It didn't take long for the boat to finally arrive. Luckily my stomach didn't mess up as bad as last time. Spark did offer me a hand, but I rejected it and helped myself. The sailor stayed by the ferry as Spark and I moved on ahead. We saw a lot of trees on the Island—it almost reminded me of Viridian Forest.

"Remember that time you got lost as a kid in Viridian Forest…?" Spark spoke up as if he read my mind. Baffled, I started to walk faster. He easily followed my pace. Sometimes I forget how quick on his feet Spark could be.

"How old were we then? Eight?" he continued to bring up the topic, despite my hints of ignorance. I sighed and shook my head.

"Around there. You got us even more lost, you know. Saying you saw a pink Pokémon. All we found were Pikachu's." I scoffed, finding it hard to believe I've known Spark for so long. Blanche came later in our lives.

"I did see a pink Pokémon! It had a tail…" he always sounded so sure of himself whenever this topic was brought up.

"Are you sure it wasn't a Clefairy?" I still didn't believe him, but he nodded frantically in reply. I tried very hard to remember if there was any pink Pokémon but nothing came to mind.

"It was pink as… as that Pokémon!" I had no clue what Spark was exclaiming until I looked up. The stories were true, Cresselia did stop by this Island. When we made eye contact, the pink Pokémon vanished just like that.

"Wait—man…" disappointed as his words, Spark put his raised-up hand back down to his side. We both headed over to where Cresselia once was, since we saw something fall. Spark made it to the destination first, and picked the item up. Now that we got a closer look, we both knew right away what it was.

"A Lunar Wing!" we announced in a coordination. At least we got something out of this trip. I hoped for more, but there was nothing else here. Not even a sign of a statue or anything of the sort.

"We should head back. I don't plan to wait for its return." I said, turning around to go back. Spark gave me a nod and we walked to the sailor. I hoped to get more than one Lunar Wing, but this would be enough for now. I clipped it on my belt as I had with the other one. I did plan to give it to Spark, but since I was still mad at him, I wanted to wait.

"You made it back! Did you both see Cresselia?" the sailor was fine—we both nodded in reply to him. He patted his chest, giving us reassurance.

"Trust this old man to take you back safely. Are you two ready?" I nodded again, and started to head back onto the ship. I stopped when I didn't hear any footsteps behind me. I turned around and saw Spark standing still, in thinking.

"Spark? Are you alright?" I crossed my arms, hoping my movement grabbed his attention. He hummed softly in reply. I wanted to get out of here.

"Something's telling me to stay a little longer. Can you wait here?" Spark asked, finally breaking free from his thoughts. For some reason, I disliked it when he asked me to wait on him.

"No. You always try to do things on your own when it comes to your intuition. Let me help." I might've been mad at him, but I still cared for him. I marched on over to his spot, and he blinked in surprise. I grabbed his shoulder, trying to get him to snap out of his current thought process. Not long after, I gave him a rough shake.

"O-okay ok! You can come with me! We'll be back, sir!" somehow, scaring the living daylights out of him worked. I started to drag him, but the sailor hollered.

"Wait, you two. Make sure to come back by 5pm, otherwise it'll be too dark!" I saw Spark give him a thumbs up.

"Don't worry, it won't even take that long!" Spark hollered back, and escaped my grip. He went on ahead, back the path we came from. I didn't know what he expected to find, since this was a small Island.

"Jolty, we need your help." He let out the familiar yellow electric type, the Jolteon shook its head soon as it appeared. It started to sniff around, guiding us to whatever it found most interesting.

"Spark… do you know what you're looking for?" this felt like a waste of time to me, which is probably why Spark offered me to stay in the first place. But sometimes when his intuition activated, bad things happened, and it creeped me out.

"Nope. This is how intuition works. You've known me for how long and still haven't figure it out?" he grinned widely and moved ahead to walk beside his Jolteon. The two of them were like partners in crime.

"We could always come back later…" I sighed and started to look for anything we might've missed. However, everything looked the same to me. I grumbled under my breath and leaned against the nearest tree, watching Spark and Jolty move on ahead. They ran around wildly, but then Jolteon started barking. After hearing the Pokémon, we went to see what it found.

Up ahead was a small shrine, one that we somehow overlooked. I went on over and bent down, seeing small offerings inside the shrine. Like any other legendary, the Pokémon was worshipped. I gave Cresselia my prayers, but when I opened my eyes once I was done, I saw Spark holding something in his hands.

"That isn't an offering, is it?" I narrowed my yellow eyes and walked over to him. He pointed at a symbol in the corner of the letter he held. It was a dark circle, with a little red in-between. The writing was in cursive, and it was in another language I couldn't understand. I did know a handful of languages, but not this one.

"I don't think Cresselia will miss it. It looks like it's for Darkrai, see?" his index finger moved to a small picture of Darkrai. We both got distracted once we saw Spark's Jolteon pawing at something on the ground. It was white and black in color, and it had a strange texture to it.

"That's an Enigma Berry!" Spark smiled at the sight of it and picked it up. It looked like something other than a berry to me. I raised a brow and examined it closer, checking to see if it had a smell. Unfortunately, it only smelled of the dirt it laid on.

"Shouldn't we leave this here, Spark?" I placed my hand on top of the berry he was holding and stared at him intently. He gave me an absent-minded shrug. I narrowed my eyes and sighed deeply.

"It'll be fine. This is clearly for Darkrai, my instincts tell me so! Let's head back, I think we're done here." He put the two items in his bag and walked back to the sailor. I patted Jolty on the head and we both followed behind.

It didn't take long to make it back, and it wasn't too late in the day. The sailor was quite pleased that we stayed on schedule. Spark and I sat in the same seats as last time, and didn't talk to each other. This time around, Spark was humming that same familiar tune from before. I started to hum along with, but soon as his gaze met with my eyes, I stopped. He formed a stretched smile across his face, chin in his palm, and continued to hum the rest of the song. I knew then that it would be stuck in my head for the rest of the trip.

When we made it to the shore, I looked at Spark to see if there was anything else he wanted to do here. He shook his head. We were about to walk away, but then I saw Spark's eyes light up with a burning passion soon as the sailor's kid came into view.

"Daddy, are they leaving already?" the little boy clutched onto a Pokémon egg, one that had an interesting blue and black design. I gave the kid a warm-hearted smile, but really, I felt happy for the Pokémon he held onto.

Whatever worries Spark had carried were completely gone at the sight of the egg. Whenever he saw one that was unfamiliar to him, he'd forget about his surroundings. Carried away much as his excitement, Spark kneeled to pat the egg. I thought I saw it wiggle.

"You're going to be a great Pokémon that's in great care, I just know it! What will the egg hatch into, do you know?" he had a cheeky grin on his face. The boy noticed Spark's affection and handed him the egg so he could have a chance to hold onto it. Spark took the offer and wrapped his arms into a tight hug. I could tell the egg was feeling warmer already.

"A Riolu. Daddy said a nice man gave it to him, and he's letting me take care of it when he's busy! They can be found on Iron Island." I listened to the boy and looked at the sailor. The sailor gave me a nod in response.

"Aww, Riolu are cute Pokémon, I wish we had them in Kanto! If your daddy lets you, you should nickname the Pokémon." After rocking the egg a few more times, Spark handed the egg back to the boy. The boy's eyes lighted up and he nodded, Spark's enthusiasm had warmed up the boy's heart just as he had with the Pokémon egg.

"Who gave you Riolu…?" I questioned, watching the sailor rub his finger under his nose. I noticed he was a proud father.

"Someone named Riley. They take my ship to Iron Island from time to time. He said he gave another boy a Riolu egg. In fact, they're on that Island right now." I tilted my head. For some reason, that name was slightly familiar to me, but I couldn't place why. Spark came over and tugged on my sleeve. The egg seemed to have lightened his spirits.

"Can we go? Can we? I want one too! It'll help me a lot! And the guy seems to know how to take care of eggs…" the researcher mode was burning within him. Well, it's not like we were in a rush to the battle frontier since we still had a while. Spark did want me to enjoy my time on this field trip, too. I looked to the side and took a moment to think about it. His enthusiasm and child-like behavior was quite tempting when it came to changing my mind.

"Alright, alright. Riolu are strong in power, so it'll help me, too." Soon as I answered, he charged in and hugged me. I let out an "Oomph," and waited for him to let go. Somehow, I wasn't mad at him anymore. He let go of me and patted the Pokémon egg one more time.

"I might be able to keep one of your sisters! Or brothers! Just wait a little longer, okay?" he talked to the eggs as if they were his own children. It probably wasn't necessary, but he did have a theory that Pokémon eggs could hear us like newborn human children can in a mother's womb.

"Before we go… do you have any medicine to help sea-sickness?" I asked the sailor and he blinked in surprise, but handed some to me regardless. I took the medicine now so it would kick in, luckily this was the non-drowsy kind. We both got on board again. I was starting to get tired of ships… just the thought of taking one back home was making my head spin. I had to calm down somehow. I looked over to the side, and saw the boy waving with the egg in hand. Spark was waving back frantically, and I smiled and waved back. The boat was already starting to move.

As if he noticed my head was starting to pulse, Spark placed a hand on my forehead. I blinked a few times, wondering when he got so close to me, and when he changed seats. His blue eyes met with my yellow. Slowly, I grabbed his hand that he placed on me, and narrowed my eyes.

"Are you getting a fever?" he asked worriedly. I shook my head in response. There was nothing wrong with me from what I knew, other than the fact we were on the boat. I let go of his hand and he gave me my space. He continued to stare at me.

"Spark, I'm fine. You worry about the strangest things." I grumbled the rest of my sentence, and remembered he didn't want me worrying on this trip. If he didn't want me worrying, then he shouldn't worry either. We had to help each other somehow.

"Sorry, I'm probably overthinking it. But you do look peeked compared to the last boat trip… will a song help?" he placed his index finger against his lips and switched to thinking mode. I held my head and prayed to Arceus that he wouldn't get another song stuck in my head.

"Listening to the waves is enough. I still have a few more boat trips, I should get used to it." I went to look at the sky, but the blonde next to me was already humming another familiar tune. I tried my best to ignore it.

It didn't take long for the boat to dock. Iron Island was a lot closer than the other one, or at least it felt like it was. It was most likely because we conversed this time around that made the trip feel shorter. I let Spark hop off first, since this was considered his trip. He stretched his arms in the air, looking pumped. I waved at the sailor and we started to find the entrance to the cave that he spoke of.

When we went up the stairs, we did see the house that Byron owned. We talked to the assistant in there, and they said Riley was in the mines. According to them, someone went running inside. Spark and I looked at each other, knowing that the sailor didn't drop them off with us. We thanked them (I just smiled, Spark did most of the chatter) and went into the mines.

It wasn't too hard to see, but I brought out my Charizard just in case. There were a few workers in the mines, and we asked them for Riley's whereabouts. They said someone else was looking for them. We had a feeling it was the intruder from before, so we moved forward.

Up the stairs we heard an extremely loud screech- I had to cover my ears and Spark flinched. We hurried to see who it was, prepared to engage in a battle if needed. There was a large Steelix hovering over a few workers that were crouching against the wall, their eyes closed from the sudden shock. I moved to command my Charizard to help them, the lizard Pokémon at the ready, but Spark grabbed my arm and placed a finger against his lips. His blue eyes saw something I didn't, and that was a rather familiar person wearing a dark blue hat not far away from us.

"Aura Sphere!" the trainer shouted, his pale fingers holding onto his cap. His fighting-duo type Pokémon summoned the instructed move into its blue palms, the light sphere expanding larger and pulsing with energy. The Pokémon focused its gaze on the Steelix, making sure the attack would hit its target.

It wasn't long before the blue aura was accurately casted right into the large Steelix. The workers stayed in their place, and the Steelix's body landed on the opposite side of them. It rumbled its belly and stood back up, sharpening its steel-like body with Harden. It had a sharp mind, being able to think quickly without the help of a trainer. The Steelix took this chance to use Dig, diving into the earth below us.

Spark scooted close to me, watching the battle intently. I noticed he held onto a pokéball in his hand, ready to interfere if he had to. However, the man that was ruling the battle looked calm and dignified. His Pokémon was also full of potential, just as much as the Steelix was. It was interesting to me that even a wild Pokémon was strong and courageous. The steel-type gave me a good vibe—I almost wanted to catch it. Unfortunately, this wasn't my battle, so that thought would have to depend on the trainer that's currently engaged in the match.

"You workers should get out of the way, quickly!" the trainer's soft yet severe voice sounded promising. The workers took this opportunity and went to a safer location. I wondered where there working Pokémon were to help them out in situations like this one, but I slid that thought aside and stayed focused on the battle for now.

"There—use Force Palm, grab it!" I didn't notice until now, but they had their eyes closed when giving the commands. Their Pokémon also had their eyes closed, probably sometime when the Steelix dug underground. It seemed to have been scanning the area. As if on cue, the Pokémon jumped on its feet when its trainer shouted, and out came the Steelix. Around the same time the Steelix reached out to attack, the trainer's Pokémon used its palms. The Steelix let out a loud screech like before and fell back to the ground, its body trembling. Even though it was low on HP, the Steelix opened its eyes and narrowed them at the other. Making the floor shake from its growl, it looked about ready to strike again, but it suddenly focused in our direction instead.

"…Candela…" Spark's voice brought me out of whatever focus I was entranced in. The aura around me swayed in an intricate style, one that was different from before. It was so alarming that even the Steelix could feel the violent pulsing of energy that was evolving at a rapid pace, like how fire would continue to build the more wood it managed to burn. I hadn't realized that the Valor within me started to activate just from watching the match. I held onto my chest and tried to calm down my demeanor.

"Leader Candela, the auras within you now. Take this chance to trust in the instincts that support you, and the wisdom that follows not too far behind you. Focus on your power within!" the trainer spoke clearly from where he stood, filling the caves with his words like he was a dictator. I knew what he was trying to tell me: now was my chance. I outstretched my finger toward the direction of the Steelix, not fazed by its peering eyes. I smirked and pulled a great ball out of my storage, taking this opportunity to toss the ball and try to catch it. There was no need to weaken the Pokémon much further; it was already close to its breaking point.

Three, two, one…

Click.

I caught it, easier than I expected. My outraged aura started to finally settle now that the battle was over. I walked on over to the great ball and picked it up, staring at the object that held the newest edition to my team. I smiled, but it faded quickly as it came when I felt the energy around me start to pick up once more.

The Pokémon that was battling the Steelix let out a similar vibe of energy. I knew what it wanted, and I planned to give it exactly what it wants. Its trainer smiled under their hat with moderation.

"I'm not sure why you two are out on a journey, but would you like a battle with me? I won't disappoint you. I'm Riley, you two can skip the introductions if you'd like. However, inside the mine… we should do the battle outside. The Pokémon are becoming restless." His words were calming, yet quick to the point. I normally didn't accept matches from random trainers, but this trainer and his Pokémon were different. I did give him a nod, but Spark couldn't believe that I agreed.

"Candela, are you sure? He's just… an average, every day trainer, with no affiliation to us… I notice you choose your battles wisely…" Spark sounded flustered, but I simply gave him a shrug in reply.

"I recognize him. He's a participant in the Sinnoh Battle Tower, so to be able to battle him now is an honor for me. I'll know what I'm up against once I get there." I walked on over to the Lucario, and met its gaze. The Lucario looked up at me, its eyes ready for anything. The match it had earlier seemed to have it pumped.

"I don't have my Battle Tower team, so it won't be official. Let's go outside. After the match… I think I have something you would like to see." Riley looked at Spark, and Spark tilted his head in confusion. He then started to lead the way, the Lucario following swiftly behind after giving me another glance. I grabbed Spark and dragged him with us, not giving him enough time to react.

"Wait wait—Candela, I wanted to see a baby Riolu hatch! And what about the intruder?" I paused after Spark finished his sentence, giving him a chance to walk on his own two feet once I let go. He straightened his jacket stretched his back, waving a hand in front of my face in attempts to get my attention. I grabbed his hand and moved it back to his side.

"Stop that. I thought I saw something." I said quietly, adding more to the suspense. I started to move ahead, leaving Spark in his spot, but he quickly followed behind me.

"W-what are you talking about? Maybe you're imagining things again," he spoke nervously, and I stopped again. He bumped into me. I sighed and grabbed hold of his arm, dragging him behind once more.

"I'm joking, Spark. Lighten up some. That's what you've been trying to tell me, right?" I realized my mouth slipped a little, since he wasn't supposed to know I knew, but he blinked in surprise. He rubbed the back of his head and laughed, realizing I was only joking around with him. When he calmed down, I let him go and we continued to follow Riley.

"…Did you two bring a guest with you?" Riley's words completely ruined the scene I had with Spark moments ago—I could already tell without looking at Spark that he had a shiver behind his spine.

"No, but a worker said earlier that someone unfamiliar was around these parts." I spoke up, giving Spark a pat on the shoulder. He finally calmed down a little bit, but little things like these did seem to trouble his thought process.

"We'll have to stop for now, then. I'd like to find out who our unwelcomed guest is. Sorry for the delay in our battle, but the Pokémon are top priority here. I'd like it if you two would support me." His words were sincere. I patted the Charizard that was beside me, showing that we were ready for anything. Spark gave a nod in reply. Although he wasn't as battle-strong as me and Blanche, he still had it in him (albeit creatively), and that's part of the reason he made a great leader.

"I'll heal your team along the way if they need it. We should hurry. You feel it too, don't you?" as if reading the aura that was coming off Spark, he gave him a double nod in response. I knew then that Spark's intuition had activated, and at times like these it was best to believe in it.

"I believe you should lead the way." He told Spark with a soft voice. Something about Riley's voice was rather soothing, but I couldn't quite place it. Spark agreed to his words and went to follow his instincts, leading our small group that we formed together. We didn't know what we were going to find, but we knew that whoever was in here was making the Pokémon restless. We had to find a way to stop them, before it's too late.