A scream startled her to consciousness, but for some reason, it didn't seem to matter as much as it should.  Resting her head against what it had been propped up on, Julianne wanted nothing more to go back to sleep, but then the scream was in her ear, startling her once more and causing her to lose her balance.  A brief flare of panic swept her as she suddenly recalled where she was and waited for the cold sting of seawater, but instead her landing was hard and painful, and merely damp.

            Runt screamed a third time, butting her hard with her head.  Julianne winced.  "What's wrong with you?" she tried to say, but it came out as an unintelligible moan.  Once again panic threatened to set in, but again, it seemed distant, unimportant.  Sleep was important… she just wanted to go back to sleep…

            Runt would have none of it.  Again she hit her trainer, one of her fleshy horns digging into Julianne's ribs.  A steady scolding trill made Julianne's numb head pound.  It took a great deal of effort to get any response out of her arms and legs, though what little they moved was not helpful in the least.  What was wrong with her?  The last thing she remembered was staring down into the water, trying to see any Pokémon that might swim beneath Runt's fins, as there was nothing else to see…

            Not even her eyes were working right, she realized suddenly.  Everything was a blurring of grays and dull browns, that where the ground ended and Runt began was invisible.  What was wrong with her?  Had something she'd eaten gotten to her this way?  Or had she forgotten something? Yes. Something important… but nothing seemed important at the moment. Since when was she so apathetic?

            Her stomach lurched as she felt herself move, and her head felt willing to break itself off her neck to escape this unreal place it was anchored in.  Each time she started to slip toward the comfort of unconsciousness the one carrying her gave her a rough shake, to which she could only moan in protest.  Her tongue felt sheathed in fur, her mouth as if someone had stuffed an entire shirt in there.

            What had she forgotten?  Why was it important? Why didn't she really care…?

            "Is it safe to see him, then?"

            Julianne sat straight up at the sudden voice from no where.  She winced as the dim candlelight renewed the pounding ache between her brows and scalp.  Wait… candlelight?  She forced her eyes open fully.  The full, urgent sense of panic was at once terrifying and somehow a comfort.  She cared again.

            "Oh, you're awake then! Good to see."  Forcing herself not to squint, it still took some effort to focus on the girl standing in the doorway.  Doorway?  Where was she?

            "What…"  Her voice was thick and slurred, but the word was actually understandable.

            "Silly fellow!"  The girl laughed, covering her mouth in an attempt to stifle it.  "I take it you went to Cinnabar on a boat and came back with new Pokémon!  You should have come back with some water too, and a hat."

            Water!  How could you have been so stupid? Julianne scolded herself. Of course she should have brought water with her for the return trip.  That had been what she had forgotten, what was so important.  Riding on Runt's back on such a clear day in the midst of the sea was as good as setting herself in a frying pan.

            Wait… fellow?  She drew up her knees quickly in hopes of disguising her chest.  How was it she'd gotten into a bed without anyone realizing what she was?  Risking a glance at herself she paled: so far as she could tell, she was only clad in a loose nightshirt.  There was no feel of a sea salt crust on her skin, so she must have been bathed. How could this girl still call her a boy? "How… how did I get here?" she ventured.

            "Oh!  My apologies.  You must be very confused.  My name is Sari Pallet."  The girl bowed politely.  "It was really the most curious thing. You were carried in by a Kadabra who wouldn't let a single person near you! Such a protective creature.  You must be very close."

            Xavier!  He must have broken free of his ball when Runt started screaming.  Had Runt returned to her ball or was she still… on the beach?  Was that where she had regained consciousness?  "He…"

            "Oh, he's right there at the foot of the bed, but since you didn't remember a hat I suppose you're still a bit sea-blind.  The waters get an awful glare in clear weather; it's horrid for the eyes.  Really, such a loyal creature! Brought you in, bathed you, set you to bed and has been keeping watch since.  When Mr. Vars went to get your clothes to clean them for you he walked right into a Light Screen!" The girl – Sari – laughed lightly.  "I checked to be certain I wouldn't before I opened the door. I brought more water for you."  She held up a lump of something - a pitcher? - as evidence.

            Xavier… he had protected her secret.  Didn't Sari suspect anything?  What kind of trainer had a Pokémon that kept people from doing something nice like laundry?  I must have been in the bath at the time… The soreness of her face told her that her sunburn was worse than ever, so it was not likely anyone would see her blush for several days, yet.  She hadn't been bathed since she had gotten influenza when she was six.  The feeling was similar now… the painful burning sensation in her face (though it was in her hands now as well), the dizziness, the painfully dry, cloth-like feeling in her mouth.  How could you have done something so foolish to yourself?  At this rate her parents would never recognize her. So many burns right on top of one another would undoubtedly give her a much darker face, and most likely give her wrinkles.  She was going to look like such a wretch when she got home!  She dared not cry; to do so would sting her already scorched skin, drying it out further. Adding salt to the wound would help nothing.  "Runt… was there a Lapras? On the beach I mean?"

            "A Lapras? Not that I saw…"

            "Xavier… had to have gotten out.  So maybe she went back in. My pokéballs, where…?"

            "On the desk, not so far from the bed.  I'm sure if it wasn't hurt your Lapras should be fine. It might rain a bit but nothing to be frightened of, especially for a water Pokémon."  Sari approached the bed, setting the pitcher beside it.  "Mr. Vars says you are going to have to stay at least a couple days, trainer.  Your burns are very bad.  At least most of you was covered at the time.  But you will be needing much water and rest for a day or two."

            "I have m… I mean, I'll pay for my room…"

            Sari laughed again.  "Think nothing of it," she assured her.  "We have trainers stay all the time.  Money is hard enough to come by unless you're very skilled.  You're not the first to meet such trouble in your crossing, but to do so I'd say you're rather new at being nomadic.  What is your name, trainer?"

            "Ju… Jules.  Miller."

            "It is good to make your acquaintance, Jules Miller."  Sari smiled brightly, showing a flash of teeth.  "Not to worry then.  Dinner will be in about an hour.  I'll bring it in to you, along with some more water.  Rest now, but make certain you finish the water I brought you.  You're as dehydrated as your skin, without a doubt."  She bowed politely, going back to the door.  She smiled once more before closing it behind her.

            "Xavier?"  She heard the rustle of feet, before she felt his hand weigh on her own.  She could make out the frame of his heavy shoulders and the triangular horned head above it, but the dimness of the light and her aching eyes could barely note the blur of the star on his forehead.  She had only known Sari as a girl from her dress and her voice. "Xavier, what would I do without you?"  She leaned over in the bed, hugging him tightly.  "I have to convince Daddy that there was no other way.  If you hadn't evolved I would never have escaped.  I might be dead by now, or worse, and never have the chance to come back.  I can't let you be given away to Avius or my cousins.  I can't!  You've saved me so many times this week!"  He grunted in embarrassment, making her laugh.  "I could never give you up.  You've never given up on me and I won't ever do the same.  If Daddy won't let me keep you… if he won't I'll have to go on being Jules then.  Until I find someplace else to live and make it on my own."

            "Da."  Xavier's voice was curt.  "Kada, kadabra.  Kadabra."

            "I don't care. With you and Runt and the Ponyta I'll be more than ready to handle anything I have to."

            "Kadabra…"

            "You worry too much."

            "Dab dabra!"

            She laughed.  "I worry when I have to.  And this isn't one of the times I'm going to.  Did she leave a cup or do I have to drink from the pitcher?  Oh, thank you."  The ceramic mug felt cool in her hands; the water was like ice down her throat.  Shivering, she let the next mouthful warm in her mouth.  "At least the rest of the way will be on land," she noted.  "You can keep me from doing anything else stupid."

            It was not until the next day that Julianne learned that she'd already been a guest of the Pallet family for over a day.

            "Anytime I tried to bring more water before yesterday, your Kadabra stopped me and treated you himself," Sari explained at dinner on the third day, when at last Julianne was allowed to be out of bed awhile.  She had been glad to find Runt waiting impatiently on the beach for her, and had since returned the Lapras to her pokéball.  Sari laughed, smiling brightly.  "Either he must be very protective, or you must be very shy."

            "A… bit of both, I suppose," Julianne replied with a wry smile.  There was no apparent discomfort on Sari's part that Xavier sat in the chair beside his trainer; she herself had a petite Pidgey perched on the back of her chair.  "Is that your Pidgey?"

            "Indeed it is!  This is Hera.  Isn't she cute?  I suppose you wouldn't say so, but I think she is."  The Pidgey cooed its agreement.

            "She looks very healthy."

            "She only gets dried food in the winter; otherwise I always feed her fresh seeds.  That's how she's so glossy.  She and my grass Pokémon are my only companions besides Mr. Vars when my parents are away… they go out often, you see.  They own a great many ships.  Lots of the fishermen of Cinnabar actually don't own their boats, Momma and Poppa do.  Shipmakers are awful when it comes to selling their ships; if you don't buy it outright they make you pay far too much interest.  That's why Momma and Poppa help out the fishermen when they can.  They buy the ships directly from the shipmakers.  They ask for interest too, but not nearly as much as the shipbuilders do."

            "Oh, I see.  Does that help to support the plantation?"

            "It does."  Sari looked relieved.  "Some trainers assume that's all we use to pay for our needs but that's not it at all.  In generations past the plantation was all we needed to sustain us, but after the Empire was established, with the taxes we need to pay to the Emperor we were losing a bit at a time.  Since Poppa began subsidizing the fishermen we don't have that problem anymore.  Certainly, there isn't as much money on hand, but in assets we're much better off."

            "Your mother goes with your father to work?"

            "Oh yes."  Sari's ready laugh was infectious, bringing a smile to Julianne's face.  "Poppa is terrible with faces.  Momma remembers the fishermen by name, Poppa by boat."

            Xavier squirmed in his chair.  "What's wrong?"  He blew into his moustache, shrugging his slouched shoulders.  "You're not fooling anyone, you know."

            Sari giggled.  "You understand him so well! You must be very close.  How long have you had him?"

            "About five years now."

            "Oh!  That's a long time!"

            "I didn't really train him at all - at least, not until very recently, when he evolved.  It was very unexpected.  He was a pet, really."

            "I didn't know trainers kept any Pokémon as pets."

            "I didn't start training until very recently either."

            "Oh, I see."  Sari took a drink from her glass.  "As the week is ending shortly we may be having another guest or two.  Most trainers do not travel this time of year since Cinnabar's summer starts so early, but there are some who wait until the last minute to come back.  Where is it you hail from, Mr. Miller?"

            "Erm… just Jules is fine, Miss Pallet…"

            "And you'll call me Sari, then?"

            "If you'd like."

            "I would." That bright smile again.

            "I live in Fuchsia."

            "Fuchsia! You've come a long way then."

            "Only a day by ride.  Less than a week by foot."

            "Yes, but only if you cut across the bay, which would mean it was mostly by water."

            "Well… originally I went from the bay by boat to Cinnabar."  At least, she assumed so.  That was the quickest route from Fuchsia to Cinnabar, by skirting around Seafoam Isle.

            "Are you heading back so soon?"

            She nodded.  "I've been gone a week already.  Much longer than I said I would."  Another lie… how many was she going to be living on?

            A blush burned under her still tender (but now peeling like dried onions) cheeks at Sari's very obvious disappointment.  "I suppose it cannot be helped. I do hope you'll stay just a little while longer, though. It gets so very quiet around here when Momma and Poppa are out. Mr. Vars is the only one of the staff I'm supposed to speak to."  A ghost of her former smile played across her face. "I do speak with them, though I'm not supposed to, but they and I really don't have that much in common."

            "I... I don't see that we would have much in common, either, M- Sari. I'm fourth-born of a Miller family. Your home seems very grand to me. You don't have any brothers or sisters?"

            "I have a little brother; my parents never but never let Pellie out of their sight, the poor boy! I have six sisters, but they've all married and moved away." Sari reached up to stroke Hera beneath her chin. "I'm old enough to take suitors now, but I haven't yet. I'm in no hurry to leave home."

            "Neither was I."

            "Truly?"

            Julianne cringed. At least she'd said 'was'! "I didn't exactly choose to," she said carefully, even as Xavier stared at her. "But you never know. Some things turn out better than you'd think they would."

            Sari clapped her hands. "Exactly! To be honest, I had been very uncomfortable with Pokémon trainers being in and out of here at all hours when I was little. All those strange men with their strange creatures wandering about made me so nervous! But now that I'm older and of a similar age to most trainers, you do not seem bad at all to me. You're diligent workers who train ever so hard and travel ever so much, that there's nothing more gratifying than the expressions on your faces when you have a warm bed and warm meals to look forward to. Did you not want to start training?"

            Julianne shook her head slowly. She chose each word carefully. "Yes, I did, but my parents did not want me to. I had a long trip to make, and Xavier came to accompany me. But I found myself in trouble, and when Xavier defended me he had to evolve."

            "How terrible! Your parents will be relieved they let Xavier accompany you! My father did not want me to have Hera at first, since Pidgey evolve at such low levels, but I assured him that Hera would only keep me company, and that if I had any trouble, I would have my Weepinbel protect me."

            "Weepinbel are one of the grass types that don't evolve without a crystal, aren't they?"

            "That's right. No one buys jewelry with Grass Crystal decorations anymore; everyone is so afraid of wearing it around their Grass Pokémon."

            That was right! How foolish of her to want a Crystal just for its color! If she'd worn such things too close to her mother's Weepinbel or her sister's Gloom, they might have evolved and had to be taken away. How awful! She thought of her Fire Crystal with a trace of nervousness: Ponyta didn't evolve when exposed to them, did they? No, she was almost certain they evolved from battling. And Vulpix didn't evolve, so she was safe carrying it. She barely kept herself from sighing in relief. It would be hard enough trying to keep Xavier without explaining how she evolved another Pokémon in her care!

            "Jules?"

            Julianne raised her head quickly. "I'm sorry! What did you say?"

            "I asked if your face was hurting you. I'm certain we have some sunburn balm."

            "It looks far worse than it is, really," she assured Sari quickly, feeling a far different burn in her cheeks. "I had a sunburn earlier, when I came to Cinnabar, and bought some balm there. I haven't used all of it yet. I should have enough until I've gotten my face back to normal." And hands, she added silently. She had one on each leg; resting one on top of the other tended to overheat the sensitive skin on the back of her lower hand. Assuming I stop being such a fool and re-burning myself.

            "I'm relieved to hear it."

            Sari was not as happy to hear of her departure. "You're certain you can't stay any longer?" she asked yet again.

            Julianne sighed. Two days more had seen the last of the dead skin peel from her face (if she traveled at night and went immediately to Viridian Township, she could hopefully get a hat before she scorched herself again), but not an end to Sari's pleas for company. It was not that she blamed the girl: the rambling plantation house had only a half dozen servants, none of whom were very talkative and who could easily disappear for hours at a time among the countless rooms.

            "Sari..." She counted her pokéballs one more time; certain now of which four were occupied, she replaced the others in her Tauros-hide pack. If the overland trip dragged on for too long, she could sell them for spending money. She wouldn't chance crossing a long way on water again, especially unprepared. "If your parents promised to come back after a couple days, and two weeks had gone by without word, what would you do?"

            The other girl paled. Hera rustled her wings, cooing in sympathy.  "Oh, that would be awful. Awful! I don't know what I would do. I would be terrified."

            "That is why I have to go home as soon as I can."

            "If Poppa couldn't send a letter by Pidgey, something awful must have happened to strand them someplace."

            Julianne winced. "I'm terrible at letters. My parents wouldn't think it was from me even if I tried to send one ahead."

            "You're right; yes, of course you are right. How horrible of me to try to keep you."

            "It's lonely here. I understand that. I would stay longer if I could, but I can't."

            "I haven't ever felt so comfortable talking to someone before. Sometimes Momma and Poppa have company, who bring their daughters, but I've always found them ever so unbearable. And trainers stay only a day or two; for many of them, I never even learn their names. Are all trainers like you, when you get to know them?"

            Her back to Sari, Julianne wrinkled her nose. So far, all the skilled trainers she knew were Avius, Daleson Thresher, and Vandalus Reaper. And Alexus Mariner, kind of... he hadn't been so bad. "No trainer is exactly like another," she replied vaguely, tying the final strap on her pack. Xavier grabbed up the handles before she could reach for them. "Xavier, no! That's my things!"

            He looked at her mildly, the muscle over one eye arched toward his forehead. "Dab?" he asked, pulling the straps onto one heavy shoulder. Why not? he wanted to know.

            "Because that's my stuff, Xavier. You can't carry it."

            "Dab?" Why not?

            "Because I'll be riding the Ponyta. You will be in your 'ball."

            His eyes narrowed reproachfully. "Ra?" I will?

            "Of course you will."

            "Bra da kadabra?" Who will carry it, then?

            "I'll wear it as I ride."

            "You can't wear such a thing while riding!" Sari interrupted, making both jump. "Your shoulders will never forgive you. Don't you have any saddlebags?"

            Julianne smiled weakly. "No. I don't even have a saddle."

            "How trained is your mount? Would it hold still to have your pack lashed to it?"

            "I... don't really know..." She didn't even know if her Ponyta was trained for riding. Had it been trained at all? Why didn't you ask! She resisted the urge to slap herself in the forehead. Bad enough trying to ride straddle bareback - two things she had never done before - but if the Ponyta didn't know how to carry any rider, the results were going to be more painful than she imagined. "I got a Ponyta the day before I left. I haven't had much time with it yet."

            "Oh dear. I hope it is gentle."

            So do I! "Will have to see!" Julianne tried to sound cheerful. "He can't be more stubborn than Runt, and she's nice enough." But if I fell off Runt, the water wouldn't hurt near as much as if the Ponyta bucks me off...

            No! She couldn't think that way! That Ponyta is how I am getting home. Even if it is as stubborn as Runt, I can be more stubborn still! Her mouth twitching toward a frown, Julianne rubbed the top of Xavier's head like she had when he was just an Abra. "Okay, Xavier. Since the Ponyta isn't used to me, you can carry the pack for now. But you let me know the instant you get tired. Understand?"

            "Da." Of course.

            "Good."

            They headed outside, Sari following at their heels. "Are you going to continue to train?" she asked. "Perhaps you will be in the area again. You are free to come whenever you like."

            "Thank you, but-" How could she explain? Ah! "My elder brother was allowed to train Pokémon. Even with Xavier's evolution, I doubt they will allow me to as well. They hope I will do something more traditional with my life." Listen to yourself. How dare you talk to Sari like that, molding the truth that way? Her face burned with humiliation. Be quiet, Julianne. Do not make it worse.

            "Oh... well, I understand. If ever you are in the area again, you are still most welcome. And your brother would be as well, of course."

            "Thank you, Sari."

            "Thank you, Jules. I know you did not mean to stay so long, but I was glad you did."

            Her admiration of the Ponyta had waned some with the concern over how well he took a new rider. Though he had been trained enough to bend down on one knee to help her mount, once he was on his feet he seemed annoyed at her inexperience. There were no handholds: his mane, though not hot, was as good as intangible. She rested her hands on either side of his neck for balance, but did not trust that to work for anything faster than a slow trot. He quivered constantly under her touch, occasionally pawing at the ground as he walked.

            An hour from the borders of the plantation, Julianne's legs were aching from trying to keep her seat. Worse, it felt like they'd gone almost no where. And if anything, the Ponyta was even less happy. "What's wrong?" she asked him, rubbing his neck. The Ponyta snorted in reply, shaking his head as he stamped his foot again.

            "Dab?" Xavier tried. The Ponyta whinnied loudly, snorting again. "Da... kada bra." An odd trill from the Ponyta. Xavier tugged on Julianne's pantleg. "Ka?"

            "What is it? What did it say?"

            "Ka da bra."

            " 'It wants'... what was the rest of it?"

            "Da. Brad da ka."

            That made sense. "Oh! I don't think I can stay on for that, I haven't any reins. If you let me down you can." The Ponyta tilted his head to look at her, clicking his teeth together. "I don't mind, really." The Ponyta tossed his head slightly, ears tilting to face forward for the first time. He knelt carefully, letting her slide from his back. "Just don't - whoa!" Julianne nearly fell over completely, only to be caught by her elbow. "Oh, thanks, Xavier. My legs are made of clay!" She smiled weakly. "Go on," she told the Ponyta. "Don't get too far though, please." The horse snorted, nudging her with his nose.

            Then bolted down the road.

            "Poor thing," Julianne said. "I didn't even think. He's been in his 'ball for over a week now. Uli too!" She snatched the red apricorn ball from her belt. "I'm so sorry, Uli! Come out, please!" The pokéball popped open eagerly, releasing the five-tailed Vulpix at her feet. Uli shook himself off, stretching out his front feet as he yawned.  "How are you feeling? You must be starved!"

            "Vul?" Uli looked at her, his head tilted to the side. He did not seem to understand.

            "I guess time doesn't pass quite the same in a pokéball," Julianne mused. "Maybe the Ponyta hadn't been exercised well before the Fireleaf." She started walking after the Ponyta, feeling her knees wobble with each step. "Ooooh. How do people stand riding all day?" she wondered aloud. "It hasn't been four hours and I feel ready to give up. I don't know if there will be someplace in Viridian to buy tacking. I don't know how much that's going to help me, either! Ow..." Unable to take another step, she moved to the side of the road. Sitting was not an option, either. Julianne eased herself to the ground, lying on her side. "Ahhhh. Wish I could learn Recover, too!"

            "Dab," Xavier agreed, sitting beside her. He shrugged out of their pack of supplies. He unbuckled the straps, rummaging through it until he found a stick of jerky. He held it out to her.

            "Not now," Julianne told him, closing her eyes. "Let Uli have it."

            "Ka ked ah?"

            "The-? Ah!" Julianne sat up quickly. "The Ponyta!" She dragged herself to her feet. "I told him not to go too far - why did I even agree to let him run when I can't see him? Augh!" Julianne laced her fingers through her hair. What a mess this was! What if the Ponyta didn't come back? She'd have to walk the rest of the way - that would take weeks! It was already going to be well over another week at the rate she was going! "I'm never getting home!" she cried, dropping to the ground beside her pack.

            Xavier looked away. "Ah?" He reached over to tap her shoulder. "Ah ha!"

            "Do you hear something?" Julianne closed her eyes. Yes - the beat of hooves! "Thank goodness! But-" She bit her lip. "But that's the way we came! Did he go around?" Or was someone else coming up the road? Hide! her instincts wailed. "Wait - why?" Julianne asked herself. Xavier regarded her curiously. "I'm fine," she told him. There is nothing to be afraid of. I look like a scruffy country boy with his Kadabra. The worst that could happen is if some stranger coming up from the coast tries to ask me directions. Despite her self-assurances, Julianne still felt nervous. Giddy, almost. There is no one who would know me except Sari.

            The owner of the hooves came into view a few moments later, and at once Julianne knew it was not her Ponyta. Though the body type was nearly identical, the creature was far too large and fragile. If she squinted, she thought she could see something like a third ear on its forehead. That must be an evolution of Ponyta. It looks far too much like one. Ponyta were not native to the mainland, so it was rare to see them. There were more than enough local creatures that could as easily pull plows or provide transport, to require importing the horses from Cinnabar. A pair of Dotrio had provided well enough for the mill in years past.

            The horse Pokémon continued to approach, and Julianne could now see the rider on its back. He was fortunate enough to have full tacking, unlike her: bridle and reins, saddle and stirrups, saddlebags... there was even a bedroll tied to one side. What a brave fellow, she thought. Imagine, sleeping outside! Avius didn't dare go away to training unless a proven shelter was provided. Wild Pokémon were everywhere! How would one protect their belongings - their food, especially! What would keep some starving creature from making a camper their meal? Julianne shuddered at the thought.

            The rider seemed suited to the saddle, apparently someone of many years' experience. He seemed tall, though that could have been an illusion created from Julianne's position on the ground. His hair was the color of tar: though obviously lacking the coat of oil Julianne's brothers and father used to tame theirs, it fell neatly past his shoulders in an all-too-familiar bobbed cut. Close to half the men of Cinnabar had worn their hair the same way, just long enough to tie back. There, too, dark hair seemed to be the norm.

            Of course it would be a Cinnabaran, Julianne told herself. A Cinnabaran would have an evolved Ponyta. But her stomach continued to knot itself. A little voice inside her kept saying to hide, hide! It's too late to hide, even if there was reason to. He would see me run. There isn't reason to r- oh dear goodness, no!

            Despite two layers of sunburn on her cheeks, Julianne could feel every flake of color fade out of her face as the rider drew nearer. Most any boy of Cinnabar could have the same dark, bobbed hair, the same sun-wizened skin, the same ease in a fire Pokémon's saddle.

            But she was certain there was only one boy with those eerily amber eyes.

            Oh, no, please don't be him, please do not be-

            The Cinnabaran was twenty feet away before he took notice of her, fifteen before he raised his hand in greeting. "Ahoy! Is that you, mainlander?"

            -Alex!