Her advantage had vanished as quickly as she could utter "あ." Even if they had ample time to react, the outcome would have been the same due to the sheer agility of Iksbat. With that, the most difficult opponent was before her.

"I apologize, Shu," she said, walking up and cradling him in her arms. Thankfully, he did not appear to need any treatment for poison. "You were fantastic."

He nestled into her chest. Prema considered allowing him to watch what was left of the battle, ultimately deciding against it. There was no telling if Guhl would command something similar to that Night Shade that could further injure Shu. The priestess gave him a gentle pat on the head before recalling him.

"So," he hissed as he lounged back in midair. "What's next?"

That was a question she would have to think about very carefully. Taiyoko could face this Crobat and emerge victorious, but Yahata against Zoroark was not an even match. No, she needed to use the owl Pokemon first.

"Yahata, I require your help," she whispered as she cast the capsule down before her.

The owl let out a stoic hoot as he floated down and sized up his opponent. It being a Crobat only made him rub his wings together in anticipation. There was a sparkle in his eyes which was not from any sort of attack he was preparing.

"A Grass-type?" he noted, either out of recognition or from speculation based off his features. "I wonder…are you foolish, confident, or already out of options?"

Prema calmed herself so as not to show weakness. Dartrix against Crobat was indeed a mismatch. She wanted to say she was confident, but the truth really was she had no other option. But that did not mean she did not have a plan, however. It was possible, but it would be a challenge. It was comforting knowing her friend was always up for one.

"No matter, as long as you're capable," Guhl purred, running the backs of his fingers along his chin. "Let's turn the tables from earlier. Iksbat, Confuse Ray!"

Prema nodded. "You too, Yahata."

The bat Pokemon opened his mouth while Yahata covered his face. In sync, Iksbat spat out a sphere of eerie light, and Yahata did the same with his eyes after spreading his wings outward. The two attacks hurtled forth, drew together in the middle, and canceled each other out. It was not the most productive countermeasure, but it worked.

Guhl snorted. "Back into the shadows, Iksbat!" he said. The bat darted to the rafters, concealing himself in their darkness and no doubt readying himself for another ambush.

It would be folly to have Yahata attempt to follow, given he could not fly as effectively. Prema could sense the relative location of Iksbat. But there was a better option. Being a ghost does not mean being a Ghost-type. She knew just what to do.

"Yahata, Swift!"

He nodded and spread one wing. With the other, he pulled it back and shot shining quills towards the ceiling. Guhl shook his head initially, until they started impacting Iksbat with devastating precision. The bat fell halfway to the floor in surprise.

"What?" he flatly said, perhaps unaware that Normal-type moves could still hit his phantom Crobat.

"Yahata, follow through with Shadow Sneak." It was not just his Pokemon able to take advantage of the dark room. He stretched out his shadow into the air. Normally, this would have been impossible, but the circumstances were right to allow it.

"Dodge!" Despite Iksbat's best efforts, the Dartrix still got a piece of him. The flames around Guhl started to spark while he laughed with glee. "Well done! Now, use Poison Fang, Iksbat!"

So he had decided to bring the battle up close. Evasion was improbable, not with the speed of a Crobat against a grounded bird, not that it would have been better if Yahata had taken flight. But they could strike back. "Steel Wing!"

Yahata stood prepared, ready to intercept Iksbat mid-flight. The Crobat dove too quickly. The owl screeched as he was bitten on the shoulder. He thrashed his stiffened wing out and managed to hit his attacker. Once, twice. It was not ideal, but any bit of damage would help.

"Now, back into the air!" Guhl motioned with flair.

Iksbat retracted his fangs and escaped before Yahata could strike him a third time. He nearly fell over from momentum and exhaustion.

"Are you all right, Yahata?" Prema asked, putting her hands together. She was praying there was no poison. He lifted a wing and cooed, yes.

As Iksbat circled overhead, Prema saw an opportunity. It would have no immediate effect, but it would give them an advantage later, if they could defeat Iksbat quickly enough.

"Light Screen."

Yahata focused. His eyes gleamed and his wingtips glowed faintly. He traced a faint shell of light around himself. It faded, and yet, there was still a source of illumination in the room.

Iksbat was also glowing. Prema could not help but gasp in horror. "You're not half bad, Kannagi," Guhl complimented with a toothless and bottomless grin. "But playtime's over!"

Prema could only stare down at the floor. Guhl had turned her use of a defensive move into an opportunity to prepare something of his own! She should have known better! She had messed up, there was nothing she could do now!

But her friend stood in a ready position, eyes narrowed and focused on Iksbat. He had a wing ready in front of his face. Prema understood his intent. "Yahata, Confuse Ray," she managed to utter. It was their only option, on a literal wing and prayer.

Yahata let the eerie light flow once more, letting out a shriek as he did so. Prema wondered if the light of the Sky Attack would cancel it, but her fears were dispelled when Iksbat began to wobble as it reached his eyes.

"Pull through!" the phantom trainer yelled. "SKY ATTACK!"

All the air left Prema at once as the X-shaped bat burst into white-red light and swooped directly at Yahata, poised to strike with blazing wings. The owl glared and braced for impact. It did no good. It was a direct hit, catching him right in the throat and sending him halfway across the room into more crates.

"Yahata!" Prema yelled, running over as fast as her legs could carry her. She didn't care if Iksbat was flying in for a follow-up. She immediately knelt down and checked on her friend. His eyes were shut. No serious injuries, thank the gods.

"Yahata…" she repeated, pulling him into a hug. She patted him on the back, but it did not rouse him. The priestess gently laid him back against the crate, a tightness in her chest and a knot in her stomach. She took a step back and lowered her gaze. She always felt guilt whenever her Pokemon got badly hurt in a battle. "I apologize…" she whispered. But all she could do was allow him to rest in his Poke Ball.

She finally turned back. Guhl had crossed his arms and was tapping them with a finger. Iksbat was near where Yahata had been, having shaken off his confusion.

"You done with the melodrama?" the phantom trainer asked.

Prema clenched her fists. How could he be so dismissive about this?! Had he not felt anything of the sort whenever one of his Pokemon got hurt? No, she could not get angry. She took a deep breath to compose herself. She could not afford this to cloud her judgment.

"I am," she breathed in and out. "But…"

Prema silently stepped to the center of the room, near the table and chairs. She was almost tempted to sit down to make her point, though she knew that would put her at a strategic disadvantage. She had to focus on the aerial battle that was about to take place. Being distracted for even a moment was not something she could afford.

"Okay." She inhaled and exhaled again.

"No snappy line, like it's time to finish this?" Guhl mocked, wagging a finger. The thought had crossed her mind, but she thought it disrespectful.

She brought out the Poke Ball containing her final and strongest Pokemon, Taiyoko. The day they met was a cherished memory. February of 2014. She was in Unova with her father, studying mythology in an ancient castle. She was by herself. A Volcarona entered the chamber. The fiery moth was in no mood for words. Shu and Yahata – then a mere Rowlet – stood no chance. Prema thought she was going to be hurt, if not worse. Then her father stepped in and rescued her. He captured the Volcarona and gave it to her for her birthday, on the condition that she declare that she had captured it herself. Prema felt bad, not only for the lie, but also for subjecting her to an unworthy trainer. But Taiyoko thought otherwise and proved to be a surprisingly loyal partner and friend, even in battle.

The room brightened as Taiyoko emerged from her ball. Volcarona was not considered a Legendary Pokemon, or even adjacent to one, but some cultures worshiped them like gods nonetheless. It was nothing unusual. Azalea Town in Johto, for example, paid tribute to the species of Slowpoke as bringers of rain. Their own faith had no lack of respect for these other views.

"What is this?" Guhl was at a loss for words. His Pokemon recoiled away from the light of the majestic Pokemon and fled higher up. Phantoms and spirits rarely agreed with the sun, and Taiyoko was one that shined anywhere and anytime.

"Are you ready, Mr. Guhl?" she asked him, a coy smile on her lips.

He scoffed at her confidence, but also gave a toothy half-grin. "Bring it." He turned to his Pokemon. "Poison Fang, and make sure you hit it this time!"

Prema understood his strategy. If her final Pokemon became poisoned, especially badly poisoned, their defeat was inevitable. Prema had brought berries to treat mild injuries, yet she was uncertain how he would take things if she used them in the middle of their battle.

Not that it mattered. It would not hit. "Heat Wave, Taiyoko."

Iksbat was quick, but Taiyoko had skill. She flapped her wings, blasting him with scorching hot air. Not only did this stop his advance a couple meters short, it left his ghostly body burnt.

Guhl clutched his head, wondering what to do. When his Pokemon squeaked to indicate he could continue, he rolled his head. "Get some distance and Air Slash."

Prema decisively nodded. "Hidden Power, my friend."

Iksbat swung his wings and sent out blades of air, and Taiyoko unleashed her inner essence. The result was an exchange of blows that struck a weakness, although the lingering Light Screen materialized around Taiyoko, keeping her relatively safe.

"That was super-effective?" Guhl realized as his Pokemon fumbled in the air. His upper lip twitched and the dark flames around him shivered. When Prema opened her mouth, he shouted, "All right, stop!"

They stopped. His partner got the message at once, flying back up to join him.

"Wait. Send Iksbat back down." She retrieved and presented a Rawst Berry. The burn would not sap his spirit enough that it would threaten his continued existence on the mortal plane, yet it would still be painful until treated.

"I do not need your sympathy, Kannagi," he dismissed, eyes momentarily flashing white.

"Very well." Perhaps it was just a matter of pride. But she trusted that Guhl had a means of healing his Pokemon. They had a strong bond.

They each had one left. Could she and Taiyoko defeat his final Pokemon? Nori had told her that Konrad Guhl's Zoroark was his strongest Pokemon. How much stronger was unclear. But for the first time since the battle began, Prema felt hopeful about her chances.

"Fuchspuk!" he shouted. The pale Zoroark dropped from above. He landed on his feet and a single paw, standing and leaning forward with a growl and a hiss. He threw his arms out at his side, flashing his claws.

The two Pokemon sized each other up. Contrary to their types, Taiyoko's gaze was cold and distant whereas Fuchspuk's was fiery and hostile. Prema exchanged a knowing glance with her friend. They both knew what was at stake here.

Guhl soon gave the first attack. "Bitter Malice, Fuchspuk!"

"Heat Wave, Taiyoko."

Her companion flapped her wings, blasting another wave of hot air. But Fuchspuk simply endured the attack, howling with fury. All of his despair and resentment became concentrated into a dark aura. It vanished momentarily and manifested all around Taiyoko. Nearly impossible to escape, and indeed, she could not.

Prema tucked inward as her Pokemon started to shudder. Frostbite. No, not that! Not now!

"Looks like your luck's run out," Guhl said, rubbing his hands together and flicking his tongue at the roof of his mouth. "Aerial Ace, Fuchspuk."

"Warm and protect yourself with Fiery Dance!"

Fuchspuk charged, barreling in on all fours. He stopped in front of Taiyoko as she wrapped herself in flames and spun defensively. She tried to move forward and envelop him, but he stepped aside and struck as soon as the move concluded. Taiyoko clacked in a frenzy as the claws raked over her, and continued to shudder. The frostbite ran much too deep!

"Another Aerial Ace before you fall back!" Once more, Fuchspuk delivered a lightning-fast blow with his claws that brutally tore into Prema's friend. The priestess hoped that he might trigger Taiyoko's Flame Body, but it did not happen. No, on very close examination, he was striking with just his nails to avoid that.

This was precarious. The frostbite was weakening Taiyoko's concentration, and therefore her ability to put her all into her special moves. She had to do something to compensate.

"Taiyoko…please…" she prayed and closed her eyes. It might be difficult to do, but it was the best countermeasure. "Sunny Day!"

"Stop them!" Guhl screamed. "Bitter Malice!"

Though she was not looking, Prema could feel her Pokemon going through with it. There was a flash as she hurled a hot sphere of light high above. It was an artificial sun, much like what ancient people revered Volcaronas as being.

"You little…" Guhl had retreated to the far corner of the room. Iksbat was behind him, though Zwirrklop was simply off to the side.

"Oh, I apologize." In the heat of the moment, she had forgotten that the others would be affected. Fuchspuk appeared to be completely unabated, besides being stunned into halting his attack.

The phantom trainer ultimately laughed it off. "No matter," he boomed, coming out a little further once the shock had worn off. It was something of a relief that it was not too debilitating for them to continue fighting. "Flamethrower, use it against them."

The shadowy aura returned to Fuchspuk. This time, it shifted and became literal burning resentment which the ghostly fox expelled towards Taiyoko.

"Fiery Dance!"

Her Pokemon elegantly floated through the air, enveloped in flame. She started it just in time, partially absorbing the Flamethrower. She kept going towards Fuchspuk.

"Dodge," roared Guhl.

Fuchspuk was off and running on all fours. Taiyoko could not get close enough. She was getting weaker with every second she spent with frostbite. Every time she was hit without hitting back was making things worse. They had to do something.

Guhl held up his palm, making Fuchspuk stop in place, fifteen meters away. He laughed, turning to his Pokemon expectantly. "End it. Return."

He started bouncing with joy. The prelude to another full force strike. Taiyoko absolutely had to avoid it. The fiery moth looked back for suggestions. Prema had no doubt that Fuchspuk would find a way to escape a Heat Wave and hit regardless. They needed something else.

Prema watched closely. Guhl made a motion and Fuchspuk lunged. An erratic approach. He was likely going to conclude with a leaping strike. But she saw an opening. It was time for some quick strategy!

"String Shot between those two boxes!" She gestured at them. The one that had fallen and the one it had fallen from.

Taiyoko trusted her and turned to follow her instructions. She timed it perfectly. Fuchspuk indeed tried to slip through that spot, getting caught and tripped by the webbing. Her friend sensed what Prema wanted her to do next and followed up with more webbing.

The other Pokemon lay helpless on the floor, tangled in silk. It was time to strike a mighty blow. "Heat Wave!" That would make sure none of it was burned off!

"Shadow Sneak!"

Fuchspuk stretched out a paw. His shadow flew across the floor. Prema called out a warning, to no avail. Taiyoko flew up to avoid it while still preparing her attack, but the ghostly fox adjusted his trajectory. The fiery moth got off one gust before the shadow came up behind her and swung, knocking her down.

"Now get out and finish it!" Fuchspuk sank into the floor, leaving the sticky goop behind. Prema winced. She had forgotten they would be able to do that! The white and red fox burst from below and charged. "Shadow Claw!"

"Taiyoko, Fi–"

Their hearts were in sync; the flames were already gathering. Taiyoko launched upward, spreading fire everywhere. Fuchspuk halted as the purging flames struck true. The two Pokemon were engulfed, only their silhouettes visible. Taiyoko was straining, putting everything she could into the attack. Fuchspuk crouched.

And swung, the darkness slicing through the fire.

The flames died, and the Sunny Day began to sputter. Taiyoko was thrown high into the air from the force of the blow.

"Now, end it. Dark Pulse!"

Taiyoko may have already been unconscious, but this was deliberate insult to injury. Fuchspuk pressed his hands together, a ball of wicked energy forming between them. From his palms came the same black laser that had sent Nariya to the hospital. Taiyoko was sent careening into a crate, crashing into it and falling motionless to the floor. The battle was decided.

A cackle escaped Guhl as darkness enveloped the room. It was unlike his prior laughs: an insane, short explosion of sound, with an edge that no human – deceased or otherwise – should be able to make. Prema stood fast as the echo seemed to reach for her very soul. Perhaps more troubling was the sight of Fuchspuk. Still standing high, still with stamina to spare, and laughing just like his trainer. It was not as close as she had expected. Even without the misfortunate frostbite, were they outmatched to begin with?

She took a deep breath as the phantom trainer stopped laughing. "I apologize, Taiyoko," she said, approaching her friend. She lightly touched a palm to the Pokemon's thorax. With that, the moth of the sun came to. "You fought well, but my own inadequacies failed you."

Perhaps it was the pressure that got to her, perhaps they were not as experienced, or perhaps she was not good enough compared to Guhl. Either way, Taiyoko did not appear to blame her. She relaxed into the physical contact, chittering softly. Prema eventually gave her one last pat before allowing her friend to rest in her Poke Ball.

She walked to the center of the room and bowed respectfully to her opponent. "I must apologize to you as well, Mr. Guhl. I admit, Pokemon training has not been a high priority for myself." Internally, she suspected that the only reason she did so well was because of the low endurance of spirit Pokemon. "In spite of your clear victory, I hope you were able to gain some satisfaction from our battle."

"Not even a little," came his cold reply. Guhl's form began to become completely shadowy. He stretched out his arms, which twisted and distorted. "Where was your passion? I hurt your friend, and you gave me that performance? You disappoint me, Kannagi. It's time you took a rest."

He swooped down. He raised a bludgeon-shaped hand, ready to assault her. On pure instinct, Prema reached for and grabbed the broom that was lying on the table. Wielding it like a kendo stick, she swung and parried the phantom's blow.

A crack rang out as their weapons clashed. Guhl's eyes widened. Prema pushed and shoved him back several meters into the air. His gaze narrowed as he smirked. "Not bad. But not good enough. Fuchspuk, get her."

For a moment, Prema considered dropping the broom in a show of defiance, yet she instead gripped it tighter. This vengeful spirit had shown no hesitation in harming innocents, so true pacifism could not be afforded. She turned to face the Pokemon, although kept an eye on Guhl over her shoulder. If it was just him or his Pokemon, she could defend herself and escape. But not both, not alone. The white and red fox raised his claws, and Guhl got ready to dive again.

It was fortunate that she was not alone. She had called for them mentally, but did not doubt her mentor would have come regardless. Right on cue, a round, watery blur tackled Fuchspuk, knocking him to the floor. As Guhl had his attention diverted by the attack on his Pokemon, narrow strings of energy – braided from the light of the sun – came from behind and ensnared his limbs. They quickly encircled his body and bound him.

It was Priestess Satomi and her Blastoise. The starter Pokemon stood as tall and proud as Prema figured she did nearly eighty years ago. She had evidently not missed a step.

"Forgot about someone?" Priestess Satomi taunted.

"You bitch!" Guhl growled and hissed, struggling to break free from the bindings. "That was a cowardly attack!"

The elderly priestess snorted. "Not so nice, is it? Thought I was gonna rest on my laurels?"

The phantom only grew angrier. The grudge-fueled flames around him sparked wildly. "Crush them! Extrasensory!" He looked upward. "Iksbat, Zwirrklop, help get me out!"

"Give'em a Hydro Cannon!"

Fuchspuk focused his power on the crates, perhaps in an attempt to send them flying as a projectile. Priestess Satomi's Blastoise lowered her cannons, locked and loaded them, and fired. The blast was so powerful that it sent the fox flying into the opposite wall. He sunk into the floor after impact, no longer having the strength to cling to the mortal world.

The other two Pokemon spirits shut their eyes, flinching in shock. The onryō gasped, a sob escaping him before he screamed. "NOOOO! Fuchspuk!" He thrashed and writhed. His eyes glowed white and were fixated on his captor. His resentment burned even more intensely, enveloping him in a dark inferno, but did nothing to free him.

"I think it is time you rested," said Priestess Satomi as her Pokemon recharged from the devastating move. She nonchalantly held Guhl steady. "Lady Kannagi, quickly."

While stunned by her mentor figure's mercilessness, Prema was aware that there was no time to hesitate, in case he found a means to break those bonds or his Pokemon snapped out of their reverie. Prema closed her eyes. She bent her right wrist and contorted her fingers into an infinity shape. She emptied her mind and thought only white.

"Blessed spirits of the other world, heed my call," she chanted in a trance. Her hair and robes billowed lightly from the power welling around her. One finger, then two, and soon the tips of all five were tingling slightly. "Come set these lost souls to rest!"

Prema bent her wrist and fingers outward. Invisible spheres of light flew out from them, branding her foe. Guhl's screams of agony and a sickening slurping noise seemed to meld together. It was as if a drain plug had been pulled open beneath him. Iksbat was the first to be pulled into the invisible vortex, marked only by a faint light which didn't disturb corporeal surroundings. He was swiftly followed by Zwirrklop, who tried to resist but was eventually sucked in as well.

Guhl struggled violently, cursing up a storm, and managed to hold on. But he became still and silent as he watched his remaining partners disappear. The flames around his body faded. The vengeful spirit faced Prema, gritting his teeth and narrowing his gaze. An expression that could have meant any number of things, yet she could not afford to dwell on the subject. Reaching out to mentally grasp the strings of light that Priestess Satomi had formed, Prema threw her arm downward, casting the phantom into the endless depths. Finally, she clenched her fist, shutting the gate.

Prema paused to catch her breath as it ended, although she also felt more alert. It was over. It should have been nothing short of a relief, yet she could not feel happy about the way it had gone.

"Good riddance!" Priestess Satomi dismissed, strutting over to check on her Pokemon. "Still got it, don't we, Otohime?"

A low, croaking noise came from the throat of the Blastoise as she nodded. It transitioned into a quiet yawn, one spawned from boredom. It was obvious that she had expected more of a fight.

Satomi turned to her. She tilted her head upon noticing her sulking. "Why the long face, Lady Kannagi?"

Prema sighed and sat down on one of the chairs. "I am simply disappointed at how things turned out. The last wish of Mr. Guhl was to have a great battle before passing to the other side. I could not provide him with that." She turned away and looked at the place where the vortex had been. "I should have asked you to face him. Or even accepted Nori's offer."

"Well, no room for regrets. Maybe we would've done better! But then again, maybe not." She chuckled knowingly. "Personally, I think you did just fine. And frankly?" She leaned in as if wishing to whisper a secret. "I doubt that man would've gone along even if he'd lost. Those grudges of his consumed his soul too much."

Prema shuffled her feet. Yes, that was evident at the end. He was fine before, during, and even after the battle as he tried to attack her. But his personality warped when Priestess Satomi came to protect her. "Perhaps true, and yet…" And yet, she would have preferred to free him from it. It was also presumptuous to assume that he would not have passed on if he had been defeated.

"You are too kind, Lady Kannagi," Priestess Satomi chuckled. "I can tell you're giving him the benefit of the doubt. And sympathy for the one who harmed Nariya and endangered your friendship!"

She straightened her posture. "I had decided to set it aside for dealing with him."

"I am not saying it is a wholly negative trait."

"That said, I do understand that Guhl needed to be dealt with, one way or another." That was something she was under no illusions over. "I am simply wishing it did not have to come to this."

"You said yourself he was going about things the wrong way. Attacking the innocent just to lure in the strong. There was already little room to excuse that, but all bets were off when he decided to attack you for Gods know what reason. It was his bed to make and lie in."

He might have wanted to draw in someone stronger, someone better. They had acted in self-defense. That was perhaps the only reason Prema did not feel worse about it.

"You see that smile he had at the end, there?" Priestess Satomi suddenly asked.

"Was it one?" It was peculiar that his grudge subsided and he stopped struggling. But was it just that he had accepted his fate? Or did he want to be with his partners in the world beyond?

"I thought it was one, anyway." She threw up her arms. "Just take it easy, Lady Kannagi. You've had a long week."

Prema reluctantly nodded. "Yes… I suppose you are correct."

"Thanks again for the assist, ol' girl." She patted Otohime on the shell and recalled her. "Let's head back home and tell'em the good news."

"Yes."

There was a truth she concealed from Priestess Satomi. She could get over having to forcibly send Guhl to the other side. She truly had no choice, she knew that. Yet it would not have come to that if not for her lack of ability. The guilt of having to be rescued was unlikely to go away. Had she been a better trainer, a stronger diviner, a more willful person, the outcome could have been very different.

In a sense, she had failed a second time.