Upon reaching the town, Lawrence stood astonished, taking in the scene before him. Pokémon of all sorts trudged across the cobble roads, carrying food, materials, even children to the various buildings that cropped up. A dull haze hovered above the stalls and carts, generated by the belching chimneys above.
Grom crouched behind the edge of the exterior wall. "Growm."
Cassia nodded and moved next to Lawrence. "We'll be careful. We'll meet you at the edge of the woods." Grom stomped away, giving Lawrence a parting glare.
Cassia walked forward and prompted Lawrence to follow. He complied, studying the Pokémon around him. A Buizel family carried sacks of green berries, while a trio of Timburr hauled bricks behind them. Bibarel lugged cords of wood, and Spritzee hovered near a bowl and sprinkled powder into it; an Ambipom near the bowl scooped the pink water into bottles and stopped it with a cork.
He held one up and exclaimed, "Fresh Spritzee perfume for sale!"
Lawrence spun around, marveling this society. 'This is incredible! I never thought Pokémon would be able to do something like this: a market driven by Pokémon abilities, all working together to make products!'
A Mr. Mime held his hands up, appearing as if he was stuck in a box. Young Pokémon surrounded him, tossing an occasional coin into a hat at his feet.
Seeing the interaction, Lawrence asked, "You use money?"
Cassia pulled a tiny sack from the bag, shaking it. It clinked, and Cassia replied, "Yes, but I don't have much." She pulled away the lip of the bag, revealing eight simple gold chips. "I don't think I can get everything I need with just this," she sighed.
A shout of excitement erupted behind them, causing Lawrence to turn. A Flareon slapped down a pawful of coins and yanked a bag from a disgruntled Kecleon. "Thanks!"
The Kecleon grumbled as he watched the Flareon wander off. "Me being the generous guy I am…"
Lawrence eyed him and smiled. 'Bartering here can't be any worse than Castelia.' He pointed at the Kecleon and said to Cassia, "Do we need anything from him?"
Cassia looked up for a moment. "Yeah, but—"
"Let's go then!" Lawrence rushed toward him, leaving Cassia to hurriedly follow.
He stood in front of the counter, looking down at the Kecleon confidently. Cassia hovered behind him, looking behind her.
The Kecleon yawned, staring at Lawrence tiredly. "Whatcha want, Mister Watchog?"
Perplexed, Lawrence studied a polished pot sitting on the counter. The distorted reflection showed a beady-eyed Watchog with chubby cheeks.
'Must be the Illusion Stone at work,' he thought, staring at the reflection for a moment longer. He cleared his throat and leaned over to Cassia. "What do we need exactly?"
She pointed at a bundle of apples, a sack of flour, and a basket of berries. "We need those, but I can—"
"I'd like the apples, berries and flour, please," Lawrence requested.
The Kecleon plucked the items from their sections and shuffled back to the counter. He studied them closely and said, "That'll be eight coins."
Lawrence leaned on the counter with a smile. "Any chance we could lower that a bit?"
"Great, a haggler," the Kecleon moaned. "Look, I'm not makin' any discounts. You better give me somethin' if you don't got the cash."
Lawrence looked behind the Kecleon and saw a large crate next to a step stool. "I'm a pretty strong guy. Need any help moving something?"
The Kecleon looked back at the crate, then back at Lawrence. He made a smirk and said, "Hmm…well, if you can budge somethin' a mine, I'll sell the goods to you for four coins."
"Deal!" Lawrence exclaimed.
The Kecleon lifted the table blocking the entrance, then stepped out of the way. "It's just 'round back." They walked through an open doorway into a small alcove. Crates and bags of all sorts crowded the tiny space, the only bare spot occupied by a tiny stump in the center.
The Kecleon pointed at it and scowled. "That stump's what's left of an old sapling that managed to poke its way in a while back. I cut it down to size, but the darn thing manages to grow back every time!" His smirk returned. "But if you pull it out, roots and all, four coins is all it'll cost ya."
Lawrence looked back at Cassia and said, 'Might as well try, right?" He studied his arms and thought, "I'm a pretty strong guy; I carry things all the time for others to get a little deal , even if it wasn't official. I can pull out a little stump.'
He stooped over the bit of wood and yanked it upward. It shuddered slightly. He yanked it again, making an inch of bark appear at the bottom.
He took a deep breath and crouched low. He pulled it one last time, and a network of sturdy roots burst from the ground, spraying dirt over the Kecleon's goods. Lawrence fell back, staring confusedly at the stump.
The Kecleon blanched and held out a shaking paw. "Th-That'll be four coins, s-sir."
Cassia gave the Kecleon payment while Lawrence figured out how he pulled the stump out so fast. 'I remember pulling out a stump before, but I had to really pull and dig at it for a good while. This came out easily.'
He threw away the stump, watching his paw swing it to the ground. He blinked, realizing what made the difference in performance: 'I'm a Lucario, not a person. That measly stump was nothing.'
He exited alongside Cassia, carrying the sack of food over his shoulder. "I did a pretty good job, didn't I?"
They reentered the crowds and began searching for the next shop. "Yeah, I guess," Cassia replied. "Just keep quiet about it. Watchog aren't supposed to be strong like that."
"I'm not the one who chose to be a Watchog," Lawrence said, adjusting the bag.
"I don't choose what the Illusion Stone makes you look like," Cassia hissed. She pointed at a Leavanny standing in front of various fabric products. "I need another bag to keep things in; I have a hard time finding anything in this mess."
Lawrence's train of thought drifted to what Cassia had done before he encountered her. 'I don't expect to be with her for long, but I might as well figure out what type of Pokémon I'm dealing with.'
They came to the stand, and the Leavanny's soft voice pierced his thoughts: "Five coins for the bag."
"Could you bring that down to three if we did something for you?" Lawrence asked, cutting in front of Cassia.
The Leavanny set a claw to her mouth. "Well…I don't normally do this, but I do need a little help right now." She pointed to a length of leather scrunched on a counter. "I need this stretched while I sew it, but my assistant is gone for the day. If you help me with that, then we can talk."
The thoughts of the stump fresh in his mind, Lawrence nodded. He went through the now-open counter and pulled the leather apart, making it taut.
The Leavanny punched the leather with a blade and threaded a string through it, and carefully wove it into a small bag. Lawrence felt the leather want to snap back to its original shape, but his sheer strength refused its desire. 'Normally, I'd be tired out after a few seconds, but now I could hold it forever.'
The Leavanny snipped a thread and hummed happily. "Thank you for the help. I'll take your money now."
After giving her the coins, Cassia and Lawrence walked amongst the crowd again, moving toward an empty table next to the entrance of a pastry shop.
They sat down, and Cassia set her bags on the table. She pulled out the materials from one and began transferring some into the recently-bought one. "Thanks for helping me get this." She covered the Arceist Tome as she pulled it out. "You got along with those Pokémon better than I ever could." She gloomily snapped the bag shut, leaning on it with her elbow.
Lawrence leaned forward and cocked his head. "What's wrong?"
She sighed, gesturing to the crowd bustling behind them. "I don't…get along so well with others. I can do fine one-on-one, like with you, but…" She patted the bag containing the Tome. "I'm not so outgoing in places like this."
"Don't you teach about…you know, the book?" Lawrence suggested, struggling with the words. 'I hate bringing that up, but she shouldn't be so down on herself.'
Cassia nodded languidly. "Yeah, well I usually go to the Pokémon who aren't as well off as here. Arceus is just a myth to practically everybody, considering what the Guild does."
"What do they do?"
Cassia sprung upward, her eyes widening. "Not now!" She reached for Lawrence's paw, then took her hand back, searching around her hastily. "Come inside, hurry!" she explained, entering the shop next to them.
Lawrence walked to Cassia's previous seat and studied her view. He noticed a Feraligatr and Rhyperior trudging through the crowd, towering over the rabble and looking down on them. A black band emblazoned with a red arc of Arceus was strapped to their arms.
Lawrence walked into the shop, eyeing them suspiciously. 'Were they what caused Cassia to be so worried?'
Inside, Cassia hovered in the corner, remaining as far from the window as possible. A grinning Simisear stood behind a glass counter, which showed a menagerie of different cakes, pies, and other baked goods.
"Welcome to the Burnt Biscuit, how may I help you today?" the keeper asked.
Lawrence looked over to Cassia. She gestured to him, holding their last coin out toward Lawrence.
Lawrence took the coin, stepped up to the counter and said, "Got anything for a coin?"
The Simisear looked up, hawing. "Indeed, I do! Would you be interested in—oh!" He fell silent and pointed at the door. "I…I wasn't expecting you…"
Lawrence looked behind him and restrained a groan. The Feraligatr and Rhyperior from before had thrown open the door and trudged toward the Simisear, scowling.
The Feraligatr stood next to Lawrence and exclaimed, "Yer rent's past due, George. Where's the money?"
George twiddled his fingers and made a nervous chuckle. "I-I don't have it yet. Weren't you supposed to come next month?"
The Rhyperior leaned on the wall, making it creak. "The Guildmaster thinks we've been too lenient on you. He demands payment today." He snorted, brushing his knuckles on his chest. "Pay up, or we'll be yer wreckin' crew."
George frantically rushed around the counter and fell to his knees in front of the Feraligatr. "Please, anything but that! This is all I have!"
The Feraligatr jabbed a claw at him and laughed uproariously. "Ya hear that Valder? He's beggin' us!"
Valder laughed himself, smacking the wall and making the entire structure shake. "He's a funny one, ain't he Derak?"
As George pleaded and the Guild Pokémon mocked his plight, Lawrence's gaze grew harder. He noticed Cassia pointing to the door, mouthing, "Let's go."
He shook his head and pointed behind him. He clenched his fist, then turned around and tapped Derak on the shoulder. "Hey." Cassia rushed toward him as the giant turned.
"What you want?" Derak grumbled.
"Leave the guy alone. He's done nothing to you," Lawrence explained. The Simisear shrunk back, gazing at Lawrence gratefully.
Derak growled and glared at Lawrence. "Yer tellin' us what to do, chubby cheeks? What you gonna do, little Watchog? We're part of the Guild!"
Cassia stepped in front of Lawrence. "He doesn't know any better! He's got memory loss!"
Lawrence clenched his teeth, restraining the urge to push her away. 'How is she so helpful to me but not to George?' he thought in aggravation.
Valder the Rhyperior eyed Cassia and stepped forward. "Hey…don't we recognize you? Those eyes…"
Derak stopped him and rubbed his chin. "Hmm…maybe on to somethin' there." Cassia averted her eyes and shivered.
Valder pounded his fists together and growled. "Wait a minute, yer Cassia! Connivin'—"
Cassia gasped and suddenly disappeared from view. All looked around for where she had gone, but the Gardevoir left no trace.
The Feraligatr slammed the table and roared, "Blast it! She got away!" He glared at Lawrence and bared his teeth. "You! You're with her, aren't ya?" Lawrence moved toward the door cautiously.
Valder raised an arm and aimed it at Lawrence. "Better hold still unless ya wanna hole through yer skull."
Lawrence looked back, wishing more than ever to know about Cassia's origins. "How in the world did she get on this Guild's bad side, and how did she disappear like that?" He held up his paws and strained a stern face. "I'm not going with you," he stuttered.
Derak cackled and raised a fist. "I hate the mouthy ones. Let's shut ya up a bit." He threw a punch at Lawrence's stomach. He flew into the wall, and felt a tingling sensation cover his body.
Valder and Derak's jaws dropped. The Feraligatr raised a shaking claw and whispered, "Y-Yer a Lucario...yer supposed to be dead!"
Lawrence got up, groaning. "Yeah, well...I'm not." He shakily came to his feet and ran through the open door, disoriented from Derak's blow.
The Guild Pokémon stood dazed for a moment, then Valder slugged Derak on the arm and roared, "The boss'll have our necks if he gets away!" They ran out the door, leaving George to huddle on the floor and hold his arms high.
"Thank Arceus...the Lucario have returned!"
[~~~]
Lawrence ignored all the amazed faces he passed by, focused on reaching the forest, Grom's waiting point. He heard a high-pitched whistle, then saw Pokémon pop out from the shadows, all wearing black armbands.
"You have to be kidding me," Lawrence muttered as he turned into an alleyway. The Guild Pokémon followed him, roaring out threats to the fleeing Lucario.
A burst of flame blazed over Lawrence's shoulder, singeing his fur. He looked back and saw a Growlithe shout, "Missed him!"
Lawrence took a passing crate and threw it at the Growlithe, knocking it underneath other Guild Pokémon. Many tripped over themselves, but a Weavile and Dodrio hopped over the heap and continued their chase.
He looked back again, noticing the remaining chasers. He looked to his sides, determined to lose them. He turned the corner, and the Weavile and Dodrio did the same.
They stopped at the tiny alcove and saw no trace of Lawrence. The Dodrio squawked, looking into the corners with its three heads. "Where'd he go?"
"He must've jumped the wall. Come on!" the Weavile shouted. They hopped over the nearby fence, much to the dismay of the Lopunny owner. They ran through the patch and continued through the alley, expecting to see Lawrence within several paces.
The Lucario rose up from the edge of the fence and looked toward the receding Guild Pokémon. He chuckled and thought, 'Works every time, just like in Sinnoh.' He turned around and crawled back over the fence, glancing back to ensure he lost them. He faced forward, and his paws were suddenly engulfed by Derak and Valder's clutches.
Tightening his grip, the Rhyperior sneered and said, "The Guildmaster's always lookin' for someone new to beat up. I wonder how you'll end up?"
Derak bared his teeth. "Ya think we can do some of the job for him?"
Valder raised his other arm and aimed it at Lawrence's head. "I'm sure he'll treat a half-dead Lucario the same as any other!" Lawrence struggled to release their grip, cringing at his expected fate.
"Graaaawm!"
Black fists suddenly slammed Valder and Derak to the ground, pinning them underneath the weight. The cracks throughout Grom's body glowed fiercely, pouring crimson light across the ground.
He hovered just above the ground, with red jets of flame appearing at his feet. He raised his arms and held one out to Lawrence. "Ha-hawm!"
Lawrence hopped onto his arm and rubbed his wrists. "Thanks for the help." They rose into the sky, and with a burst of light, rocketed toward the forest.
Moments after, Derak moaned and clawed the wall, pulling himself upright. Valder pounded a fist and pushed, standing up and rubbing his head afterward.
Valder spotted the fading red streak of light left behind by Grom. He punched the wall and shouted, "You idiot! You should've seen that coming a mile off!"
"How was I supposed to know that some...thing, was gonna clobber us?" Derak retorted. He rubbed his eyes and growled. "But we can't just leave town either. Guildmaster's rules, ya know?"
They considered their options, then, at the same time, raised their heads. They looked at each other, smiling maliciously.
"He's off our land, so he's not our problem," Valder mused.
"He's the Guildmaster's problem," Derak chuckled.
A Weavile and Dodrio jumped over the fence, with the Weavile muttering, "Can't believe we lost-ack!" He shrunk back at the sight of the two commanders. "Captain! I-I didn't know you were there."
"W-We lost sight of the Lucario," the Dodrio stammered.
Derak held the Weavile by his neck and grinned. "Get a bird over to the Guild. Tell ole Gardner that there's a Lucario round here!"
"W-Will do b-boss! Would you...put me down?"
He dropped the Weavile and watched him scamper off, calling out for a messenger bird. The Dodrio fled from the captains, avoiding any further orders.
Valder chuckled and scratched his arm. "I'd love to see the look on that Lucario's face when Gardner catches him."
Derak looked up, a wicked grin spread across his face.
"For the glory of Arthus."
[~~~]
Grom descended into a clearing opposite of where they had come from, his rocket-powered legs decreasing in thrust. Cassia sat beneath a tree in front of them, her bags behind her. She kept her head lowered, hiding her eyes.
Lawrence hopped down from Grom's arm and marched toward Cassia. "We have a lot to talk about! What happened back there, why'd those thugs want you, and how-"
Cassia raised her head, revealing a tear-stained face. Lawrence cut himself short, realizing how offensive he sounded.
He looked at Grom, who only made a tired moan, then stomped into the trees.
Cassia lowered her head again. "He needs to recharge after that flight."
Lawrence stood still for a few moments, then sat next to Cassia. She scooted away, but still leaned back on the tree.
Lawrence came closer, then stared at the ground and said, "I didn't know Grom could fly."
Cassia shrugged. "It takes a lot out of him, so he prefers to walk," she said with a slight croak.
Lawrence nodded his head slightly, then sighed and said, "I'm sorry I didn't listen to you back at the shop. I...I wanted to help that Simisear."
Cassia looked up and rubbed her eyes. "I know. I would've done the same...if it wasn't for those other Pokémon."
Lawrence turned toward her and asked, "Why do they want you? They seemed pretty angry once they realized who you were."
Cassia sighed and pulled the Arceist Tome out from the bag. "It's because of this. The Guild's been trying to convince Pokémon that Arceus doesn't exist, that his laws are nonexistent, and that they wield true power." She tightened her grip. "All because of Arthus."
"Is it really worth the risk then? You said you wanted to teach Pokémon about the Tome, but if you'd die-"
"I won't die doing what's right!"
She stood up vehemently, throwing her arms back. "I've traveled over all Serenita, trying to bring Pokémon closer to Arceus, and I've had to deal with them at every turn! You don't think I know what would happen to me if they caught me?"
Lawrence held his paws up defensively. "I didn't mean to offend you! I'm just telling you what I think!"
Cassia raised her hand and opened her mouth, but promptly turned away. She breathed in deeply, then exhaled slowly. "Sorry...I didn't mean to shout." She slumped against the tree again. "I've done this for too long to just give up."
Lawrence didn't want to linger on the subject, so after waiting a minute, he said, "How'd you disappear like that?"
"Gardevoir can teleport. I guess you don't remember, because of your amnesia."
Lawrence nodded, remembering his protective lie. "Those thugs noticed I was a Lucario after I got punched into the wall. Why?"
"It's...complicated. To put it simply, the Illusion Stone doesn't work after you have hard contact. You can grab things and be touched, but once you have something like a punch, or you're thrown into something," Cassia waved her arm. "It's done."
Her explanation sounded familiar to Lawrence, but before he could focus his thoughts, Cassia said, "I like what you did for me back at those shops. I really needed a new bag, and I couldn't have done that if you didn't make a deal with that Kecleon."
"You're...you're welcome." Lawrence blinked and returned to staring at the ground.
Cassia stood up and picked up her bags. "Look, I know you don't know much about me, but I hardly know you either. Today you helped me out, but if you want to know more about me, you have to prove that I can trust you."
Lawrence wanted to comment out on his own ability to trust her, but insteadhe said, "I understand. I can't tell you much about me either. You know...memory loss?"
Cassia smiled. "Right." She held a bag out to him. "If you're going to be with me, can you at least carry the supplies?" She narrowed her eyes. "I'm going to need more than a guy who gets me discounts."
Lawrence smiled, restraining a laugh. A sobering thought came into his mind, and his smile faded. He put the bag over his shoulder and said, "Those Guild Pokémon said that I should be dead, since I'm a Lucario. What happened to them?"
Cassia gazed at the ground. "They're all dead. Thanks to Arthus."
[~~~]
Far away from Lawrence, Cassia and Grom, along the western side of Serenita, a shadow watched from atop a tower. The canyon around the tower lay coated in lifeless brown grass, and the statues at its entrance reduced to rubble. The once-grand buildings that surrounded the tower—rotted to shambles. Miniscule shacks and huts cropped around the ruins, both Guild Pokémon and lowly citizens fighting for space in the desecrated plaza. Dust and decay permeated through the air, and only a low whistle of wind provided any sound but the silent cries of those who passed.
At the top of the tower, a Dusknoir sat in a chair in front of a desk, poring over a book. All around him on the walls of the room were shelves lined with various artifacts and other books, all covered in dust. The window provided the barest of light, but Gardner's eye sent a menacing glow across the pages. Cobwebs and Bat Pokemon hung in the rafters, careful not to irritate the Guildmaster.
He turned the page, then rubbed the three jagged scars across his face with a grunt. One stretched across his eye, creating a silvery-white pupil across it. His free hand stretched and slammed the table. "When Arthus finds that traitorous wretch…"
Tap—tap—tap!
He looked up, spotting a Staravia sitting behind the window, a letter clutched in its beak. He closed the book and said, "Enter." The Staravia pushed the window open and hurriedly flapped to Gardner, set down the letter on the book, then flew away, shutting the window behind it.
Gardner inspected the envelope, seeing his name in crude letters. He ripped it open and tore out the letter itself, his eye flitting across the sheet:
To: Guildmaster Gardner Dusknoir
From: Captain Valder Rhyperior of Saunte
Subject: Lucario Sighting
Gardner made a curious grunt. "A Lucario? Arthus killed them all years ago."
He read the rest of the letter, the scar across his eye flitting across the page. He crumpled it and threw it at a sleeping flock of Zubat, causing them to scatter through the various holes in the window. After their flaps dissipated, he sighed, continuing to read his book. 'Arthus will be back before long…I'd rather delay the inevitable.'
An hour passed, and Gardner found nothing of interest in 'Legends of Equivos: Their Powers and Tales'. He was about to give up reading it—until he saw a certain entry.
He clutched the book and held it up, his eye wide. "Yes…yes! This is exactly what we need!"
"What is exactly what we need?"
Gardner spun around and saw Arthus leaning against the wall near the stairs, studying his claws. The Zoroark brushed back his mane and said, "I came inside a few minutes ago, but you seemed deep in thought; I didn't want to interrupt you."
Gardner leapt off his chair and brought the book to Arthus. "I've found it! I've found someone who can fix the Seal!"
Arthus took the book and read the pages he left open. They depicted a round figure holding aloft two golden rings. Behind him, a violet creature extended its six arms, staring back at Arthus with emerald eyes. Around them, at the sides of the pages, it described their abilities.
As Arthus read, his smile grew wider and wider. At the end of his reading, he slammed the book closed and laughed, "Excellent work! Hoopa will do very nicely!" His face suddenly fell. "But there's the matter of actually finding him. Even if I could go to Deitae—which I can't with the Seal as it is—he won't work with me."
Gardner opened the book again and pointed out a passage. "Not if we follow this: 'Hoopa was a mighty being in the distant past, granting wishes with hoops and his ability to mimic the gods. One day, he grew too prideful and challenged the Legends to numerous duels and succeeded, nearly killing them. As punishment, Arceus bound the majority of his power into the Prison Bottle, and left a calmer, humble form in his place. But his great power strives to rejoin him and is willing to grant a single wish to whoever releases him.'"
Arthus tapped his chin with a smirk. "So, if I find the Prison Bottle, I can repair the Seal and take Arceus."
"That seems to be correct. I'll search in the records for more details, but—"
"All well and good!" Arthus interrupted, tossing the book back to Gardner. "If there's nothing else, I'll be going."
As Arthus started toward the stairs, Gardner reached out to him. "Wait, Lord Arthus!" The Zoroark twisted his head to him.
Gardner tapped his fingers against the book, then said, "A letter came from Saunte today. Captain Valder said he spotted Cassia there."
Arthus leapt in front of Gardner and grabbed his shoulders. "He did? Why didn't you say so earlier? I have to go there immediately!"
Gardner gently pushed Arthus away with the book. "There's more. He said that after she disappeared, they found someone accompanying her."
Arthus crossed his arms and held his head up "I am well aware that that accursed Golurk, Grom, travels with her. Don't think I don't remember."
Gardner cringed. "No, there was someone else. More specifically…a…Lucario."
The Zoroark suddenly punched the wall, his eyes wide and breathing quickening. "A what?"
Gardner tossed the book on the desk, holding up his hands. "A Lucario, but—"
Arthus roared, slashing the wall with Life-infused claws, leaving jagged burns across the stone. "I killed them! I killed them all! And now one just shows up!"His last statement finished with him slamming a wooden shelf, instantly breaking it and spreading its contents across the floor.
He forced himself to take deep breaths, closing his eyes and clutching his head. He soon calmed, holding himself up in a dignified manner. "Did Captain Valder say where they were going?"
Gardner let out his saved breath in relief. "No, since the Lucario managed to flee with Cassia. He had apparently been knocked down by Grom before he could determine their direction."
Arthus sighed, rubbing his face. "I guess I'll have to figure it out myself then." He continued down the stairs, then stopped, looking up at Gardner. "Search for the Prison Bottle's location. I'll…I'll see if I can take care of Cassia before then. I'll be getting ready." He exited, the door closing with a click.
Gardner sat down on his chair again, then took a thicker, aged book labeled, 'Guild Index' and scanned through it. As he passed through titles of other books, he thought, "At least now his attention won't be divided…hopefully.'
[~~~]
Lawrence lay on the grass away from Cassia, who slept behind Grom's enormity. He typed away on the Pokédex his adventure within the town, growing more used to typing with paws with each word. 'This would make a fantastic story when I get back—ifI get back.'
He tapped out of the notepad and searched for an access point again, receiving the taunting sign of failure, just like his previous attempts. Discouraged, he slid the Pokédex back into its case, and gazed at the stars of Equivos.
Sighing, he attempted to trace any constellations. He gave up and thought, 'Can't see any from Sinnoh. Yet another sign that this isn't my world.' He stared at the sky. 'Reminds me of my move from Unova from Sinnoh, three years ago.' He grimaced. 'From small towns and false beliefs to big cities and closed-off people.' Sighing, he looked up. 'And now I'm back.'
Worse, he himself was a Pokémon. 'How did I change? Why? Did some higher being do this?' Lawrence groaned. 'Look at me, blaming some god.'
He sighed and closed his eyes. 'Then there's this whole business with Arthus. Cassia loathes him, but why? How did she come to preach Arceism? How does such a religion exist here, despite the odds?' He rubbed his face and groaned. 'This place just wasn't what I was expecting. All the Pokémon talk, but they also act so…human.'
He opened his eyes again and studied his paws. 'I'm a Pokémon now, one that Equivos hasn't seen since Arthus supposedly killed them all.' He lowered his paws. 'Does that mean that I'm unique in two ways in this world?'
He gave up asking these questions and decided to fall asleep. 'Despite being a Lucario, I'm just…tired out.' Thoughts of him insulting the species came to mind as he drifted out of consciousness.