A Cradily materialized on the battlefield, blinking her wide, yellow eyes. The woman looked at the trees and smiled pleasantly, and then she noticed us, and her face shifted to annoyance. "More of you?"
"More of them," said Erika, patting her shoulder. "This one seems to be more prepared than the others."
"Then just give him the badge and be done with it."
Erika giggled. "You know that isn't how it works. Now, come, there won't be many more of these challenges left."
While Erika and her Moemon took their places, I looked to my Moemon. "Alright, team, she's only got the three, and she started with the most troublesome one first. Once we get past that one, we'll be in the clear. Bailey?"
Bailey slowly nodded. "It will be quick." She floated past me.
"Good luck Bailey!" Olivia cheered, and the others joined in.
When I stepped into my square, the referee stepped forward. "Are both competitors ready? Erika? Challenger?"
Erika nodded. I did as well, giving my opponent a sly wink. Erika didn't look amused.
"Then begin!"
"Toxic!" Erika shouted, and the Cradily spat out a glob of purple into her hands. She juggled it for a moment and threw it at Bailey, but Bailey simply lifted herself higher in the air. The deep purple sludge splattered into the ground, sizzling the dirt, while Bailey floated inches above it, unperturbed.
"Okay, then Stone Edge," Erika commanded. The Cradily reached into the dirt and scooped out a chunk and smashed it together to harden it immediately.
Before she could throw it, Bailey vanished. "Will O Wisp!" I shouted.
Bailey appeared for a split second behind the Cradily, making Erika jump in surprise. The Cradily shivered violently and swung around, but Bailey snapped her fingers, and the resounding crack echoed across the gym. Bailey vanished again, and the Cradily chucked the stone into the wall, where it shattered. Bailey reappeared in her original spot, as if she hadn't moved.
"Are you okay?" Erika asked, and the Cradily slowly shook her head, breathing deeply. "Recover, then."
The Cradily closed her eyes and started to glow a bright blue. I didn't want to issue a command, or I would've ruined a free sneak attack. Thankfully, Bailey knew how to take advantage. She held her arm behind her back, and a glowing black sphere appeared in her palm. She tossed it at her unmoving opponent, who opened her eyes just too late. The sphere collided, sending the woman on her back, coughing up smoke, shivering.
"Energy Bomb!"
But as the Cradily began to charge a green sphere in her hands, Bailey teleported directly in front of her. With black-covered hands, she punched the Cradily straight into the ground. The Cradily lay facedown in the dirt, and a small wisp of fire fizzled out the rest of her health.
Bailey teleported back at my side. "I hope you can handle it from here."
"You did well," I said, giving her a thumbs up. She held at my side, however. "Something wrong?"
She stared at me. "You usually hug the others during their victories."
That made me blink. "You seem to hate when I touch you." For such an uncharacteristic request, she didn't sound embarrassed. "But, sure, I'll hug you when you win."
"I'd appreciate that."
So, I hugged Bailey and all of her incredible coldness. She didn't hug me back, but it was enough for both of us. She floated forward and let the others smother her. While my Moemon celebrated, Erika recalled her Cradily and threw out an Abomasnow. Dressed like a frosted-over Christmas tree, the woman stood tall, hands on hips, and nodded at me. I nodded back.
"You know, it's kind of nice knowing that the rest of the Moemon we face will be fully evolved," I said to myself, while Christine walked up to me, knowing this was her battle. "Less morally ambiguous than having little girls smacking each other down."
"Killing each other, in some cases," said Christine.
I grimaced. "I guess. I hope you get another crit. Take her down in one hit."
Christine chuckled. "I doubt I'll need the crit." When she stepped forward, the Abomasnow lost all of her swagger.
"Are both ready?" The referee called. Erika, Christine, and I nodded. The Abomasnow slowly shook her head, but the referee didn't take notice. "Then begin!"
Christine sprinted forward, not even bothering to use her wings, a Flame Burst already charged. Erika could barely shout a command before Christine slammed into her opponent and fired the attack point blank. The Abomasnow screamed for a moment as the flames covered her, and then the screams stopped just as quickly. Christine stepped off her defeated opponent and walked back to me, fake-yawning cheekily.
Erika recalled her Moemon, shaking her head. "Little regard for a good battle," she said.
"It's life or death for me, so I'm just here to win," said Christine, shaking a hand dismissively. She reached me and opened her arms, grinning. "Come here, you!"
I fell into her arms, enjoying the warmth. "Maybe you should give them some slight chance."
"Nah." Christine muttered. "Not when I can end it like that."
"Well, what if someone could do that to you?" I asked. "Wouldn't you want mercy?"
"It wasn't me, though."
"One rock will knock you out of the sky," I said, pulling on one of her wings. "You aren't invincible. Strong as all hell-"
"Damn right."
"-not invincible. I dunno. Just remember the other Moemon's feelings when you're burning them to death."
"Right." Christine said quietly. I could tell she wouldn't take my words to heart. Fair enough. She gently pushed me away and moved aside so that Annie could take her place.
"I'll give them a fighting chance," said Annie, nudging me. "Don't you worry about that."
I looked back at Erika's final Moemon. The Vileplume lifted up a large, floppy mushroom cap and gave me a wave. With a strange look, I waved back, noting that all of her Moemon actually communicated with me. A rare trait, even amongst the Gym Leaders.
"Of course, that's because I'm not strong enough to one shot anyone," said Annie, explaining the joke.
"You'll beat her without getting poisoned," I said, patting her shoulder. "Try not to get too hurt. You can still fall asleep."
"It'll be a nice nap," said Annie, winking at me and stepping forward.
"A rude awakening," I muttered, nodding at the referee. Erika nodded as well, and the flags were thrown down. "Iron Head."
"Natural Gift," said Erika, calmly.
The Vileplume reached into a pocket and pulled out a blue berry. She squeezed it tight, and her hand glowed a bright blue. She shot her arm forward, and a beam of blue light fired from it. Annie, head down, took the full blast but continued forward. Annie reached her opponent and knocked her off her feet. The Vileplume tumbled in the air but landed on her feet.
Annie looked back at me and gave me a thumbs up, but I could tell she was hiding her exhaustion. Whatever that attack was, it hit her hard. Hopefully not enough to knock her down a second time. "Iron Head again."
"Natural Gift!"
Both attacked, both made contact, and both were knocked to their knees. "Annie, I'm calling you back!" I shouted. "We aren't risking it!"
"No!" Annie cried, jumping to her feet, breathing deeply. "One more, Arthur! One more!"
Damn it. No! I'm not taking an unnecessary risk. But as I held out the ball, Annie charged forward, doing one final Iron Head. Erika looked at me somewhat sympathetically, and she whispered her command to the Vileplume next to her. Her Moemon squeezed the berry one final time, draining the power out of it, and held her arm out. But she froze, and her arm dropped, and she stumbled to one knee, and Annie ran up to her and slammed into her.
Annie stood over her opponent. She raised a foot and stomped down onto the Vileplume's chest, and the Moemon let out one last breath before she was knocked out. Annie stumbled back and gave me a thumbs up. And I let out a huge breath I forgot I'd been holding.
"You lucky girl," I whispered. She flinched. The Vileplume flinched. And that's what saved her. I ran forward and held Annie tight. "You reckless, lucky girl."
"I won, didn't I? Didn't fall asleep, either."
"You did," I said. I didn't want to argue. Didn't want to tell her wrong. "You won." And I held her as my other Moemon joined us, and we all squeezed together in a pile.
When we finally broke apart, Erika stood alone, smiling sadly at us. "You understand how lucky you were, I'm sure."
"Not the first time I won due to luck," I said, nudging Olivia softly. "But I'll take it over the alternative."
"As you should." Erika looked over my Moemon. "At least you seem to care deeply about your Moemon. I feel no regret by giving you this badge. You deserve it." She held out the Rainbow Badge, and I took the cold metal. "Good luck in your future battles. I hope you and your team do not experience casualties."
I held the badge above my head, admiring the sheen and letting my Moemon stare at it over my shoulder. "Thanks, Erika. I hope your dreams for a more peaceful world come to fruition."
At that, Erika smiled sadly. "Oh, but there will be more bloodshed before there's peace. I thank you for your thoughts. You have an intriguing mind."
Intriguing was a new one. "Right. Thanks, Erika." I waved her goodbye and took my team to the exit. After some deliberation – and quick denial by Bailey, the prime candidate – Stacy was chosen to be my partner for the journey home. As we left the gym, I got a call from Quinton congratulating me on my victory. He wished me luck in my travel, and I did the same for him. Soon after, Hannah called, and her praise was far more genuine.
As we neared the main street, we noticed a familiar face. Chief Harmen patrolled the street, watching a crowd of green-clad people carefully as they passed. He noticed us as well and hurried over to us.
"I see your Staravia evolved," he said, nodding at Stacy. "Congratulations. I suppose you've spent this week training your team."
"I have," I confirmed. I felt Stacy clutching me tighter than usual. I couldn't tell if that it was protective or suspicious. Either way, it wasn't good. "I'll be leaving tomorrow morning."
"Then this is perfect timing," said Chief Harmen.
"As if you knew exactly this would happen," said Stacy. Suspicious, then.
Chief Harmen glanced at Stacy with slight surprise. "I can't pretend I'm a subtle man. I knew you've come from the Celadon Gym, yes. You have your badge, then?"
I nodded. "Lost no one."
"That is great news." He pulled out a small blue pouch and held it out. "On behalf of the Celadon Police, I'd like to offer this reward to you for your help in bringing Karen Donavan and Marcus Monroe to justice for their crimes."
I eyed the pouch, sharing Stacy's suspicion. "We all know I did nothing."
"Take the damn pouch, son. We also know this is pretense. I'm sure you're broke, and I'd prefer not to have you leave the city broke when important medicine can protect your Moemon. This will allow you to refill the supplies you lost during the war."
Stacy took the pouch before I could. She held it to her ear and shook it and handled it to me after she heard clinking. "It's legitimate."
"Of course it is," said Chief Harmen, insulted. "What could I possibly gain from giving you anything other than money?"
"What do you gain from giving us money?"
"Less guilt on my soul. Stacy, I allowed you vengeance for your family. I protected you and your trainer as much as I could. I understand if you're apprehensive, but I assure you that I have no need to scheme anymore."
I patted Stacy's shoulder. I loved that she was so protective, but I couldn't believe that Chief Harmen would trick us again. "Thank you. This will help a lot." I gave Stacy a nudge, and she bowed her head slightly.
"I'm sorry. Thank you."
He waved a hand dismissively. "I've kept an eye out for Nathan, by the way. Told all my men to look out for him. Nobody really remembers what he looks like under his ski mask. But if we see him, we'll find out, and we'll let you know."
"Please do." Stacy looked back up at him. "Can I ask after the nervous man at the basement desk guarding Geoffrey?"
"Four Eyes?" Chief Harmen said. I could see hesitation in his eyes. "What do you need to ask him?"
"Is he here? I haven't seen him since before the war ended."
"Well, to be fair, you haven't been out of your ball the entire time," I whispered. Stacy shushed me quickly. I hadn't been looking for him, but I didn't recall seeing him either this past week.
"He's away on another assignment," said Chief Harmen. "Secret, unfortunately, not for civilians."
"Understandable," I said, patting Stacy's hand. "I guess that's all we've got for you, right Stacy?" Stacy nodded slowly. "Then, again, thank you Chief Harmen. I hope everything gets fixed here. I hope you can retire in peace."
At that last remark, Chief Harmen let out a hearty chuckle. "Son, I'll be working until my grave. This war decided that for me. But I appreciate it, and-" he lowered his voice. "-I truly am sorry that you were witness to any of it. You're a fine young man, and you deserved better." He patted my shoulder. "I hope to have good news for you, Stacy. Give my regards to your family." He gave Stacy a smile, and he left us to continue his patrol.
When he was out of earshot, I leaned my head on Stacy's shoulder. "Okay, can I have your thoughts? Why the sudden interest in Four Eyes?"
"I've been curious about him for a long time," she admitted. "I haven't seen anyone who would have answers. Unfortunately, I won't be able to get them now. Chief Harmen is hiding something."
"There's a surprise," I muttered. "I doubt it's a secret that affects us."
"A man like Four Eyes looked weak and pathetic, yet he was the lone guard for several dozen prisoners of war," said Stacy, as we continued our walk.
"Those prisoners looked pretty secure to me," I said. "I figured it was an easy job."
"A job not for one man but a group."
"He had plenty of backup upstairs." I paused. "What are your thoughts?"
"As I said, we haven't seen him since the war ended. How did you last see him?"
I chewed my tongue in thought. That final night. Just before the police met to discuss the plan that eventually led to Marcus' assassination. Four Eyes led us to the room and told me he'd been transferred to the eastern department. When I told Stacy this, she shook her head.
"What?"
"There is no eastern department," she said quietly. "The Celadon Police department is named for a reason. It is the sole department. It isn't the western department."
"Holy shit," I whispered. Wow, I was an idiot. "Okay, the guy lied to me. Good on him, getting me out of his hair, I guess. Why?"
Stacy stopped and tugged my arm to keep me planted. I turned around and faced her and saw an intensity in her eyes. "I fear this Four Eyes is more important than you understand."
"A bit conspiracy theory-esque, but I'm intrigued. How?"
"I believe the timing lines up enough to give Four Eyes enough time to climb to a high vantage point with a view of the roof of the department store. Am I wrong?"
Again, I had to dig in my mind to remember. I understood exactly what she was saying, but it was purely speculation. "In theory, you aren't wrong. I hadn't seen him for hours. He had enough time. But, Stacy, come on, the guy was a wimp."
"Or it was an act. You knew him so little, he could've convinced you of anything." She added with a slight snort. "He convinced you there was a second police department."
"Alright, a bit uncalled for. I had a lot on my mind that night, and I really didn't care about him."
"I apologize. I'd like you to apologize for belittling my theory."
"Oh, I didn't mean to come across like that. I'm sorry," I said. "It'd be incredible if it was true, but I guess I don't see how we could convince anyone of it without proof. And I don't think we'll ever find proof."
"No," she admitted. "Not unless we see him again. However, that's the theory I'd like to go with. I'd like to think more about it."
There was more. I could tell. "Stacy, what are your thoughts?"
She looked at me, as if debating not answering, but she continued, "If I'm right, and Four Eyes murdered Marcus, then he's incredibly dangerous. Who else has he killed, and who else will he kill?"
"I don't think we have to worry about that. I think Chief Harmen wouldn't have sent him away if he was truly dangerous."
"You don't know that."
"Well, Chief Harmen isn't too far. We could run back and ask him."
Stacy shook her head. "I'd rather he not know about my suspicions. It'd be safer for us if we investigate without his influence."
I didn't believe that part, but I trusted Stacy enough not to argue. We dropped the matter and returned to the Quill's house, where we were met with praise and congratulations. After a while, the Quills started on dinner, and I left on my own to get supplies. I went to a few shops nearby and used the money to buy food and medicine. A few special items as well. When I returned, dinner was nearly complete, and I helped finish it up and serve it.
During the meal, we described our victories and our encounter with Chief Harmen. We made special note only to mention his goodbye and gift. No talk of Four Eyes. Ronald didn't look surprised to hear we'd met with him.
"We've talked about you while you were out," he explained. "He knows you're staying with us, and he wanted to make sure you were being well cared for. I assured him you were safe. He seemed satisfied."
"Yes, he took special interest in you," said Dalila.
"Him and the rest of the city," I muttered, poking at my food. "I feel like if I see him again, it'll be on really bad terms."
"Then, let's hope that isn't the case," said Ronald. "Did you get enough supplies for your journey south?"
I nodded. "Plenty of food and medicine. We shouldn't get into too much trouble."
"I'll pack you a pouch as well," said Dalila. "I fear you might underestimate how much food you'll need. I wouldn't want to you go hungry."
"Oh, no, thank you. Seriously, you two have done enough for us already. You probably need it as well."
"It's no trouble," said Ronald. "And I'd suggest not telling my wife 'no'," he added with a sly wink. "It won't end well."
"Fair enough."
The Quills' sons, normally quiet, gave Stacy bright smiles. "We're going to miss you," said one.
The other nodded and added, "You're so brave! We can't wait to see you win!"
Stacy smiled back at them. "I'll always keep you in my thoughts."
"We all will cheer you on, of course," said Ronald. He rested his elbows on the table and gave Stacy a sad smile. "Do be careful when you leave. "
Then he looked at me. "Bring Stacy home safe." A command, not a request.
"I will," I promised.
We finished eating and cleared the table. We spent a few hours talking with them, and then my team and I headed to bed. Before we turned out the lights, I revealed everything I'd bought during my shopping trip. Chief Harmen's reward money was massive, more than enough to keep us well fed and prepared for months. We all sat down around the small room, and I divvied up dozens of TMs, using careful planning and Quinton's incredibly helpful advice, amongst my team. We had enough for everyone to learn a new move.
"How did you find all of these?" asked Rose. "I thought the Department Store was closed."
"There was a small TM shop in the southeast," I said, spinning one of the discs. "Apparently these are incredibly easy to make. And they're reusable now, so I only needed one of each. Also, they had dozens of copies. Shop was packed, too."
"These are incredible," said Christine. "We're going to beat everyone!"
"Everyone else already visited that shop," I said. "That's how I knew about it. They also had their full pick."
"Not with as much money as you, though," said Olivia.
"I'm lucky in that way, I guess."
"All it cost you was several days of torture and nightmares," said Bailey.
I gave her a glance. I hadn't had those nightmares in days. I didn't need a reminder of them in case they popped up. Instead of continuing the conversation, I scooched over to Rose and held out a unique item I found.
She stared at it for a moment, and then her eyes widened in recognition. "A Shiny Stone?" She whispered.
I nodded, smiling. "You want to evolve? This is your time."
"Yes! That's amazing!" said Annie. She held Rose's shoulders. "You're going to be so strong!"
But Rose didn't move to take it from me. I lowered it slightly, frowning. "I kind of expected you to snatch it."
Rose looked back at Annie. "I… I'm sorry. I hadn't expected to hesitate, myself."
"Consider us all surprised," said Christine. "Why wouldn't you want to be your strongest?"
"Yes, when strength means survival, there's little choice in the matter," said Stacy.
"You keep looking at me," said Annie, quietly. "What? Don't want to leave me behind, again?"
"You… you've just evolved," said Rose. "We're finally able to speak eye-to-eye. I'd be far older if I chose to evolve."
"That's how our evolutions work, yes," said Stacy.
"Is that really a problem?" asked Annie. "I don't mind. I'm used to it."
"As am I," said Rose. "That is the problem, I fear."
The two stared at each other, reading each other's eyes in silence. Finally, after a minute of silent conversation, Rose lowered her gaze.
"I understand," she whispered. "I'm sorry, I… I'm confused."
I felt a pair of hands pull me back. I looked up and saw Christine standing and clutching my shoulders to drag me away. I looked to her for an explanation, but she winked down at me.
"Don't ruin the mood," she said.
When I looked back at the pair, their faces had gotten closer. They were inches apart. Annie tilted up Rose's chin, staring at her eyes.
"I don't think you should be confused," she said, giving a small smile. "I really don't."
"If I misread-" Rose began, but Annie shook her head.
"Stop. Don't think." And she leaned forward, and their lips met.
Immediately, Rose flinched, but just as quickly the surprise faded, and as they held together, both smiled, moving closer. Annie giggled and put her hand behind Rose's head, and Rose did the same. They moved their hands up and down the backs of their heads, through their hair, across their skin.
Then they broke apart. Both smiling wildly.
"Didn't misread a damn thing," said Annie. "Got it?"
Rose slowly nodded. "I understand."
As they lowered their hands and turned back to us, I jumped at the sudden loud clapping behind me. Both Christine and Olivia slapped their hands together, both wearing wide grins. Stacy was nodding encouragingly, while Bailey had a small smile on her face.
"Finally, you two," said Olivia. "I'm so happy for you!"
"Yeah, took you long enough," added Christine.
I kind of thought it had happened too quickly. I'd encouraged them, certainly, because I thought they were cute together, but just a few days ago they'd had more of a mother-daughter relationship. I certainly wasn't going to ruin the mood by bringing it up to them. Instead, I gave them a thumbs up.
"I suppose if I evolve, it will be with Annie," said Rose. "Would that be okay with you?"
"Oh, sure," I said, setting the stone aside. "But, just so you know, I'd like for that to be soon. Just in case we get into trouble."
Annie leaned over and clutched Rose's hand in hers. "We can handle whatever this fucked up world throws at us."
Rose leaned toward her. "Yes, I suppose we must."
Arthur:
Christine the Charizard
Stacy the Staraptor
Rose the Roselia
Olivia the Samurott
Annie the Lairon
Bailey the Banette
