A/N: From here on out, expect spoilers for Blade of the Blackout Killer to start showing up. If it's a problem and you want to read both fics, read up through C4 of BotBK beforehand. That said, it's foreshadowing by design here (what it alludes to hasn't been dropped as of this chapter's publication). I'll have explicit WARNINGS later on for more serious instances.

As usual, a white Rondo Accord was waiting for Nariya in a parking lot near the base of the shrine. Every school day, her mom would drop her off at Veilstone Hills High School on her way to work at the Pokemon Disease Research Institute. Her dad would pick her up after classes ended, and would drive her home or to the shrine, depending on her plans for the day. Her mom would pick her up after work if necessary.

Nariya opened up the right rear passenger door and slowly got in. Her parents had both taken her height into consideration when buying their cars. But even with a lot of headroom, she needed to be careful while getting in and out of vehicles. She never saw herself driving, but if she did, she was definitely buying a convertible.

"So how was your day today, Nariya?" asked her mother, Quinn Yaznik.

"It went okay," she said. Nariya was always unsure how to answer that question whenever she was asked it.

"Anything interesting happen?"

"Kind of. But…not really."

Her parents were very supportive of her. They wanted what was best for her, yet respected her wishes foremost. She once read a story online about another autistic person's parents trying to 'fix' him. Thankfully, people raised enough of a stink that the extended family stepped in to help.

"Nariya, what happened?" her mom insisted, giving her a mildly stern glance through the rear-view mirror.

She winced. They could be a little pushy. It was just their way of caring, and they weren't intrusive – if she didn't want to talk about something, they'd wait until she was ready. Nariya had to admit, their attitude did help sometimes. It sometimes spurred her to speak up about things she otherwise wouldn't.

"Well…Prema's going to…help a spirit. You know, the one at the warehouse?" she cautiously explained. "I was thinking of…going." After a second, she added, "If it's okay."

There, she'd said it. She wasn't expecting anything, though. Her mom always let her go along with Youths Against Mistaken Society to their protests, yet this was asking for too much more. She got into trouble on a couple of occasions with Louis and the others, but she was never in danger. They said it never hurt to ask, but it actually did sometimes.

"Have you asked Lady Kannagi?" To her utter shock, her mom didn't say no outright. She instead made an inquiry.

Nariya was forced to shake her head. "No…not yet."

She received a nod in response. "If it's all right with her, you may go. Just follow her instructions."

Nariya gasped. "Thank you! I will, mom! Don't worry!" She was planning that anyway!

Yes! Step one completed! Now all she had to do was convince Prema! Which…might be a harder sell, come to think of it. Maybe this was more foolish than she thought. Still, she wanted to do something for Prema, even if it meant just being there to support her! Nariya hoped her friend would understand.

"So how was work today?" Nariya asked. A lot of it went over her head, even though she understood most of the terms. But it was always nice to hear about it.

Her mom grumbled. "It was way less productive than I wanted it to be. We spent most of the day helping a student intern get acquainted with the software and machines." She grumbled lightly. "I can't fault her for being polite or eager, but we had to walk her through everything."

"Well…um…" Nariya was always hesitant to speak her thoughts about matters. "Better that she knows than…"

As she trailed off, a combination of fear and being unable to think of the right words, her mom said, "I just hope she's worth the trouble. Let's put it to you that way."

Nariya quietly conceded. Her mom could be very utilitarian. Then again, it was not necessarily a bad thing. She was all right with her being friends with Louis and Mariko, just because it meant having friends to socialize with. In the same vein, she took no issue with her breaking it off when it became too toxic. That same attitude was probably why she was tentatively allowing her to accompany Prema tomorrow.

The tall teenager sighed. She desperately wanted to expand her world and come out of her shell. She hated being in a rut. Maybe that was another reason why she wanted to go through with it.

Nariya spent the rest of Thursday stressing about how she was going to word it to Prema. She eventually took her mind off it with homework and watching her dad play a computer game. School flew by on Friday, and before she knew it, her dad's truck was parked near the shrine's steps.

Owen Yaznik was the regional director of Sofmap in Sinnoh, which meant he set his own schedule. He was a hobbyist photographer on top of that. He'd even set up a small lab for film development in their house, occasionally helping people develop photos for a fee. Nariya wanted to be like him, though she knew she'd have to work hard to be her own boss some day.

"So, you ready?" her father asked, not looking back at her as she got out of his truck.

"I guess."

"Want me to wait? So you can leave if you can't go?"

He didn't really look at her while he spoke. Sometimes, Nariya pondered if her dad was autistic as well. It was not necessarily a hereditary condition, but it didn't mean he couldn't be. There were a few signs, but he didn't care whether he was or not.

She shook her head. "No, if she says I can't, I'll just wait for mom."

"All right. See you tonight or tomorrow."

"Thanks, dad."

Nariya got out and gazed blankly at the steps. She took a deep breath. She personally found it difficult to speak with others even if she knew them well. After all, it was difficult to say how or even if her words would come out, no matter how many times she went over them in her mind.

"Everything fine?"

Nariya winced, nearly jumped at her dad's words of concern. She hated sudden noises. "Yes, it's fine!" she insisted, starting up the hill.

She would have to bring it up before five. Nariya knew she needed to say it and get it out of the way as soon as possible. That would be for the best.

As she made it through the torii, there was no sign of Prema. It was not unusual for her to be indoors or even away from the shrine, but it sure put a damper on her plans.

She awkwardly shuffled around. What to do? She was always at a loss about what to do whenever her friend was not present. Priestess Satomi was purifying herself at the chōzu-ya. Maiden Kaede and Acolyte Jirou were standing by the entrance. Others she'd seen but didn't know by name were doing various things, like meditating on the grass.

About a minute passed, with Nariya simply pacing around near the torii. It was seeing Priestess Satomi start moving towards the shrine's entrance that finally got her to take action. Her slow walk turned into a run, and before she knew it, she was shouting for her.

Nariya covered her mouth. It wasn't appropriate to yell like that. More than one person glared at her, yet mercifully, the elderly woman was not one of them. She turned to her with a grin. "Yes, Nariya?"

"Um…" Nariya was momentarily distracted by Acolyte Jirou's harsh visage. Her eyes were on him as she asked, "Is Lady Prema busy?"

"She very much is, Nariya," came the reply.

Nariya turned away from the man, although she could not look Priestess Satomi in the eyes, either. "Is it okay if I speak with her? Please?"

"After she is finished."

"Please, I need to tell her by five."

The elderly woman nodded, seeming to get it. "I'll be heading in to assist her. I can pass a message along if you'd like."

"Well…ummm…"

"Speak up," snapped the male gatekeeper. "She doesn't have all day."

Priestess Satomi shook her head. Even Maiden Kaede frowned at him. "Acolyte Jirou. Give her time. You know she sometimes has trouble talking to others," she gently scolded. His lip curled, and that was the extent of his reaction.

Okay, step one, completed. Step two was to take a deep breath. Nariya inhaled deeply. She held it in as long as she was able to before blurting out her question.

"Is it okay if I go with her tonight?!"

Simple and to the point. It did not take long for the elderly woman to flash a thumbs up. "Yes, I'm sure that can arranged. I will let her know."

"Th-thank you!" She never actually believed they'd agree to this, let alone so easily!

"Just enjoy yourself until about, say, dinnertime or thereabouts." Priestess Satomi flashed a thumbs-up before entering the shrine, the door guards parting to allow her entry.

Nariya hummed. It would be hard to enjoy herself, given she didn't know anyone else here well enough. But the wait was going to be worth it!

Prema departed her personal meditation room after two hours within its soundproof walls. Her serene calm belied her intense focus, for she was aware of the importance of tomorrow evening. It had ramifications not only for herself, but for the Kannagi Shrine as a whole. Failure would bring immense shame upon them, not something that could be afforded at the juncture they stood at.

She passed by a small group of shrine-goers in the halls while heading to meet with Priestess Satomi. The Kannagi Shrine could be considered unusual given people being permitted inside (albeit only trustees with the usual rule of cleansing oneself). Yet to the knowing mind, it was not that strange, given they had always been something of a progressive faith. Their detractors would call it abandoning tradition, yet they saw it as evolution.

One of the young followers abruptly jumped out and waved at her. "Um. H-hello, Lady Kannagi!" he said, stepping forward and bowing. The blond boy wore a pink t-shirt stylized with a Lickilicky, and was nervously fidgeting with his clothes and shuffling his feet – bare, though wearing geta.

She gave him a smile of assurance. It was acceptable if he wished to speak. "Hello, Kento."

Kento Aiushi, who often went by Ken. His parents originally lived in Ecruteak before moving to Celestic to be closer to the Kannagi Shrine. While not among those who resided on the shrine grounds, they nonetheless moved to Veilstone alongside them. Prema had a certain admiration for Kento. He had easily adapted to being uprooted twice in his life, despite only recently turning eleven years of age.

"So did your meditating go well?" he asked.

"It did."

"So will you be talking with real ghost Pokemon tomorrow?"

"It is probable, yes. Only the gods know now how I will be received, however." Communication itself was not difficult. Much of the training she was presently undertaking was if it did not go well.

"Will you have to battle them?"

"Possibly, yes. I would prefer to avoid it, however."

"But why not just use your Pokemon in the first place? Yours are super strong, aren't they?"

"Ken, leave Lady Kannagi be." Kento jumped, startled by the sudden appearance of his father, who had an appearance much like his own. "I can explain anything you don't understand about the shrine's customs."

"It is all right," she verbally assured. "One of my duties is to always be willing to educate followers about our shrine."

Kento bowed profusely. "I don't want to keep you, 'cause I know you're busy. But thanks anyway!" With an eager wave, he followed his father away.

Prema continued toward her destination. The average person would think much like Kento would, so she did not blame him for his misunderstanding. But there were a number of reasons behind battle not being their first resort. Besides ethics, the Kannagi Shrine did not make use of Pokemon as extensively as some of their contemporaries. This was a purposeful decision. They taught followers to rely upon, yet not depend upon Pokemon. She made a mental note that it would make a good thing to go over in a speech.

She was already waiting for her near the room where the senior members of the shrine held meetings. Prema greeted her at once.

"Priestess Satomi." She bowed lightly to her elder. "I am prepared for your training."

"And I'm ready to help you with your training!" she said, hopping to her feet and clapping her hands. "I also wanted to let you know we've selected the three people who will be accompanying you tonight."

Yes, that would be important as well. Whenever the head or heir to the shrine went on a task – the Rite aside – they were nearly always accompanied by three other members. It was as much for protection as it was an honor and privilege for those selected.

"Very well. Who are they?"

"The first is, of course, Maiden Kaede."

"Yes." She was aware of that. A senior, or at least, talented member of the shrine was always in attendance. Her particular talents made her a logical pick for the situation. She sometimes even watched over her father and herself from the shadows.

"Next, the name Jack Bryell ring a bell to you?"

"Yes, although I have not gotten the opportunity to speak with him personally." She was aware that Acolyte Jack was a follower of the shrine who lived in Veilstone prior to their moving. His work as a Pokemon caretaker only allowed him to visit Celestic Town on holidays, but he had since become a regular. Prema supposed he was the customary lower ranking member, being tested to see how reliable they were.

"And the last person is one you know very well. You see her often, after all, heh."

"Yourself?"

"No, I decided I'd sit this one out." She chucked. "Therefore, the last member of your party. She is a certain Miss Yaznik."

"Nariya?" she repeated, astounded at the decision. Nariya did not have a formal title, only being a follower for three months and some weeks. It must have been both a personal request on her friend's behalf and something her father approved.

"Is this acceptable to you, Lady Kannagi?" asked Priestess Satomi, noting her shock.

"It is. I simply did not believe she had the interest." She was under the impression that Nariya only wished to involve herself with the shrine as a means to repay their friendship. Perhaps that was still part of her motivation. "So long as she understands the responsibilities involved, she would be welcome."

"I'll make sure she knows-it-all before tonight. And ask Kaede to keep an eye on her, just in case." Priestess Satomi smirked.

The other question she had was why her father would approve of such a thing. She trusted he had the sense of sound judgment, although she had to admit to being curious. It would be something to ask at the appropriate time.

"Well, let's get to it," said Priestess Satomi. "Gotta practice to keep your abilities sharp, after all. Ready to roll?"

"Yes, let us proceed."

"Good thing those teen protesters don't know what you're up to, eh?" The elderly woman chuckled. "They'd throw a fit about this just to be petty!"

Her hyperbolic joking aside, that was another case in point. No doubt, there were going to be those insisting they leave the warehouse alone, as it technically was a Pokemon habitat. Others, like the city councilors who made the request, wanted them expunged without a thought or care. The shrine's stance was more rational and deterministic. Perhaps these phantom Pokemon had solid motivations. Yet they could well be viciously territorial, not having any regard for humanity. Such Pokemon did exist, unfortunately.

"No matter," assured Priestess Satomi. "You must do what you must, after all."

"Yes." The fact remained it had to be done, but there were many ways to go about it. The ideal case would to find a new home for them in the wild. Forcible removal would be her last resort. She did not feel it would have to come to that, mercifully.

After getting confirmation that she would be able to attend, Nariya set about attempting to pass the time until Prema was prepared. It was eventful, yet she was unable to do anything but sit and watch. She would not see her friend until after 5pm. After she told her mom, there was no going back short of sleeping overnight at the shrine, and that was not happening.

Dinner was teriyaki chicken served with bread rolls and miso soup. It was always a delight to eat at the Kannagi Shrine, since they had great cooks. Nariya cleansed herself and stepped into the shrine to see Prema.

The green-haired maiden was sitting on a zabuton in a quiet corner, completely engrossed in a binder. While she had been given Priestess Satomi's blessing, Nariya was uncertain if she should interrupt.

It was ultimately a decision she did not have to make as Prema briefly glanced at her. "Hello, Nariya," she greeted.

"Um, hi."

"I am glad you decided to accompany me tonight," she said, still poring over what she was reading. "We will be leaving at 8pm. Do your best to ready yourself before then."

"Okay." All-business, even when expressing her joy. Nariya should have expected that. Nevertheless, she could not help but tell her, "And thanks so much! I promise to stay out of your way! And I know I have to help and support you no matter what!" Priestess Satomi had given her a briefing on what her responsibilities would be.

Prema nodded. "I will clarify only one further thing in that case."

"What's that?" Nariya decided to sit beside her.

"Tonight is as important for you as it is for myself. Your performance will determine how worthy of trust you are."

"Huh? What do you mean it's…" Her words slowed until they were at a halt. What did she sign on for? And what did Lady Prema say just now? "I didn't want this! I thought we were friends!"

"We are." Her friend looked up. "I apologize if I was unclear. I was speaking strictly in the opinion of the shrine."

"That's…I guess that makes sense." That reminded her of something that happened when she was waiting, but she was unsure if she should mention it. Instead, she continued the line of conversation. "If I pass…what happens then?"

At this question, Prema folded up her binder. "To accompany the head or heir to the shrine on a task is among the highest honors for a member, one that is granted only to trustees. They serve a secondary purpose, however. That being to determine how reliable these individuals may be in higher positions. While you would be precluded from immediate promotion due to your joining the shrine only recently, it would mean much for your future prospects, should you choose to pursue such a path."

A career of serving at the Kannagi Shrine. "I don't know…" she admitted. Nariya wasn't sure what she wanted to do with her life. "And what if I don't? I mean, what if I…"

Prema understood. "The least that can happen would be your no longer being permitted to accompany me on shrine business, regardless of our friendship. In the worst case, expulsion from the shrine is possible."

What did she say!? "Wait! But if they…what about…I don't want to not be friends anymore! I–"

"Nariya." Her friend suddenly spoke in a serious, almost chilling voice. She'd never heard Prema take on such a tone before. "If you have doubts that severe weighing upon you, then I ask you do not accompany me tonight. They could render you ineffectual, if not detrimental. For instance, it could be something these spirits could exploit, depending on their nature."

"No, I should…be okay…"

Prema met her eyes, which made Nariya more than a little uncomfortable. "Are you certain?" she asked. "There will be no consequences if you wish to back out."

"Y-yes. I can…push it out of my mind by then." Besides, if she went through the trouble of asking and then just decided not to, it wouldn't reflect well on her. She might not even get another chance. "Just one more thing is bothering me."

"What is it?"

With what had been said about not having things weighing on her mind, Nariya felt it was best to get it off her chest after all. It took her a few moments for her to decide how to best articulate it. She thanked her lucky stars that Lady Prema had saintly patience.

"Well, Nori came by. He really wanted to see you."

"I was informed as such, yes," came the aloof reply.

"He got turned away." She couldn't help, she couldn't even say anything to him. It had bothered Nariya immensely, even worried her. "Maybe you should go…see him?" she idly suggested, pressing her index fingers together.

Prema closed her eyes. "I cannot do that."

"But…he was really upset!" Her heart fell into her stomach. Nariya protested, her words coming out louder than she intended. "What if Nori…"

She was only trailing off, thinking about her words. Prema spoke up in her lull. "Nariya, it is not that I do not wish to see him. I must focus on my duties tonight."

Nariya fidgeted uncomfortably. Duty. Maybe it was important, but it still felt bad for her to leave a friend in the wind. Couldn't they at least stop by and see him on the way to the warehouse?

"Any doubt or distraction will not only affect my abilities, but may be something that could be turned against me." Prema tilted her head. "A lesson for you about spiritual power."

"I…see." It would make complete sense for one's will to need be unfaltering. "But Prema," she said, addressing her friend more personally. "Aren't you worried?"

"I am unconcerned."

"Why?!" she squinted and protested. How could she say that?!

"As I said, I cannot afford to think of this matter for now. My thoughts are strictly on tonight. Moreover, I have confidence Nori can make it through whatever troubles him," she said, standing tall and smiling away. "By chance that he still needs to speak with me, I will be able to do so tomorrow. If not then, Monday."

Nariya blinked. She reluctantly sighed, expressing her agreement with a slump. Her friend's apathy was not out of callousness, but faith. She supposed all she could do was trust in it. Prema did know Nori better than her, after all. Plus, he survived Sunyshore Gym. One more day of waiting for Prema shouldn't hurt him. As long as he wasn't discouraged from seeing her entirely.

"It will work out, Nariya," her friend reassured her.

"I guess you're right, Prema." She had lingering doubts, but it was nothing that could be helped. Knowing that made Nariya sure she could put them aside for tonight. She said she was going to come along, and she was going to do it!