Chapter 2: Justice

The past decade and a half of Ayume Carino's life had been an ordeal.

She had been living discreetly in the basement of a friend's home for four years. Shortly after her son was born, the landlord discovered the illegal suite. Without sympathy, he ordered them out within the week.

While Ayume was not unfamiliar with homeless life, it was out of the question now due to having an infant son. With no one else to turn to, she reluctantly moved in with her parents. Those were a dreadful two years. Clashes over how Nori should be raised led them to force her out on her own, a place to go to or not.

Salvation arrived from her great-uncle, one of the few members of her family she could tolerate. He gave her the trailer as a gift to cleverly elude any tax laws. They had been living in the vehicle for the past ten years. Not ideal circumstances, but all she could manage.

Their financial situation was not good, especially since losing her job six years ago. Financial aid from the government kept them alive, but only went so far. They could only afford to have the trailer powered sporadically, which meant no refrigerated goods. Their lunches and dinners consisted mostly of rice, ramen, and canned foods. Their breakfasts were either oatmeal or cereal without milk, the former of which her son was currently making. Snacks were often chips or cookies, and occasionally fresh fruit. Once or twice a month, she would treat herself to some fast food. It reminded her of earlier, simpler times.

Nori walked over, a bowl in each hand. "I tried something new. I hope it works out." He placed the oatmeal on her side of the table before sitting opposite. It smelled quite fragrant for plain oatmeal. Could he have mixed in a bit of cinnamon? A few bites verified this. She had to admit, her son's skills were improving. As much of a headache as he could sometimes be, Ayume knew many parents could only dream of having a child as dedicated to things like cooking and cleaning as he was. Still, a future as a housekeeper wasn't something either of them wanted.

Nori's future had always weighed on her mind. He got that it was important. He was a hard worker, getting As or Bs in all his subjects. Yet he had no thoughts on what he wanted to do with his life, besides that it be be meaningful. Time was running short in more ways than one, and she knew she had to do something about it.

As he had nearly finished eating, Ayume stood up. She grabbed the trainer's card, exactly where it had been left the day before, and slapped it down in front of Nori. She placed her hands on her hips.

"You forgot this yesterday."

Her son stared at it for several moments. Eventually he said, "Sorry, Ma. I kinda forgot when Maylene showed up. Even if I hadn't, I didn't want to drag her around."

She knew he had forgotten intentionally, but chose not to outwardly accuse him of this. It wouldn't do any good. "You need to stop forgetting these things. This is a very important matter, Nori Carino. What were you even wasting your time doing yesterday, if not securing your future?"

"Well, about that," he quickly answered, ruffling his hair. "I ended up making some, um, friends of sorts, yesterday."

Of sorts? That sounded like the signs of a ridiculous lie. She crossed her arms, looking down at him. "Really? Who are these friends?"

"Youths Against...something that starts with M, Society. YAMS for short. They're like a club, of sorts. They invited me to their meeting today. And I said I'd be there today, and I don't want to have lied about it. So..." He had been inching his way towards the door, so carefully that she only noticed when it was too late. "Gotta go!"

Before she could even open her mouth, her son had left the trailer. Ayume knew all his quirks, and it seemed he wasn't making up an excuse this time. Just finding one.

YAMS? She'd have to look that up later today. Whoever they were, at least he was out there making proper connections. Who knows. Maybe one of the people there would be interested in travel, and could coax him into it. Nori wasn't completely oblivious. She noted even he was aware that he missed the boat when his rich friend, that Claris girl, wanted him to journey with her and he refused. He hates messing up, and certainly wouldn't want to mess up again.

The woman poured herself a cup of hot water from the kettle, grabbed a bag of tea from the cupboard, and dunked it in. She sat down, sighing and thinking to herself.

Ayume was fully aware her financial situation was dire. She thus far somehow made it all work, despite the stress of it. But the looming problem was, the price of goods and the things she couldn't help but enjoy were going up. Her cheque on the other hand remained for the same amount. It was becoming harder and harder to survive. She lamented not dedicating herself enough in school.

She had only met the father of her child once, a tourist who had happened to be attending the same party as her. It was an accident, but not an unpleasant one. One of her vices - and thankfully one that cost nothing - was enjoying casual encounters with men, the latest of which was yesterday after Nori had left with his friend. At times she would not even know the name of her partners. She had resigned herself to the fact that claiming child maintenance would be impossible, all factors considered. Every day she would glance at her savings drawer, uncertain if the money would continue to last, even if she managed it perfectly. And though she had tried a few times, she never met a man willing to take on her and her son.

That was why it was so important to her that Nori become successful. She wasn't sure how to explain that he might not have time to stay in school. And she wasn't going to send him to live with some unknown, or worse, her family. Hence, trying to urge him into becoming a Pokemon trainer. Her financial contributions could be minimal, given how many free services are provided. She knew Nori could succeed at it if he applied himself like he did when learning. A journey was also a rite of passage in youth, and something that could give clear directions in life to those who go on them, facts that he refused to acknowledge or even hear about. Though, she knew full well where he got that stubborn streak from...

"I'll just have to keep at it," she supposed aloud to herself. She could be just as much of a Tauros-head. She had to, for his sake.

Nori had arrived at the old reddish-brown building to find everyone already outside. He was tentative about actually coming here, but figured what was the harm in trying?

The protest group had commandeered the space outside for their use, turning the benches inward to face an old tree stump that Louis presently stood on. It used to be livelier before the Magcargo Express relocated to the central part of town. This was the first time since that he'd seen anyone but passersby looking to take a break use it. Strangely, there were signs here about picking up after your Pokemon and prohibiting camping. You'd normally see those at grassy parks, but the only grass here was a lengthy strip that was partially dead. The wooden barricades that divided it from the hill behind were similarly ill-maintained. Said hill quickly descended into full-on cliffs. Nori momentarily shuddered when he caught sight of the ocean awaiting below, quickly looking away and taking his seat.

One bench was stuffed full, but the siblings scooted aside to give him room on theirs. He nodded and smiled at the gesture. Peering at the other bench, he became aware he was easily the youngest person here. Mariko was in the middle, with the quiet girl on the far side. Nearest was someone unfamiliar, a girl who looked two or three years older than him. She had aqua blue eyes, forest green hair, and was dressed in some sort of deep purple toned robe-like outfit. Traditional attire, perhaps?

Louis cleared his throat shortly after Nori sat. "Excellent, you made it. With that, I now call the latest meeting of Youths Against Mistaken Society to order. We have two new people joining us today. I'm sure you are familiar with both of them already, so there is no need for formal introductions. Let us simply get down to business."

Nori took another glance at the green-haired girl. He wasn't familiar with her.

"Now, a point that has been coming up is how disorganized we have been. We have been making all these little one-off protests with no consistency. It's hardly good for our image. I want to change that, starting next month. We need to find a clear goal to work towards, and follow it."

The female sibling put up her hand. "But how are we going to do that?"

"Well, Yumi, I came up with a solution." A name, that made things easier. "We focus on one thing in general for a period of time, perhaps one to three months. For example, dangerous Pokemon owners. Simply look at those, nothing else. We're bound to find something big if we do."

There was chatter of general agreement. It sounded just fine to Nori, too. He admitted he had a tendency to play things by ear, but that didn't mean he liked to be strung along by someone else doing that, or do that to someone himself.

"Best case, we find a subset of issues which we can establish ourselves as tackling in particular." A hand went up beside Nori. Louis turned and asked, "Yes, Touya?"

Both siblings stood up. "Sis and I have got just the idea for this, well, next month I guess."

Louis nodded his approval and sat down. "By all means, the floor's yours."

Yumi momentarily glanced at Nori. "When I saw Nori here with that little girl yesterday, and saw how she was defending that former Rocket guy, I was really..." She looked away. "Disturbed, for lack of a better word."

Her brother nodded. "We talked when we got back home. Thought it might just be a bad example being set, like how Mariko said. That guy making her think that sort of thing's right. That's why I think we should go after people doing just that!" He pounded down his fist into his palm.

They sat back down. Louis put a hand on his chin, scratching at the beginnings of a beard that was starting to form as he stood back up. "To pursue those who would set a bad example for other people..." he mused aloud. "That could work. All in favor?"

"Aye."

Nori immediately noted two things. First, everyone but that girl he hadn't seen before verbally agreed to that. Second, both he and Mariko had done so with fervor. They exchanged glances. She was leering at him in a strange way. He did what he always did in those situations, returning the look.

"So it is settled," Louis announced. "The theme for protest for next month will be those who set a bad example." The brash redhead rose up. Unabated, Louis asked, "Yes, Mariko?"

"I have our first idea!" she yelled.

Louis seemed to sigh, but his tone was neutral on saying, "Well, let's hear it."

Mariko to contrast the siblings, marched out in front of everyone and started pacing restlessly. "There's this old creep who lives on the east side." She looked directly at Nori for a moment. "I know you've probably seen him a few times." He had. "He got in trouble for exposing himself to children a couple decades ago, but for some stupid reason, they let him go! Now he's living out there and still exposing himself!"

"Now wait just a minute!" Nori shouted this, but didn't stand despite his urge to. "What's picking on some old pedo gonna do?"

A fire in her eyes that matched her hair, she stormed over to him. He didn't flinch, even as Touya scooted away from the angry girl. "He's doing it even now! The stupid geezer sits out there on his porch in a...a..." She stepped back in her disbelief. "A thong, even when it's winter! It's indecency that's setting a bad example for anyone who sees him and thinks that's okay!"

This was just ridiculous. He rested his arm on the side of the bench. "You're exaggerating. And I still think it's not the best idea."

"Oh, and I don't suppose you have any better ideas?" she fired back.

Exactly the answer he was hoping for. He snickered in a way that made Touya scoot further away, practically squishing himself against his sister. "You bet I do."

He stood up and took a position, looking to everyone. He calmly said the words, "The Champion of Sinnoh herself." Everyone's eyes went wide. Just as he'd hoped. "She dresses just as bad as that guy at times, and she's supposed to be like this big respected public figure who represents our region. But then she goes out there, wearing like nothing–"

Nori was interrupted by a light shove. "You're being sexist!"

He wanted to shove her right back onto the ground, but restrained himself. For now, at least. "How?"

"She should be allowed to show off her body however she wants!"

"Hold up." He briefly held a hand out which he placed on his hip. "You just said you wanted to protest indecency that sets a bad example, didn't you?"

"That's right!"

"Well first, what could be more indecent than someone in a high position who dresses skimpy all the friggin time?! And second, if that's okay, what's wrong with a guy being able to show off his body?"

For once, Mariko looked stunned. Good. "That's...it's because...this is totally different!"

"There is no difference! She's actually even worse because–"

"Calm down, you two!" Louis finally cut in, standing up and getting between them. Mariko growled at the interruption. Nori did too, only because it took him long enough to do so. The protest group's leader looked at him. "Now, Nori. You've brought up an excellent concept. But I think our little group publicly protesting her isn't going to go over very well."

"Aww." He never liked that person. It was complicated, a story in itself to explain why. He was hoping these people would have the guts to stand up, but it seemed they were going to play it safe.

"Ha, told you so!" Mariko sharply mocked. Nori almost did shove her over at this point.

"And Mariko," Louis turned to her. "Nori has raised a point. Your idea is simply thinking too small. It was all right the last time, but you need to be more cognizant of that."

Nori smirked. He taunted, "Ha ha ha," as he went to sit back down. The redhead seethed, but went and took her seat as well, crossing her arms and looking away. Well, maybe they wouldn't be protesting the Champion, but seeing Mariko get shut down made bringing it up worth it.

"Do the rest of you have any thoughts on people in our community setting a bad example?" asked Louis.

Quiet. Nori heard someone say something, but couldn't tell who it was. Louis did not.

"Well, if no one else has any ideas, we'll think about that later. For now, let's move on to our recap of yesterday's protest."

"I said, I think I have something," the big, quiet girl spoke up, the faintest hint of hesitation in her voice. It was like she was forcing herself to speak.

The other four main members of the group were stunned. "You, Nariya?" asked an astonished Louis.

Nariya was like a Stantler in headlights for a few moments, before steadily rising. She shuffled over to Louis, fumbling in her black jacket's pockets along the way. "H-here..." She handed him two rectangular sheets.

Louis looked them over. His expression darkened with concern. "Nariya, where did you get these?"

"Accidentally, yesterday...when doing a school report..."

The blue-haired teen swept his gaze over the rest of the group. "All of you. Come look at this." They all gathered around him to see what it was.

The first was a photograph of a lavish medium-sized building. Nori noted it appeared inspired by Galarian architecture in in the 1800s, if he was remembering that right from social studies class. However, there was somebody in black in one of the windows. The second was a closer angle. Again that same person was visible, and far more clearly. It was a man dressed in a black leather body suit of some kind. Next to him was a brown-haired woman, holding a whip in her hands. Nori didn't fully understand what was going on, but had a general idea from how little the woman was wearing.

For the first time, the girl with green hair spoke. "That is the mayor of Veilstone, is it not?"

"Y-Yes," confirmed Nariya. "His wife too..."

This didn't sit right with Nori. It lined up too well. He demanded, "Were you holding this back until now?"

"Ah!" she yelped. Nariya took a deep breath to compose herself, but didn't make eye contact. "No, I didn't...this was last night. I was just photographing the mayor's house when I saw...this. It just, coincidentally lined up with...our theme, that's all. I saw these after my dad developed them overnight...so I took it with me, just in case. I just felt I should bring it up, because it could help, and..." She trailed off.

Come to think of it, didn't she say she was going to do a school thing yesterday? Yeah, that made sense. He gave Nariya an assuring expression of acceptance, before giving the photos another look. That was the mayor all right. It had to be a freak accident that she caught this. "But this is..."

"This is a scandal in the making, is what it is!" Mariko shouted, making Nariya cover her ears briefly. "Good job with this, Nariya. We have to expose this disgusting bastard for who he really is!"

"Right!" agreed Touya.

"Let's get him!" Yumi rallied.

"It's settled, then." Louis patted the quiet girl on the back, who evidently had mixed feelings about this. "We'll hold off on the report of yesterday's protest. We have important work to do. Let's head inside to discuss this further."

Louis took out a key and unlocked the side door of the building. The four marched in behind, though Nariya did so with some reluctance. She even looked back at Nori and the other girl before going in. The two newcomers were left by themselves.

There was a brief silence between them. Nori's hands balled into fists. Maybe he had a problem with shameless filthy people who promote being shameless and filthy, but the mayor was doing it in his own home. And as far as he knew, he was a good guy. This wasn't exposing some jerk who deserved to have his dark secrets exposed to the world. This was invading someone's privacy. How could any of these people find this even remotely acceptable?

At least he had someone to vent to. "Are they serious?" he said to her. "What's complaining about that going to do to help anyone? It's like they just want to trash someone for the sake of trashing them."

The robed girl sighed in disappointment. "It would appear that is the case." She spoke with a borderline monotonous calm.

Nori grumbled in irritation. This was just ridiculous. "I knew it, I shouldn't have bothered at all." He wanted to think these people were doing this to help people by telling of others' misdeeds. But it seemed just the opposite to him, like they wanted to hurt people. He gave them a chance, and was regretting ever doing so.

The other newcomer appeared just as lost in thought as he had been, staring at the ground with a sorrowful expression. "So why'd you come here, anyway?" he asked.

She snapped up and blinked, as if not expecting that question. "My motivations? I had chosen to accompany this group for this meeting, as I believed they might have an interest in helping others and doing good." Well, looks like he wasn't the only person who thought that. The girl again lowered her head. "However, it appears that my impressions about them were off."

No kidding. Nori felt a bit better knowing that he wasn't the only one suckered into this.

"And what of you?" the girl asked.

"Well, I thought I could make a difference by joining these guys, but, well." He let out a growl. "What those stupid morons are doing isn't going to make any difference at all!"

The girl lightly giggled at his sudden outburst.

"What's so funny?"

She seemed to catch herself, as if realizing what she just did. "Oh, just..." Her words came slightly more naturally initially, before retaking her earlier tone. "I found the term you used to describe them amusing. I apologize."

"All right." If she was laughing at what he said and not him, that was fine. He was worried for a moment, because people usually do the latter in his experience.

Suddenly, they were again quiet. This was an awkward silence, as if the two were suddenly unsure what to say to the other. Nori realized, this girl was actually okay! She touched a finger to her lips. He thought about asking who she was, but to his surprise, she asked first.

"You seem like a genuine person. May I ask for your name?"

It was a quirky way of asking, but he replied all the same. "I'm Nori," he declared with a point to himself. "Nori Carino! How about you?"

"My name is Prema Kannagi." She punctuated her introduction with a small bow.

"Nice to meet you, Prema!"

At that moment, the door to the old warehouse swung open. Louis stood looking out at them. "Hey, what are you two still doing out here?" he asked, urging them in. "We have a lot of work to do, so–"

"NO! We don't want any part of this mud throwing!" He peered at the green-haired girl, plastering a grin on his face. "Come on, Prema, let's make like a banana and split!"

The girl tilted her head. "Separate?"

"I mean, let's leave this place!"

"Oh!" she realized. "I had not heard that expression before. Yes, let's."

"You two just want to walk out when we're fighting the good fight?" Nori tuned out Louis as he left this whole situation behind with Prema, not once looking back. "Fine. I guess this shows what kind of people you really are."

Today had not been going well.

That meeting had been a disappointment. Her involvement had began two days prior when shopping for groceries. When she was in public, hellos from people were common, and conversations not a rarity either. She would respectfully listen, and they would respectfully keep it brief.

But the person that day caught her attention. Named Louis Trussell. Self-aware of his improper boldness, he had a longer discussion with her. He told her that he ran a group that worked to do good. His heart seemed in the right place, at least. People like that are in short supply. He took her interest as an opportunity to extend an invitation to her. She thought about it. This person did not seem dangerous, so she accepted. Her thought was that they did, or would be willing to do charitable work. It would have been fantastic if things worked out they way she was praying them to.

Yet they did not. It was truly unfortunate.

Prema glanced at the person walking beside her. Her father once told her that you can tell a lot about a person from their appearance. She personally believed it improper to judge based on those criteria alone, but took in the information anyway. Nori had soft red eyes and dark brown hair that reached to his neck, which appeared brushed by his fingers. He had on somewhat tattered pants with a small hole in the left knee and, beneath his open green and black jacket, a plain white shirt which had been worn thin.

"Glad we got out of there when we did," the boy said, accompanied by an irritated sigh that told her he was frustrated with himself. "That ice cream shop owner was right about them."

While Prema didn't have the context on whoever that was, she could speculate that person tried to warn Nori of this group. Yet the boy decided to take a chance on them, just like she had. She spoke up, "Their stated goals of improving matters are admirable, although how they achieve it is..."

"Dumb?"

Prema paused in her tracks as he chimed in. "That is an impolite, yet not incorrect way of putting it," she replied. Her own first thought was actually 'foolish,' but she wanted to use a more proper and accurate word. "I would use the term misguided."

He stopped and shrugged. "I guess so."

A silence drew over them as they stood. Prema considered their situation. She at least had met one good person from attending that meeting. That meant it was not a loss to have done so. Perhaps this boy was headstrong, but not in a bad way.

Nori suddenly spoke up again. "Well, why should this stop us? We don't need them to do good, help others, or make a difference! We can do that all by ourselves, just us and any friends of ours who want to help!" He clapped his hands.

"Our friends?"

"Sure! All the people we know and like and aren't family! Like, I think of you as one already!"

He thinks of her as what? Her mouth opened slightly, but she had no words.

The boy hesitated. "I mean, if you want to be my friend..."

He was concerned at her pause. She was not dismissing it. It was just that up until now, she never had anyone consider her a friend. She was surrounded by people every day who treated her with esteem. She supposed it was only natural they do so. But this Nori person, whom she just met, no one had ever treated her like he was. It was as though he saw her as an equal, despite her position. Is that what real friends do?

It felt good, truth be told. A friend. It was almost relaxing, in a way she couldn't fully comprehend. So she nodded. "I suppose we can be each others' friends."

"Great! Maybe going there wasn't a waste after all." Nori grinned at her. His attitude had now done a complete reversal from when they were with that youth protest group. He glanced away for just a moment before asking, "Want to come hang out at my place for a bit?"

"I...suppose." Do friends go to each others' homes? This was so new and so sudden for her. Nearly overwhelming. She went to that club's meeting with a purpose in mind, but had not expected this outcome. It did not feel bad, yet in the back of her mind she worried how to explain this to her father.

He started walking again, motioning for her. "Okay, it's close by. Follow me."

She followed. Her father always said to her that things have a way of working themselves out. Could this be even better than what she had in mind? It remained to be seen how this would go. Though unsure where the feeling came from, she had an initial sense that this would be positive.

With a pep in his step, Nori led his new friend to the Veilstone City trailer park. He hadn't been expecting to make a friend at that meeting! He expected it'd take a while for those people to fully accept him. Not that he wanted or cared for their acceptance at this point. Someone like-minded like Prema seemed to be meant way more to him. The walk there was ten minutes, but he was feeling so jubilant over this that it felt like a fraction of the time.

Trailers were scattered about within the six quadrants, often in groups of two to four due to the electrical plug-ins. These were in the four corners, the back center, and central sections. There was more than enough space between to drive in and out if need be, with emergency exits on the back corners. The frontmost part near the entrance was often used as a commons area.

Nori's place was near the front of the center area, which meant less of a walk. "Yeah, I know," he preempted with a sigh as they reached it. "Sorry it's not like a big mansion or anything."

Prema just smiled. "It is a comfortable little trailer."

Nori was struck silent. A genuine tone. "You're the first person who's said that and meant it. Most can't even imagine living like this."

"I live rather modestly myself. This is not unlike what I am used to."

That was a surprise to hear. "Well, let's head inside, where it's not as smelly." Even with that, he imagined being out in the stale air was a bit much. It bothered even him at times. Why did people refuse to look after themselves or their home?

Nori tried to turn the side door's handle, but found it wasn't turning."Locked? Ma must've gone out. And she doesn't give me a key." He grumbled. "Says I'm not mature enough."

The green-haired girl hummed with disappointment. "So we will be unable to visit your home." She looked to the horizon as if to consider something before continuing, "Mine is further away than is reasonable."

"I mean we can walk or take a bus there! But if you say so." She didn't seem to want to go there, so no need to press the issue. They could still hang out regardless. "Why don't we go to a park instead? There's one nearby that's real good, Gabbron Park."

"That sounds, hm?" She tilted her head.

"Sounds what?"

Prema gestured with a palm. "Look."

He looked, just in time to see a teal four-legged creature rush beneath the vehicle. "Hey!" he shouted. It must have been some sort of Pokemon. "What do you think you're doing, running under the trailer like that?!"

The two exchanged glances and squatted down at the same time. Sharp claws, sharp teeth. Spikes all over its body even on its big ears. A nub of a horn, also sharp. Harsh red eyes. Traits of numerous different animals. Nori didn't recognize it at all. "What is that thing?"

"It appears..." Prema leaned in closer, looking at it intently. She let out a soft gasp. Slowly, she withdrew while shaking her head. "It is terrified," she somberly stated.

Now that she mentioned it, yes. Nori could see that. It wasn't cowering, but it had a peculiar desperation in its eyes. The Pokemon's legs were shaking as it tried to get as close to the ground as possible. "Is it hiding from something? If so, what?" He could rule out a predator. Nothing big enough to hunt something its size - a miracle it even fit under there - would be in the city.

That was when he heard them. "Sirens?" It wasn't a rarity to see the cops at the trailer park, but he'd never seen so many at once. There were three police bikes, two cars, and a number of police Pokemon. A pair of Houndours, an Arcanine, and even a Noctowl in the sky.

A tall man with frizzy red hair, beard, and mustache - evidently the chief - emerged from one of the vehicles. "Get a perimeter around the trailer!" he barked. His men were already on it, surrounding his home with lightning precision, weapons drawn and Pokemon primed to attack.

Nori did his best not to panic. What was going on? Did his mom do something? Did he do something? The chief shifted his gaze, spotting Nori and Prema.

He boldly rushed over. "You two, back! It's unsafe!" he warned, gesticulating wildly. "We've got that Demon cornered under there, and it could take erratic action." The chief contemplated. "Sending one of our Pokemon in could be dangerous...we'll need to move the trailer to get at it. Get to safety for now!"

He didn't move. This was happening too fast. Prema remained still as well, calm but stunned. The chief grabbed them both by the wrists right after finishing speaking. Nori reacted.

"No way!" he refused, yanking his arm away and stepping back towards the trailer. It was enough to make him release Prema.

"What are you doing, kid?" he marched over, but Nori put a hand out. His mother said something about something like this!

"National law number," he boomed, before awkwardly trailing off. "...that I don't remember." Stupid! He was hoping to look awesome there and blew it. No matter, he knew what it meant and that was the important thing. He went right back to shouting with passion. "You can't disrupt our property like this without one of those warring things! My ma's not even home and she has the keys!"

The chief sighed in exasperation. "A warrant." Right, that's what it was. "Listen. You're technically right, but you're wasting valuable police time here." He spoke with a no-nonsense firmness. Nori glowered. He wasn't going to let himself be intimidated. "This Demon has repeatedly engaged in acts of violence against trainers and Pokemon. It's eluded capture and shown no signs of slowing down. It won't change, it won't reform. We have to deal with it now while we have this chance."

Eliminating it? Calling it a demon? Saying it won't change? He may not care much for Pokemon, but all that was ridiculous to Nori. With a brief glance to a confused but watchful Prema, the boy took a bold step towards the police officer. "Well, I bet that it can be reformed!" he declared.

"You...bet, you say?"

Everyone went silent. Nori sort of blurted that claim out. But someone had responded to it, and he knew who.

The cops' heads turned as a woman in her 30s began walking towards them. Nori heard her all the time on radio commercials for the Game Corner, and seen her on TV and in books. Her layered silver hair with purple highlights was unmistakable. She presently wore a sparkly smoky gray jacket with violet trim, and slick black trousers that screamed how expensive they were. He wasn't into Pokemon or gambling, so he never imagined he would ever meet her.

The city's resident Gym leader tilted her head at the chief. "This seems to be quite the high stakes situation you have on your hands. Let me take this one up alone." He nervously saluted and stepped back. Gasha Qian turned and smiled, an unnerving whimsical glint in her light-green eyes.

Nori felt an overwhelming anxiousness rising within. What did he just bring on himself?