((And you're sure it will be safe now?))

James was heaving the last of several large boxes into the back of the truck. "Nothing's ever sure, Ponyta, but it shouldn't be any more dangerous than it normally is. There are still agents in the south, always are, but they all seem to have gone off their heightened state of alert now. I'm not too worried."

I shifted my weight as he closed the tailgate and checked to make sure it was secure. ((But what if they do come after us?))

"I wouldn't be too worried. In a society where most people are ignorant of any methods of transportation between the bicycle and the train, escaping from your enemies in a pickup truck is surprisingly easy." Satisfied with the job he'd done in loading, James cupped his hands over his mouth and yelled toward the house. "ALEX!"

A furry yellow missile bolted from the front door, down the porch steps, and screeched to a halt at our feet.

((We ready to go?))

James nodded. "Surprisingly enough, yes. Get on in the front seat. We'll be going in just a minute."

As Alex scurried into the cab of the truck, his owner turned to me. "You're sure you don't want to ride."

((I'm quite sure, thank you.)) I had explained why: keeping up with the truck on foot was no problem for me, even over long distances. More than that, there was simply no place in the truck suitable for me to ride. I was too large to fit in the front, obviously, and even if the back hadn't been filled with our cargo of promotional materials, it was not someplace I would have wanted to spend the trip. The standard solution was for a large Pokemon to remain in its ball for the entire journey, but I had vetoed that idea. Life outside the Pokeball had grown on me.

"Very well. I guess we'll talk to you when we stop to rest, then. Um… Have a good trip."

With that, James likewise climbed into the cab and shut the door. Moments later the engine started and the truck pulled away down the dirt road that led into the forest. I followed at a brisk trot, easily sufficient for keeping up.

***

It took somewhere between ten and fifteen minutes for our little party to reach the city limits of Kelton. Trying to gauge the relative distances in my head, I reasoned out that we would reach the Silverspring area late the next day-- still a respectable journey, but much less than the eight days of actual travel time it had taken me and Courtney to traverse the same distance in the opposite direction.

As the truck approached the main traffic junction on the east side of the city, James slowed to a stop and stuck his head out the window. "Ponyta. Is there anything you need to do in town, or shall we keep on going?"

I had thought over the same question and had already come up with an answer. If I had thought there was any real chance Snap would be there, I would have wanted to look for him, but months had gone by. Any time I spent on the slim chance of meeting up with Snap would take me longer to reach the certainty of finding Courtney. ((Thank you, but I'm fine. Let's keep going.))

"Okie-doke." Without further comment, James withdrew his head and swung the pickup left, onto the road that skirted the city to the south. A few minutes and another waystation later, and we had again left the city behind on our way towards the center of the Peninsula.

***

The town of Crossroads didn't look much different in the light of day than it did at midnight. The streets were equally devoid of humans or Pokemon, with the sole exception of a couple of prepubescent junior Trainers hanging around outside the Center. James referred derisively to them as "cookies." I didn't know what he meant, but it didn't sound very nice.

The truck turned a corner and screeched to a halt, sending up a cloud of dust, in front of the only other building in town I was familiar with. James climbed out and waved to me. "I need to drop something off here. Go in and say hi to the owner. Don't worry, I and Alex are good friends with him."

((I think we've met,)) I answered, but I followed Alex inside. The dominant theme of the store was water, which I supposed was understandable for an establishment that catered mostly to aquatic Pokemon and their trainers. The man behind the counter still had the same curly hair that had stuck in my memory, and he was wearing what to all appearances were the same clothes. I hoped they had at least received a wash in the past few months.

"Look!" Greene seemed quite happy to see us, but the only other human in the store, an elderly gentleman browsing the back rows, looked as though he could not care less. "It's Alex! And… are you the Ponyta who was with King the last time I saw him?"

I nodded.

Greene threw up his hands in mock exasperation. "Every time my friends come to see me, they devise new combinations of themselves to mess with my head. It's a conspiracy. Nevertheless, it's excellent to see you. Janus, say hi to our guests."

A Dewgong that was reclining in a large wading pool in the middle of the store waved a flipper and barked a greeting to us.

"That seems to be James' truck outside," continued Greene without missing a beat. "Did Alex learn to drive, or is the gray one himself going to delight us with his presence?"

((James had to unload something, I think,)) answered Alex. ((I'm sure he'll be along shortly.))

"Ah. Well, in the meantime, make yourselves at home-- as at home as two Fire Pokemon can be in this place, anyway. In a few minutes I'm going to have to go back there and ask that guy if he needs any help. Earlier he said that he could find what he needed, but that was like twenty minutes ago."

The front door jangled again, this time to announce the arrival of James, who proceeded straight to the counter and extended a hand. "Sid, nice to see you again. I trust the business is going well?"

"It keeps the family fed." Greene accepted the hand and shook it. "You have something for me?"

"Yeah. I figured it would be best if I left the box by the back door rather than trying to bring it in through the store. Everything you told me you needed is in there."

"Splendid, splendid." The younger man clasped his hands together. "As you can see, I'm currently open for business, but perhaps later on you could join me for dinner. There's only one restaurant in this town, but fortunately it's a good one."

James shook his head. "I wish we could take you up on that, but we're really hoping to be in Radjin before nightfall. Let's save that dinner for another time… like during the league championships. You'll be there, right?"

"I'll try. Life being what it is, you can never tell… but I'll try."

"Very good." James leaned over to give the Dewgong a pat on the head, then motioned toward the front window and the truck. "Sorry to run, but we really do have to get going. The sun is a fickle thing."

"I understand. Take care."

***

James accomplished his stated goal, but only just. The sun was beginning to dip below the horizon when we crested the last of many seemingly identical rises and beheld the long slope that ended in the city streets of Radjin. "Ah, Radjin," was what James had to say about it when he stopped the truck to take a look. "Closest thing to a big city south of Kelton… which means the best Pokemon Center you're likely to find in the south. And if there's one thing I've learned, it's that a top-of-the-line Center is something to be appreciated when you can find it."

((I know someone in this town,)) I said.

"Oh, really? That's neat… maybe you'll run into them on this trip. Who?"

((An old Arcanine named Supernova-- lives at the Pokemon Center.))

Now I had both their undivided attention. ((Supernova, the one-time darling of Johto? That Supernova?))

((Um, I guess.)) Supernova had said something about having been a champion once, but I couldn't remember which league it had been. ((Why, do you know him?))

James and Alex exchanged glances. "I think you could say we both know him," replied James. "Or rather, I knew his trainer before he went bad."

((So Supernova lives in Radjin now, does he?)) Alex mused. ((I wonder how he ended up here.))

"Wondering is vastly inferior to finding out, especially when the means to do so are less than five minutes away." James threw the truck into gear and we continued down the hill.

The main problem we faced once we got into town was looking for a safe place to park overnight. As was the case with most medium-sized or smaller cities, this one hadn't been built with auto traffic in mind. James finally settled for wedging the truck into a narrow vacant lot behind the Pokemon Center. As he put it after surveying the situation, "Sure, we can't get anything out of the back, but neither can anyone else."

The three of us approached the front doors of the Pokemon Center. James held the door open for those of us without opposable digits. This was the moment of truth. Would Supernova still be there?

The television on the right side of the room was still there, as were the Trainers watching it. The other side of the room held… more Trainers, talking and playing games with each other, or simply sitting with their Pokemon. No huge ball of orange fur. No Supernova.

((He's not here,)) I said unnecessarily. There was no rule that said that Supernova had to be in the lobby all the time, of course, but… ((Maybe he's somewhere else in the building?))

"I'll ask." The nurse on duty at the counter was already looking at our group to see if we wanted anything, so it was a simple matter for James to address her. "Pardon me, but do you have an Arcanine named Supernova anywhere on the premises?"

"Indeed we do," she answered. "He usually spends the days out here in the lobby, but today he wasn't feeling up to it, so he decided to keep our nurses company in the back. Are your Pokemon friends of his?"

"We all are, actually," James corrected her. "Would it be possible for us to see him?"

"Just a moment, please." The nurse smiled, then rose from her stool and disappeared through the door that led to the medical ward.

((At least he's here,)) I mused. We were left alone except for the junior trainers who crowded the other end of the lobby, but they were all engaged in their own activities. ((I hope he's all right. The nurse mentioned he wasn't feeling well.))

((I don't know what it is, but I'm sure he'll get over it,)) Alex said confidently. ((Nothing ever stopped Supernova for long. Except going blind, but you can't really fault him on that one.))

The nurse reappeared, this time from the door to our right that was the means of entrance for patients and visitors. "Supernova says he would like to see you. Please come this way."

The back rooms of a Pokemon Center, normally reserved for Pokemon who were too badly injured to be treated with a quick trip through the machines behind the front counter, were something I had only seen on two previous occasions. Both times I hadn't really had the opportunity to examine the surroundings. The hallways the nurse led us through were sterile and white, with stainless steel cages of various sizes lining the walls to provide space for recuperating patients.

"This is our main operating room," explained the nurse as she led us through a central room whose main fixture was a huge metal table supported on massive hydraulics. "As you can see, the table is constructed to support anything up to and including a Snorlax. The only Pokemon we cannot treat on-site are Onix and some of the longer specimens of Dragonair, which must be transported to one of the larger facilities in the north."

"Very interesting," James murmured, although I got the impression that most of this was not news to him. Alex didn't spare it a bit of his attention.

"And through here," the nurse continued, "is our break room, where Supernova should be right now."

The room was surprisingly spacious and was home to several old couches and chairs. On the near wall as we entered were a refrigerator and a table which was home to a coffee machine and numerous boxes of donuts. Lying on the floor by the opposite wall, head already raised to acknowledge our arrival, was…

((Supernova.)) My throat went suddenly dry. Supernova's fur seemed to have faded a little more since I had last seen him, but otherwise he didn't seem much different.

((Always nice to have visitors,)) the ancient Arcanine rumbled in a cheerful voice. ((Please sit if you haven't done so already, or lie down, or remain standing if that suits you best. Allow me to confirm your identities lest I make a mistake-- you are a human called James Schlafer, a Ninetales called Alex, and a Ponyta who has no name but who has a most remarkable story. Am I reasonably accurate?))

"Correct on three counts," murmured James.

((Alex.)) Supernova smiled broadly at this name, and his tail thumped back and forth on the floor. ((It is good to see you again, my old friend. The nurse told me you were a Ninetales now. Still up to your old tricks?))

((I like to think I haven't slowed down any,)) Alex said, starting to flash a smile before apparently remembering that facial gestures were lost on Supernova.

((It's good to know some things don't change.)) Supernova turned serious. ((James and Alex, you know I consider you both among my dearest friends, and I expect we will have time to talk more before you leave this place-- but I and Ponyta have a somewhat important and private matter to discuss. May I ask that you excuse us?))

"Certainly," said James, turning toward the door. "Come on, Alex, let's go bother the nurses some more."

They withdrew quietly, James managing to snag a few donuts on the way, and shut the door behind them. I and Supernova were alone.

((So, Ponyta,)) he began. ((It's been a while since we last met. I expect some fairly interesting things have happened to you. Tell me, have you solved the matters that were troubling you on your last visit?))

It was a perfectly reasonable question, as he had known that I was experiencing difficulties, even though I had refused to reveal the precise nature of those difficulties. But had I come any closer to achieving peace with myself since then? It was a difficult question, and I had to think it over before coming to an answer. ((Things have gotten better, I suppose.))

((Ah, excellent, excellent.)) That smile again, that jubilant canine grin that no amount of blindness or old age could wipe off the face. ((And have you found someone special for yourself? Forgive my forwardness, but it has been my experience that such is sooner or later an essential component of one's emotional health.))

((Yes.)) There, at least, was an answer I did not need to think about. ((Supernova, please forgive my forwardness as well… but what was the matter you wanted to talk to me about?))

((All in good time.)) Supernova lay back against the wall and lowered his head to the carpet, looking as though he were settling in for a long story-- a prospect I wasn't sure I was thrilled about, as much as I liked talking with him. ((First, would you please indulge an old Arcanine, and tell me a little bit more about this male of yours? Or female, as the case may certainly be; I make no judgements in that regard.))

I was getting the feeling that Supernova knew a lot more about this conversation than I did, and I didn't like it. ((Um, it's a he. He… he was an Eevee when I first met him.))

((Was an Eevee, you say… but now he has evolved?))

((Yes.))

((Into what?))

It was a supremely idiotic question, the kind that would have elicited a round of light laughter at a social gathering before whoever had posed the question recognized his logical error and either joined in or sat there looking embarrassed. The plain fact was that anyone who did not know my secrets would have no choice but to assume that I was talking about a Flareon-- otherwise, while I might still be friends with the Pokemon in question, I would no longer consider him a romantic interest, and certainly not a potential mate in the biological sense!

Yet Supernova was, as far as I could tell, as sharp as they came… and he didn't seem to realize that he had misspoken. Which left one glaring possibility: He knew he hadn't. It seemed impossible, but…

((What do you know?)) I challenged him instead of providing an answer. I wasn't angry with him, but it seemed pointless to continue the charade any further.

Supernova sighed. ((I sincerely apologize, but it was necessary for me to confirm a few things before I could get to the meat of our discussion. Very well. What do I know? I know, I think, that your body and your soul, if you will, are two very different things. I do not know, but if I had to guess, I would say that your mate probably reflects your soul rather than your body. Am I correct?))

It was a new way of putting things, but he had essentially hit the nail right on the head. ((How do you know these things?)) I asked in a whisper.

((Before I answer that, let me give you the option of not continuing this conversation. Say the word, and we shall speak no more about this. It is your choice, but I think you will be interested in what I have to say.))

This was Supernova. ((… I don't mind that you know. What is it that you have to say?))

((Let me answer your question as to the source of my information… The answer is quite a simple one. I'm psychic.))

That didn't sound like much of an answer. ((Is that supposed to be a joke?)) I said, puzzled.

He barked a soft laugh. ((I'm sorry, you've misunderstood me. I'm Psychic. With a capital P. You see?))

It took a moment for the meaning of his words to sink in, but once it did, it explained so many things. ((Then you're… you're like me. Well, I'm not Psychic, but… well, you know what I mean.))

((A good enough way of putting it,)) he chuckled.

((Then you're… you're not a Fire-type.))

((On the contrary. I am as capable of administering a Fire Blast as the next Arcanine. However, I'm also equally capable of a devastating Psychic, although the latter is something I rarely if ever use. I have the best of both worlds, and I am very happy for it.))

This was news. Pokemon with multiple types, of course, were not uncommon, but I had never before heard of one developing a type it did not normally have. Of course, I had never heard of a Pokemon's type being completely wrong to begin with, so…

((Supernova, are there others like us?))

A nod. ((Human science is aware of the phenomenon that occasionally leads Pokemon to be hatched with the wrong type or types, but cultural taboos mean that the vast majority of Pokemon never know about them. Even among those who are mistyped, there is a huge range of diversity in how they approach their identity, if they do so at all. It's very much an individual decision, as it should be.))

((Can I meet these others?)) I felt very happy, almost giddy. I had spent three long months coming to terms with who I was, but I still had not understood it. Now, all of a sudden, things were much more clear. My feelings were that of an Electric type because I was one. I had never been a Ponyta in any real sense.

Supernova smiled, obviously registering my elation. ((I'm sure you will encounter others, but they might not all be friendly. They are just individuals, after all, individuals who happen to share a trait that puts them outside the norm. Also, mistyping tends to produce a greater-than-average distrust of strangers and desire for privacy. But then again, there are many who will like you and want to be your friend, if you can find them. I have known quite a few examples of both categories.))

It sounded like a dream to me. ((Supernova, this… this is great. There are so many things I want to ask you.))

((And I will try to answer your questions as best I can. But perhaps we should wait until later. You should have some time to think about things, and I'm sure James and Alex are anxious to see me too.))

((Erm, okay.)) I would have liked to continue talking right then and there, but neither did I mind postponing the discussion for a little while. ((Should I go and get James and Alex, then?))

((No need,)) said Supernova. ((They should be checking on us any moment.)) A knock sounded at the door, and he smiled knowingly at me. ((Come in.))

It was, indeed, the duo of James and Alex. "I hope we're not interrupting anything," said the human of the two, poking his head in the door just far enough to look at us.

((Not at all,)) said Supernova. ((We were just done talking anyway. What can I do for you?))

"I just wanted to tell Ponyta something," said James, stepping fully into the room and wiping a donut crumb off his beard. "Well, maybe you'll be interested in hearing it too, Supernova. The deal is, I've heard from King. He's on his way back from Kanto as we speak."

((Really?)) This was turning into a very good evening indeed. ((Are we going to see him anytime soon?))

"He asked me where we were-- evidently he talked a bird owner into Flying him back and he can get dropped off just about anywhere he pleases.. I told him we were in Radjin right now, but we were planning to be in Tentacruel Bay tomorrow night, so he should probably just go ahead and meet us there."

((But what about Supernova?)) I turned to look at him again. ((Don't you want to see Ashley? And… King?))

((Don't worry about it. There is always the future. Take what you can get now, and I shall wait my turn.))

***

The morning brought with it a dramatic temperature drop and the news that heavy snow was expected sometime in the next few days. There was no guarantee as to when exactly the weather was going to worsen, but James wanted to get underway as soon as possible.

I, Alex, and Supernova stood in the lobby waiting for James to move the truck. Alex was still glued to the weather report, so I took the opportunity to say good-bye to Supernova. There was still one question I wanted to ask him.

((What do I do now?))

He seemed amused by the question. ((Why, anything you want to, of course. You're still a being with a life to live, even if that life isn't the one that other people expect of you. If you're asking me for suggestions, then finding that Snap fellow might be a good start.))

I wasn't facing the window, but I heard the truck pull up in the front. Supernova motioned toward it with his head. ((Come on, it looks like you're about to go. Don't be a stranger, okay?))

((Okay.)) I couldn't quite figure out how to put the next words, so they took a few moments to come out of my mouth. ((I'll… I'll never forget you, Supernova.))

((I should hope not.)) He leaned his massive head close to mine and nuzzled me gently on the chin. ((Go in peace, my little Jolteon.))

Somehow, being called a Jolteon pleased me no end. I was in high spirits as our party left the town of Radjin behind.