Chapter 5: The Hardest Remaining Steps

Despite the perplexing event that happened at the very first Galar Gym Battle, Karthaniel was still given the usual prizes by Milo: the Grass Badge, TM30 – Magical Leaf, and a Grass Uniform to commemorate his victory. The battle between them may not have actually happened the way it should, but he still earned it for trying. That made the young mentally challenged trainer feel much more positivity within his insubstantial soul and Hatterene felt the same way, even though she had to bring harm to him during the process. It was all forgiven and, since they both knew that it might happen again in the future, they were prepared for anything from that moment on.

After the clemency was set in stone, the two headed out of Sonia's lab and continued on their journey as they held hands with serenity. Prior to leaving, the young professor had told them to head for the train station for their next destination, which was the Meetup Spot at the start of the Wild Area. They got there within ten minutes and Karthaniel was immediately rapt by how wide open and vast the Wild Area was. Hatterene knew this would happen and she too showed a smile of her very own as she spoke:

"Even after what happened, you're still at armistice with the atmosphere of Galar. It's as if everything that happened back at Wedgehurst was all just a dream. Is this your disability at work?"

"Yes." Karthaniel replied matter-of-factly as he and the Silent Pokémon made their way into the Wild Area. "My virtuoso status on the side does help to keep it under rheostat when I need it the most. I don't know how the brain itself can do that without my consent or control, but it helps. Plus, it'll give you a much needed break in the process sometimes."

"I suppose, but I would never want to take a break from assisting you, Sir Davis. You are as precious as the Diamond Domain Princess, Diancie. Your life will be spared by me at every opportunity."

"Huh! Exceptional way to put it. How do you know about Diancie?"

"We fairy-types stick together in a tightly knit community. She's a mythical pokémon that would surely be torn to shreds by your steel-type prowess, but despite that, she's the most beautiful pokémon in existence. I'm hoping you'll have one someday. Those diamonds can bring smiles to everyone."

"I'll keep that in mind." After that was said, the two noticed the sky was beginning its sunset phase and the two stopped before a massive lake within the South Lake Miloch section of the area. "Looks like it's getting late. How about we camp out here for the night?"

"That would be lovely, yes. We're all getting a bit tired and hungry."

Meanwhile, at the Hulbury Stadium lobby…

"…and that's how it all went down." Leon just finished explaining the entire event back at Wedgehurst to Nessa. They were both sitting at a couch up against a wall on the right side. "Everyone within the stadium had no idea that there was a demon involved within that situation, but Hatterene and Karthaniel were the only ones that could see it and, according to Sonia, Hatterene said that this demon looks even more petrifying than your average grimmsnarl."

"Enough said there." Nessa replied with concern. "So, before all that, Milo chopped off the pre-battle challenges, right?"

"I've allowed him to do so, but only for Karthaniel. He's a very special case. Putting him under that much stress before the battle could've made it a whole lot worse than what just transpired. I'm advising you to do the same thing, Nessa. Just skip the challenge and go straight to the battle when Sir Davis arrives. We call him that out of respect."

"I understand. I'm looking forward to it. Hopefully, he can have his first dynamaxed battle this time since he failed the first time around. Will this Hatterene be by his side?"

"I have no doubt about it. Wait until you see her. You'll be completely mesmerized. I sure was and so was Milo."

"I can't wait. Thanks for telling me, Leon." The two shook hands with utmost respect after that conversation, already hoping for a much more positive outcome this time.

Meanwhile, at the entrance, which was a good distance from that fateful conversation…

"Did you get all that, sir?" Asked another arena worker just low enough for only the mysterious recipient to hear from within his hidden earpieces.

I sure did. Replied the same unknown male voice. Looks like they're making sure Karthaniel is staying as sane as possible for his future endeavors, but don't let that steer you away from the task at hand. Hatterene will be there as well. At the very moment she far enough away from the man and anyone else that may try to stop you, get your goddamn master ball out and capture her immediately! Is that understood?

"Yes, sir. I will not fail you."

Later, at approximately 7:25 PM back at the South Lake Miloch area…

Karthaniel had just finished cooking a large pot of Hamburger Curry that was suffice for everyone and it was made to perfection. They all ate their respective shares of it and were satisfied by the taste at the first bite. Hatterene sat in her usual levitating position beside young Davis as she enjoyed her serving by having her hat claw hold on to the steamy bowl for added support. Karthaniel sat in a comfortable lawn chair that came with the tent behind him. The rest of his pokémon were eating before them within the wide open field.

"Firstly, let me just say that this curry is absolutely delicious, Sir Davis." Hatterene started in a sweet tone of her heavenly voice. "Have you cooked before?"

"Since I was seven, yes." Karthaniel replied. "It was difficult at first, but another seven years later, I was the chef that my parents always wanted to receive a dish from. Sure, they were just as good, but I was the best back then and I still am now."

"Exquisite! Now, aside from that, we need to discuss something very important: What happened at Hammerlocke and Wedgehurst were indistinguishable moments there. This demon is hell-bent on killing you so you could 'see your parents again' and you don't believe that to be true. Your anomalous eyes glow with all the optimism a human could possibly hold and yet, that monster ignores it."

"I know. I haven't even received any additional updates on the accident since the day I made landfall upon the Isle of Armor. I don't know if my parents are missing or otherwise. I definitely don't want to believe the latter, but that monstrosity represents my mental struggle. My mind is constantly going back and forth and it's driving me insane. So, when I see him, that means that I can't take this debate anymore and I want to be put out of my misery."

"I see. And yet, he talks as if he knows your parents are deceased."

"What does he know? He's just a figment of my imagination that only shows up at my most vulnerable moments. I have 100 percent confidence within my heart that my parents survived, but my brain, apparently, has a totally different opinion that's so strong, no jury could even come to a unanimous decision. How in the hell do you fight this curse?!"

"It's like I said before: It's something that cannot be cured by means of medical science. Along with me, you can win against it. Think of this as a pokémon battle within your brain and the demon has that bloody ability called Wonder Guard. Only super effective attacks can harm it and you lack those at the moment. The hardest steps to gain them is far beyond your reach right now, but with a little persistence…" Hatterene paused as she gently placed down her now empty bowl and faced her solemn trainer with regal surety in her eyes while she gently stroked his face for added comfort as she continued: "…you can eventually get those moves and permanently remove this cursed monster from your impressive genius mind… without my assistance."

"Is that by means of finding my parents?"

"Yes."

"You say this as if you know they're alive. Do you know?"

"If I did, I would've said so back when we first met and the demon would've never returned in Wedgehurst."

"Mm! I guess being a psychic type doesn't mean you know everything."

"It's mostly about the power, but still. I have faith in you, Sir Davis. The rest of your pokémon do as well. You must have the same within your own soul if you want to cut your chances of seeing that damn devil again. Can you do that to give me some assistance for once?"

"Eventually, yes. I promise. They say 'trying something and doing something are completely different things'. I vow to do all that I can to fight this myself."

"Atta boy, Sir Davis." The two then became entranced in their deep stares within each other's eyes after that last word for the next thirty seconds. Karthaniel then slowly started returning the gentle massage upon the anthropomorphic Silent Pokémon's silky smooth cheeks and their smiles turned amorous for another thirty seconds before they very slowly started leaning in towards each other for a passionate kiss, but the sudden sound of Karthaniel's trusty magnezone's shockwaves disrupted their reverie within a second and the two immediately snapped out of it simultaneously, having the young mentally damaged trainer look over at what caused it and became as stern as a Father disappointed at his own son.

"Hey! Magnezone! No shocking Corviknight! You know that steel isn't very protective from your electricity!" He got up from his chair to try to break up the small quarrel. Hatterene remained in her elegant sitting position and she never erased her benevolent smile with her cheeks as pink as the bottom half of her luxurious hair. All she could do was watch this interaction with veneration as she said this within her mind:

I loved what was about to happen there, but his struggle comes before everything else between us.

Meanwhile, at the hidden facility's main office…

"Well, great…" Lawrence muttered with anger as he had just leaned back in his chair. "…I've got pretty much every potential secret agent on stand-by at almost every important place I could get in Galar and still no progress in getting Hatterene back. The chances are pretty slim right now. What the hell can I do before Mr. Statigan calls me back within a month?" He sighed with aggravation as he massaged his light brown sideburns as if he was trying to alleviate a headache for the next five minutes. Right when he thought all hope was lost, a Caucasian male scientist calmly walked inside his office and was almost immediately taken aback by Lawrence's intimidating stare within his brown eyes. "This had better be important, Keith."

"Not exactly, sir. Just wanted you to know that all those agents you've appointed have assured me that they are as discreetly disguised as possible, so as not to blow our cover, even with Hatterene's power." The man replied in a semi-country accent. "They won't act out until the right time, no matter what's happening."

"I sure do hope so. I've already had one failure at Wedgehurst. I won't tolerate it again."

"You have our word."

"Excellent. With Karthaniel's mental state, I have the advantage. Keep me informed."

"Yes, sir."

The next morning, back at the South Lake Miloch area – 7:45 AM…

Hatterene was the first to wake up inside the tent with the still sleeping Karthaniel next to her on her right. She kept a heavenly smile as she just admired him for a moment. She was glad to see a smile upon his face as well and knew very well that, if there's one thing his mental disease cannot do, it's tormenting him in his dreams. Not even her own powers could do that. It was all within his own heart. With that in mind, she decided to do something that'll hopefully prevent the potential demon:

"It wouldn't hurt to try this at least once." She said to herself before she removed her famous hat out of respect and carefully leaned down towards the sleeping trainer to give him a tender kiss on his visible right cheek. He never stirred from it, but assuming that it was from his Mother in his dream, his handsome smile grew just a tiny bit more. This made the pokémorphed Silent Pokémon's very own grow just as much after she sat back up and placed on her hat. "Aww. He's absolutely adorable in this phase. I think I'll do the cooking for breakfast this morning. I want him to sleep a little longer." After that last word, Hatterene didn't waste any time getting up and out of the tent to do just that.

Inside Karthaniel's dream…

It was as if he went back in time to just before the ship capsized. Instead of a storm rolling in this time, he was sunbathing peacefully with his parents – having Behemoth on his left and Extonia on his right. That kiss he felt earlier really did happen as the beautiful brunette had just reclaimed her relaxing position.

"I love you, Karthaniel." She started sweetly. "Behemoth and I both love you very much."

"I love you both even more." Karthaniel replied. "I'm just so happy to see you. I feel like it's been years already."

"Don't think too hard of it, son." The just-as-muscular Behemoth reassured in a deep elderly male voice. "I know that, deep down, you really want to know what happened to us."

"Can you tell me, so this demon can leave me alone?" The two frowned after that last word and this made young Davis slightly well up in tears within his anomalous eyes. "Why not?"

"Within this dream state, it wouldn't matter if we told you or not. Reality is much more powerful compared to this. Besides, that Hatterene you have with you is really helping you stay on your toes. You have to rely on what's really before your very eyes to get all the answers you need. She was right all along, son: You have to defeat this demon on your own."

"Damn… I still love you and miss you both, though."

Outside his dream state…

The delicious aroma of a hearty bacon, egg, and cheese curry breakfast finally and slowly woke up Karthaniel as he slowly opened his one brown eye and one blue eye, seeing that Hatterene wasn't in the tent with him. He got the jest of it immediately as he sat up, stretched for about fifteen seconds, and headed out of the cave to see all of his pokémon gathered around Hatterene stirring the seemingly massive pot of their breakfast with her hat claw. She looked over at him approaching her and, even though he was shirtless and his baggy plaid pajama pants were sagging as low as possible without exposure, she still never blushed with her adorable smile of angel.

"Good morning, Sir Davis." She greeted in her happiest tone of her heavenly voice since meeting the man. "You looked like you slept like a toxel at a nursery."

"Good morning to you as well and thanks." Karthaniel replied as he approached the pot to see what was cooking and his stomach growled with hunger right on sight. "Mmm. What is that you're preparing, Hatterene? It looks and smells delicious."

"Bacon, egg, and cheese curry. Your Corviknight here acted like he used to work for those flying taxi services and fetched all those ingredients for us prior to me waking up first. Raihan chose your partners well."

"So it seems." Corviknight made his famous squawk upon that last word from his trainer with pride and it made the mentally challenged trainer chuckle. "Heh, good boy. And it looks like you're just as good of a chef as I am. I'm sure taking turns wouldn't hurt."

"Hee-hee… indeed. Speaking of, did you really take in everything I said to you last night?"

"Every last word down to the final syllable. This 'internal pokémon battle' is my hardest to fight, but with your help along the way, I can achieve victory eventually."

"That's good to hear. Looks like this breakfast is ready. Let's eat, shall we?"

Moments later, within the picnic circle…

"I dreamed about my parents." Karthaniel started as Hatterene had just asked him that very question. "It was quick trip back in time to just before the ship was destroyed. It was as if the storm never came through at all that time and I was just relaxing on the front deck with my parents."

"Aren't their names Behemoth Victor Davis and Extonia Grace Davis?" Hatterene asked in an expert tone as she levitating in her regal sitting position once again next to Sir Davis in his lawn chair as usual while the other pokémon just sat on the grass with the exception of his trusty magnezone floating as well. Karthaniel slightly jumped at the sound of his parents full names being spoken by someone who's never seen them before.

"Yes! Being a psychic type as its advantages."

"In most cases, yes. I managed to splice through your shattered mind just to get that information. Your Father has the same muscle capacity as yourself, a completely bald head, aquamarine blue eyes, and stands at a height of only 6 feet even while your Mother is at height of 5 feet and 8 inches with long brown hair at the same length as my own, brown eyes, and a stunning young figure for someone in her prime years. Am I right?"

"Again, yes! You never cease to amaze me, but I noticed that you didn't say that they 'had' those features, like in the past tense. Does that mean that you know that they're still alive, even though you can't tell me?"

"I still have no idea. Just be glad that I've got to remind you of what they looked like for now. It should send some healing to your brain… along with that kiss I gave you while you were asleep." This made everyone around her, including Karthaniel, look at her with wide flabbergasted eyes. "As a psychic and fairy type pokémon, keeping actions like that confidential doesn't last long. I felt that you deserved it for keeping your hopes as alive as your own body, despite that damned demon taunting you into killing yourself twice now."

"Hatterene! You… didn't have to do that. Which cheek?"

"The right one." The young trainer touched that said part upon his face and somehow felt the essence of the kiss on his fingers. He sighed with pure joy as held on to it for the next thirty seconds. "As much as I want to go further, I just don't think it's necessary right now. Not while you're not quite 100 percent mentally sane yet."

"Hatterene, I'm a genius first and a sick person second. No mere amount of this disease that I have will stop me…" He paused as he stood up from his chair after finishing his meal and approached the still levitating anthropomorphic Silent Pokémon, who looked deeply into his regal anomalous eyes. "…and I want to continue this journey on the right note. Let's see if you can keep this confidential." After that last word, Karthaniel slowly lays a soft, massive hand upon Hatterene's right cheek and, right when she blushed that light pink on both of them, they both leaned in for a passionate kiss that was blissful, romantic, and exotic all at once. Their tongues danced around each other within their mouths for the next two minutes, having them both moan in perfect harmony simultaneously.

Thirty more seconds after that second minute, the two slowly pried each other apart from the lip lock, having Hatterene take her sweet time opening her adorable eyes to take the entire scene in for a moment. Karthaniel got back in his seat in a relaxed position and a handsome smile that was regal towards her by the time her eyes were completely opened. She then smacked her lips for a few seconds to take it in even more. After that, it was just silent for an eerily long minute before the still-blushing Hatterene just had this to say after all of that:

"I'll sure as hell try."

To be continued…