Chapter 16

Pavo Town was the farthest town to the north on any map. It was also, in my opinion, the most beautiful one. I never got tired of watching the quiet snowfalls or seeing the fresh layer of snow sparkle in the morning light. The residents were, for the most part, welcoming and warm toward me. I enjoyed getting to know them.

The woman, whose name was Leandra, and her husband were kind enough to let me stay with them for as long as I needed. Leandra worked at the Pokemon Center during the day, though, and her husband was busy with his own job, so for most of the day I was left to my own devices.

In the week that I had been staying here, I had defeated the gym leader, earned myself a shiny new badge, volunteered at the Pokemon center, and explored the snowfields that bordered the town. Most of my time, however, was spent in the town's training arena, and that was where I was headed today.

The training arena was, as you'd expect, exactly what it sounds like. It was a place where all trainers were welcome to battle and train with others. It was located behind the main gym and, in addition to regular battle training, was designed to transform into different environments in order to adapt Pokemon to fighting in varied terrain.

The gym was empty when I arrived. The first one to realize I was there was the gym leader's own Absol, Ebon, who bounded up to Luna with a cheerful greeting. The Absols pranced around each other for a moment before Ebon broke away and lead us to the training room.

The room was quiet when we walked in. There were Pokemon scattered around the room, amusing themselves in various ways. The gym leader stood at the back of the room, studying a computer screen rather intently. When he noticed us come in, he wiped away his concerned expression and greeted us warmly.

"Alice! Luna! Welcome back," he exclaimed, throwing his arms open.

"It's good to see you again, Owen," I laughed, accepting a hug.

Pavo town was the first place I'd encountered that had anything like this training center and so, naturally, it fascinated me. Since I was currently the only trainer in Pavo town, Owen and I had the training center to ourselves. As a result, we'd had plenty of time to get to know each other.

Owen was very pale, a consequence of staying indoors whenever possible. He sported a dark undercut and the hair that he let grow out had been bleached white and brushed entirely to the left side. From afar, Owen looked like a heavily built guy. I knew, though, that he was very thin, he just wore, I estimated, at least six layers of coats at all times.

"So, you ready for more training?" He asked. At the mention of training, Luna let out a short mournful whine.

I chuckled and said, "Actually, we're all pretty worn out on training at the moment." Luna grunted in agreement. "We've been going at it pretty hard this last week," I continued. "Got anything less... strenuous for us to do today?"

"You can always help me clean," he offered, shooting me a hopeful smile.

After a few moments of consideration, I sighed, "Where's the broom?"

He clapped me on the shoulder, "You're a lifesaver, Al." He proceeded to lead me over to a small closet and hand me a broom and dustpan.

I got started on sweeping the floor, nudging Pokemon out of the way as needed. Owen returned to his computer and his previous intent expression resurfaced.

We worked in silence for a while, the sweep of my broom and the clack of the computer keys were the only noises. That is until Owen let out a loud groan and ran a hand down his face.

"Everything alright over there?" I asked, leaning on my broom.

"Yeah, I'm just talking with the other gym leaders about... an issue."

"Is it anything I can help with?"

Owen considered me for a second. "Actually, it might be." He beckoned me over. "The other leaders want me to leave town to help them deal with this problem but, unlike them, I don't have anyone to fill in for me."

"So you want me to go for you?" I guessed, setting my broom gently on the floor. Owen nodded. "Alright, so what's the problem?"

An aggravated sigh escaped his lips. "There's this group across the region that has been stealing Pokemon." I froze mid-step as he said this. "They wear these tacky purple uniforms and call themselves 'Team Elite'." He looked up from the computer, noticing my reaction. "Hey, are you alright?"

I took a deep breath and closed the rest of the distance in a few steps. "Yeah, I'm alright," I answered, "I've had run-ins with these guys before." My encounter with Claudia in the woods flashed before my eyes and I felt a pang of guilt at leaving my friends behind.

"I see. Nothing you couldn't handle though right?" It was phrased as a joke but I could see the concern behind his eyes.

"Of course," I scoffed, pushing my guilt to the back of my mind. "Who do you take me for?"

"Ah there she is," he laughed. Then his expression turned more serious and he continued. "We've just received word that most of the team's members seem to be reporting into Filemot City." Owen's attention was once again taken by the screen. "So, we can assume that's where their base is."

"Let me guess," I cut in, "The other leaders want you to go and investigate?"

"It does make sense," Owen nodded, "I live closer than any of the others." He released a heavy sigh. "But I also can't leave the gym unattended."

"Sounds to me like you're scared," I teased, pretending to study my nails.

"Are you questioning my abilities?" He sounded serious but his slight smile told me he was joking.

"Well," I shrugged, "You gotta admit, it's a little embarrassing that you practically live inside a training center and yet you couldn't beat me when I challenged you."

He put a hand over his heart with an exaggerated expression of shock. "I was going easy on you, of course."

"Sure, Owen," I dismissed his comment with a wave of my hand, "Whatever helps you sleep at night."

"Regardless, are you willing to go to Filemot for me?" He put on his best pleading expression.

I took a moment to think about it. I was truly content in Pavo town, my life had settled into something resembling normal for nearly a full week. But I couldn't deny that there was a part of me that longed to be on the move again. I wanted to see my friends again, see more of the world, and finally get some closure on this whole 'Team Elite' situation. Not to mention that was the whole reason I was asked to travel in the first place.

Eventually, I conceded. "I'll go to Filemot for you."

"Aw I knew you'd pull through," Owen gushed, wrapping me up in a hug.

I wriggled my way out of his embrace. "But while I'm doing that," I held up a finger for emphasis. "You have to find someone to help you with the gym." He pouted until I pointed out that it would allow him to take time off.

"Don't worry about sweeping the floor today," Owen said, composing himself once more. "Go do what you need to do, but I expect you to visit again before you leave." He pointed a stern finger at me.

"I wouldn't dream of leaving without telling you," I said honestly. I called for Luna and headed for the exit. I stopped before I left the room. "Before I go, is there anything else you can tell me about this 'Team Elite'?"

Owen raised a finger to his chin in a thoughtful gesture. "Only the basics, but If you're serious about learning about them, go see Mr. Voce. He knows more about them than anyone."

Owen gave me directions and then sent me off, wishing me luck. I wandered through town, following Owen's directions as best I could. The cold air cut right through the thin jacket I had bought, and I was shivering by the time I stepped up to the door of a house set away from the rest.

I knocked on the heavy wooden door and waited with my arms wrapped around myself. It wasn't too long before I heard the lock click. The door swung open, revealing a kindly old man.

He quickly waved me inside with his cane. "Come inside girl, you'll freeze out there."

I mumbled a 'thank you' as Luna and I ducked inside. He closed the door and turned to face us.

"Are you Mr. Voce?" I asked, slowly warming up.

"I am," he replied, adjusting his thin wire-frame glasses. "Who sent you here?"

"Owen did."

The man shook his head. "That boy." He tsked, but there was a note of fondness in his voice. "Well, come sit down," he beckoned us further into his home. "I'll put some tea on and then you can tell me why you're here."

He led us to a small table and motioned for us to sit before disappearing into the kitchen. I took the time to study the house. It was quiet inside, the sun streamed through the windows, illuminating dust motes in the air. The house was small, sparsely decorated, and smelled a bit musty. But the thing that stood out to me most was the lack of Pokemon. Humans had always loved sharing their homes with Pokemon. Until now, I had never come across a household that didn't have at least a Budew sunbathing on the windowsill or a Meowth napping on a pillow. Even the older folks, like this man, typically enjoyed having a quiet companion.

The man came back into the room carrying a tray laden with tea, sugar, cream, and a bowl of small cookies. He set the tray down in the center of the table, placed a teacup in front of me, and sat down with his own. I pushed his strange lack of companionship out of my mind and focused on what I'd come here for.

"So," the man began, "I suppose I should ask you who you are first."

"My name is Alice," I said, wrapping my cold hands around the steaming cup of tea. "And this is Luna." I gestured to Luna, who had curled up on the floor by my feet. The man nodded slowly, lifting his cup to his lips to blow gently on its surface. "Mr. Voce, we came here to-"

He raised a hand to stop me. "Please," he said, "call me Benny."

"Um, o-okay." I started again, "Benny, we came here to ask you about Team Elite." Benny stopped blowing on his tea. "Owen told us we should come to you for information."

I waited for a reaction, but he just stared into his tea. Unsure that he had heard me, I prepared to ask again. Then, slowly, he set his cup down, still staring into space.

Finally, he looked up at me, speaking softly, "I can tell you about them."

"You can?" I sat up straighter, "Wonderful!"

My reaction seemed to amuse him. He sat back, adjusting his glasses again. "What would you like to know?"

I swirled my tea around the cup as I thought about the question. "How about you start by telling me who they are."

Benny took a small sip of his tea and let out a long breath. "Team Elite has been around for a long time," he began. "When I was younger, they used to recruit those who had nowhere else to go, runaways, orphans, the homeless, even criminals." His expression became more serious. "But from what I've heard, their new leader has taken it a step further."

"New leader?" I echoed, leaning in.

Benny nodded, watery blue eyes hardening as he continued, "Yes, the leadership changed a couple of years ago, and ever since then, their recruitment methods have become more aggressive. Even going so far as to blackmail and threaten people into joining."

I reached for a cookie and took a sip of my tea which had finally cooled to an acceptable temperature.

"Earl Grey," Benny said, "Do you like it?"

It took me a moment to realize he was referring to the tea. I had tried this kind of tea before, It had been my father's favorite. Its floral taste brought back memories of him. I cleared my throat, pushing the memories away as my eyes began to sting.

"It's very good," I lied. I'd never been a big fan of tea. I set the cup down again and attempted to get back on track. "Who is this new leader?"

Benny sighed and shook his head, "Regrettably, I don't know much. The only information I have on him is that he is a man named Lennox."

"Lennox," I repeated, committing the name to memory. A beat of silence passed between us as I comprehended all this information. "How do you know all of this, anyway?" I asked, popping a cookie in my mouth.

He looked at me for a long time before answering, "I have... contacts," he said, shifting in his seat. "And, well, I used to be a member." I stopped mid-crunch. "That was a long time ago though-"

"What?!" I shouted, accidentally spewing crumbs across the table. Luna jumped up, startled by the sudden sound. "You were one of them?!" I stood up and slammed my hands down on the table, making the teacups rattle in their saucers.

Benny didn't seem too surprised by my outburst. His face showed a mix of concern and regret. "Please," he implored, "That was a long time ago, I haven't had anything to do with them in years!"

I didn't hear him though, I was too busy seething. I remembered the way that Pokemon had been thrown into cages under the mountain and the blatant disregard for their health. I remembered how Team Elite had ambushed my friends and me in the woods. I thought about all the trainers who had their Pokemon ripped away from them and I couldn't imagine losing Luna like that. Team Elite had done more than enough to warrant my hatred and if this man had been a part of that, no matter how long ago it was, I didn't want anything to do with him.

Without another word, I stormed away from the table with Luna following at my heels. I could hear Benny behind us, begging us to stay. I ignored him, and walked right out the front door, slamming it behind me. Outside, I took a breath of cold air and, still seething, set off for Leandra's house.

I had calmed down by the time I got inside. Nobody else was home yet, so I took a shower to warm myself up. I changed into a fresh set of clothes that Leandra had bought for me.

The rest of the afternoon was spent lazing around the house. I let out my Pokemon, hoping that would provide us entertainment, but instead, we all lazed around together. Or rather, Shock, Red, Crystal and I stayed inside while Luna and the Aurorus, whom I had nicknamed Aura, played outside in the snow.

I must have fallen asleep at some point because I found myself being shaken awake by Leandra. Red was still asleep on my stomach and orange light filtered through the windows. I could hear Leandra's husband singing in the kitchen as he cooked. The smell of home-cooked chili reached my nose and my mouth began to water.

"Good morning," Leandra joked. I yawned and rubbed my eyes. "Supper will be ready soon," she told me, standing up. "And can I let Luna in? She's been sitting at the door."

"Oh! Oops," I laughed, "Yeah, let her in."

Luna came into the house and shook herself in an attempt to dry off. Leandra yelped and jumped back as Luna sent snow flying across the room. Aura seemed content outside, so I left her alone.

I carried Red with me as I got up to investigate the kitchen. Leandra's husband, Terrance, greeted me as I walked in.

"Finally awake, then?" he said with a smile. I just nodded, still groggy. "Well, I hope you like chili!"

Terrance was an imposing figure with broad shoulders and trunk-like arms. He had thick brown hair and sideburns that connected his hairline to his beard. I had been intimidated by him at first but quickly learned that, despite his appearance, he was the biggest softie in town.

He leaned on the counter with one arm and methodically stirred a pot with the other. His companion, a red and black Torracat named Soldier, sat at his feet waiting for food to drop.

I wandered to the table and sat down. "How long have I been asleep?" I yawned, lifting Red off my lap and onto the floor.

"I got home an hour ago," Terrance replied, "So, at least that long."

I fought back another yawn and began to toy with the table runner. I watched as Terrance lifted the wooden spoon out of the pot and bent down to allow Soldier to lick off the residue. He then stood back up and continued stirring.

I wrinkled my nose. "Now, that's just unsanitary."

"What? He's family it doesn't count!" Terrance argued. Soldier purred in agreement and I just shook my head.

Once we had all sat down to eat, I recounted the day's events, including the fact that I was going to leave for Filemot. There was a brief period of sorrow, as that meant I'd have to say goodbye, but it passed and supper progressed.

Afterward, I got stuck washing the dishes with Leandra. At some point during that process, I was struck with an overwhelming desire for things to just stay as they were. Leandra chatted away beside me, not particularly caring if I was listening or not. I could hear Terrance in the living room having an animated, albeit one-sided, conversation with Soldier who occasionally meowed back at him. I felt safe here, and I couldn't remember the last time I had seen my Pokemon this relaxed.

As the evening drew to a close, Leandra sat down next to me on the couch and drew me into a hug with surprising strength.

"We know you have to leave in the morning but…" She sighed.

"Don't be a stranger," Terrance finished for her, gently extricating me from his wife's grip and placing a heavy hand on my shoulder.

"I wouldn't dream of it," I replied quietly, smiling through the tears trying to gather in my eyes.

Later, once I was tucked securely under the thick blankets of the guest bed with Luna curled up on my feet, I let those tears fall. I had run into so many extraordinarily gracious people over the course of my travels and the goodbyes never got easier.

Suddenly feeling quite lonely, I grabbed an extra blanket and shifted so I could lay my head next to Luna. I took comfort in her familiar smell and the way that her breath tickled my face. In this way, I calmed my mind and allowed myself to drift off to sleep to dream of the future.