Episode 13: Missing Feelings

Everyone expected Lute to be talkative after their successful rescue. Instead, the Eevee was quieter than he was during their trip to the Radial Castle. To say he was lost in thought was an understatement – he was so far deep that he didn't even respond when his name was called.

This whole experience made him reflect on all of his recent events. He felt responsible for Infia's depression, responsible because of his own refusal to accept everything that had actually been going on. He wanted everything to be black and white. He wanted Sophitia's amnesia to lead to adventure. He wanted being an agent to lead to excitement.

All it did was reveal the nasty intricacies of reality. He didn't know what was being expected from him, yet he felt as though he was expected to know and act in some adult way. Meanwhile, the feelings of those closest to him were going through the same thing, and despite how obvious that was, he had been ignoring them all the whole time.

Infia was fine. She was alive. He so badly wanted to be relieved about that, but it was obvious that she wasn't and was still in the same danger as before. The way she sat on his back, slumped forward like a lifeless doll the whole way back to Everend told him. He couldn't feel a single living vibe from her.

"Lute!" Cinder's voice finally snapped him out of his trance. The Flareon had to shout at the top of his voice.

"Wha?" the Eevee responded, dazed a bit.

"Finally. We're back in Everend. But you've been out of it the whole time," Cinder said. "What's the plan?"

"It's kinda late. And we haven't eaten yet, either. You guys hungry?" Raiju asked.

Lute made a sound and looked around to gather where he was. Everend was unchanged. Just the same quiet, cosy town filled with Pokémon following routine. The hour was late and dark, so there weren't many Pokémon around. None of them would be aware or maybe even care much that he had just dived off a tower to save a Pokémon's life.

Infia's current state. Of course. This was about her right now, not him. When they found her, she wasn't wearing her usual clothing, not even the necessary nappy. It revealed that the situation with the mirror was worse than they imagined, too. Her body, her arms especially, were covered in cuts and marks. You would never be able to tell how much she'd hurt herself beneath all her usual pink clothes. He wanted to ask about it, but refrained.

"We should get you home. More than anything, you need rest," Lute suggested. She shuffled a bit, and that was all.

"I would say that's a good call, but, what's the deal with that Fennekin?" Cinder replied.

Lute led the way anyway. "We'll have to deal with him."

"You can't stop him from doing his job," Infia said weakly.

"But his job was also to look after you. Right when it mattered most, he refused to help," Lute said, unable to hide his fury. He held his breath for a moment, surprised to hear himself sound so angry. His tone silenced Infia though, making him down his ears. "Sorry, Infia. I'm not going to do anything bad. I just… I really want you to be okay after all this."

He couldn't help but sneak a glance at Sophitia, but she was as silent and focused as she'd been since the rescue. The Sylveon hadn't said a word to either of them and stayed back out of their sight. She stayed that way even after they arrived at Infia's home. She even left Lute to knock and avoided eye contact.

"You're here," Lute muttered when Phoenix answered.

The Fennekin didn't say anything, he just welcomed them all inside and let them gather in one of the front rooms. There was a tea table in the centre and a sofa, although not at the height expected for any of the Pokémon currently here. Victoria probably wouldn't even be able to use them.

"You managed to stop her. Thank you," Phoenix said after they'd all settled down. Infia finally got off Lute's back, and he approached her. "Are you alright?"

She nodded with a light noise which he acknowledged by walking around her. "I had your clothes washed and returned your room to normal. I also made sure we were stocked up on your favourite cheese snacks, all of them. Do not hold back on eating, and make sure you get plenty of rest."

"Wait, that's it? Now you're going to actually start acting like a carer?" Sophitia gritted her fangs.

"I am afraid I won't be around tonight, so I won't be able to make you pizza or anything. You know what to do if you want hot food," Phoenix continued. "If those wounds start to hurt, there are Sitrus Berries in the bag in the kitchen. It is hanging near the fireplace."

"Are you ignoring me?" Sophitia raised her voice.

"Guys… it's okay." Infia looked down. Lute felt a nerve get hit, and he tensed his whole body.

"No, it's not okay! You don't have to say it is. This guy doesn't even sound like he cares," he shouted. "What's with you? First you leave Infia alone for all this time, then when she needs our help the most, you go and do something else? And now you wanna look like you actually care?"

Phoenix didn't answer, but he did turn face them. Lute growled, feeling put down by the Pokémon's mature aura. But he couldn't back down. This was for Infia. With his heart full of fear and eyes on the verge of tears, he stomped his feet to challenge Phoenix with the bravest pose he could muster.

"I was busy with something of equal importance," Phoenix replied.

"This isn't right! What could you possibly be doing that's 'equally important'? You left her alone to die!" Lute cried.

Phoenix bared his fangs and the slightest hint of a growl snuck through. "Trying to save Esther."

"Trying to—" Lute said, and then he snapped shut. He sucked in a breath, Sophitia and Infia doing similar. "Save Esther?"

"You mean… she's still kidnapped? The other agents haven't saved her yet?" Infia said.

"The other agents aren't even looking. Me and Kuri were the only ones investigating," Phoenix informed. "We managed to settle for a ransom deal. And I am to make the exchange tonight."

For the first time in an argument, Lute stopped to think long and hard about what he'd just learnt and what he knew. He already knew that Phoenix was an agent before he was, and he was obviously trustworthy enough to be chosen to take care of Infia. Despite being given that task, he was multitasking enough to set up this ransom exchange with a Spirle High Point. In Lute's short time at the Agent's of King's Shield, he was the first Pokémon to get this kind of opportunity.

Even still, the Fennekin had prioritised Esther over Infia. It felt questionable until he asked himself why, where recent memories played out in his head.

"You've mentioned fluffy cheeks a few times. Who or what?" Sophitia said.

"Oh, Fluffy Cheeks! Mister Fluffy Cheeks is Mister Fluffy Cheeks. He's called that 'cos that's what he's got, fluffy cheeks!" Esther cheered. Lute and Sophitia exchanged blank gazes, making her laugh. "He's my Fennekin guard, silly! The cutie's really quiet, but he's a real sweetheart. He's always looking out for me, and it makes Brayen pretty jealous."

The whole conversation repeated several times before he clicked. Phoenix might have had a closer relationship with Esther than he expected, perhaps even something similar to himself and Infia – not exactly love, not friendship either, but the complicated in between.

"D-do you mind if I ask a few questions?" Lute said.

"Ask what you wish. However, we need to be on our way soon," Phoenix said. He turned to Infia robotically. "You will need to stay here and recover your strength. You have concerns for Esther, don't you?"

Infia shuddered, but her face said it all, pale and flustered. She gulped and nodded, paws by her mouth.

"Stay here and recover your strength. I will do my best to ensure she comes home. Lute, you will need to come with me," Phoenix said.

"U-uhm, sorry but I'm really not comfortable with that whole shtick," Sophitia said. "We've literally just got home from like, something pretty damn serious, you know? We can't just leave her here. Lute should stay with her."

"You're really still going to pull that after all of this?" Cinder palmed his face. Sophitia shivered, hard.

"The condition for the ransom exchange is actually that Lute is present," Phoenix informed. Everyone's eyes widened.

"Me?" Lute raised an eyebrow. He shook his head. "Why me? What do I have to do with Esther?"

"I don't know. The condition was to exchange money, and for Lute to be present. I believe it would be wise for you to be present as well."

"Well yeah. Not the best plan to totally trust terrorists," Sophitia said with a shrug.

"Well how about this. We'll stay here with Infia for the night. You guys go and get Esther." Cinder stood in between them. "We're classmates of hers, so it's fine."

"Aww what? I was waitin' for you to suggest the cooler idea," Raiju whined.

"Normally I would suggest all going together, but we're in no condition to. And at the end of the day, Lute and Sophitia are the agents. Not us," Cinder reasoned. Raiju grumbled.

"Correct. I would not authorise you coming with us," Phoenix said. "Are you able to depart now?"

"This sudden, too. What would you have done if we had failed? Or if Lute wasn't here?" Sophitia asked.

"I would still attend. Not attending achieves nothing," Phoenix answered. She groaned and rubbed her face. "We can use the Deposit Box to get to the destination."

"Wa-wait. Just before you go, please," Infia spoke up. She glanced around the room and then jogged out hastily. Raiju hesitantly chose to follow her, but she gestured for him not to follow however. Everyone exchanged unsure looks, but she only disappeared into her room and was out in a minute with a necklace.

"What's this? It looks pretty nice," Lute wondered.

He froze when she leaned in and hung it around his neck, making sure that the jewel was at the front. It was a thin necklace with a small, clear sphere on it. Lute held it up and looked into inside at the strange pattern of waves floating around within. It almost looked like there was clear liquid flowing inside.

"I made it a long while ago. It… gives me strength. But you might need it more," Infia said.

"If it gives you stre—" Lute replied.

"In fact, you should keep it. You will need it more. It's better in your paws, please. It's all I can give you for saving me," she bowed nervously.

He went quiet. "Thank you. I'll cherish it."

"You guys, please be careful." She looked down. "I… know what it seems like, but I don't hate Esther. She doesn't deserve to be hurt by Spirle at all. Please try to save her. I know you're agents that're really strong, but please don't let yourselves get hurt, too. You're more important."

"You be careful! I'm going to be more worried about you." Lute put a paw on her. "Please… I-I'll be back. I-it won't be like this for long. I promise."

Infia didn't reply, but she did look up for a moment. He knew he wasn't going to be able to cheer her up so easily, but he wanted to get that message through somehow. With clear reluctance, he faced Phoenix and Sophitia, and nodded to tell them he was ready.

Their destination was a city called Angard, so Lute and Sophitia were surprised when the Deposit Box dropped them off in the open wilderness of a dead field. The trio landed on dried weeds that disintegrated from the touch. Surrounding them was the layout of cultivated fields, only all the flowers and vegetation were no better than crusty stems and rock-hard soil.

"Is this?" Lute muttered as he rubbed his eyes to try and focus. The sun had set and the stars were out, so the dark grey and black of all the vegetation wasn't helping him work out the way forward. He did eventually settle on the silhouettes of some structures in the distance though, tall and square enough shapes to be called a city.

"Whoa okay, that's cold. Trust the bad guys to pick a dusty old place like this." Sophitia scrunched up as if she stepped in something nasty.

"It is cold. And everything's… dead. Wait, what is this place?" Lute remarked.

"It is a city called Angard. The nutrition from the planet has been stolen from this country, so the entire continent is uninhabitable," Phoenix stated as he led the way towards the city. "We need to move, or we will be late."

"If I knew it was gonna be this cold, I'd have asked if we could get clothes." Sophitia wrapped her feelers around herself. "Did they say where to meet them? Because we seem pretty far out of nowhere."

"By the crater. The crater is the only remarkable place left here. So I cannot tell you exactly, but I believe it will be easy to find once we are nearby," Phoenix said.

Silence fell for a moment. Lute had questions, but held back out of interest in the area. It was freezing, but the air was stagnant, like a chill was gradually working its way into him rather than brushing past him in the wind. Contrary to that, the way all the plants and fields were charcoal coloured, to him it almost looked like the world had been burnt to a crisp.

He smiled briefly as he lost himself in the wonder of this place. This region obviously had a story, a history, a legend that he'd love to spend all day researching. He shook his head to dismiss all of that, realising he was getting distracted. This area's story was something to keep in mind, but it was unrelated. For now, he had to keep his focus on Infia and Esther's matters. With the city still in the distance, he had time to chat.

"Phoenix, you mentioned a Pokémon called Kuri earlier. Who was that?" he asked. Only now did he realise that he had to look up at Phoenix. For a Fennekin, Phoenix was huge, almost Sophitia's size.

"Kuri is a friend, a Chespin mercenary who I keep in contact with." Phoenix didn't look back at him.

"A Mercenary?" Lute replied.

"It's sorta like a fighter or a soldier that gets hired to fight for money. They usually only do serious work, like fighting wars, or serving as bodyguards," Sophitia explained. "Can't think what a mercenary would do in a world like this, though. Besides Spirle, everything seems so peaceful."

"He is the one I asked to help you find Infia. Did he not meet you at the Radial Castle?" Phoenix asked.

Sophitia's eyes widened. "You… did say you would ensure we had help. I thought you just meant calling some useless social service or something, but… Yes, he did. If we're talking about the same Chespin."

"There was a Chespin who helped. He didn't tell us his name or anything, though," Lute said.

"I cannot think why he would decide to do that. Kuri is a friend, but he is wanted by the Agents of King's Shield. I personally leak information to him so that he can avoid arrest while he goes about his personal mission. It's a secret to everybody," Phoenix explained. "Please do not tell the other agents. Our work is imperative."

"My lips are sealed," Sophitia said with a zipping motion.

"Wait. You do that?" Lute gasped. "Why? Who exactly are you and Kuri?"

There was a pause of quiet, and Lute had to slow down to stay behind Phoenix. The Fennekin sped right back up though, and never looked back once. "I do not know the exact answer to that question. What you see and think of me is who I am."

"So not exactly the most welcoming person ever," Sophitia rolled her eyes.

"I have little memories of my childhood. According to Silver and the other Agents of King's Shield, Spirle kidnapped me and my family to conduct experiments. My parents were turned into Risen, while I was turned into who I am now," Phoenix said. "I am a Pokémon who has been enhanced through unknown means of genetic engineering."

Sophitia's face went straight.

"I… sorry, I don't know what you mean by engineering? Do you mean they turned you into a machine or something?" Lute scratched his head.

"Pokémon say that I am many times stronger than my species should allow, but that I lack any feelings or emotions. I do not need to eat or sleep, and I do not tire when running or fighting. I can hold my breath for a long time as well, though the Pokémon still keep me away from water, saying that I shouldn't touch it," Phoenix continued. "It was Kuri who took me away from Spirle. He is the first Pokémon I have ever known to show concern for me. I believe the term to use is that he 'raised me like his own child'. When I learned enough about the world from him, he sent me to the agents. When I learnt that the agents wanted to arrest him, I decided to pay him back by protecting him in secret."

"For someone with no emotions, you certainly do care about that Chespin a lot." Sophitia looked away. Lute spared her a glance as well, finding her more troubled than before.

Phoenix scrunched up his face. "I can only act as I have been taught. I believe that this is the way Pokémon would act to those they care about?"

"Well, yeah. That's right, that's taking care of a friend," she said. "You just don't look it or anything, you know? Nor do you sound it. The way you spoke before, it sounded to me like you put work over everything."

"All I know is to follow orders. Kuri taught me to take care of Pokémon who have done good to me. And when I was made to be Esther's personal bodyguard, she treated me in that way. But I have failed in letting her get kidnapped. I must do everything I can to ensure she is harmed as little as possible."

"So Esther really is a close friend to you," Lute went quiet.

"I believe in your terms, yes, she is a close friend. She did not treat me as a bodyguard, or a tool for my strength like the agents or Spirle do. She enjoys me being around, and nor do I mind her habits or routines," he explained.

Probably because of the food and sweets he sneaks to her and stuff. It sounds like they really are closer friends than I thought. Better friends than I ever treated Infia, Lute thought. He slowly looked up. Better not ask too many questions in case I get on his nerves. But I don't get why he works for the agents if he doesn't like the way they treat him. If they ever found out he was leaking information to Kuri, both of them would be in big trouble. Wouldn't it be better to just not work for the agents at all?

Meanwhile…

"You've got to be the prettiest Pokémon I've ever held hostage," a Klefki sung as he jingled its keys and bounced around the room. Esther was sat on a clean and comfy bed with her arms folded.

"You've said that for the dozenth time already," grumbled the Pikachu.

"I've gotta ask, ya'know? Why you decided to play hostage. I mean I'm happy to have a Pokémon to play with like this, especially when I get put on duty. And especially when they're beautiful Pokémon like you. But like, really, why even stay in my grip? You could've left ages ago," Klefki said. His voice was like an infant that had just learnt to talk.

Esther shut her eyes to try and drown out his nonsensical rambles, but he just kept on going, praising and reminding her or her appearance over and over until she growled and her cheeks crackled. "Shut up already!"

"Na-uh. We've gotta kill time until your prince gets here. And I hate waitin' for authorities, they take so long. So let's chat, get to known each other. Did I forget to mention that it's a real honour to be in your presence because you're the prettiest girl I've ever met?" Klefki replied.

"Oh my gods I get it! Why are we even having this conversation?" Esther cried and made fists. Klefki stopped in front of her and giggled.

"Because you are as powerful as you are cute. And you're really cute, so I know for a fact that you could've pummelled me and made a break for it a while ago. But instead, you sit here and put up with me. How come?" he said, and gasped at the end. "Could it be? Do you like me in secret?"

"You're a Spirle High Point. You're gonna try something shady if I lose. Considering your wacky attitude, I get the feeling I'll make a mistake in trying to run and it'll just entertain you. I've seen that skit before." Esther folded her arms.

"Nah-uh. We're meeting your prince on neutral ground. I can promise you; I've never seen this place before in my life." Klefki calmed down a bit. He floated close to Esther's face, opening his ring out to wrap it around her neck. She breathed in sharply and grit her teeth. "Or maybe you do like me, don't you? You're enjoying these hours we've spent together."

"Get that nasty idea outta your head. I hate you. I've hated you from the moment I first heard your voice," she growled. That set him off laughing, and he started spinning around her again. "And you're Spirle scum! I would die before I fall for the likes of any of you!"

"Aww, that's such a horrible thing to say to a ten-year-old. I didn't take you for the snobby type that hates children. Boo hoo," Klefki wailed, and then started laughing even harder.

"Wait, you're ten years old? The actual hell?" She gasped.

"Oh yes. I'm a ten-year-old Klefki that has been made into a masterclass of Pokémon. Not even the mighty Arceus could kill me if given the chance! You'll see a fraction of my power when your prince arrives," Klefki bragged, half-lidded. "But for you… er, nah. Everything I've wanted to do with you, I've already done."

Esther looked away for a moment, quickly realising what he may have meant. "Wait, what the hell did you do to me in my sleep?"

"Nothing, mwahahaha!"

"I swear to Arceus, if you put that key of yours in places it shouldn't go, then so help me gods I will—" she raised her voice.

"Oh my, your mind went straight to the gutter! What a naughty lady you are," he sung. "Did you just forget I'm ten?"

"You- argh, what is actually wrong with you?" she cried, grabbing her head.

"Let's just say theoretically I did do something naughty. I wanna see what you're gonna do to me. Go ahead, one free attack!" he said. Esther raised a fist but backed down with a growl. "Aww. If you need your weapon, it's upstairs. I'm not gonna stop ya."

"I've been behind bars until now. What makes you think I'll fall for your little tricks? You're not going to make it that easy." She folded her arms once again.

"It's a shame that there's no trust between us. I'd love to have the trust of a pretty Pokémon like you. But really, all your stuff is upstairs," Klefki stated. "Victor was really hung up about keeping you tied up and gagged and all that, but that's not my style."

"I don't need your pity," Esther pouted.

"It's not pity, it's care. And to be honest, I do not care what happens to you. Just like I do not care what happens to your prince. Understand this: I have absolutely zero use for you, even with my position in Spirle. As a hostage, you are worth nothing to me. So I've given you the freedom to do whatever you want. I'd love for you to entertain me, but you'll only be worth that and nothing more, so I won't press it," he explained as he floated right up to her face again. "Besides chatting of course, mwahahaha! So, what's your favourite colour? What's your best attack? Who is you boyfriend? I'm dying to know."

"Like I'd answer any of that!" she cried.

"Not even the favourite colour? That's like, the least invasive question there is," he sung.

"I—" she froze. She stood up and hopped off the bed. "It's actually pink. I find it cute."

"See? Was that so hard?" he said with a giggle. "Although, I never would've guessed. The way you talk, it seems like the real you and your stage persona are totes different."

"They are different. But wearing pink is an actual preference," she said as she headed for the stairs. The house they were in wasn't like anything she'd seen before, being two storey and decorated with a variety of colours. There were lots of spaces in the walls and floor that implied there was once apparatus there. Even the stairs had slots for a handrail along the side that was strangely absent. She was hesitant at first, but made her way up with careful steps. Each step creaked with fragility.

The top was a single room, once again devoid of anything except the coloured walls. Surely enough, all of her belongings were right there, scattered in the centre of the room. Her ribbon covered baton, her pink shirt and bows, just like the Klefki said. She eyed the room carefully, expecting some nasty trap to spring upon touch. However, nothing happened in her approach.

"The shirt's been washed," she said to herself as she slipped it on. She finally looked like a pop star again. I can't believe Spirle have treated me better than Brayen has. I got fed, they took care of my stuff, and now they're letting me run free.

She looked back at the stairs. I don't know where I am, so I probably won't get far if I leave now. But if I look around and find Phoenix before he reaches here, he may not even have to fight. But then again, that kid's probably gonna follow me.

She shut her eyes, took a deep breath, and tucked her baton beneath her tutu. It fitted behind her in such a way that it was invisible to the eyes. No. Whether Phoenix fights him or not, it'll be alright. I have to believe in Phoenix's strength.

She made her way back downstairs to find the Klefki lying on the bed where she'd been sitting. He was sunk into the mattress, so relaxed that she almost thought he was sleeping until one of his keys raised. "Uh…"

"Your spot already smells like you. And you smell nice," he sung.

"Right." She rolled her eyes. "If I'm so useless to you, I'd rather leave."

"Cool. Good luck with that," he said. He didn't move an inch. Esther raised an eyebrow, keeping her eyes on him as she opened the door to leave. Not a single movement. He was well and truly allowing her to walk out.

This cannot possibly be happening, she thought, wide-eyed as she left. She shivered immediately. She didn't expect the outside world to be the cold, charcoal coloured land that it was. Buildings just like the one she was in surrounded her, except that all of those other buildings were the same dark colours as the crusty ground. "Got to find out where I am."

"Esther?" Lute cried, making her jump.