Pokémon Nori Carino: Abyssal Despair

[System Error]

Nori had been expecting something of a tepid if not a chilly reception in class following what happened at lunch, so it was something of a relief when there was nothing significant. The extent of things was a few whispers between friends discussing the situation, and otherwise there was not so much as a harsh look his way. That allowed him to clear his head and rethink what he was going to do.

Instead of jumping straight into training, step one was going to be to head home to unwind and talk to his mom about it. And grabbing some food for himself and his Pokemon while he was at it.

As he opened the door to the trailer, he found his mom sitting at the table that folded into his bed, engrossed in a romance novel. It depicted a blonde woman in an embrace with an orange-haired man. The Hearthome Contest Hall was visible behind them. Adrian: A Trainer’s Guide to Moving On was the title.

His mom’s eyebrows dropped when she looked up at him. She put a finger in her book. “What happened, Nori?” she asked him directly. Not if something had happened or if something was wrong. He was making it obvious from his expression, and even then, she knew what was going on.

“Exactly what I thought might happen,” he said, putting his bag down on the floor and sitting across from her. “A couple people in the club yelled at me over Qwilfish.”

She grabbed her bookmark from the windowsill and folded up the book before placing it there. “So what did you do?” It was the obvious follow-up question.

“Nothing. They just started screaming the moment I walked through the door, so I just walked out.” She sat up straighter at his proclamation. He could tell by her faint smile that she approved. “I didn’t want to make things worse. Yumi came and found me after. She’s going to try mediating.”

“She’s a good girl,” his mom remarked, her smile deepening.

“She really is.” He snickered to himself. He had a feeling why she was going so far, but was only 99% sure. If he made an assumption and was wrong, well. That would screw things up. Or what if it changed things too much?

“It’s hard to believe she used to be in that YAMS group.” The mention of the youth protest group made Nori’s skin bristle. It was like he suddenly had a bad itch. “What did you do after that?”

A shaky laugh escaped the young official as he rubbed the nape of his neck. “It’s funny you mentioned YAMS. Guess who showed up today at lunch?”

His mom’s eyes widened. “At your school?” she inquired, rubbing her own right arm. When Nori confirmed it, she shook her head vigorously. “What did those two want?”

So he explained what had happened with Emi at first, how Louis and Mariko revealed themselves out of the blue, what those two had come to protest about (she mouthed ‘typical’ at this), and how many of the gathered crowd had actually agreed with them. He went on to explain how he just walked away from them, how Yumi found him again (once more to his mom’s amusement), and how he spoke with Qwilfish away from the school after.

By the time he had finished, his mom was resting a finger on her lip. She always did so when in thought. She was quiet for many long seconds. It told him she was really thinking about this, and Nori could read her expression besides. Eyebrows lowered like she was glaring. Probably angry, but not at him. Pinched lips, maybe suppressing a frown or doubting something. Not looking at him; her eyes were on the ceiling. Not a good sign.

Eventually, she looked down at him and sat back. “You shouldn’t have walked away.”

“Huh? I didn’t get into a fight.” He thought she’d be proud of him. Much as he wanted to belt Louis for being a petty jerk. He’d grown from having to answer every single challenge thrown at him.

“There’s times to walk away from a confrontation and there’s times when you need to face them,” his mother explained. She didn’t put her hands on her hips and she didn’t raise her voice. But her tone being flat and serious made a chill run through Nori, followed by heat rising within him. “Walking away from them didn’t help your case.”

He lurched forward, placing his hands on the table and leaning over it. “I wasn’t running from this!” he argued. “I was just…I needed…” He fell back into the chair and smacked himself on the head. Stupid words! Work!

“And…” She turned away and drew in a deep breath. “I hate to say this, but they have a point.”

His chest tightened. He pulled his legs up slightly, as much as he could under the table. “I know,” he admitted. That was the worst part about this! The part he didn’t want to think about. “But I know something’s wrong with what they’re saying! It’s just from a certain point of view! I was just mad, and I couldn’t think right!” Nori sniffed. He got up, turned the sink on, sucked up some water, and gulped it down. He turned the knob back and looked down at the drain. “I still can’t.

“Pokemon don’t legally agree to fight dangerous killers where they could get hurt or worse, and they have rights too. It seems right on paper. But my heart’s screaming otherwise!” It was at that moment, actually: pounding on the walls of his chest. “There’s something wrong there!”

He felt a pair of arms come up behind him and lightly embrace him. “That’s fine, Nori,” his mom consoled. “I had the same thought.”

He tensed for several seconds before turning around and returning the hug. “Thanks,” he said. The vote of confidence helped. “But feelings and instincts alone won’t convince anyone. I need facts. Real arguments.” He looked up at her. “Do you have any ideas, ma?”

She shook her head. “Sorry. I stayed out of Pokemon training as much as you did. But you know people who would know these things, don’t you?”

Nori was still able to find his smile in this situation, if only for a moment. She never wanted to train Pokemon? That was ironic, considering she was trying to push him into it at one point. “It’d be easy if I could talk to Prema about this.” Her family basically created Pokemon training in an indirect way. If anyone were experts on it, it’d be them. “Arumi might know. Agent Studd hopefully would.”

His mom rolled her eyes over the mention of the situation with Prema (she again mouthed ‘typical’). “Maybe you should start by talking to them.”

“Good idea.”

“And I mean Prema too.”

Nori blinked, broke away, and took a step back. He was not expecting her to nudge him in that direction. “But her stupid dad won’t let me.”

She put her hands on her hips. “You won’t know how it turns out unless you try. I’d like to think those shrines would be willing to help a trainer in need.” Her eyes were cold and her tone was flat.

Mom always had a problem with religion. Even to the point of worrying about his friendship with Prema. That was why it was so shocking to hear her tell him to go see her. “Maybe.” He didn’t want to ruin things, either. Like, what if Prema had a problem with this? “I don’t know.” He had so few friends, he was afraid…his hands tightened up and clutched at himself. He didn’t want to lose any!

---

A knot tightened in Ayume Carino’s stomach as she watched her son visibly grapple with the conundrum he was facing. He was always an emotional person. But this was how it had to be. He was also always a strong hearted person. He would make it through this.

Ayume knew him. In times of self-doubt, Nori needed validation, even if it was from just one person. She knew if she said that, he would eventually try to talk with Prema, regardless of what the shrine decreed. He probably already thought of it himself.

She had strong reservations about organized religion, no matter what it was. She saw what it did to her parents. Initially, she was unsure what to think about her son’s friendship with the heir to a major shrine. It quickly became clear that they were close friends in spite of his apatheism. Still, she made clear to Nori back in September that something along these lines would eventually happen. Better to find out sooner rather than later. She still resented Claris Willins and had no sympathy for the child actress. It did not matter what happened to her.

Nori had stopped curling into himself, but he remained silent. Ayume nodded and patted his shoulder. “I don’t think your friendship will end if you do this,” she told him, plain and simple. “Prema is better than that.”

That got him to snap to attention. His head darted up to her, his eyes widening. “You think so?”

Ayume crossed her arms. “You said she told you something she couldn’t tell anyone else,” she reminded him. “She wouldn’t do that if you weren’t important to her.”

“Yeah, you’re right.” So he saw it. She valued him far too much. “It’s just…” He trailed off again and lowered his head.

She understood his reasons. There was still that sliver of doubt in his mind. Throughout his life, you could always count the number of real friends he had on one hand. Those who would unconditionally stick by him. Excluding those yet to prove themselves (including that Yumi girl and the Kannagi heir), they presently totaled two as far as she was concerned. Arumi Schrader was one of them.

As for the other person, she had something for Nori that she knew for sure was going to brighten his day. Something from someone who was evidently a true friend. Someone who acted in spite of his parents and kept in contact. Now, would Prema Kannagi do the same? How far was she willing to go? She turned around and walked over to where she had left it.

---

That was weird. His mom had never given a vote of confidence to Prema before! Was her opinion softening? But she was right. They’d still be friends no matter what her dad said. And he knew the man was reasonable; he let Nori meet with Prema at late night. But how different would it be this time? Haruto Kannagi had a personal stake this time, and that could lead to biasedness. What about the worst-case scenario?

“By the way,” his mom spoke up. She twisted around, reached behind her, and grabbed something from the compartment above. When she turned back, she was holding a white envelope between her index and middle fingers. “This came for you today.” She chuckled slightly with raised eyebrows.

“A letter for me?” he pondered aloud, rubbing his eyes. That could be from anyone. Prema, maybe, given she brought her up? And she was holding it backwards, so he couldn’t read the address. “Okay, thanks.”

She flipped it and passed it over to him. As he caught a glimpse of the front, his head jerked back. His skin began to tingle. Was that right? He took it with both hands and got a good look. He wasn’t just seeing things! The name on the front of the envelope leaped off the page at him. Lux Blomgren. He felt his heart begin to beat through his chest.

He replied! He actually replied! “I gotta read this right now!”

He went for the utensil drawer. As he did, he thought back to the start of the year.

Nori had met Lux Blomgren on his first day of elementary school in Sunyshore City, back in January, when he was training to become an official. It was very brief, and they didn’t get to know each other until later in the month, but he counted it! He later saved him from some bullying. They became very close friends after they were partnered up in class, and though their time together was all too brief, a slip-up with a letter Lux had sent him for his birthday had indicated that it might have turned into something more. Whether or not that had happened, one thing was for certain. He missed Lux’s hugs and wished he could have one now.

Lux was a little shorter than Nori, slim and slender, with purple hair and indigo eyes. One could easily mistake him for a girl on appearances alone, and maybe some of his interests. He was often bullied because of that or whatever other stupid reasons people looking to feel better about themselves could think of. Nori had no regrets about saving him from that, that was for sure!

Nori’s hand quivered. He nearly dropped the knife he had picked up. He wasted no time scooting into his seat and slicing the top of the envelope open. He heard his mom’s chuckles as he dove into the elegantly handwritten letter.

“Dear Nori,” it began much the same way as his last letter. Dear. Was he reading too much into that part? Maybe if it was by itself, since it wasn’t unusual to start letters with dear, but it wasn’t the last time.

“You don’t know how happy it makes me to hear from you. I was beginning to think you had forgotten about me for real this time. I love that you took the time out of your busy schedule to send me a reply. I was the happiest boy in the world for a brief moment when dad handed me the mail that day.

“I’m glad to hear you’re doing well since moving back home. I wish I could say the same. Nothing has changed in the three months since I sent you your birthday card. Well, mom’s been trying to get dad to get ‘a real job’ instead of his vacuum cleaner business. It’s been doing well, so we don’t know what she expects from him. I wish you could be here with me. Even if I somehow make friends here, I know none will ever compare to how good you were to me.

“I heard about what happened with your first assignment.” Nori leaned in warily, only to ease up as he saw it was outdated. “It’s neat that you get to work with the Blackout Killer’s Pawniard. I listened that radio drama featuring them recently. I’m betting you did too. I know that if anyone can rehabilitate him, it’s you, Nori. Don’t give up no matter how bleak things get! Have you been listening to any new radio dramas lately? I recently got to hear the original War of the Worlds on a local station. It’s really interesting. You should check it out yourself sometime when you can.”

There was some erased stuff, and overtop was, “I don’t know what else to write here. So thank you again for keeping me in your heart. You’ll always be in mine. Write back whenever you can!”

Yours truly,
Lux Blomgren
P.S. I think about you every day.

Nori felt an uplifting sensation in his limbs and chest as he finished reading. It was like a warmth spreading all throughout his body. He gave the letter a big smile and a cool, crisp nod, as if Lux might somehow be watching.

“I thought that’d make your day,” his mom said with a smirk. She was leaning up on her bed at the back of the trailer.

“Yeah, it was really nice timing,” he said, delicately folding the letter back up. He hadn’t been sure if Lux got his letter or if he sent it to the wrong address or if his parents intercepted it. But he did! Nori was sure it was just a coincidence that it arrived now, but it was a rare stroke of luck. It was just what he needed! Not to mention a huge relief knowing they were still friends. “It’s really nice knowing he still cares so much.”

“You said he had a crush on you?”

Nori sat up straighter at the abrupt question. His mom only leaned in with interest. “Well, I’m not 100% sure.” That was just his guess from the tone. In the birthday letter, Lux had even accidentally ended it with ‘Love’ and didn’t completely erase it. It could’ve been an accident. And there were no obvious signals like Yumi was giving off. “I mean, some of the things he was saying in the first letter and now this one…”

She stood and walked over, once more taking the seat across from him. “Can I take a look at it?”

He silently slid her the letter. It wasn’t like he could show it to anyone else. His mom loved reading, and it took her less than half a minute to finish. She nodded emphatically and came up with a smirk.

“He does,” she said in the definitive, passing it back to him.

Nori twitched. Lux in love with him? She read romances all the time, and she was saying it was true, so she would certainly know. He felt a bit of heat in his face as he turned away. “Do you think it’s, y’know, weird?”

His mom only smiled deeper. “As long as you love each other and get along as a couple, your circumstances shouldn’t matter,” she assured him. It was about what he thought. Her expression suddenly shifted to something between smug and dismissive. “Just don’t bother with our family if it happens.”

He shrugged. “I’ve never talked to them ever in my life, so already done there.” It didn’t surprise him. Same-sex marriage wasn’t even legal in the country, so it was still backward in some ways.

Ayume Carino paused for a few seconds before asking, “Are you interested in him?”

He slowly blinked. “I’m not sure.” He would be lying if he said he hadn’t thought about it once after seeing the birthday letter. Lux had given him an intimate hug once, and he thought nothing of it. And he didn’t hate it even at the time. Lux’s femininity probably helped a bit in his mind, because he never once looked at a guy and thought he was attractive. “It’d be nice, I guess. But I know we live so far away, so that’d be the bigger problem.”

“Long distance relationships take a lot of commitment. There’s no need to go jumping into anything just to be in one.”

“Yeah. So I’m not going to worry about it too much right now.” That second part was the other reason he hadn’t chanced asking Yumi yet. Besides that uncertainty which made him not want to risk anything. What if he was wrong and lost her even as a friend?

“That’s the smart thing,” his mom approved. She changed the subject. “Well, it’s nice to think about your friends and relationships. Just don’t forget that you have Pokemon to take care of too.”

“I know!” came his cheery reply. He would have to send another letter to Lux when he was able, but that could wait. Maybe if Lux had an email that would help them talk more. Something to ask about. “And reading that helped.”

Not just with helping calm him down. He thought of something else just now! Come to think of it, he made friends with Lux by making it clear he wasn’t going to judge him and standing by him. Maybe he was going about this the wrong way. Getting respect was a good first step for Pawniard, but every Pokemon was different.

“I think I know what I need to do with Qwilfish now,” he declared, standing up.

“What’s that?” his mom asked.

He pumped his arms. There was another change of plans. “I need to make friends with her first, or as much as I can, then I can worry about training and stuff!” She was still uncomfortable, but if she at least got used to him, that’d be a big step forward!

“That makes sense,” his mom said. “I guess you’re going to be heading out soon to start on that?”

He chuckled nervously. “I juuuust need to think about how I’m going to go about it.”

 

[System Error]

Yumi took her time getting to the clubroom at lunchtime on Tuesday. She wanted to make sure that everyone else had arrived by the time she did. She strode down the hall with intent, her eyebrows furrowed and gaze focused. When she opened the door to the small computer lab, there was only one person present.

“Is it just you, Reiko?” she called to her, keeping her rage in check for the time being. “Where are the others?”

Reiko was at one of the desks, poring over a biology textbook. Good, she wasn’t busy. “They’re doing some research at the library,” she replied. “Might be there for a while.”

“Okay. You’ll do for now.” Her footsteps echoed around the room as she stepped over and sat down across from the orange-haired teenager. “We need to talk.”

The larger girl narrowed her eyes. “About what?” she snipped, slamming her textbook shut.

This was just like giving a speech at a protest. You just had to go over what you wanted to say in your head beforehand and then say it. “You should know what,” she replied. “There’s no excuse for how you treated Nori yesterday. He doesn’t deserve it. He has feelings just like anyone else, and he’s really upset. He’s our club president for crying out loud, and I know if Adelle and Yasmin weren’t sick, they’d be saying the same thing to you.” At no point did she raise her voice, but she spoke firmly and seriously.

Reiko had been drumming her fingers on the desk. She fired a bored glare and said, “You’re just saying that since you have the hots for him.”

“Ah?!” Yumi nearly fell backwards. She had expected Reiko to snap back at her, but not with that! “How did you…” She never told anyone!

“Oh, give me a break,” she waved and wiggled a hand. “It’s obvious to me from the way you look at and speak about him. You’re always staring when he’s not looking.”

Her fists clenched. Who the hell was she to say that?! What if someone walked in right now and overheard?! Like Nori himself?! She retorted, “Like you’re one to talk, Ms. Crushes on Terrance.”

Now it was Reiko’s turn to react with shock. Her eyes widened, but her brow remained in a sneer. “Wait, what the fu–”

“You were yelling at Nori because of him, weren’t you?” she accused, leveling a finger at her. “It’s obvious to all of us that you like him. The only one who hasn’t noticed is him.”

“So what if I do?!” Reiko got to her feet and shouted. “He’s been my friend forever, and he’s always stuck by me. Even when others didn’t.” She turned away for a second and shut her eyes. When she turned back, her expression was even more pained. “I know he seems weak and unassertive a lot of the time, but you’re finding out what I’ve known all along. That he has inner strength, and he’ll always be there when you need him.”

Yumi sighed. She didn’t mean for it to go like this. “It’s okay. I understand.” She wasn’t here to hate Reiko for crushing on her best friend. “I’m just saying don’t judge me for liking someone.” As Reiko was opening her mouth to answer, she added, “And I know, it seems hypocritical since you’re sticking up for Terrance, but you were taking it way too far.”

Reiko studied her for what felt like a minute. When she spoke again, she changed the subject. “Nori Carino. Shit.” She shook her head. “Why?”

Yumi blinked at the almost concerned question. She wasn’t expecting Reiko to ask her about that. She looked at the door when Reiko added something extra.

“Asking that for you, by the way.” She tapped a finger on her textbook. “You know what you’re getting into?”

Yumi looked back at her. Reiko was glaring at her beneath lowered eyebrows. She wasn’t frowning, only scrutinizing her. Another glance at the door. It was just them here. She wanted to get this off her chest forever! Even her brother didn’t really get it besides knowing that she did. Terrance, Mitsu, and Saqid were all busy and hopefully wouldn’t be coming back anytime soon. It was just them. Maybe this was the chance.

A sigh escaped her, more dreamy than she intended. “Nori…” she started to say, feeling her cheeks start to flush. “He’s cute, smart, funny, loyal, brave, nice, a leader…”

She still remembered the day they first met. It was back when she was with YAMS. Louis had invited Nori Carino to one of their meetings near the old Magcargo Express warehouse. She’d heard of him before — who couldn’t hear about Claris Willins’ almost-boyfriend? — but she’d never met him. He was kinda cute. His slightly messy hair that was just faintly brown, his gentle red eyes, the way he could smile, even the way he could be dramatic.

Yumi leaned back into the chair. “I thought he was cute since I saw him, and well…” She involuntarily giggled under her breath. “I don’t even know how it turned into liking him, it just did.”

It was when they met again at school that she realized her feelings. But maybe they went back further than that. She was one of the few in YAMS who was worried about him when he was trying to help the Demon Nidorina. Yumi recalled that day they confronted him in that park.

~~~~~~~~~~~~​

It had happened one afternoon in August of last year. Back when she was still with YAMS along with her brother and Nariya Yaznik. Louis had figured out where Nori was going to be training the Demon Nidorina: the Veilstone Docks. They decided to head to the nearby Asweil Park to wait for him.

They came in with one of their protesting chants. Then Louis stepped forward and addressed Nori. “We are Youths Against Mistaken Society. And you should know what we’re here for, Nori Carino. We’re here to protest your harboring of the Demon Nidorina.”

Nori brushed it aside and shrugged. “Well, I haven’t done anything wrong or illegal, so–”

Touya cut in at that point. “Yes, you have.”

“You’re turning a blind eye to things!” Yumi had added with frustrated anguish. Still to this day, she hated those who were willfully ignorant of an issue. Inaction only served to perpetuate problems.

Mariko was right in behind them, and she was far more rude about it. “You don’t live under a rock, just in a dump! You know what that monster’s done! Are you just conveniently ignoring it?”

It took Nori a moment to respond to that. He had every reason to get mad at Mariko, and even them, but he kept his cool at first. He went back and forth with Mariko for a bit; he truly believed the Demon could change in spite of her past. When she went as far as to say he should be punished for supporting the Demon, he asked Louis, “Calm her down.”

Mariko was really hotheaded back then. Even Yumi knew she was going way too far by making it personal, so it was an utter shock when Louis crossed his arms and calmly said, “I agree with her.”

Yumi couldn’t recall what Louis argued, only that she had agreed with it, vacantly or otherwise. The next thing she remembered, the Demon was out of her ball and Nori was challenging them to a battle to prove his point. He was scowling fiercely, and the Demon was happily standing with him!

But none of them would. Mariko and Touya didn’t want to endanger their Pokemon. She, Nariya, and Louis didn’t have any. In fact, Louis believed Nori was acting hypocritical; he had previously dismissed Pokemon training as throwing part of one’s life away, now he was unequivocally doing just that himself by defending the Demon.

Nori eventually had enough and started yelling. “Just shut up! What are you trying to do by doing this?”

Mariko threw up her arms. “Gods, are you slow? We’re here to let everyone know what a horrible person you really are, Nori Carino!”

“And make you realize what you’re doing is wrong!” Touya added.

Yumi frowned. She hated what they were doing. She didn’t think Nori was a bad person at all, just the opposite. But there was such a thing as being too hopeful and kind! “It’s not too late, Nori. Please,” she urged him. “You can still back out of this. Just let the Demon get justice for all it’s done.”

There wasn’t a single person in the park who disagreed with them. It was jarring, actually. They had never gotten that much support during a protest. It even took Mariko aback for a moment.

Louis gave his final speech. “The Demon Nidorina is a dangerous Pokemon. Trainer law states that any Pokemon – trained or wild – that is a threat to society has to be put down. Only your foolish faith and the Gym Leader’s intervention has spared it for now. I don’t understand why she is allowing you to humiliate yourself and destroy your own reputation, but it’s what you’re doing. We’re telling you this for your sake, before you ruin your life.” He came to a stop a few steps before Nori and leveled at him. “Do you understand now?”

It was at that point Yumi breathed a small sigh of relief. Louis was doing this for the right reasons after all. He wanted to help Nori too. But it still ended with Nori getting frustrated and storming off.

~~~~~~~~~~~~​

“That’s it?” Reiko asked impatiently, breaking the unintentional silence.

Yumi winced. She was daydreaming there, like she sometimes did. “No.” She shook her head. What were they talking about? Her feelings for Nori, yes. “I guess…what really makes me like him, is he’d stand up to my parents. Maybe even…” No, definitely even great-grandma. He’d be like a samurai, jumping in to defend her. He had grown a lot since then, now he could actually argue back. Sometimes.

“I think he’d cause more harm than good,” Reiko quipped.

Yumi could only sit more upright. “Maybe.” There was always the chance he could take it too far. “But…” But she…

“You want to be optimistic?”

“I’m hoping.” If he could talk down her parents and make them see what they were doing, then she wouldn’t have to worry as much. Touya would be grateful for it, too. Stiil, that was a big if. “That’s still if any of this happens.”

That was the hardest part about this. She’d come close to telling him several times, but she could never get it out! Her nerves locked up. What if he said no? What if things changed too much between them? What if he didn’t want to even be friends anymore?

She looked back at the door. Still nothing. “It’d be easy if he noticed, but I don’t know what he’d say if I told him.” She let out her frustration with a whimper and buried her face in her arms.

More importantly, there was someone else in his life it was definitely going to be. There were rumors. A lot of people already saw something there. She couldn’t compete with that.

“I know what you mean,” Reiko said matter-of-factly. Yumi glanced up at her. “I want more with Terrance, but I don’t want to screw things up either. Or, well. I don’t know if I’d be good enough for him, really…”

Yumi blinked. She didn’t think of it that way. All this time the whole club was waiting for Reiko to make a move. She never even considered that despite being so outspoken, Reiko might feel the same way when it came to confessing. She actually giggled a little. “Guess we both feel the same about our crushes, huh?”

“Looks like it,” Reiko agreed. She leaned back with a smirk on her face.

She sighed and looked down at the floor. “At least he’s your best friend. I know you’d be good for him. I’m just me.” She was sure that Terrance wouldn’t think differently of Reiko even if he said no. Nori, on the other hand…she didn’t know what to expect.

“Well, do what you have to do,” the orange-haired teenager waved. After a few seconds, she added, “Will say he’s not dumb. Might even be waiting for you. Hell, might even feel the same way.”

It really shouldn’t have helped. It was just sentiment. But a bit of the dry feeling in her throat lifted with those words anyway. “Thanks, Reiko. And, you keep at it with Terrance.” She was rooting for them. Everyone in the club was.

Everyone had the impression that Reiko was sure to succeed once she tried. But she wasn’t Nori’s best friend. She wasn’t a Claris Willins, let alone a Prema Kannagi. She wasn’t even an Estella Estrada. Nori could have any girl he wanted. There was no way it’d be her.

“Y’know, I was wrong about you, Takao.”

Yumi turned to Reiko once more. She took a deep breath. “What do you mean by that?” Was some sort of backhanded compliment coming?

“I always thought you were just trying to make up for how you were with those YAMS creeps, or you were the same as before deep down.” Reiko leaned back and propped her arm on the back of her seat. “But you’re pretty cool.”

“Cool?” She touched the base of her neck and lightly shook her head. “I really don’t think I’m anything but average.”

“Just nice to talk to you about this stuff, is what I’m saying.” Reiko smiled at her. It looked genuine for all she could tell. “I don’t really have many people I can do that with.”

Yumi felt a tingle in her chest, but it was a good feeling. “Yeah, same here,” she agreed, giving a crisp nod. “It’s just been my brother for me, sometimes Nori when he has the time.” She smiled back at Reiko, feeling content. “And now you, I guess.”

“Why’d you join them in the first place, anyway?” the orange-haired teenager inquired, leaning forward with interest. “YAMS, I mean.”

She clutched at her stomach. “It was partially their activism. I thought I could make the world a better place, but I realized they weren’t doing it the way I wanted.”

She had come to that realization shortly after the incident with the Demon. Yumi and Touya had been ashamed right after they’d been proven wrong. What had happened to Louis and Mariko? Especially Louis. He was trying to help Nori back then, but now, he was trying to hurt Nori. They were fine at first. Maybe that incident broke them. Or maybe they were gradually changing, and she only noticed after being away from them for a while.

Yumi continued. “That’s why journalism spoke to me. So I can help spread awareness about issues in the world.” The right way.

“Puts some things in perspective,” Reiko quipped. She leaned back and gave a playful smirk. “Thought about spreading awareness about parent issues?”

It was like a jolt shot through her. Yumi sat upright and shook her hands. “No! I have, but, that could turn out bad.”

Reiko raised her eyebrows. “Your parents actually read our newsletter?”

Yumi nodded. “Yeah.” It was benign, mind you. It was simple curiosity as to what she was doing. They always supported her. And Yumi was praying that they kept doing so after what great-grandma said. “What about you?”

Reiko scowled for a moment. It faded as she gave a halfhearted shrug and hung her head. “I’m just here because Terrance is. Had nowhere else to really go.”

“I meant, what do you want to do?” Everyone in the club had gotten that impression. Reiko herself had all but outright said as such on a couple of occasions. But besides Pokemon, she had never expressed much intention for her future.

“I don’t know just yet.” Reiko sagged. “I want to go on a journey at some point, but sure I don’t have to repeat THAT too.”

“Well, you’re young.” Yumi wanted to reach across and pat her on the back, but she was too far away. “We all still are. Things change. You’ll figure it out down the line. I might not even be working in the news forever.”

“Yeah, I guess.” Reiko shook her head and eyed her. “Partially, by the way? For why you joined YAMS.”

She blinked. “Oh, yes. That.” That was simple. “They’d stand up to my parents too.”

“Yeah, well. From personal experience, may not work.” The orange-haired teenager slumped into the chair and snorted bitterly. “My parents can be stubborn as a Mudbray.”

“I know. Mine can be just as bad.” It wasn’t like they dictated everything about her and Touya’s lives. But when they made a decision, it was usually final. “And at least Louis got through to them a couple times.”

“Yeah, well I don’t think I’m journeying until I’ve graduated from high school.” Reiko grumbled and pushed the textbook that had been idly sitting in front of her off to the side. She retrieved a sandwich box from her bag.

Yumi decided to follow suit. She reached into her backpack and took out her own lunch. It was a simple bento box with plain rice, salmon, and cucumbers. She usually had it with water, but Sanae had bought her some lemon iced tea and gave it to her before school. Wait, that’s right!

Yumi put the chopsticks down. “Hey, can you keep a secret? I need to tell someone, and there’s not many I can tell it to.” She would tell Nori, but, well. She didn’t need to bother him when he had his own problems to deal with.

“Sure, what?” Reiko said while chewing. Yumi grimaced a little, but didn’t let it bother her too much.

“It’s about my brother. He’s planning on going on a journey with his girlfriend.”

Reiko gulped down her food. “So?” she asked, still holding half of a sandwich.

“Against our parents’ wishes. They don’t know a thing.” She let that hang in the air before adding. “They even invited me to go along with them, but I said no.”

“Damn. Wish I was that lucky,” Reiko self-deprecated. She gave a bitter snort.

“Hee.” One thing she was never going to deny was that Sanae was a wonderful girl. Touya was lucky or even blessed to have found her. “But I’m worried about him. And me.”

Reiko was just about to close her mouth and take another bite, only to stop. She looked up at Yumi as it hit her. “Your parents are going to flip.”

“Touya told me since he trusts me, and I don’t want to betray that.” Her shoulders slumped. She crossed her ankles and wrists. “But my family is going to blame me for it. They would even if I didn’t know.”

Reiko put her sandwich down in its box and placed a hand on the desk. “Didn’t you just make your opinion on them clear?”

Yumi peered up and shook her head vehemently. “No!” she insisted. “I mean, I love them dearly. It’s just, they can be overbearing. They’re very traditionalist.”

“The kind who want you to be a housewife?” Reiko asked while grimacing and gritting her teeth.

“Maybe not that far, but basically everything else you can think of.” That’s what it felt like sometimes, at least. A horrible thought occurred that made her gut churn. “Actually, probably that far for great-grandma, but I hope she’s out of the picture for a while.”

When she thought about great-grandma Rikina possibly getting in her parents’ ears, she couldn’t blame Touya for wanting to get away. But what about her? What about him when he got back? Sure, Japan had accommodations for traveling trainers. She even saw his research; there was a story a while back about how a media mogul from Goldenrod technically couldn’t stop his daughter from going on a journey. But that didn’t mean there wouldn’t be consequences.

She sniffed, looked over at Reiko, and asked her the big question. No, it was more of a desperate plea for advice. “What do you think I should do?”

Reiko sat back, and Yumi was met with another surprise. She was always the type to speak her mind right away, to the point of acting without thinking. So to see her shut her eyes, cross her arms, and tap a finger on her elbow was jarring, to say the least.

When Reiko met her gaze again, there was a firm look of determination in her eyes. “I say let your brother go on his trip. Worry about the rest later.”

“But–”

“It sounds like he’s putting a lot of thought into it. So don’t worry about him. I think it’ll work out with your parents in the end. But if you screw it up for him, well…” While she was speaking with absolute confidence at first, her bravado faded there. She sighed and turned away. “I’ve screwed up a lot. Hard to get it back once you’ve lost it.”

“Yeah…” Yumi felt a heavy weight upon her. She felt for Reiko. She sort of knew what that was like from being in YAMS. There were still people who held her time with them against her. It was an utter shock when Nori didn’t.

“I should say sorry to Carino when I can,” she admitted. She shook her head at herself. “I don’t really mean I hate him. I just, I overreacted. Even Terrance said so.”

“Thanks.” Yumi couldn’t help but chuckle. She had come here to yell at Reiko and Mitsu about how they had treated Nori. She wasn’t expecting to make friends with the former, let alone for her to admit it on her own! Actually, since she knew how she felt. “Hey. Can you help me if–”

The door flew open, making both girls nearly jump out of their seats. “All right, we’re back,” Mitsu announced with a harsh edge. His nose and lips were both curled as he went straight to the computer he always sat at.

“We have retuuuurned!” Saqid sang, with some books under his arms. Terrance brought up the rear while holding a stack of printed pages.

Reiko nodded at her, seeming to understand what she was trying to ask anyway. “Just don’t expect much,” she mouthed.

“What…were you…talking about?” Terrance inquired as he and Saqid sat down on either side of them.

“Just Carino,” Reiko said. Yumi’s eyebrows shot up and her skin prickled, but her newfound friend left it at that. Mitsu turned and leered, but did no more than that. “C’mon, let’s eat.”

Yumi took another big sip of her iced tea before grabbing her chopsticks. Yet even as she lowered her face and started eating the rice, the ill feeling in her stomach remained. Maybe she was worrying too much about Nori, but she couldn’t help it. It was a weight off her mind to know that things at the club weren’t going to be as bad as she thought. And knowing she could talk to Reiko about him in the future was even more of one. For now, she could only wait helplessly and see.

Besides that, she was still worried about Touya. On one hand, Reiko was probably right. He was preparing for it properly, and mom and dad would likely welcome him back once he got home. But there were still way too many problems with what he wanted to do. He was acting impulsively over what happened at the beach with great-grandma. She glanced at the computers. Email him about it at school, as usual. That’s what she would do after eating.

 

[System Error]

There was a lightness in Nori’s step on Tuesday morning. Besides changing his approach, Lux’s letter had reminded him of something important. He didn’t have to impress people or make them like him, just do what he wanted and needed! Lux was a great example of that, actually. He could’ve been friends with anyone, but he chose the quiet boy who everyone else thought was weird and girly, and he’d do it again! Nori wished he could fly over to wherever his friend was and give him a big hug to thank him! In lieu of that, he would just have to say that in his reply letter.

So those two screwed things up badly for him, sure. His job was much harder now. But he’d find a way to manage! And the Officials would think of something! Wouldn’t they? He’d have to phone Agent Studd whenever he could.

The rest of Monday flew by, as did the next morning. He ended up getting to school bright and early. Just as he intended. There was something he had wanted to do that he was reluctant to try at or near home. But in the fields at school? It was perfect!

The grass was slick with dew, glistening faintly in the sunlight that was trying to break through the clouds. He went to the center of the far edge, a considerable distance away from the school, the parking lot, and the few who were playing with their Pokemon or each other. A fence and thicket protected anyone on the other side. It was the perfect spot! He took off his bag, unzipped it, and retrieved what he wanted: crunchy brown Poke-pellets.

Food was part of how he really befriended Pawniard. It wasn’t anything specialized, but it would be his first time feeding her. He simply hadn’t had the chance to until now. Heavily lowered metabolism in a Poke Ball or not, she was certainly hungry.

With those in his right hand, he reached into his left pocket and felt around for her Dive Ball. He found it, and after double-checking his surroundings to make sure nobody had come over to see what was going on, he gave it a gentle toss to the ground.

Déjà vu began to set in as she began to wheeze, wiggle, and inflate. It was just like in his and Prema’s spot back on Friday. But this time would be different!

“Qwilfish!” he shouted at her, idly catching her capsule as it boomeranged back. She turned to him and puffed out her cheeks. Her eyes were in even more of a glare than usual. He held his arms out at his side. “It’s okay! Breathe. Relax!” Aquatic Pokemon could breathe just fine out of water.

His throat clenched as she screeched. He bent his knees, ready to jump aside. That was another reason he was here; people would be there to help if the worst happened. Not that he was intending to let it!

But nothing came. Qwilfish quivered and bobbed around for a bit, and slowly let the air out of herself.

“Relax, relax,” he encouraged. “That’s it. It’s just you and me here. See?”

He stepped aside to show her, and somewhat belatedly, turned and checked again just to make sure of it himself. There were a few heads turned in their direction, but no one was anywhere close.

“Sorry about yesterday,” he told her. “I changed my plans. But I want you to know that I have your back. It doesn’t matter what other people think of you or think of me because of it! No matter what, I’m going to see your rehabilitation through to the end. That’s what I think a good trainer and friend should do!”

The response was one of irritation, but it was not hostile. It came in the form of some of her usual rapid fire complaints. Before she could get too into it, he cut in.

“Sorry for how things have been going until now too!” He bowed a little at her. It was reflexive; he wasn’t sure if she’d understand that gesture. “But anyway!” He raised the bag with the pellets and gave them a shake. “I got you food!”

He opened it, took a step forward, and dumped the contents on the ground. The boy gave her some space. She gave it one look before turning back to him, curling her lips and raising her eyes.

“It’s fine! Demon and the others eat this all the time. It’s made for all Pokemon!” As long as they could actually get it in their mouths, the pellets were perfectly healthy. The taste probably sucked, but still.

She leaned forward while still looking at him. What? Nori tilted his head. The pufferfish flopped and rolled in the grass a little. It took her away from the food.

“It’s fine,” he started to repeat, until the realization hit him like a slap to the face. He recoiled so much that he slid on the grass, and nearly slipped over entirely. “Ah, oh. You uh, can’t reach it, can you?” She bobbed her body in a nod-like fashion. Yes. He slumped, sighed, shook his head, and laughed.

He reached out and, with a shaky arm, shoved the pellets right up to Qwilfish’s mouth. She narrowed her eyes as if he’d just given her poison – wasn’t she poisonous herself? After pecking at them with her lips, she huffed, leaned forward, and began to eat. Tolerant of the taste, thankfully.

How could he forget that?! He slapped his forehead, then wiped his brow when he felt the sticky wetness on it. It was as frigid as one would expect a day in October to be, but it still felt like he was going to burn up. It was a good thing no one probably saw that. No, wrong! He looked back over his shoulder. His arms flew to his side, and he straightened up as he saw around four people were creeping up to see what he was doing. He cleared his throat and flashed a nervous smile, only for them to scatter as if he was an angry Rhydon.

Nori snorted, standing taller and more natural. They ran from him. Or maybe they ran from Qwilfish? The last time that happened was with the Demon. It was somehow liberating. At least most people were going to leave him alone.

He spun around to see that Qwilfish had finished her meal and was tapping her tail against the ground.

“Don’t worry!” He jumped and pumped a fist, which made her leer and momentarily inflate. “If any of them tried to come after you, I wouldn’t have let them!” He was sure Pachi and Demon would feel the same. And Pawniard would help too, just for the fun of scaring others.

She shrank back further and sort of squeaked. The pufferfish shifted and fussed about something. He wasn’t sure what, as usual.

“Anyway, thanks,” he said. “We’ll chat more at home after school.” He felt comfortable with that now. He aimed the capsule, fired the beam, and pocketed her once more.

Baby steps! It was a marathon, not a sprint. He would get there in time. That was very good progress. As long as he kept at it, he’d get there.

##########​

The battling team at Tobari Central Junior High met in a fair-sized office near the school’s outdoor battling cages. The fourteen of them (including the absent Anthony) were among the few in the school granted their own clubroom instead of using a classroom. It was where they discussed strategies, made training plans, talked about their rival schools, and hung out. A side room also allowed for basic sparring and practice, although they would have to go outside or to the indoor arena for proper battles.

Chad Shosha was leaning against a wall in the corner of the room with a can of Lemonade, surveying his friends and clubmates as they went about their business. Mia and Richard were browsing on the computers. Four had gathered around the television, where battles from August’s Sinnoh League conference. Chad gave it a passing glance. A Joe Stone match was playing. The winner of the tournament was the obvious individual to draw inspiration from, even if he had failed to defeat the Champion in the end. But most of them were at the desks, chattering away about the hottest subject at school for the past day.

“I don’t know,” Aki said in response to a question. “I really don’t know what to think about all of this.”

“What do you mean, you don’t know?” Kiara demanded, pushing herself up with her arms and leaning over the table. “This is simple. If the Officials thought about what those two said, then Tony would still be okay.”

“Then why even ask?!” they snapped back while squinting and pulling at their shoulder-length bubblegum-tinged hair. “If it’s so obvious, why do you need someone else to say it to you?!”

The question had been open to anyone, Chad included. His simple thought was that maybe this was a blessing in disguise. He didn’t call Emi by name, but even she could tell he was referring to her. It was for the best that this happened.

Kiara seethed, leering at the non-binary teenager with fiery pink eyes. Chad knew that look. She only took it on when someone brought up Anthony, even if implicit or imagined. Chad took a step forward, ready to intervene when someone else did it for him.

“ey, don’t be that way, Ak,” Shig said. The African-Japanese teenager wore tight clothes and had an afro bigger than his head. He took acting lessons along with Anthony, so his intervention wasn’t surprising. “We a team, yo. And we all gotta pull our weight. Can’t be waverin too hard, know what I’m sayin?”

“Shiggy’s right,” Kiara agreed, pinching her lips. Most of the club called him by his nickname. “Don’t go spreading drama.”

“That’s not what he said…” Aki muttered while looking down and flicking their gray eyes away from the group. Chad heard it, but if any of the others did, they didn’t speak up.

Kate, who was sitting beside them, reached out and patted Aki on the back. “It’s fine if you don’t want to answer, Aki. We know this is hard for you.”

“But yeah, smile!” Shig clapped his hands and turned to the one who’d been silent. “Yo, let’em know the score, Em.”

Emi, who was vacantly leaning back in her chair, only vaguely looked up at the dark-skinned teenager. “Whatever.”

Chad touched his throat, feeling a sudden chill there. A lot of others acted with similar surprise. For some reason, Kiara took it personally. “Don’t whatever us!” she growled, as if expecting more validation. “You’re just pissed you won’t get to have the battle you wanted.”

Emi gave Kiara a bored look and rested an arm on the back of her seat. “And you’ve been miserable ever since your sweet, precious Tony left.”

The scream of metal scraping against the floor drew the attention of Joaquin over at the TV, causing him to cover his ears. What the cobalt-haired girl did next caught the rest of the team’s attention. She stomped over and tried to tower over the co-captain of the team. “What the fuck did you just say?”

Emi didn’t so much as flinch. “Are you deaf too?” she asked slowly, her voice rising in register. “I said you’ve become a huge bitch since Anthony left.”

“Stop fighting!” Aki got out of their own chair. They hunched over and covered their face, sobbing into their hands. “I’m sorry! I should’ve just agreed!”

A tightness gripped his chest. Chad took a light sip of the sweet and refreshing drink, savoring the tingly sensation on his tongue. It was a pleasant reprieve from the bitter taste in his mouth.

They’d all changed in some way ever since Anthony had taken an indefinite leave of absence. Some were trying to fill the void. Some had changed for the worse, like Kiara. But they were all stressed. Emi acted the toughest out of all of them, but only now was Chad realizing that she might have had the worst of it. She wanted to hurt Nori right from the beginning. Maybe her challenge to Nori was also part of trying to be strong for everyone else. Deep down, she was probably trying to fix all of this. Chad wished he knew how they could do that.

“Guys!” came a shout as the door flew open and a guy with short white hair came stumbling into the room. Angel wheezed and nearly doubled over while he clutched at his chest. The confrontation threatening to erupt came to a screeching halt.

Kate rubbed her chin. “Uh, Angel, what happened? Did you like, sprint over here?”

“Yes! I’m sorry! I got held up after class!” He bowed profusely. “I got here as fast as I could!”

Chad slumped against the wall. Angel used to slack in his training, but it was also a bad habit to procrastinate on schoolwork. He got up and began to approach him. “Angel, I appreciate that you’ve been stepping up lately, but you can’t neglect your studi–”

“Never mind!” He frantically waved both of his arms. “You won’t believe who I ran into before school!”

Emi pushed herself up and quietly scooted her chair under the table. She walked right by Kiara as if she wasn’t even there. With a frown and a curled lip, she stated, “The Demon Tamer.”

“Yes!” Angel scratched his hip. “Uh, how did you know?”

“I’m secretly psychic,” Emi snarked. It made a few of their colleagues laugh, which in turn brought a smile to Chad’s face. Anthony used to crack jokes all the time. The team wasn’t smiling enough these days, so any little bit helped.

“But yeah!” Angel flicked his white locks. “He was there, and he had that Qwilfish out!”

Gasps rippled through the entire club. Mouths dropped open and eyes widened. Kiara took a step back. Even Chad had to raise his brows. He was a little surprised Nori would do that in public after what happened yesterday, and at school on top of that.

“So?” Emi queried, the only vocal person among those who were nonplussed about the issue.

“So he was right in the sports field?!” Kate ignored.

“Uh-huh.” Angel nodded emphatically. “I think he was talking to her, but he saw me and I couldn’t get close. He wasn’t thinking that someone could get hurt!”

Richard and Mia both looked back from the computers. The latter shook her head. “He’s really still trying?” the former mused.

“He’s stubborn for better or worse,” Hinoki briefly glanced back from the television to quip.

Next to her, Cameron only leered. Nori had been a trigger for him even before the incident. It wasn’t uncommon, but to him, it was personal. In fact, it was around this time last year when he challenged Nori out of envy for him getting to have the Demon. He got beaten badly.

Kiara crossed her arms and gritted her teeth. “Someone should bring that up to the principal.”

“Why don’t you?” Emi countered.

That caught Kiara off guard. She sputtered for several seconds before any semblance of words started to form. “Because I…don’t have…hey!” She took a step forward and leveled a finger at Emi. “That should be you or Chad’s job! You’re our leaders here!”

Emi just shook her head at that answer. “I. Do. Not. Care.” she punctuated.

At this, Shig turned to him. “What you say, chief?”

All eyes went to him. Chad sipped his Lemonade, feeling a pressure upon his back as he considered the situation. It was a leader’s job to maintain order. He had generally been hands-off with the club. He let everyone train how they wanted, as long as they did so, and didn’t care too much about their opinions or hobbies. But this was starting to tear them apart. Maybe it was finally time to draw a line in the sand.

He rose and walked to the center area between them. He turned his head to the left at Mia and Richard, then to the right at the TV area, before settling on the tables. “Look, everyone. Nori Carino trains out in the fields often. It shouldn’t be any more of a deal than it was before. And he should know well enough not to battle anyone with his assignments after yesterday.”

“How do you know that?” Kiara interrupted.

Chad did not miss a beat. “If I’m wrong, there will be consequences for him. He knows that.” He figured Nori would know better, and if not, that everyone else would know better. Word of the paradox of a Pokemon Rehabilitator was already spreading around town and online. The blond periodically turned to everyone as he spoke his next sentence. “That said, I think it’s for the best if we take our minds off him for a while. Agreed?”

He felt the weight lift as nods and various vocalized agreements followed. Angel sat down with the others at the table, commandeering the seat that used to belong to Kiara. She in turn took Emi’s old place. His co-captain instead approached him with a sigh.

“I need to cool off,” she said loudly, her eyes briefly going to Kiara. “I’m going for a walk.” With that she spun on her heels and went for the door.

Aki pushed to their feet. “Sorry, me too.” They did wait for his approval, and when Chad gave her a nod, they hurriedly followed. They caught the door right a split second before it shut behind Emi and went outside.

When it had nearly closed again, Kiara screamed, “Fanboys!” at the top of her lungs.

Chad tensed. Enough was enough. He jerked towards her and raised his chin. His nostrils flared as he barked, “Kiara, stop antagonizing people.”

“They started it,” she spat bitterly.

Chad sighed. “I will talk to them about it,” he said for the sake of posterity. Anthony was a trigger for her. He was doubtful they could avoid the subject of him entirely. But the promise was enough, and the team got back to their business. He could not say what their discussion was about. It was all a mental blur.

In theory, the best thing that could happen was if Anthony decided to return to the club. But it wouldn’t be the same. Anthony just wouldn’t be the same after this. It wouldn’t be a panacea for Kiara, or anyone else. That’s why he feared so much for Emi. It could just happen a second time. That’s why he was glad those two from YAMS came in. Who could have thought they could actually come up with something coherent? Maybe it was a sign those two were growing. Maybe Chad and the others needed to grow as a team. After rain, the earth becomes firm. That was an old Japanese proverb.

The captain of the battle team limped to the large desk and slumped into the office chair. He glanced up at the ceiling, envisioning beyond it to the heavens above. Shoshas were winners. That was their family motto, that was what was expected of him. He had to make sure he had a winning team. “Am I doing a good job?” he whispered to his ancestors.

---​

Emi Pikaru marched through the hallway of the school with long strides that rose and fell. Her hands were balled into fists, her brow was furled, her teeth were grit, and a low growl was rising from her throat.

Why were people even listening to those two assclowns? Was she the only one who saw that they brought that up just to spite Nori Carino? It didn’t even make sense when you thought about it, when you really thought about it! She hated his guts, sure. She laughed at the horrible irony of an aquaphobe having to learn to train an aquatic Pokemon that wasn’t used to being on land. And she wanted to see him suffer like he made them all suffer. But wrecking his career was taking it way too far.

She shoved open the door to the outside and scoured the fields. No sight of him. Where was he? His club kicked him out, so he couldn’t be there. Maybe he left the school grounds again. Whatever. She wanted to get the hell away from people right now. She stomped off, heading to nowhere in particular.

 

[System Error]

Mornings at the Kannagi Shrine were fairly routine, a fact that did not change after they opened the branch shrine in Veilstone City. The residents who woke up the earliest would tend to the gardens and do any cleaning before visitors arrived. Those who worked but did not live there arrived and started their own duties after doing so. The day and night guards switched positions. Breakfast would be waiting for them and was available to whoever wanted it. They delivered some of it to local food banks. Leftover portions were given to the public.

It was uncommon, but not unusual, to deliver food to someone personally, and that was exactly what Prema found herself doing just after eight. She walked with poise through the hall to her father’s office, carrying a tray with both hands. She stopped before the door and, as she was unable to knock, instead called to him.

“Father!”

There was no answer. Had he heard her? She counted numbers in her mind to pass the seconds. Ro~ku. Shi~chi. Ha~chi. When she reached fifteen, she spoke again.

“Father, I have brought you breakfast. It is admittedly not much; only tamagoyaki with rice porridge.” Prema was somewhat embarrassed to admit that she had helped with the preparations. Yet she did so regardless. “I assisted with it.”

She was again met with only silence. The Master of the Shrine had confined himself in his office for the past two days. It was not implausible that he had left overnight. But then, would Monk Naito not have reported seeing him? Father did not own a Pokemon capable of teleportation. Prema raised her voice, not shouting, but speaking as loud as she could.

“Father? Are you there?” Her heartbeat began to accelerate and her limbs tightened. Was he well?

“Sorry, I’m not hungry,” he finally and immediately answered. It was like the tension had been cut with a blade, yet it also released a weight onto her back. His voice was low and droning. It did not sound as if he had slept much. However, he had made his position clear.

“I see. Then, I apologize for bothering you.”

Prema squeezed her dampening eyes shut. She took a deep breath and emptied her mind in attempt to will them away. She did not want to be seen looking so lost. The heir to the shrine suppressed her feelings and departed.

The expectation from everyone was that Father would slowly improve. That had not been the case; he had been getting worse. Was this their fault? Were they not doing enough to help support him? Father was demanding his space and they had to respect that. So what could they do? Prema felt as though she was in a box with no escape. No matter how many walks she went on or how much meditation she did to clear her mind, it always came back around to this harsh reality.

There was one room in the shrine that still had the same use it did back when the building was the site of a radio station: a meeting room. The door had been left slightly ajar for her. She pulled it open with a foot and closed it behind her with an elbow. There was one other occupant within. Priestess Satomi turned to her as she shuffled in.

“Lady Kannagi?” Her eyes immediately went to the tray. She snorted and squinted harshly enough that Prema momentarily paused. “Did you actually try and deliver the food?” she demanded. Her tone shifted partway through the sentence, from contemptuous to disappointed and curious.

Prema placed the tray at the edge of the table before moving to take a seat across from Priestess Satomi. “No, Father simply declined. He stated he was not hungry.” She began to dip her head.

The elderly woman scoffed and waved a hand. “My ass he isn’t.” Prema recoiled at Priestess Satomi’s use of foul language. She did not swear often, and was always deathly serious whenever she did. “He needs to eat. You should have insisted he at least take the food for later.”

That was a point that she had to disagree on. Prema shook her head firmly. “It might have been too disrespectful had I insisted.”

“No one would have blamed you if you had,” the elderly priestess replied, crossing her arms. “Respecting someone’s wishes is all well and good, but if what they’re doing isn’t healthy for them, well. Sometimes the best thing to do is jump in and be a bit pushy.”

Prema frowned in reply. It was not in her nature to act in that fashion. Even if she had, Father might have only taken the food to appease her. There was no guarantee that he would have eaten it after she had left. Father needed to eat, yes, but they could not force him.

Priestess Satomi’s mouth contorted until it was as crooked as a hook. “But I suppose it’s too late,” she declared, throwing up her arms and shaking her head. “I’ll take it over in a bit. Heh, good thing this is a cold breakfast, eh?”

Prema let out a long and low exhale. She hunched her shoulders and averted eye contact. She opened her mouth only to waver. The truth was, there was nothing she could say to dissuade the priestess. She could only concede, “Very well.”

The heir to the shrine laid her head on the table, wanting to do nothing more than vent her frustrations. It felt like her throat was closing and her stomach was digesting itself. In the back of her mind, she knew that this was for the best. They had to try something different. If only there was more she could do.

The good news had been scarce lately. The Officials, governments, and Pete Stephen’s own people had put out statements condemning the attacks on Sinnohian Qwilfish. It was a small thing off her mind to know others were doing that. Prema only wished they could have as well. She knew enough about maintaining a public image that staying silent was not a good look. Even the Mitsutris, their religious rivals, had spoken briefly on the matter. Yet even that fact was not enough to galvanize Father.

“Can I ask you a question or two, Lady Kannagi?” Prema looked up. Priestess Satomi was looking over, her lips pursed and her eyebrows drawn together. “It’s important for the future of the shrine.”

Dread gripped Prema’s heart, slowing it. A question about the future of the shrine? Had she concluded that this incident was going to consume Father entirely? Prema braced herself. Her hands trembled from the chill running through them.

Satomi continued after a few seconds. “I’ll take your silence to mean you have no objections with this. If you had to choose between your family and your friends, what would you pick?”

A hypothetical question? Prema sat up. “That is a simple question to answer,” she plainly replied. “I cannot abdicate my duty. Unfortunate though it may be, should an irreconcilable divide arise between my faith and my friends, the answer is set.” Saying that made her press her hands to her stomach to contain the knot that formed. It did not change facts.

“You say that. But!” Priestess Satomi snapped her fingers and raised one to the roof. “What of your own feelings? What if the shrine would do just fine without the Kannagis?”

Her toes curled. What was this about? Prema frowned and cast a glare at the elderly woman. “Are you insinuating something, Priestess Satomi?”

“Nothing in particular.” Priestess Satomi flashed a smirk and tossed her head. Why was she acting so arrogant?!

“What is the purpose of this question then, might I ask?” She tapped a finger on the desk.

“Lady Kannagi.” The elderly woman’s expression suddenly changed. She wrinkled her nose. After a second, she leaned forward and leveled at her. “There is nothing wrong with thinking for yourself. There are times when what you want to do – or even what you must do – is not what others expect from you. And other times?” She paused and let out a little sigh. “The right thing to do isn’t going to make people happy.”

She had thus far stated two things. That the shrine would do just fine without the Kannagis. Now she was saying to think for one’s own self and do something that might not make others happy. The conclusion made Prema shrink away. She gagged before she managed to lean forward and snap, “Priestess Satomi, are you suggesting I leave the shrine?”

“Nothing of the sort, Lady Kannagi. But I do have to say.” Her eyes went down for a moment before she gave a frank look. “These kinds of outbursts are not like you.”

Prema’s mouth fell open. She leaned back into the chair. That was pure disgust and anger she was feeling for a moment there. Why was she jumping to those conclusions? Priestess Satomi had never wanted anything but the best for her and the shrine. Satomi Kurusu had been with it since birth, and so would not seek to tear it down. How could she think otherwise?

“Yes, you are right. I apologize. I cannot do so enough.” With a sniff, she stood to bow heavily and formally. When Prema sat down again, she clutched at herself and lightly curled up. It was just the two of them in here, so she allowed her insecurities out. “I suppose the stress of the situation is getting to me, too.”

“It’s getting to all of us.” Priestess Satomi rose, walked around the table, and gently patted her on the back. Prema sighed, leaning into it gently. “Gotta admit, I’ve been running on ‘help everyone else’ energy for a while now myself.”

Prema had that impression. It was uncharacteristic of her elderly mentor to snap and act as bitterly as she did when hearing that Father was not hungry. Even some of their Pokemon were starting to feel it. All of them wanted to help Father, but what could they do?

Satomi took the seat to her right. The elderly woman only smiled at her. Prema nodded, yet something kept gnawing at her mind. She turned her head and asked, “Might I ask what you truly meant by considering my own personal feelings?”

“Yes, let me be more clear.” Satomi cleared her throat and began to explain what she had been trying subtly to get at. “One thing you’ll have to keep in mind when you become Master: the Kannagi Shrine has always been about breaking new ground and paving new paths. You could say that we evolve just like Pokemon! Your father is one of the Masters who chose to make a difference by branching out into the world, even if it meant alienating traditionalists who wanted the shrine to remain exclusively in Celestic Town. As you know, it has proven to be successful. So do not be afraid to forge your own way forward. And I do not only mean when the time comes for you to take over. I am speaking of the present.”

“The present?” Prema repeated after Satomi remained silent for a couple seconds.

“And not just breakfast!” She raised her head and cackled. Prema smiled a little as well. There was certainly more to the question than what was immediately in front of them. “It is an example, of course. It might not make him happy at first, but he would understand in time. But there’s much more at stake than this.”

More at stake? Wait! Prema felt a jolt run through her spine, straightening her posture. “Priestess Satomi. Are you saying I should defy Father’s wishes and do what I can about this situation?”

“Ding-ding-ding!” she declared, miming the ringing of a bell. “You needn’t go out of your way, of course. But if and when the opportunity presents itself, yes. You know as well as I do that Qwilfish is a good Pokemon caught in a bad spot.”

“And it is the duty of the Kannagis to aid such Pokemon.” That was a fact. She knew that fact from the very beginning. It did not matter what that Qwilfish had done or how she had affected them personally. It was the duty of the Kannagis to help a Pokemon in need.

“And hey, he might not need anything more than moral support, but you never know. Just be there for him.” Satomi shrugged. “Besides, what else are friends for?”

She nodded. For a moment, she wondered how she could even do so when Father had given his edict on the matter. It would be difficult to sneak away to help. Then she thought about it some more. Be there for him. Priestess Satomi was telling her that Nori was going to come by at some point regardless of what he was told. That made sense. Particularly given the new concerns about the nature of his profession.

Still, that would not change their situation. Prema wanted nothing more than to help Nori and save his Qwilfish even before Priestess Satomi had given her the blessing to go through with it. “But the more pressing concern at the moment is the future of our shrine,” she stated. “If Father is unable to perform his duties, then I…” She would have to–

That would make her by far the youngest Master in the history of the shrine. If it was even permissible; she had not even undertaken the Rite yet, so there was also a question of worthiness.

“That won’t happen,” Satomi cut in with cold and steely determination. “We will make sure he comes out the other side of this.”

Prema placed a hand on her temple to contain the sudden headache. The teenager hummed. She was sure that was a sentiment shared by everyone else in the shrine. She held an elbow and covered her mouth, shaking her head. But what if it all went wrong? What if they somehow made things worse?

“I can tell you are conflicted, Lady Kannagi,” Satomi said, gently patting her back. “But let me boil it down for you. That’s the source of Master Haruto’s grief. He wants to blame something for what happened to his friend.”

It was like everything fell into place at that. Prema had an inkling it was something like that. But the notion seemed absurd, that Father would allow personal feelings to cloud his judgment so badly. Hearing Priestess Satomi say it let her accept that conclusion. “People often try to,” she stated. Father was logically no different. “He needs closure to move beyond this.”

“Exactly. So helping the situation along will help him too.”

By helping to save Nori’s Qwilfish, she would also be saving Father. Would that work? Prema was sure that no matter what happened, Father would be able to move on. He was strong. The best-case scenario would be if Nori were to succeed on his own. But Prema was still concerned he would not be able to overcome his fear. Whenever she thought about that, her heart tightened. It took effort to care for an aquatic Pokemon. If he could not care for Qwilfish, that would severely impede his ability to rehabilitate her.

Priestess Satomi remained quiet, smiling as Prema processed the matter. The elderly woman eventually stood and picked up the tray. “Well, in any case, you should follow your heart here. It’s what your mom would want.”

“Mother?” she slowly asked. Lisa Kannagi. Prema had never known her mother personally. She had only seen pictures; Mother was an archaeologist who had a radiant smile, a tall and fit figure, and the same forest green hair color as hers. Everyone who knew her spoke highly of her; Priestess Satomi had gone as far as saying that Father was never the same after her disappearance. Someone who acted upon what her heart told her.

“It’s the code she lived by.” Priestess Satomi flashed a wink and turned to leave. “I’ll leave you with that while I take this over to Master Haruto.”

Prema looked up at the ceiling after the door shut. Was Mother watching over her from wherever she was? She could not feel anything. Prema sat back and thought for what felt like hours. Maybe this was one of those situations where there was no right answer.

For some reason, her thoughts drifted to something that initially seemed strange and unrelated. Her absent friend Nariya had once told her something in June, shortly after they had properly met. She had been dissatisfied with Youths Against Mistaken Society for a long time. Yet she never had the courage to step forward and make a change in her life. She was worried that things would only get worse if she chose to do so. It was only when Prema had confronted them and intervened that she found the strength of heart to step forward and get out of the situation. If she had not done so, Nariya might still be with Louis Trussel and Mariko Urusai, being dragged along with their toxic schemes, without the will to escape.

Change was difficult. It could be daunting to go from the certainty of what you know into the unknown, particularly when that could be worse. And yet staying in a bad situation was not the right answer. A case in point, Nariya had decided to try to become more involved in the shrine. It had backfired in a way that they might never see each other again. But there was a saying that Priestess Satomi had told her after the incident. If you want to capture a joey, you must face a Kangaskhan. There was still hope for them, and hope here.

Would Father be angry if she defied his orders? Most likely yes. But she would not know unless she tried. He was reasonable. Maybe he would understand in time. Mother would want her to follow her heart. And her heart was telling her…

 

[System Error]

As Nori left school and walked out into the brisk autumn air on Tuesday, he spotted a somewhat weighty teenager waiting for him outside. He narrowed his eyes at the orange-haired girl before walking off towards the fields. He caught her getting up out of the corner of his eye. There wasn’t even a chance to send Pachi out as usual.

“Yo, Carino,” Reiko greeted. The fact that her tone was cordial, even casual, was the only thing that stopped him from simply quickening his pace and leaving her behind. “Wanted to say I’m sorry. I overreacted to you on Monday.”

It was a simple and to the point apology. Nori slowed and eventually stopped. She took a few steps in front of him and hung her head low.

“I was just–” She sighed, then she grumbled. “I don’t know,” she admitted. “My emotions got the better of me.”

Nori scrutinized Reiko. She bristled under his gaze, standing more upright and lightly curling her lip. She actually sounded irritated. If it was anyone else, Nori would think she was insincere and apologizing because someone told her to. But this was Reiko Azuma. He knew what she was like. If she didn’t want to do this, she would not have done so. She was mad at herself.

“I know what that’s like. Apology accepted,” he told her with a nod. Reiko’s faint sigh did not escape his notice; the condensation of the air gave it away. He had an idea why she was acting that way too. “And I know you were partially sticking up for Terrance too. Especially given how you feel about him.”

It happened all in one motion. She sneered, she recoiled, she gritted her teeth, and her hands went into fists. “Dammit, you too?!” she bellowed.

He put up his palms, although was unable to contain his smirk. “Hey, we’re all cheering for you!” From the sounds of it, Yumi must’ve brought it up. “Friends have each other’s backs.”

It didn’t do much for her; her knees began to buckle and she covered her face in shame. Nori took that moment to let some of his chuckling out. Outspoken Reiko had something she was embarrassed to speak about. It was funny. And even funnier how Terrance somehow hadn’t noticed all this time.

Something occurred to Nori, and he hastily asked, “Uh, you weren’t speaking for him, were you?” That might explain why she blew up at him.

“No, it was my choice, and he was over it on Monday,” Reiko grumbled while muttering to herself. “He said he’s sorry too.”

“That’s a relief.” Good to know there was never really any bad blood there. Even if – and Nori seriously wondered this – it was only because Terrance was afraid to speak up. “What about Mitsu?” Mitsu was the one he was really pissed at. He expected a hostile reaction from Reiko, but not him. And he didn’t have a bad temper as an excuse. And he was their lead editor too. “I swear, if he prints something bad in the paper…” He was their lead editor.

“Still being a stubborn ass about it,” Reiko scoffed with a roll of her eyes and a shake of her head. “Yumi and I are making sure he keeps to the facts in the newsletter.”

A strange feeling rose in Nori’s gut. He tapped his neck. Yumi he expected, especially with how she seemed to feel about him. Man, he wanted to hug her just to see how she’d react. If he was wrong about how she felt, he could play it off as a friendly hug. But Reiko? That was something he didn’t expect.

“Thanks,” he raved with a bounce. He skipped over to her with a grin and flashed a thumbs up. “I appreciate it, Reiko. And it’s the right thing too. Good job.”

“Yeah, yeah,” she brushed off as if it were nothing, although she was hiding her mouth from him with a hand. Her brow twitched as she forced it downward. “Still want to know what you were thinking with this. I’d like to think you knew it’d cause friction in the club.”

Nori put his hands on his hips and briefly glanced up. “I didn’t have a say in the matter, even with my phobia. Believe me, I knew that as well as you.”

“That figures,” she snarked and shook her head with derision. “Isn’t this a conflict of interest somehow?”

He put a finger on the side of his lip. “Not really. I guess it would be if I felt like you guys did.” The excuse didn’t cross his mind at the time, and it was too late for that now. “But I don’t think they care if it bugs people I know.”

“Jerks.”

“Agree.”

They shared a laugh. He could always count on Reiko to be amusingly blunt. It was why he considered her a good friend. She told him things no one else would, even if she was rude about it sometimes.

“Now that you mention it,” he brought up. He wistfully took out her Dive Ball. “Even if there were other Pokemon Rehabilitators around, it might be hard to find one who isn’t bothered by what Qwilfish here did. They might hate her same as a lot do, or might be too afraid of scrutiny.”

An eyebrow went up on the chubby teenager. “And you weren’t?” she asked in a sharp tone.

Her belligerence faded once he smiled sadly at her. “Of course I was,” he said frankly. “It was my second-biggest worry, after, y’know.” He shuddered. Just the mere thought of it could set him off. Sometimes even simple words did. “I’d have tried to keep it secret if it wasn’t for Akari stupid Schrader. And like I said–”

“Fine, my bad.” She grumbled, more at herself than anything.

“Well, either way, I was prepared for people to hate me,” he told her for the sake of absolute clarity. Honestly, his chest was still fluttering a little over her apologizing. He thought for sure he’d lost more friends. Time would tell how much more often he would have to put up with this. “But after I met and got to know her, I knew it was the right thing to do. So I was ready to accept it as worth it in the end. I just hope I can change some minds.”

“I hope you’re right too.” Reiko crossed her arms and tapped a finger on her body.

She didn’t seem to believe him. There was one way around that. “Well, do you want to see for yourself?” He asked Yumi and she had an insightful opinion.

“What the hell are you doing?!” She grabbed at his arm as if that could stop him. He hadn’t even reared back. But he did yank away in one powerful motion and take several steps away. “No!” she screamed.

“No?” he asked, clutching the capsule tighter as to not accidentally drop it.

“Look, if you and Takao say she’s all right, I believe you.” She stamped a foot. “But I don’t need to see her!”

Nori processed this. She had her shoulders raised and her knees bent, as if alert and ready to run. Was she afraid of Qwilfish? And masking it with anger? Well, no reason to send her out, then. “Mm, okay.”

Reiko huffed. “Anyway, that’s all I wanted to say.”

“Thanks again.” He nodded emphatically. “Knowing I have a club to go back to that’ll mostly welcome me back is a load off my mind.”

“When will you be back?” she asked the obvious follow-up question.

“I was thinking next week at the latest.” At least, that was the plan before this conversation. With that, he added a shrug and said, “Maybe tomorrow. I didn’t want to cause havoc or anything by coming back right before publication.”

“Okay.” Reiko turned on her heels and glanced over her shoulder. “Later.”

“Bye, Reiko.” He waved at her, pocketed Qwilfish, and took out Pachi. The little squirrel Pokemon hugged his leg after emerging. With his Pokemon at his side, Nori set out towards home.

He might not have been able to show Qwilfish to another person, but Reiko had given him another useful piece of information. No matter what she had claimed, she still at the very least had doubts about the Pokemon that had accidentally killed Pete Stephens and was too afraid to see for herself. So how could he change that? How could he make more people see that she wasn’t a bad Pokemon? Is that what the Officials wanted him to do?

---​

Terrance was waiting for her near the front doors of the school like he promised. Reiko frowned for a moment. If Carino and Takao knew, what if he did too? What if he just didn’t want to say anything?! Ugh! What if he thought she was weird?!

“Um, Reiko? Are you okay?”

She stood upright as he called to her. She glanced at him. His expression was as neutral as always, maybe a little concerned. No, Takao said he hadn’t noticed. Maybe she was lucky.

She huffed. Better get to the point. “So I talked to him.”

“And?” He sniveled a little and pressed his index fingers together. “H-how did it go? How is he?”

“He’s fine,” she assured him with a wave of a hand. That was all that needed to be said. Truth be told, she had envied Carino. At the time, she didn’t know why the Officials had hired some kid their age to work with Pokemon. But now she understood why they picked him. Though maybe they chose too well. She growled. “But he wanted me to meet that Qwilfish.”

He blinked. “D-did you?” he stammered.

“Hell no!” she snapped. Even if it was him, that was a stupid question! “That maniac almost threw it out without warning!”

Terrance had his arms up in a defensive position. Reiko cursed under her breath. She knew he startled easily and yelled anyway. Stupid! All she could do was bow her head.

“Sorry,” she apologized. She couldn’t help herself there. The orange-haired teenager took a deep breath in and out before continuing. “But besides that, it went okay. Said he didn’t have a say in training her. He told me he might be back tomorrow, or next week.”

He quietly nodded. “That’s good to hear.” Again, he sniffed. Reiko knew he felt bad about it, but didn’t think it was that bad.

Well, better get moving. Reiko motioned, and they started walking back home. There was an awkward silence between them for the first block or so. He was never good at initiating conversation, and well. With these new revelations, Reiko had no clue what to say either. If it was that obvious to everyone else, what if she said something even he picked up on?!

“Hey, Reiko?”

Reiko whirled to face him. She let a shaky exhalation escape her. “What’s wrong, Terrance?” It really was rare for him to speak up about something.

He hung his head low and turned away. “I’m worried about Mitsu.”

That made her blink. “Don’t be,” she said. “Takao and I will make sure he doesn’t bug Carino.”

“I mean that too!” His voice strained a little as he whirled back at her. “But he might make a bad decision. What if he quits?”

Reiko crossed her arms. Yeah, that was a fair point. But she wasn’t worried. “That’s on him if he can’t get past this. Good luck finding another club at this time of year. We’ll pick up the slack. Anyone can edit.” She’d been learning, and she was sure Terrance could pick it up quickly too.

Her friend sighed. “I guess you’re right. It won’t look good if he does that.” Another sniff.

“I don’t think he’s that dumb at least.” If there was one thing she knew Chisaka for, it was keeping a level head. That’s why his recent behavior was so surprising. But he was smart enough to know that up and abandoning his club was social suicide even in the worst-case scenario. Even if the circumstances were extreme here.

Terrance sighed again, this time more sharply. “If only the older girls were here.”

“I know. But Chisaka had to come in and spread his stupid cold.”

He sniffed again. Suddenly, his sniveling was in a whole different perspective. What he said after confirmed it completely. “I’ve been…not feeling right today. Hope this isn’t the start of it for me.”

She shuddered. “That’d be shit. I’d probably catch it too.”

And here she thought they’d just gotten lucky or had the strain before, but noooo. Reiko hated being sick. It always took her down, and she hated doing nothing. She was going to have choice words for Chisaka if she did, especially if he really was somehow dumb enough to screw them over because of a petty grudge with Carino. And if he was willing to forgive her, that meant he really was a friend. Reiko sighed, even grumbled at herself.

But Takao. Reiko felt she was totally wrong about her. She was okay. No, better than okay, and she could tell Takao felt the same. And here Reiko thought she wasn’t going to make any real friends in the club. Yet she had found two. She scoffed bitterly.

“Wh-what’s wrong, Reiko?” Terrance stammered.

“Just thinking,” she told him. “Don’t worry.”

“O-okay.”

Well, she complained about a lot of things. But she wasn’t going to complain about this. Reiko glanced back, feeling a strange sensation rising in her chest. She identified it quickly; she was looking forward to talking to Takao tomorrow!

##########​

Emi Pikaru was standing before a small group of individuals. She eyed each of the ones present with seriousness. They were all curious about why she had gathered them here, but at least a couple of them likely had a good feeling.

She took a deep breath. “We need to talk, guys.”

 

[System Error]

Tuesday evening turned out to be uneventful as far as making progress with Qwilfish was concerned. Nori was able to feed his assignment at home without much incident, thanks to some residual puddles in the area. The good news was that nothing happened to screw things up even worse than they already were.

But the Pokemon Rehabilitator refused to be deterred. It hadn’t even been a week since he had gotten her. These sorts of things could take time, and any little step forward counted. And a lot of little steps were equal to a few big ones.

As he was walking into school on Wednesday morning, he found an auburn-haired teenager wearing black jeans, a black shirt, and a black-sleeved cyan jumper waiting for him. Compared to the last time this happened, her light blue eyes were like a still winter day and her expression just as chilly. She briefly turned away after catching sight of him, yet her eyebrows and lips twitched as she forced a scowl; Nori could tell so because she stomped towards him with an exaggerated swagger.

“Nori Carino,” was all she said at first, sternly and sharply.

He exhaled. “What is it this time?” he asked, putting his right hand on his hip.

Nori instinctively stepped back and got his guard up as Emi’s arm came flying out at him, but it stopped way short. The fact that she didn’t so much as smile or mock him told Nori that something was really up. She only held out her palm. “Give me the waiver.”

He stared at it incredulously. His left hand found its way to the hip as well. “You’re really still going on about this?” he asked with complete astonishment, leaning in and throwing his right hand up. He took stock of their surroundings. All around them, their peers were stopping in their tracks and watching this go down.

Emi remained blissfully unaware, or if not, uncaring about them. She had her eyes locked squarely on him as she gave an explanation. “The way I see it, the legal agreement doesn’t just exist for you to train your Pokemon. It exists for people like me who want…” Like a hiccup, she stopped. Her eyes darted away, she squinted them, and she swallowed hard. “Have to have a battle with a Pokemon, in my case.”

Have to? Had she lost her mind?! She didn’t have to fight anything. It was all in her head! He glanced around. People were just watching. Even some teachers had stopped to see this.

When it looked like a guy with short, silvery hair was about to approach, Emi suddenly took notice. She fired off a leer so harsh that he stumbled away. When she turned back, her expression became blank save for vaguely watery eyes. Her words came out quick and desperate.

“People can call me irresponsible all they want. I talked to my Pokemon about it, and they were all on board. That’s all the validation I care about.” Then she bowed at him. Nori did a small double take. She bowed, he saw that right. “Please,” she begged.

At this point, they’d attracted the attention of everyone around them, and several more were gathering. It was so quiet that you could’ve heard a Joltik scuttling. If the eyes of the onlookers weren’t on each other as they whispered amongst themselves, they were on Nori. All waiting for his answer.

He took a good look at Emi. There were dark bags under her eyelids, she probably lost some sleep over this. Her hair was scraggly, like she was in a rush this morning. She had her lips pursued and her body pointed toward him. She was waiting with as much anticipation as the rest of them. But was she thinking clearly?

Nori leveled at her. His body ached with tension. “You’re serious about this, aren’t you?” he asked. “Do you know what you’re getting into? And I don’t mean the risks to your Pokemon.”

“I am.” The side of her mouth crooked upwards slightly.

Nori had been to that place too many times before. Especially when he became a total pariah when Kallisto Keravnos had condemned him back in June. If it wasn’t for Prema’s encouragement and Arumi’s help, he might still be one to the point of where he’d have to leave Japan. He wouldn’t wish it on anyone, not even his worst enemies. People were hopping around like pissed off Primeapes over what the former YAMS said about the ethics of the agreement. And she didn’t care? She said her Pokemon didn’t care either.

There was something in her eyes and her posture. She was resolved. He felt a strange connection to her at that moment that pulled his shoulders downward. “I can respect that,” he said, closing his eyes and feeling himself smile. “You want to fight Qwilfish no matter what people think because of those jerks, and I’m going to keep on helping her no matter what people think.”

Emi laughed and leaned in, smirking at him. “We found some common ground after all.”

“I guess so.” Who would’ve thought? Nothing he wasn’t used to after the Gym Trainers at Sunyshore, though. “All right. Happy to,” he officially confirmed what the crowd had been suspecting was coming. That made them burst into chatter which they both ignored. “But give me a day. I didn’t bring the waiver with me.”

Emi’s expression became a full-on grin. He felt so light in the chest he was compelled to return it. It was funny, Nori thought at that moment. They were suddenly getting along! If they met under better circumstances, could things have turned out differently?

He stuck out his arm on a whim. She gladly accepted the handshake.

“Appreciate it. And for the record?” She pulled him in and glowered. She spoke lowly, right in his face, “Get over your fear. I want her at her best, so there’s no excuses when I beat her.”

Nori yanked back and took a step away. “Stupid!” he muttered to himself. It was too good to be true. A tightness welled in his throat and chest as the ramifications of what she had just said started to sink…ugh!! Don’t think that word! “But…water,” he squeaked out. “I won’t be at my best.”

“Well it can’t be helped unless you train her to be out of it in the next couple days.” She crossed her arms and gave a predator’s smirk. It faded after a few seconds of looking down on him. “We’ll have a rubber match to settle this once and for all if we have to,” she assured, more soothingly.

Nori blinked. “Wait, next couple days?” He threw his hands back and stomped a foot.

“If Friday after school doesn’t work for you.”

Nori grumbled. “I guess we can get it out of the way then. But we,” He winced at his misspeaking. He breathed in and out before continuing. “That won’t give me much time to train. Maybe not.”

He couldn’t help but slap himself. What did he just agree to do?! The plan had been to gradually ease Qwilfish into things. But he couldn’t afford little steps anymore! Sure, she tolerated him, the keyword being ‘tolerated.’ What about listening to him in a battle? Or just battling in general?

“You’re good enough to handle this,” she assumed. Her next words were both condescending and genuine at the same time, somehow. “Worst case, just have her fight on her own like you like to.”

“I still think it’d be best if we wait.”

Emi turned away all of a sudden, as if something had caught her eye. “Let’s get it out of the way, and once you train her out of water, we’ll fight again.” She grumbled. “And there goes Angel, running off to narc.”

“A snitch?” Nori just saw what she was looking at; that same guy who tried to approach her running into the hall. Come to think of it, “I saw that guy the other day.”

Emi waved it off. “Oh, don’t worry about it. That’s just something I’ll have to deal with back in the clubroom. You just get things sorted out from your end. So we good?”

He was guessing that guy was on the battling team too. And certainly not too happy she wanted to fight him. So like she said, nothing for him to worry about. “I guess we’re good,” he conceded, knees trembling. Maybe the sooner this was over, the better off he would be.

“Thanks.” She nodded with calm appreciation before turning to leave. Her shoulders were back, her chin was high, and she was swinging her arms naturally.

It took a bit of processing until he reached a conclusion. She knew she was going to get a lot of hate for wanting this. So she wanted it out of the way as soon as possible. That’s why she wanted it on Friday. And…this. Him. Maybe the sooner it was over, the less he would have to dread it. He already was. Was it too late to back out?

“No, no,” he said to himself, clapping his ears. “It’s done, Nori. Maybe it’ll work out.” It was a battle that worked with the Demon, after all. Maybe that would be the key here. “You just gotta let Mr. Martins know, just in case.”

He wasn’t cursing his decision at least. His instincts were telling him deep down that this could work out. At least, it’d let him know a few things. It looked like he’d be going to his clubroom today after all, albeit for an unexpected reason.

##########​

Nori ate his lunch out in the halls before heading to his club. When he arrived, there were only three people in the small computer lab. They were scattered about and not the ones he was expecting. Terrance was sitting at a desk with what looked like some of his homework in front of him. Saqid was at another table, loitering and looking at his cell phone. He was notably wearing a white face mask. Mitsu was at his usual spot, and yet he was the first to look over.

“Oh, look at what the Snorlax puked up,” Mitsu sardonically stated, holding his head high and scrunching his nose.

“What the hell?” Nori went through the doorway and shut it behind him with his foot. “You’re still mad?”

“Of course I am!” The teal-haired teenager spun his chair around and rested his arm on the side. “A couple of days isn’t going to change facts! How much of an asshole do you have to be–”

“That is enough!” Saqid stood and shouted, his voice cracking. “Do not welcome back the chief with that.”

Mitsu scowled. “You still respect him?”

“He is our chief, is he not?” His eyebrows went up. He was probably smiling behind the mask. “And he is good at it. And a good man besides.”

Terrance peeked up. “Y-yeah,” he stammered. “Nori is…” While he trailed off, Nori saw his hands ball into fists and his muscles tense. He suddenly shouted, “Stop it, Mitsu! Leave him alone!”

Nori blinked slowly. He couldn’t help but beam a little. He expected Saqid, but he wasn’t expecting Terrance to stand up for him like that. Another surprise like yesterday. He was still welcome here! Except maybe by one person.

Nori turned to him. He understood where Mitsu was coming from. He just needed to rein it in. “Just calm down,” he advised. He was starting to get mad, but he knew that yelling back at Mitsu wasn’t going to do anyone any good. “Take a deep breath and hold it. If you want to vent at me, fine. Let it out. But at least try to be rational about it.” He didn’t want to hear it if it was just a bitter and nonsensical rant.

The response was not one he was expecting. Mitsu let out a wail of frustration. He got up, snatched his bag and green metallic water bottle, and stomped away. The technogeek deliberately bumped into Nori as he passed by. Nori almost spun around and shoved him through the door in retaliation, and would have if Mitsu had not already left before he could think about it.

He grumbled and shook his head. What was Mitsu’s problem? He would hate to lose him from the club, but maybe it would just take some reflection. Helping bad Pokemon didn’t make him a bad person. And Qwilfish wasn’t even bad!

Saqid swung an arm over his head. “Welcome back, chief!” the tan-skinned teenager greeted.

“It’s only for a bit,” Nori stated. That took a bit of air out of Saqid, who sat back down at his table. “I’m guessing Yumi and Reiko are out doing distribution? Or are the older girls back?”

“It is the younger girls.” He sagely nodded. “The older girls are still sick. We’re catching it too, I’m afraid.”

“Jeez.” His hand went to his face. They’d been away since Friday. They had to be extremely careful, getting it really bad, or using it as an excuse to skip school – and he didn’t think it was the last of them. It was one thing to keep one of them down for a while, but both of them? “Hope it doesn’t hit you two as bad.”

The two guys agreed with him there. Nori at least, didn’t think he was going to get it. He hadn’t felt sick yet. He rarely noticed colds anyway. And he didn’t think it was luck; his was usually awful.

“Anyway, I guess I should tell you two first.” It might’ve already spread given how many people saw them, but he wanted to tell them personally anyway. “I’m going to be battling Emi Pikaru on Friday.”

They both snapped to attention. Terrance touched his lips and shrunk into his seat, stammering a ‘wh’ repeatedly. He didn’t get a chance to speak, since Saqid did.

“But chief!” he protested, his voice straining as it rose in pitch. “That Qwilfish is dangerous! This could end up like it did with Pawniard and Anthony Morris!”

“She doesn’t care,” he plainly told them with a shrug. He waved a foot. “Her Pokemon don’t, either.”

“N-Nori,” Terrance strained. He squinted and groaned, and almost seemed to shudder. “It’s…no disrespect. Isn’t it irresponsible to let this happen?”

He frowned and slumped, though his arms did not go slack. It was a good thing Mitsu left, because he would certainly fly into hysterics over this. But it wasn’t like he didn’t think this through or got pressured into it.

He stood taller and moved between their two tables. His eyes were half closed as he did so, but he didn’t feel tense or uneasy. He looked at Terrance and spoke unhurriedly. “Emi understands the risks. So do her Pokemon. She wanted it in spite of what people would think.” He switched his gaze to Saqid. “That’s enough for me.”

Terrance looked down and shuffled his feet. Saqid rubbed his chin and hummed. Neither was really buying it.

Nori bit his lip. The food in his gut tossed and turned. He was under no illusions about the situation. He cleared his throat and tried to stand tall as he explained further, “It…it isn’t going to be easy for me, since she wants to fight it in an ar…” He gently clapped against his head. “One suited for a Qwilfish. But I respect her stance. Maybe that’s why I accepted. I know what I’m getting into here. I hope you guys can understand.”

“If you say…I mean, I guess so.” Terrance almost said something different. He avoided eye contact with Nori. At least he accepted it.

“I know people are going to disagree. But any battle has a risk of injury,” he argued to him. Then he realized. He groaned as he rubbed the nape of his neck. “That sounds weak, doesn’t it?”

“No, I see what you are getting at!” Saqid stated. Nori smiled a little at that. He was glad Saqid did so, because he sure didn’t see it. There was something off about the former YAMS’ argument! He just didn’t know exactly what or how to articulate it right!

He changed the subject. Better get to business. “Anyway, sorry I’ve been away. But I came here to call my handler – as Reiko put it – and do some research and check my emails.”

“But of course!” the eighth-year boomed. Terrance also nodded and smiled faintly. “And again, welcome back!”

“I missed being here,” he admitted with a laugh. It was good to be around his friends and acquaintances. “Just gotta do this quick,” he said as he stepped into the back room.

Why the Officials didn’t get him a cellphone or something instead of his weird radio was something beyond Nori. He could still be called by others, but he couldn’t make calls. So he had to come to places like this all the time in order to use the phone!

The boy pulled out his notepad and flipped to the page where he kept his numbers. He picked up the receiver, sat down in the office chair, dialed in the number for the agent’s cell phone, and waited. He only had to wait for about five seconds.

“Hello, hola, konnichiwa, and oi!” the man boomed into the receiver. It was a greeting unlike any Nori had heard, even from him before.

“Hi, Mr. Martins?” he started.

“S-sir!” the agent stammered at the use of his real name. “Call me my codename!”

“Sorry. Just politeness.” He wanted to be formal, and it was a force of habit with that sort of thing. That and he was starting to see just how ridiculous Studd was as a codename, especially out loud. “But I need to arrange a meeting with you tomorrow. I have to ask you some questions. Is that all right?”

“Why can we not ask the questions now?”

Nori tapped a finger on the receiver. “I’m busy right now, and I’m sure you are too.” They had way more to talk about than the battle with Emi.

“Erk!” Agent Studd let out a gurgled choke. He could basically see the man cringing and collapsing in disappointment. “So much for that break.”

Nori had no idea what the agent did with the Officials besides overseeing him. Probably just a desk job, actually.

“After school and same place as always, then,” the agent declared.

Nori curled his lip. It wasn’t the worst idea considering it was outside of their scheduled time, but he would still rather have more privacy. “I guess for a lack of ideas, but we’ll try to see if we can get into the school this time.” It was a weekday, so they should be able to get in.

“Leave it to me, sir! I will make sure the office lady understands!”

Nori sat upright in the chair, as if a jolt of electricity shot through his spine. “No, leave it to me,” he ordered, trying to sound as stern and serious as possible. “Just sit there and wait until I get there, and I’ll do the talking. Bye.”

He hung up without giving him a chance to protest. Nori was absolutely sure nothing good would come of Studd marching in there and introducing himself as usual. Except maybe forcing them to move away from using the playground near the school, but the side effects of that weren’t ideal. Everything was set. He just had to get ready with his questions.

For now, it was time to research Sinnohian Qwilfish. He stepped back out into the clubroom to do just that.

##########​

“Reiko.”

She turned to the other girl. “We can’t do anything, Takao.” Carino had made a crazy decision. Part of why she was out delivering the papers was to give herself time to cool off, just in case he did stop by.

The beige-haired teenager shook her head. “No, it’s about Touya.”

Reiko curled her lip. This again? “Yeah, what about him?”

Her friend’s mouth simply hung open. “I…I emailed him, and…”

 

[System Error]

The news about the big battle planned for Friday afternoon reached Chad through Mia right before their morning class was about to start; she had heard about it from Angel, who was telling anyone he could. The captain of the battling team almost jumped out of his chair and went to find Emi right then and there. If the teacher hadn’t walked in at that moment, he actually would have.

Even now, he found his body quaking thinking about it. He was flushed with rage, hands clenching and unclenching as he stood like a Watchog outside the door to the clubroom. He let everyone in the club who came by know that he was waiting for her, and that he would speak to her about it.

She was taking her time. Maybe she knew that she had royally screwed up. Chad wondered if she was going to come by at all. Around ten or twenty minutes after he had posted himself (time was dilating), she finally appeared before him. She had her jacket slung over a shoulder.

He charged over to her. “Emi.”

“Hey, Chad,” she greeted him with a casual smile. It only made Chad angrier. Was she being belligerent with him or was she seriously that ignorant?!

“Don’t you hey me.” He jabbed a finger in her face. As he opened his mouth, what he wanted to say escaped his mind, resulting in only a guttural growl coming out.

Emi recoiled. “Uh, excuse me?”

So she really wasn’t aware. Did she not think there were going to be consequences for this stunt?! His vision flashed. “Let’s step away and talk for a bit,” he managed to seethe through clenched teeth.

She snorted as an arrogant smile crept to her lips. “Sure, dad.”

His face ached from how much his jaw clenched. He temporarily swallowed what he wanted to say and stormed ahead and out of the school like a Primeape after the object of its ire. He only occasionally glanced back to make sure Emi was still following him, which she was.

He led her out into the parking lot at the back of the school. It was far enough that they wouldn’t disturb anyone, but still close enough that they wouldn’t be going a long way’s away.

By this point, Emi had put on her coat, crossed her arms, and frowned. “So what’s the problem?” She tapped a foot and mimed looking at her wrist. “This about Nori Carino again?”

It was as if she struck a match and thrown it. “Emi, enough with the attitude!” he exploded, unable to restrain himself from giving her a little shove. She took only a half step back. “This is a serious issue we need to talk about!”

Emi leered at him and tapped a foot. She made a flippant gesture as if to say, ‘Get on with it.’

“Yes, this is about your challenge to him. It was one thing to try and go behind my back the first time. Not only did you do it again, but you are willfully endangering your Pokemon! You absolutely should not sign that waiver and go through with this battle!”

“Really, Chad?” She facepalmed hard. A sharp exhale escaped her. “You got taken in by that bullshit those freaks were spouting?”

“It is not BS. They had a real point.” He snorted and tried to inject a little humor into the situation. “For once.” Much as he hated to admit it, those two had brought up a very valid point about the ethics of a Pokemon Rehabilitator.

Yet when Emi failed to smile, Chad felt an invisible force pull at his chest. “My Pokemon are fine with it. Nori Carino’s fine with it.” She irreverently threw up her arms. “That should settle any problem anyone has, right?”

“It is way more than that!” he shrieked at her.

“What!?”

“This is a bad idea on multiple levels! Why do you want to do this?”

“How is it bad? I don’t see the problem here.”

“It just is!”

Emi blew him off with a wave of her hand. “Oh, sure. Great logic. I’m so convinced.”

“Why are you insisting on this so much?!” he yelled, the stress straining his throat.

“Why do you have such a big problem with this?” she countered.

“Emi, you are making a mistake by battling Nori Carino!” He paced relentlessly, feeling like he was about to throw up. Sweat was dripping down his armpits. He rubbed his wrists, nearly writhing from his anguish. “I don’t know what it is, I just have a bad feeling about this! Something is going to happen, I just know it!”

She grumbled and shook her head. “Chad, you’re being paranoid,” she again brushed off, albeit with an assurance that he absolutely refused to believe in. “And you’re starting to lose it.”

Him, losing it?! She had lost it! “You haven’t answered my question!” he wailed at her. Chad punctuated his next three words: “Why. Do. This?” Why was she throwing everything away and risking so much?!

“Chad, I…” Her expression went blank, then dimmed. She swallowed before rasping, “I need the closure.”

“What?” he demanded. It was half snapping at her and half bewilderment. “Over the Krookodile Tracker?”

“Not just him.” Emi slowly walked over and sat down on one of the large stone parking bumpers. She folded her hands in her lap and gazed downward. “I think, more importantly, I need it over our club. You know how I feel about what’s been happening, and how I felt from the start.”

Chad blinked. This all came back to Anthony Morris. After his Pokemon had gotten critically injured in a battle against Nori Carino, Emi’s first reaction had been to avenge him. She only held back at his behest. Yet her anger still simmered beneath the surface. She didn’t bring it up, but she still wanted revenge. It hurt Chad just as much seeing how some of their teammates were changing for the worse. Everyone had changed after the incident. Was Nori getting assigned this Pokemon just her breaking point?

She looked up at him, the color draining from her face as her chin trembled. “If you can’t respect that, then,” She looked away and clutched at herself with that. “I guess you aren’t the friend I thought you were.”

It was like she had just stabbed him in the heart. No, that was wrong. Chad shook his head at himself and wiped his eyes. He was the one who had done that to her. He had horribly misjudged this situation. But still!

“I-I’m just trying to look out for you. I’m sorry,” He stumbled over to Emi and put a hand on her shoulder for balance. “But Emi. Your Pokemon could end up like Anthony’s,” he warned. He pleaded. He begged. She knew. She had to know that. It wasn’t right!

“I won’t let that happen,” she declared lowly with a fire of determination in her blue eyes. “And I know Nori Carino felt bad enough not to let it happen either if he can help it.”

Chad had known Emi since they were in their fifth year of primary school. When she got that look, there was no stopping her. “Okay,” he conceded, sitting beside her. “But more importantly, Emi. A lot of people, including in the club, disagree with your decision regardless. That’s also something I’m worried about here.”

“They’ll just have to live with it. I don’t care.” She grunted and held her chin a little higher. “No, I’m fine with whatever they think.”

That was ridiculous. His hands tightened. Was she saying she didn’t care about anyone else’s feelings on the team? And yet, at the same time, Chad felt a pang of envy. He wished he could do whatever he wanted without worrying about what others thought.

Emi turned and faced him, clutching and pulling at her short hair with two fingers. “Chad, are you really going to throw this away?” She pinched her lips.

Chad gasped, then shook his head vehemently. “I still think this is a bad idea. But I can’t stop you. And…” He gripped the cement and squeezed it. “I guess I won’t either,” he added with a sigh.

His promise brought a faint smile to Emi’s mouth. They sat in silent contemplation for what felt like minutes. Chad just wanted to lean against her and start crying. He was a terrible friend. Emi had thought this all through. He should’ve known better. At least, at the very least, the gods had taken pity and made sure it worked out between them.

“I’ll tell the others,” he declared, pulling himself to his feet. “They’ll be welcome to take it up with you if they still disagree. If not…” He shut his eyes tight. This was going to be the hardest part. He had no idea how it would affect the club if worse came to worst. But it was what had to be done. “If not, they can leave.”

“Thanks,” his friend hummed with a warmth he rarely heard from her. “And sorry.”

Chad gave her a nod. “Do you mind staying away for a while?” he levelly requested. “Not just from the team, but the club as well. Just until everyone’s cooled off, mind you.”

She immediately agreed. “Probably smart.”

With a groan, he sat back down beside her. “I’m sorry for lashing out. I just.” The blond teenager held his temple. “I’m stressed about the friction with the team. I want,” No. He shook his head. “I need to see it succeed. You know how it is.”

Emi flashed a smirk at him. “With your mom and dad wanting you and everything associated to be the very best like no one ever was?”

“Exactly that, haha.” She knew. He nudged her with his elbow. “At least I don’t have to catch ’em all.”

“That’s probably impossible unless you’re playing one of the games.” She shook her head.

“Yeah, no kidding.” There were way too many in the world. He had done so in the games once or twice. They helped with strategy in their own way. They weren’t perfect; for example, they limited movesets to four for balance reasons. That was absolutely not the case when it came to real life.

He looked back as a reflex and nearly fell forward when he saw a pink-haired person standing there. That got Emi to turn around and blurt a ‘What the hell?’ which made the person shrink away and cover up as their gray eyes squinted shut.

“Um, Aki?” Chad turned himself around to face them.

“Ah. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop.” They waved their hands and bowed profusely. “I was worried and curious.”

Chad shrugged and sighed. “You were going to hear about it eventually, I guess,” he comforted. Emi crossed her arms and continued to scowl, yet her face was flushed and she was looking away. He could only chuckle under his breath.

“So are you two okay?” Aki hesitantly asked as they inched forward. Their eyes darted back and forth between them both.

“Yes, we’ve calmed down now.” He turned to Emi expectantly.

“Both of us,” she droned. The auburn-haired teenager stood up and stretched. “Now that we’ve sorted things out.”

Aki curled their lips inward, before blurting, “Hey. Emi, do you hate Nori that bad?”

“Weird question.” Chad had to agree there. Emi tapped her chin and ultimately smirked. “But all right. I used to think he was overrated, then I battled him on the weekend. Not afraid to admit, he made me look like a jackass, ha.” She shook her head at herself, albeit while maintaining a positive expression. “I still can’t forgive him for what he did and what he’s doing, but I respect him as a trainer at least.”

She finished by putting her hands in her pockets. “That good enough for you?”

“Yes, thanks.” Aki’s shoulders dropped.

Emi suddenly crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes. “What’s with you and him, anyway?” she probed. Aki flinched at the question.

“With respect, of course,” Chad hastily added. He gave Emi a disapproving stare.

Emi rolled her eyes. “Anyone who says that is rarely respectful,” she muttered under her breath. Chad only continued to stare, regardless of the truth behind it. Emi just shrugged at it.

Aki finally spoke up. “It’s nothing like you think! It’s…actually complicated,” They stopped to gather their thoughts, although they kept looking forward. The pink-haired teenager awkwardly explained, “He’s inspirational for how hard he works and how much he’s done, yet he reminds me of how awful I am. He’s been training Pokemon for just over a year, and he’s already better than me! It’s like he has natural talent.”

“Hey.” Emi sharply spoke up and took a couple steps toward their teammate. Aki’s expression widened and their eyes dilated at the gesture. “Don’t forget, he was trained by a Gym Leader. Who knows how much that helped him get to where he is? Plus, he just gets handed his Pokemon. That has its problems, but it means he doesn’t have to spend as long training them as us.”

Aki blinked. Clearly, they weren’t expecting that sort of response from Emi. Even Chad felt gratified over that. It compelled him to sit a little taller and hold his head higher.

“Aki, I’ll say this,” he added, gently moving towards the non-binary teenager. “I accepted you onto the team because I saw your potential. You don’t need to worry about being the best, just be good.”

Their answer was as firm as it was frustrated, and was underscored by them tightening their fists and squinting. “I want to get better than I am.” They looked down. “If that’s even possible.”

He did not miss a beat. “Then we’ll help, so long as you’re willing to listen.” With a side glance to his effective co-captain, he gave one morsel for now. “One thing I will say for now, don’t skip weekends. It takes dedication to really excel. Those extra days of work really do count.”

Aki stared at him for a couple seconds while blinking rapidly, looked away, then back. As what he said sank in, their posture sagged and they groaned. It was a bitter pill to swallow all right. No days off. Chad himself practically felt he was working a job in addition to his education. It was up to Aki whether they wanted to try. At least they had the freedom of choice.

“I know,” was all he could say to assure them. It was asking a lot.

“If it would help,” they mused.

Chad nodded. Aki was resolved to at least give it a chance. “Okay. For now, let’s head back. The others are probably wondering what’s taking so long.”

Emi extended a palm. “Unless you want to come train with me,” she offered. “Beat two birds with one Rock Slide. I’m planning on getting my Pokemon some practice in water ahead of the big battle. Having a sparring partner would help out.”

“You want me to use Awanezumi?” Aki drawled, tucking their bangs back. They eventually shook their head. “I think I want to relax for now, sorry. But do your best, Emi.”

The auburn-haired teenager frowned for a moment. “Take it easy, Aki.”

With a nod, they started heading back towards the school. Aki glanced over and seemed like they were about to speak, but said nothing. That was fine by Chad. It gave him time to process what had happened.

This was bittersweet. He was not about to give up Emi. She was one of the best trainers on the team, and if she left, they were dead in the water when it came to competition. His hands shook. It felt like he’d just driven a knife into everyone else for selfish reasons. At least, no one could accuse him of just doing this to win. ‘Shōsha to wa uinā,’ yes. That was the code he lived by, because it was the one his family expected him to live by.

The truth was, he considered Emi to be one of his few or even his only real friend. She was someone he could talk to, and she would understand him. That was why he ultimately couldn’t bring himself to force her out. She was too important to him. He wouldn’t trade her for the best trainers out there, not even his family.

#####
====
#####

Spoiler: Note

Just had to reference the Freakleaks in some way.

 

[System Error]

Spoiler: Note

I was actually planning a short Halloween fic; the next fic in plot order will be set around it, though this would only be a one shot. Unfortunately, life and bad writing environments kept getting in the way. Expect it eventually. But for now, I hope this chapter is suitably chilling for the holiday. Not exactly how I planned it, but.

Ah, feeding time. It is always an occasion to look forward to. My favorite is, of course, plants for their taste and the nutrition. But there is something about meat that I love. I wonder what the souls of these animals and Pokemon think of humanity mashing their bodies into fine material, barely if at all recognizable from what they used to be? Of course, it is understandable why they do so if you think about it. Knowing and seeing exactly what they eat is uncomfortable to many of them. But to me, it is empowering to see your prey before you eat it. Especially if they are alive. You get to hear their screams and the silence that follows. I’ve eaten plant Pokemon before, back when I hunted with Lochlyn Nuzzo. They give the best of all worlds.

My leader, as of now, stood before me. He is unlike most of his race. Unlike that police officer who thought he could control me. What was his name? It doesn’t matter. Few remember it now that he’s retired at my hands. But with Nori Carino, I could tell quickly that our time together was going to be very special.

“Okay guys, got you your dinner,” the young human with dark hair and eyes like sparkling rubies addressed the three of us. Our other companion was not out; he was likely going to serve her separately. A quick glance revealed the food was already lined up in a triangle formation. We all had processed Pokemon food, but we each had something extra. Nori Carino must have been feeling generous. The squirrel had simple berries, the teal beast had a can of shredded meat, and my portion was clearly marked by the presence of spinach.

I was unable to resist. I dove upon it and started to tear in. The kibbles were bland and dry as usual. Something to be eaten slowly to get any flavor. But the vegetables! They were fresh and utterly delicious.

My leader only laughed at my enthusiasm. Even the white squirrel cracked a small smile. But my other teammate had one hypocritical word to say about it: “Disgusting.”

“And it is all reaching my mouth,” I said, deliberately stabbing a clove and swirling it along my maw. Chunks of food invariably ended up on the ground whenever she ate. “Oh, but I understand. It is difficult seeing what others perceive you as.”

She blew me off with a wave of a paw. “You talk too much nonsense, you animal.” I only smirked at the slur in our language. To refer to a fellow Pokemon with the word for an animal was as such under context. From how the white squirrel glanced away, even he was smart enough to realize that I had pierced through to an uncomfortable truth.

Our leader was either oblivious or nonplussed by that. “I’m going to go feed Qwilfish now.” Just as I suspected. He stepped away as the other two walked forward and started into their meals. They made small talk that wasn’t very interesting. They did their best not to look at me.

My teammates are talented in the sport of Pokemon battling if nothing else. That white squirrel occasionally nervously glanced over at me. I feinted a lunge, which he recoiled slightly at. He is so innocent, and so easy to pick on. The response from the other was a harsh glare and silent threat. She thinks herself above me, yet she fights as fiercely as her namesake. I wonder if she realizes how alike we are? We both enjoy hurting others – why else would she love battle so much and have done what she did? – and we find our leader worthy for the same reason. That he never imposes upon us.

That was the extent of our interactions as I ate. I was nearly done when a screech in the abyssal language drew my attention. I knew a cry of distress when I heard one. “My skin is so dry! It itches so much!” I glanced over to the source. That so-called Qwilfish was writhing in agony and uncomfortable at the still-unfamiliar sensation of air in her lungs. “I need water! Don’t just stand there! Do something!”

“What’s wrong?!” shouted our leader. My other two teammates hurried over, though kept around five feet away. Another human male with tanned skin was gawking from nearby. Nori Carino gave him faint acknowledgment.

“I said I need water!” complained the fish, as if humans could understand our words on a whim. She inflated ever so slightly. “I knew it, you’re like the rest!”

It was a word that resonated with at least one of the other Pokemon present. Water. The Pokemon that lived in it had an interesting relationship with their natural element. They did not need it to breathe, but they needed it to survive. Everything did, but they sometimes needed it around them and not just inside of their body.

Our leader hunched over her. He was an observant one. It was no surprise to me that he noticed that her skin was not quite as damp as it could be. “Wait, w-water?” asked the young boy. His frantic words had a measure of uncertainty and hesitation in their tone. “Do you need some?”

I assumed from his asking that they had worked out a means to communicate. I watched closely and saw her bob in a nod-like fashion. She gave some words no one but myself was likely to understand. “Yes, I live in water! I can’t be out of it for too long! If you really care, hurry up!” Her neurotic words were rapid and laced with faux anger. She even puffed up slightly to add to the facade. But I could sense her true feelings.

“Okay, hold on! Stay here and be good, guys!” Back into her Poke Ball she went. My leader was no fool, he was not about to handle her with his bare hands. Into his house he ran to use the shower inside.

I cackled at his foolishness and naïveté. Seeing these realizations strike him was a big part of what makes belonging to Nori Carino worth it. There is no way around it! He is going to have to ensure her skin stays hydrated! I wonder what he thinks about that? The fact that he will have to contend with his greatest fear on such a regular basis?

“This isn’t funny!” came the high-pitched and boyish wail of a particular electric squirrel. One glance, not even a glare in his direction but a simple look, and he was regretting his choice of words and tone against me.

“It is to me.” I gave him a predator’s smile. There were many funny things about this situation.

“You’re sick,” the teal beast roughly said to me. The humans called her a demon, a name which both Nori Carino and she had embraced. Her combat skills were exactly as one would expect from that moniker and a would-be leader of her tribe. Demon used a far more convoluted term in the terrestrial tongue that most of us Pokemon spoke, but that is the rough approximation.

“Yeah! She could have died!” the little squirrel yelled, shuffling closer to Demon. Bold enough to yell at that which he feared, but not enough to not be close to a friend as he did so.

“This freak would find that funny too,” Demon snorted.

“She would not have died,” I calmly told them. “Her skin had not yet dried out to anywhere close to lethal levels.” We are not quite in suspended animation while in our Poke Balls; we are even aware of the world outside to an extent. But our metabolism is slowed. It is like a rest. And I have my suspicions that Poke Balls have other contingencies to stabilize their occupants. “She was just being melodramatic about a little discomfort.”

“As if a psychopath like you can understand what she was saying,” Demon dismissed, slashing her front left paw along the ground.

Now I could only smile. “I understood every word, actually.” My voice stayed as even as usual, yet even I could not help but boast slightly.

“Really?” the white squirrel inquired, tilting his head. “How? Why?”

I repeated her words. I even did my best to match her tone and inflection. “That fills in the blanks, did it not?” I directed this question at Demon, who turned away with a snarl. “I learned the four main languages to understand my victims.” I also have a fair grasp on the language of humanity.

“You have telepathy, don’t you?” Demon accused. I shook my head in disappointment. What an asinine belief. “I tried learning abyssal with a–” The normally tough Pokemon hesitated. There was something she was embarrassed and angry about. With a friend, perhaps she was going to say? “From ones in a lake near my old colony. I only learned a little after a year!”

“That is because you were not as dedicated as me.” I could not help but throw in a laugh as well. From the way she seethed, she had no clear counterargument.

“Fine, you’re even more of a psychopath than I thought.” I took that as a compliment, smiling at it.

“Uh-huh!” the white squirrel yelled. “It’s not like Nori will let you talk with her! You’d just see mean things.”

“Who knows?” I threw up my claws. “Maybe he would let me. He trusts me enough now to leave me with you two. And maybe I can succeed where you both failed.”

“Yeah, right.”

“You’d just scare her! Bully!”

What an amusing assumption. I could not help but grin at it. From how their expressions changed, they realized what I was about to say before I said it. “I am our leader’s servant. And I have the utmost respect for our new teammate.”

“Surprised you respect anything at all,” Demon spat at me. She seemed to believe me, which is more than can be said about her precious friend (that she wouldn’t dare admit to).

The ignorant squirrel stumbled over his words. “Yeah, why? You hate us both. Why do you like her?”

My maw crooked downwards. I could not mask my disappointment. He had known me for nearly a month and was still under that mistaken belief? Hate is a strong emotion. Despite my misgivings, I do not hate either of them. Yet it is fun to see him squirm, so I decided to let him keep thinking that for a while by not answering.

“Is it not obvious?” When they did not understand, I could not help but give them a condescending snicker. “She has killed.”

You are not truly alive until you willfully take the life of another. No, I do not speak of tiny insects or even animals. Taking the lives of the weak and helpless does not make you superior. It has to mean something, and though it was a defenseless human whom she had slain, it was a life that meant a lot indeed. My greatest wish is to see my leader take a life of his own. It may be difficult the first time, but it becomes easier the more blood that you are covered in.

I wonder what this Qwilfish was thinking as she launched the attack that slew that human? Did she feel a rush of power as the blood shot out of his body and stained the water around them? Or from watching him recoil from the pain of the wound? Did his screams please her? They were in a pond as well, from what I understand. It would have stung from an imminent infection as well. Watching your victim struggle as they fall into the throes of death is exhilarating. Especially seeing that last little bit of life drain from their body.

“Not on purpose!” The squirrel stamped up and down.

“She knew what she was doing,” I explained to them in simple terms. I was not a witness to it, but I could tell. “Did you know that we Pokemon as a species subconsciously restrain ourselves when attacking humans?”

“Pokemon? Humans?” the Demon repeated, quivering in revulsion at the two words. “Think you’re above us by using manh’s term?” But I could see it. Her anger at something so petty masked her doubt. Yes, she had realized. A warrior who had attacked the partners of many humans surely had the battle sense to know when she was not attacking at full capacity.

I let her know I knew. “You knew that, did you not? You should know.”

The realization started to sink in with both of them. I doubted that squirrel ever intentionally tried to harm a human being, but from her growling, Demon had either nearly done so or accidentally did so when she was on her crusade against trainers. That is when the subconscious restraint kicks in the most. You can resist it if you put your mind to it, of course. Surely she realizes. Ah, if only she was not held back by her inhibitions.

“Do you understand?” I taunted them with the truth. What I had brought up, and the fact that humans were far more durable than they appeared. It led me to one conclusion. “You would have to be trying on purpose to inflict a lethal wound.”

“No! You’re lying!” the white squirrel denied, electricity sparking from his cheek sacs as he held his shaking head. “It was an accident! It was a freak accident! That’s what Nori said!”

I could see the tears in his eyes. How he ran from the truth that this Qwilfish that they believed in so much was in truth, a killer. Oh, perhaps she did feel remorse. But it was not for the reasons they thought. If she had not been caught and punished by humanity and their laws, she would have thought nothing of his corpse as it floated lifelessly to the surface.

“She isn’t lying,” the Demon set his friend straight. That small moment where the squirrel’s mouth fell open and he looked utterly dejected! Priceless! Even as her next words restored a little bit of that hope. “But she’s forgetting something! That fish was under fear and distress. She was panicking! You know panic affects a mind, you damn animal! She’s not a murderer like you!”

I smirked. This is why I always enjoy talking with the Demon Nidorina. She had a sound argument. It was one I could not dispute. Not being of sound mind might make it possible to attack a human at full power. I recall her calling that Qwilfish a murderer like me before. How her tune had changed.

“Maybe you are right,” I conceded. When faced with danger, one can either flee to escape it or stand their ground. I have not seen it myself if it applied to we Pokemon attacking humans, yet I could not rule out its existence. “Yet in that one moment, she acted with intent to kill. You should know. In the wild, it is these small moments that can make the difference between being that which slays or the slain. Perhaps it was an accident that happened to hit in just the right spot, but it did. And so here she is.”

Far too many are chained down by notions of conventional morality. It is what we do when push comes to shove that truly defines us as living beings. Too many hold onto their beliefs even if it is disadvantageous to themselves. What this Qwilfish did spoke volumes to me. She may not be exactly like myself, but she does not have to be. I can relate. I have killed to protect my leader, past and present. Her kill was to survive, regardless of whether she misunderstood the threat. Yes, that meant she could indeed be a danger to us or even our leader if she registers us as one. I wonder, would he or these two forgive a teammate if they tried to kill him? I know what my answer would be.

Demon suddenly turned to the white squirrel. “Why are we even bothering with this? He’s an insane monster. Come on, let’s get back to our grub.”

“Okay, Demon! Yeah, she isn’t like he thinks at all!” The white squirrel was all too eager to get away from me, even if it was abrupt. The two of them shoved their food away from what remained of my own and started to dig in.

Insanity is just a label wielded by those who cannot understand another. They must already care for their new ‘friend.’ How quaint. What will happen when they realize that she is not a ‘normal’ Pokemon, but one such as myself? A remorseless killer when pushed to the breaking point. I was only trying to spare them the pain in their hearts. If only they had realized that.

They were not paying attention to me. I was truly unattended. So I did the only natural thing. I walked into the automotive home. Those two saw me much too late, as I was climbing the stairs. They shouted at me. I ignored them both.

Nori Carino was seated at a table looking inward at the open shower room. He was not ignorant to the potential threat in front of him. He had a hand clasped on her Poke Ball and his legs were bent, ready to fall aside. He took note of me right away and did not react. He was confused, actually. I could smell the scent of water and hear my fellow murderer inside, mumbling prayers to her god.

“Allow me, leader,” I offered, making a bowing gesture and flashing my claws. Body language is an important part of communication with other species, and he knew some of mine. That meant I was ready to offer my strength and that he should stand back. Or in this case, my tongue. I would speak to her and make her understand the situation. It was only half a chance he would allow me. Now, would he or not?

I began to move towards the door leading to the room where this Qwilfish sat. Yet my leader reacted as swiftly as a Pidgeot diving upon and cleaving the scales of a feeble Magikarp.

And with that, I found myself back in the dark confines of my Poke Ball. The darkness was the way I envisioned it, perfectly suited to my tastes. My leader was impressively swift, perhaps wise after he was displeased with what I did to one of his enemies. I could only smirk at the irony. He was going on about not being able to properly communicate with this fish, and yet he unknowingly held the solution right in his hands! Such a pity. I trust him for the most part, but he still does not fully trust me, in spite of my showing I was willing to kill in his name. We have far to go. But he will get there in time.

Time can change many things. I long for the day those sweet and innocent red eyes of his burn like an inferno. Idealism can only last for so long. Someday, he will understand. And then, we will truly be as one.

Perhaps in time he will allow me to speak with her. Or perhaps I will try to find a way to inform him of what I know. And he would find my insight very helpful indeed. Because I can tell. It is the hunter within me that senses her feelings. It is my instincts which tell me why. What drives her from Nori Carino is the same thing that drew me to him. Something we both sensed. To me, it is an admirable trait. But to her, his wild soul fills her with doubt and dread of what might await her next.

She fears him.

 

[System Error]

Prema dragged herself along the trail behind the Kannagi Shrine. The heir to the shrine supposed it really was her spot in a manner of speaking. No one except herself made use of it. She often came by to clear her mind while getting some fresh air and quiet. The dilemma before her had been preoccupying her thoughts, thus going here seemed of sound mind.

Shu was merrily floating alongside her, chirping a tune and occasionally twirling. It was his way of trying to cheer her up. The sentiment helped if nothing else. Prema occasionally opened her mouth to say something to her friend, yet thought better of it each time.

They eventually arrived at the clearing. Prema wandered over to the log off to the side and sat upon it. Shu was beside her the whole time. She idly rested one hand on his beak while the other flowed into her robe to retrieve another Poke Ball. She gave it a long, thoughtful look before opening it.

A majestic insect Pokemon emerged. She had six orange wings that glowed with the radiance of the sun, and two equally warm blue compounded eyes. Smoky white fuzz covered her thorax. Part of her abdomen was black as coal, but the rest was a pale blue.

The antennae on the side of the Volcarona’s head twitched, and she clacked out a greeting. Shu replied in kind, waving a wing.

“Hello, Taiyoko,” Prema said while leaning forward. “I wish to speak with you.”

Her most powerful partner patiently hovered before her without so much as a formal acknowledgment. Shu glanced between them before peering up, batting his eyelashes. Her knowledge of understanding Pokemon was not restricted to her abilities. She understood what he was asking from the context. Why not him?

“It is something better suited for one with more life experience,” she explained, giving Shu another gentle pat along his beak. Taiyoko had lived nearly a century by her own account. Even if that turned out to be hyperbole, she was the longest lived of Prema’s partners.

Shu squeaked and nodded hesitantly. Truth be told, she had wanted to ask his opinion the other day. It was cut short when her focus had faltered. Prema hoped that she would be able to keep her emotional turmoil in check.

Taiyoko was still waiting. Just as she did several days ago, Prema performed the meditation necessary to open her ears to the words of Pokemon. She focused her mind upon Taiyoko. Had Prema been more talented, she would have been able to understand more than just one at a time. The fact that she could not was proof that she had a long way to go as a diviner.

It took a minute, maybe more, for her to clear her head. Further proof of how much further training she needed. With success came a sensation in her ears and pressure in the back of her back. She opened her eyes and spoke.

“I am ready now.”

“Then I will say again, good afternoon, Lady Kannagi.” Although her words were formal, Taiyoko spoke in a harsh and powerful tone in the subterran language. It was akin to an accent and indicated her former status as a powerful, independent Pokemon.

“It is always a privilege to speak with you, Taiyoko.” Prema bowed gently at the fiery moth. Though Taiyoko had considered her worthy, Prema still felt it partly undeserved. After all, it was Father who had defeated and captured her. Prema accepted it nonetheless; the majestic Pokemon’s respect only meant she had earned it over time.

Taiyoko pulled her legs inward. “From the look in your eyes, I take it you did not call me to talk pleasantries?” There was a hint of playfulness in her tone.

“That is correct.” It was unwise to use a taxing ability on a casual discussion. Moreover, what would they speak of? She knew all of what they did, and her life was uninteresting. “I am facing something of an ethical dilemma. I understand that there are fundamental differences in values between our species, yet I would ask for your thoughts nonetheless.”

Taiyoko exchanged a momentary glance with Shu. He chirped something short, to which the moth twitched her antennae.

“Very well,” her Pokemon agreed, in spite of (or because of) what Shu said. “I cannot promise it will be what you’re looking to hear, but I will help to the best of my abilities.”

“Thank you, Taiyoko.” That was all she could ask for.

She paused to consider how to word this. Prema would be the first to admit that speaking to a Pokemon about this subject was unusual. It was not as if they fully understood human culture and traditions. She would prefer to ask Nariya for that reason. Yet under present circumstances, Taiyoko was the best option. Perhaps she could give a unique perspective.

“I am considering going against the wishes of my father and assisting Nori with his current assignment,” Prema began.

Before she could say anything else, Taiyoko immediately answered. “Do it.” Shu also seemed to agree, bobbing his tiny pink body and chirping in a crescendo.

Prema looked to both of them. She supposed Shu’s reason was obvious. “Taiyoko, may I ask why you say that?” Merely vouching for something without giving any reason did little to convince.

“For one,” Taiyoko stated. “It seems to me as though you have already decided.”

Prema lurched back as her heart skipped a beat. “I was thinking of doing so, yes. I asked because I wanted another opinion on the matter.” She suddenly found herself smiling and paused thoughtfully. “So that was only one reason.”

“The second,” Taiyoko declared, tucking her legs and spreading her wings gallantly for a moment. “You might know where this is headed from my history, Lady Kannagi. I will always vouch for doing as you will.”

Prema vaguely shook her head in reflex. It was simple to say that, but their culture said otherwise. Particularly as she was the heir to a major religious group. There were certain standards she had to adhere to, both spoken and unspoken. Listening to her elders was one. Leaving aside how two were in conflict, nonconformism for its own sake was hardly a justifiable reason.

Shu mumbled something. Prema was aware that his grasp on the subterran language was not great, so it was a mild yet pleasant surprise that he understood and was able to reply to that. Likely in the language he was more familiar with.

Taiyoko turned and pulled her antennae outward. She began speaking in the terrestrial tongue, her voice pitching up between doing that and a sudden burst of passion that made the little Spritzee shrink back. “It is because she is worthy! I serve Lady Kannagi because I want to! I could have easily ended up in the hands of a rekuradh who only wanted me for the sake of their WKefawPorE hobby, or one far worse.”

Prema raised her shoulders at the unfamiliar and untranslatable word. The first one she did know and only heard that way due to nuances in the term, but the second one was not. Ook-evv…then it got too complex to hear, before ending in a long E. It had to be an adjective with highly negative connotations.

Taiyoko flapped vigorously. “But I met a daughter of the Kannagi Clan!” she boomed. “Among the greatest honors I could ask for! I thank the progenitor every day for that!”

Shu scooted forward and, after a moment of hesitation, let out a low-pitched chirp.

Taiyoko turned to the bird-like fae and floated backwards. “My apologies, friend,” she said while curling her body inwards. “I did not mean to get so zealous there.”

Prema could only smile softly. The fiery moth could act this way when she felt passionate about something. It was not a surprise to her, but this was the first time Shu had seen and heard her so.

“Regardless, that leads me to my next point,” her friend continued speaking in subterran. “Much as I respect you, Lady Kannagi, I would not obey an unreasonable order.” She tilted her head up. “Not that I expect you would ever give me one. Yet you are in the same situation. If you believe your father’s edict to be unjust or does not fit what you stand for, you should not feel bound to it.”

“Taiyoko,” Prema took a half step forward to say. She leveled at the Pokemon. “I am concerned about what Father might think if I go through with this.”

“If it is retribution you fear, do not,” Taiyoko assured her. “He would not be so foolish to dismiss his sole heir. And should he do so, it only proves he is compromised and no longer fit for his position. The rest of your shrine should see that.”

She winced again. If Father was unable to perform his duties…she would have to take over. That is what she was thinking before, and now Taiyoko was saying that. Priestess Satomi said they would not let that happen. But what if? The heir to the shrine closed her eyes. What should she do? What if this made things worse?

“Lady Kannagi,” Taiyoko sharply spoke up. “If it comes to that, I am certain you will find the support you need.”

There was no denying Taiyoko was taking an extreme view on the situation. It was actually why Prema had asked her. Yet there was logic in her words. Father loved her. He was unlikely to see this as a betrayal. And if he did…in the event that he did…

Prema sighed. If he did, it would work out. The shrine was more important than its Master. Her stomach twisted at the thought, but she nodded at her friend. “I suppose you are correct,” she admitted, a pain rising in her throat. “Thank you for your thoughts, Taiyoko. This at least cleared some matters up.”

The moth respectfully lowed her head. “I am always happy to serve you, Lady Kannagi.”

The diviner pressed a hand to her chest. There was only one thing that she knew for certain. She had to help, come what may. “With this, I believe I should do as Priestess Satomi said. That is, to do as my mother would and follow my heart.”

A puff of smoke came out of Taiyoko’s tiny mouth. “That way of thinking will only get you into trouble down the line, Lady Kannagi. I would advise that you stick to the facts when making your decisions.”

She folded her hands. She had thought of those too. “If I am the only one Nori may turn to regarding his Qwilfish, and he is willing to come seek my aid regardless of what Father says, I should honor his decision. Both as his friend and a Kannagi.”

Prema was unsure why Priestess Satomi thought it was a probability. Perhaps she just understood Nori better than she did. The conundrum was whether to go against the wishes of her father. Taiyoko had touched on a point that had come up before, that his stance went against what their family stood for. Prema could only have faith that he would make the realization in time. Until then, she was going to help her friend regardless.

“It is what I want to do,” she added. That was what her heart said. It is what her mother would want. Her mind and the facts only said that it was not the wrong thing to do; different from the right thing, and yet again, there might not have been a wholly right answer. She asked, “Is it sensible?”

While Shu agreed at once, Taiyoko only conceded. “I suppose so.” It was strange. Taiyoko had said she supported doing as one willed, so what was the reason for the sudden disapproval? The old Pokemon spoke up a second after, “But regarding that Qwilfish. Since we’re here, I’d like to ask you some questions, Lady Kannagi.”

“Oh?” She was going to drop her focus. But if Taiyoko wanted to continue, Prema would try to hold it for longer. “If you are curious, I will answer any questions you have to the best of my knowledge.”

“Is it true that the Pokemon at the center of this incident killed a human being?” her friend inquired, formal as usual and yet harsh as desert sunlight. Prema could sense a mild pressure from her.

The priestess nodded gravely. The response was startling. The Volcarona stopped flapping her wings for several seconds. A backdraft of heat from boiling scales kept her aloft.

“Taiyoko, do you happen to have reservations against this?” Prema asked.

The Pokemon turned her whole body towards Prema. “You could say that it’s telling…” she responded enigmatically.

Prema frowned. Was that why Taiyoko seemed to change her mind? Shu cheeped to her fellow Pokemon, and the priestess spoke to clarify. “It was not purposeful, if you are concerned about that.”

For ten seconds, Prema only heard the wind and cries of distant Pokemon. “Is that indeed the case?” Taiyoko inquired.

Prema folded her hands. “It is admittedly only my speculation. I based it off a moment of observation and the circumstances of the accident.”

“An unstable Pokemon who acted without thinking,” the fiery moth scoffed. “That would be one way. One would think she would know better, however.”

“Taiyoko?”

The moth landed on the forest floor and looked up at her humbly. “Ah. Forgive me, Lady Kannagi. It is not my place to question your judgment.”

Prema frowned. There was one part of her content to let the issue lie. Yet another part was curious, if not needing to know. Why did Taiyoko feel so strongly about this? What did Taiyoko mean when she said that Qwilfish should have known better?

She opened her mouth to speak, and after no more than a half second of hesitation, asked the question. “Taiyoko, do you feel there is something wrong here?” Was she sage enough to see something that they were missing?

Shu also batted his eyelashes, equally curious about this. After some moments being scrutinzed, she relented.

“If you are asking.” Taiyoko was still for several moments. “Lady Kannagi, there is something you should understand about us when it comes to your people,” she stated, her tone unexpectedly grim. She took to the air once more, her wings beating gently.

Prema understood where this was headed. “Taiyoko, I do realize that Pokemon respect humanity so long as the same courtesy is returned in kind.” That was, for example, why you rarely ever saw them attacking towns. They know those are human habitats. “Most Pokemon will only attack a human under exceptional circumstances.”

Yet her friend shook her form vigorously. “It goes beyond that, Lady Kannagi. It’s instinctual.”

She slowly blinked. Her family was one of the foremost experts on the relations between humanity and Pokemon; they practically established them, after all. But this was something that had yet to come up in her studies. “What do you mean by that?”

“By that,” Taiyoko elaborated, “I mean that we Pokemon reflexively restrain ourselves when we attack humans.”

A tightness gripped her head. That made no sense. “Pokemon attacks can be fatal,” she pointed out. For that matter, Shu gave an inquisitive glance and cheeped an agreement.

“I will get to that.” She continued. “In any case, some of us believe it was ingrained in us by the progenitor. So in our beliefs. To take the life of a human without just cause is a great taboo. But!” Taiyoko did a loop. “It is possible to go against this instinct with sufficient willpower. That is why I was asking about the killing. Mental instability could also be a cause. Not thinking right! I simply hope for your friend’s sake that it is not habitual. Or worse.” The bug hissed. “That she did indeed do it purposefully.”

Prema took this information in. It did not feel as though Taiyoko was lying or stating an opinion. Tens of thoughts raced through her mind. Her pulse quickened. She could feel her mind slipping. One dreadful idea stood out over the rest, which she focused her mind upon, no matter how unpleasant it was.

“But Taiyoko!” she protested, a horrible realization beginning to sink in. She had to press a hand to her head. “Back then, you…”

Prema had met Taiyoko in Unova during her studies, yet it was far from cordial. The fiery moth had attacked her and her other two Pokemon at the time. What was going through her mind at the time? Pokemon attacks. Something–

---​

“Prema!” Shu cried. Taiyoko shouted the same, just much more formal.

His friend’s eyes had gone blank and she was starting to topple back. Shu focused hard, yet it was unneeded. A burst of thick string launched out of Taiyoko to grab her. With a yank, the sun moth was able to guide her gently to the ground in front of the dead tree.

“She must have exhausted herself,” Taiyoko remarked in terrestrial.

“Yeah. But you gave her a bad thought.” Shu twisted to Taiyoko. He only understood Prema’s side of that conversation. But it was enough. “I want to know too. When you came after us, did you mean to kill us?”

Taiyoko didn’t answer for a few seconds. It was tough to read a bug. They never blinked and their mouths were so small. But she did answer.

“Never would I have killed her. I stand by that. But I was arrogant,” she admitted. “I thought that by only hurting her, there would be no consequences. I thought wrong.” She clacked madly before clicking her mouth.

“You should tell Prema that!” Shu cut in.

“Yes, I should. I did not mean to cause her distress. She is stressing and overthinking things right now. I should have known that might not be an exception.” Taiyoko turned away. “But did you not know that? It’s important in our culture.”

“No, I was born from an egg on a farm.” Actually, he went to Prema like ten nights later. He overheard some guys saying to be a friend? “Anyway, how bad did you mean to hurt us? We should clear that up, friend.”

“No more than unconsciousness and light burns. I simply wanted to teach you a lesson about wandering where you should not.” Taiyoko flapped idly for several seconds.

“Okay.” Shu wasn’t going to dwell on it. They were friends now. “So do…all Pokemon in the wild hate killing people?”

“It varies by the individual,” Taiyoko explained. “It is not just beliefs that make us wild Pokemon avoid killing manh. It is also a matter of pragmatism. To do so can attract unwanted attention. So we generally aim to incapacitate, when of sound mind.”

Oh, that would make sense. “So I just want to know. What do you think of the spiny sphere? That…Cufis?” Despite how long Shu had been around people, he still had trouble with their words.

“As I said, it is not my place to judge,” the sun moth evaded the question. “Her fate is the decision of humanity, for this is their world. We live in it, so says the progenitor.”

Shu half-closed his eyes. “That’s not an answer!” he protested. But Taiyoko refused to elaborate. It sounded negative and kind of extreme, actually. What did Yahata think? Actually, he probably wouldn’t care. It didn’t affect him or Prema. And Shu didn’t think that spiny sphere was bad.

Well, Taiyoko was right about one thing. This was up to Nori, but it was also up to what others thought. Could he change others’ minds? Maybe if Prema helped. That was what this was about.

A sound from Prema caught his ear. Something of a groan. If there was a meaning, Shu didn’t understand what it was.

“That wore her out really bad.” They were talking for so long. Prema had been falling asleep late and waking up early some days lately. She wasn’t physically able to keep up, or mentally either!

“I will bring Satomi here,” Taiyoko began to spread her six wings. “Keep guard.” With this proclamation, she took off over the trees.

Shu would’ve done so even if she didn’t ask. He glanced down at Prema, who was gradually coming to. She must be so tired. Shu flew in close, letting out a soothing scent. He didn’t know how to properly pray to the gods, so he could only wish she and her dad got through this. It was hurting them both.

 

[System Error]

Pachi was running at Nori’s side as he skateboarded to school. The Pokemon Rehabilitator wasn’t sure what to do after the disaster yesterday. He had told Qwilfish what was going to happen, he had apologized profusely to her, but she barely reacted to any of what he had to say. That didn’t feel good. Then Pawniard came walking in and was trying to see her! Nori was glad he didn’t do anything outside, but then he did that! What was he trying to do?

That was his thought at the time. The conclusion he eventually reached was that Pawniard was trying to help. But it almost certainly wouldn’t be any good. With the battle happening, he couldn’t afford to take any chances. There was only one person who might be able to get through to her. He had to take a risk and try seeing her today. No matter what. His mom had agreed with him.

He had printed out Volkner’s response to him just in case. There wasn’t much to it; it was as terse as always. He confirmed what Nori had suspected, that the Officials assigning him this Qwilfish was unusual because it was not the type of Pokemon he was expected to get. He had emailed his mentor back asking what he could do. In retrospect, it was stupid. All he could do was rehabilitate her, but he meant, what then? If even a few days in her ball without hydration was too much for Qwilfish, what could he do? He couldn’t keep using the shower that way, and…anything else…

His heart started to race. He had to stop the skateboard and catch his breath, which had suddenly left him. He was going to email Arumi back at lunch. Yesterday was hectic, so he didn’t know what to say. He could use any and all help right now. Maybe even Pawniard, if nothing else. There was always a chance it would work, but it was a last resort. Not yet.

He blinked. Pachi was in front of him, looking up with wide and worried eyes. Nori had to pick his Pokemon up and hold him for comfort.

“We’ll get through this. Somehow,” he nearly sobbed into the squirrel.

##########​

Mornings at school were nearly always the same, no matter where Nori was or what year he was in. Students talked with their friends, did whatever on their phones or computers, sat in their first class or homeroom, or otherwise got ready for the day. He knew that today was going to be a rare exception.

It was confirmed the moment he stepped inside. Reiko was leaning against a wall with Terrance close by. The former had been watching the doors, and rose to meet him as soon as he came through the doors. The latter glanced over, then away.

“Hey, Carino,” Reiko greeted. Her voice was vaguely hoarse. “Pikaru’s waiting in the square.”

“Thought she might be. A little surprised she sent you.” He’d have expected Chad or someone else from the battling club. He tapped his lip. Come to think of it, that was really unusual. “Uh, you sick?”

“Volunteered myself. And I feel one coming on. Would've worn a mask if I could. You saw that Saqid caught it too.” She shrugged and began to lead the way.

“Saqid’s always sick,” Nori mused. “Wonder how dirty his house is.” That would be the only way he could think of how that could happen. It’s why he and his mom cleaned the trailer all the time. Nori hustled to walk at her side.

“Who knows?” his chubby friend grumbled. “Fucking Chisaka.”

Terrance languidly brought up the rear. He spoke next. “I’m still…sort of surprised you’re doing this,” he remarked, raising his glasses and wiping his eyes. “After what happened. And what people now think.”

“Like I said, I respected Emi’s decision to go through with it,” he put it plain and simple. “Plus, it might be my only chance to actually train Qwilfish with someone else helping.”

“Aren’t you…you know? Worried?” He pressed two fingers together.

“If Qwilfish will hurt her Pokemon? Not really.”

“Carino,” Reiko said sharply. She held an arm in front of him and tapped a foot. She was glaring, also gently leaning toward him. “You got into trouble last time because you had a hydrophobia induced panic attack. And I’m hearing she wants to have this at some pool battlefield in Mynwest? How are you even going to function?”

“It…it’ll be okay!” he proclaimed. And he told her it was aquaphobia, but this wasn't the time for that! “I…can if I really need to. Like, back in Sunyshore, one of the Gym Trainers tried to abuse that against me, but I was able to power through!” Eventually. It was a constant distraction, but it got to the point where he could at least battle right. “If not, close my eyes and plug my nostrils? I can still hear and tell my Pokemon what to do!” He did a double fist pump. “And most of mine are fine on their own!”

“Carino!” she repeated, scrunching her nose. “If you’re not looking, how are you going to recall Qwilfish if she’s about to do something violent?”

“N-no,” he wheezed out, stepping back. “I…don’t think it’ll be bad. I know Qwilfish isn’t as bad as Pawniard.”

Okay, Reiko had a point. He wouldn’t be able to watch to make sure Qwilfish didn’t do anything. Or Emi. He closed his eyes and shivered. Why was he so stupid?! It was true, he didn’t think there was going to be anything serious to worry about. But still!

“Why even bother, then?” Reiko demanded.

“Nori, th-think this through.”

At this, Nori turned to Terrance, and back to her. His eyes were watering, she was frowning but not particularly angry. They were worried.

“You can still call it off,” Reiko said. “No one would blame you for it. A few might even think better of you.”

“I can’t,” he firmly shook his head. “I mean, I shouldn’t. I don’t want to. I don’t think it’d change any minds.”

She snorted. “You got yourself into this,” she remarked.

“And maybe…” He sighed and inhaled deeply. It wasn’t like he made a snap decision on this or just to placate Emi. He had given this thought at the time and after the fact. Maybe he didn’t think of everything, but he’d considered a lot. “Maybe I just want more people to see her. I was thinking that could change minds. That’s why I wanted you to see her.” It changed Yumi’s mind. Mr. Martins and Mrs. Kurusu quickly realized she was okay. Even Rashid didn’t think she was so bad from that brief bit he saw last night.

In one sense, he had kind of impulsively agreed to Emi’s request. But the more he thought about it, the more he figured that there was a real point. His friends considered this. Terrance eventually relaxed and nodded. It took Reiko a bit longer, but she did the same.

“Okay,” she conceded. “I just hope you know what you’re doing.”

He smiled at them. “I hope so too.”

They shared a laugh. There were still going to be a lot of obstacles to overcome here. From his conversation yesterday, he didn’t think Qwilfish minded fightng. But what about as a team? He learned very little yesterday, and the Officials hadn’t given him a list of what she could do like they did with Pawniard. He had a day and some to get her ready.

They resumed their walk, making some idle banter in the meantime, and soon reached the square. Just on a rough estimate, there were a good fifty people waiting to watch the proceedings. When the crowd announced his arrival, his opponent rose from a table near the center.

“There you are.” Emi gave a toothless grin. She also had two people with her. Chad was to her left, and he was staring down at his feet. He didn’t recognize the light pink-haired person to her right. They had androgynous looks (particularly how said hair was long and styled evenly on the end), and well, Lux was proof to him that you can’t judge gender by appearance.

“Nice crowd we got.” A Gym Trainer in Sunyshore got a big crowd for a public apology he dragged out of him, so it didn’t surprise him.

“Are we still doing this?” she asked.

“Yeah. If you still want to.”

“It’s too late to go back anyway.”

So the same way as he felt? That was more common ground. He went into his backpack and retrieved the sheet that was sitting in his binder. She took it and the six of them went to sit down.

“I still think this is a bad idea, Emi,” Chad seemed to repeat at her, punctuating parts of his sentence. He held a hand in front of the page.

“And I still don’t care,” Emi said. It made Reiko smirk a bit.

Unlike her former teammate, Emi actually took the time to give the agreement a thorough read. Chad and the other person leaned over to do so as well. The former’s expression didn’t change at all; his yellow eyes remained as vacant as they were from the moment he walked in. There wasn’t much to it. It simply said that Nori Carino and the Officials would not be held accountable for any serious injuries sustaineds in a battle against a Pokemon he is actively rehabilitating, albeit in legalese.

The androgynous person came up with a question. “So if Emi signs this and something happens, you just get to go free?”

“It just means she can’t sue us,” he clarified. “There might still be consequences for me or my Pokemon. There almost were with Pawniard.” He tilted his head. “You’re…?”

“Oh! Don’t mind me.” The person rapidly shook their head. “I’m just here to support Emi.”

But Emi smirked. “That’s Aki, they’re one of the few from the team who has my back.” She chuckled bitterly, but gave Aki a pat on the back. “Fan of yours too, from what I understand.”

“Don’t give him the wrong idea!” they fussed. Non-binary, it seemed. “It’s not like that.”

“I didn’t think so,” he said. “If it was, I would’ve been able to tell right away. I get it often enough.” He turned to the raven-haired person who’d shoved her way to the front of the crowd to see, and shook his head at her. She only hung her head with disappointment. “Any other questions you have about the agreement?”

“I had one, but they asked it for me. Looks good,” Emi said. She nudged Chad, who sighed and nodded in unison with Aki. The auburn-haired teenager scratched out a signature and slid it back.

Nori signed the paper himself and dated it before folding it and tucking it away. Reiko and Terrance were staring at him. “If you guys are curious about this, I can show it to you later.” He turned back to see Emi extending a hand.

He accepted without hesitation, giving a firm yet brief shake. This time, there was nothing more to it. “Thanks again,” she said with a genuine smile. It turned into something more competitive as they released. “And good luck, you’ll need it.”

“I can’t promise my best,” he admitted. “So yeah, it’ll probably take luck.” Or a miracle. Especially since if Qwilfish couldn’t function in a battle without him, it’d be two on three in an unideal environment.

His earnesty elicited a bemused reaction from Aki, who slapped a knee and chuckled. Emi only crossed her arms. “Honest to a fault,” she judged, before turning to her friends. “Thanks, you two.” She checked the Poketch on her wrist. “We better get to class. See you guys at lunch.”

He glanced at the clock on the wall. Ten minutes to. “We better go too,” he said, swinging his legs out. As he rose, he spotted a pair of people with light brown people standing at the front of the crowd. Yumi was fixated on him.

“Hey guys,” he greeted her and Touya. “I guess it’s official now.”

The latter rubbed his palms together. “Oh man. I’ve never really seen you battle before.” He grinned wildly. “There was last time, before you-know-what happened.”

He wasn’t friends with Touya the same way he was with his twin sister, but they were on good enough terms. “Well, now’s your chance. Hopefully, I can see this one through all the way.”

“Sanae will love this,” Touya snickered. For a moment, Nori thought he saw something. A grin that was too wide. Probably nothing to worry about. At least, nothing for him to.

The crowd was beginning to disperse. But Yumi was frozen. Her skin was pale, her eyes were wide, her mouth was half open, and she was quivering violently.

Before she could say anything, if she was going to at all, Reiko stepped forward and volunteered her own assurance. “Carino’s given it enough thought, Takao. Don’t worry.”

That calmed her down better than any of his words could have. She exhaled sharply. “That’s good to hear,” she said. “Just don’t overdo it, Nori.”

“I won’t.” He laughed nervously and rubbed the nape of his neck. “But uh, I need to cram in training for Qwilfish. And see Agent Studd. And um. Other things.” If he could see Prema, that would be perfect. The only way to find out if he could was to try. There was so much prep to do before the fight and so little time to do it in.

“Do you need…my help?” she offered, inching closer.

He hadn’t forgotten her offer. “I’d be happy to have it,” he told her. “But your stupid parents won’t let us.” He was sure they would let her watch. Having her at his side would be better, but he wasn’t so sure that Mynwest Court allowed anyone besides trainers and judges on the battlefield. They were way too serious. But he couldn’t say for sure.

She turned away for just a moment. “I’ll try calling them at lunch and see what they say.”

He nodded at her. “Here’s hoping. I’d love a bit of extra help.”

She jumped slightly at one of his words. “Yeah.” Her face was lightly flushed to begin with, and that got her a little redder. “Anyway, we should get to class.”

Right. Nori gave her a wave before turning and heading out, chuckling at getting her flustered. He idly wondered: how long until she confessed? She wasn’t exactly hiding her feelings for him very effectively. Was she shy? Was she waiting for him to notice her feelings and react? Maybe he would have to at the rate things were going. But he had bigger worries for the moment, and he wasn’t in a rush to be with anyone.

The battle was now official and there really was no turning back. He had a day and some to get ready. Even with all he knew, Nori had no confidence in being able to pull this off. But…there was nothing to do but do it.

 

[System Error]

Spoiler: Note

A/N: Just a quick aside: finally got the rest of the fic drafted out! Good thing I had a backlog built up, because I was badly stuck on one part until I decided to get creative. It should be obvious what when we get there.

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After classes ended on Thursday, Nori went to the front of the school. It was where he could usually find Yumi waiting for her ride home. Sure enough, his friend was standing around. She was staring off into the distance with her hands folded. He hustled over as quickly as he was able to.

Yumi turned her head slightly and sighed as she noticed him. “Hey, Yumi,” he greeted her. “What did your parents say?”

Her expression and body language gave him part of the answer from the start. But he wasn’t about to make assumptions. “Well, there’s good news and bad news,” she eventually answered after around three seconds.

Huh, really? “Let’s hear the bad news first,” he requested without hesitation. Get it out of the way and end on a high note.

“I can’t help you train. I’m sorry, Nori.” She made a small bow. “Maybe if we planned this more in advance, I could’ve convinced them. But they want me home right away as usual today.” While she was otherwise apologetic, there was a bit of a frustrated edge to her last few words. She had likely expected it as much as he had.

Nori simply shrugged that off. He didn’t think they were going to accept that anyway. “This was out of nowhere, so it’s understandable. I sort of saw it coming.” He nodded and clapped his hands. “So what’s the good news?”

“They said Touya and I can come and watch you on Friday,” she monotonously answered while looking away. She even slouched a little.

“That’s good to know.” Her tone was peculiar. With the way she said it, it felt like that was the actual bad news. He questioned her about it: “But why do you sound disappointed at that?”

“Oh.” Yumi stood upright. Her expression widened. “Just…residual…disappointment, since I can’t help.”

What kind of a flimsy excuse was that? He almost shouted that at her. Nori curled his lips, although kept his expression neutral. Did she not want to come and watch? Was this just her shyness? Or was there something more to this he wasn’t seeing?

The girl with light brown hair shrank away from him. It was almost imperceptible, and Nori might not have noticed it at all if it did not contradict her subsequent words. “But hey…” She brushed her bangs with her fingers. “If you need me to be there with you…”

Nori smiled at her as she trailed off. “We’ll see if they allow it at that place. I might feel better if you were beside me,” he assured.

She hummed and looked away. That settled things. He expected some sort of positive reaction to that. This wasn’t nervousness. Something was wrong. Nori wasn’t about to stay quiet while his friend was this troubled.

“Yumi.” He said her name with firm clarity and looked her right in the eyes. His chest tightened. “Something’s bothering you, isn’t there?”

She slowly turned to face him, wearing the longest, saddest frown he had ever seen her with. Her eyes darted from side to side as she grappled with something. “I…” she started to say, before seeing a red kei car. The sight of it made her slouch and groan. “There’s mom. Sorry. I’ll talk to you tomorrow,” she hastily brushed aside.

Saved by the bell, so to speak. All Nori could do was wave. “See you, Yumi,” he said as she hurried to the car, although he wasn’t sure if she heard him or not. Actually, her mom gave him a small nod.

He was sure something was bothering her. Were her parents coming to watch the battle as well? It might make sense if she was concerned about her mom and dad seeing him in person for the first time. And they weren’t going to see him at his best, to put it mildly. That was his best guess. He could only guess, and he wasn’t about to stress over it himself. There were his own problems to worry about.

---​

Nori had seen through her. She had almost told him, and might’ve if mom hadn’t arrived at that moment. She wasn’t sure if it was a bad thing or a good thing that she had interrupted. Her ankles ached as she walked over and climbed into the back seat. It took Touya half a minute after to arrive. He sat beside her, but it was like a stranger had come in. This wasn’t the brother she knew.

He greeted mom and gave her a fleeting glance. Yumi did her best to keep a neutral expression. Touya really thought their parents hated them! Even Reiko was stunned to hear that. Maybe he was right about the worst case scenario looming, but she was going to suffer short-term consequences even in the best case. And he didn’t seem to care.

There really was something bothering her. Touya had cemented his plans. He and Sanae were going to run off on their journey on Friday during the battle. What could she do?!

##########​

Nori arrived at the park near Crescent Hills Elementary to see Agent Studd at the usual spot. He waved to the man and motioned for him to follow him over the footbridge to the school. The young official felt all business today.

“Good to see you, sir!” the scruffy man greeted him as he caught up. “I must say I was quite surprised when you asked this. We do not meet on Thursday.”

“We met on days beside Sunday before,” he pointed out. Namely, that one Friday when Pawniard had nearly killed Anthony’s Pokemon.

“Yes, but there was an extranating circumstance behind that time.”

“Extenuating circumstances,” he corrected. He wasn’t sure why he corrected the agent. Maybe he was in a good enough mood to do so. “But yes.”

“Ah, so that is the word. Thank you for teaching me.” The man saluted in appreciation. “If you want to learn a word in my language, just say so!”

Nori paused. An impulsive thought jumped into his mind. “Can you say a swear?” he said with a cheeky grin without so much as second guessing it.

That made the agent stutter and physically stumble. He eventually found his footing and words. “I-I should not be teaching boys your age to say bad words!” he protested, raising his palms.

“What’s a good age to learn them, then?” he asked. He was genuinely curious. What did this guy consider the right age to start swearing? He rarely did. Like, he knew some kid from Unova in elementary who swore his head off as if it made him look cool, whenever they weren’t around teachers anyway. And sometimes when they were.

“Uh. Well.” The man frantically rubbed the side of his face. “Not yours!”

They stepped into the school. Nori said a brief hello to the receptionist, who nodded at him. He had the sense to come here and set things up ahead of time. They were more than happy to accommodate Nori Carino, the Demon Tamer. The gymnasium was going to be in use, so they instead had a classroom to themselves. He already knew where it was and began to lead his handler there.

“So I will teach you to say…basketball? No, uh.” Was he thinking of trying to mess around with that again? The man glanced around as if searching for something. As he looked behind him, an idea visibly manifested in his eyes. “Tree instead! Árvore! That means tree!” He raised a finger.

The boy shrugged as he opened the door to the classroom. “Okay. Thanks, I guess.” If he was serious, wouldn’t hello or goodbye make the most sense? Though if he was really interested, he could just look those up. “But anyway, I asked you to meet because I needed to ask you some questions.”

“Ask away!” Agent Studd said, rushing over and hijacking the teacher’s chair before Nori could do so. His shoulders dropped a little. He wanted to sit there! “It is a part of my job to be helping with explaining matters, after all.”

Nori momentarily moved to sit down at a desk, before catching himself midstride. That would be way too weird. Instead, he walked to the far wall and leaned against it. The boy crossed his arms, more for his own comfort than anything. Where to start with this? There was a lot to go over.

“So I’ll admit, things have sucked lately,” he let out. He slid down the wall a little, keeping his feet firmly planted. “A lot of people hate me because of Qwilfish. It doesn’t bother me too much, and some of it’s worked out, but I do want to know. Don’t the Officials have safeguards in place for this? Like, what if they go too far?”

“Oof, I would not want to be you, sir.” Agent Studd remarked, resting his arms on the table. “With sadness, I do not think they do. It is one of the responsibilities you have taken on when deciding this path.”

“But can they do something?” Nori asked, straightening up. He had rehearsed this bit in his head at the very least. “It is proving disruptive to my work, and I am unable to properly focus on Qwilfish’s rehabilitation because of it. Moreover, there is the risk that these individuals might escalate their grievances.”

“You do not need to speak formal, sir,” the scruffy man said. “I get you loud and clear.”

Nori winced. Okay, he had a habit of that, sure. But the fact that it was Mr. Martins of all people calling him on it stung.

He tapped the desk with a finger for a few moments. “I think it would have come up, and they will be dealt with if they do too much bad. If not by you, then the Officials. Reformation is possible sir! But we cannot control the masses! They will do and think what they will.” The man motioned with his palm, sitting tall in the big black swivel chair. “But you are you. I was not expecting you to be stressed. You didn’t take the crap from Kallisto Keravnos!”

That was a lot more than he was expecting out of Mr. Martins. He actually chuckled a little. If only a positive mindset was enough to put all his worries behind him. He looked his superior in the eye and bluntly said, “Some of my friends turned on me over this. That’s what’s hurting me about all this.”

“Oh.” The scruffy man leaned back and scratched his cheek. “Well, you will manage.”

With that, he fell back against the wall and almost did slump all the way down that time. “I know,” he droned. The guy didn’t get it. Just because he could manage and was ready for it didn’t mean it couldn’t still hurt. That was part of what he didn’t say to Reiko. “And I guess it’s proving who my real friends are.” Mitsu wasn’t one of them. Well, Nori could still coexist with him. As long as Mitsu could do the same.

“Ah. É na dificuldade que se prova a amizade!” Agent Studd recited. Nori blinked and looked up at him before he clarified. “It is a saying in my language. In difficulty, friends are proven.”

Nori could agree with that. He even knew similar proverbs in English and Japanese. But that was just part of the problem. “More importantly, I’m sure you also heard about what happened with people questioning if the legal agreement thing is right or not.”

“Do not fret there at least,” the man assured. “The Officials are cooking a thing up.”

“Okay.” Nori nodded. He trusted that. Agent Studd was a lot of things, but he wasn’t a liar. On that note, it felt like a good idea to ask him what he thought. “What do you think about it?”

He waved a hand. No, an entire arm. “Bah! It’s the spit of an Oinkolonge!”

“Any reasons why it is?” Nori took a step forward and asked, putting his left hand on his hip. Just saying so wasn’t making an argument.

“Because they are foolish! It’s just how it is!”

Nori could only grumble. Maybe Agent Studd’s instinct was just talking to him, too. Though instinct didn’t make for a compelling argument. And he didn’t think some people would buy talking to your Pokemon about it like Emi did, even if he thought it did.

“Well, maybe I’m just thinking funny things,” he pushed it out of his mind with a shrug. On to the next question. “Anyway, what happens if I can’t rehabilitate a Pokemon? To me and them?”

“It is dependent,” Agent Studd explained while leaning back. “The consequences for you might not be bad if you did your best. But the Pokemon might be put down, sealed away, or set aside for another. It is depending on what happened, like I said.”

That got Nori to go over to the desk and put his hands on the front of it. “More Pokemon Rehabilitators?” That would help a lot! He leaned forward. “When?”

“It could be years! Hahaha!” Ugh. Way to take the wind out of his sails. He dropped his shoulders as he sighed. “Do not dismay, sir. I am meaning there are few like you out there. You are like a shiny! Rare! Even after they are found and volunteer, they will need training like you!”

Nori stared at the floor. On one hand, he didn’t like that answer. On the other, it made sense. He only became a Pokemon Rehabilitator because he was in the right place at the right time and someone important in the Officials’ hierarchy happened to invite him. It sounded like the idea was there for a while, they just hadn’t found the right person until him. Even if someone did have the mindset to be one like him, they might not want to put up with the problems.

He looked up finally. There was still more to ask. Something he never actually had explained to him, probably because of Mr. Martin’s negligence. “I guess most importantly, how will I know when a Pokemon is rehabilitated? Like, what’s the process there?”

“You are the rehabilitator, sir. You are parcel to judgment there.”

Nori took a step back. “Wait, really?” Was it that easy? “I can just say when I’ve rehabilitated a Pokemon?” Because it seemed to him that Qwilfish never needed fixing in the first place. At least, not the kind he was supposed to give.

“Haha! Of course not!” That was a long shot, but Nori still stomped quietly. “You and your assignment will be subjected to a test by an Official to see if it truly is readied. It is your discreeting when that takes place. But once you pass that, you are plated gold!”

“And then what?” He leaned over the desk again. There had to be more. “What happens from there?”

“Well, it is depending on what. I bet you there are some Mons who will do good with only you. But others can be freed or passed into appropriate care.”

“And there’s nothing special or weird I have to do with Qwilfish in this specific case? Like make the public see she’s really good?”

“That isn’t a prerequirement as far as I know, sir. But who knows!”

Nori stepped back and pressed a finger to his lip. It was simple, yet a lot to take in. He would have to think about it some more. “Okay, that should be all the questions I have. Thanks.”

Agent Studd saluted him. “Just doing my job, sir!” The man stretched and sighed happily. Then he slid the chair and put his feet up on the desk. He kicked a mug with pens, pencils, and other desktop supplies in it. It would have fallen off the desk if Nori hadn’t snapped forward and grabbed it.

“Mr. Martins!” he yelled at him, firmly putting it back down on the desk. “You could have broken that!”

The man eeped. “Sorry, sir!” he sniveled, hastily pulling his legs down. “By the by, how went it with the chick who wanted to fight you?”

Nori grumbled at the sudden change in subject. “It’s happening tomorrow. Actually, that’s another thing I came here to tell you.” He tensed up whenever he thought about it. What was he getting himself into here? It would all work out. He kept telling himself that. He exhaled before he said, “She signed the agreement and everything. I accepted because I respected the fact she would, even though that’s a touchy subject right now.” And, for other reasons.

Agent Studd grinned profusely. “And you wanted to invite me to watch, I take it?” He leaned forward, eyes gleaming.

“I mean it’s open to the public. But…” A realization struck Nori. He froze for a second, hands in front of him. This was perfect! He waved an arm, then pumped it. “But yes, please do! This will be a show you don’t want to miss! I guarantee it!”

The agent laughed. “An eageral Bibarel, are we not? Let me guess. You are wanting me there in case there is wrong? Well, it shall be done! I will be there, not square!” Something like that, yes. The man suddenly turned away and asked, “Uh, where is it again?”

An understandable question. “I didn’t tell you, sorry. But it’s at Mynwest Court.”

“Which one?”

“Veilstone’s only got one.” In the south-central part of town. Actually, not that far from his school.

“I will be there, not square!” the man repeated.

That settled it. With this, everything would hopefully work out. The chat helped. Nori still had that dread clawing at his mind, but he felt more at ease. “That’s everything unless you have something to talk to me about.”

“Nothing except for one thing!” There was something? Agent Studd got out of the chair. Nori braced himself for whatever news it might be. Until the man said, “Good luck, sir!”

Oh. “Thank you.”

The man went for the door. “I’m going to go buy my ticket right now! Later!”

“Bye.”

Nori stretched his legs behind him. He eyed the seat at the teacher’s desk for a few seconds before sitting down on it. All the desks being empty ruined the view he was hoping to see. It was comfortable enough, at least.

He collected his thoughts. There were still things to take care of today. Meeting with Mr. Martins was the easy part. Meeting with Prema was going to be far more difficult. He really needed to see her, and he had his doubts that he could. The threat of being rejected wasn’t enough to dissuade him from trying. You never know unless you try.

His fingers were crossed that trying didn’t make things worse.

 

[System Error]

There was no sense in hesitating. Nori left the school five minutes later, then he skated straight to the Kannagi Shrine. He knew that he was taking something of a risk by coming here despite what Mr. Kannagi had decreed. There was a chance this would backfire horribly and make things even worse. Worst case, he would never see Prema again. He winced and clutched at his heart. Just the thought of that almost made him turn back. He kept moving, even if it felt like he was treading through deep snow.

Pachi was on his left shoulder as he marched up the steps to the shrine. Nori thought about coming incognito, but it was simply a silly passing thought. Better to be up front and not hide anything.

And as he reached the top of the steps, he stopped as he saw someone in the familiar violet robes of the shrine posted near the torii. “We thought you might try to sneak in here,” Acolyte Jirou said, crossing his arms and obstructing his path.

“I wasn’t sneaking!” he snapped. “I came because I really need Prema, the Lady Kannagi’s help!”

He harrumphed. “Master Haruto Kannagi was quite clear. You are not to be allowed on shrine grounds. You should be thankful he had the respect to send Priestess Satomi to inform you. And yet, you refused to listen.”

“Well, nothing says Prema can’t come see me, right?” he argued. It was a long shot, sure, especially with this guy, but still.

The man scratched his chin. “Don’t try to get technical.” But Nori got the expected response.

This was stupid. Prema’s dad was so bad that he actually sent this jerk to make sure he never even made it past the gate?! Nori felt his chest tighten. He wasn’t discouraged. It was just the opposite. Pachi hopped off his shoulder and growled. Nori glanced down at the squirrel and spoke a different kind of threat.

“I work in the news, you know,” he slowly explained to the man. “I work on my school’s newsletter. And my best friend is Arumi Schrader.”

“Your best friend?” Jirou asked with incredulity. His brows shot right up.

“Exactly,” Nori said, unable to contain the twisted grin that was spreading across his face. “I can see it now. Kannagi Shrine cruelty! Refuses to help Pokemon in need!”

The acolyte rolled his eyes and snarled at him. “You wouldn’t,” he stood tall and stated, as if it were some sort of fact.

“You really don’t know me,” he boasted, his posture equally confident. He met the man’s glare with a tight smirk. “If something’s wrong, it’s wrong. Doesn’t matter who it is. And I know enough about your shrine to know this isn’t right!” His heart panged at the thought of catching Prema in it, but then he thought: he would be writing it. He could make it clear it was just her dad and others.

With this, the man turned away. A hard and heavy sigh rang out of his chest. “It is…” He trailed off and put a hand on his head. “Not my decision to make.”

That was weird. It almost felt like shame. Did Jirou not agree with the decision? Well, if he wasn’t doing anything about it…no. Maybe it wasn’t fair to judge that. Even Mrs. Kurusu couldn’t do much.

Still, it wouldn’t change facts. He sighed heavily. “I thought your shrine of all places would be accepting. Guess I was wrong. Most of you think I’m a horrible jackass for harboring this Qwilfish like most of the rest of them.” He paused at the realization of what he had just said. Everyone else was wrong while he was right. He basically just said that. With a tap of his right foot, he looked up at the sky. “And maybe I am,” he flippantly admitted. “Maybe I am in the wrong.”

When so many people were saying the same thing, and he knew there were a lot who weren’t actively confronting him like Emi or Mitsu were, it was hard to dismiss it entirely. Sometimes the whole world goes crazy. That he was well aware of. It still put that bit of doubt in him then, and it did now too. He was going on and on, but Nori was kind of just trying to ignore everyone who disagreed. But what else could he do with so few willing to stand by his side?! There had to be some who wanted to, but were afraid of the same consequences. Right?

And then something in the expression of the acolyte before him changed. His eyebrows furled and he pinched his lips, but there wasn’t hostility in his eyes.

“Do not ever think that,” he said.

“Huh?”

Jirou flew into a tirade, gesticulating angrily at points throughout. “A Pokemon Rehabilitator is one who gives salvation to those no one else will. They are sentient beings like us, and they all deserve a chance to belong, to reform, to repent. This Qwilfish is a perfect example of what you stand for. She is a Pokemon already condemned by many. There are few in the world who would have the ability, the heart, and the courage to give her a chance. And yet you are choosing to endure ostracization to do so. You are doing the right thing, no matter what people say about it. So stand proud.”

Even Pachi was stunned, looking between them in confusion. Acolyte Jirou was saying all this? Him of all people was giving him a pep talk?!

“That’s not the response I was expecting from you,” the young official openly admitted. “I thought you hated me.”

Jirou harrumphed and crossed his arms. “I don’t like you, Nori Carino. But I have the utmost respect for you.”

“Well, thank you?” He spoke hesitantly. The acolyte nodded coolly.

Nori glanced down at his feet. There was a weird tingly feeling in his arms and legs. Being honest with himself, Nori would rather be hated yet respected than the other way around. But well. If this guy was helping, he would take him up on the offer.

If anyone would have a unique perspective, it’d be those of the Kannagi Shrine, right? He voiced the issue that had been plaguing him. “A lot of people don’t like or respect me as of late. I have waivers people sign accepting the risks of battling my Pokemon, but they’re saying the other Pokemon don’t sign them.”

Jirou rolled his eyes. “How we see it, Pokemon always accept the risks in battle. Whether it is for sport or for other reasons. They know they might get hurt, but they also know that we will care for them in turn, no matter the injury. They would not have agreed to partner with us otherwise.”

“I see.” That was what he wanted. It had a religious bend, sure. But he couldn’t deny the truth in it. “That actually makes sense. Thanks for that, Mr…” Wait, he didn’t know this guy’s surname.

The man grumbled and tugged at his robe. “Jinnai, if you must.” He took a glance at the shrine. When he turned back, he had narrowed his eyes and crossed his arms again. “How important is it that you meet with Lady Kannagi? What are your intentions?”

“Very…no, it’s critically important.” He wasn’t going to mince words. “I need her specific brand of advice to help with Qwilfish’s rehabilitation. I might not be able to save her without her assistance.”

Jirou nodded. “I will pass that along. For now, I’ll have to ask you to leave.”

“I wanted it today, but…” But that was way more than he could’ve asked for. Nori wasn’t about to push his luck when he’d gotten so far. “All right. It can’t be helped. Thanks again, Mr. Jinnai.”

The man didn’t answer. When he turned around and started walking back, it was clear there wasn’t going to be an answer. Nori picked Pachi up and made his way down the stairs.

There was a weight on his back, different from before. That was not what he was expecting. It wasn’t the best case scenario, but that was wishful thinking. There was no chance that he would be able to talk with Prema before the battle tomorrow. The good news was that if he was reading Jirou right, there was hope yet of talking with her at all. As for Qwilfish, he would just have to explain the situation to her on his own the best he could. And try to get some practice in.

##########​

Prema Kannagi was lying down in her quarters. The lights were off and the curtains were closed. She was starting to physically feel her mental fatigue.

The fact that she had passed out not twice when using her abilities recently was not a good sign. Had she been neglecting her training too much as of late? Or was this a sign of something more insidious? If her performance now was the norm when under pressure, could she truly be counted on to act as the Master of the shrine when the time came?

A sudden knock jostled her out of those thoughts. “Yes?” Prema sharply blurted, snapping upright. She pulled herself off her futon and fumbled over to her door. As the heir to the shrine opened it, she was welcomed by someone she had expected to be standing on front door duties.

“Sorry, did I wake you?” Priestess Satomi asked while bowing at her. She put a hand on the door to hold it.

She motioned in the negative. “No. I was simply lying down.” Perhaps it was good that Priestess Satomi had come by, as it interrupted her anguishing. Prema turned back. The covers were haphazardly strewn, still where she had thrown them when getting up. Thankfully, it was just Priestess Satomi here to witness that. She turned back, feeling a sudden pressure on her neck. “What did you wish to see me about?”

From her prior tone, how tall she stood, and then the way her mentor grinned, Prema could at least tell that it was not grave news. “Oh, I just heard something from a melodious man I figured you might want to hear. It seems he had a little chat with a righteous friend of yours.”

“I assume you are saying Acolyte Jirou met Nori?” she questioned for the sake of clarity. There was the off chance that it could be Nariya, although she assumed it was referencing the kanji in their respective names.

The elderly woman winked. “And she gets it in one!” she applauded.

Prema felt her jaw drop slightly. Nori had come by. In defiance of what Father had asked. What was he thinking? Even if the situation was desperate–

“Oh, don’t look so glum,” Priestess Satomi sighed with exasperation. She leaned towards her and spoke more quietly. “It’s all good news. Acolyte Jirou passed along that Nori wants to see you and have a chat about his latest assignment. Is that acceptable?”

Prema felt a rush of something welling up inside her chest. It started to leak out as quickly as it came when reality set in. “Yes,” she stated, rubbing an eye. “But Father will not approve of this.”

“Just leave the logistics to me,” her elderly mentor promised with a wink before she could so much as muse about it. “You just get yourself ready.”

That was the last thing she said before she turned and left. The door shut on its own behind her, leaving Prema with many thoughts and questions. Yet there was one that had been bothering her for a few days, now reignited by the preparedness of her mentor. While it was nothing more than simple curiosity, Prema opened the door once more and checked outside.

“Priestess Satomi,” she called.

The elderly woman had not made it very far down the hall, as though she were walking idly rather than with any purpose. She twirled around gracefully on a single foot. “Yesss, Lady Kannagi?” the woman asked, while tilting her head and grinning.

“Did you know that this would happen?” After a brief pause, she stepped forward and clarified, “Did you know that Nori would come to ask for my help?”

The elderly priestess smiled mysteriously, placing a finger on her lips. “When you live to be as old as I have, you end up getting a good sense of how people act and what they’re going to do.”

“I will take that as a yes, then.” She must have also expected her to ask that question.

“I think after this, it’ll be smooth sailing for us from here on out,” her mentor assured. “Anyway, I’ll leave you to get back to your rest.” With that, she set off at a more natural pace.

Prema shut the door and sat at her desk, retrieving a notepad from the top drawer. She used it to write down her thoughts from time to time. There was much to go over.

From what she had seen and heard about his behavior, Acolyte Jirou did not mask his dislike for Nori. Prema could not say why he had such a predisposition towards him. A smile came to Prema as she considered his motivation. Jirou could easily have refused to listen or not heed his plea, yet he did. That said much about his character, and her only conclusion was that he felt it was the right thing to do in spite of what Father had to say on the matter. She would have to thank him later. He had given them the opportunity to set this right.

At present, she had to consider the meeting. It was likely going to be soon, perhaps as early as tonight, and away from the shrine. By helping Nori succeed, she would be helping Father and the shrine put this behind them. Fortunately, there was little to prepare for. Public speaking was something her teachers had trained her in, and while she considered herself bad at speaking with people one-on-one, her friends were the exception. She was prepared to give Nori the right advice. Failing or alongside that, well-placed words of support. Prema was certain that their troubles were nearly at an end.

 

[System Error]

“Good morning! Sorry if I woke you folks up.”

“I was awake. Who exactly are you?”

A pair of voices roused Nori Carino from a rough sleep. He placed the second of them as his mom immediately. The other he didn’t, until she identified herself.

“Satomi Kurusu, priestess of the Kannagi Shrine.” There was a momentary pause. Probably shaking hands. “You must be Nori’s mom.”

“Ayume Carino,” his mom replied suspiciously. “Why has someone from the shrine come here this early in the morning on a school day?”

“Ah, know it’s unorthodox. But he wanted to have a chat with Lady Kannagi before this evening, and, well.” The elderly woman chuckled. “Now or never. It’s a school day after all.”

After a long pause, she asked, “Is that true, Nori?”

He shifted and groaned. He felt something at the far edge of his bed, probably Pachi. “Yeah,” he mumbled.

“Are you awake?” his mom asked for clarification. “You went to go see Prema last night?”

“I did.” He tried to open his eyes. The light was blinding, so it took a few seconds to actually open them.

“And you said you got turned away, right?”

“Got turned away,” he repeated, a little unintentionally. She knew most of this already, and was probably asking to show that she did.

His sighted his mom biting her lip and giving Mrs. Kurusu an unimpressed look. “Do you still want to talk to her?”

The boy yawned and started to carefully pull his legs away from his still-snoozing Pokemon. “Yeah, I better. They came all this way,” he reasoned. “She here?”

“Is she here?” his mom repeated.

“Nah, set up a meeting spot,” the elderly woman said. Nori saw a bit of hand movement. Shrugging? “Just need to head there!”

“Just…need to get up…” he said, swinging his feet out and yawning again.

“Lemme know when you’re ready!”

The young official was frankly surprised his was in the condition to get up at all. Last night had gone horribly. He was up until 2am stressing over things, and only fell asleep out of sheer exhaustion.

His mom shut the door and moved over to the stove. “Kettle’s still warm, I’ll make you some oatmeal.” After a very brief beat, she followed up with, “Are you sure this is fine?”

“It’ll be fine,” he told her, weakly waving a hand. “Mrs. Kurusu’s one of the good ones.”

“Way more casual than I was expecting for a priestess,” she muttered a remark while pouring and stirring the food.

“Just how she is,” he explained as he groggily gathered his clothes for the day. Just the first he grabbed, which was a pair of jeans and a blue shirt. “See her motorbike?”

“That was hers??” His mom paused, her eyes arching at the mental image of a ninety-year-old woman racing down the street on a screaming hog.

“I know, right?” he said as he stepped into the bathroom to change.

“Be careful, just in case. Could be acting on behalf of the Master.” She heavily snarked the last two words.

“I will, ma.” He didn’t think that was the case, but it wouldn’t hurt to use some caution. He was sure Pawniard and the Demon were all that he would need on that front.

##########​

Nori sat in the sidecar as they drove to wherever they were headed. All he could tell is that it was to the north. It was hard to make conversation over the roar of the engine, so the ride only gave him time to think about how he was going to word the pitch.

They eventually ended up on the road near the shrine, which really got Nori wondering what in the world they were going. Mrs. Kurusu hung a right and turned into a parking lot. There were big yellow doors on gray buildings lined up all around like a bunch of garages. There weren’t any cars around aside from a couple tucked in a corner near what looked like an office. Small wonder, a sign warned that parking was limited to 30 minutes or loading and unloading. A sign declared the name of the place, Donphan Trunk.

“She’s here?!” Nori voiced his uncertainty as the engine sputtered to a stop. Of all the places to meet with Prema, a self-storage facility wasn’t even on his list. In fact, he darted his head around. He spotted a security camera tucked in the northeast corner, which made him feel a little better.

“Why not?” the elderly woman asked as she smoothly dismounted. She raised her goggles to her temple and winked. “A nice private spot close to the shrine. Convenient for parking, wouldn’t you say?”

Nori took another look at the door, then at the vehicle as he climbed out of it. “H-how much room is in there?” he hesitantly asked. The doors were big, sure, and there was evidently enough room for a motorcycle with a sidecar, but would this work for what he had in mind?

“Mm.” Mrs. Kurusu outstretched a finger and exaggerated placing it on her forehead. “A few meters this way, a few meters that way. And a few up there, too!”

Nori grumbled. “That doesn’t answer much! How much stuff is in your trunk?”

She smirked and nodded. “I don’t keep much in there, just the stuff I can’t keep at the shrine.” The priestess patted her motorcycle. “Besides this gal, it’s just some tools for working on her, a workbench with a chair – two right now—and some things I don’t need regularly and didn’t feel like carrying up. Of course, there’s something very precious and irreplaceable there now.” The woman abruptly burst into laughter.

“I’m surprised you don’t keep that more secure,” he jokingly scolded her with a smirk.

“True, true. It’s just for a bit anyhow, and all I had to work with. But I’m sure you won’t tell, right?” The woman winked.

“No.” He shook his head. “Because I feel the same way about that as you do.”

Her expression changed, all the joy draining out of it. In fact, her face was blank for a couple of seconds. “Well, I’m glad to hear that from your mouth,” she said calmly with an approving nod.

Nori spun away as he felt the blood rushing to his face. He swallowed his words. He wasn’t ashamed or embarrassed, but she somehow made it awkward. Did she tease everyone like that? Probably.

“Come!” She whistled and motioned to follow her to a garage near the corner. “That precious something is waiting for you.”

---​

In the dimly lit room that was the storage trunk of Priestess Satomi Kurusu, Prema Kannagi sat meditating on one of the chairs in the room. Her eyes were closed, yet her other senses were open to the world around her. While most would only think of the natural world, the artificial world is of equal importance. The scent of oil on the floor, the hum of the lights, the soft cushion on the seat, the cool and solid floor, the residual aura of the room’s owner. It was as good a way to ready herself mentally as any.

Metal grinded against metal, culminating with a bang. The light of the outdoors brightened her vision. Prema slowly looked up to see two people standing in the light.

“Nori. Priestess Satomi.” She rose from the chair and greeted them both.

“Prema!” Nori joyously said. His expression lit up upon seeing her and he stood taller. He glanced back at Priestess Satomi. “Thanks for this. Tell Mr. Jinnai thanks too.”

“Consider it done,” the elderly woman said with a nod. “I’ll leave you two to your business.”

This was the plan, to give them a place where they could meet in private. It was the best that Priestess Satomi was able to manage. As far as the rest of the shrine knew, save for perhaps Acolyte Jirou, they were doing some research for the benefit of the shrine. It was the truth.

Prema blinked, not realizing that the two of them were just standing there looking at each other. It spoke volumes about their relationship. They not only had full trust in one another, but at least how Prema felt, she simply enjoyed Nori’s company. The green-haired teenager would not mind it were it not productive.

“Nori, I–”

“Prem–”

They both started speaking and stopped at the same time. Prema waited a moment for Nori to continue. When he did not, she took it as a sign to do so herself.

“Are–”

“Is ev–”

There it happened again. It was as though their thoughts were in sync. Nori smirked deeply.

“You first,” he said.

She reflexively agreed as a lump rose in her throat. What to say? How to say it? There was so much she wanted to talk about, yet their time was limited. “I am very happy that I can see you, Nori. I only wish this could have been under better circumstances.”

“It looks to me like things have been going badly for both of us,” Nori noted, tracing a finger along his chin.

Prema shook her head at that remark. “I would not say things have been going poorly for myself. Only that I have had some fears about the worst-case scenario coming to pass. They were somewhat unfounded.”

Nori motioned with his left palm. “That can still get you down, right? Pressure can get to anyone.”

Prema glanced up at the ceiling, drawing in a deep breath. She held it and looked at her friend, and was forced to exhale into a soft smile. There were faint bags under his eyes, yet there was a warm glow within them. Even at a moment when he needed her aid, he still found time to be concerned for her.

“I suppose it can,” she conceded, able to be honest with him. “Father is no exception to that either. The grief from losing his friend has been consuming him. I have been worried about him and the future of the shrine.”

Nori tapped a finger to his lips. “Yeah, I can see why,” he remarked. “If he went down, you’d have to take over, right? Since the rest of the Kannagi family splintered off?”

He was aware of the situation with the Kannagi clan? After a moment, Prema only found herself smiling and nodding. The subject likely came up in his lessons, but it still meant that he had an interest in the shrine. “Perhaps in the future, that situation will change,” she said. A member of her extended family might return. Or, as Priestess Satomi stated, the shrine might move beyond blood rule. “That said, I believe we should move on to your business.”

Much as speaking with him about it helped ease her mind, aiding him with Qwilfish would help further. Words were one thing. The will to take action was another.

“Okay, this might be a bit much, but hear me out.” Nori held his chest out and his head high. He was calm and focused as he explained. “Qwilfish is really uneasy, and I haven’t been able to figure it out. Like there’s something bothering her and there’s questions she needs answered. I know your family can understand Pokemon. So if you can help, that’d be great.”

He was asking her to speak with Qwilfish? Prema’s mind went blank for a few moments. When the thoughts finally came, they were all at once. She remained still as uncertainty gripped her heart. Though he was her friend, there were limits.

“Nori, I understand and empathize with your situation,” she eventually started to calmly explain, with only a vague warble in her throat. “However, there are complications when it comes to using my abilities in that fashion.”

He was not put off by her rejection in the slightest. “I know. I had to study that sort of thing. Your…” He paused momentarily, rubbing the nape of his neck. “Your relative, Kentaro Kannagi, actually came up by name.”

Prema pursed her lips and closed her eyes. “Then you should know why I cannot easily agree to your request.”

Kentaro Kannagi was a former Master of the Kannagi Shrine, leading it for 21 years. His tenure was before her father was born, so she had only heard of him through the shrine’s elders, such as Priestess Satomi. He was considered one of the greatest Masters of the modern era before the incident that shamed him. No one had heard from him since that day he resigned in 1967. He would be in his nineties if he was still out there.

Nori frowned for a few seconds, with his nostrils flaring. After that, he stepped forward and looked her square in the eye. “Is it not true that this ability is inherent to your family?” he debated. “I don’t know about your beliefs or where it’s from, but I think it can help bridge the gap between humanity and Pokemon. And believe me, I tried with Pachi and the Demon, but neither of them could really understand Qwilfish. I don’t have anyone else to turn to who might be able to help us understand each other. I’m not asking you to do this in any legal capacity. I’m asking as a friend. Between us. And if not, can you at least do some sort of assessment without?”

His eyes glimmered faintly in the dim light of the makeshift garage. He was crying a little. Prema turned away. She did not like this. In fact, she hated this. Her head was spinning. It was suddenly difficult to breathe. She wanted to help him. But she had to say no. “Nori, there is more to this than you are aware of,” she forced out of herself.

“Prema, are you able to do this?” her friend asked. Then he shook his head, perhaps more at himself. “No. You’re unsure of yourself.”

She gasped and took a step away from him. Again, thoughts raced through her mind. It was not what he had said. It was correct. He realized it before she had, which is what bothered her.

Prema sat on one of the chairs. She lowered her gaze and frowned. “There are many ways in which the ability to understand Pokemon manifests itself. It is something that I am capable of. In order to open my ears to the words of Pokemon, I require an immense amount of focus and spiritual power.”

“And you’re not in a good state of mind.”

With that, she hung her head. That was what she truly feared. The conversation would stay between them, and there was no issue with legality. She had used her powers twice recently to speak with her Pokemon. Both times had ended with her losing focus, and once passing out from the strain. What if it happened again? What if the consequences were more dire?

“Well, you won’t know unless you try. There’s no harm in trying.” Nori snapped her out of it with some simple words. He scratched his cheek. “Um, is there?”

Try. Prema smiled. He had put it so simply. It was not something she could often do, with so many eyes upon her. Unlike him, she did have a reputation to live up to. But this was between them. “If it is you, I suppose not,” she conceded. Were something to go wrong, he would not judge.

Nori’s eyes again began to glimmer, for a different reason than before. He froze for a second. “Prema! I…” He lost his voice for a moment, but his huge open-mouthed smile said more than any words could. “Thank you!”

She chuckled. “I suppose this is my duty. As a diviner, for the future of the shrine, and…as your friend.” Everything was now in perspective. This was how she was going to help Father. Priestess Satomi must have intuited this. She turned towards a large wooden drum of which she was uncertain of the purpose of until this point. “I understand now why Priestess Satomi brought this.”

“Barrel?” Her friend smirked at the sight of the water-filled object. “A rainbarrel she can sit in. She must’ve known exactly what I wanted to see you for.”

“She is an expert at discerning the intent of others.”

“Okay.” With a nod of determination, Nori retrieved the Dive Ball from his pocket and moved towards the rain barrel. “You might want to stand back. Maybe somewhere where you can take cover.”

Prema moved to the front of the garage as instructed. Her friend raised his shoulders and rolled them back. After stretching out his arms, he manually opened the capsule and let his Pokemon out into the barrel.

It was just big enough for her to float in. A squeak echoed through the room as the Qwilfish materialized. The sight of her trainer caused her to snort and stare at him. Though there was something else there. Her eyes were wide and she was as far back as she could be.

“Better than I thought,” Nori remarked to himself before addressing his Pokemon. “Hey, Qwilfish. Sorry about…putting you there. I hope it helps! Um, I have someone who can talk to you.” He motioned with a palm as if to present her.

Given her cue, she stepped forward and bowed to the Pokemon. “Hello. Give me a moment to prepare.”

“Good luck,” Nori encouraged, before scuttling back a few steps.

Prema closed her eyes and began to empty her mind. This was for Nori. She bent her wrists and leaned her body forward. This was for Father. She focused her breath and ears to let whispers flow freely. This was for the future of the shrine. She focused her thoughts upon the Pokemon in the rainbarrel. Above all, this was for a lost Qwilfish who desperately needed salvation.

Eventually, it was done. “I am ready,” she declared as she looked upon her Pokemon.

There was a brief moment where Prema’s heart still felt heavy. Did she do this correctly? Her doubts were extinguished when a lofty and cynical feminine voice reached her ears. “This is a waste of time.”

Prema could not contain the beam that came to her mouth. “It will not be a waste of time, so long as you are willing to speak with me.”

The pufferfish emitted a strange sound; Prema was uncertain if it was just a vocalization of surprise or an untranslatable word. In any case, the Pokemon’s eyes shot wide open. “You can understand me?”

“I can, yes.”

Qwilfish waved her tail and pointed it at Nori. “Then teach him to do that!”

Prema blinked. That was not what she was expecting Qwilfish to say. She set the record straight. “This ability I possess is not one that can simply be learned. It takes both years of study and a degree of talent in one’s blood.” The Pokemon quaked while growling lowly. Unabated and undeterred, she continued, “It is for that reason that Nori has asked me to speak with you in his stead. Let me introduce myself. My name is Prema Kannagi. I am pleased to speak with you.”

“Kannagi?” Her family name appeared to resonate with her internally – Prema always wondered how so many knew of her—although there was some doubt in her eyes. Qwilfish eventually snorted, slapping her tail fin against the back of the drum. “My old trainer called me Spike, but I don’t care anymore.”

“Spike,” she repeated, glancing back at Nori. His eyebrows shot up. He huffed and shook his head with a smirk. “Is it not a name you like?”

“It sounds like a boy name, and I’m a girl!” Spike stated. Yes, that was true. While Pokemon went as far as to not name themselves in respect for humanity, it did not mean they would always like what they were called. “Plus, it’s just what Elle called me.”

That would make more sense. “It is understandable if you wish to distance yourself from your old trainer after being abandoned.”

“I don’t even know why she did it!” The Pokemon’s words came out in a rapid, anguished burst. “I didn’t do anything to deserve it!”

“I cannot speak as to the motivations of your old trainer.” It would only be speculation on her behalf, which she felt was not her right to do. “However, I can help you with adjusting to your present trainer. I will do my best to answer any questions and listen to any doubts you may have, so that you and Nori can better understand one another.”

The Pokemon puckered and unpuckered her lips. “Okay,” she eventually said. “Can you explain some things to me?”

“Yes, I can.”

“He…” Spike hesitantly gestured to Nori with her tail. She averted her eyes. “He said he’s my new trainer because I killed someone, and he’s reforming me. Is this true?”

“It is true,” Prema explained. It made the Pokemon wince and shrink back. “Nori works with troubled Pokemon to help them integrate into society. Ours and yours alike.”

“But I don’t need help!” the anguished Pokemon argued, slapping her tail against the side of the barrel. “And he’d just hurt me! I just know it! He already almost did!”

Prema glanced back at her friend before responding. “Nori would never do such a thing. However, I do agree that your being assigned to him is unusual.”

“Yeah, I think so too,” Nori remarked in response to her words. “A lot of others said that.”

She acknowledged the statement and continued on, “You are not like the Pokemon he usually rehabilitates. Perhaps we were mistaken and the scope of his assignments is greater than expected. The fact remains that the leaders of our society have decided you needed rehabilitation.”

The Qwilfish shuddered. She spoke sharply yet collectedly. “So why am I here? Why is what I did a big deal?”

Prema frowned. “A Pokemon that…” She had to take a deep breath. “That kills a human of their own volition. We treat those very carefully in our society. I understand that it is taboo in yours as well.”

“But he was trying to hurt me!” she interrupted. “I was just defending myself!”

Prema stared at the Pokemon, unsure of how to respond. Was this how it happened? A tragic misunderstanding brought about by fear? “Spike…” Her throat ached as she opened her mouth, but she spoke on. “Qwilfish, I understand that you were afraid. But that man was only trying to help you. His name was Pete Stephens. He was a beloved figure in our culture who did much for the sake of protecting Pokemon and their habitats. He was attempting to ensure you were uninjured. Then he would have left you be, or helped you if it was necessary.”

“You don’t know that!” she cried out. “And why was I attacked and caught after?!”

“I knew him, so I can say with certainty that he was trying to help,” she replied. “As for why you were caught, it is because they were defending themselves.”

There came a squeak, like a balloon deflating. Qwilfish thrashed. “You’re lying!” she accused, shutting her eyes. “You’re just trying to make me look bad!”

Prema folded her hands and sighed. “I truly wish it were falsehood. But it is the truth.”

Qwilfish studied her intensely, trying to read her for signs of weakness. After that, she burst into a series of strange sounds. It took her mind a moment to interpret it as a scream followed by crying.

“No! No!” she blubbered. She violently shook, sloshing some water out of the rainbarrel. “This isn’t…why? I was just defending myself! Why did I do that?! Now I’m stuck here with him!”

Stuck here? Prema had been observing the Pokemon carefully. The girl figured she had the answer. “Are you afraid of Nori?” she chanced guessing. It was that or dislike.

“Yes!” She shrank back as her skin hardened. “He’s loud and crazy and moody and all his other Pokemon are scary!”

Prema remained still for several seconds as she wondered how to proceed. She could understand being afraid of the Demon and Pawniard. Something must have happened with Pachi for her to think that, or perhaps much like Nori, she was put off by his enthusiastic attitude.

“I can understand. Nori himself is an outgoing individual, and he has at least one…unprincipled Pokemon.” That was the most reasonable and polite way she could think to explain Pawniard. “However, Nori is also a kind and caring person.”

“You’re just saying that,” Qwilfish droned. “What if you don’t know him as well as you think?”

A possibility, yes, however slim it might be. Yet Prema could only smile. “I can prove it to you with a simple explanation. Nori is aquaphobic. That means he has a fear of being around water.”

“He did say that…” the pufferfish mused. “But why? Why is he scared? It’s just water. And what does it prove?”

“It is not my right to explain what caused his fear,” she said. Even she was not privy to the full details of it regardless, besides it being traumatic. “But do you think that he would put up with water if he did not intend to help you?”

She pouted her lips. “No.”

Prema gently nodded. “He is trying to help you in spite of his fear. This extends to his other Pokemon; he cares for them no matter what kind of Pokemon they may be. He may not be the type of trainer you want, but I can vouch for him being compassionate. So please, give him a chance.”

Qwilfish looked away and closed her eyes. No one could force her to get along with Nori. Prema could only ask. She was certain that this was a case of simply not knowing her new trainer and expecting the worst. Nori had gotten it a lot from people in his youth. Prema was certain that she just needed to get used to him, and for that, needed to be receptive in the first place. You do not know unless you try.

“I guess he is trying.” The pufferfish opened her eyes and looked over at him before responding. “So I’ll try too.”

“I am glad to hear you say that.” Prema had to admit, there was a part of her that was worried. She was holding her breath, and sighed with relief at the positive answer. She smiled and looked back at Nori. Her friend idly nodded, although he was otherwise in thought. “Is there anything else you want to talk about?”

“Not right now. I have lots to think about. Like a battle he said is today.” The Pokemon puffed out her lips. “Can you talk to me again?”

“We can talk whenever he brings you to see me.” She was certain that Nori would have no issue with it. And that was assuming he was not able to answer things himself.

“Thank you.”

Prema bowed to the Pokemon. “It was a pleasure to speak with you. I will be turning off my ability in a moment.”

She closed her eyes and began the process of dropping her focus. She had made it through. It was a longer conversation than expected. In the end, she got it done. She only prayed that this would be the push needed for Qwilfish to find happiness.

---​

Nori had watched and listened intently. Through that, he was able to get what he thought was the gist of the conversation between his friend and his assignment. It was also why when Prema started to teeter, he was able to react in an instant by reaching out and catching her by the shoulders.

“You okay?” was the first question on his mind.

Prema had to catch her breath. Once Nori was sure she was steady, he released her. She turned to him with a radiant smile. “Yes, thank you,” she answered, her voice subtly straining.

“I shou–you don’t sound fine,” he replied, catching his instinctive response to being thanked. As their gazes met, he noted her face was a little paler. “Or look fine.” He shook his head and leaned forward. He wasn’t just seeing that. A small lump rose in his throat.

But his friend dispelled his concerns with a mere shake of her head. “It is nothing to worry about,” she assured, in an even tone that told him that it was the truth and not posturing. “It is natural for me to feel tired after using this ability.”

Nori tapped the side of his mouth as he processed it. He knew very little about how spiritual powers worked. When he thought about it from a biological perspective, however, he had an idea. “Oh, I think I get it? It uses a lot of brain power to hear and process their words, so, like, it wears you out mentally.”

Prema blinked. “I had not thought about it in that sense. That is an adequate way of explaining the matter.”

Nori exhaled sharply to mask his sigh of relief. So that made some sense after all. He turned to his Pokemon, who was still floating in the barrel. It was hard to tell when she was glaring. Her eyes were always like that. But she was afraid of him? Nori wasn’t sure what to make of that.

“Well, come back for now, Spike…ette.” Spikette would fit a girl more, right? No, he agreed, the name sucked. The boy huffed as he raised the capsule. “Gotta find you a better name than that. Reminds me of someone I don’t like. Puku? I dunno.” It was a taboo to rename Pokemon that have a nickname already, some said it was bad luck, but he didn’t believe in that. He was sure she didn’t care for the name much either. Besides, he only found out about it because of Prema. It was better if he thought of something else.

The Qwilfish only stared back without giving a response, verbal or physical. He recalled the fish and turned back to his friend. She met his gaze with a silent nod. Out of nowhere, Nori felt tired. It wasn’t the lack of sleep catching up. It was more of a somber realization.

“She’s really comfortable around you,” he noted. Even in that barrel with barely any room to move around, Qwilfish was more at ease than he’d ever seen her when talking with Prema.

“My family has an inherent connection with Pokemon. Some know us by name,” Prema explained in a matter-of-fact tone.

“She’s never comfortable with me,” Nori lamented as he fell onto one of the seats. He rested his elbows on his legs and his cheeks in his hands. “I don’t know how I can make her unafraid.”

“I am certain you will get along in time,” his friend encouraged, speaking as evenly as she usually did. “She has acknowledged how hard you are trying. It will only take her some getting used to your personality.”

“Getting used to…” he repeated.

That was the other thing. He was going to have to get used to her as well. That had to be part of the reason Qwilfish didn’t like him much. His phobia. How long was it going to take for her to accept him? Would she ever accept that? Could he ever get used to that? Nori tensed up. The mere thought made all his limbs tighten, his head hurt, and made him want to back away.

Prema broke him from the thought. “She also mentioned you said you will be having a battle soon, and that she has no issue with it. Otherwise, our conversation revealed nothing else we have not already inferred or knew.”

“I see.” That was one thing off his chest. She was good to have this battle. That was one thing taken care of for tonight. Now there was just everything else.

He eyed Prema, feeling a weight on his back. She kept unnaturally still. He was sure the name of her old trainer had come up. But what good would knowing that do? It wouldn’t help the situation and just end up being a distraction. One that he didn’t need right now.

Nori leaned back, putting his hands on his knees. “Thanks for this, Prema. May not help much, but I’m sure it’ll help a little. Owe you one.”

She tilted her head. “Owe me?” the green-haired teenager asked in confusion.

“Oh.” He chuckled. “I meant, if there’s anything I can do for you, just tell me.”

Prema closed her eyes. After a few seconds, she replied, “There is one thing.”

Color him surprised. Nori threw the offer out of politeness and because it felt right. He had expected Prema to simply say it was part of her duty or that there was no need. But there was something she wanted? He leaned in, his heart swelling with anticipation.

It took her some further seconds to reply, during which she took a deep breath in and out, followed by another before she spoke. “Father has not been the same since this incident. He needs closure. It will be not only for his sake, but the sake of the shrine as well. Moreover, I am sure you have heard, but people have been harming Sinnohian Qwilfish. There are some who do not want to see them any other way anymore. There is far more riding on the line here than one life.” She punctuated and finished her request with a gentle bow. “So please, Nori. Succeed in rehabilitating her. That is all I will ask in return.”

Nori smirked. “Like you have to ask that,” he said in response as he rose from the chair in a show of force. “I’ll get it done! Don’t you worry!”

His positive declaration got a chuckle out of her. Nori had to laugh too. He hadn’t even considered the situation at the shrine. He thought her dad was just being a stupid moron about it. But he was suffering? And the shrine with it? So why wouldn’t he judge with his own eyes? Wait!

“Hey, Prema?” He got an idea! But now that he thought about it, he rubbed the nape of his neck. “Um, I know this is sudden, but about that battle she mentioned?” He hesitated for a brief moment. Was this a good idea? Well, he already started. “It’s actually today at the Mynwest Court in town this afternoon. That’s sort of why I needed this yesterday. Maybe your dad can come and see what she’s like in person. But just to warn you, it’s going to be…” The boy’s throat tightened. “She asked me, my opponent.”

A pool. Slippery floors.

He spoke quickly to get the thought over with. “She wants it in a place with water. She wanted to battle Qwilfish specifically. I’m…” He sniffed and put his left hand over his face. “I know I’m going to embarrass myself. But…” His voice abruptly gave out.

“You want people to see Qwilfish.”

He turned away. She intuited his plan. His real stupid plan. “It’s dumb. I know.”

“No. It may work.” He peered at her. There was a glow in her eyes. There was something else there. Like she was suppressing something. Excitement? She was smiling a little wider, and her tone was more charged. “I will speak to Priestess Satomi and see if we can convince him. If not, we will attend ourselves regardless.”

“That should help.” On one hand, he didn’t want her to see him like that. On the other, he knew she wouldn’t judge. And somehow, knowing she was going to be there gave him a strange peace of mind. Maybe it was because he kind of feared the worst and knew that Prema wouldn’t let that happen.

There was a brief moment of peace between them. There was nothing Nori wanted more than to just stay here and relax. If he could do that, he would’ve.

“I’d love to stay longer, but I have school today. I’d better get going.” And even though there was a temptation to skip, he knew she needed to get back to the shrine as well. He waved. “Bye, thanks again.”

Prema nodded. “Take care, Nori.”

Nori knocked at the door and called to Mrs. Kurusu on the outside. He still wasn’t sure how exactly things were going to go tonight against Emi. He hadn’t even told Agent Studd his reasons. It was a gamble to be sure. Yumi changed her mind when she saw Qwilfish, but would anyone else? That was the question. When Prema said it might work, he could believe it.

 

[System Error]

Prema knocked on the door to her father’s office. In spite of, or maybe because of the situation, she wore a faint smile. It was finally time.

This would not be the first time they would be observing a battle that involved Nori together. The first was his initial test with the Demon Nidorina. That was back in the infancy of their friendship, when he and his Pokemon were a pair that the gods had guided her to. Here they were a year and two months later. The circumstances had changed, yet it managed to invoke a feeling of nostalgia in the priestess.

That is, if he was not having second thoughts. “Father, are you ready to head out?” she called to him. “Maiden Kaede is waiting for us.”

There was no answer, not at first. The sound of footsteps in the hall shortly followed. Prema nodded at Priestess Satomi. She was there to assist.

“It’s now or never, Haruto,” their elder urged.

Prema took a small step forward. “Father, unless you see this Qwilfish with your own eyes, you will not be able to make a proper judgment,” she said, unsure where the words were coming from. Yet there they were in her heart and mind. “Furthermore, this may be your only chance to see her under the context of battle. In other words, you will be able to judge for yourself if she truly is cruel. It is…” While the words caught in her throat, she swallowed her hesitation away. “One of your responsibilities as Master of the Kannagi Shrine, Father. All people and Pokemon deserve a fair chance.”

Priestess Satomi flashed a radiant grin. “I couldn’t have said it better myself, Lady Kannagi.”

Prema could only turn away slightly. It was out of necessity. She was hardly proud of saying that.

“We won’t blame you if it’s too much, Haruto,” their mentor added. “But if you can’t bring yourself to do this, we only ask that you accept what we see.”

“I will only be a moment longer,” her father begrudged. Prema could hear the fatigue in his tone, and it weighed upon her heart.

“Soon, Father…” she whispered. This would all be over soon. After tonight, their lives would be back to normal.

##########​

The day had come. Granted, Emi didn’t exactly give them a lot of time to react, which she had privately confirmed to him was part of her plan. At this point and after what Chad had said to the team yesterday, the general consensus had shifted to reluctant acceptance.

They had gathered to support their teammate. And on top of that, a good battle was about to happen. They all enjoyed watching those. The coach had been generous enough to arrange transportation to Mynwest Court. They were outside in the parking lot in front of the bus. The driver was taking his time getting ready.

Chad stepped in front of the group to address them: “Is everyone who wants to be here, um, here?”

There were some goodhearted laughs. No one spoke up, but out of the corner of his eye, he saw Kiara approaching.

“Ah, did you change your mind?” There was plenty of extra space on the bus.

She turned up her nose. “No, I wanted to say some things.”

The captain of the team raised a hand. “Could we not do this in public?”

“No, I want everyone to know!” Kiara stated. She balled her hands into fists and gave a tooth-filled scowl. “I think you’re giving her,” and with this she pointed accusingly at Emi, “WAY too much leeway. Plus you’re playing nice with the Demon Tamer. He’s why we’re in this damn mess!”

He shook his head. “Kiara, I told you my stance before. I am not going to stand in Emi’s way. It’s her decision to make.”

“Then goodbye!” Without a further word, she spun on her heels and stomped away. Chad frowned, only able to harden his heart.

“Stupid petty bitch,” Emi grumbled. It was all anyone initially had to say on the matter. Everyone else really wasn’t sure what to say, or from their expressions, tacitly agreed with Emi.

“We lost another member?” Aki finally asked, their voice and knees both quavering.

“We’ll give her time,” Chad said. He hoped that she simply needed to cool off. If she changed her mind, he was willing to welcome her back with open arms.

There was no further time to discuss it as a group, because the bus door opened. With a nod and gesture from their captain, the team started to board. Chad motioned for Emi to sit with him; she went to the back in response. After a pause, he followed. He wanted to talk. He supposed it didn’t matter where they spoke.

“Emi, two things,” he said as he was sitting down.

She leaned back and replied, “Yeah?”

Chad huffed. He knew she wasn’t going to like him saying this, but it needed to be said. “I still can’t shake the bad feeling I’m getting from this situation.”

Emi only stared back. She averted her eyes for a second. In a way, it was more distressing to him than an explosive or sarcastic reaction would have been. “Chad,” she started with a shake of her head. “It’s way too late to back out now. Especially on a hunch.”

Chad frowned. “I suppose not,” he relented. It would not reflect well to go through all this only to cancel at the last second. Especially with so many people looking forward to this. Chad was still amazed at how quickly the news spread. There were even likely several out-of-towners who had come by, and they wouldn’t take kindly to hearing the trip had been for nothing.

She leaned in a little. “For the record, what do you think this might be about? Like, what do you think’s going to come of this?”

He was forced to look away from her. “I’ve been trying to figure that out.” He wished he had the answer. He wished there was something to it besides his instincts talking. They often weren’t wrong.

“Did you feel that with Anthony?” she threw a suggestion forward with an open-palm gesture.

He leaned back and smiled at her. “What sane person wouldn’t think something bad was going to happen there?”

Emi snorted and rolled her eyes, giving him a smirk right back. At least they both could find their sense of humor at that moment.

“I don’t think it’s that,” he stated. A lot of other people thought that a Pokemon was going to walk away from this badly hurt, if not worse. But this felt different from before to Chad. “Do you ever get a hunch you can’t explain?”

“Yeah, I getcha.” She nodded. “I’m not going to worry about it too much. I’m ready for anything. His fans hating me, an unlikely injury, whatever.”

Chad shut his eyes. “I hope you can.” It was one thing to say that. It was another to follow through. He could only hope that their lives didn’t change too much tonight.

##########​

This was it. There was no escape. In Yumi’s dream world, today would mark the start of something she had wanted for two months, and arguably for even longer than that. Instead, it was the end of everything she had known and cherished for fourteen years.

When the final bell rang out, that marked the death knell. What she wanted to do was meet with Nori, walk with him to Mynwest Court, get checked in, and be right by his side for the entire battle. Maybe that last part could still happen. It would be a ray of light on a dark day. Even that seemed folly; she wasn’t the girl he liked. The weight of reality had crashed down on her. It was like she had been body slammed and paralyzed.

What should she do? What could she even do? These two questions burned in her mind hotter than a Magcargo. There were what felt like a dozen others, and all of them had no answers.

“Ms. Takao?”

She jerked upright, her vision unblurring and revealing that most of her peers had already left.

“Is everything all right?”

“No, it’s nothing.” A part of her thought to tell her homeroom teacher. But this was between family. It should be settled between them. “Thanks for your concern.”

With this, Yumi picked herself up and hurried to the front of the school. The cold air assaulted her as she burst through the doors and craned her head around looking for mom’s car. No, it wasn’t in plain sight. Was dad’s? She ran forward, trying to scour the parking lot for either a blue Rondo Civic or a red Suzaku Alto. No sign of either. Grandpa’s van? It was a boxy white behemoth big enough to fit the entire household into. She would have seen it right away, but Yumi still could not help but check to see if someone had come to escort them after all. Her hopes scattered like a Drifloon on a windy day upon seeing none of those vehicles.

She stood with her head hung low. What now? What could she do now?

“Yumi.”

Her skin crawled as a monotonous yet low voice called to her from behind. She slowly turned around to find her brother standing there. He was scowling intently, his face was redder than a Charmeleon, and quite literally shaking with rage.

“You were talking with mom last night to drive us to the place and back.” Yumi glanced aside at the accusation. Touya started shouting. “I thought I could trust you with this! You know how long we’ve been planning this and how we were waiting for just the right moment! And you tried to screw it up!”

Everyone was noticing their argument. She yanked him into a huddle. “I was trying to stop you from making the biggest mistake of your life, Touya,” she rasped, trying to fight off tears. She couldn’t get over that fact. No matter what happened, she couldn’t get past it! She wanted to stop him without telling their parents what he was doing!

“You’re making a mistake, Yumi,” Touya growled. “Our parents want to control everything we do! I can’t stay here. We can’t stay here. We need to draw a line in the sand with them the only way we can.”

“You know that isn’t true, Touya!” she cried, tugging at her hair. An ache rose in her throat as she breathed in and out heavily. “Our parents love us.”

Touya curled his lip and shook his head vehemently. “It will be true soon enough if I know where things are going. I’m not going to take that chance. It’s now or never to do this. And if I’m wrong and they really do love us like you say, they’ll welcome me when I get back. I’ll make it up to you when I do. I don’t know how. I just promise I will.” With that, her brother looked her square in the eyes. “Don’t ruin this for me, Yumi,” he warned. “Do not try to screw this up again. I will never forgive you if you do.”

Yumi nearly crumpled, and would have had Touya not been there to grab onto for support. She wanted to believe that he was right. Maybe he was right about their parents welcoming him back. Yet that voice in her mind was screaming, no!

Still grasping at his jacket, she looked up. Tears streamed down her eyes, feeling like they were about to freeze in the chilly air. “You haven’t even tried asking mom and dad about this! They might say yes! At least give them the chance! Please, Touya! That’s all I’ll ask!”

He firmly brushed her away. His brow was excessively furrowed. “I’m not going to take that risk. There’s a saying.”

She blinked at his expression, then lowered her head. “It’s better to ask for forgiveness than permission.” And more than likely, trying to do it anyway.

Yumi wanted to argue. Yet it made some sense. If their parents knew he wanted to plan a journey, they might go far enough to make sure he didn’t try to sneak off. The truth was, she didn’t know how they would take this. Neither of them had ever done anything like this in their lives. But what if she was right and the worst happened?!

She sniveled, unable to hold back her crying any longer. “Touya, what about me? What about…” Her voice shook, and her legs finally gave out. She fell to her knees and sobbed into her hands.

Maybe she was being selfish. Yumi was deathly afraid, not for Touya, but for herself. How was she supposed to move on from this?! Would she even be able to? What if her parents really did take it out on her? What if she was right?

A hand pressed into her shoulder. “I know you’ll be fine on your own, sister,” Touya encouraged, giving her a steely look. “You’ll find a way. You always have for me. For now, I’m asking you to do that one more time. Sorry for being selfish about this.”

Yumi tried to laugh as he held out a hand to help her up, but she couldn’t. He just said he was selfish. They both kind of were. That irony did little to ease her fears, however.

“I should go meet with Sanae. Her parents know, they just don’t know ours don’t.” Touya turned to walk away, and gave some parting words while glancing over his shoulder. “I’ll email you when I can. Bye.”

Goodbye. A pit rose in her stomach as a realization finally set in. As twins, Yumi and Touya grew up together. Until Sanae entered the picture, they were inseparable. They liked the same things, they watched the same things, and wherever one of them went, the other followed. He knew everything about her, and she knew everything about him. That was why Yumi was so surprised at herself for not seeing this sooner. Her brother was as worried about this journey as she was. He was acting too tough.

For now, Yumi could only watch helplessly as her brother left her, maybe for the last time. There was still a chance to turn this around. She could save Touya from this ill-conceived journey if she went and called their parents. If she did that, things between them would never be the same. If she let him go, the rest of her family would never see her the same way. Tonight, one way or another, her life was going to change forever.

 

[System Error]

Nori marched through a beautiful snowy field that had a single tree standing tall in the middle of it. He was dressed for the weather: thick gray jacket, black boots, and his least-ripped pair of blue jeans. The harsh air prickled his exposed hands and face, but it was nothing that anyone native to the region could not handle.

As he walked, a nagging sensation pulled at his mind. It was like something was telling him that there was something wrong. That something wasn’t there that should have been there. Nori looked around to see what it might be. That’s when he realized.

Meandering near the tree was someone just a little shorter than him, with messy purple hair that reached to his neck. His aster-colored jacket and bright red snow pants stuck out, especially in this world of white. His heart racing, Nori hurried over.

“Lux, is everything okay?” he asked. Did he say or do something wrong? He knew Lux’s mom had it out for him. It could be that, too.

“It’s just…” Lux stopped walking and spoke with a shaky voice. His indigo eyes were as dull as the clouds above. He groaned. “…I don’t deserve a friend like you. You do everything for me, and I can’t do anything for you. I know you said you don’t mind being friends, but…”

Nori couldn’t count the number of times Lux had stressed over this. Nori was without a doubt one of the popular kids. Yet he was choosing to hang out with Lux. A lot of people thought of Lux as weird or awkward. They thought he was friends with him out of pity. But it wasn’t true!

“I don’t mind. I’ve never minded,” he firmly replied. He tried his best to be soothing, even though he couldn’t help but express his passion. “I know it doesn’t seem like you’ve done a lot for me, but trust me. You have.”

“But…I’m unpopular, and–”

“Popularity isn’t everything,” he interrupted. “I’d throw away mine in a heartbeat if it was between that and being right. And I know how others treat you isn’t right.”

A silence drew over the two. At first, Nori was again afraid that he’d said something wrong. Eventually, the purple-haired boy looked up at him, his eyes starting to water. His face was soft, his features delicate, his lips full. “I want us to be closer…” Lux suddenly hesitated, his face flushing. “Um, as friends.”

Nori’s heart raced at his words. On the clarification, he droned, “Oh uh, me too.”

With a happy smile, Lux stepped forward and embraced him with a contented sigh. They hugged a lot, but this was different, and more intimate than usual. His friend pressed his whole body against him, holding him with a very light grip. Nori reciprocated with one arm by reflex, but the other quivered out at his side.

“Um, L-Lux?” Nori stammered, as he felt all the blood rushing to his face too. “Sh-shouldn’t we get going?”

His friend looked up at him with a smile, but did not release him. Nori stared into his friend’s half-closed irises. Their faces were practically touching. They were so close to each other.

They didn’t speak words. None were necessary. Nori shut his eyes and moved his head towards Lux’s.

As he met Lux’s soft lips with his own, Nori suddenly couldn’t breathe! But in a good way! It felt right! No, better than that. His entire body tingled as a spark of euphoria shot through his spine. He wrapped his other arm around Lux, squeezing him even closer. Centimeters, if not millimeters away.

How long did it last? Three seconds? Half of one? A minute? Even longer? However long it really did, it felt like one blissful eternity. When it finally did end, they were left staring at each other like before. But when he looked at Lux now, it felt different. They smiled as the fog of their breathless gasps danced together in the winter air.

“I love you,” Lux whispered into his ear. Nori beamed as warmth spread throughout his body. The purple-haired boy’s legs quivered against his own, like either of them might fall over.

They nestled into each other tightly, resting their cheeks against each other. Before this, Nori was afraid of anyone seeing them hugging. Now? He didn’t care if anyone saw anything.

~~~~~~~~~~~~​

Nori awoke with a start, his heartbeat racing from the intimacy in the dream. Why was he dreaming about kissing Lux at a time like this?! Well. Now that he knew Lux’s feelings for sure, Nori could say that he didn’t hate the thought. He liked Lux, maybe even like that. But it was as much of a dream as that just now.

Maybe, he thought, it was this one incident. He was on a class trip back in February, and he’d been goaded into going down a huge waterslide. It was fun! Like he was soaring through the air! Until he remembered what was at the bottom. He hardly remembered what happened next, being told after that he hit his head on the diving board when trying to get up and Lux helped pull him out.

Lux visited him in the hospital. Nori told him why. He was the only person he’d ever told. About how his phobia came to be. He wasn’t sure why. But Lux didn’t judge. He just consoled him. They hugged and held each other like they often did. It might’ve been for seconds. It might’ve been for hours. Only the nurse walking in broke it up.

Or maybe, he thought, it was back then in that field. He dismissed it at the time, he played it cool but was panicking, but he should’ve seen it just with that hug and that look. Maybe if he did, it could’ve ended up like in the dream. That was on the same day when everything changed for the worse. It could’ve changed for the better. If only it wasn’t for Lux’s stupid mom keeping them away. Well. Things might not have necessarily worked out anyway because of her and others. But at least they’d have had something. He didn’t know. He just didn’t know.

Nori looked up. It wasn’t even dawn yet. And he doubted he would get back to sleep after that. He double-checked the clock. 6:03am.

“Nothing to do but do it, Nori,” he whispered to himself as he sat up. May as well start making preparations. He wasn’t sure how much of it would mean anything in the moment, but it was one way to keep his mind off thoughts, good and bad.

##########​

When the final bell rang out on Friday, it was both a relief and a dread for Nori. He was about to step into…a place around a pool. He had been doing everything he could to prepare himself mentally. None of it was working, and he doubted any of it that did would when he actually got there anyway. At least the wait was over. It would soon be time to put this all behind him.

He waited for the rush to clear out, speaking with a few classmates until then. After a few minutes, he went to the clubroom. Locked. No one was there. His heart sank a little. All he could do was head to his locker, grab his skateboard, let Pachi out, and set off. He made one final check, but no one he thought would be there was around.

His destination was several blocks away. He was unsure how long it took him to get there. Nori soon arrived at where the battle was to take place.

The construction was solid and square, almost seeming to leer down at everything with overbearing seriousness. It had a white roof and black walls with yellow stripes, sort of like a pastiche of an Ultra Ball. On the street outside was a tall sign in the shape of a hand grasping a mallet with a Poke Ball embedded in the center of the head. It was as if it was being raised to the sky. The name of the place was both on the structure outside and on a golden plaque embroidered on the front entrance.

Mynwest Court was named as such because it was a place where trainers’ battling skills were judged by their peers. Although there were some training facilities, it had a reputation of being where serious trainers seeking serious opponents went. It was popular as a place to hone one’s skills or keep them sharp, especially with those who weren’t traveling. Of course, travelers regularly stopped in. They had a variety of battlefields. There were plain ones and there were more esoteric ones; basically anything they could get away with from a safety standpoint. It had everything from private rooms to open miniature stadiums that could seat a few hundred. If the environmental conditions for a battle were reasonable, chances are, you could have it in a Mynwest.

While Nori did occasionally visit their competitors, he never went to a Mynwest unless asked. The first time he went – to spar with someone and talk strategy for a mutual future opponent – he had so many people trying to challenge him that he had to put a hard limit on it. And one of the ones he turned down went to Sunyshore Gym to fight him anyway! It was just a difference of culture and opinion, he supposed. Nori always found the idea of being a trainer hopeful at best. It was part of the reason why he didn’t want to join the battling team.

But now here he was, standing before a Mynwest Court, about to have a serious battle in one against a member of the battling team. He was no stranger to performing in front of crowds, or being embarrassed in front of them like he probably was going to be.

With that thought, he repeated to himself aloud what he had been saying for the past few days. “It’s okay, Nori. You’ll win.”

Pachi looked up at him, eyes blank and mouth slightly open. The little white squirrel tilted his head and made a squeak.

Nori wasn’t sure where it was coming from. But he made a guess. “I’ll be fine, Pachi,” he replied. “Nothing to do but do it.”

His Pokemon reluctantly nodded. Nori wasn’t deluding himself into believing the environment wouldn’t be the hardest part of this, so it was no surprise his Pokemon saw through the act. But he just needed to get past today. There really was nothing to do but do it!

“Let’s head inside,” he directed.

Nori had been inside a Mynwest Court on a couple of occasions in the past. As one stupid moron put it, when you went to a Mynwest, it was to battle (or watch battles). The franchise and its customers took themselves very seriously, which was part of why he didn’t like the place. At least from that prior experience, he knew a little of what to expect.

The lobby was simple and streamlined. There were three clerks working at the front desk and a large number of machines lining the side walls. Someone looking to go to Mynwest could either rent rooms for a certain period of time, or buy day passes to use the facilities as wanted or needed with no limit until closing hours. Otherwise, it was just some vending machines and monitors showing some planned battles; his was indeed listed up there. From the looks of it, the place was packed with people looking to buy an observer pass to see him and Emi fight.

“Ugh, too many lines!” he fussed with a stomp of his left foot. He just wanted to get this done and over with, not spend forever dreading it!

His outburst drew the attention of the people at the back. Some of their eyes lit up with recognition. A dark-skinned woman spoke to him. “Oh, competitors don’t have to wait.” She gestured to the halls. “Just go on ahead and show them your trainer ID at the door, and they’ll show you to your spot.”

“Oh. Thanks.” Nori rubbed the nape of his neck. He still had a lot to learn about this place. No one laughed at him over it too, so that helped. No, just the opposite, many of them cheered him on.

“You can do it, Demon Tamer!”

“Good luck!”

“Would you, ah, like me to introduce you to my daughter?”

He still had fans. Nori frowned and lowered his head, very unsure how to feel about that. Were they sticking with him out of blind faith? Or were they seeing through all this in a way others were not? It would’ve been nice to know this sooner!

One thing was certain. He didn’t need any more pressure, but somehow found it. Nori raised his elbows and clenched his fists in front of him. He only hoped that they weren’t going to be too disappointed by his performance. Because he had absolutely no faith in his ability to function here.

“Just…focus on yourself!” Nori mumbled under his breath. “Think about…anything but that.” While he was used to speaking and battling in public, this was the first time he knew there were a lot rooting for him. He just had to push them to the back of his mind until it was time. “Nothing to do but do it,” he said under his breath. He was so close now! Hopefully this worked. This wasn’t about what people thought of him. It was what they thought about Qwilfish. He just needed to hold it together. And after that…

He suddenly wished that Lux was here. That was probably why he dreamt about him. Nori was sure Lux would rush over instantly if he could. He gripped his shoulders. If only. Too bad Lux’s stupid mom made him move without even getting a chance to say goodbye.

He dragged over to the podium-like object near the left hallway. A young adult with flowing purple hair was watching over the hall. A leather gate like the ones you would see at a celebrity event stood in front of the hall. A contrast to the observers’ halls which had an electronic one where people scanned their tickets and passes.

“Demon Tamer,” she greeted with a brisk nod. “You’ll be battling on the central water field today.”

“I know…” he shuddered. A stark reminder of what he was about to go through.

“The battle is scheduled for four in the afternoon. Would you like a room to practice and plan strategy in beforehand?”

“No thanks,” he waved off without really thinking about it. Even when it hit him, he was sure he had made the right decision. The less time he was near water, the better. But he was curious. “Um, is that a privilege?”

A nod. “For trainers using one of the larger arenas.”

“I guess that makes sense. But hey, um.” He rolled an ankle and turned away, rubbing a cheek. “My friend offered to stand by my side. Can she…?” Anyone would do. Not that he knew where Yumi was. He had tried to find her after school, but she wasn’t in the clubroom or anything. Having anyone with him would help. And she definitely liked him and would be there, just like Lux would.

The receptionist shook her head. “Non-participating individuals are only allowed on battlefields for medical reasons or if previously agreed upon by all participants. This is because they could act as coaches.”

Damn it. He knew these people were too serious here. “I thought I’d make sure,” he said. Not that Emi would agree. Even though this really could be argued as a medical purpose! Even though Yumi absolutely would yell at them until they agreed, wherever she was. Where was she? Did this have something to do with what was bothering her? Did her stupid parents change their mind? Or…was she lying…?

“You’ll be in the blue corridor. Are you all right with finding it yourself?”

“Yes.” Maybe going on his own would help distract himself a little.

“Then you can go on ahead.” She unhooked the blockade and held it open. “Good luck.”

He silently nodded as he set out into the lonely corridors. Just had to read the signs. This was all the easy part. “It’s all for Qwilfish,” he reiterated to himself, before repeating his mantra as if it were a plea. “Nothing to do but do it. Nothing to do but do it. Nothing to do but do it…”

 

[System Error]

Being inside of her orb was comforting.

Even though the sea around her was artificial, it still felt like she was damp. No, it’s better to say she could only be calm while being in her orb these days. Almost every moment outside of it was one she lived in fear of what that Nori person or his PoMoPo were going to do next. Even with that Kannagi Priestess’ assurance, she wasn’t so sure!

She recalled her first meeting with Elle. It was late summer and came out of nowhere. One moment, she was off on a solo hunt as a rite of passage. The next, she was in the mouth of a diving bird. At first, she thought it was a predator, come to eat her. She started shooting out spines while squealing as loudly as she could. Then she found herself spit out on the ground.

Wheeze. She had never been out of the water like this before. She could only wiggle and flop. But she caught something in her sight, a HuHuNa teenager there with a blue bird with white on its chest.

“Beaky,” the HuHuNa had said. “{Make and throw mud.}”

She had only ever heard HuHuNa chatter, so understanding the words was new to her. There was no chance to process it, and what could she do there anyway? She found herself blinded and unable to see.

All she could do was puff up and try to hit something. With a wail, she unleashed her best Barb Barrage. She didn’t know if it hit them, but it had to have hit something!

“{Observation of power.} {Urging to hurry and finish this.} {Aqua Cutter!}”

She readied herself. No, she would NOT go down here! If this stupid thing was coming to cut her, she was ready to stab it!

But instead of the bird, a blade of water slammed into her from behind. She cried out as she was sent tumbling away, her vision clearing just enough to see her fate: she was headed straight for a tree.

Pain. Everything became a blur. She couldn’t tell which way was up. But she had to escape. She tried to roll with all her might.

“{Noting that is enough.} {Calling a ball to go.}”

Suddenly, she found herself sucked into a prison. It was like something was restraining her, and claiming it was going to be okay. But it wasn’t okay! Nothing could be okay about this! She struggled with everything she had, yet simply did not have the strength to break free.

She had been captured.

---​

It was as though some sort of ancestral memory awakened in her. Her elders had not taught her much about HuHuNa. Yet she somehow knew much about them and their ways after entering the capsule.

Fate dangled her by her fins, with many questions in her mind. What was this HuHuNa like? What did they want with her? What if they wanted her for food?! At least with a predator, it would have been over quick. But as it stood, she could only wait with dread.

She was not sure how much time passed before she found herself out of the water again. It was some sort of small pond. No chance of escape. The HuHuNa was looking down at her. She had an intensity about her that made her shrink back. But unlike with her current captor, the mood was at least calm.

“{Formal introduction.} {I am Elle.}” It took her a moment to process this. Like before, she did not know what was being said, yet somehow understood. It was awkward, but the more the HuHuNa spoke to her, the more natural it became. “{How are you?}”

“Terrible!” she whined, puffing up with anger. Maybe if she made it clear she wasn’t interested in being with a HuHuNa, they’d respect that! “You took me away from all my friends! Where am I? What do you want with me?!”

“{Casual assurance it’s okay.}” Elle assured, putting her hands out. “{Halfhearted apology.} {Respectful acknowledgment of her having a lot of energy.} {Musing that she didn’t choose wrong.}”

“What do you mean you didn’t choose wrong?! Why me?” she screeched.

It was only when Elle subsequently explained did she come to fully understand. She had gone on a field trip with her class. Some students like her were excited to get the chance to see PoMoPo not native to their land. Some wanted to use the opportunity to capture some, just like that bird. Elle was one such individual, who wanted to be a strong trainer someday.

One thing was obvious: she had been dragged far from home. Even if she could somehow tell this HuHuNa everything, there was no way she was getting back to it.

Elle seemingly took her defeatism as acceptance. “{Wanting to give a nickname.}”

A nickname. Yes, that was one of the things that came into her mind after her capture. It was a HuHuNa tradition, and was why PoMoPo did not give themselves proper names. There were titles like FuRuNa – or Furenad, or friend – but that was the extent of it.

“Spike,” she said. “{It sounds tough, and you’re spiky and tough.}”

---​

Truth was, she hated the name right from the start. The only way it could’ve been worse would be Fish or something. But Elle stuck with it anyway. Not like she could tell her.

Before her capture, her days were as predictable as the tide. She would wake at the sun’s first light with the rest of her school. They would leave their burrow and swim around and talk. A short time after, they would hunt. Sometimes the ReDaRaNa would do it alone. Other times they were brought along. They said she was good at it. After the hunt, they ate. Then they played. Sometimes they sparred. Again, they said she was good at it. They were taught survival things and other life stuff. They talked to other PoMoPo. The most excitement they would get would be predators coming by. While they were much too poisonous for most to even touch,, they shielded the other PoMoPo, and they helped them in turn.

With Elle, all certainty was out the window. She spent most of the day in her ball. While she had a certain degree of awareness of the world outside, she could never anticipate being called out or why. Food came daily, but rarely at the same time. It was like Elle herself never ate right herself. Sometimes she met Elle’s other PoMoPo. Oftentimes it was to practice and get stronger. And she was strong. But that wasn’t the problem.

Even back then, she had trouble being out of water. Who wouldn’t?! She was never out of it in her life! The first time was when Elle expected her to fight someone the same age around a day after their introduction. It was in a field somewhere. She could barely move, let alone properly defend herself. At least she was spared getting hurt. A lot of people and PoMoPo laughed. Elle was mad, she could tell.

The days from then on were harsh. When she was in water, she was fine. But when she was out of it – and Elle had her out of it a lot – nothing was right. Elle wanted her to work out of water; actually, she said she needed her to. Her instructions were crazy. For example, the first thing she said was to just roll around. How was she supposed to do that without getting dizzy?! She knew it could be done, but the ReDaRaNa never taught her before her capture and Elle wasn’t helping! That Beaky and Elle’s other PoMoPo tried to encourage her. At least they were nice.

This went on for who knows how long. The pace thankfully slowed after some time. Then, one day – the only way she knew it had been long enough for the season to change was by the leaves floating around her – she found herself in the water again. But something felt different. The ancestral memory within was saying she was free. Why?

Elle was there before her. She was not sure what to think of her appearance. Elle looked sad, but was otherwise standing tall.

Her former trainer began with an, “{Apology.}” She said that she misjudged things and somehow now only realized how much trouble it would be to train her out of water. It seemed earnest. Elle then said something about having to go with…some words she didn’t really get…after all. Then she said words that momentarily gave her hope. “{Statement she can be with her fellow PoMoPo here.}”

She looked around. This was not home, she could tell just from the temperature of the water. It was some sort of inlet or bay. There were wooden bridges in the water with a bigger one overhead. There were trees, but nowhere near her.

“{Apology and thanking for trying.} {Wishes for a good life.}”

While she was wary of Elle, she also didn’t hate her. She thought it had to be a joke or some sort of HuHuNa way of training. So she waited. The sun fell three times, then it rose three times. It was clear by then that Elle wasn’t coming back.

Why couldn’t she have brought her to her real home instead of here? The locals, though they looked similar to her, were not welcoming. They called her bad and evil and all sorts of things. When a lot swam in from the ocean that fateful day, still none of them wanted anything to do with her. Everything she ate those three days was either given to her out of pity by another PoMoPo or painstakingly hunted herself. She had no friends, no one who wanted to talk or be with her. It was a miracle she was never attacked, really. She had a lot of time to think, and it was only when she was caught for a second time that she came to a conclusion.

Elle couldn’t be bothered to care for her.

##########​

She was captured again by a woman who hated her. That pure look of disgust that HuHuNa gave the one time she was out made her think she was about to die. Then she was passed to Nori, someone almost as unpredictable as Elle except also the type to act without thinking. That Prema person was nice and vouched for him, but she had trouble seeing it. She claimed to be a KaNaGi. Whether she was one of them or not, she was very nice. Way nicer than anyone she met. Why couldn’t it have been Prema who had her? Did the PoMoPoKaNiTu hate her?

Other PoMoPo hated her, including Nori’s others. A lot of HuHuNa hated her. That was why they were here today. Nori wanted her to battle someone who hated her. Someone who wanted to hurt her. Why? Why wasn’t he protecting her from this person? What if he got her badly hurt or killed?

She had a sense for the time, and the time had come. She went from his pocket into the light, and then out of the orb. Into water! Precious water! There were walls all around and what looked like a weird-shaped bridge over top, but that didn’t matter. She had little time to swim around and soak in and enjoy the freedom of movement, however. There was a presence…no. Hatred from all around. She looked over the surface. Hundreds upon hundreds of HuHuNa were surrounding her from above. They were yelling and screaming. Then she turned and saw herself. That was her, on some sort of thing up above. Like a reflection of some kind.

There was a cry from behind her. She turned and saw him, her owner. Every time she looked at Nori, she felt fear rush through her. What was next, she found herself asking every time? Grass, dirt, cement, puddles, fountains, little tight pools. And that was just where he sent her. If he got impatient like Elle, what would he do? He felt like a neighbor who would eat her if needed. Not exactly that, but he gave the same aura. So she found herself at a loss of what to think when she saw him completely filled with fear himself.

Two calls sounded out, both female. One from some older HuHuNa who shouted some instructions, followed by another from a younger one. Then came a splash. She turned and saw her opponent. She swam back, shivering.

A slate-blue fish with two round fins and two sharp dorsal fins. Beneath the empty gray eyes on the long snout was a mouth of sharp teeth. But the most striking feature was the tail. It was made of interlocking links with what looked like a boat anchor tied to the end.

This was a predator. A foe to be avoided except in large groups. The fact that this was not formally to the death was of no comfort. That didn’t mean it wouldn’t be. After all, the HuHuNa who he served hated her. What if they made it like an accident? What if they killed her anyway?!

The older HuHuNa on the field raised some colored objects in her hands. But before she could, Nori shouted a, “{Wait!}”

There was a pause. Their opponent moved her arm. “{Acceptance.} {Stating she wants no excuses.}”

With this, Nori shuffled forward or at least made the motions to. “{Uneasy greeting,}” he said, voice shuddering. “{Admitting he doesn’t know if he can help.} {Saying he will try.} {Saying he can’t say he will for sure.} {Apology.} {Asking her to try on her own.} {Begging.} {Apology, apology.}”

She puffed up. In one way, this was scarier than anything Nori had done up until now.

He said nothing for a while. The older HuHuNa raised and lowered part of her leg. “{Asking if he is finished.}”

“{Yes.}”

There came a hostile growl, almost a laugh. She turned to face the predator. “Miss Emi wants you to HURT!” the shark said in a boisterous yet young voice. She chomped in her direction, making her flinch. “And so do I! I’m the hero today!”

“I…” It was true. She was facing something that wanted to kill her! She squinted and puffed herself up. “I won’t…I can’t die!”

“You should’ve, HuHuPoDoRa!” Human killer. She wanted to explain. But the female HuHuNa shouted, one after another, and the shark charged.

“{Qwilfish, Minimize…}”

A pulse ran through her lateral line. Nori had said something. By all means it should have been gibberish, but she somehow knew what it meant. And it sounded smart right now! She focused her body muscles, contracting herself as much as she could. She panicked and rolled aside as the shark flipped over in the water and swung her tail. But it missed! It went way wide!

She swam deeper down, looking for a way out or at least a better position. Solid vertical walls on all four sides that just had lamps. Nothing at the bottom, either: there were some tunnels behind horizontal columns, but they were much too small to squeeze through, no matter how much she shrank herself. The only possible escape was up! Out of the water!

The HuHuNa opponent spoke. “{Stating they have to make hits count.} {Instructions to screech at the thing.}”

A thing. That HuHuNa didn’t even think her sentient. The shriek from the shark barely reached her. Her trainer’s words hurt more than they ever could.

“{Telling ‘Anchorage’ to shoot her anchor.}”

An anchor shot. Was that shark going to throw that thing at her!? She started swimming. She was sent into a spin and a stop as part of it just clipped her. She was left facing it.

“{Hostile laughter.} {Telling ‘Anchorage’ to swing brutally.}”

The predator was coming for her, laughing madly. No, she had to start fighting back! She did so by inhaling and spitting as many bubbles as she could. The predator ran right into them, growling as she tried to force her way through the beam. More words from above. The shark whirled recklessly as she got close. Squeaking in panic, she backed away. Displaced current flowed into her face; it passed right in front of her eyes.

She had to get away! She had to get some distance at the very least! The ReDaRaNa always taught her to use speed to escape a slow predator. So she swam as fast as she could. For a moment, she even thought of escaping to land. She might not do well there, sure. But that shark wouldn’t, either!

“{Confused statement.}” She had a brief reprieve. The shark left her alone. Until her owner said, “{Brine!}”

A blast of pressurized water hit her from behind. It stood out because it had a salty consistency; the water here was clean though filled with a weird smelly substance.

“You can’t escape!” the so-called Anchorage screamed. “It’s time for PUNISHMENT!”

She slowly turned, shaking all the while. It was mostly her fears, but there was a part of her that was angry. If anything was a thing, it was this shark. She pouted her lips and tilted downward. It was all a facade, but no one had to know that.

“Leave me alone!” she screamed. Her body expanded. She was putting her all into this! She was the best young one at using it in the colony. She focused, letting all of her poison flow into the tips of her barbs. She contracted with a roar and launched the barrage forward.

They were moving too fast. There was no chance that thing with its heavy anchor could dodge it! She knew that, and simply got her tail up in defense until they crashed into her. Each one…barely did anything?! Some harmlessly crashed against the metal anchor. Others hit, but may as well have been bouncing off. None pierced the shark’s skin, and it sure didn’t look like she got poisoned, either.

Some of the HuHuNa and even the shark laughed. But she felt only despair. That was her best attack! And it barely did anything! Now what was she supposed to do?! She didn’t want to die! What could she even do?!

“{Stating that poison won’t work.}” came Nori’s voice at last. It was about time! He was leaving her out here on her own! He was supposed to be her trainer! He was supposed to be the smart one! She waited, everyone waited for her orders. “{Use…}” He paused. “{Some dark move.}”

More laughter, more despair. Some dark move? What did that even mean?! She had no time to think, because the shark came charging at her. Not knowing what else to do, she lowered her spikes, shut her eyes, and threw her entire body at her crazed attacker.

It was a last resort. Surprise with a tackle, then bite back. She didn’t even get that far. A sharp pain shot through her as the anchor bashed into her from above. She couldn’t even catch her breath before she was ensnared by its length and hit again.

Everything became a spinning blur. She was no longer in control of herself. The sensation stopped when she crashed into the side, replaced with more pain. Now the surface was looking good. It couldn’t be worse than being in here. But no matter how much she strained, her body wouldn’t listen!

“{Saying to finish.} {Meteor Mash!}”

The shark was coming again at her owner’s order. No way out. There was just one thing left to try. She forced herself upright. “Stop! I give up!” she pleaded through her gasps. She deflated and looked upward as a sign of surrender. “I can’t do this! I don’t want to fight anymore!”

“Well, I do!” the anchored predator screamed as she mercilessly whirled around, enveloped in gray energy. “This is justice, HuHuPoDoRa!”

The metal tail of the shark slammed into her one final time, with far greater force than before. Sheer agony pulsed through her every pore as her vision began to darken. Her body would not respond to her brain. It was just like before. The world darkened around her. Nori…had sent her out….he left her to be beaten. Her world…she was trapped in darkness…

##########​

“Qwilfish is unable to battle!”

The roar of the crowd assaulted Nori’s ears. Maybe it was the room, but it was the loudest cheer he had ever heard from an audience, and that included all his time in Sunyshore Gym. Small wonder. For all the support he still had, Qwilfish was still public enemy number one. Even Emi seemed to think of her as an object rather than a living thing.

Nori opened his eyes a little, just briefly enough to spot where Qwilfish was floating and aim the ball to recall her. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I-I really am,” he whispered, even though she definitely couldn’t hear. It took him five tries; his arm was shaking so much. His entire body was shaking. “Pachi,” he motioned.

His Pokemon likely moved into position. Nori was more lucid than he was before, but his thoughts were still consumed by anything but the battle. This was not something he wanted to go through ever again. He thought he’d be fine and get (relatively) used to it after a bit like he did the one time someone tried to abuse his phobia. That didn’t happen. But it didn’t matter. It would all be over soon. He just hoped Qwilfish could forgive him for this.

When he was little, he went on a cruise his mom won in a contest. He wasn’t sure how it happened. But he ended up in the water. He would’ve died if it hadn’t been for some random wild Pokemon that saved him. He didn’t know what it was or why it did. Back in February, it nearly happened again at a water park. Again, he would have died. This time, it was Lux who saved him. Then, in May…again. The memories kept replaying in his mind, over and over and over.

What if he slipped again? What if he fell, hit his head on the side of the pool, and no one did anything?! What if–

“No! Stop! Can’t take more. I’m sorry, I really am!” he cried out instinctively. “I just, I can’t focus properly after all. Sorry, everyone.” He yelped as his legs crumpled. The breaths came hard and fast as they found solid ground. “I-I can’t do this.”

Nori shut his eyes tight and covered his face with his arms. He was pretty sure Emi yelled a complaint or told him off or something, but the words didn’t register. He nearly jumped as he felt a furry paw on one side of him. The audience seemed more confused than anything.

At least, the presiding judge got it right away. “Demon Tamer, are you saying that you wish to forfeit this battle?”

“Yes. Yes! I’m sorry. I just can’t.” He hated this. But he couldn’t even think, and Qwilfish just got knocked out! That was too much. “Too much…can’t function…”

The judge gave a firm nod. Or a nod of some kind. Her voice was all-business in any case. “Then the winner by forfeit, Emi Pikaru!”

What should’ve been a joyous occasion for her and half the audience was instead reduced to a pitiful celebration, if one could even call it that. There was some clapping, sure, but it was stilted and scattered rather than celebrating a triumph over someone at least half the people here had to have hated.

“You have GOT to be fucking kidding–”

“I know! I’m sorry! It’s more than I thought! I’m sorry, I know!” He pressed his arms against his chest to contain his erratic breathing. To her credit, she let him be without laughing or anything like some of the crowd was. “I just have a question to ask.”

“What?” Emi barked.

He wiped his eyes, then his hands on his jeans. He put a foot on the floor. Then a hand. He pushed. Other foot on the ground. Stand up. He turned. It felt like he was moving through water. He turned and stared directly at Emi. Just at her, no one else, nothing, nothing else. This was it. Moment of truth time. Deep breath in and out. Relax.

“Focus, Nori,” he whispered before speaking loudly, “I have a question. Does Qwilfish look like a murderer to you?” He shut his eyes right after. Stay calm. Don’t even think about it. Don’t even smell.

“Of course not!” Emi threw up her arms and shrugged while shaking her head. “It’s not like it ever killed anyone. Oh, wait.”

He waited for the audience’s laughter to die down, even though he didn’t see the humor in it. “Let me put it another way, then,” he said, brushing strands of hair behind his ears. “Does Qwilfish look like a dangerous Pokemon to you?”

He squinted just enough to see her body language. Emi scowled and appeared ready to make another smarmy remark, only to pause as it hit her. “You know looks can be deceiving…” she managed to get out. “You know that, you bastard!”

Nori shut his eyes fully again and put a hand on his hip. Emi realized why he had accepted her challenge, and why he forfeited as soon as he could. Well, he was hoping he could endure the water longer and beat the rest of her Pokemon, but forfeiting was something he was prepared to do. And had to do.

“Well, let me ask you guys the next logical question,” he addressed the audience, unable to contain the beam enveloping his entire visage. The sight of the water only made him momentarily pause, and didn’t affect his mood. “Having seen her just now without me being a factor, do you think Qwilfish might reoffend?”

The murmurs were quiet and uncomfortable. That was when Nori knew that he had truly won this battle. He had hundreds of witnesses to Qwilfish’s successful ‘rehabilitation.’ It started as a lull: faint applause from a few scattered individuals. Others followed suit, and it spread like a contagion. Soon, just about everyone who was watching was clapping or even lightly cheering in genuine respect. It was more than what Emi got for the announcement that she had won by forfeit, and her twitching lip revealed feelings on the matter.

“Thank you for this,” he said to Emi with utter sincerity, even bowing a little. He wasn’t sure if he could’ve saved Qwilfish without her. There were always going to be people calling for her blood, but that couldn’t be helped. What mattered was that most saw Qwilfish for who she truly was. “And sorry,” he added.

Emi fired off a hellish glare. He knew she’d probably react that way, even if he wasn’t intending to upset her. “You’re welcome. And well played,” she admitted through gritted teeth before spinning on her heels and walking off, muttering to herself.

Nori had no time to bask in the glory. The scent of the pool stung his nostrils; water was sloshing all around him. What if he slipped on the wet ground?! His knees nearly buckled thinking about it. “Okay, gotta go!” he yelped. He almost ran off, before straightening and masking his fear until he was out of sight.

It was done, it was over. He won. Now all he had to do was hope Qwilfish could forgive him. If there was even a hope of that…

Spoiler: Quick note

Anchorage is Ikari, the Spaceworld betamon. Name wrote itself because Ikari is a pun on Anchor + Rage.

 

[System Error]

The battle had concluded in a way that had satisfied very few people. Chad and his teammates were, for the most part, left unsure of what to make of what transpired. The sole exception was the one who had been the most invested in this battle. Emi left without a saying word. It was the first time – and likely the last time – Chad saw the winner of a battle walk out looking like the loser, and vice versa. Still, one might ask: was she really the winner?

Chad hurried out of the crowd the moment he saw that. Some of the club stayed behind, others followed suit. Aki languidly followed him. But he was the first one to reach the slouched Emi in the lobby.

“Emi, I–” he started, only to freeze up. What was he supposed to say here? What could he say to make her feel better?

She glanced over her shoulder but did not stop. “I’m going home,” she droned before pushing open the door and heading outside. Chad did not follow.

His intuition had turned out to be correct and both of them knew it. Chad slapped his forehead as it finally sank in. How did he not see this coming?! A public battle was the perfect place to show a Pokemon to the world. Chad had no qualms about the outcome. To be honest, he doubted Qwilfish was as troublesome as some were making her out to be. It was how they reached that point that weighed on him.

Emi had walked in with intent to punish that Qwilfish, and while she had done that, she had also unwittingly played a role in saving her. Nori had used her! It was as much a painful realization for Chad as it was for Emi.

##########​

Nori went stumbling out of the arena and into the hallway, laughing and sobbing all the while. He collapsed to the ground, embracing his knees and burying his face in them while sniveling powerfully. He never wanted to go through anything like that ever again. But it worked! He didn’t want to think about what would have happened if it hadn’t worked. But he didn’t have to worry. His dumb, rash plan had worked out.

How long was he curled up there for? It couldn’t have been more than five minutes at most. There were several points when Nori thought he heard a voice or two calling for him, but he ignored them. It was only when a familiar “Sir!” rang out that he looked up and took notice.

A scruffy-looking man in a trenchcoat was standing near him. He took a half step closer. Agent Studd repeated, “I said are you all right, sir?”

Nori slowly unfurled his legs and put down his arms into a sitting position. He wasn’t. What he wanted to do was go home, sit in his bed, and try to sleep. “I’ll be okay,” he sighed truthfully, wiping his eyes. He sniveled more. “Got a tissue?”

“No?” Studd glanced away awkwardly, only to look in the direction of the restroom. “Aha! That would work!”

Nori heard him burst in, slap the toilet paper roll, and rip off some sheet. He was in and out in seconds, and before he knew it, he was standing over him with a bunch in hand. Nori snatched it up and blew into it harshly, mucus bursting from his nostrils like a gushing berry. He turned the rag around to do it two more times. That got most of it out.

Agent Studd was still standing there. Nori tried to reach for his hand to be helped up, but the man pulled away and took several steps back. The boy instead used the wall. His legs buckled. He had to lean against it to keep from collapsing altogether. This sucked. His nose was clear and it was still hard to breathe.

It took a minute for him to catch his breath and for the pins to leave his legs. Nori pushed himself upright and stretched. “Okay,” he rasped, idly chucking the toilet paper towards a nearby wastebin. It landed on the side.

“All better?” Agent Studd asked.

“No, but good as I’ll get for now,” he admitted. He was standing straight, but rigidly.

Nori pressed his left hand to his head, draping it over an eye and part of his forehead. His arm slowly dropped as a realization set in. This was not over. There was actually one last thing he needed to do for this to have really been worth it.

“So what did you think?” he asked, before thinking to clarify what he meant. “About her, that is.” He was sure about how Agent Studd thought of his performance there.

It took him a moment to process the question; before then, he stood with a blank stare. “The same as before, now verified,” the agent declared. “She is very not dangerous in the eyes of myself.”

Nori nodded. He even faintly smiled, hope welling in his throat. That was good enough, wasn’t it? “So an Official, that’s you and whoever else attended, saw her and saw I rehabilitated her,” he stated with serenity. “That should be enough to pass Qwilfish, right?” Right?

Agent Studd tilted his head for a moment. He ran a hand over his hair. “Ah, I guess I see your point. I think it might have supposed to be more official than this. Having something arranged, in other terms.”

A pang hit the boy’s heart, slumping him against the wall again. He was hoping that this was going to be the end of it. That he could move on after it got confirmed. If they wanted him to go through it again, that would mean having to put up with…ugh. He wasn’t looking forward to it. And who knows how long a wait that would be?!

Those thoughts all ran through his mind in the span of a second. Agent Studd continued. “But I will report to my superior and make the case. Do not fret, sir. You are speaking to a master of excusing one’s self! I am sure they will understand!” The man stood tall with a much too wide smile, although it was actually genuine. “Um, maybe I will be enough. I saw the Gym Leader here, too.”

“Gasha Qian?” Yeah, that was one more important person. Nori was able to stand properly on hearing that. If the Officials weren’t going to pass him at that, then he would get help from Arumi and raise a stink. “That’s good.”

Before he could think on it further, a young adult in a uniform poked his head in. “Are you two done in here?!” he barked at them.

Nori fired off a glare. It may be their place, but were they that unsympathetic about this?! He didn’t have the energy to argue, however. “Fine, fine,” he grumbled. He wiped his hands on his jeans, scooped up his bag, and stomped away. As he passed by, he muttered something just loud enough to be heard. “Last time I come here if that’s how you’re treating me.”

The man made a gurgling noise. “W-we apologize, Mr. Carino, but there is another battle scheduled in this room soon. Please try to understand.”

He understood, but that didn’t mean he liked the way the guy put it. Agent Studd was right behind him as he marched into the lobby. Most of the people who had come to watch seemed to have already left, or if not, were hanging around to see other battles. There were some who came up to express their sympathies. He politely thanked them while scouring for anyone he knew. When he saw no one, he excused himself to head outside.

The cold air of a late October night was like a soothing massage. Nori inhaled deeply, letting it flow into his lungs. The darkness was equally comforting. Somehow, today had gone well. It was out of his hands for now. That would normally stress him out. When he really thought about it though, he felt fine. Was it internal confidence?

“But I must say, sir,” Agent Studd spoke up. “I was not expecting this plan. Job well done.”

With that, the burst of adrenaline from getting annoyed at the employee crashed. “Thank you,” he wheezed. It felt like he was going to fall over again, or bile was going to start flying out of his mouth, or both.

“We will meet in the usual spot on Sunday. Until then, hasta la bye-bye.” With those impulsive, if not hasty parting words, Studd skipped away while whistling a tune. Nori actually recognized it as some victory song from the virtual Pokemon journey games.

Nori held his arms over the bottom of his rib cage. He rolled his ankles. It was going to be a long walk back home from here. Were his feet going to listen? He should have asked to be driven home.

His attention was drawn to someone approaching him. The golden light under which she walked illuminated her radiantly. She wore a silvery-white coat with a regal floral pattern that would befit any kimono overtop a purple dress shirt with white frills along the collar and sleeves. A ruffled lavender skirt that extended to her ankles covered her lower body. Just as elegant as always, even when informal.

“Prema,” he greeted listlessly, although the sight of her warmed his soul. She had indeed come to watch. Two individuals were following in behind her at separate paces. He recognized Mrs. Kurusu straight away, thankfully dressed more sensibly in slick black pants and a brown leather jacket instead of her biker one. The other lagged out of sight.

“Good evening, Nori.” Prema approached with folded hands. She comforted him with a simple smile. “You did well tonight.”

“Thanks,” he replied. She was the one person he fully trusted not to judge him over any of this.

Satomi chortled. “Never seen a battle quite like that! That was quite reckless of you!” she humorously chided. “But I suppose your trust in that Qwilfish was not misplaced.”

Nori glanced away. “Yeah…” he admitted. “It was kinda stupid.”

“It was not,” Prema spoke up. “The fact that you were willing to endure this for the sake of your Pokemon speaks volumes about you as a person. It was an act of self-sacrifice that few would be willing to make. For that, on behalf of the Kannagi Shrine, I commend you.” She bowed to him, far deeper than he had ever seen her bow.

“I…” He shut his eyes and sniffed. His body lightened and his shoulders eased up. “Thank you.” He wasn’t sure why. She wasn’t the one who would have to approve of this. But hearing it from her lips somehow helped immensely.

“You are welcome, Nori.”

He never thought of it that way. But he had sort of sacrificed himself for Qwilfish. A little trauma and humiliation for her life. It was hardly a conundrum.

Nori looked up at her. There was something he was wondering about. “So you said you might have your dad watch. Did he come by? What did he think?”

“He can answer that,” Satomi chimed in before whirling to the third person. “You can come over here, Master Haruto Kannagi. He doesn’t bite!”

Nori stood to attention and tried to put on at least a neutral expression. It took a moment for the man to approach. When he did so, it was slowly with hunched shoulders, and a dropped and trembling chin. He had short dark hair and the same eye color as his daughter, a marine blue. He wore a purple hanten over a golden t-shirt, as well as sleek black dress pants.

This was their first time meeting. The boy was expecting someone more stiff or imposing. But he was slim, and actually only 170cm or so. The man appeared more forlorn than stern, at least for the moment.

“Hey, Mr. Kannagi,” the boy remarked as he looked up at him.

“So, you’re Nori Carino,” the man mused aloud. He scrutinized him up and down, though his expression did not belie his thoughts. “The Demon Tamer. Prema’s friend.”

Nori stuck out a hand. “Nice to finally meet you, I guess.”

Mr. Kannagi bobbed his head. After just staring for a moment, he gave Nori a very brief and slack handshake. “Likewise,” was his terse reply. “If you’ll excuse me. I’ll be in the car.” With this, he walked away.

Nori’s arm dropped as he watched the Master of the shrine go. While he was usually decent at reading others, he was uncertain what to make of this. Either he was good at hiding his emotions or he wasn’t feeling much of anything. He wasn’t hostile, yet he wasn’t welcoming either.

“Ah, don’t mind him,” Satomi assured, wiggling her right hand. “He’s still processing things.”

“This is not how Father normally is,” Prema added. “I am certain he will recover soon.”

“I figured as such,” he said to both of them. “A lot of people were just given a lot to think about. They probably had this image of Qwilfish as like a crazy killer like Emi did, and well, that’s anything but the case.”

“I am curious, Nori,” his friend asked. She placed one hand over the other, almost in a prayer position. “As far as I can tell, your rehabilitation of Qwilfish is a success.”

“It’s questionable if she even needed it to begin with,” Satomi snorted, crossing her arms and turning up her nose. “This whole thing was a sham.” So she thought so, too.

The green-haired teenager continued. “In any event, am I correct in my assumption that you will need to have it verified?” She leaned in with anticipation.

“You are, and I sort of did. I’ll be finding out on Sunday,” he said. “If they don’t accept today, it’ll just be a formal test.” He glanced away. “I hope it’s over now.”

Prema nodded. “I look forward to hearing of the result.”

“I’ll come by right away.”

“I will prepare tea for you, then.”

The boy couldn’t help but grin and rub his hands. If it was as good as the last cup she made for him, then he couldn’t wait to have more. Though this would be a tea for celebration rather than relaxing.

“Heh, already making plans together, I see,” the elderly priestess remarked with a grin. “But anyway, I believe we should head back to the shrine, Lady Kannagi.”

“Very well.” Prema turned to him. “Thank you again, Nori.”

“Hey, uh.” Nori hustled forward some steps. That’s right, he still had to get home. “Mind giving me a lift back? Um. He said you have a car, right?”

“Lift you?” Prema craned her head.

“He means drive him back home,” Priestess Satomi explained. After that, she turned to him with a wink and a thumbs up. “And no problemo. It’ll be a squeeze, but there’s room for five of us there.”

“Thanks.” It wouldn’t be the first time he had to cram into a car.

The three of them set out, headed for a red vehicle on the edge of the parking lot. Nori wanted to talk more with Prema, but he couldn’t think of anything to say. Judging by the way she glanced and opened her mouth only briefly, she felt the same. But maybe they didn’t have to. He was just glad he’d be able to see her again. Of all the people in his life right now, she most of all was the one he was unsure what he’d do without her.

 

[System Error]

The night after the battle, Nori had the best night’s sleep he had since early July. He thought he might have a nightmare about the pool, but it simply didn’t happen. Saturday was a day for relaxing. For Nori, that meant going out for a walk around town, just like old times. Everywhere he went, people greeted him as warmly as they did before this happened, if not even warmer. His plan had worked! It was like he was dancing on the clouds. There were only two things he had left to do.

The first of these would come on Sunday morning. As usual, it was off to the park near Stony Hills Elementary to meet with Agent Studd. For only the second time, Nori was looking forward to a check-in rather than being worried or unenthusiastic about it. He had actual stuff to report, but it was good. And more importantly, Agent Studd would have a report for him as well.

“And that’s all there is to talk about this week,” he finished with etiquette and enthusiasm, even standing on the tips of his toes for a brief moment. It was a formality that he didn’t mind making. Pawniard was starting to coexist with his other Pokemon which was progress in itself. But more poignantly, his superior was one of the hundreds of witnesses to Qwilfish on Friday.

Agent Studd finished scribbling down the details and came up a salute. “I have it written down here, sir.”

Good. With a glance over to Pachi in the fields and then to his right, he asked the follow-up question. “You got a report for me?” He held his arms in front of him, ready to pump them in triumph.

The scruffy official nodded with a grin. “That is right! And it is pleasurable to inform you of two things. One you will want to know and one you won’t.”

“Let’s hear the thing I might not want to hear first,” he said. May as well get it out of the way.

“Very well. Do not do it again.”

Beat. Nori blinked. “What?”

“Oh. I was preparing for saying the good news first.” The young official rolled his eyes. Though that did sound silly out of context. “I am speaking of your test! They will make an exception this one time for your method. Arrange it more proper in the future.”

“This one time?” The implications of that statement rose through him like warm air. “Does that mean I did it?”

“Yes, you did it, sir! Your Qwilfish is acknowledged as rehabilitated!”

His first officially rehabilitated Pokemon! Yes! Nori wasn’t sure where he was going with her most of the time, but he somehow made it through! He wanted to leap out of his seat in joy. What he ended up doing was swinging to the right and smirking at the people standing there.

“So how’s that?” he said to Louis and Mariko. They had been quietly observing the proceedings. The former wore a blank expression, and the latter had her usual scowl. Her brow furrowed even deeper at his taunt.

“Go to hell,” the redhead fired back at him.

“Mari,” Louis raised a palm and hushed her. “Well, let me be the first to congratulate you, Carino.”

Agent Studd’s face dropped; his eyes fell downward and his jaw hung slack. “H-hey, I wanted to be the first…” he pouted.

“Grow up,” Mariko dismissed, crossing her arms and tapping a foot. When Louis nudged her, she muttered, “Good job,” under her breath.

“Yes, good job! CONGRATULATIONS!” Agent Studd added hearty applause and whooping. As if to say if he couldn’t give the first plaudits, he was going to try to give the best.

Nori smiled at his two oppressors. “Thanks. And what else…?” He stared at Louis expectantly, unable to contain his smirk. This was pushing his luck, sure, but he couldn’t help it!

The cobalt-haired teenager answered with little in the way of hesitation. “We are mature enough to admit when we are wrong about something. I hope you are as well.” He adjusted his collar and gave him a grave look. “In the meantime, we apologize for our presumptions. This time.”

“Yeah, sorry,” Mariko scoffed bitterly. “But we ARE right about some things, and since you’re here,” she pointed a thumb at Agent Studd, “I’m surprised the Officials let this battle happen in the first place! It was unsanctioned, uncontrolled, and anything could’ve happened!”

He had a lot of words for her, but the agent spoke up before he could. “Hey now, missy!” He towered over her, glaring with an exaggerated air of authority. “I heard what you have done to my subordinate, and I will be having you know the Officials have no time for your Oinkolonge puke!” It was up to puke now?

“Ohhh, no.” Mariko was unwavering, stepping right up to him and returning his fierce expression in a far more natural fashion. “This is a moral problem. You’re not going to sweep this under the rug.”

“I am Agent Studd of the Officials–”

“And what kind of name is that?” she cut in. “It makes you look like an egotistical creep!”

Nori twitched his noise. The man took it like a bullet to the heart. Louis crossed his arms. “I have to agree with Mari,” he said.

“Gah. I like this name,” he fussed, pulling at strands of his hair. “No one gives my cousin hard times.”

It ran in the family?! Nori curled his lip and swallowed that comment. “Okay, even if it’s true, that was uncalled for,” he scolded, mostly addressing it at Louis. He expected better there. “Second, from what I understand, they will be addressing your concerns in due course.”

Louis nodded. “Let us hope they do so in a meaningful fashion.”

“Nori.” Another voice called out. Nori almost mistook it for Mariko at first, but when he turned to her, she only shrugged. He saw who it was easily enough, coming up the park from a black car near the curb.

“Mr. Mart–” he began to complain.

“My codename, please!” he begged.

“We need to go somewhere else for these meetings,” he practically ordered.

There was not much more time to follow up, because Mitsu was now standing before them. The teal-haired teenager quietly stared.

“Hey, Mitsu. Nice to see you,” Nori said to his clubmate.

Mitsu averted his eyes. “Wish I could say the same,” he muttered.

Nori felt a prickle on his neck. At least he wasn’t yelling, but Nori felt he owed him an explanation. “I’m sorry you feel that way. But I’m a Pokemon Rehabilitator, and I had an assignment. I couldn’t say no. I told this to Emi and Reiko and them, and I’ll say it to you now that you’ve calmed down about it.” He inhaled briefly. “I couldn’t just leave her to whatever.”

“I know. But I’m still not comfortable with it.” Mitsu sluggishly faced him. “I just thought I’d come by and tell you personally. I’m quitting the club.”

He said that, then he turned and started to leave right away. Agent Studd gasped. Even Louis and Mariko vocalized. Nori pulled himself off the bench and rushed in front of him.

“Mitsu, wait.” Mitsu did not want to wait, but Nori kept blocking him. He eventually halted. “You’re our editor. You’re great at what you do. The newsletter won’t be the same without you. Please don’t be rash about this.”

“Don’t make this harder than it already is,” came the empty reply. “I’ve given this thought, and it’s for the best.”

Nori’s nostrils flared. He jabbed a finger at him. “You aren’t thinking! Mitsu, if you do this–”

He stormed past. “I’m done. That’s final.”

“If you do this, you won’t find another club!” Nori screamed, taking a few steps to follow. “Mitsu!” But his calls went ignored. The teal-haired teenager got into the passenger side, then the car was gone.

What the hell?! Nori’s throat dried out. Adrenaline was still coursing through his limbs. Nori wanted to slap some sense into that stupid moron! What did he just do? Was he that petty about this?!

With a wail, he spun around and stormed back to the benches. He barely took notice of Pachi, who had come over to him at some point. The boy was ready to get mocked and ridiculed by those two. So he paused in his tracks when he noticed their respective frown and scowl.

“He left you out to dry,” Louis quietly remarked, shaking his head.

“What the hell’s the matter with him?” Even Mariko was sympathetic. And that was saying something.

“Can’t get over it, I guess,” he grumbled.

“Bet he’s going to come crawling back at some point.”

“I’m not planning on letting him back.”

The side of her mouth crooked upwards. The redhead snorted. Louis loosened his posture. In sync with each other, they nodded their approval.

Agent Studd was the outlier. “That is quite harsh, sir,” he remarked.

He jerked his head toward the man and made his feelings clear. “If he wants to backstab us, screw him.” Mitsu had all the time in the world to think and cool down. If he regretted the consequences of his actions, it was going to take more than begging to come back.

“All right.” Mariko leveled a little, though her tone was still sharp. “One more thing, Carino. Getting back to the problem, what are you going to do from here?”

“That is to say,” Louis interjected, “Will you be able to properly care for this Pokemon given your phobia?”

Nori’s hands went to his hips. He tapped a foot and turned his nose up. “Why are you worrying about that?” he asked.

“There is no need for hostility.” Louis held a palm up. “We are simply concerned for a Pokemon. One of the things that was made clear from that battle is that you cannot get into the mental state to give her proper exercise. Surely, the Officials are also aware of this fact.”

“Actually, they said not a thing,” Agent Studd chimed in. The YAMS duo gave him a fleeting glance, but then their gazes fell upon him.

Who did these two think they were, some nosy reporter like Akari Schrader? He cocked his head and shook it. “Go find someone else to bother,” he snapped. “I have a plan, that’s all you two need to know. Stop trying to police me.”

Louis tilted his head and smirked. “We’re sorry for wasting your time. Good luck, Carino.”

“We’ll be watching.” Mariko scrutinized him before they turned and left.

Once they were out of earshot, Nori groaned and growled. They still had it out for him from the looks of it. He sat at the picnic table, resting his head on a fist. Pachi leaped up, first onto the seats, then onto the table itself. But Nori didn’t have the energy to pat him.

“Seriously.” His expression pinched. “Can we move these meetings already?”

Agent Studd rubbed the back of his head. “Ah. Fine, we will figure out a thing.”

Nori let his arms fall onto the table. His shoulders dropped and he leaned forward, mostly out of relief. Everyone knew they met at this location weekly. Better late than never to finally start varying it up. That is, if he actually kept the promise.

“By the way, what do the officials have in mind? For their thing? If you know.” That was the last obstacle to surmount here. He had an idea himself, but…

“If I knew, I still wouldn’t have told them, sir!” Agent Studd replied, maligning the saying in a way that still incidentally made sense. “But what from my contact said, there was a meeting in Ramanas Town!”

“Ramanas?” he mused. “The only things really out there are Pal Park and the Mistutri Shrine.” The boy snorted and leaned back. Imagine getting help from Prema’s religious rivals.

“Now one for you! Skid row joe!” the scruffy man declared (and malpropered). “What do you have in mind for Qwilfish, sir? If you don’t mind me asking. It is a concern, now that they mention it.”

Nori looked up at the guy. He only figured it was going to be a problem now?! Well, he didn’t mind telling him. In fact, he sort of had to. It had been in his mind since Friday. No, maybe Thursday. There were just logistics to sort out.

His hand idly went to Pachi. He gave the squirrel some pettings. “Well…” he began.

##########​

Chad tried to call Emi three times on Saturday: in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Each time, there was no response. It only made him worry more. If he had been calling a mobile phone, it would have been understandable. But she didn’t have one, so he was calling her home phone. He thought her parents would have picked up.

When he tried again on Sunday just after 1pm, the gruff voice of Emi’s dad greeted him after three rings “Hello?”

Chad choked a little in relief. He swallowed it and steadied his voice to at least try to sound composed. “Hello, Mr. Pikaru. Is Emi there?”

“Shosha?” the man recognized. “Yeah, hold on.”

He held the phone away from his mouth as he released his joy. He was perfectly aware that he was stressing over this more than he should. On the other hand, it didn’t mean he didn’t want to anyway.

He overheard some back and forth in the receiver, but it was too faint to get any of it. Eventually, he heard a door slam shortly followed by Emi barking, “Yeah, what?”

She was still on-edge. “Hey, Emi,” he blurted.

“Really?” she snapped. “That’s what you’re greeting me with?”

Chad sitting on his bed with his cell phone. With that accusation, he laid down. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what else to say,” he apologized.

“Fine, whatever,” Emi replied. There was a pause at the other end before she punctuated, “God. Fucking. Dammit.” A crashing sound rang out, probably her hitting something.

“Emi, do you want to talk about it?” Chad offered, although he curled up slightly as he did so.

“What’s there to talk about?”

Chad froze for a few seconds. It didn’t once occur to him that Emi might not want to discuss what happened. Had this been a mistake on his behalf?

“I’m asking a question.”

It couldn’t be helped. “I suppose if you don’t want to, that’s all right too.”

He thought he heard her growling lowly, although the phone quality made it difficult to tell for sure. “I can’t believe him,” she remarked. “Yeah, I said I was ready for anything, but not that.”

Chad couldn’t help but crack a smile. She did want to talk about it after all. Typical Emi. He explained things how he saw them. “He put up with it for the sake of his Pokemon. I don’t think he quit maliciously, it was just that he couldn’t take any more.”

“I still hate it,” she cut in.

“Yes, there were others left unsatisfied.” Chad was not one of them, but several of their teammates had been looking forward to this for one reason or another. A general air of disappointment pervaded the arena afterward, even if many understood why Nori gave up. “There will be other chances to battle him.”

They had even been planning a rubber match, hadn’t they? That was what he had heard from others who had witnessed what had led to this. Chad was certain that the Pokemon Rehabilitator would be willing to go through with one under better conditions. For himself and for his opponent.

“Hey. Sorry for being so selfish lately.” Emi suddenly changing the subject made Chad prop himself up with his elbows. “I was hoping it’d be worth it at least. Just been one screw up after another with it, though.”

There it was. Chad had been thinking about what he wanted to say to her about this. He even wrote it down. So he got up and went to his desk to glance at the scrap of paper it was on. “Emi, I would say it was worth it. You gave Nori Carino a chance to redeem his Qwilfish in the public’s eyes. You were the only one willing after those two YAMS idiots did their thing. And well, I’m sure you saw the type of Pokemon she really is in that battle. I know it is not what you intended, but you ended up doing good. And I’m sure Nori appreciates it.”

“I know all that.”

When she interrupted him, he paused and his eyes widened. Comfort didn’t work?! His limbs and throat tightened. “If you’re looking for criticism,” he unsteadily spoke. What to say? “Your emotions clouded your judgment. This could’ve been avoided if…if you left well enough alone. And…” And what else? Oh, that might work. “And you shouldn’t be too surprised. You knew Nori Carino wouldn’t be able to function there.”

“Yeah, now that you mention it, winning outright wouldn’t have meant much,” Emi noted. With a forced chuckle that showed her bitterness, she added, “Damn it, he’s good. He found a way to win when he lost!”

Was that a bit of excitement in her tone? Chad exhaled as the tension inside him was cut. He was bad at coming up with speeches on the fly. But he agreed, this was not something he saw coming. He knew Nori didn’t care about others’ opinions of him. Chad could respect that. He even envied it, like with Emi. But even he thought humiliating yourself to save a Pokemon was crazy. Maybe that’s why Nori Carino was a Pokemon Rehabilitator.

Emi snickered a little, “Wonder how it would’ve gone if I listened to that gut feeling you had?”

“It’s not worth thinking about now. Honestly, I thought it’d be worse than it was. All things considered, I think this was the best result for all–” He stopped to correct himself, hanging his head. “Most of the parties involved.”

“Heh. I guess,” Emi conceded. There, she finally accepted the positives. Chad could only smile over it as his friend continued, understanding part of what he was getting at. “Just hope Kiara can get over this.”

“I hope so too,” he agreed.

“Thanks for putting up with my bullshit, man.” Emi was now talking a little more normally. No, that wasn’t quite right. It was with an earnestness he rarely heard from her.

Chad opened his mouth. Should he say this? Screw it, he figured. “Emi, you’re not just a teammate, you’re my friend. What else are friends for?”

“You’re too good to me,” she muttered. While they couldn’t see each other, Chad could envision the bright smile on her lips. “I think I need to go lie down and think about this more. See you Monday.”

“See you tomorrow, Emi.”

Chad leaned back in his chair as she hung up. Things were going to work out. Things were going to be okay. They were a little closer. And Emi had learned and grown a little from this incident. He was really glad to see that, both as her team captain and as her friend. There were still many questions about what was ahead of them, but Chad Shosha was sure he, Emi, and the rest of the team would find the answers in time.

 

[System Error]

A murky darkness had descended upon the land. It swallowed sound as well as sight. A feeling of enormous pressure enveloped him as he looked upon what towered in front. The torii stood more imposing than ever before. In a way, it was that which separated the outside from the world of the gods.

He was no stranger to this sensation. He managed it regularly. So why was he hesitating so much? There was a voice in the back of his mind screaming that this was wrong. The words were incomprehensible, yet fully understandable. There were many doubting that he could handle this, and he was not one to lie to himself. Not after all this.

Maybe it really was a mistake, but his heart was telling him to act on its desires. Was it her influence? Questioning whether she would want this only made the voice shout louder, yet it offered no alternative to his problem. He wallowed. There was only one thing to do. He took a deep breath, locked his eyes forward, and started walking.

There was nothing in the way. Nothing to block him. Yet he moved in slow motion. The more he willed his body to move, the more encumbered he became. He could see something! So close, yet so far away. He swung his arms, trying to push through.

It was no use, as he was met with another obstacle. Something came rushing by, brushing against him and gently prickling him like an acupuncture massage. He cursed under his breath.

And then, she appeared before him, right before the gate.

Her form was nothing more than a dark silhouette against the already blackened depths. In his blood, he knew who it was floating listlessly in the sea. A low warble came from his mouth, the bubbles brushing his nose. As his fists tightened on instinct, he felt them graze a long, narrow handle. A little more and he was gripping it in his right hand.

One well-aimed thrust would be enough to knock her to the other side. The point would pierce her just like she did to her victim. He was alone, not another human soul around. No person would know what happened here. No one but him. Could he do this?

To take a life is to take on sin. Was he ready to bear that burden? No, that was too far. But there were many eyes upon him. They were watching, waiting, expecting. Even if he did not, someone else might. Could he carry this burden?

His hand trembled as he drew his arm back. He held it there. One lunge. Could he? Should he? Would he?

He looked again. The figure had not moved. No, rather on closer inspection, she could not move. She was helpless. Yet no matter how helpless she was, this was still the one who had stolen his friend from him.

There would be no consequences. He could sort out his feelings later. Haruto tightened his grip. He felt no emotion as he moved his arm back just a little more.

“Stop!”

A call from ahead made him freeze. He knew that voice! Haruto swam forward, keeping a firm grasp on his weapon in case it was a trick of a demon. He passed by the figure, ignoring her entirely as he went to the gate.

A man in a beige vest and matching khakis was floating there. He had dirty blond hair, dark brown eyes, and a calm grin.

“Pete?” he called.

“Nice seein’ ya again, Haru.” That was his voice all right. And his nickname too.

“This is a dream. Is it really you?” He was spiritually sensitive, so it could be either. Was this the real Pete or was this a figment of his conscience? Or something else entirely?

The man on the other side tilted his head and smirked at him. “Yeah, I’m here during your dream time, ol’ cobber. Been in a bit of a bind lately, right? Most devo I’ve seen ya since Lisa went away.”

That was enough for Haruto to tentatively accept what he was seeing as the genuine article. His mind wouldn’t even think of using a term referring to pre-Pokemon mythology. Thus, it could not be his imagination.

“Pete,” he nearly sobbed, allowing the weapon to float away. “It is so good to see you.” He reached out to give his old friend a handshake, but found he could not reach. That was right. He was here. Pete was there.

“Ya been doin’ well lately,” the Krookodile Tracker acknowledged. “Nice new place. Just don’t go spoilin’ it, ya hear?”

Haruto briefly glanced back. He saw a quivering black Qwilfish. He had witnessed a bit of it last night, but only now did it sink in that she was scared and lost. Regret filled every pore and spike on her body.

“I know,” he whispered. “I guess I should’ve known sooner. It was unbecoming for me to have seen her in that light.” What had he nearly done here? And what had he wished upon her in reality? Neither would have changed anything. The void left with closure would be filled by regret.

“There ya go.” Pete nodded at him with fervent approval. “Good to know you’re on the up-and-up. I reckoned you just needed a little push.”

“Thanks. I’m glad you’re doing well too, my friend,” he replied to Pete. Some people did not take well to an untimely passing. “There was a part of me that feared you weren’t at peace.”

“Heck, you joshin’?” Pete laughed. He always had an infectious laugh. “People all round the world gave me my rites. You even got in on it yourselves, didn’t ya?”

He chuckled. That made sense. “I was thinking more of your thoughts about her.” He gestured back at the figure.

“Ah, it’ll happen.” He shrugged off his own passing. “Just glad she’s aight and’ll have the best eyes watchin’ over her. Sure you’ll approve.”

“What do you mean I’ll approve?” That didn’t make sense. Was he referring to Nori Carino?

There was a hollow hammering from behind him. He turned around. The Sinnohian specimen was now in full view, watching him blankly. The other Qwilfish had changed somehow. They were now blue like the skies above, white like puffy clouds, and a brilliant yellow. All at once, they began to shine as brightly as any Lanturn. No, it was more like the sun. The lights dancing in the depths all around bathed the world in their radiance. Everything was turning white, yet it was not blinding. No, if anything…

When he turned around, Pete was gone. Then the light took his sight entirely. He was unseeing, yet all-seeing.

Haruto Kannagi opened his eyes.

 

[System Error]

Nori waved to the two people standing in front of the doors into the Kannagi Shrine. Maiden Kaede gave a friendly wave back. Acolyte Jirou crossed his arms and harrumphed.

“Hey, I’m here to see Prema,” he said.

“She’s right in the back waiting,” Kaede told him, pointing over her shoulder with a thumb.

“Thanks,” he said. Then he turned to the man who had really helped make the difference. “And thank you for helping me see her on Friday, Mr. Jinnai.”

“It wasn’t for you. I was only doing my duty,” he sharply stated. From how he crossed his arms and glared, he wasn’t being tsun about it. He hated those types.

“And you did a good job!” Ms. Minmei flashed two thumbs up. “You didn’t let your bias get in the way. The Master knows that.”

He nodded to the acolyte. Who might be promoted to Monk soon, by the sound of it. “Yeah, and I really appreciate it.”

“Go see Lady Kannagi already. She’s waiting.” The man waved him off.

Nori just laughed to himself. It was still a mystery to him why Mr. Jinnai didn’t like him. It felt petty. But from that, Nori knew he could count on the guy to do the right thing.

##########​

True to his word, Nori came by to visit on Sunday afternoon. As she had promised, Prema prepared tea for him. It was a simple herbal blend, yet there were moments where simplicity was the best option. This was one of them.

“So everything’s good with your dad?” he asked after finishing his drink. They had been avoiding the subject prior, only talking about how they had been in the past two days.

“As far as I am aware,” Prema said. Father was still spending much of his time alone, yet was social when anyone spoke. “What of Qwilfish? Have you heard news from the Officials yet?”

He leaned back and held himself up with his hands. “Just before I came here, actually. She’s rehabilitated.” Her friend glanced up. “Not that she needed to be,” he remarked under his breath.

She thought it was inevitable from the reaction the audience had given him. “Well done,” she congratulated him with a smile.

“The gamble worked.” Nori sighed and fell onto his back. He stared blankly into the sky. “And all it took was embarrassing myself in front of hundreds of people.”

Prema was surprised. She thought that would not be a problem for him. She knew what to say to console him regardless. “It speaks to your character that you were willing to do so. I am certain that there are many who will come to understand that.” As for those who did not, he would put it more succinctly than she would: they were not worth his time.

That all told, there was a difference between rehabilitating a Pokemon and truly connecting with one. As much as Friday highlighted why Qwilfish was indeed good at heart, it also served as a reminder of the main problem that she and her trainer faced.

“With that in mind, you have only taken the first step. Do you have any plans on how to move forward?” She had full confidence that he did.

Nori sat up, placed his hands on his knees, and opened his mouth. It took a few seconds for him to begin speaking. “I had one thing in mind. But I don’t know…” He shook his head and looked down.

“If you need advice or a second opinion, then I am listening.”

Aside from squeezing his leg and squinting, Nori had no reaction to her offer. He sat there with a frown, uncertain of speaking his mind. It was a little jarring.

Prema wasn’t sure why. But she reached over and grazed his shoulder with a hand. As he turned to face her, she gave him a bright beam. “If there is anything more I can do to help you, do not hesitate to ask me. I am in your debt, Nori. So long as it is a reasonable request, I will do my best to fulfill it.”

He swallowed. “Okay. I don’t know if this is reasonable, but…” His hand slipped into his pocket. When it came out, he was holding a light blue Dive Ball. Then he held it out. “Here. Take her.”

A tingling sensation ran through her very core. Her heart pounded. “You are asking me to…” Her voice left her as her mouth hung agape. That explained why he was uncertain about saying it!

“I know, I know!” he yelped. He pulled the capsule back and held it tight. “It’s asking a lot. But I honestly don’t think I’m going to be able to give her the care she deserves. You…” After a moment to pause, he squinted and forcefully shook his head. “I know you saw how I do around water. I don’t want to force her or myself to adapt. It doesn’t feel right. Especially since it could take forever. And especially when I get more Pokemon I need to rehabilitate.”

With a heavy sigh, he looked up at her with a quivering lip. There was an emptiness in his soft red eyes. “I’d rather she go with someone she’s met instead of another stranger. I know you’ll take good care of her. And she likes you just from that one meeting. It’s way more than she thinks of me.”

He clutched at himself for a second, yet sat up straighter and started speaking with faux confidence. “I have already filed the necessary paperwork for a transfer of Pokemon ownership. The Officials allowed it now that I’ve rehabilitated her. You will simply need to take her to the nearest…any Pokemon Center or similar facility to get it electronically confirmed.” Nori reflexively made to hand her the capsule, only to drop his arm after a fraction of a second. He squeezed the sphere. “If that’s okay, that is. If it isn’t…” He looked down and sighed. “That’s okay too.”

Prema listened intently, though still in shock. Judging by his movements and tone, it had not been an easy decision for him to make. She knew why. He was not asking her to help, but to take over. The more she heard, the more it confirmed that Nori was not giving up on Qwilfish impulsively. He was all but saying he felt he could not continue. It was a lot to ask, perhaps more than was reasonable. Particularly given Father. There was only one thing to do. It was her duty as a Priestess of the Kannagi clan to help any trainer or Pokemon in need. And it was her duty as a friend as well.

“It takes a lot of courage to admit when you are unable to care for a Pokemon, Nori.” There were many trainers out there who did not understand that, and he came to that conclusion by himself. “I understand what you wish for her and fully support it. I will take care of her.”

Nori gasped. His eyes widened as he processed what she had said. His legs trembled as he hyperventilated. Finally, he gave a huge smile. “Th-thank you, Prema!”

He offered the Dive Ball once more, and Prema graciously accepted. The green-haired teenager gave it a solemn look. She always had a way with Pokemon, so she had no personal experience to draw on when it came to not getting along with one. Only stories from visitors looking for guidance. Prema had always encouraged those individuals to try understanding one another. So this was not one, but two firsts: a case where they could not, and the first Pokemon she was given to care for in their stead. She did not even think about motivating Nori to keep trying. Maybe it was the trust they shared. Nori was almost surely selling his ability to connect with Pokemon short.

In the end, though? If he was not yet ready to look after something aquatic, there was nothing more to it.

“And again, I’m sorry to push this on you,” he said with a vague bow of his head which was closer to hanging it with shame. “I know in one sense, you’re the last person I should be asking.”

“But I am also the only person you could ask,” she finished the thought for him, smiling comfortingly. She was sure of his motivations now. Part of it was being certain that she was well looked after; what better way than to give her to someone he knew? “Do not worry, Nori. I understand your position, as well as the responsibility and risks I am taking on. However, with regard to your primary concern, I believe it is unfounded.”

“Yeah, well.” Nori rubbed the nape of his neck and glanced over in the general direction of the shrine. “Priestess Satomi just ran off with a horrified look.”

Prema blinked. Priestess Satomi was eavesdropping? And she was shocked? Was she aware of something that they were not?

---​

Haruto rolled his head in the direction of the door. The hollow knocking continued. Now that he was fully awake, it was evident what it was. He rose from his futon as Priestess Satomi called to him with a frantic alarm that he had remembered hearing maybe twice before in his whole forty-four-year-old life.

“Master Haruto Kannagi? Are you awake?”

He calmly walked to his bedroom door, unlocked it, and opened it. “I am now,” he said to the elderly woman, whose silvery-green eyes were wide with horror. Her arms and legs were taut. “Is there something troubling you?” he asked, somewhat rhetorically.

“Sorry to disturb you.” She paused, then bowed belatedly. “We have a situation on our hands.”

“Oh?” he vocalized with a smile. He was uncertain why he felt compelled to smile. Perhaps it was the dream. Pete’s visit had put him at peace. And that was causing him to immediately see the logical fallacy of her coming here. “It can’t be too big of an issue if you had time to come get me instead of dealing with it.”

“It was nothing that required my immediate intervention, but this is an issue that will need to be addressed imminently,” she explained. After a moment to compose herself, she said, “The Demon Tamer asked Lady Kannagi to look after that Qwilfish. And she accepted! It is close to legally being her Pokemon!”

Nori Carino was giving the Qwilfish to Prema? Haruto smirked. Then he burst into laughter.

Priestess Satomi took a step back. “Master Haruto?” she asked, tentatively pulling away.

“I see. So that’s what he meant,” he mused. The best eyes watching over her. Haruto had to agree. Prema had been going above and beyond for that Pokemon. Nori Carino had certainly seen that as well. He must have done so out of an honest doubt of being able to continue taking care of her. Haruto was certain his daughter would indeed give her the best care possible.

“What who meant?” Satomi asked. It was a very reasonable question.

Haruto simply waved it off. “Don’t worry about it too much for now.” She would understand the situation if he explained it to her, but it would take too much time. From how tense she remained and the dark look on her face, there was still more on her mind.

“But Master Haruto,” she indeed protested. “You do know that this might lead to negative press for the shrine.”

“I am well aware of that, Satomi.” He had thought about both the good and the bad from the very beginning. He used the latter as an excuse due to his bias. The time had come to rectify that mistake. “It is no matter. If there are those who take issue with Prema taking care of a Pokemon in need, then they are not welcome here. It is not what the Kannagi Shrine stands for. And not what any good person should be saying. We will make the public know that.”

The elderly woman placed a hand over her chest. She turned away and exhaled sharply. “Okay,” she rasped.

Haruto tilted his head at her. “Did you think I would not like this?” he teased.

Again, the mouth of hismentor fell agape. “Master Haruto Kannagi, are you sure you are feeling okay?” she asked once she recovered from the shock.

“I could not be better. An old friend paid me a visit,” he vaguely explained.

She subtly nodded, though it was unclear if she understood completely. “I did not think you would approve of her having the Qwilfish that caused you grief. She’s going to be around here on a regular basis.”

Haruto crossed his arms. He got where Satomi was coming from. “I am in no position to criticize her decision, for multiple reasons. She was the one standing up for that Pokemon while I was closing myself off. With that being said, I will speak to her and make sure she understands the gravity of this, though I suspect she already does.”

Prema would need to know that there would be those who would disapprove. It was something Satomi herself made clear to him when he made the choice to open this branch shrine. Damned if she wasn’t right. That was the other reason why Haruto felt he had no right to criticize his daughter’s decision. But Haruto did not regret it for a moment.

“Gods. Heh.” Satomi chuckled nervously, once more clutching at her chest. “My heart almost stopped when I heard them talking about this.”

Haruto only laughed. Of all the things. He had only seen Priestess Satomi that stunned twice before. Considering that those two incidents were the takeover of the Silph Building by a criminal organization and Prema nearly dying, that was saying something about what she thought of this.

“It is good that you came to see me,” he changed the subject. It would do her good to get off of it. “I have preparations of my own to make. A speech about this Qwilfish. Would you be willing to help me?”

The elderly woman gave a swift nod. “But of course, Master Haruto.”

---​

Well, it did not matter. Prema had already committed to this, and had no regrets. “We will see what comes of it.”

Nori flicked backward with a measure of surprise. “I wasn’t expecting you to take a devil-may-care attitude here,” he remarked with a toothy grin.

“A devil?” she asked, pulling back involuntarily. Prema was aware that she may be seen as flippant, yet was this truly that improper?

“Carefree, in other words,” he clarified. “It’s good to see you like that.”

So it was only a colloquialism. She relaxed. “It is more that I am prepared to accept any consequences. This is something I must do, and I believe that Father will understand that. More than anything…” Prema paused for a moment, suspecting this part was part of what made her appear carefree. “I am prepared for things to return to normal.”

“I know, me too. Me too.” He nodded at her. “And they will.”

They silently smiled at each other. This incident had nearly torn them apart, yet it had ultimately brought them closer together. Nori had done well in getting this lost Qwilfish as far as he had. Now, Prema was prepared to take her the rest of the way and give her a new place to belong.