirts proudly declaring "Kaphepra University" or showcasing bars, clubs, and restaurants. Elduran was starting to piece together the origins of the area''s vibrant nightlife. Of course, several kiosks served coffee, and Aisha was already at one. They still had ten minutes, and they were practically there.

    Elduran turned and began his walk towards the stairs leading to the station''s entrance. Passing through the revolving doors, he found himself inside a long, narrow space. A desk stood with attendants assisting customers, though few opted for their help. Most people preferred the automated self-service machines scattered around, printing their own tickets. Elduran chose the personal touch of live service. He was greeted courteously, to which he responded simply, "Two tickets to Dirthrow." The attendant started processing his request and informed him of the cost: 2,000 crimson cetis. This startled him; everything in Tenera had been inexpensive so far, and the price caught him off guard. Yet, when considering that most Tenerans didn¡¯t have the expense of a car, fuel, and only occasionally paid for a train to another town, it didn¡¯t seem so extravagant. Nonetheless, relying on this service for travel across the region made the 120,000 crimson cetis he earned from selling the two Pok¨¦mon seem less substantial now.

    He got the two tickets and Aisha was right behind him, stretching her hand offering him a coffee. He looked from the coffee in front of his face and then to Aisha, "thanks," he said grabbing the coffee and offering her her ticker with his other hand.

    "Let''s go, train is already here, we can go grab some seats," she said.

    He trailed behind, with Aisha leading the way, and Hatrrem trotting closely at her side. It was remarkable how swiftly Hatrrem could move now with her ponytail-like appendages. Togetic fluttered just above Aisha''s head, while Marill ambled next to Cyndaquil right behind her. Elduran brought up the rear, leisurely sipping his coffee as they proceeded. Upon exiting the station from the opposite side, the train awaited them, its digital displays on every wagon prominently showing "Dirthrow." The floor signs before them marked "Eastbound." He speculated that if he crossed the skybridge to the other side, the floor there would be labeled "Westbound."

    As they prepared to board the first wagon they came across, the man at the entrance gestured to a sign posted beside him. It stated, "Please keep Pok¨¦mon inside their Pok¨¦balls while boarding. If the train is not at full capacity once it is in motion, you may release them. However, kindly recall them when passengers require seating. Thank you for your cooperation." Complying with the sign''s instructions, Aisha recalled all four of her Pok¨¦mon. Elduran mused that Cyndaquil would be invaluable to her. The strength he would develop under her guidance was something he hoped to witness, even if just once, before facing the uncertainty of survival.

    Aisha strolled inside, with him trailing behind. The interior of the train surpassed his wildest fantasies. Perhaps this was first class? Black dominated from the waist down, while a deep red enveloped everything above. The floor was laid with black carpet, and sleek black leather covered the seats. On each side of the aisle were rows of three seats, facing opposite directions¡ªthree forward, three backward¡ªdivided by a black table. It hardly resembled Tenera at all. Instead, it was far more modern than anything he had encountered in any other region. The black carpet crept up the walls before yielding to the dark red that stretched all the way to the ceiling.

    Aisha took a seat in the middle seat on the first row she found completely free, as were the seats across the table. Elduran put his stuff on the seat across from her next to the window then went back to her row and sat right next to her by the window. Aisha looked at him in disbelief.

    "There are three seats across the table, do we need to be this close? I mean it is fine if you want the company," she said.

    It was Elduran''s turn to look at her in disbelief, "these seats are huge, an Ursaring could fit in one of these chairs, but no, I just hate traveling with my back facing the direction the train is moving," he said plainly as he turned his head to look outside the window.

    "Alright, never thought people would have trouble with that, but if someone would, that would be you," she tried to tease, but it came out more than she was talking to herself.

    A few minutes later, the train began its journey. There were few travelers at this early hour. Aisha released all four of her Pok¨¦mon: Hattrem, Marill, and Togetic took their places on the row of seats opposite, while Cyndaquil settled on the table before her. He was certain she was doing it intentionally. He longed to apologize to Cyndaquil, to confess that he hadn¡¯t meant the words he¡¯d spoken, but he feared this would only prompt the creature to plead for reinstatement. It was for the best, he told himself, both for Cyndaquil and for the mission''s success.

    His mastery of firearms served a far greater purpose than training Pok¨¦mon ever could. It was not about his personal preferences; it was about fulfilling what he believed the world required of him. Or perhaps, more accurately, what he thought the world required. The world remained oblivious to his aims. He was no hero, merely a delusional man who briefly imagined he could make a difference by confronting the Watchers with all he possessed.

    As the train glided above the rooftops of Dasos City, the morning sun began its ascent, casting a gentle glow across the landscape. It dawned on him just how beautiful the city truly was. Yet, he wasn''t overly enthused by its layout¡ªeach building set in perfect squares, their lots seemingly identical, creating an overly symmetrical appearance that didn''t quite suit his taste. However, he appreciated the shared architectural principles that tied the city together. The consistent use of stone and log in every building lent a picturesque quality to the townscape. This was a striking contrast to Asven, a city where modernity clashed with history¡ªstone, concrete, wood, metal, all thrown together in a haphazard jumble that defined its aesthetic chaos.

    Once they crossed the city limits, the train accelerated with astounding velocity. He knew they were swift, having observed them from the ground before while traveling on foot, but now, being inside, he truly felt the speed. This journey would take just under three hours¡ªa distance that had taken him three days to traverse on foot. Aisha had her laptop open, scrutinizing the photo of the trainer they had killed. He pondered why she had even sent it to him. Had she noticed him rifling through their pockets for identification? He found nothing on any of them, suspecting their belongings were on the taller mountain they descended from. A trek there would have consumed valuable hours. It was considerably taller and quite distant; they would never have made it to Dasos in time for a timely rest like they¡¯d managed last night. In truth, Elduran didn''t care at that moment. He could always return later, or better yet, they could dispatch Mew to handle it; it would take only hours to go and return.

    Elduran decided it was time to speak up. "Why did you send me that picture, Aisha? You know I wouldn''t be able to find anything on my own," he said.

    Aisha silenced her phone and closed her laptop with a resigned sigh. "I can''t find anything. I''m sure Tia will manage," she said, turning to Elduran, a flicker of apprehension crossing her features. "I wasn¡¯t even sure I could go back to Dirthrow," she admitted, her voice laced with uncertainty.

    "You were afraid you couldn¡¯t face them," he replied straightforwardly. "It¡¯s fortunate you changed your mind. You need to learn to take responsibility. When you¡¯re in the muck, just own it and keep moving forward. If every time something goes wrong, the team thinks you might abandon us, your reliability is called into question," he stated firmly.

    "No one will care about me once they learn how badly I messed things up," Aisha murmured.

    Elduran spun around, grasping her arm firmly and meeting her gaze with intensity. She winced, trying to stifle a cry of pain, prompting him to ease his grip. "Il care about you," Elduran asserted with conviction. "I desperately need you... Aisha, I can''t do this alone," he admitted, letting her arm go.

    She began to rub the spot where Elduran had held her. Hattrem and Cyndaquil seemed indifferent, yet Togetic and Marill were already regarding Elduran with suspicion.

    "Elduran...thank you," she whispered, "I imagine this wasn''t easy for you to say, and to be honest, I don''t entirely believe you mean it. It feels more like words spoken to placate me. Yet, oddly enough, it is working," Aisha confessed. Elduran clearly found himself without words so Aisha pressed on, "listen to me now, it''s time to truly begin mourning," she insisted.

    Still, Elduran''s gaze was fixed on the vast stretch of forest rushing by beneath them as the train sped forward. "I am mourning," he replied quietly.

    Aisha gently placed a hand on his shoulder, "no, you''re not. Elduran... let those tears fall," she urged with determination.

    Elduran replied, "tears won''t bring back Viv, Blue or Anaya, nor will they erase that despicable man from existence. So, what good would they do?" His voice was firm.

    Aisha offered him a small, heartfelt smile, "believe me, it will heal you," she promised, resting her head against his shoulder, her eyes meeting Cyndaquil''s gaze as the creature looked back at them. The train snaked its way toward Dirthrow, a metallic serpent on its tracks. Her words lingered in his thoughts, but the image of Dan loomed persistently in the background. No matter what, Dan had to be dealt with first.

 chapter 21 - Dan

    Chapter 21 - Dan

    As the train glided smoothly along the elevated monorail tracks on the eastern edge of Tenera, the landscape metamorphosed dramatically. The lush greens of the expansive forests surrendered to the stark, dark brown sands of a sprawling desert, a shroud of desolation creeping in. On Elduran''s right, the ocean stretched infinitely, its waves crashing rhythmically against the shore¡ªan unyielding reminder of nature¡¯s power. Elduran surmised that in just over an hour, they would arrive in Dirthrow.

    Elduran observed Aisha as she removed a sticker from its backing, affixing it to the back of her laptop screen. The design was a dirty brown liquid drop, and curiosity prompted him to ask, "Where did you get that?"

    Startled, perhaps because he initiated the conversation, Aisha replied, "It''s just a sticker they gave me with the coffee. It''s the emblem of their city."

    "Their city''s symbol is a dirty water drop?" he questioned.

    Despite the challenges of the previous day, Aisha managed a smile. "It''s not a dirty water drop; it represents a drop of pine tree sap, which is basically their main source of wealth."

    Elduran''s curiosity deepened. "Dasos''s main source of wealth is pine tree sap?"

    Aisha looked at him incredulously. "Why does that surprise you? It''s used for making glue, fire starters, natural skin salves, excellent for waterproof patching, and it¡¯s even used in medicine. Dasos essentially has an endless supply of sap. That¡¯s why they practically revere their trees, only cutting what they need for construction, while timber exportation is forbidden."

    Elduran nodded. "That makes sense. I thought the university and perhaps nightlife were their primary sources of income."

    Aisha elaborated, "Oh, that too. Kaphepra University is the most prestigious art institution in the region, offering degrees in art, music, design, and architecture. The nightlife is also considered the most vibrant in any Tenera city. I suppose when you have a city full of artistically-inclined students, one naturally feeds into the other."

    Elduran pondered briefly whether she had truly taken the time to read about Dasos City last night, in her frazzled state, or if she had absorbed information about every conceivable city in Tenera before even arriving. Both scenarios puzzled him. Rising to his feet, he moved toward his bag; Cyndaquil was asleep on the table as he passed by. Marill lounged atop his bag, and he attempted to access the side pockets without disturbing him too much. He didn¡¯t stir, and it seemed both he and Togetic understood Elduran never intended to harm Aisha. They showed no signs of hostility toward him, perhaps thanks to Hattrem explaining the situation. Togetic was across the aisle, being petted by two young girls, whose parents had sought Aisha¡¯s permission¡ªpermission she readily gave, knowing Togetic could use the diversion. Elduran noticed a change in Cyndaquil too; normally lively, he seemed to mirror Elduran, keeping emotions bottled up, exhibiting a quiet strength. Though proud, Elduran couldn''t help but wish Cyndaquil would drop the facade and be himself again.

    He found what he had been searching for¡ªthe business card he had received from Larsa. Returning to his seat, he flipped the card over, searching for the barcode to download the app. Pulling out his phone, he scanned it. While it installed, he glanced at the text message from Larsa; there it was, his Pok¨¦seeker ID number¡ªa ten-digit code. Aisha raised an eyebrow in curiosity until she reached over and seized the card from him. "You went to the Pok¨¦seekers?" she inquired.

    "Yes, I sold Aerodactyl and Flygon. Oh, and they hired me to work for them," Elduran replied, copying and pasting the number into the app.

    "Shouldn¡¯t we discuss these things beforehand? I thought we were a team," Aisha said, a hint of frustration in her voice.

    "We are a team. I just couldn¡¯t risk you pushing to donate those two to L&P. We need the funds, and you know as well as I do that selling to the Pok¨¦seekers was the right choice," he asserted as his app validated his ID number.

    "That¡¯s not how a team works. Being part of one means sometimes doing what you don¡¯t want to do, and being open to discussions and being flexible," Aisha countered.

    "Like you did? You certainly listened when we warned you not to walk into a trap," Elduran shot back.

    Aisha fell silent, halting the words that threatened to spill from her lips. After a moment, she continued, "You¡¯re right. I¡¯m the last person who should lecture you on teamwork."

    Elduran sighed, "I¡¯m sorry. That was uncalled for."

    She turned to him, her gaze steady. "It was the truth. But I would have agreed with you about the Pok¨¦seekers. We do need the money, even if L&P would have been the safer choice. How much did they pay you?"

    "They paid us 120,000 cetis," Elduran replied.

    "That¡¯s actually much higher than I expected. How exactly does your job with them work?" Aisha asked, her curiosity piqued.

    Elduran recounted the details of his meeting with Larsa, including the crucial information about the Watchers being on the Pok¨¦seekers'' no-sell list.

    "First Faelan, now you. It seems you both have a way of working toward uncovering the Watchers. Have you activated the app yet?" she asked, her interest escalating.

    "Yes, I have."

    Aisha snatched the phone from his hands. After examining the screen, she exclaimed, "It¡¯s a map of Tenera with a few red dots. Clicking on them reveals details about the Pok¨¦mon, the accuracy percentage of their locations, and approximate monetary value. There aren¡¯t many¡ªonly five at the moment, mostly to the west. The closest one is around Zest City to the north." She paused, gasping, "They¡¯re asking for a Garchomp. What kind of Pok¨¦mon are they hiring you to retrieve?"

    "She offered me a job; however, the choice to act is mine. If they request a specific Pok¨¦mon and I deliver, I receive half of the profits. Should I bring anything else, my payment is significantly reduced," Elduran explained.

    "We''ll aim to undertake several of these endeavors. If they recognize your value, you could earn citizenship in Tenera without collecting all the badges," Aisha remarked.

    "I doubt it works like that. She mentioned that by August, if I haven''t secured citizenship, my employment will be terminated," Elduran replied.

    "That''s because she assumes you''ll just be average at your job. But believe me, they have the ability to sponsor you¡ªit''s costly, but if you''re valuable, losing you would be costlier. We''ll take on as many contracts as we can; we need the money too."

    Elduran turned to her, studying her closely, "You''ve really grown from what we''ve just been through. The old Aisha would probably have told me the opposite¡ªto quit as a Pok¨¦seeker, claiming those poor Pok¨¦mon were being wrenched from their natural habitats."

    Aisha shifted uneasily. "All we need is for them to attack us first, then I''ll feel better about it," she said with a strained smile. "But resisting the urge to keep a Garchomp and letting it be trained by someone else¡ªthat''s tough when you relinquish that much power."

    Elduran averted his gaze to the window. "Fuck dragons. Still, I''m not cut out to be a Pok¨¦mon trainer. You will do the capturing; I can''t use Pok¨¦balls."

    "Are you serious? You''re still refusing to be a trainer while working as a Pok¨¦seeker?" Aisha questioned.

    "Yes," he replied plainly.

    Aisha refrained from pressing him further and returned her focus to her laptop. Elduran caught sight of Mew on her screen, as she was engrossed in reading about the legendary Pok¨¦mon. He felt a spark of curiosity to inquire but recognized that she lacked the solution to her queries. Choosing to leave the matter alone, he allowed a few moments of silence to pass. Cyndaquil remained asleep before him, and although he felt the pull of slumber, he knew rest would elude him despite his efforts. His mind was consumed with thoughts of the impending confrontation with Dan¡ªspeculating not on the means of reaching him, but on how he''d confront him once there.

    "Shit," Aisha exclaimed, her voice cutting through the chatter, drawing curious glances from half the wagon''s occupants. Flustered, she pulled her knees up, positioning the laptop as a shield against the inquisitive eyes.

    "What happened?" Elduran inquired.

    "I think I''ve finally figured out why Mew hasn''t been able to gather any information on Dan or the others," she replied.

    "And why''s that?" Elduran pursued.

    "It''s because they know Mew is there. More precisely, they are aware a psychic-type Pok¨¦mon is nearby," Aisha explained.

    "I thought we already suspected that they were aware of being watched," Elduran mused.

    "They''re beyond suspecting; they know they''re under surveillance," Aisha countered.

    "How''s that possible?" Elduran pressed.

    "They''ve employed a common safeguard to counter psychic Pok¨¦mon and their teleports, as well as ghost Pok¨¦mon passing through walls," Aisha revealed.

    "A dark-type Pok¨¦mon, then?" Elduran ventured.

    "Exactly," Aisha confirmed.

    "But why haven''t we ever spotted this dark-type Pok¨¦mon on camera, or why hasn''t Mew detected it? I understand dark types are harder to sense, but Mew''s vision is still functional, isn''t it?" Elduran questioned.

    "Because it''s hiding," Aisha stated simply.

    "Hiding or not, it would have to eat eventually. They can''t be that meticulous," Elduran asserted.

    "This particular Pok¨¦mon doesn''t need to eat," Aisha clarified.

    "You already know which one it is?"

    "Yes, I do," Aisha affirmed.

    "Are you absolutely sure, or just speculating?" Elduran probed.

    "An hour ago, I was speculating. Now I''m certain. I pored over the footage Tia provided, and I actually saw it," Aisha declared.

    "You saw it? Then how have we missed it all along?"

    "The only way Mew or anyone else wouldn''t have detected it is if it were a ghost-type Pok¨¦mon, effectively hiding in the walls, sensing Mew while remaining unseen," Aisha elucidated.

    "That means a ghost-dark type Pok¨¦mon," Elduran pondered aloud. "Sableye fits that description, but it''s primarily dark type and wouldn''t phase through walls. Are there other dark types that are primarily ghost?" He trailed off, eyes widening as the realization struck him.

    Aisha fixed her gaze on him before handing over her laptop, the screen frozen on a video of Dan¡¯s cluttered room. The bed was prominently displayed, with Dan seated at a desk to its left, engrossed in a book. Above the bed hung a large portrait, an aerial view of Dirthrow that commanded attention. Flanking the bed were two nightstands, each topped with a lamp, casting light over the chaotic scene. The room was in disarray, filled with luggage, dishes, glasses, clothing, and books strewn across the floor and piled on the bed. The walls bore the marks of neglect, discolored in numerous areas. Elduran continued to scrutinize the space until his eyes finally caught it. There, beneath the right nightstand, lay a cylindrical stone, tapering at the top, positioned on its side with its smaller edge pressed against the wall. Concealed in plain sight, beneath that nightstand, was the mightiest non-legendary ghost Pok¨¦mon of all, a Spiritomb, its keystone unmistakably visible while its form melded seamlessly with the wall.

    "I hate to say it, but we were all deceived," Aisha lamented.

    "Blast it, and your strongest Pok¨¦mon, Candy, might stand a chance given that only fairy-type moves have an edge over it. Yet, she''s vulnerable to both its types¡ªghost and dark. It''s a definite no. Splash and Gale hold up better, not as fierce in offense but considerably more resilient defensively."

    "Elduran, I refuse to risk my Pok¨¦mon in this situation," she declared, as Hattrem let out a clear sound of discontent. Aisha noted her disapproval before turning back to Elduran. "You''re being reckless. He has no idea we¡¯ve caught on to him. We must approach this with caution and precision," she urged.

    "It''s fine. I don''t require your Pok¨¦mon. Mew will support me," Elduran replied with assurance.

    "I''m not convinced that Mew can overpower a Spiritomb; it''s a direct adversary to Mew''s entire nature," argued Aisha.

    "But legendary Pok¨¦mon are known for reviving after being defeated. They''ll return, eventually. No need to be disheartened," Elduran reassured.

    "Stop it, right now, you''re acting like me. You''re the reckless one," Aisha chided.

    Elduran reclined, closing his eyes as he took a deep breath. "You''re right, but I can''t help myself. I intend to confront him. In a few hours, one of us won''t be breathing."

    "Or possibly both," Aisha whispered, her eyes filled with sorrow. "And you''ll drag my boyfriend down with you."

    "He doesn''t have to know," Elduran insisted.

    "But he does. He''s already at the station, informed and ready. He wants to accompany you," Aisha pointed out, gesturing to the opposite window, where Togetic was joyfully playing with the children, "Dirthrow is already coming into view."

    "I''ll do my utmost to talk him out of it, but he¡¯s a grown man¡ª" Elduran started, only to be cut off by Aisha.

    "And he has every right to gamble with his own life, just as I did, doesn''t he? Is that what this comes down to? Rather than shouting at me and insisting it wasn''t my fault, your plan is to watch everyone I care about perish around me to settle the score? My boyfriend will surely be one of them, right? Candy, you think she''ll ever talk to me again if I don¡¯t let her come with you? Look at the way she¡¯s staring at me right now," she gestured toward Hattrem, who was alternating her gaze between her Pok¨¦ball and Aisha, "She thinks I''m going to recall her; she''s practically ready to psychically tear her own Pok¨¦ball from my grasp. And you, you absolute knucklehead," she choked out as tears streamed down her cheeks, "I see you as the older brother I never had. I care for you more than I¡¯m willing to admit," she sighed, resting her elbow on her thighs and burying her face in her palms.

    "I meant to say, he is a grown man and can choose his own path. However, with Faelan¡¯s assistance, I¡¯m not going to lie¡ªour odds of all making it out alive are significantly better," he replied, rising to retrieve his bag and draw out the case containing the essences. He returned with a single vial and his quiver. As he meticulously applied drops to each arrowhead, all sixteen arrows transformed into fairy arrows as well as his knife, he still needed to replace the two he lost yesterday, one he could not find, the other, was rotting inside Corviknight''s gut. Turning back to Aisha, he continued, "Listen, I know I told Jabari I would bring Anaya back in one piece, but bringing Faelan back safe is a far easier task. You have no idea just how skilled a fighter he truly is. I swear to you; I will bring him back."

    If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    Aisha seemed to finally admit defeat, then she stared at Hattrem, "Candy, I love you, and you''re not my possession. If you genuinely wish to accompany Elduran and Faelan, then you may. Pok¨¦balls are not tools of enslavement in our bond. They provide benefits¡ªfaster healing, traveling with us to places where you wouldn¡¯t typically go, better rest, and ensuring you have a perfect environment when needed. I would never dream of using it to keep you from where you want to be. I can hand you your Pok¨¦ball if you don¡¯t trust me, but ideally, I¡¯d prefer if Elduran could hold onto it for me. He excels at recalling and resummoning you to gain the upper hand. But please, also respect my desire to stay back and ensure Gale and Splash are safe. They share my belief that our next battle should not be rushed or driven by loss."

    Hattrem leapt onto Aisha''s lap, wrapping her in a joyful embrace. Aisha returned the embrace with warmth. Cyndaquil observed this exchange with a gaze that betrayed his longing, yet as Elduran turned his head to peer out the window, noting their imminent arrival, Cyndaquil¡¯s expression shifted to one of anger, his small voice addressing Elduran.

    "Cyyyyn," he uttered passionately.

    Elduran regarded him once more, "No, you cannot come. You¡¯ll only cause complications," he said firmly.

    Cyndaquil¡¯s frustration boiled over, the flames on his back flaring to four feet, until Aisha swiftly recalled him. "He can do as he pleases; he is my Pok¨¦mon, remember?"

    Elduran rose and began to gather his belongings. Turning to Aisha, he said, "Please, take my bag and Anaya''s painting with you." Aisha obliged, picking up his bag.

    Surprise painted her features, "It''s a lot lighter than I expected, not going to lie."

    As Elduran moved toward the exit, he felt renewed, nearly at his destination, the mental fog lifting. His clear objective shielded him from unwanted memories. He returned to himself, turning to Aisha with a genuine smile, "Most of the weight in that bag is the coffee I stow in there."

    Exiting the train, Elduran spotted Faelan, bristling with armaments. A shotgun slung across his back, a knife sheathed on his left arm, a handgun in the holster on his right. Elduran began to approach, but Aisha dashed past him with Togetic, Marill, and Hattrem in her wake, enveloping Faelan in a hug she was reluctant to end. Elduran joined them then.

    Faelan gazed at Elduran across the top of Aisha''s head. Their eyes locked, and Faelan offered a slight nod. That was all Elduran needed. As a soldier, Faelan understood the stakes as well as anyone. They could not afford to collapse and weep; someone had to carry on the battle.

    Aisha finally let go of him. Elduran approached the pair even closer. He put a hand in Faelan''s shoulder, "you should not come with me, I can manage on my own."

    Faelan did not even turn his head to look at him, "the hell I am not. Let''s go pay that asshole a reaper visit."

    Elduran was caught in a maelstrom of emotions, feeling both joy and sorrow simultaneously. He understood the crucial role Faelan would play in the approaching battle, yet his gaze was drawn to Aisha. The very thought of anything happening to Faelan was unbearable; it wasn''t out of concern for Faelan himself¡ªhe was fully aware of the risks he faced¡ªbut for Aisha. Their love was still in its tender infancy, and though Elduran would have never imagined these two together, given their starkly different natures, he had to concede they truly complemented each other.

    "Faelan, do you have the pink spray for your shotgun?" Elduran inquired.

    "I do, though I wasn''t entirely certain what to select," Faelan said, pulling his sleek black short-barreled shotgun from his back. From his pocket, he also produced a small case containing essences¡ªfar from ordinary. He chose one of the two pink vials and affixed it to the specialized slot at the base of the muzzle. As the bullets were fired, a delicate mist would simultaneously spray, enveloping them in the enchanting luminescence of fairy essence. He then picked up another pink vial, a small cylindrical tube, and inserted it into the designated slot beside the muzzle of his handgun. This would replicate the effect, allowing the fairy essence to coat the rounds as they were discharged.

    "You refer to fairy essence as pink spray? How utterly original. Are you not even curious about the enemy you face?" Aisha scoffed.

    "I reckon Elduran will fill me in on the details as we head over," Fealan remarked, securing the shotgun on his back and the handgun in its holster. The room was full of wary eyes trained on him.

    "Hypocrites," Elduran chimed in, "they think it''s strange for a man to arm himself with a shotgun, yet half of them own a Pok¨¦mon capable of demolishing a house."

    Aisha sighed, "That''s not it. Nobody batted an eye when you were carrying that assault rifle, or even three at once. It''s the essence coating that stirs concern. While legal, it makes bullets exceedingly lethal to Pok¨¦mon. Most people own Pok¨¦mon, not firearms, so it''s only natural for them to instinctively protect their Pok¨¦mon."

    "Sure, whatever," Elduran blurted out.

    "Alright, let''s leave the crowd behind," Aisha suggested as she led Elduran and Faelan away, tracing their steps eastwards until they were beyond the city''s reach. It was near the spot where Elduran had once confronted Zane in Cyndaquil''s first significant battle. He had performed admirably, truly holding his own. He needed to stop dwelling on those past events and focus on the task at hand, he reminded himself.

    "Aisha, what''s going on?" Elduran inquired.

    "You''ll be up against a Spiritomb. What do you plan to do if an all-out battle breaks out? I mean, the building will probably come crashing down. And after that? What about the police? How are you going to explain to them that you just killed someone? You¡¯re the one who said we can¡¯t risk revealing ourselves to the public, not knowing who might be a Watcher," Aisha replied.

    "Damn, he has a Spiritomb?" Faelan muttered, more to himself than to anyone else. He then turned his attention to the other two. "Aisha, based on what you told me last night, that they¡¯re not involved with the mayor; I think they were being truthful. I told him that I believe Dan is incredibly dangerous and that he was behind the assassination attempt on Jabari¡¯s life. I also mentioned my wish to investigate further. He officially named me a detective, though only when I choose to be. I will say that Dan attacked me, and I had to defend myself. For some reason, Steven just gives me everything I want. Tia is quite suspicious of him, but she advised me to stay away from the pen yesterday. I didn¡¯t disclose to her why I was there, only that he summoned me. She mentioned there¡¯s plenty of battery left, so she wanted to maximize the recording."

    Elduran, visibly flustered, began pacing in circles, anger simmering within him, his hands clenched into tight fists. Faelan and Aisha stood by, simply watching him.

    "What troubles you, Elduran?" Faelan inquired.

    Aisha offered a weary smile. "He clearly had the urge to mutilate the fellow, and that¡¯s rather difficult at present. Hard to justify why a detective would sever a couple of his target¡¯s fingers."

    Faelan massaged his temples. "Damn, that''s right. I can''t fathom how we''ll explain that to the cops when they arrive. Still, the fucker deserves it."

    Aisha started to protest, paused, and then, unable to restrain herself, burst out, "You two are utterly hopeless."

    Elduran settled down, "lucky bastard. The things I envisioned doing to him¡ªhow will you explain my presence there?" Elduran inquired.

    "Steven knows about all of us, well except Aisha. He knows you were in APSO with me. So, calling on my buddy soldier to help, that would be the easiest to explain," Faelan said.

    "Simple enough," Aisha began, "just claim you required backup for the interrogation, and then accuse him of assaulting you with a Spiritomb, a Pok¨¦mon banned in every region," she stated.

    "Yes, that should suffice," Faelan agreed.

    Elduran turned to Hattrem, "Candy, are you absolutely certain you want to accompany me?"

    Hattrem immediately nodded. Aisha sighed and moved towards her, kneeling and wrapping her arms around her. "Under no circumstances are you allowed not to return to me, Candy. Don¡¯t even consider it," she whispered, as Hattrem hugged her back, clearly delighted that Aisha trusted her to make her own decisions.

    Elduran began his return to the town, saying, "Alright, let¡¯s go."

    "I''ll accompany you, but I¡¯ll remain outside the building. I apologize; I¡¯m just not prepared to fight again this soon," Aisha said, seemingly addressing Faelan.

    "It¡¯s alright, sweetie, today it¡¯s my turn to fight," Faelan reassured her.

    Without glancing away, Elduran replied, "Faelan, you wish to take the lead? I daresay you¡¯ll be the most formidable among us in just a few moments."

    Faelan shifted uneasily, "Please, no. You handle that. Just let me be a weapon."

    "You¡¯ll need to lead a team soon enough; I thought it best to let you get a bit of practice," Elduran said.

    "Faelan, I believe that is a wise idea," Aisha began, "Elduran is not exactly in the best state of mind at present, objectively speaking."

    "She speaks the truth; I am not. Vengeance drives me fiercely. I''d be grateful if you assumed the lead," Elduran admitted, turning his head to meet Faelan''s gaze.

    "I... I''m uncertain...I feel that...oh, to hell with it. Very well, I''ll lead. Besides your bow and arrow, what else do you possess that could serve as a weapon? I need to know our arsenal," Faelan replied.

    Elduran smiled and redirected his gaze forward. "You''ll make a fine leader. I have a Furret that will attack anyone it sees, including us."

    Aisha interjected, "I doubt it will be much help. He asked for weapons he could actively use, like Candy, for instance."

    With a grave tone, Faelan countered, "I disagree. The Furret can prove useful, even if it lashes on anyone it sees. Although, it''s not much against a ghost type, it should still hold its attention for a few seconds. If we deploy it, we merely need to ensure it''s aimed at a target, not at us."

    "Like I said, you¡¯ll make a great leader," Elduran reiterated.

    "Keep that creature away from Candy," Aisha warned, as Hattrem silently tried to soothe her telepathically. Aisha snapped but quickly regained her composure, "I do trust you all, but...you''re right. I¡¯ll keep quiet," she murmured, then she softly whispered something to Faelan, words Elduran couldn''t discern.

    They quickly arrived at the hotel. Faelan embraced Aisha one final time, and without hesitation, he stepped inside, Hattrem close behind, with Elduran bringing up the rear. Audrey was seated behind the front desk, visibly startled and frightened as Faelan pointed the shotgun directly at her.

    Faelan took out a detective ID card with one hand and showed it to her. "Stay where you are, when we are done upstairs, we will be questioning you," he said as he made it up the stairs.

    "Alright, alright," she exclaimed, lifting her hands and ducking behind her desk, noting that Elduran continued to aim an arrow directly at her.

    Elduran glared at Audrey, fury simmering within him, indifferent to her age or the fear she clearly felt. She had disseminated the intelligence about the watchers'' base, the meeting involving them and the mayor. She had followed instructions to the letter in the event of being discovered, yet he found it impossible to forgive her. He retrieved his phone, sending a text message to Aisha, cautioning her to follow the old woman should Audrey attempt to leave the premises.

    They both knew which room belonged to Dan¡ªthe last door on the right, on the third floor. Faelan leaned against the wall beside the door, his head inching closer, straining to catch any sounds from within. He shot a glance at Hattrem, who first met his gaze. He nodded subtly, and then she turned her attention to Elduran, sensing the immense dark energy radiating from the wall. Dan was aware of their presence, yet through it all, she conveyed to Elduran that she could feel Mew''s essence. While they were taken aback by the sheer magnitude of the energy, Hattrem successfully forged a connection; the legendary Pok¨¦mon''s remarkable power was sufficient to resonate with at least another psychic.

    Elduran whispered softly to Hattrem, instructing her to gradually create a noise-cancelling bubble. She complied, and a faint, barely visible sphere began to expand within the confines of the room. With a nod from Elduran, Faelan kicked the door with force, leaving only the bottom hinge intact as it swung inward. He aimed carefully with his shotgun and, in an instant, rolled forward into the room, narrowly dodging a massive Shadow Ball that whizzed past him and exploded on the wall behind him. The sharp bark of two shotgun blasts followed. Elduran charged in next, finding Mew already engaged in combat, battling the Spiritomb. Meanwhile, Dan was stationed in the bathroom, taking shots at Faelan while skillfully shifting from cover to cover. His focus remained solely on Spiritomb, relentlessly weakening it with fairy-infused bullets, while Mew unleashed a barrage of Dazzling Gleams, deftly avoiding incoming Shadow Balls and Dark Pulses.

    Spiritomb was remarkably agile, retreating into his rocky keystone as he deftly dodged no fewer than three shots from Faelan. Elduran was acutely aware that Faelan had one shot left in his shotgun¡ªits capacity was 8 plus the extra one in the chamber for a total of 9, and Elduran had counted eight shots fired thus far. Dan had taken a shot from the bathroom, the bullet whizzing just past Elduran, who lay concealed behind a fallen desk. He needed to move. As Elduran shifted position, he loosed an arrow toward the bathroom, hoping Dan would step into view, but he stayed hidden. Regardless, that would certainly give Dan pause before peering around the bathroom wall to take aim at them. Elduran then nocked another arrow, releasing it toward Spiritomb, who once again evaded by retreating into his keystone. Damn, he hated ghosts.

    Hattrem hurled scattered debris towards the bathroom as Dan managed to hit her squarely in the chest. Elduran hurried back to assist Hattrem, leaving Spiritomb to Faelan and Mew. Being a Pok¨¦mon, a single bullet wasn''t enough to fell her, not by a long shot; but a hail of bullets was a different matter. She faced Dan alone. Despite the injury, she unleashed a Psybeam followed by a small Moonblast, nearly obliterating the bathroom floor. Yet that stubborn adversary still had ground beneath him. From around the corner, Dan fired again, striking Hattrem once more. Fueled by rage, and visibly weakened, she hoisted the entire bed and flung it against the stone wall, causing little damage. Just as Dan prepared for another shot, Elduran caught him off guard. This time, an arrow struck, piercing Dan¡¯s wrist and causing his gun to tumble down through the gaping hole in the floor.

    Elduran dashed toward the bathroom, flinging his bow to the floor and unsheathing his knife. As he entered and turned right to confront Dan, he saw a gun aimed directly at his chest, clutched in Dan''s left hand. Elduran jerked aside; the bullet struck his left shoulder instead, and he rolled to the ground. He seized Furret''s Pok¨¦ball, knowing that all he needed to do was unleash it in that bathroom, and Dan would cease to exist. But then, they would be left with no answers; the dead had no voice. Suddenly, Cyndaquil appeared¡ªfrom where, Elduran couldn¡¯t fathom¡ªcommencing a Flame Charge that burst through the bathroom, ricocheting off the wall opposite the door. With a burst of energy, Cyndaquil propelled himself with another Flame Charge, colliding with Dan. Elduran assumed as much, for he couldn¡¯t witness the impact firsthand, but he heard a groan and saw a gun skittering across the bathroom entrance. Then came a heavy thud. Despite the searing pain, Elduran rose putting away Furret''s Pok¨¦ball and retrieved the knife from the floor. Stepping inside, he saw Dan and Cyndaquil on the floor below. Dan was stretching for the first firearm that had fallen on the lower level from before; it was almost within his grasp. A fierce determination was etched on Cyndaquil¡¯s face as he got up, ready to incinerate Dan, flame already gathering on his mouth. Yet, Dan had already seized the gun, his hand swinging toward Cyndaquil, his aim intent on firing a shot.

    Elduran instinctively hurled the knife just as a bullet was fired. The blade sailed, embedding itself in Dan''s abdomen, while Dan''s shot went wide, missing Cyndaquil completely. Quick as lightning, Cyndaquil feigned using Ember as he switched to using Quick Attack, dodging skillfully and striking Dan on his left flank. Elduran marveled that the man remained conscious.

    "Forge, if he makes a move, scorch him bit by bit," Elduran commanded.

    "Cyyyn," Cyndaquil replied, eager to incinerate all of Dan, yet he relented to start with Ember on Dan''s right foot. Dan groaned in agony, writhing to free himself from the flames as Elduran indulged Cyndaquil''s mischief.

    As Elduran surveyed his surroundings, he noticed Hattrem was in poor shape. Overcome with rage, he forgot to ask Aisha for the Pok¨¦ball¡ªa careless mistake. How had she forgotten too? They both were still not at their best after yesterday''s ordeal. Turning swiftly, he saw that Cyndaquil had already singed both of Dan''s feet.

    "Forge, find Aisha. And push that handgun away from him," Elduran ordered from his vantage point.

    With a quick burst of speed, Cyndaquil sent the gun skidding across the room. A loud crash signaled the door now had a gaping hole. "Good boy," thought Elduran. He turned his attention again. No knife, and his left shoulder too weak to draw a bow. He pulled an arrow from his quiver with his right hand, approaching Spiritomb. The fact that it was holding its own against Mew was frustrating. Each time it slipped into its keystone, it shrugged off damage¡ªwhat a load of Tauros shit. Mew teetered on exhaustion, another Dark Pulse grazing both Elduran and Faelan, who had to roll backwards to safety. Faelan started to reload his shotgun with icy calm, wearing no expression. He advanced toward Spiritomb, pulling Elduran to a wary halt. Something about Faelan at that moment exuded confidence.

    As Faelan advanced, Spiritomb, fresh from another hit on Mew, turned its attention to Faelan, launching a Shadow Ball. Remarkably, Faelan evaded, firing back at Spiritomb mid-roll. The creature shrieked. It readied another Shadow Ball, but Faelan''s shot forced it back into its keystone. Emerging, Spiritomb charged another attack only to have Faelan fire again, driving it back. As it reappeared, a dual-wielding Faelan hit it with his handgun, following up with the shotgun at point-blank range as it reeled. Mew, rejuvenated, was upon Spiritomb, dazzling it with gleaming light. A formidable Dark Pulse loomed, but Mew shielded Faelan with Protect, allowing Faelan to swing around and deliver another shotgun blast.

    With a quick flick, Elduran tossed an arrow to Faelan. "Faelan, catch!"

    Catching it deftly with his right hand, Faelan let his shotgun fall, took aim with his handgun, and as Spiritomb retreated into the keystone, drove the enchanted arrow''s tip into the rock. "Let''s see you crawl out of that rock now, filth," he taunted.

    Spiritomb struggled to escape but could not. Cyndaquil returned, without a Pok¨¦ball or Aisha.

    "Cyyyyn," he murmured.

    "She isn''t outside?" Elduran asked, dialing Aisha on his phone.

    "Yes?" she whispered.

    "Come quick, I need Candy''s Pok¨¦ball. She''s hurt," Elduran said urgently.

    Aisha hung up, wasting no time, already on her way.

    "That keystone needs demolishing. The arrow''s enchantment won''t last forever," Elduran noted.

    "We''ve got time," Faelan assured him.

    Elduran knelt beside Hattrem. Though breathing was labored, she had just psychically extracted both bullets. A formidable Pok¨¦mon indeed. She would recover. Elduran wrapped a pillowcase around her to staunch the bleeding.

    "Candy, you''ve fought bravely. Keep this bubble a bit longer," Elduran coaxed softly. "Aisha''s coming for you."

    He rose to his feet, stepped outside the room, and descended the stairs. At the end of the hallway, he reached the last door on the right on the second floor, its lower side marred by a gaping hole. With a swift kick, he forced it open. Inside, he found the bathroom, and there lay Dan, surrounded by a pool of blood, his feet¡ªtwo charred remnants¡ªbarely resembling anything human. The shoes were reduced to ashes, and his feet were stripped of skin, rendered unrecognizable. All Elduran could see was the fury etched across Dan''s face. Their eyes locked, and Elduran chose to play along, matching his gaze with a smile. Detective work or not, he was determined to enjoy this encounter.

 Chapter 22 - Painting

    Chapter 22 - Painting

    Elduran heard footsteps overhead. From the floor above, Faelan and Cyndaquil peered down at him and Dan through the gap in the ceiling¡ªtheir floor, his ceiling¡ªdepending on how one saw it. Without delay, Cyndaquil leaped down, circling Dan with a slow, menacing growl. Mew appeared out of nowhere.

    "Elduran, you might want to address that bullet wound," Faelan remarked from above.

    "It can wait; I have a score to settle first," Elduran declared, his eyes locked on Dan sprawled on the floor. Blood pooled around the knife embedded in Dan''s abdomen, and his feet were scarcely recognizable, thanks to Cyndaquil''s thorough work searing them to a crisp. A sudden pain surged through Elduran as a bullet exited his shoulder wound. He glanced at Mew, who was intently observing the bullet suspended in the air. Elduran nodded to Mew, though he now needed to staunch the bleeding. He tore the bottom of his shirt and, using his teeth and right hand, swiftly secured it around his shoulder and armpit. "Mew, let Forge and me handle this; he killed Anaya, Luna, Blue, and Viv," Elduran said as Mew connected with him telepathically, offering apologies for not being there and transmitting immense support that bolstered Elduran''s resolve. Mew also made it clear that Dan was reserved for him and Cyndaquil.

    Dan displayed no trace of fear. Even if Elduran chose to spare him, walking again was a distant dream. Yet convincing himself he might survive, might glean some answers, seemed a better course. His gaze brimmed with malice as he fixed his eyes on Elduran. "How did you survive? Who the hell are you? How the fuck do you have Mew working for you" he demanded.

    Above, Faelan settled on the floor, legs dangling into the void below. "A Watcher unfamiliar with you, thankfully. Not as clued in as we assumed. Remember the Ho-oh you unleashed in Saffron a while back? This is the man who brought it down. As for Mew, I think you have it backwards, we work for them I think" he remarked.

    Elduran caught what seemed like a flicker of fear in Dan''s glare, but it vanished as swiftly as it emerged. He opened his mouth to speak, only to be wracked with a bout of blood-spattered coughing. Gritting his teeth, he pressed on, "You think we''re with the Watchers? How pitiful."

    Elduran merely grinned, "So you''re not aligned with the Watchers. Why, then, were you doing their dirty work?"

    Dan returned the grin with his own. "We were hired for research, you buffoon. But you had to ruin everything for us. Especially that security guard," he said, narrowing his eyes at Faelan, "and that wretchedly insignificant professor." His expression hardened. "How? How did you survive the ambush? Did you flee? Did you ever go there?"

    Elduran drove his boot into the man''s ribs. As the wretch ceased his moaning from the agony, Elduran stooped closer, murmuring, "They all lie dead¡ªyour three fucker comrades and that worthless excuse for a trainer you brought in."

    "Worthless excuse? Do you even know who you killed?" Dan questioned, struggling to suppress the laughter that slipped from his lips, each chuckle punctuated by a pained grunt. "Killing him...oh how much you will regret doing that," he murmured, teetering on the brink of unconsciousness.

    Kneeling beside his head, Elduran delivered a sharp slap to keep him alert. "Forget the trainer. If you want to survive, you better start spilling the locations and how your organization operates."

    The man¡¯s hand instinctively went to his cheek, as if to shield it from another impending strike. "I told you, you mindless fool, I''m not with the Watchers, although I do suspect I¡¯ve been unwittingly working for them. You see, I was hired to research the behavior of legendary Pok¨¦mon, both in harmony and in isolation, all to amplify the devastation of a Yveltal attack. I¡¯m... an information broker with a penchant for research. I also served in the army, special ops¡ªthough anti-personnel, not dealing with Pok¨¦mon, in the Kanto-Johto region. Every penny I earned went into crafting that jewel of mine, the train that links Pewter City''s forsaken mines to the bustling ones in Blackthorn City. I established that quaint little town underground, positioned perfectly, all centered around the resort I built¡ªone of the most breathtaking locales on the continent. I possess significant wealth; let me live, and I will repay you richly," Dan insisted.

    "You own the Railroad Cave Resort? Any glance at the news would imply your enterprise skirts perilously close to legality. By preemptively disrupting the proposed train line between Viridian and Cherrygrove, you¡¯ve effectively isolated New Bark Town and Pallet Town, leaving their future prospects in ruins. Resources now hesitate to invest there, as you''ve shifted the focus to more affluent towns, favoring centrality to the irritation of both governments. Curiously, reports never revealed the owner¡¯s identity. Who''d have thought I¡¯d be assisting both Johto and Kanto from such a distance? However, given your failure to meet my conditions, I suppose it¡¯s high time I undertake some serious cleaning today," declared Elduran.

    "Curse you. Individuals like you, soldier boy, will forever remain destitute. Savor your wretched existence, though I have a feeling it won''t endure much longer," Dan sneered.

    "Confide in me the manner in which they approached you, and I might have Forge tend your wound to stem the bleeding until the medics arrive," Elduran proposed, while Cyndaquil, with an unwavering gaze, continued its deliberate circling of Dan. Concurrently, Mew reconnected with Elduran, confirming that Dan''s rescue was out of the question. Elduran reassured Mew that Dan was already dead.

    "I can offer you a fortune, yet you refuse it; speaking to you won''t save me. Besides, there''s little left to discuss," Dan remarked, blood staining his lips with each cough. As Faelan shifted his position on the ledge above, a few stones tumbled down. "Oh, pardon me," he said, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Please, go on. This is quite entertaining. I can''t say whether Elduran will spare your life if you talk, but you probably should try. His torture techniques are rather revolting."

    Terror etched across Dan''s features; he was not a man ready to face his end. Yet, the dread of torment and imminent death likely propelled him beyond his limits. "You two were leagues beyond me. Even with Spiritomb, it''s hard to fathom my defeat. It all makes sense now why Spiritomb was unable to locate Mew despite its relentless efforts. It sensed their presence, yet the realization that the intruder was a legendary Pok¨¦mon never occurred."

    Elduran recognized that he had been intentionally delaying, looking as though he might faint at any moment. He needed to push the man further, though additional pain might just cause him to collapse entirely. "I must admit, having a Spiritomb outside its Pok¨¦ball so you can still wield firearms was truly ingenious. It¡¯s a tactic I can see working with many Pok¨¦mon, aside from the risk of them being stolen. It''s a legitimate strategy. While you lose the advantage of recalling your Pok¨¦mon¡ªa significant drawback¡ªyou do have my respect for taking that approach." Elduran hoped for reciprocation, aiming to outwit him in this cat-and-mouse game. He continued, "But it''s evident you choose death, so just lie there and meet your end," Elduran concluded, rising to his feet and turning to depart.

    "Wait! Alright, I''m not entirely sure how this whole Watchers contact business goes. But if the one who hired me turns out to be a Watcher, then, well, I was simply summoned to my resort after receiving a letter threatening that, should I refuse to cooperate, a legendary Pok¨¦mon would lay waste to my establishment. So, naturally, I suspected I was dealing with a member of the Watchers, though the term ''Watcher'' was never explicitly mentioned in any of our discussions," Dan declared.

    "Did you meet with this person more than once? How many times exactly? How did you arrange these meetings?" Elduran inquired.

    "You guys are incredibly dense. That person is none other than the old lady downstairs," Dan replied with a smile, blood trickling from his mouth.

    Elduran came to a startling realization; the grand house was not hers by virtue of their payments, but because she was the boss. She hadn''t merely ensnared them by uttering prescribed words¡ªit was her own scheme all along. She orchestrated their actions like a maestro with a fiddle.

    "You''re kidding me, right? Audrey''s actually your boss?" Elduran demanded incredulously.

    "None other, you fool," Dan replied with a smirk.

    Elduran''s expression grew solemn as he bent down to withdraw the knife from Dan''s abdomen, eliciting a howl of pain. With a wink at Cyndaquil and a lingering glance at Mew, he dashed out of the room.

    "What are you doing? You promised to set me free," Dan exclaimed as Cyndaquil began to engulf him in flames, and soon, all that reached Elduran''s ears were his screams.

    Elduran paused briefly, turning towards the scene, "That''s for Anaya, Luna, Blue, and...and Viv, you wretched bastard."

    Elduran observed Faelan already stationed on the stairs, a shotgun in one hand and a handgun in the other. After exchanging a glance with Elduran, Faelan simply proceeded down the steps. Reluctantly, Elduran acknowledged his incapacity for battle; wielding the bow would remain impossible for days to come. As they descended, Audrey had vanished, and Aisha burst in, sprinting with all her might.

    "Damn, she''s gone," Elduran exclaimed.

    "Faelan, Elduran, you''re okay," Aisha gasped, breathless.

    "Aisha, it turns out Audrey is in charge, we were fooled. Head upstairs and employ Splash to quell the flames; Dan must be feeling like a barbecue by now. He''s on the second floor, with Candy directly above him on the floor above. Proceed to that familiar room on the right on the third floor, secure her in her Pok¨¦ball. There¡¯s a hole in the bathroom¡ªa perfect spot for Splash to fight the blaze if Forge hasn¡¯t managed to douse it. I suspect he used Quick Attack to handle it, but just to be safe, take action," Elduran said.

    Aisha seemed less surprised than Elduran had anticipated. She embraced Faelan, her eyes meeting Elduran''s as she explained, "I watched her leave the hotel just moments after you entered. Instead of heading home, she turned north, so I decided to follow. As she made her way decidedly toward the train station, I revealed myself and startled her. Out of nowhere, she released a Muk¡ªI hadn''t expected her to have any Pok¨¦mon, which caught me off guard. Thankfully, Splash managed to delay her just long enough as the train departed. The next one wasn''t due for another five hours. That''s when you called. Despite that, I noticed her continuing north. I sent Gale to follow her from above, trusting that Mew would easily track him with some guidance."

    Elduran found himself gazing at her, unblinking. Today, Faelan and Aisha bore the brunt of the work. "Aisha... you did really well."

    Aisha released Faelan and tossed Cyndaquil''s Pok¨¦ball to Elduran, who caught it as she dashed upstairs just as Mew descended. Faelan approached Elduran, carrying a first aid kit.

    "We don''t have time for this," Elduran protested.

    "It seems we do," Faelan countered. "Aisha has Audrey tailed, and unless she''s planning on hiking to another town, she''s stuck here. We just need someone to keep an eye on the train station while the rest of us scour the area to take care of her. We''ve got about four hours, maybe a bit more, and I only need five minutes to patch that wound. You also appointed me team leader, so zip it."

    Elduran realized he was defeated; his usual cold efficiency in the face of danger, for the first time since leading his second unit all those years ago, had truly deserted him today. Faelan was right¡ªthis wound demanded attention. He first removed his quiver, then his shirt, and settled into one of the chairs encircling the room. "Faelan... thank you for today. You are indeed destined to become a great leader."

    Faelan began tending to him, "you know, I prefer you when you''re not quite so...polite. It feels strange."

    "Understood," replied Elduran, waiting patiently for Faelan to finish just as Aisha and Cyndaquil descended the stairs.

    "I''m taking Candy to the Pok¨¦mon Center, I''ll be right back," she announced.

    Having completed his task, Faelan approached Aisha and gently rested his hands on her shoulder. "Don''t return here. Wait for me at the house. I''ll remain to explain the events to the police. A burned corpse could easily be explained with Elduran having a fire Pok¨¦mon. Elduran, since they haven''t arrived yet, you should leave and take Forge with you; otherwise, we''ll both have to give statements, and Audrey might slip away. I hate to ask, but you need to endure just a bit longer," he instructed, releasing Aisha and shifting his focus to Mew. "Mew, I''m quite sure you''d like to accompany Elduran. By the way, thank you for your help with that Spiritomb."

    Mew and Faelan shared a telepathic connection, their smiles confirming their bond. Together, they had bravely taken on that monstrous creature¡ªperhaps the most formidable non-legendary Pok¨¦mon in the world, at least in Elduran''s eyes.

    Aisha turned her gaze to Mew. "Mew, please keep Elduran safe," she implored, receiving a nod in return before she departed the hotel.

    "I shall fetch your bow from upstairs and return it to the house," Faelan offered, retrieving Elduran''s quiver in the meantime.

    "Alright. Forge, Mew, we have one more hunt for the day. Forge, catch her scent," Elduran instructed. Cyndaquil dutifully approached her desk, sniffing keenly. Moments later, Elduran was exiting the hotel, following Forge. Mew kept pace nearby, completely invisible.

    <hr>

    Jabari immersed himself in his daily studies at the library. Seven books sprawled open before him, almost mirroring the chaos of those thugs, albeit with a crucial distinction¡ªif anyone approached, he''d willingly share any book they desired. All except the one marked ''travel through time''; that tome was of paramount importance. Somehow, Jabari speculated, their aim was to have Dialga relocate Xerneas and Zygarde out of the current timeline. The theory was plausible, for without those two, Yveltal would be an uncontrollable force. Yet, something eluded him. Class level 9 threats like Kyogre, Groudon, and Rayquaza had been dealt with in the past; indeed, they each razed a city, but eventually Pok¨¦mon trainers or the military subdued them. If Yveltal were to attack, surely trainers or the army would neutralize the threat more swiftly than Xerneas or Zygarde could make their way to restore balance to Yveltal. Why, then, would the Watchers go to such lengths to remove Xerneas and Zygarde from the equation? Why not study Palkia as well; couldn''t they use them to banish Xerneas and Zygarde to another world, with Palkia as master of space? Perhaps distance allowed Zygarde to transfer life force to any Zygarde core left here. Yet, being marooned in the past might thwart such efforts. Endless questions abounded. Jabari doubted Dialga''s ability to propel a Complete Forme Zygarde through time¡ªa class level 10 threat? It amazed him still that Mew ranked only level 6 on the threat scale, considering its power. And the thought of Elduran surviving a Kyogre attack seemed beyond belief.

    Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

    He was struggling mightily to concentrate on his research today, but his mind wouldn''t cooperate. The lack of contact with Anaya since yesterday gnawed at his sanity. Something was amiss; apparently, her phone had been broken during an encounter with a Drapion, and after yesterday''s arduous trek, they were too exhausted to reach out to anyone. They had arrived very late at Dasos. Faelan did have a word with Aisha, who mentioned that nothing was found at the coordinates they had visited. Relief should have been his companion, were it not for the fact that Faelan was clearly a poor liar, his expression betrayed everything. He felt certain they had been ambushed¡ªa brutal battle perhaps¡ªwhere Elduran and Aisha might have lost a Pok¨¦mon, casting a shadow over the group''s spirits. He understood the need for time in such circumstances, but nagging doubts persisted that Anaya had lost either Ink or Brush. It would be just like her to have them join the fray despite their lack of battle readiness. He felt almost certain this was the reason she was avoiding a conversation with him¡ªthe discussion that would make her feel vulnerable. His fianc¨¦e could be foolishly stubborn at times.

    His phone buzzed on the table, and he snatched it up eagerly, hoping it was a message from Anaya. Disappointment washed over him when he saw it was from Tia. He nearly set the phone back down, assuming it would be another list, more items to grab from the supermarket on his way back from the library, even though her house was just across the plaza. Ironically, the supermarket was nearer to her than to him. That detail seemed irrelevant to her. She refused to leave her computer. Whether she was attempting to hack into systems, constantly monitoring Dan¡¯s activities, or immersed in video games, she never spared a moment to cook, despite being quite the chef compared to him. Still, there was something that pushed him to read the text.

    It was an urgent SOS message, imploring him to return to the house at once. He didn¡¯t quite know how to interpret it. If it were truly critical, she would have called first; yet, he acknowledged that for Tia, text messages held more weight than even phone calls. Deciding to go with the flow, he neatly closed and stacked the books on one of the small, dark green tables scattered throughout the library. He wasn''t permitted to return them to their rightful places on the shelves; the staff would collect them and do so. Just as he gathered his notebook and pen, Meltan, nestled in the large pocket of his chest, tugged insistently for his attention. Jabari leaned against the wall, unzipping his jacket to let Meltan peek out.

    "Meeel," it murmured softly.

    Jabari had an inherent knack for comprehending Pok¨¦mon. It often took him only a few weeks to bond with those he considered his own¡ªeven though they weren''t technically confined to Pok¨¦balls, they felt like family. With Meltan, the connection formed in just days. Perhaps its mythical essence had something to do with it; he couldn''t be sure, but it was the only reasoning he could deduce. Looking down at the creature, its metallic nut and solitary black eye, resembling a black pearl, gazed back at him through the slightly open zipper. "I know it¡¯s early, but Tia sent a message asking me to return. She says it¡¯s important," he said.

    Meltan''s eye did a slow rotation around the interior of its nut, "Mel."

    Jabari chuckled, "Yes, I know she''s careless sometimes. Still, there might come a day when she genuinely needs us, and I''d regret ignoring a call on such a day."

    Meltan''s eye appeared to float at the center of its nut, seemingly gliding through the air. It was likely utilizing some form of electromagnetism to maneuver its eye. "Meel."

    "I agree. Let''s go check on her," Jabari resolved. Meltan retreated into the pocket, its liquid form adeptly molding to the space like it always did, giving the illusion only the nut was there. Jabari appreciated the mythical Pok¨¦mon''s companionship, content to spend six hours each day within his jacket''s confines while he delved into research, prepared to defend him should anyone dare threaten him in the library.

    It took him just five minutes to traverse from the library desk to the front of the house. Renovation was nearly finished, with only the upstairs flooring left to complete. The construction crew generously assisted Tia, Faelan, and him in moving all their belongings and furniture from the second floor to the first as they worked on the upper levels. Presently, everyone slept together on the first floor, a vast shared space. Jabari cherished this arrangement; it allowed him more time to engage with the three children and the Cubone. Taylor was blossoming into a remarkable cook. Tia had provided him with some cooking videos that seemed a bit advanced for Jabari, yet he was astounded by the fifteen-year-old''s progress in merely four days. Taylor was a natural talent. With the kitchen installed yesterday, he could fully develop his culinary skills, now having ample space to work, unlike the folding tables around the cramped range he was previously using.

    Tia was unsettled by this arrangement since it required her to constantly lock her laptop whenever she left her desk, whether to visit the bathroom or get something to eat, which were the only times she typically got up. The three kids were aware that the group harbored a grudge against Dan and his companions, but they didn¡¯t fully grasp the magnitude of what they were up against. Eventually, they would find out, and Jabari was adamant that they should be informed. Aisha disagreed; she believed it was better for them to first begin working there, strengthen their bonds, and realize that they truly had a future¡ªnot just a place to sleep thanks to her kindness, but a meaningful role they could fulfill. She might have a valid point; Jabari was too tender-hearted for this, and despite his gentle nature, the three kids definitely admired Aisha more, even though she was the one who insisted they contribute. In this matter, he decided to let her take the lead on how to manage them.

    Jabari stepped inside. In the far right corner, Tia sat engrossed in her laptop, headphones on, oblivious to his entrance. An enticing aroma filled the air. He glanced to his left and smiled¡ªdefinitely Taylor cooking again, accompanied by the sound of a cooking video. Though Taylor remained out of sight¡ªhidden within the confines of the kitchen¡ªJabari decided to greet him before approaching Tia. He swung open the double self-pivoting doors and entered. There was Taylor, precisely as expected, with young Tress lending a hand. She stirred a pot atop the stove, balancing on a small stepping stool to better reach. From the video playing, Jabari deduced that Taylor was attempting lasagna¡ªa commendable choice, he mused.

    "Hello, Chef," Jabari greeted.

    Taylor glanced up, surprised; he hadn''t even noticed Jabari''s entrance. "Ah, you came early today. I wanted this to be a surprise. I''m making lasagna."

    Jabari smiled warmly. "I''m sure it will taste amazing. Tress, those stirring skills are impressive."

    Tress chuckled, "I''m training to become a sous chef," she declared, casting a playful look at Taylor. "Did I say it right this time? I think I got it right!"

    With a serious expression, Taylor replied, "Yes, you finally got it right. Now keep stirring."

    "Where''s Jake?" Jabari inquired.

    "Upstairs helping the workers," Taylor answered.

    "He really enjoys the labor, huh? Well, good for him. We¡¯ll need someone handy around here," Jabari said as he stepped out of the kitchen and back into the main room. "Keep it up, chefs," he called, but they were too engrossed in their culinary efforts to acknowledge him.

    As the doors swung closed behind him, Meltan slipped from beneath Jabari''s jacket.

    "I didn''t notice you come out as we entered, so I figured you must have fallen asleep," Jabari remarked, glancing down at him.

    "Meeeel," Meltan replied, his tone mild.

    "Oh, I understand¡ªfive minutes can be more than enough time to doze off," Jabari grinned, continuing toward Tia.

    When Tia caught sight of Jabari¡¯s arrival, a look of urgency crossed her face; she stood and gestured for them to approach.

    "Come, you need to see this right now," Tia urged, settling back into her desk chair.

    Jabari moved around the desk, positioning himself directly behind her as Meltan leapt up onto the desk to get a better view. She clicked a button, and the screen flickered to life. Dan appeared; a handgun gripped tightly in his hand as he advanced toward the bathroom. But it was what lurked in the scene that sent chills down their spines. Meltan too seemed visibly unsettled. Their playful demeanor faded, and they stood transfixed. There, looming in the shadows beside the bed, was a Spiritomb. For all their efforts, they had gleaned nothing of Dan until now. With a handgun and an illegal Pok¨¦mon present, his possession of both implied that he wasn¡¯t even using a Pok¨¦ball on one of the most perilous Pok¨¦mon in existence. Just who was this Dan, anyway? Jabari couldn''t shake the thought from his mind.

    "He has a Spiritomb?" Jabari said.

    "I wish this was the most shocking aspect of what I am going to show you," Tia said as she started the video.

    A door swung open before the camera, toppling onto the floor right in front of the laptop positioned nearby, as Spiritomb unleashed a shadow ball towards it. Moments later, they watched Faelan rise from the ground and roll aside once more, narrowly dodging another shadow ball, while continuing to fire his shotgun at Spiritomb. As Mew joined the fray to aid Faelan in his battle against Spiritomb. It was Elduran to appear right in front of them, accompanied by Hattrem. Could it be that Candy had evolved? Elduran evaded a bullet, but it seemed that it struck the laptop instead, as the video abruptly ended.

    "How long ago did this happen?" Jabari inquired; his brow furrowed with concern.

    "About an hour back," Tia replied, her voice trembling slightly.

    Jabari glanced at his phone, frustration mounting as he noted the absence of any messages indicating their arrival. "Have you heard anything from them?"

    Tia met his gaze, anxiety evident in her eyes. "Nothing. What unsettles me is that Anaya and Aisha were missing from that video. I can¡¯t help but wonder, what could possibly lead them to attack Dan without coming to us first?" she murmured.

    A chill of dread coiled in Jabari''s stomach; Tia had a valid point. "You think¡­ Aisha and Anaya¡­ No, it can''t be. Please, don¡¯t even entertain that thought."

    He turned and quickened his pace toward the door, prompting Tia to rise and follow, Meltan did the same. Just as he swung the door open, Aisha stood there, clutching clearly Elduran''s backpack with both hands. She shifted her gaze from him to Tia, uncertainty etched on her face.

    Jabari stepped aside, motioning for Aisha to enter. As she did, he gently closed the door behind her. Aisha set Elduran''s backpack on the floor, and then removed her own, letting it fall beside the first. Silence filled the room. Jabari felt an itch in his mind, a question he was too frightened to voice. Tia, unusually quiet, wasn''t her usual self either. Typically, quick to pose questions without hesitation, she was likely grappling with the same concern, dreading what the answer might be.

    When Aisha turned to face them, tears were already streaming down her cheeks. "I am sorry," she managed to murmur, clearly struggling to say more, but found herself utterly unable. There was no need for further words. Both Tia and Jabari understood precisely what she meant. Anaya was no longer among the living. Even Meltan grasped the reality of the situation. They all cherished Anaya''s presence, unlike Mew, who had only recently begun to warm up to her. His fianc¨¦e was gone. Tia''s knees buckled, and she collapsed to the floor, sobbing uncontrollably. Jabari''s beard was soaked with tears, though he couldn''t pinpoint when they first began to fall.

    "It''s all my fault," Aisha lamented, "Had I not agreed with Anaya to pursue this lead, she would still be..." Her voice trailed off, unable to finish the thought.

    Tia rose, her gaze burning into Aisha. "Don''t you dare even suggest it was your fault. At least you and she believed you were following a clue. Me... I''m the worst of all. I supported her choice, even though deep down, I knew it was a trap. I just hoped Elduran would manage to dissuade you two before you got there. I was only trying to show her how to treat a sister right. Even in her death, she has shown me once again how wrong I was, how much of a failure I truly am," she screamed. It wasn''t long before Jake, Taylor, and Tress arrived in the main room, all of them silent, their eyes fixed on the three of them.

    "Aisha, you''re back," Taylor remarked. "What happened?"

    Aisha looked at him and even managed a small smile. "We lost Anaya... Can I have some water, Taylor?"

    "Oh... of course. I''ll be right back," Taylor replied, hurrying into the kitchen.

    "What does it mean that you lost Anaya?" Tress asked, her curiosity piqued.

    "It means she''s dead, you fool," Jake responded harshly.

    "Jake, please go back upstairs. You''re not helping," Tia said with more politeness than Jabari thought possible.

    Jake complied, nudging Tress into the kitchen just as Taylor emerged with a glass of water, rushing it over to Aisha. Aisha took the glass and drank it all in one gulp.

    Tia started to approach Jabari, who remained silent throughout. Not a single word escaped his lips. While others were busy arguing over blame, his mind was fixated only on what truly mattered: he would never see his beloved again. The rest was insignificant. No one was at fault, not even Anaya. He knew that in his heart. Anaya was not one to relent¡ªsuch was her nature. That was the woman he had fallen in love with. Once she made up her mind, no one could sway her. The thought brought a fleeting smile to his face. But it was quickly overshadowed by a grief beyond measure. Tia halted in front of him. Their eyes met, wordless, both awash with tears. She embraced him, resting her head on his chest, her sobs finally unrestrained. Jabari embraced her in return, and Meltan hopped onto his shoulder, receiving a gentle hug around his neck.

    His sorrow was gradually giving way to anger. He fixed his gaze on Aisha. She noticed and expressed gratitude to Taylor for the water before politely requesting him to leave them to their privacy. With some reluctance, he complied, retreating into the kitchen. Aisha then approached and settled into a seat on the couch by the front door.

    Jabari tightened his grip on Tia. "We''ve seen the footage of the fight with Faelan, Elduran, and Dan. Please, don''t tell me there''s more bad news."

    "They''re alright, both of them. Candy took several bullets, and I had to rush her to the Pok¨¦mon center. But really¡ªdon''t worry about that. Take your time to mourn. Elduran and Faelan are managing on that front," Aisha replied with a weary voice.

    Tia abruptly pulled away from Jabari and fixed her gaze on Aisha. "Like hell I am."

    Aisha remained unperturbed, "Even I abstained from the battle, Tia. I just¡­I couldn''t find the fight within me today."

    "You, the strongest trainer among us, refrained from seeking vengeance against Dan? How pathetic," Tia scorned.

    Jabari glanced at Aisha, finding himself also too drained to reprimand Tia for her childish behavior. Unlike Tia, he completely empathized with Aisha, recognizing his own need for solace in mourning his beloved. Yet, Aisha seemed entirely unaffected by Tia''s biting remarks.

    "Dan is dead, the deed is done¡ªall four of them are gone," Aisha said, her eyes fixed on the ground.

    "He is?" Tia asked.

    "Burned alive by Forge," Aisha replied.

    "Good," Tia remarked.

    Aisha looked up at her, "Does it make you feel better?" she inquired, her eyes locking with Tia''s hesitant gaze. Tia remained speechless. "No¡ªit doesn¡¯t make me feel better either," Aisha finished.

    Jabari pieced it all together, realizing that his own grief had blinded him for too long. "Who else did we lose, Aisha? Who else did they take from us? Did Brush or Ink survive?"

    Aisha stood up, walked to her bag, retrieved a Pok¨¦ball, and unstrapped the tube from Elduran''s pack. Approaching him, she spoke softly, "Brush...did not make it. Ink is in need of support, but he''s improving," she said, handing him Grafaiai''s Pok¨¦ball. She then extended the tube to him, "This is a painting she created two days ago," Aisha murmured as fresh tears escaped her eyes, "It''s flawless, even though she said it was like a captured memory painting, she had a name for it..."

    Jabari allowed a brief smile, "blitz painting."

    "Yes, a blitz painting," Aisha repeated, her gaze lowered, trying to conceal the fresh wave of tears.

    Jabari embraced her tightly, her hands clenched in fists. "Now, tell me who else we lost, not just those linked to Anaya."

    Aisha remained silent in the embrace, as if frozen in place. "I lost...Luna," she admitted, the words almost strangled from her throat. Jabari hugged her a little tighter, a gesture of unspoken support, allowing her to continue, "But Elduran...he suffered the most. Blue...and Viv...are both gone. He''s not coping well. He...hasn''t shed a single tear."

    "It''s okay, Aisha. This burden isn''t yours alone to carry. We''re all here for you," Jabari reassured her.

    Finally, he felt her arms wrap around him in return as she embraced him back. Her words about Elduran, the seriousness in her tone, left no doubt¡ªElduran was in a dire state.

    "He released Cyndaquil. I''ve caught him for now. At least...I hope it''s only temporary," Aisha said.

    That confirmed it. Elduran was in desperate need of emotional care, or perhaps someone to punch some sense into him.

    As Tia began to make her way back to her computer, she paused, turning to Aisha with a piercing gaze. "Why on earth didn''t you tell us? Why didn''t you call us yesterday?"

    Aisha, with a resigned look, didn''t need to articulate the obvious. Jabari himself could answer that. "Come on, Tia, you already know why. Faelan and the others did us a favor. Had we rushed in recklessly, we could have been killed by the Spiritomb, endangering Meltan and Mew in the process. It''s done¡ªthey''re gone. Let it rest."

    Feeling a shift at his back, Aisha released a heavy sigh. "I wish that were the end of it. But it isn''t. The real mastermind behind all of this was always¡ªAudrey."

    "That scheming old crone," Tia declared.

    Aisha began recounting everything that had occurred to Tia, from yesterday''s trap to today''s events. Jabari listened with half an ear, pacing the far side of the room, yet managing to catch most of the crucial details. He reclined onto his bed; though it was still late morning, fatigue weighed heavily on him. He doubted sleep would come, yet simply lying down offered some respite. He released Grafaiai from his Pok¨¦ball. The moment Grafaiai appeared, he bounded onto the bed and nestled beside Jabari, clinging to his shirt with both hands, not uttering a sound. Meltan too joined them, settling onto Jabari''s chest. The silent comfort of the Pok¨¦mon was remarkable. Neither spoke a word, yet their presence suffused him with an immense sense of comfort, emanating wordless support.

    With careful precision, he extracted the painting from its tube. He unrolled it gently, mindful of not disturbing Grafaiai or Meltan. The painting portrayed a lake on the left, dominating the scene, while on the right, a colossal mesa rose above the lake, the desert extending before it and to the side. It was evident that the painting had been rolled too soon, the paint hadn¡¯t fully cured, resulting in several creases. Yet, to Jabari, this mattered not. What lay before him was the most beautiful painting in the world.

 Chapter 23 - The Vivillon Effect

    Chapter 23 - The Vivillon Effect

    They should have approached her from the very start; that was the sole thought occupying Tia''s mind at that instant. Were they unaware that she possessed a multitude of tools throughout the city, rendering the task of scouting anyone there mere child''s play? She settled into her desk chair and commenced her work.

    Aisha trailed behind her, even though she had originally wished she wouldn''t. She should have been upset with her, yet the truth of the matter was that Jabari had a point. None of this was her fault. In fact, as it often did, it felt more gratifying to have an audience for her talents. Her life lacked that kind of recognition, celebrating her achievements. So, she yearned, much like a naive young girl, to flaunt her abilities. It was a pathetic trait of hers.

    Tia released Porygon with a swift motion, "Pogo, it''s time to get to work," she announced the moment he emerged. True to form, the sole sound Porygon emitted was a series of electronic screeches.

    Aisha released Marill from its ball, "Splash, take a breather for now; soon we might lend a hand to Elduran and Gale."

    Tia was already immersed in her work. She needed this escape, a chance to momentarily remove Anaya from her thoughts. The pain of losing her was too much to bear. Above all else, Tia needed a distraction. She paused for a moment to observe Jabari, who was fixated on the last painting Anaya had created. Anaya was her sister, but Tia knew that Jabari had shared more life with her in the past decade. Blood ties are strong, but they can''t surpass the bond of chosen family. Those two, Anaya and Jabari, had been deeply in love.

    Porygon was already entranced, its eyes softly shut. Tia turned her focus back to her screen. It was time to support her Porygon. It had already tapped into most of the city''s cameras. Unfortunately, the harsh truth was they had fewer than fifty in the entire town. Tia linked to the one at the library''s rear. It offered an excellent view of the hotel. Accessing the recordings would consume more time than the few hours they had. She needed to locate Audrey immediately.

    After a tense search lasting ten minutes, she leaned back in her chair. "Damn it, she''s nowhere to be found. At least not anywhere I can see her." Turning her focus to Aisha, she instructed, "Send a text to Elduran. See if he has picked up her trail and, if so, where he is now."

    Aisha obliged, and within moments, her phone vibrated with a response. "He''s tracked her to the northeast with Forge''s help, but they lost her trail at the river. She didn''t cross to the other side; otherwise, Forge would have caught her scent. So, he''s methodically checking along the river, moving westward, hoping Forge can pick up her trail again by following the river''s flow."

    Tia dismissed every other camera feed until she found one fixed on the docks, providing a view of the river''s mouth. No activity. "She could have already left the river and doubled back, with Elduran searching up north while she''s headed to the train station. Tell Elduran to have Mew dispatched there. Being invisible, they can survey the area all day."

    Aisha returned to her phone, typing out the message. "That''s a solid plan, but I don''t think that''s the scenario. If she found a hiding spot near the train station waiting for a train, Gale would have reported back. She''s still on the move."

    Tia leaned forward, propping her elbows on the desk and cradling her face in her hands, rubbing her eyes in the process. "The sooner we find her, the better. Who knows how many people she''s got in this town waiting to assist her?"

    Aisha''s phone buzzed once more. She remarked, "Elduran has already dispatched Mew to keep watch at the train station, just in case she shows up. It''s only him and Forge left."

    Tia returned to her work at the keyboard, this time seeking general information on Audrey. They knew her name was Audrey Lindes, but Tia felt a pang of guilt for not having delved deeper before. Like many, she had assumed Audrey was simply there to follow orders and be handsomely compensated. However, there were peculiar details worth noting: Audrey was top of her class in high school and had attended university in Unova, specifically Castelia University, on a full scholarship, earning a degree in finance. While searching had yielded no information about the other four, Audrey was an open book. After completing her degree, she had returned to Dirthrow, only to become a supermarket cashier. To Tia, this narrative seemed disjointed. It was clear that Audrey had likely been affiliated with the Watchers or was already part of their network upon her return. More intriguingly, unlike Steven Collins who appeared to be merely fascinated by the Reapers, Audrey was a full-fledged member. The Reapers were known for their disdain towards Pok¨¦mon and desired their eradication, yet they had never inflicted any harm. The fact that she was working for the Watchers while being a Reaper felt wrong to Tia. The Watchers targeted cities and towns, resulting in primarily human casualties, whereas the Reapers would have preferred targeting the wilds. Tia couldn''t fathom how a dedicated Reaper could be aligned with the Watchers.

    She needed more information on her. She sought something that could lead her to a sanctuary, a place where she would feel safe. She searched for any hint of religion but found nothing; rushing to a Church for refuge seemed plausible, yet it eluded her. She doubted that her old job at the supermarket would offer her an escape from Elduran. Then it struck her¡ªthe Reapers. She had to uncover where they convened. Where would their fan club gather, she pondered. It wasn''t illegal to be a member of the Reapers, so retrieving information should be straightforward. Tia was undoubtedly enduring the worst day of her life, yet she still managed to conjure a faint smile. There it was, twice a year, they met at Meteora, a secluded settlement perched atop the largest mesa north of Dirthrow. It made perfect sense¡ªisolated, nearly half a day¡¯s hike away, an ideal hideaway. Her gaze turned to Aisha, intending to instruct her to relay Audrey''s probable destination to Elduran. Yet, Aisha was already sending a message. She had clearly been watching her work these past few minutes.

    After Aisha set her phone aside, she remarked, "Wonderful job, Tia. Truly impressive how quickly you accomplished that. Pogo, you as well. Both of you are exceptional." Porygon''s eyes blinked twice before gently closing again.

    "I don''t understand it," Tia said, exasperated. "She¡¯s part of the Reapers, yet we know she at least has one Pok¨¦mon. Does that even make sense to you?"

    Aisha thought for a moment, she then said, "Muk could have been the Pok¨¦mon she received when she turned sixteen; back then, it would have been a Grimer. Perhaps her disdain for Pok¨¦mon developed later, but whether she hates them or not, Muk was there for her as a child. It''s not easy to sever a bond like that."

    Tia said, "I suppose that makes sense. Anyways, to more important matters, what is the plan?"

    She observed Aisha watching Marill, peacefully asleep beside Jabari, nestled at the foot of the bed. Tia wondered when was the last time Aisha''s Pok¨¦mon truly felt secure. Their emotions would be no different than what she was experiencing at this moment. Clefairy was family to them. It was evident that Aisha was thinking the same thing and wanted to follow Elduran to assist him. However, she didn''t want to disturb her Pok¨¦mon. Faelan would probably find herself entangled with the police for the remainder of the day, if she had to wager, leaving him out of the equation.

    Aisha refocused on the laptop screen as Tia reinstated the live feed from the surveillance camera. Both women leaned closer as they saw a human and a Pok¨¦mon moving into view. There was no mistaking it¡ªElduran and Cyndaquil were advancing. Elduran was clearly in pain, clutching his left shoulder with his right hand and occasionally taking slower steps. Despite this, his overall pace remained remarkably impressive. Even though Aisha had informed him of Audrey''s probable direction, he chose to ensure he was on her trail, taking extra time to pick up her scent by the riverbank. Suddenly, Cyndaquil veered sharply to the right¡ªit was clear that he had caught her trail, and they were now making their way toward Meteora.

    "Well, that settles it. Splash and I are going, while you two stay put. If you happen to see Audrey return, it likely means we didn''t make it. She did seem like a skilled trainer during our brief battle," Aisha said as she prepared to recall Marill to his Pok¨¦ball.

    Jabari stood up, still clutching the painting. He looked at both of them and declared, "If she''s a competent trainer, I''ll go instead. I''ll stop by the train station to get Mew. If they''re invisible and don''t notice me, I''ve developed a mental connection with them. Just by reaching out to them in my mind, they''ll respond and find me," he explained.

    "Jabari, going out there swinging is not a good idea," she said. "You just found out you''ll never see Anaya again. Now is not the time for rash actions."

    Jabari placed the painting on the bed and turned to face them, Meltan jumping onto his shoulder. "I''m not going there to kill anyone," he said calmly. "I''m going to ensure Elduran''s safety and make sure Audrey survives."

    Tia jumped up; her voice filled with agitation. "What the fuck, Jabari? She killed my sister! What in Keldeo''s ass are you talking about? Have you lost your mind?"

    "We need to interrogate her. If Elduran kills her, we have nothing. Where do we go after this?" Jabari asked.

    "Elduran thought Dan was responsible for everything, yet he still tried to keep him alive and interrogate him. Elduran may seem to have low intelligence at times, but it''s impatience, not stupidity. He will get information out of her," Aisha said.

    "This is different than when he faced Dan. This woman fooled him. He had her, threatening her in her house. One command from Blue and she would be dead now, and probably my Anaya and the rest of the Pok¨¦mon we lost would still be alive. It''s not even close to being the same," Jabari said.

    "Damn, he''s right," Aisha said.

    "Listen, do me a favor you two. Break into Audrey''s house. I''m sure Tia could find something we can use in case I don''t reach Elduran in time. It will be easy for Giggla to open the door for you since Misdreavus are fully ghost Pok¨¦mon. If I remember correctly from Elduran''s story, she only had a push knob lock. I doubt she''s even a Watcher at this point," Jabari said.

    Aisha walked right up to Jabari and hugged him. "You are the strongest person I know. I''m just a wuss and Elduran, well his inability to let out the pain makes him a liability and clouds his critical thinking. When this is over, talk some sense into him. I know I''m asking a lot from you, but I mean it when I say out of all of us, he''s in the worst state. We will mourn, we will cry, we will feel terrible for a long time. But he - I fear he will act like a legendary Pok¨¦mon caught by the Watchers. He will go berserk to find something to get him to the next destination and whoever gets in his way, friend or foe be damned, just to hide that he''s in great pain because he lost two Pok¨¦mon, the very creatures he disliked for years until a few months ago."

    Tia stood up just as Aisha and Jabari ended their embrace. "Alright, it seems all three of us have somewhere to go," she said, recalling her Porygon as she walked towards the door. "Interrogate her all you want, Jabari, but I really hope that afterwards, Elduran, Mew or Meltan - I don''t care who - turns her into pulp."

    <hr>

    Elduran and Cyndaquil arrived at the trailhead leading to Meteora. From the foot of the towering mesas, the path appeared treacherous. These mesas were twice the height of those in the south near Dirthrow. Elduran felt unwell, having grown dizzy several times on the journey due to significant blood loss before Faelan closed his wound. Mew thought they were helping by removing the bullet from his shoulder, but it would have been better for Faelan to do it. It''s always best to remove bullets when you know the wound will be stitched immediately after. A few hours of rest would certainly improve his condition, but they couldn''t afford the time. Despite this, Elduran was satisfied with his pace and confident he was gaining on her. The old crone couldn''t possibly be moving faster than him. For a moment, he considered that she might not be that old, but coupled with her excess weight, there was no way she could outpace him. He expected to catch up to her before they reached the summit. Looking up, he realized the ascent would likely take several hours. The view from the top must be breathtaking, he mused, before dismissing the thought.

    The trailhead transformed into natural rock steps. As they rounded the bend, the vista became even more breathtaking. To their left, a canyon stretched between the mesa they were ascending and the mesa on their left, seemingly extending into infinity. The rocky stairway path they were climbing also appeared to reach all the way to the heavens. Elduran thought that was good; the higher Audrey climbed, the longer her fall would be.

    As he looked ahead, he noticed a figure in the distance. The man was clad in a vibrant green uniform, complete with the unmistakable green hat bearing the Pok¨¦ball logo. This was no ordinary hiker; he was a ranger. It made sense, considering this trail was supposed to be protected. Of course there would be rangers patrolling the area, ensuring that people were not as vulnerable to the dangers posed by Pok¨¦mon as they would be in the rest of the untamed wilderness.

    The ranger created a problem for Elduran. There was no way to conceal the bullet wound on his shoulder. Faelan had taken care of it but the blood around the wound and his shirt would paint a pretty obvious picture. He removed his shirt and retrieved his water bottle, positioned near the knife at his back. Pouring water around the wound, he used the shirt to clean his body, ensuring the blood-stained upper part was utilized. Satisfied, he rolled the shirt, tucking the soiled upper portion inside and leaving the cleaner bottom exposed. He held the rolled shirt in his right hand, grateful for its dark gray color. A white shirt would have made hiding the blood an impossible task.

    As Elduran approached the ranger, he took the initiative to break the silence. He understood people tended to be less wary of those who greeted others on the road, rather than attempting to pass by without a word. "Greetings, quite a hot day today, isn''t it?"

    The ranger paused; his gaze drawn to the injury on Elduran''s shoulder. "Yes, it is," he replied with a smile, his mouth barely visible beneath his thick, black beard. "I wish I was allowed to remove my shirt," he joked before continuing, "Is that wound serious, sir?"

    Elduran gestured to his injury. "This? No, it''s nothing. Just an accident during training with my Pok¨¦mon. I got hit by a pin missile this morning, but I had it treated. It''s nothing to worry about but thank you for your concern."

    "Oh, you''re a trainer? I suppose you''re here for the gym then. It''s never too late to start collecting badges, I always say. I assume you''re heading to Meteora? The view up there is stunning this time of year, and it''s worth the trip if you''ve never seen it before. The settlement, if you can even call it that, is practically empty this time of year. There are only about three buildings in total, and they''re all public facilities. We rangers try to keep them stocked with supplies. The largest building, which is used for gatherings of various organizations and groups, has a kitchen area where you''ll find everything you might need. Please, make sure to pay for any anything you take. You''ll see a payment center and a price list on the wall," the ranger explained.

    Elduran had a pressing question to ask, "are there any rangers up there? Protecting people from wild Pok¨¦mon?" he asked.

    "No, there are two of us every day. One person clears the trail of dangerous wild Pok¨¦mon if any in the early morning while hiking up, guarding the top of Meteora until about noon, when a second ranger hikes up and relieves him. Then around 4:00pm the second ranger hikes down. We recommend any non-trainers not to arrive later than four, so there''s enough daylight for the hike down. It''s not illegal to come later, you just won''t get any protection up there from a ranger after four. Many people do find it more peaceful being alone. Trainers like you should be fine. That Cyndaquil sure looks strong," the ranger said, kneeling and trying to pet it, but Cyndaquil avoided him and started climbing up the path.

    "I''m sorry, he''s not the most social one," Elduran lied, but it was clear that Cyndaquil was still not in the mood to return to his old self, vengeance still consuming him. He wanted to continue walking up. "But yeah, I guess I''m going up there this late, to get what you said, that peacefulness of being alone up there without anyone around," Elduran said, hoping the ranger would mention seeing someone else going up this late.

    "Well, unfortunately, there will be one more person up there. Miss Audrey, a regular visitor of Meteora, will also be there. Saw her about thirty minutes ago. The caprock is big, I''m sure it will be big enough for the both of you," the ranger said, smiling. "Anyway, I''ll leave you to it, I don''t want to delay you any longer. Some daylight going down would be useful. Take care," he said as he started walking down the trail.

    "Thanks for the information," Elduran said, thinking the caprock was definitely not big enough for the both of them. Now he had a different problem. This ranger saw her and knew her by name. He figured almost everyone knew everyone in this town. It wasn''t that big. If Audrey were to disappear, the last time anyone would have seen her would be this individual, and the only other person this ranger would have seen would be Elduran. It wouldn''t take a genius to see the predicament. He would be the main suspect.

    Elduran continued his ascent, each upward glance convincing him that he hadn''t made any progress at all. The mesa seemed to stretch on indefinitely. Yet, in the distance, he could see that the rocky steps ended abruptly, though this was far from the summit. A good few minutes remained before reaching that point, so he chose not to worry about it yet. He noticed a flock of flying creatures in the distance, heading his way through the canyon. He hoped they weren''t Pok¨¦mon; encountering an aggressive species could spell trouble. Thankfully, they were ordinary birds. Allowing himself to relax a little, he sat down on one of the steps to catch his breath. Cyndaquil paused upon seeing him and hurried back down. Oh, how the tables had turned, Elduran mused. Now it would be Cyndaquil urging him onward, encouraging him to muster his strength. The irony almost made him chuckle.

    When Cyndaquil reached him, his face turned towards him, eyes shut as usual. "Cyyyyn," he murmured softly, a familiar tone that Elduran recognized¡ªhe needed water. Elduran retrieved his water bottle, which was nearly empty. Certainly not enough for both. But at this moment, Cyndaquil''s well-being took precedence. Besides, Elduran was unarmed, lacking even his bow. That was reason enough to offer the last of the water to Cyndaquil, or so he convinced himself. After all, Cyndaquil was not his Pok¨¦mon anymore. Elduran started pouring the remaining water directly into Cyndaquil''s mouth, not having his backpack with him, meant no food or water bowl.

    After a brief drink, Cyndaquil closed his mouth, and Elduran quickly stopped the flow, though some drops splashed onto the Pok¨¦mon''s face. Shaking off the droplets, Cyndaquil issued a soft "Cyyn." This time, Elduran couldn''t decipher its meaning. He had barely consumed half of what remained, so he attempted to give him the rest. Yet, Cyndaquil simply looked from the bottle back to Elduran, never opening his mouth.

    This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

    "You want me to finish the rest?" Elduran asked to which Cyndaquil nodded. Elduran sighed. "Honestly, I''d rather you have the water. I won''t be of much help in the upcoming battle. If time allows, we can fetch more water from one of the buildings at the top before we face Audrey, assuming she doesn''t spot us."

    Still, Cyndaquil insisted that Elduran drink the remainder. He nodded, took a sip and drained the bottle. Gratitude towards Cyndaquil welled up within him, though he found himself unable to express it. He expected Cyndaquil to push him into resuming their journey, but the Pok¨¦mon did no such thing. Instead, it paced back and forth, always sniffing, standing guard while Elduran rested. If only he himself had shown such understanding when the Pok¨¦mon had been the weaker one, Elduran reflected. Once, he had doubted he could ever accept the existence of Pok¨¦mon. Now, he wrestled with the notion of accepting his own existence.

    Elduran rose to his feet, and once more, Human and Pok¨¦mon resumed their climb. As they approached the point where Elduran expected the trail to suddenly cease, they discovered it did not; instead, it curved to the right, leading into a vast cave. A breathtaking view unfolded before him within. The cave extended upward with an open top, allowing sunlight to pour in. To the right, there appeared again a natural rock staircase which Elduran now noticed ascended all the way to the summit. The journey was nearing its conclusion. All that remained was to scale this final flight of stairs. Outside the cave, there was no sign of vegetation, yet within, several bushes and small trees adorned the scene, enhancing its splendor.

    After another thirty minutes of ascending, they finally reached the summit. Yet, at about ten steps from the end, Elduran began to ascend with deliberate slowness, and Cyndaquil emulated him, straining to hear any potential trap set for them. Several minutes passed in silence, as they paused to listen for any sounds¡ªnothing. Very carefully, Elduran craned his head through the opening, surveying their surroundings. The staircase had deposited them precisely at the center of Meteora.

    Aside from three stone buildings to his left, the landscape around him was stark, a huge barren expanse of rock. Tall wooden fences encircled the caprock¡¯s perimeter. The two smaller buildings were identical, each a single-story square with flat roofs, likely spanning thirty feet across and equally wide, featuring just one window on each side visible to Elduran. The taller structure, appearing to be two stories high, was a rectangular form situated to the right of the smaller pair. It boasted numerous windows along its extended side, stretching about a hundred feet in length and fifty feet in width. The entrance lay ajar, placed centrally on its long side.

    Having set their feet upon Meteora''s rocky cap, Elduran and Cyndaquil stealthily approached the open door of the larger building, careful to move without a hint of sound. Elduran pressed himself against the wall beside the door, straining to hear any noise from within. Hearing none, he cautiously peered inside and discovered the space within overflowing with tables and chairs. No second floor presented itself; instead, the ceiling soared to the roof, about fifteen feet high.

    He slipped inside, still moving with deliberate slowness and stealth. To his left, he noticed what appeared to be a kitchenette. He wondered how the two fridges were working; no generators could be heard. Still, he would wager his life that solar panels adorned the roof. In Meteora, he doubted a single day could pass without at least some intense sun light. Reaching the fridges, he swung both doors open simultaneously. One was full of food, the other stocked with beverages. He grabbed two bottles of water, promptly unscrewing one to take a long drink. After quenching his thirst, emptying about three-quarters of the bottle, he assisted Cyndaquil in finishing off the remainder. Then, he unscrewed the other bottle, pouring its contents into his own tactical water bottle. A list on the right of the fridges informed him that he owed ten cetis. Payment, however, would have to wait.

    A dirty glass sat in the sink; someone had been here. Perhaps it was just as likely to have been the rangers, or any of the day''s previous visitors. Yet, he assumed that the ranger they had encountered earlier would likely have clean up before departing. This was unmistakably Audrey''s doing, Elduran concluded.

    There were two more buildings he had to check; he exited through the same door he had entered. He made his way to the nearest house and peered inside through a window. It was empty save for rows of bunk beds. Turning away, he headed toward the last building, where his eye caught a glimpse of a Pok¨¦mon on the rooftop. Instinctively, he ducked behind the wall of the building with the bunk beds. Cautiously, he peeked around the corner; his eyes moved upward, and relief washed over him.

    Togetic was intently staring off into the distance, its gaze fixed on the far edge of the caprock. Elduran was careful not to startle or alert the Pok¨¦mon, worried it might make a sound and reveal both their presence. For a moment, he followed Togetic¡¯s line of sight and spotted the form of a human figure at the edge of the cliff, near the wooden fence. It was Audrey; she stood too far away; it would be safe to call out to Togetic.

    Just then, Togetic seemed ready to depart. It turned and took flight, heading back towards Dirthrow, having completed its task admirably. Had Elduran not followed Audrey, Togetic would have informed the others of Audrey¡¯s location. As it was about to fly past, Elduran called softly, ¡°Gale¡ªI am here.¡±

    Togetic angled sideways, easily recognizing him and Cyndaquil. It approached them, clearly delighted, and hovered at eye level, chirping, "Togeeet."

    Unfortunately, Elduran couldn''t understand a word. This was another issue the team needed to address: strengthening bonds with each Pok¨¦mon of everyone within their group. Situations like this one demanded it. To communicate, he decided on a yes-or-no question strategy. "You did a good job, Gale, tracking her here. You were headed back to Aisha, correct?"

    Togetic nodded, and Elduran continued, "The team already knows she''s here, so there''s no need for that now. It''s your choice whether to stay and fight with me, or return. The decision is yours."

    A determined change settled on Togetic''s face, confirming its choice to stay. With Cyndaquil and Togetic, Elduran prepared to face a Muk¡ªnot an ideal scenario, especially since Togetic was vulnerable to poison attacks, but it would have to suffice. He hoped that Muk was all Audrey had. Having one Pok¨¦mon was the norm; owning two required someone most of the time to be a full-time trainer or a contender in Tenera''s League Tour, likely gathering badges and competing in the League Finals each year. Owning Pok¨¦mon wasn''t cheap.

    They all moved forward, steadily and with intention. Elduran aimed to catch Audrey off guard as she gazed into the distance, hoping to prevent her from releasing her Muk. Yet, as he crept nearer, he discovered Muk was already by her side. Lying low and pressed against the earth, it had been hidden in plain view, and now it began to stretch back to its usual shape, emitting a call that made Audrey turn her attention towards them.

    Elduran halted his steps, "credit where it''s due, Audrey. You played me like a fiddle."

    Audrey advanced toward Elduran, Muk loyally at her side, "you dug your own grave. I had no idea you were after us until you barged into my kitchen."

    Rage simmered within Elduran, acknowledging her words might hold truth, "just give me a base, a location, anything on the Watchers, and I''ll think about sparing your life."

    Audrey''s lips curled into a smile, "I suppose I wasn''t just trailed for being the last survivor. You actually had a word with Dan, didn''t you? He sold me out, didn''t he?"

    Elduran, with his knowledge for Pok¨¦mon, just looking at it, recognized Muk''s strength. He had to attempt a new tactic, "We''ve uncovered some rather intriguing details about you, Audrey. I got a very interesting message just a little while ago. You''re a Reaper, aren''t you? How do you stomach owning a Pok¨¦mon? And pray tell, why would one, join an organization intent on killing humans? I thought you were supposed to hate...you know, them," he said pointing on Muk.

    Audrey burst into laughter, "You really believed that would make Muk, what, attack me or something?"

    Elduran sighed, "Well, it was worth a try."

    Audrey edged nearer, a hint of resignation in her voice. "I know it''s over for me. If you know I am here, then surely your entire group does as well. They''re likely scaling this cliff as we speak. You''ve also managed to best Dan, which is quite an accomplishment. That Spiritomb of his always gave me chills. But overcoming the three other goons I hired, along with the mercenary Pok¨¦mon trainer, was beyond my expectations. We spent a fortune on that worthless mercenary. His boasting about his Snorlax being unbeatable was nothing but empty words."

    Elduran took a step towards her, his eyes narrowing. "Then why not surrender?" he asked, his voice low and menacing.

    A smile formed at the corner of Audrey''s mouth. "Surrender? No matter how much I tell you, I''m as good as dead. Last time I saw you, you had three Pok¨¦balls on your belt... you''re here for revenge. Your face betrays you. But even if you kill me, you still get nothing. None of us are Watchers. I may have been hired by them, but I''m not one of them."

    Elduran''s gaze remained fixed on her. "How did they contact you?"

    Audrey let out a harsh laugh. "Why would I help you? There''s zero chance you let me live. I''m already dead. If not by your hand, then the next one who comes up this cliff. At least I''d prefer not to be tortured first. And even if you spared me, they made it very clear what would happen if I talked." She turned her attention to Muk, a fierce glint in her eye. "You know what to do. This is goodbye. Give them hell."

    Elduran''s brow furrowed in confusion. "What the fuck are you talking about?" he started to say, but the words died on his lips as he saw Audrey take off running in the opposite direction. At the same moment, Muk launched a spray of acid liquid straight at Elduran. Cursing, he hurled himself to the right, barely rolling out of the path of the poison attack.

    As Elduran stood upright, he observed Togetic unleashing an Air Cutter and Cyndaquil executing a Smokescreen. Muk had launched a Sludge in Cyndaquil''s direction. Elduran had a hard time seeing that Cyndaquil had already slipped away from the smoke, using Quick Attack to conceal himself from inside the smoke, Elduran thought that was remarkably clever. The Air Cutter missed its mark as Muk flattened into a liquid puddle on the ground. Meanwhile, Cyndaquil transitioned seamlessly from Quick Attack to Flame Charge, striking Muk in its vulnerable state as it endeavored to expand back to its usual form.

    Muk retaliated by slamming the ground, launching shards of earth toward Cyndaquil at point-blank range. As a Ground-type attack, it was devastatingly effective against Cyndaquil. The creature cried out, but Cyndaquil managed to quick attack away, evading a portion of the assault. Meanwhile, Togetic launched rocks using Ancient Power at Muk, who deftly avoided them by Minimizing into a puddle, moving with surprising swiftness even in that state that astounded Elduran. Uncertain whether to intervene, Elduran felt restrained, unable to fight himself but also hesitant to command Pok¨¦mon that weren''t his own. It was at this moment that he realized what Audrey was attempting. She wasn''t fleeing¡ªshe was trying to leap off the cliff. She had already wiggled between the two lower logs of the three-log fence, and just as Elduran decided to rush toward her, Audrey jumped. Their final lead and any hope of uncovering information about the Watchers was plunging to her doom.

    Elduran turned his focus back to the battle just in time to witness Togetic swooping down towards Muk. It was a terrible mistake, "Gale, no! Come back, maintain your distance!" Elduran shouted. Togetic seemed to have heard him and started to turn, but Muk leapt, unleashing a massive wave of poison, a tsunami with it as the center. Togetic was completely engulfed by the toxic waves. Elduran sprinted towards the scene. As the poisonous sea receded, Togetic lay there, unconscious.

    "Forge, I need your cover, buddy. We must save Gale. Keep up a constant stream of Ember and dodge every attack. Don''t worry about power. I need time¡ªkeep your distance," Elduran urged, running as fast as he could, despite the searing pain in his shoulder.

    Cyndaquil followed orders without hesitation, unleashing a steady barrage of Ember toward Muk. In response, Muk launched a series of Sludge Bombs, while Cyndaquil adeptly dodged and continued to release streams of Ember whenever possible, maintaining as much distance as he could. His efforts were exceptional, enabling Elduran to reach Togetic, now only five meters away from Muk. It was all up to Cyndaquil. He had wisely positioned Muk between himself and Elduran, allowing the retired soldier time to scoop up Togetic and begin retreating in the opposite direction, just behind Muk''s back.

    "Forge, just a little longer¡ªfocus on dodging," Elduran urged as he hurried into the larger building, Togetic cradled in his arms. He sprinted toward the left side of the room, steering clear of the kitchenette. Above a cabinet adorned with four drawers, a first aid sign shone, a familiar cross emblem beckoning him. Elduran peered into the first drawer, finding only potions. He moved to the second, his heart racing. There it was¡ªprecisely what he needed. He seized the antidote, tore off the plastic cover, and swiftly inserted the needle into Togetic''s chest. The relief that washed over the Pok¨¦mon was palpable, yet he remained unconscious. Elduran gently laid him atop one of the tables before dashing outside to check on Cyndaquil.

    He noticed that Cyndaquil was probably not hit once. He still followed the strategy of dodging and firing fast Embers. But Muk was a monster of a Pok¨¦mon. They would never win this way, Cyndaquil would eventually get tired. It was inevitable.

    "Forge, come to me now. You were incredible," Elduran exclaimed, rummaging through his belt of Pok¨¦balls. Cyndaquil''s, an empty one he still inexplicably carried, and Furret''s, which he grasped.

    Obeying Elduran''s command, Cyndaquil performed a quick attack, reaching him in an instant. Simultaneously, he pressed the button to release Furret as far away as possible, strategically positioning it next to Muk. Initially disoriented and surprised by its location, Furret was jolted alert by a wave of poison striking it from behind. Within seconds, it launched a quick attack at Muk, undeterred by its poisoned state. This move, which had previously taken down Togetic in one blow, seemed to have little effect on Muk, brushing it off as if it were nothing.

    Muk unleashed every poisonous assault in its arsenal, while Furret relentlessly pummeled it using Double-Edge tackles, tearing into Muk without concern for the recoil damage, grabbing it and rolling with it, in another case, jumping and slamming on it, not caring the damage it did to itself. A Hyper Voice from Furret not only caused Muk to falter and shrink to a puddle but also affected Elduran and Cyndaquil, even though they stood over eighty feet away. Instinctively, Elduran covered his ears; it was deafening, nearly as powerful as Flygon''s Boomburst that ended Clefairy''s life.

    What on earth was the deal with Furret, Eldruan pondered. This creature was an absolute beast of a Pok¨¦mon; he was aware of its power, but this, this was something else entirely. Small wonder its former trainer hadn''t succeeded in taming it yet.

    Furret was definitely winning but it was on a timer. The poison was getting to it, weakening it. If it fainted before Muk, Elduran was fairly certain that Cyndaquil could finish off Muk if it came to it.

    It appeared he wouldn''t need to intervene, as Muk finally succumbed to a Slam from Furret. But the Furret refused to relent, continuing to furiously swipe at Muk until it was divided into two separate puddles. Even then, the Furret did not cease its relentless assault.

    Elduran wasn''t even certain if Muk was truly dead. A Pok¨¦mon like that could likely reassemble its fragmented body and emerge whole once more. Yet he had to admit to himself that, in this instance, he was not certain¡ªa rare occurrence for someone who usually possessed a keen understanding of a Pok¨¦mon''s capacities for survival.

    Furret finally stopped, lifting its head to gaze at Elduran with malice. It seemed ready to charge at him. Elduran reached for its Pok¨¦ball, prepared to recall it, but it was unnecessary¡ªFurret collapsed on the ground.

    Elduran chose not to recall it to its Pok¨¦ball. This was an opportunity. He returned to the building and seized another antidote. With determination, he approached the Furret. What he was planning could very likely end up killing him. His intention was to destroy it''s Pok¨¦ball and capture it with one of his own. As he came near, he noticed it was a female. He resolved to administer the antidote only after she was secure in her new Pok¨¦ball.

    Elduran stood ten paces from her. He placed her Pok¨¦ball on the ground, ensuring the button faced downward. Though Pok¨¦balls were durable, a precise force at their seam could split them. He turned towards Cyndaquil before proceeding, "Forge, remain vigilant," he urged, though Cyndaquil was already intently watching the Furret. Elduran felt he absolutely had to do this; he could no longer afford the risk. At any moment, her former trainer might be reported missing, if not already, prompting PRC to remotely release all his Pok¨¦mon, shattering their Pok¨¦balls in the process and leaving them a chance to survive rather than dying from thirst and starvation inside their Pok¨¦balls. Should Furret be released without Mew present, it would result in a massacre, leaving Elduran powerless to recall her into a Pok¨¦ball.

    Elduran held the empty Pok¨¦ball in his right hand and crushed the other one underfoot, splitting it in two. The sound likely alerted Furret, waking her up, who instinctively charged at Elduran. She overestimated her own strength, causing her to fall over to the ground, yet she quickly regained her footing and continued her advance. Elduran barely managed to hurl the empty Pok¨¦ball, striking Furret square in the chest. The ball opened midair, transforming Furret into red light and drawing her inside. Elduran had no more empty Pok¨¦balls with him; if this attempt failed, both he and Cyndaquil were likely doomed.

    The ball gave a single shake, but its button remained unlit, a sign that Furret still had a chance to escape. Elduran began to feel at ease, as a span of two full seconds passed without further resistance from the creature. Just as he imagined the ball might flash, it shuddered once more. Elduran braced himself to flee, but to his astonishment, the ball held firm. Then, the flash arrived, sealing the capture definitively.

    Though this Pok¨¦mon''s species might not typically intrigue the Pok¨¦seekers, if he could showcase her power, he was certain she would command a handsome price. Should he succeed in taming her just enough, to the extent that she refrained from attacking everyone in her path, her value would increase significantly.

    Elduran retrieved her Pok¨¦ball and released her as distantly as possible. She lay unconscious. The effort to escape the ball, compounded by the poisoning, must have been too much for her. Elduran approached, antidote in one hand, her Pok¨¦ball in the other. Without hesitation, he knelt beside her and administered the antidote. She didn¡¯t stir as Elduran murmured gently, "You are so polite and well-mannered that I can call you nothing else but... Ladylike. Yes, that is a fitting name... Ladylike."

    He returned her to her Pok¨¦ball and then proceeded toward the spot where Audrey had leapt to her death, Cyndaquil following him. What could make the Watchers inspire such dread that those in their service would prefer leaping from a cliff to defying them? This was all Elduran pondered as he approached the fatal spot.

    He leaned over the fence, but he couldn''t see anything beyond it. Ground still stretched past the fence. Mimicking Audrey, he squeezed between the bottom and middle logs, emerging on the other side where about three feet of earth remained before the cliff abruptly ended. He walked right to the edge, his boot tips dangling over the precipice. Looking down, it was too damn high to make out anyone below. Yet, what lay before him was a breathtaking vista¡ªtruly extraordinary. The sun was setting on the horizon opposite his gaze, confirming his eyes were fixed eastward. The expanse of smaller mesas ahead formed a scene both beautiful and terrifying, as waves roared in, colliding and crashing against the rocky outcrops. This view reminded him of Ladylike¡ªequally aggressive, boundless, and relentless.

    Cyndaquil began to squeal, prompting Elduran to turn and face him. It was evident that Cyndaquil was terrified, fearing that Elduran might also be contemplating suicide. Elduran merely smiled at him.

    Mew materialized before him, and he felt a gentle nudge propelling his back against the fence. Cyndaquil''s expression lit up when he saw them.

    "I wasn''t planning to jump. I was trying to see if I could spot Audrey''s body. When she realized we were all after her, she jumped. I''m sorry Mew. If only you had arrived ten minutes earlier," Elduran said.

    Mew reached out mentally, conveying understanding and empathy. They hadn''t connected with him when confronting Dan, but now Elduran could sense Mew''s worry, their panic on his behalf. Elduran tried to block that thought. They showed him an image of Jabari entering the cave. He wasn''t far behind, perhaps thirty minutes at most.

    "Mew, I know it''s a lot to ask after you flew all the way here, but could you check if Audrey''s body is really down there? I want to be certain she didn''t have a flying Pok¨¦mon to escape with," he asked.

    Still linked telepathically, Mew''s confirmation came instantly. A second later, they were soaring downward to investigate.

    Elduran settled down, leaning his back against the fence, as Cyndaquil hopped onto his lap and nestled comfortably within it. He began to ponder all the well-known saying about revenge, how it doesn''t bring back the departed, or how it never truly makes anyone feel better. Dan and Audrey were gone, and certainly Vivillon, Heracross, Anaya and Celfairy wouldn''t return, but he couldn''t deny the sense of relief that washed over him. It felt as though a burden had been lifted from his shoulders, allowing him to breathe once more, to think clearly again, to allow his heart to beat at a normal rhythm, to smile genuinely again, to...finally begin grieving. Only now could he permit himself to truly start mourning Vivillon and Heracross.

    He felt the dampness on his chest, and as he raised his hand to find the source, he placed his fingers near the bottom of his eyes. To his surprise, tears were cascading down his face like a waterfall. Cyndaquil lifted his head and faced him, eyes still shut. Elduran could have sworn that Cyndaquil smiled before curling up once more, nestling comfortably in his lap once again. For the first time since the previous morning, Elduran sensed that Cyndaquil had returned to his former self, yet simultaneously, he seemed older, far more mature than before. The loss of Heracross hit him hard, as if a best friend had passed away. He couldn''t help but wonder if he was losing his mind, grieving so deeply for a Pok¨¦mon. But Vivillon, that was a different story altogether. It felt as though a piece of his very soul had been torn away, leaving him incomplete and shattered.

    He began to murmur, his voice laced with pain and his eyes brimming with tears that streamed down his face. "Oh Viv...I miss you so much, girl¡ªyou changed me for the better," he said, pausing to wipe away the tears that blurred his vision. After a moment, he continued, "When you saved me that first time we met, that gust you created, that flap of your wings, it had the power to create a new me. I swear to you; I will not let this new me go to waste. Your creation will do his best to continue our fight and to keep on living. Rest...my sweet girl."

 Chapter 24 - Shades of Gray

    Chapter 24 - Shades of Gray

    Aisha exited the phone shop and began walking west. It was a short distance to the town''s edge, where the familiar dark brown desert stretched before her. It seemed like ages since she first arrived in Dirthrow from the Valt swamp. This very spot marked her entry into town. But now was not the time for reminiscing.

    Tia should have returned by now, Aisha mused. The concealed laptop that her Porygon discovered in the ducts could provide them with crucial information, especially if Elduran failed to extract any valuable information from Audrey. They were fortunate that the laptop had sufficient battery life remaining for Porygon to establish a connection and detect its presence hidden up there.

    She reached for a Pok¨¦ball and released Marril. The water Pok¨¦mon stretched and performed a brief Roll-out, a habit he had whenever he found himself in wide, open spaces. Aisha found it endearing. She turned to him and said, "Splash, just keep watch while I make this call. I''d rather focus on the conversation."

    Marril gave a nod, offering a simple "Mar." He then proceeded scanning his surroundings, ready to spot any danger from every possible direction. Elduran''s valuable lesson had taught her well¡ªto train her Pok¨¦mon for situations like these. With their heightened senses and bursts of speed, they held immense potential, yet many merely limited them to one-on-one battles governed by tournament rules.

    Aisha dialed a familiar number by heart. After a couple of rings, the other person picked up.

    "Hello?" came the voice on the other end.

    "Hey Gemma, it''s me," Aisha greeted.

    "Aisha? Girl, you''ve taken forever to call. I told you to call sporadically, but it''s been over a month while you''ve been there.

    "Yeah, my bad, haven''t really had much time to catch my breath. There''s just so much happening," Aisha said.

    "I noticed the money I deposited was withdrawn in Dirthrow; that was the last location I "Well, I''m still here," Aisha replied.

    "Tell me, what''s been going on? Why Dirthrow?" Gemma inquired.

    "There were people here working for the Watchers, maybe even among them, someone named Audrey Lindes. Elduran is after her as we speak," Aisha explained.

    "What drew you to them? What gave them away?" inquired Gemma.

    "They attracted too much attention. Constantly in the library, stockpiling books about legendary Pok¨¦mon, taking shifts to ensure at least one of them was always reading, thus never relinquishing the books. People discussed them on forums. I caught on," replied Aisha.

    "You are so smart. I knew I picked the right person for the job. But hold on, you said Elduran was chasing Aud...this Audrey something?" Gemma asked.

    "Yes, hopefully he catches her alive, in order to interrogate her." Aisha replied, her voice laced with concern.

    "Damn it, Henry just called me into his office. I have to go. Aisha¡ªI don''t really trust him. Our head of department has some secrets I''m trying to uncover, but he''s extremely interested in you and Elduran. I think maybe it''s time to tell Elduran the truth about Kyogre. Henry said something that worries me, but...the later he finds out, the worse it would be," Gemma said, her voice urgent.

    "About Elduran, his dislike for Pok¨¦mon, I don''t think..." Aisha began but was interrupted by Gemma.

    "I really have to go, I''m sorry," Gemma said as she hung up the phone, leaving Aisha with a sense of unease.

    This was meant to provide her with a sense of comfort and direction. Yet, Aisha couldn''t help but wonder what Gemma had implied. Could Henry Jacobs, their agency''s director, possibly be involved with the Watchers? The mere idea seemed insane. If they couldn''t trust the person leading their agency, Aisha thought, what chance did they have of bringing the Watchers to justice?

    Aisha threw the phone to the ground. She had told Tia she needed some air to get some time to herself. The device had been inexpensive, but she had hoped it would at least last through a longer conversation than the brief call she had with Gemma. Destroying it was necessary. That Porygon of hers, it would undoubtedly track the phone''s location.

    She couldn''t tell the others, perhaps only Elduran, given their shared past. But after today, even he would advise against contacting Gemma again. He still had feelings for her and would caution Aisha against reaching out, not wanting to put Gemma at risk.

    Tia, on the other hand, would be livid. She despised intelligence agencies, and her relationship with Aisha had only recently begun to improve because Tia believed Aisha was secretly exploiting her agency''s resources to pursue the Watchers on her own terms.

    She turned her attention to Mariil, "Splash, destroy the phone to smithereens, please."

    "Maaar," Marril said as he first used Water Gun. Aisha didn''t know if he knew how electrical components short-circuited with water, but the fact that he used a water attack to destroy a phone rather than Slam made her smile. Of course, after, he proceeded to slam every component to smithereens. The smile on Marril''s face after he won against the phone, the wiggling of his tail from left to right, melted Aisha''s heart. She always got amazed at how happy he got doing two things: swimming and fulfilling her commands, any commands, no matter how small or trivial they were.

    It was time to go back. She believed that Tia would have likely discovered something from Audrey''s laptop by the time of her return. Expecting news from Jabari regarding the Meteora situation was premature. However, her first stop needed to be the Pok¨¦mon center. Hattrem''s recovery should have been completed by now.

    As she began to walk, her phone beeped. This time it was her primary phone, she thought. The text was from Faelan. He was on his way to the mayor''s office. That was a good sign. It meant that the mayor had been true to his word. He had indeed made Faelan a detective. A wave of relief washed over her. That had been another worry weighing on her mind. The last thing they needed was for Faelan to go to prison for killing that despicable human filth, even though technically, it wasn''t him who had done it. It was her, Cyndaquil, who was her Pok¨¦mon after all.

    Now, one more piece of good news would make this day just a bit brighter for her. She longed to hear positive results from Jabari and Elduran.

    <hr>

    Jabari finally reached the summit. He was utterly exhausted and thought he really needed to lose some weight. This would be the first and last time he would make the daunting climb to the top of Meteora. Surveying the area, he noticed a vast caprock and three buildings. After pausing briefly to catch his breath, and with Meltan tugging on his ear to keep moving, he continued toward the trio of structures. The daylight was nearly gone, and he hoped to find Elduran and Mew before darkness enveloped the landscape.

    He was about to enter the largest of the three buildings when he spotted Mew flying towards him. They seemed delighted to see him, circling around him a few times before nodding towards the east. He followed them, passing through a Muk that had been split into two pieces. He was genuinely surprised to discover that even Muk had organs; he could have sworn they were made of pure slime and mud. Where Muk had been separated, the scene was gruesome. Some professor he was¡ªnot his field of expertise, perhaps, but he should at least know a few basics.

    There, he first spotted the flame on Cyndaquil''s back, on the opposite side of the fence. As he approached, he saw Elduran sitting against the fence logs, his back pressed against one of the wooden posts. Jabari hastened his steps, puzzled by Elduran''s decision to be on the other side of the fence. Drawing nearer, he realized the situation was even more perilous than he had initially thought. The ground on the other side of the fence was barely long enough to sit on before the cliff abruptly ended.

    "Elduran," Jabari called out, "I''d greatly prefer it if you were on this side of the fence, my friend," he said as Meltan jumped off his shoulder.

    "She is dead, the fucking hag leapt to her demise, after realizing she couldn''t win against all of us. Mew descended to verify her fate," Elduran declared.

    "It''s alright, you did well, Elduran...really good. As always," Jabari remarked.

    Elduran began to rise, Cyndaquil leaping from his lap as he did. He squeezed himself through the fence, tumbling to the ground and rolling onto his back as he emerged. His wound on his shoulder was bleeding; he needed to change the dressing immediately and rest. How much had he exerted himself today, Jabari wondered. But more importantly, it was his eyes. He had been crying, his eyes still watery as he gazed up at the sky.

    Elduran, still avoiding Jabari''s gaze, began softly, "I did not do good at Dasos... I''m sorry, Jabari. I let Anaya¡ª" He was cut short.

    "Don''t you dare say that," Jabari interrupted. "From what I heard, if not for you, none of you would have returned to Dirthrow." Jabari knelt, placing a reassuring hand on Elduran''s good shoulder. "Look at me," he urged. Elduran''s eyes remained fixed on the sky. Jabari gave a gentle shake, "I said, look at me." This time, Elduran met his gaze.

    "You did well, Elduran," Jabari continued, his voice steady. "Thank you for bringing back Ink and Anaya''s final painting. Her death, Viv''s death, Blue''s death¡ªthey''re not on you. What is on you, though, is that Forge is alive, Aisha is alive, and her Pok¨¦mon are too. How about you stop blaming yourself and stand up so I can tend to that wound?" Jabari''s hand extended towards him, and Elduran accepted it.

    As Elduran was helped to his feet and began walking, leaning on Jabari''s shoulder for support, he spoke with determination, "Listen, man... things will change from now on. I won''t live solely to hunt these bastards. They may be my destination, but I won''t let them consume my journey as well. I''ve decided to continue being a trainer, but from now on, my Pok¨¦mon will have an equal say in where we go."

    Jabari managed a smile, sensing that his friend had managed to overcome the mental block he had put up over the past day. "It seems like whatever you were going through... well... you''ve beaten it. I''m happy for you. I don''t think the rest of us could do without you," Jabari said, his voice filled with relief and sincerity.

    Meltan and Mew appeared to be engaged in a deep conversation, not following Elduran and Jabari. Curious about their discussion, Jabari decided to let it be, respecting that it was their business.

    "Everything clicked once all five of them were dead. I could breathe again. My mind cleared," Elduran explained, a weight lifted from his shoulders. He then turned to his Pok¨¦mon and requested, "Forge, can you burn Muk''s body, please?" as they passed by the lifeless form.

    "Cyyyn," Cyndaquil responded without hesitation, igniting the body in a swift, fiery blaze.

    "They say revenge doesn''t make you feel better," Jabari remarked.

    Elduran chuckled softly, "what a load of Arceus crap. I can assure you; it makes you feel a whole lot better," he said as he lifted his head and gazed towards the smaller building opposite the direction of the larger one. "Help me get to that smaller building over there, it''s filled with beds," Elduran requested.

    " I won''t lie, knowing they''re all dead doesn''t do much for me. Anaya''s still not here - does anything else really matter? Not to me," Jabari said as they reached the door, and he swung it open.

    As they entered the room, Elduran reclined on the bed closest to the door. With a knowing nod, he said, "And that, my friend, is precisely why you are a better person."

    Jabari started removing Elduran''s boots, remarking, "I''m not so sure about that. In any case, let me grab a first aid kit. I assume they''re in the main building."

    "Yes, Gale is there too. I gave him an antidote, but give him a potion too, I was in a rush and did not have the time to do both," Elduran said.

    "Chasing an old lady leaping off a cliff, yes, I would say so," Jabari remarked.

    Elduran was visibly absorbed in his own thoughts. Leaving him, he entered the larger edifice. There lay Gale atop one of the tables, apparently slumbering. Jabari gently placed a hand on Gale''s forehead; all seemed well. Crossing to the room''s far side, he retrieved a first aid kit and a potion. Opting for the needle form, he delivered the potion in full by piercing Gale''s chest. It appeared that Gale bore no external injuries that would warrant the use of the potion''s spray variant.

    Jabari moved ahead, picked up Gale, and gently laid him on a bed opposite Elduran. Cyndaquil had returned and was now resting on Elduran''s chest, contentedly receiving pats from him. Yes, something profound had shifted within Elduran. Mew and Meltan had also entered the room; Mew seemed particularly fond of Elduran for reasons unknown. Perhaps the courage he displayed when they first met had truly impressed them, but this was merely speculation. Meltan eagerly jumped onto Elduran''s bed, clearly intent on aiding Jabari with the task of cleaning the wound.

    This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

    Changing the dressing on the wound took little time. Despite knowing Elduran needed rest, he couldn''t resist asking a few questions: "Did you threaten to torture her or something before she jumped?" he inquired.

    Elduran explained, "She assumed I would. Once she realized we were aware of her location, she understood she couldn''t outsmart all of us. Yet, I sensed she wasn''t surprised, as if she already knew. I keep replaying it in my mind, and I think I reached her just before she was about to jump anyway."

    Jabari sat on the bed across from Elduran, where Togetic lay. He spent a full minute lost in thought. Nothing made sense. He had to keep thinking, as whenever his brain stopped processing, thoughts of Anaya crept in. If the Watchers threatened Audrey, death would be the ultimate price. With Elduran, the worst outcome could also be death, but there was a chance of survival. Why choose certain death? Jabari pondered this. What could be worse than death for someone like her with no immediate family, according to Tia''s research? He lowered his head into his hands, resting on his knees, squeezing his skull. There must be something he was missing¡ªan idea so powerful it could change everything. The Watchers had never been caught because whatever they believed in, any action to sabotage it, must be worse than death to them, dissuading members from betraying their organization even in exchange for their lives.

    "Tia and Aisha don''t believe she''s a Watcher. Did she tell you anything?" Jabari asked Elduran.

    "She claimed she wasn''t. She was intelligent, smarter than me for sure, but I doubt she was clever enough to be part of an organization that has never had a single member caught for decades," Elduran replied.

    Jabari pondered Elduran''s words. "I think you''re mistaken. Tia can explain in detail, but until her graduation from Castella University, she was top in everything. She excelled in school, earned a full university scholarship, graduated with top grades, and then took a job as a supermarket clerk¡ªa job to basically disappear. Tia suspects she can find some mundane reason for it if she digs deep enough, but I believe it''s because she was actually a Watcher. Her age suggests she could have been among the first to join the organization. She might even have been a founder and if after forty-plus years trying to achieve a goal, whatever that may be, death might be preferable to seeing it die," Jabari concluded, noticing Elduran''s exhausted stare.

    "You''re telling me I had a Watcher within reach, and I let her die right in front of me? That I allowed her to bungee jump without a rope, and with every foot she fell, an invisible palm was essentially slapping me repeatedly as she descended to the bottom of her victory road? And I didn''t even realize I was being slapped. Fuck!" Elduran exclaimed.

    Jabari looked at Elduran with curiosity, wondering how these sentences even formed in his brain. "You did not know, and we still don''t know," he said to him. "Wait for Aisha to work this problem out. I might be wrong. But even if you did, do you honestly think you could have done something different?" Jabari asked.

    It was obvious that Elduran was struggling to think, trying to find a reason to say yes, but after a sigh he said, "no, if I had Viv maybe, but with what I had to work with...no, nothing I could have done to change the outcome." Cyndaquil looked at him with a hurt expression. Elduran spoke again, looking at him, "Forge, I am not saying you were inadequate, I know how strong you are. But all of us have different strengths and weaknesses. Viv''s String Shot could have stuck Audrey to the ground, you surely can see that. But when I needed someone to keep dodging and annoying Muk while I saved Gale''s life, there would be no Pok¨¦mon better than you Forge." Cyndaquil''s mood clearly got brighter.

    Elduran''s direct way of talking often got him into trouble, but it also got him out of bad situations as much as it threw him into landmines. What a peculiar individual.

    Jabari noticed Meltan had already fallen asleep at the foot of the bed where Elduran was resting. He often jokingly thought Meltan was part cat since the Pok¨¦mon seemed to sleep more than it was awake. Meanwhile, Mew was quietly perched on the top bunk above Elduran, listening to their conversation without interruption, which Jabari found unusual. Mew''s behavior was uncharacteristic, and Jabari wondered if it felt guilty for today''s failure. He decided to discuss it with Mew after Elduran was asleep. "You need to rest; we go down in the morning," Jabari reminded Elduran.

    "Wake me at three. We must leave before the first ranger arrives. It''s crucial for Audrey''s body to be found far from here. One of the rangers knew I was here with Audrey. She¡¯ll eventually be reported missing, and I''ll be the prime suspect. They must find her body elsewhere," Elduran explained.

    "Wow, I can''t believe we''re even considering this," Jabari replied, troubled.

    "Dan is dead. If we can''t prove Audrey was a criminal, I''m in deep trouble," Elduran said.

    "I understand, but it feels wrong. I feel like I''m becoming a criminal myself, and I hate it. Earlier, I asked Tia and Aisha to search Audrey''s house for evidence. Everything feels off," Jabari confessed.

    "You need to operate on the gray side of morality, Jabari, to even stand a chance against them," Elduran advised.

    Jabari grasped Elduran''s point but believed there had to be a better way. Though he saw no immediate alternative, he promised himself to find one for the group''s sake. He then addressed Mew, already looking at him. "Can you transport Audrey to the foot of a mesa south of Dirthrow? It''s a long way, but I''m asking for Elduran sake," Jabari requested.

    Mew connected with Jabari telepathically, assuring him they could accomplish the task. It might take some time, but they were determined to do it for Elduran. To Mew, Elduran was a powerful ally, even admired by them. They couldn¡¯t hide these feelings, nor did they try to. Yet, something about this admiration troubled Jabari. Was Mew feeling inadequate?

    "Thank you, Mew. Let''s go outside for a moment and let Elduran rest," Jabari said, rising from his seat. He turned to Elduran, who was already half asleep, and added, "I''ll wake you at three." With that, he stepped outside, Mew following closely behind.

    They approached the location where they had discovered Elduran in complete silence. Jabari leaned against the top log of the fence, while Mew perched on the log beside him. Together, they gazed out at the dark horizon, which seemed especially black on this particular night. The moon was barely visible, only a slim crescent hanging in the sky.

    "From now on, mesas will always remind me of Anaya, thanks to her last painting," Jabari said, a tear escaping his eye. "The irony, Mew, is that nothing could represent her better. These stones that seem to come from another world, are just like Anaya: dangerous, untamed, rugged, and yet trying to paint the prettiest scene."

    He could sense Mew beginning to express their feelings at last. An overwhelming sense of remorse emanated from them. But why did Mew feel such regret? They had only ever acted for the good of the group. Jabari pondered what could truly be troubling them.

    "What is up with you? Why do you want to apologize?" Jabari asked with a soft voice.

    A rush of emotions overwhelmed Jabari as images and sensations flooded their mind. They felt guilty for failing the group, believing that a strong Pok¨¦mon like them should not have been fooled by these people. They also felt inadequate for not defeating Spiritomb faster, as Elduran and Faelan had contributed more to the victory. If they had defeated Dan quicker, they might have caught Audrey before she jumped off, giving them answers instead of feeling like they had nothing.

    However, what troubled Mew the most was the shift in their perspective regarding the relationship between humans and Pok¨¦mon. They had never truly understood why Pok¨¦mon would accept being commanded by humans, but this experience had changed their view. It was the humans who did most of the heavy lifting, going above and beyond to make their Pok¨¦mon fight more effectively and intelligently. Moreover, the humans in this group saw their Pok¨¦mon as equals, combining human intelligence with Pok¨¦mon prowess to bring out the best in their Pok¨¦mon''s battle power.

    Mew believed that without Faelan''s help, a non-legendary Pok¨¦mon like Spiritomb would have defeated them, simply because it was trained by a very smart trainer, a fact that Mew acknowledged about Dan. In just a few days, Mew''s entire belief system had been shattered, and everything they thought they knew on this topic had evaporated, despite their centuries of life since being created by Arceus.

    Jabari stumbled a little, because Mew just now, had basically validated that Arceus existed and based on the images that flashed his mind, Mew indeed was the first Pok¨¦mon created, in the deep of space, in the middle of nowhere. He tried to think of something else, not wanting Mew to think that his professorial curiosity had overtaken his concern for their friend''s existential crisis.

    Jabari''s heart ached for Mew, and it wasn''t just guilt. He had grown to love everyone in the group deeply. Overcome with a strong sense of responsibility to take care of them all, Jabari stopped leaning on the fence. He walked right in front of Mew, who turned around to face him, hovering at eye level. Gently placing his hands on either side of Mew''s torso, Jabari drew them into a tight hug when they didn''t resist.

    "Young as I may be compared to you, I believe I have the wisdom to say that our current situation is no one''s fault. Though the Watchers bested us this time, we remain standing. Considering the hardships Elduran and Aisha faced in Dasos Mew, I would even call this a half victory. From what Aisha told me; it was a miracle they escaped alive. Even after her explanation, I still can''t fathom how they managed to survive. As for the human-Pok¨¦mon relationship, it is one of the universe''s most mysterious phenomena. Whether by grand design or sheer chance, humans and Pok¨¦mon seem to bring out the best in each other. Even Pok¨¦mon professors can''t fully explain why this is the case. I don''t consider Pok¨¦mon less intelligent; we simply channel our intelligence into different areas. Humans may appear smarter to you, Mew, but it''s because we are physically weak. We can''t produce fire from our mouths or move objects telekinetically like you. Instead, we use our brains to create machines that perform these tasks for us. We also use our intellect to guide you in using the right moves and techniques to maximize your potential. However, Pok¨¦mon must focus all their intelligence on tapping into their inner power to unleash their incredibly potent abilities. How can you expect to have any remaining brain power for anything else?" Jabari concluded with a smile.

    Mew calmed down, their emotions settling as they clung to Jabari. He could sense their gratitude for his kind words, but he had one more question for the mythical Pok¨¦mon.

    "Mew, I can tell there''s something about Elduran that interests you. Why not join him? I can transfer ownership of your Pok¨¦ball to him if you''d like," Jabari offered.

    Mew pulled away from Jabari''s embrace, hovering before him with a serious expression, flooding him with emotions and images once more. Jabari realized his misunderstanding; Elduran was his least favorite from the group, it wasn''t that Mew disliked Elduran¡ªquite the opposite. Elduran was the first to challenge Mew''s belief in their superiority over humans, teaching that strength resided not in physical power but in strength of character.

    Mew embraced this lesson, and Jabari wholeheartedly agreed, making him Mew¡¯s preferred companion for his unmatched character strength. However, Mew was troubled by Elduran¡¯s readiness to take a life. This aspect unsettled Mew, as Elduran, whom they liked the least, exhibited the survival instincts and battle readiness typical of Pok¨¦mon.

    "I understand, thank you for sharing, Mew," Jabari said, acknowledging the importance of companionship for even powerful Pok¨¦mon like Mew in this dark world. Elduran might call it gray, but Jabari found it too dark for his liking. Mew, feeling reassured, was ready to begin the mission: relocating Audrey''s body. Just before departure, Jabari instructed, "Once you move her, Mew, please search for any documents or a phone she might have on her." Mew nodded, then flew over the cliff, vanishing into the night. With a few good hours before waking Elduran, Jabari decided to first call Tia and Aisha and let them know what happened here and then get some rest.

    <hr>

    "You made Dirthrow much safer today, Faelan. Thank you," Steven Collins said as he poured whiskey into two glasses.

    "I had a lot of help. Elduran was invaluable," Faelan replied, settling into a chair across from the mayor''s desk. His eyes briefly lingered on a green book by the bookcase.

    Steven slid one of the glasses toward Faelan. "I can''t believe someone in Dirthrow was hiding a Spiritomb. That Elduran fellow, he''s well-known. I asked some friends in Kanto and while you were the prodigy, he was the celebrity. Why is he no longer with APSO?" he inquired.

    Faelan took the glass. He wasn''t fond of alcohol, but he intended to sip courteously. Raising his glass, he nodded at Steven before taking a small sip. "It''s simple," he explained. "He wanted to become a trainer, so he quit. It was a mere coincidence we met here. He was visiting to earn his first badge, and he did."

    "It''s a shame; he would have been an excellent addition to your group. But for some reason, President Ketcher doesn''t want trainers," the mayor said.

    "Really? There will be no trainers in my group? That sounds a lot like APSO," Faelan remarked.

    "It''s different. You won''t be defending cities or towns from powerful Pok¨¦mon here in Tenera; we haven''t had any legendary Pok¨¦mon attacks. If we did, you might be called upon, but that''s just speculation. The mission objectives seem to be about locating where these Pok¨¦mon reside. As for not having a single trainer in your unit, while it pleases me for obvious reasons, I genuinely don''t know why they don''t want trainers in this team," Steven explained.

    Faelan rose and approached the bookcase, pretending to be interested. "You have an awful lot of books. Have you actually read all of these?" he asked.

    Steven chuckled. "I doubt I''ve read more than ten of them. I just keep them around to appear sophisticated. I even had my assistant buy used books intentionally, so they seem like they''ve been read," he said, still laughing.

    Faelan pulled out a new-looking green book and noticed the pen in the back of the bookcase, where the book had been. "Well, this one looks brand new," he remarked, then he reached inside with this free hand, discreetly slipping the pen up his sleeve. Then, he picked up another book next to where the green book had been. This one appeared old and weathered, with a dark blue faux leather cover. "Compared to this one, which looks like it''s from ancient times," Faelan added with a feigned laugh.

    "The same assistant insisted I needed some new ones, or else it would seem like I don''t appreciate anything new," Steven said, still smiling.

    Faelan put the books back on the shelf and then sat down in the chair. "I''m assuming you know Audrey," he said. "Even though you''re not an official member of the Reapers, you should at least know her¡ªit''s a small town, after all."

    "Of course I know her. Too bad Dan did not make it out. Nothing we had found so far on her paints her a criminal. Did Elduran comprehend her?" Steven asked.

    "I received a text from him; she wasn''t up there, despite being seen going up by a ranger, so Elduran followed. Did you know if she had a secret flying Pok¨¦mon? Even though she''s a Reaper, she did have a Muk," Faelan said, lying.

    "Yes, it''s odd she kept that Muk. I''ve never seen her with a flying Pok¨¦mon. But her fleeing as you went to intercept Dan makes her suspect," Steven said.

    Faelan felt he could trust the mayor to reveal the reason behind their pursuit of Dan and Audrey¡ªtheir connection to the Watchers. However, he realized that Aisha and Tia would likely be furious if he disclosed that information without first investigating the mayor further. It was time to leave, and he suggested that he needed some time alone with Aisha. But then, he remembered that all the beds were in the common room on the first floor. Any time alone would have to wait until the second-floor renovations were completed, which he figured would take no more than two days. Another problem loomed: who would run the caf¨¦? "I need to go, Mr. Mayor. I need to get some rest. Thank you again for the part-time detective job," he said.

    "It was my pleasure. I wish everyone in the force were as dependable as you, but we must work with what we have. Have a good night," Steven said, extending his hand.

    Faelan shook Steven''s hand. "Good night to you too, sir. I''ll let you know if I learn any more about Audrey," he said as he left the mayor''s office. He realized there was still enough time for a walk with Aisha. Now that things would settle down, with adrenaline levels dropping, she would need support. It was hard to believe that just yesterday she lost her Clefairy, Faelan thought. He hadn''t received any message from Elduran; instead, the message came from Jabari, who assured him that Elduran was doing much better. That eased Faelan''s mind considerably. They desperately needed Elduran''s leadership to be in top shape¡ªespecially mentally. This struggle against the Watchers was clearly going to be a long one.