As we are about to leave the hospital, we find a surprise right outside: Nate's parents waiting for us. As it turns out, they heard what happened from the police and wanted to check on their son. And to hear from me and Eugenio the details of what happened.

Their thanks for saving him feel like daggers to the chest.

Despite their protests to have him return home and wait until the new Team Plasma is dealt with, Nate is able to convince them he's going to be fine continuing his journey with us.

He doesn't mention anything about Kyurem. And none of us tells them I'm no longer with the International Police.

"Are we sure it's wise to let him come along at this point?" Eugenio whispers.

"Let's put it this way," I whisper back. "If you were asked not to worry about dangerous criminals you came across, would you be able to?"

He doesn't respond to that.

After saying our farewells to the Blacks, the three of us return to the Pokémon Center and take a seat in the local bar.

And now, here we are, sitting across from each other.

Eugenio is the first to talk as he leans forward. "So…what now?"

I purse my lips. "Now…now we need to figure out our next move."

Eugenio crosses his arms at that. Nate looks at me expectantly.

"Let's start with reviewing what we learned from our encounter."

"Very little," Eugenio says, shaking his head. "We have no clue what they were at the castle for."

"But we know that they wanted something," I point out, before turning to Nate. "So let's think: what is the Castle Relic known for that could have interested them?"

The younger trainer purses his lips. "I really don't know. At one point it was thought to be where the Dark Stone was kept, but-?"

"The Dark Stone?"

"An old artifact of this region," Eugenio intervenes. "A black rock that was actually a cocoon the legendary Zekrom had turned into."

Oooooooh, I see.

"So you think they were after something related to Zekrom?" I ask Nate.

"Well…" he replies. "It would be related to this...Kyurem, was it?" Eugenio and I both nod. "I can't think of anything else they could have been there for."

Zekrom. The same legendary dragon that almost two years ago helped thwart their plans. The last time it was seen, it was still with its trainer. And if it is their new objective…

"I don't think Zekrom is their objective."

I furrow my brow at Eugenio. "Why do you say that?"

"First of all, what kind of information could they have been looking for that they didn't already know? Everyone knows it's Reshiram's other half, so to speak. And they also know it's related to Kyurem. There isn't anything else about it that they could find."

"Maybe there is but you don't know about it either?" Nate tentatively asks.

Eugenio shrugs. "It's a possibility. But they are not studious seeking knowledge for knowledge's sake. And if Zekrom is their end goal, they know exactly where to find it. Why waste time with a buried ruin?"

That's…true. From what is known of the Shadow Triad, they would never be too far from Ghetsis. If they are here in Unova, so is he. And he would be chasing after Hilbert, who has left the region, if Zekrom were his objective.

"What else is in the Relic Castle?"

"Well," Eugenio turns to Nate, his eyes narrowed. "Are there Pokémon that can be found only there?"

What is he getting at?

"Well," Nate gulps, "there aren't other places in Unova where Sigilyphs and Yamasks can be found. There's also that nest of Larvestas that was discovered last year-"

'Larvestas'?

"A nest?" Eugenio interrupts, now frowning at Nate. "As in, there is more than one Larvesta?"

"Uhm...yeah?"

It's my turn to frown. "Do you know something about it?" I ask Eugenio. "What are Larvestas?"

"They are Bug/Fire-types. Their evolved form, Volcarona, was once worshipped as a sun deity. As for this nest...all I know is that in the game, Hilbert and Rosa could each challenge a Volcarona in the deepest chambers of the castle. The only wild Volcarona in the entire game that featured one of them."

Is that so? "Are there other places where Larvestas or Volcaronas can be found in Unova?"

Nate shakes his head at that question. "No. Before that nest was discovered, it was believed the Unovan population of the species had long gone extinct."

Well, it's good that it didn't. However, Eugenio wouldn't have brought our attention to this without a good reason.

"You think what they were after was this nest?" I ask him.

Eugenio shrugs. "I don't know. I just wanted to point out everything noteworthy. And I remember those Volcaronas were treated as a big deal. Not to mention they are pretty powerful Pokémon."

"That is true," Nate intervenes. "Their highly flammable scales give them immense Fire powers, and that's without mentioning their already impressive Bug powers. Those played a part in why they worshipped as deities, but-"

Eugenio clears his throat. "As interesting as that is, boy, we should try to remain on the subject."

"S-sorry."

I refrain from shaking my head. While I appreciate that Eugenio tries not to let things get derailed, he really should try to be more delicate with Nate.

In any case…

"While I can see where your concerns are coming from, I'm not entirely convinced poaching those Larvestas was their goal."

Eugenio frowns. "Why do you say that?"

"When we were fighting them, none of the Team Plasma members were using Fire-types, so I'm assuming they didn't have Larvestas on them."

"And you're excluding that the Larvestas were in no condition to fight or were kept separately from their other Pokémon why?"

"You have seen what kind of equipment they had with them: none. If they intended to poach Pokémon, the recruits would have had to carry them themselves. And I doubt any of them would have cared about the Larvestas' health enough not to let them fight."

"I…" Eugenio hesitates while his gaze appears lost in thought for a few seconds. "I see."

While that happens, an apprehensive look comes to Nate's face. "But if they are were interested in neither Zekrom nor the Larvestas, what could they have been after?"

All I can answer his question with is a shake of my head. And looking at Eugenio, he seems just as much at a loss as I am.

"I'm afraid we don't know enough at this moment to figure it out," I begrudgingly say. "We'll have to see where they show up next and what they do there. Hopefully that'll give us a better picture."

And hopefully it will not be like with Team Galactic, where by the time their plans became clear it was too late to stop them.

"So we just go along with the Gym challenge and keep an ear out for more Plasma sightings?" Eugenio asks. "That's the plan?"

I nod. "For the moment, yes."

"But should we focus on the Gym challenge?" Nate intervenes. "Wouldn't it be best if we focused on-?"

"Boy," Eugenio cuts him off. "We have no idea where to begin. And the Gym challenges isn't just for sport and fun. For some of us it's a job."

Nate glances down to the C-Gear on Eugenio's wrist. "S-sorry, Mister Beccaria."

Eugenio nods to that apology.

"Still," I intervene. "There is one thing Jupiter said that we should keep in mind." Both look at me attentively after I bring that up. "She said Team Plasma knew you are a Faller," I point at Eugenio, who purses his lips, "and also that you knew what their plans were."

"Yes," he mutters. "There is no way they figured that out on their own. I stand by what I said back then: they have a mole."

"It's possible," I concede. "But not the point I'm trying to make. Do you remember what else you also told the International Police?"

Eugenio's eyes turn their attention away from me, as he furrows his brow in thought. He spends a few moments like that, until his eyes widen in shock as he looks at me again.

"Rosa…"

I nod to him.

Nate looks at us confusedly. "The International Police know about Miss Rosa?"

Eugenio gives him an uncomfortable look. "Not exactly," he gulps. "You see…"

"The protagonist of the game was a role that could have been filled by several other Aspertia citizens," I intervene, drawing the attention. "Due to some facts that came to light, we were able to identify her as the protagonist only after we informed my superiors."

Eugenio gives me a grateful nod while Nate isn't looking.

"So…" Nate says. "What Team Plasma knows is…?"

"That there's a soon-to-be trainer in Aspertia that can potentially become a threat to them," I respond.

"But it's unlikely they'll let that stop them from coming after her," Eugenio adds.

Nate's face morphs into a grimace at hearing that. "What can we do?" he asks.

"You prepare for your challenge to Burgh." I respond. "I'll go to Nuvema Town."

Nate looks at me confusedly. "Why?"

"Because the only lead we have is that Professor Juniper - who lives there - is going to be her sponsor."

There is technically also the fact - according to Eugenio - her mother is friends with Hilbert's, but a stranger showing up already knowing that would just be creepy.

"What exactly are you hoping to find from her?" Eugenio asks, brow furrowed.

"Surname and address. From what I've looked up, Aspertia is big enough that finding her will be difficult without either of those." It's now my time to arch an eyebrow. "You don't happen to know those already?"

Eugenio lowers his gaze. "No. I only know what she looks like."

I give him a nod of acknowledgement before continuing.

"I'll look up transportation to Nuvema tonight. After that, I'm going to need a few days to go and come back. I'll try to be back for when you challenge Burgh, but if you feel you're ready don't wait for me, alright?"

"Alright," Eugenio replies. Nate just gives me an hesitant nod.

As evening comes, it's soon time to return to our rooms. Eugenio goes to his like any other night, but Nate, to my surprise, asks me if I can accompany him. He doesn't say it, but I get the feeling he wants to talk to me. Just me.

And in fact, when we're at his room's door, he says, "Could I ask you a few questions about your own Gym challenge, Miss Hikari?"

I force a smile at his question. "Sure thing, Nate. What do you want to know?"

He doesn't respond right away. For the first few moments, he just looks at me while his mouth keeps opening and closing.

Finally, he says. "If I'm understanding this correctly, you were in a situation similar to this one with this Team Galactic, right?" I nod. "When it came to the Gyms, how did you feel about challenging them? Did you feel…okay with the challenges? Or did you feel like you had more important stuff to do?"

Ah, huh...oh dear, how do I put it?

"Truth to be told, I didn't actively chase Team Galactic at first," I admit. "Most of my early run-ins with them were due to chance. It wasn't until after I got my sixth badge that they became a threat that couldn't be ignored."

Nate pales. "And...and what did you do then?"

"I turned all of my attention to them, of course. I even had to skip challenging a new Gym I came across, only stopping long enough to ask for its leader's help."

"I see," Nate replies. "So if that's the case, should I even challenge the Gyms? I mean, I can understand Mister Beccaria, but-"

"Nate," I cut him off. "While your desire to help is admirable, it is obvious this is something you were looking forward to. You should not let your dream be ruined by this situation."

"But you-"

"I am me. I turned my desire to do the right thing into an obsession. An obsession that led me to abandon my position as Champion after only one year. And that...well, you've seen for yourself what kind of mess I can be."

His expression falls.

"What I'm trying to say is 'Don't be me'. Be better."

He winces at that. "But you're-"

"Dawn Hikari, yes. But that is not someone you should aspire to be. The only one you need to be to become a good trainer is yourself."

The expression he makes after that comment is, unfortunately, unreadable. I hope that means he's mulling over my words.

"Was that all?"

"Just one more thing," he replies. "How much does Mister Beccaria hate me?"

I blink in shock when I hear that question. "I'm sorry, what? What makes you think he hates you?"

"I...kind of figured he didn't like me with how he keeps calling me 'boy'. Or how annoyed he sounds every time he interrupts my ramblings. And...I mean, he's not the first to think I'm annoying. But between how Ruffles mistreated his Maractus and the fact I put all three of us in danger by ignoring his words…"

Oh, dear Arceus…

"This is a conversation you should have with him, not me." I state. "With that said, I highly doubt he hates you. Sure, he's gruff, but that's his default attitude with everyone."

"Are you sure?" Nate retorts. "He seems a lot nicer to you."

"That's just because I've known him longer. He's softened up over time. He'll do the same with you. Especially if you bring up your grievances with his attitude." Preferably before your mischievous ghost Pokémon does it for you.

That thought opens a pit in my chest.

"I...I see," Nate replies. "I'll try to do that during these days you're away. Thank you."

"No problem."

We exchange good nights after that and he gets in his room. I hope this night will be better than the last. I remember the days immediately after Eterna being one sleepless night after another. It took weeks before the nightmares would let me sleep.

As soon as I'm in my room, I pick up my computer and contact the one person from my old days as a trainer I've still been in contact these last few years: Professor Frank Rowan, my old sponsor,

Thankfully, it isn't long before the Professor answers my call. He has less hair and more lines on his face than when I first met him all those years ago, but I would recognize that stoic face.

"Good morning, Dawn," he greets me. "Or is it evening where you are now? I thought your job didn't leave you the time to call at this hour. Or are you slacking off, young lady?"

His comment manages to get a chuckle out of me before I return serious. "It's good to see you too, Professor. Although I wish it was under better circumstances."

"Oh?" The Professor furrows his brow. "And pray tell, what would the current circumstances be?"

I tell him all that happened at the Relic Castle after that. Recounting the parts with Jupiter is...difficult, but I force myself to tell him. And as I go on, he furrows his brow more and more.

"I see," he murmurs when I'm finished. "It is quite the tricky situation you have found yourself in."

I let out a sigh. "I know."

"Jupiter," Professor Rowan murmurs gravely. "That is a name I thought we'd never hear again. Are the other Commanders also involved?"

I shake my head. "Not those of Team Galactic, no. When I asked about them they told me everything is still the same. Saturn's business in Veilstone is clean, Charon is still behind bars and Mars hasn't had any relapse since being dismissed by the hospital."

The Professor nods. "I see. Although I fail to understand what Team Plasma could possibly want from her specifically."

"So do I." Although just her brutality could be the reason, given what kind of man their leader is.

"With that said, though," the Professor continues. "Do you actually have a plan on how to proceed from here? I trust you did not throw your career away carelessly."

"I do have a plan," I respond. It's not the best of plans, but it's a plan nonetheless. "Although there is a favor I need to ask you."

"Your remaining Pokémon are always available. They may be out of shape after all these years, but if you need them I can send them to you any time."

I smile at him. "I appreciate that, Professor, but it's not the favor I meant." When Rowan furrows his brow again, I opt to go on. "Would you be willing to be my sponsor again?"

At that, the Professor's eyes widen. "Your sponsor? Are you saying you intend to return to the Pokémon battling scene?"

"Not necessarily," I sigh. "It's just that now that I've quit my job, I'm short on options with my finances that would allow me to still travel across Unova. I'm not asking for a long term arrangement, just something as long as I'm here."

The Professor rubs his chin as he mulls over my request.

"I believe something can be arranged," he finally says. "I know of at least a couple of Pokémon species in Unova that evolve through unusual methods. If I compile a list and you catch one specimen of each, I believe we have an agreement."

I nod to him. "Thank you, Professor."

"Just promise me you'll be careful," Rowan replies. "I know I can't dissuade you from going after Team Plasma, but I don't want you to be reckless about it. These people are dangerous.

"I know. And I promise I'll be careful."

And even if I were to act reckless, I can at least count on a cold realist and someone who learned the dangers of recklessness firsthand to keep me in check.

And there we go, with the first interlude of this story. Not much else to say, just setting up events for the immediate future.

As always, thank you to Softandhappy and Geolight164 for betareading. You can find us at the Fanfiction Treehouse discord server at: 9XG3U7a

See you next time!