What was he doing?

That was the question Nori Carino was asking himself, over and over. It was around eleven at night. He could count the number of times he'd been up so late on one hand, but he was in bed those other times. Right now, he was walking up some steps. He had been skating, but he couldn't continue doing that.

As he ascended, he repeated to himself the stupidity of what he was doing. Sure, he was excited. And sure, he needed to get what he'd found over to her as soon as possible. But would she even be awake? Would they even want him to see her? Would coming so late ruin his chances of doing it at all?

The last thought made him pause, almost freeze up. Left foot on one step, right foot on the one above. The shrine was visible, faintly illuminated in the darkness. He looked over his shoulder. No, it was not too late to turn back.

And yet more questions assaulted him, running counter to his doubts. What if that jerk of a guard was back tomorrow? What if Prema left in the morning? What if they understood that it had to be important since he was here so late? Yeah, that's what he'd go with. Even if they turned him away, at least they'd be reasonable about it tomorrow. And there was only one way to find out if it was okay now. Summoning his nerve, he took the last few steps needed to clear the stairs.

The shrine had a different feeling to it at night. A tranquil silence had set in under the stars, befitting such a sacred place. Yet there was a strange eeriness that was detached from the calm. Was it the presence of the gods, Nori wondered? Or was it just his imagination or apprehension about the whole thing?

Another thought came to mind. What if they already knew? Well, it was too late to go back now, anyway. Besides, with how much trouble he had finding the info, he was willing to bet that it would be news to them.

As he expected, there was someone standing guard. Whoever it was didn't notice him until he stepped on a carelessly discarded chopstick – right, they probably held a moon-viewing festival – and snapped it like a twig. The guard instantly turned to face him.

"Halt."

He only slowed down. "Oh, you're…" It took Nori a few seconds, but he'd seen the tall, black-haired brown-eyed man before. "Naito, aren't you? Naito the night watchman, heh." That was a little funny.

Naito eyes flashed with recognition. His hostility turned to suspicion and irritation. "What are you doing stalking around here so late?" he demanded with a curled lip.

"I came to see Prema. I have something important to show her." After a second, he added, "Um, sorry that it's so late, but I wanted to get it to her as soon as possible."

The guard crossed his arms. "You have nothing she would be interested in."

He had come ready to explain himself. He was rehearsing what to say in his head, and it was finally time to say it. "I can assure you otherwise, and that it is very important. I've uncovered some information that will help Prema, Lady Kannagi that is, on her mission to expunge the ghosts that haunt the old Magcargo Express warehouse. Your cooperation in alerting her to this would be greatly appreciated by both myself, and no doubt by her as well."

"I highly doubt that," came the dismissive reply, accompanied by a wave of the hand.

Did he try too hard with the speech? "You don't understand, guardsman Naito," he said, speaking from the heart instead. "I found something that's really telling about the spirits' true nature. This could make the difference between Prema succeeding and failing! I know she's been in the news, and I know the Mitsutris are watching. As a faithful member of the Kannagi Shrine, isn't it on you to help her however you can?"

The guard scowled. He pointed towards the red arch and said one word, "Leave."

Nori deflated. "Should I come back tomorrow?" he asked hesitantly. Maybe he did come too late after all.

"No, you should just leave and not return. Lady Kannagi does not need your help." With a snort, he added, "I'm going to tell Acolyte Jirou not to let you near the shrine until this is done."

Nori couldn't believe it! He'd done all this work, and it might've been for nothing! He was trying to help Prema out and this stupid moron was so arrogant and dismissive that he was going out of his way to stop him? The whole shrine didn't hate him, thank goodness. Nori almost thought about leaving and trying his luck tomorrow regardless. But no. He had to try harder. Plus, screw this guy! He wanted to see him crash and burn…

"Where's Priestess Satomi?" he demanded. He knew she would listen to him! And talking to her about it would be the next best thing.

Naito crossed his arms. "She is in a meeting with Master Haruto Kannagi."

"Prema's dad?" So people were awake. That was perfect! "Well, tell him, then!"

The guard stumbled back a couple steps, sputtering all the while. He actually put his hands up. It gave way to a furious yet delighted grin. "Fine. Once I do, we'll be rid of you forever."

Nori only let the smirk reach his lips once Naito had turned around. If Prema's dad wanted him out of his daughter's life, he would've acted on it a long time ago. But he hadn't. The worst he was going to do was tell him to come back tomorrow. And maybe, just maybe…

Monk Naito was in disbelief. No, utter shock!

He had been a devout member of the Kannagi Shrine for many years. He was willing to give up any semblance of a normal life by watching over the front gates at night, which earned him his present rank. Naito had no doubt that he would soon be bestowed the title of Priest for his service. To be so thoroughly disrespected by a brat for whom Lady Kannagi had a strange fascination with was nothing short of insulting. But no more. He had just dug his own grave. It was the end of the line for him.

Swiftly, he made his way to the office of the head of the shrine and knocked. "Master Haruto Kannagi!" he called respectfully. He spoke just loud enough to be heard.

"What is it, Monk Naito?" came his voice.

"I apologize for the intrusion this late at night, but we have a situation outside."

"What kind of situation?" he pressed. "And why did it involve leaving your station?"

He clutched at his side. True, he was not at his post. But he had good reason to leave, and he was certain the head of the shrine would understand. "That Nori Carino character's at the gate," he scoffed. "He's insisting to see Lady Kannagi and refusing to leave. What should we do?"

For several seconds, there was no answer. A part of him got worried. It was cut and dried, why was this taking any amount of thought?

To his surprise, it was Priestess Satomi who answered. "So why's he asking to see her?"

It took him a second to collect his thoughts. "He claimed," he said in a mocking tone, "That it's important to what Lady Kannagi is doing. He demanded to see either of you if he couldn't see Lady Kannagi."

Priestess Satomi spoke quietly to the head of the shrine. Naito could not hear their words, but he didn't need to. He rubbed his hands together, suppressing his snickering. This was it. This was when they would finally free themselves of Nori Carino forever.

"We will allow this."

The words struck him like a charging Tauros. What did Master Haruto Kannagi just say?

"Satomi, go see if Prema is awake. If she is not, I will speak with him and see what it is about."

"Consider it done."

"And, thank you once more."

"Anytime."

Priestess Satomi opened the door. He bowed as she passed him by. While she held no special rank, her seniority placed her on a pedestal above all but the Kannagis themselves. She gave a friendly wave as she trotted down the hall to Lady Kannagi's quarters.

"But Master Haruto Kannagi…" Monk Naito began to say. Normally, he was not one to question his superiors, but he could not help but voice his concern. "This boy is–"

The head of the shrine raised a palm. "This is the decision I have made. Go tell him either myself or Prema will be out to join him shortly." He lowered his gaze and gave a stern order. "And do so respectfully."

The man could only bow. As deeply as he could. "Y-yes, Master Haruto Kannagi."

It was a bitter pill to swallow. Naito was not the only one who despised Nori Carino. Some of it was because of his status as an outsider. Others, such as him, disliked the Demon Tamer in general. What Lady Kannagi – and evidently Master Haruto Kannagi – saw in him was beyond Naito's comprehension. But he supposed he had no choice but to trust their judgment. For now.

Slice 10
i
o n
…The P.….t of it All

The young official waited patiently for several minutes. The dejected sneer on Naito's face when he finally emerged revealed what had happened before he said it.

"I…apologize, Mr. Carino." The man shuddered as he forced a bow. "Either Lady Kannagi or Master Haruto Kannagi will be out to see you shortly."

The young official could not help but beam from ear to ear. "You sure changed your tune," he couldn't help but tease a little. "Did they yell at you?"

Naito leered. "Don't push your luck," he grumbled, reaching into his satchel and flashing a Poke Ball. The threat was clear. If he kept it up, he'd find himself in a battle. Not necessarily to remove him from the grounds, but out of spite.

"Sorry," he apologized. It would be better if he didn't aggravate things anyway. "And thank you."

"Yeah, sure."

Only then did it strike Nori. He had never spoken to Mr. Kannagi before, or even met him. This could well be his first time doing both if Prema wasn't awake. What if he said something to screw things up? No, no, he wouldn't. He would just have to be on his best behavior. Her dad didn't hate him, right? That's why he agreed to his objectively insane late night request. It's why he let him be friends with Prema in the first place. He was more like Claris' parents and not Lux's. Right?

The door soon began to move, and Nori felt his limbs tighten. He could handle it if it were the shrine's head…but he would prefer it to be Prema!

A figure stepped out, no more than 20cm taller than him. It was Prema, much to his relief. She was in her formal robe. Nori pondered if she slept in the thing as she silently told Naito he could step away. The guard did so, eager to get away from him.

"Prema!" he blurted as she turned her attention to him. He didn't realize how fast his heart was beating until trying to speak. "Um, good…evening, I guess."

"Good evening, Nori. What did you wish to speak to me about at this hour?" If she was tired or annoyed at him for coming by so late, she wasn't expressing it.

Well, now that he was here, he had no idea what to say. He fidgeted with his feet. "Well, I'll get right to it." It was better if he was direct and didn't waste time. "This is about the thing you're doing at the warehouse."

Nori had always known Prema to be patient and caring, so it was something of a shock when she frowned and spoke sternly. "Nori. If you wish to accompany me, I must refuse."

"That's not what I came here for!" He gasped and recoiled at his tone, which was angrier than he intended. "No, no, Nori." he turned away and whispered to himself. He shouldn't be like that to friends, especially her. "Um, I mean, sorry," he apologized, lowering his head. He looked over his shoulder. Naito was over by the gates, ignoring them. "B-but if you want me to, I will!"

Prema remained still and unreadable. She soo shook her head vigorously. "Nori, I…" She suddenly paused and let out a huff. "I cannot."

For a moment, there was hesitation in her voice. "Why not?" he decided to prod. He had only thought about it in passing, but he would if he could!

"You do not belong to our shrine. You cannot accompany us on business." Despite her words, she sounded like she was going to choke up at any moment. For that matter, Nori actually was. This wasn't like her. Something was wrong.

"Forget your rules! Prema, I…I just…" He was hyperventilating so much he had to take a moment to get it together. He breathed in and out, quickly. "I'm worried you'll get hurt, okay?!"

There, he said it! He was worried about her, that's why he wanted to do all that he could! Sure, he'd done all that research, but if there was more he could do, he'd do it! She'd helped him more times than he could count! And if those spirits beat her once before and hurt Nariya badly…

"I will not." She straightened her posture. "I myself do not want to risk another friend getting injured."

A flood of emotions and feelings washed over Nori. He could tell. She was just saying that to make him feel better, while knowing it was something she couldn't promise. Yet she was concerned about him, too. He turned to start pacing, only to stop partway. What was he doing? What was he thinking just now? He covered his face and shook his head at himself. This had nothing to do with it.

"Never mind, never mind. It was just a thought." She brought it up, he had to see if it could happen. What was he even thinking? He had to get back on subject. "I have something to show you that's related, that's really what I came here for."

Prema blinked, pressing a hand to her heart. It took her several seconds and a bit of composing herself to reply. "Do you mean something related to the spirits at the warehouse?"

"Yeah." He felt something in his left eye and involuntarily went to wipe it. Only when he felt the slight moisture did he realize it was the beginning of a tear. He took a deep breath before he continued speaking. "It took a while to dig up, but I think you need to see this."

He put down his bag and took out his papers, as well as his mini flashlight from his pocket. He straightened the sheets out before approaching Prema to show her.

It was admittedly a bit slapdash. The focal point of his findings was a horrific accident at the warehouse. It happened last November, when another renovation company was in on behalf of another owner. The details were vague, but the short of it was a worker got crushed under some crates. He was killed instantly, and his Pokemon – in their Poke Balls – went with him. They were a Crobat, a Zoroark, and a Dusclops. The same kinds of Pokemon that were haunting the building!

That was the first breakthrough. But there was more to the story. A lawsuit followed, which was settled in mid-February. The owners sold to recoup their losses. Nori had included all he could, such as what little news about the story he could find, the worker's obituary, and his personal musings. Then there were the rumors. They were often comically exaggerated, like saying the company had killed him on purpose. Or, how it started to get around the place was haunted, and how it was a popular spot in town for tests of courage. A few of the documented attacks were indeed on teenagers trying to prove they were brave. It was only due to how high-profile the attack on the workers from Kim & Kim was that led to the city hiring the Kannagis to take action. It wasn't lost on Nori that his discovery might have triggered all these events.

"This is very illuminating," Prema finally said.

Nori nodded. "I had to get some help and really search for this. They sort of buried it." It sounded like his instincts were right. The shrine really didn't know about this.

"I see…" She took several seconds to process it. "If this is true, it would explain many things."

She still had some doubts. If it was just the background on the Pokemon, he might have waited. But he had a massive realization about it. He didn't know when or if Prema was going to try again. That's why he ran over in the middle of the night, just in case she left in the morning. Maybe it was too unlikely to assume, now that he thought about it, but here they were.

"Did you see the guy's name, too?" he asked. He checked the page she was on, and upon seeing it was there, pointed to it.

"Konrad Guhl," she spoke, saying his last name as if it rhymed with skull. "What of it?"

He shook his head. "Not like gull. It's properly pronounced like ghoul."

That was how Akari Schrader had pronounced it. The realization had only struck him when thinking back on Nariya and the delirious workers. In fact, it lined up so much that he had to rush over to his neighbor's place to check on his friend Rashid al-Bahar's phone. That actually was how you said the name.

"Guhl…" Prema repeated. Her eyes slowly widened as she came to the realization. "Is that what Nariya was saying?"

"Yeah, the construction guy said it too." Nori still remembered when he ran in there. The guy looked up at him like a Slowpoke and spoke the word before passing out. "And Nariya told me she heard it shouted in her head. So that's what I'm thinking it is."

After a second to process, she said, "So they are his Pokemon."

His Pokemon? So she hadn't figured what he figured! "Not just them," he said, taking a deep breath afterward.

Prema blinked slowly. "Nori, is there something else?"

Nori put his hands on his hips, posing proudly. It was something of a front, because while he was dead certain about the name connection, this was his speculation. "Well, I'm not sure if this is how ghosts and spirits and stuff really work. I don't even know if this will help you or make a difference. But I think given all these things, you might be dealing with a trainer's ghost." It was just a guess, really. But why else would his Pokemon still be around trying to pick fights unless he was there with them?

And that took Prema completely aback. It wouldn't be a stretch to say she was in abject shock for a moment. She opened her mouth, but it just hung there. Was he really onto something?

His friend's surprise turned to gratitude. She actually bowed slightly to him. "This explains almost everything. I cannot thank you enough, Nori." Her joy could not be contained in just her lips and radiant eyes. She was actually trembling a little trying to keep it modest. "You have provided the last piece of information I was missing. I feel more confident now that I know what I am dealing with."

He flashed a grin. "It's like Volkner always told me, know your enemy! And you're welcome! I'm happy to help!" He'd done it! All those times Prema had helped him, and he finally really helped her back! He felt warmth and a fluttery feeling welling up in his chest. It was so much that he couldn't help but chuckle and ask, "But since I know your enemy too, maybe I can help you even more?"

"Nori." Her mood shifted on the spot.

"Come on!" he argued, stepping forth with a light stamp. "I don't mind the risk! Besides, you can't invite me, but there's nothing stopping me from going there on my own, is there?" The thought had occurred to him. If Akari Schrader did it, so could he!

"You have done more than enough already." She smiled at him. "And do not forget, you have your own duties. It would be unwise to be distracted from them."

"I'm not getting distracted!" Okay, he actually kind of was. He'd spent a day and a half on this with no progress and barely thinking about Pawniard. But he had a real reason! "I'm just trying to take some time off to think!"

Prema's guise softened. She was silent for many seconds, before taking the tiniest step closer. "I understand if it is difficult," she said softly. "Yet it is all the more reason to focus your efforts on it. A break is acceptable, but you should not put it off for much longer. As commendable as it is to help others, your immediate goals moving forward should be on your own responsibilities."

He wanted to protest. But no. All he could do was lower his head and nod. She was right. He'd helped her, just as he wanted. Now, he had to get back to his own job. Just as she had something to do, so did he.

"I can promise to aid you however I can, after I have completed my task."

He looked up at Prema. She lightly folded her hands as he met her earnest eyes. Knowing that helped a lot.

"Thanks," he said, doing a fist pump. "But if I finish before you, I'm helping you no matter what you say!" He wasn't going to back down from that one.

Prema stared blankly. "Nori, do you believe you can reform another Pokemon in a matter of days?" she asked, unmasking her concern.

"I won't know unless I try!" he declared, with an irreverent shrug and smile. He doubted it and didn't intend to seriously push to do so, but you never know! "I guess it's a race?"

His friend, too, smiled at him. "I believe I will win."

Nori stifled a giggle. Not only was it so out-of-character for Prema to say something like that, but her attempt to sound competitive came across flatly. It was adorable. "Just don't get hurt, okay?" he requested.

"I will not," she repeated. This time, when she said it, Nori could believe it.

Both of them were suddenly quiet. Nori never had any problems talking to people, but he was unsure what to say next. He shuffled his feet, looking at her as she was looking at him. He was hoping she would speak first. But she didn't. Nori opened his mouth, and had to clear his dry throat before any words came out.

"Um, so how was the festival?" he casually asked. He spared a glance at the moon. "I know you guys hold some here."

Prema relaxed. However, she also lowered her head. "I could not particularly enjoy it," she whispered, just enough that he could hear.

"Sorry," he said, letting out a huff. She didn't have to tell him why. She had no one to enjoy it with. "If I remembered and wasn't busy with research, I would've come by. Almost forgot about the day, actually."

"I suppose both of us could not enjoy it, then," came her almost mirthful reply.

"I guess," he agreed, with a soft chuckle. "Maybe next time."

It was just an impulsive thought, but maybe he could come by during the next major festival or holiday? What would that be, Halloween? No, it'd be taiiku no hi. He didn't have much interest in shrine-related stuff, but he could put up if it to hang out with a friend. Besides, he didn't mind trying new things. To a certain extent, anyway.

More silence fell between them, more awkward than before. He was swifter to dispel it this time. "Well, guess that's it. Good night, Prema."

Prema nodded gently. "Sleep well, Nori. And be safe on your way back home."

"I will be." He took a few steps away before realizing he had forgotten something. He turned and added one more thing. "And…good luck."

"Thank you, Nori."

It was cool, probably cold outside, yet Nori felt heat radiating through his chest. His heart was pounding again, but it felt good! He couldn't help but grin wildly as he set off. Naito's look of apprehension as he passed him by barely registered.

Yes! Everything worked out for once! The fact that he had his own problems he was going to have to start dealing with again starting tomorrow meant nothing to him. For now, he was going to skate back home and sleep. He was sure it was going to be the best sleep he'd had in over a week.

Heck, it even gave him optimism for Pawniard's rehabilitation. Sure, he'd gotten off to probably the worst start imaginable, but all that mattered was how he finished. Maybe Arumi would find something that would help him. Prema had promised she would too; Nori didn't actually think he'd be done first anyway. He'd been in bleaker situations before, and they had worked out. And this would too, he was sure of it. Mistakes could be corrected, wrongdoings could be made up for, and people and Pokemon alike could change – while still being themselves, if need be.

Speaking of which, the thought reminded him. There was one thing he needed to do at school on Monday, as soon as possible. He was sure it was going to make at least one person happy.