After affirming with a few strangers about where they’d last seen Sigmin, Wes made a beeline for the shop. He couldn’t be sure it was exactly where the trainer had been taken, but it was a start, at least. He walked briskly, his strides so stiff and swift that Neo and Novo had to trot to keep pace with him.
He wasn’t sure if it was anger or anxiety churning in his gut. Maybe both. Or maybe it was the fact that he’d downed an entire cup of black coffee on an empty stomach. He didn’t sleep a wink after the meeting last night, mind racing and spinning over all the possible outcomes of their plan for today, and this morning he didn’t have an appetite to begin with. He’d considered at least forcing down something to eat—until he heard the news about Sigmin and his Pokémon, and that effectively removed breakfast from his priorities.
It was odd…unnerving, even, that among the few people Wes had actually conversed with, a handful of them had now been targeted. Logic told him that was bound to happen eventually, what with so many disappearances by now, but he couldn’t avoid the nagging thought in his mind that maybe those people disappeared
because Wes had spoken to them. First it was Mitch. And now it was Sigmin.
At the very least, the little shit with the Alakazam was fine so far, he supposed. Naturally, the one he
hadn’t gotten along with was still here. Figures. Not that Wes
wanted the brat to get kidnapped, of course, but…did this mean anyone he’d been friendly with was now a target?
And if that was the case, who was next? Odette and her team? Kimiko and Olivia? Gladion and Hazel? Granted, it might not be the
worst thing in the world if that freaky possessed tumbleweed disappeared, but—no. She was horrifying, but she was still an ally. Besides, Wes couldn’t imagine how Novo would react to Enora’s disappearance, and Odette, well…she and Wes had had their differences, but in the end she’d become pleasant company. Maybe even a friend.
Half-sized, maybe, but not half bad. Wes had to take a moment to grin and chuckle to himself at his stupid joke. Oh, gods, he was losing it. Still, it was a good one to stow away in his arsenal. Maybe he could use it on Rui one of these days…if he got the chance…
He shook his head. Too tired, not enough time. He couldn’t afford to dwell on that for now. If he and his Pokémon made it off this island in one piece…then he would make things right. He could at least promise that much to himself.
Turning his thoughts to the present wasn’t any more pleasant, though. The thought of Gladion and Hazel made Wes’ stomach clench and he had to take a steadying breath to fight the bout of nausea that followed. (Dammit. He was going to regret that coffee, wasn’t he.) Gladion was a good kid. Hazel, too. Neither of them deserved any of this, least of all to get kidnapped or hurt or gods knew what else. And Kimiko and Olivia…they were good people, too. Not only would Neo be devastated, but Kimiko…he hadn’t spoken to her for several days now, but she had his back. She was kind and smart and quick-witted. If anything happened to any more of the people Wes had come to know here…
No. Nothing more was going to happen. Because they were going to get answers, they were going to put an end to this, once and for all.
Today. And they would start with the shop. He’d thought briefly about asking someone to come with him. He’d noticed Steven at the banquet—thank
gods—and thought maybe he could invite the Champion along and also apologize for last night, but…he couldn’t shake the fear that maybe everyone was safer not associating with him. Logic once again tried to reason with him, saying
everyone was a target, not just him and his friends, but the thought persisted anyway. So he went alone, with Neo and Novo never more than a meter from his side at all times.
He stopped just short of the shop and looked around, scanning the exterior with narrowed eyes. He didn’t dare get too close or go inside just yet.
“Neo. Scope it out.”
Neo replied with a soft chirp and stepped out from where he was pressed against Wes’ leg. Even he was more subdued this morning, Wes had noticed. Sigmin and his mon’s disappearance had probably dealt him a blow, seeing how friendly he had gotten with the Sala…Salad…poison-type Pokémon.
Neo used Aura Reader! @Flyg0n
