"Celeste, you have to slow down! I'm old!" the girl remembered great-grandma Calytrix yelling out at her, then scolding her for walking too fast. Well, she definitely would have not liked Cyllene who walked even faster.
The group rushed back to the town center of Jubilife Village. As soon as people saw Celeste, her skin bruised and cut, they turned to each other and whispered. Celeste rolled her eyes in annoyance. Do they really not have anything better to do?
They walked up to the second floor of the building and went straight to the room in the middle. Celeste and Froslass gasped. Behind a large desk, sat a man who looked very much like Professor Rowan, if the professor were in his 40s. However, instead of being surrounded by research articles or Pokemon, this man sat at the desk, speaking with a woman who looked very similar to Marley. Celeste shook her head. She had to remember that she's (likely) speaking to these people's ancestors, and maybe even her own.
"What is it, Cyllene?" the man who looked like Rowan grumbled, "I am in an important meeting with Warden Mai."
"Our guest finished her challenge, Commander Kamado," Cyllene said.
"Did she succeed? Well good for her."
"She succeeded far past our expectations," Cyllene folded her arms, "She caught an alpha Lopunny."
The commander wrinkled his nose, "An alpha Lopunny? Please, none of our scouts are even able to accomplish that."
"It's true!" Professor Laventon exclaimed then turned to Celeste, "Show him, show him the Lopunny you caught."
Celeste released the Pokemon. The commander sat back in his chair while the girl who looked like Marley gasped.
"An alpha?! Oh this is perfect! This is the answer to all our problems!" she exclaimed.
"Hmm," the commander looked at the Lopunny, "I would heed caution, Warden Mai. This person recently arrived at our humble village. She supposedly fell out of the sky."
"She did!" Professor Laventon grinned with pride, "And she was able to easily complete Captain Cyllene's challenge. I say that we let her in on our other little problem."
"It's true," Captain Cyllene added emotionlessly, "We were all in shock. I was not expecting an alpha to be anywhere near where I asked her to go. I do want to apologize to you, Celeste. I truly did not expect that and I do hope that you forgive me. This could have gone terribly wrong. Yet you were still able to handle it with grace and I am in awe."
Celeste looked back at her bleeding elbow. Right. Grace.
"But I do believe that she can help with the alpha problem," Cyllene continued, "In fact, she may even help calm down our Nobles."
The room fell into an uncomfortable silence. Everyone but Celeste looked down in worry.
"Who are the Nobles?" she broke the silence.
"Long ago, Great Arceus chose ten Pokemon to look over our tribes," the woman who resembled Marley finally said, "I suppose I should introduce myself first. I am Mai, the Guardian of Lord Wyrdeer, a Warden of the Diamond Clan, looking over the Obsidian Fieldlands. And you are the one who has mastered the beasts?"
"Yeah," Celeste grumbled, uncomfortable with all the attention, "I'm Celeste. And this is Froslass."
"She's from a land far away. Where everyone owns a Pokemon!" Rei stated.
"Eh… I wouldn't say it's that far away," Celeste glanced at Froslass.
"Wow," Mai's mouth dropped open, "Where do you come from? Do you also have a problem with your Nobles?"
"Uh, we don't really have Nobles," Celeste scratched her head, "Are they like legendary Pokemon?"
"Long ago, man and Pokemon lived in harmony in paradise," Mai stated and Celeste was immediately reminded of grandma Caly's stories, "They were blessed by Almighty Sinnoh, whose kindness created the ideal world. Unfortunately, not all supported the creator. Giratina, one of His most prized creations, turned against His master and looked to turn other beings against Him as well.
"Upon creating the first man, He placed him in the Floaro Gardens to till and protect the earth. And Sinnoh commanded man, 'Thou may freely eat from any tree in the garden; but thou shalt stray from the tree of knowledge, for if thou eat from it, paradise will perish and mortals will be subject to pain, death, and suffering.' Man agreed to stray far from the Tree of Knowledge and paradise continued to bloom.
"Unfortunately, the Lord of Shadow overheard this interaction. He said, 'It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper.' But the Lord of Shadow is quite crafty. Just as Almighty Sinnoh created man, the Lord of Shadows used the same methods to design a beautiful woman. He breathed life into her and left her sleeping in the middle of the trees of the Floaro Gardens. The first man found her and immediately fell in love. She woke after a kiss and the two married immediately.
"The crafty Lord of Shadow was pleased that he was able to take advantage of Almighty Sinnoh's kindness. He took a shard of one of His sacred plates and threw it into the woman's eyes. Now, these plates-"
"Oh, I know that one," Celeste mumbled, remembering her great-grandmother's stories, "Arceus smashed his Great Plate in anger against Mount Coronet because Giratina was using it to wreak havoc across the Sinnoh fields."
"I would be careful throwing around names so casually," the commander snapped, "These are sacred names. You are just bringing attention to yourself and, by extant, endangering everyone around you."
"Sorry."
"But yes, you are right," Mai nodded her head, "The Great Plate was broken into many pieces. The larger pieces hold great power and can be used to strengthen the right individuals. The Mind Plate helps psychic types, for example. But these plates are as powerful as they are magical. After all, too much power can blind you. And that is what the smaller shards did. They flew across Hisui, getting into the eyes of men and Pokemon alike. Those who got a shard in their eye saw the world as evil; they saw the beautiful Liligant as ugly, the brave Braviary as cowardly, and the agile Wyrdeer as clumsy. Of course, the breaking of this plate has caused a lot of chaos over Hisui and continues to encourage people and Pokemon to side with evil.
"Anyway, the crafty Lord of Shadows threw one of the plates into the first woman's eyes. Now she too saw the world as opposite. When Almighty Sinnoh told her not to eat from the forbidden tree, she saw Him as a foe and disobeyed. Upon taking a bite of one of its fruit, she came to realize that it was too bitter. You see, Celeste, no creature in paradise ever had to face any difficulty, no matter how small. But having tasted such a bitter fruit, she hated it and denounced her Lord in anger. She ran to her husband and gave him one of the forbidden fruit. The man had realized that he disobeyed Almighty Sinnoh and, in embarrassment and great shame, attempted suicide.
"Upon His return, Almighty Sinnoh realized that man disobeyed him. He punished man for a hundred generations and not a year more. Man had to grow by himself, away from the paradise that he was originally born in. He now had to face pestilence, war, famine, and death; all sufferings that we would have avoided had we stayed in paradise. After the birth of the hundredth generation, the Lord of Shadows tried his tricks again. He attempted to overthrow Almighty Sinnoh. In retaliation, Almighty Sinnoh blessed a child born to simple farmers. The child grew to be pure and wise, strong but gentle. Starting at the age of twelve, the child was blessed with different Pokemon by Almighty. The first was Wyrdeer who helped the child travel the plains of Hisui. But, because mankind no longer lived in paradise, the child would get attacked by wild Pokemon. So Almighty was blessed with Kleavor. The next year, while the child was looking for a missing item, Ursaluna joined the team. Kleavor tried His best to protect the party, but He was not enough. So Almighty Sinnoh sent Lilligant.
"I think you can see where I'm going with this. The hero chosen by Almighty Sinnoh was blessed with five Ride Pokemon and five Noble Pokemon. The five Ride Pokemon are Wyrdeer, Ursaluna, Basculegion, Sneasler, and Braviary; they helped the hero travel by land, air, and sea. The five Noble Pokemon are Kleavor, Lilligant, Arcanine, Electrode, and Avalugg. They fought and grew along with the hero. Finally, upon turning eighteen, it was time for the hero to fulfill their destiny: to fight the Lord of Shadows, who had escaped from the Distortion World to wreak havoc upon ours. Our hero succeeded, regaining Almighty Sinnoh's trust in His creations. The hero retired with great prestige while the ten Pokemon, blessed by Almighty Sinnoh Himself, continued to live on among us. Of course, like all mortal beings, they died from old age, but their descendants continue to live in Hisui, fighting for us, protecting us, and leading us."
"Until recently," Akari said darkly.
"Yes… until recently," Mai looked down in fear and shame, "You see, dear stranger, Hisui is divided. Terribly divided. There are two primary clans of Hisui: the Diamond Clan and the Pearl Clan. I am a member of the Diamond Clan. We worship Almighty Sinnoh as the legends indicate while they worship false idols."
"I'd be careful, Warden Mai," Cyllene took a step forward, "The scriptures are clearly not that black and white."
Mai folded her arms, "I understand that you want to stay diplomatic. But Almighty Sinnoh very obviously created time. Only by creating time could all mankind and Pokemon be born."
"That doesn't seem that obvious," Celeste whispered to Froslass, not being able to make the connection.
"Anyway, we disagree about the identity of Almighty Sinnoh. He obviously is the creator of time, but they think that Almighty Sinnoh created space. It makes zero sense, but we put up with it because surely Almighty Sinnoh doesn't want any more fighting among people. Now, the descendants of the ten Pokemon that helped the hero are still alive and us- the wardens- are in charge of caring for them. The two clans compromised and five of us Diamond wardens care for five of the descendants while five Pearl wardens care for the remaining five.
"Recently, there had been strange rifts that caused the descendants of the Noble Pokemon to attack people. You were able to complete your challenge and catch an alpha Lopunny?"
Celeste glanced at Froslass.
"Not only that, but she already showed up with a Pokemon," Professor Laventon piped up, "I found Celeste after she fell out of the sky from one of those rifts. I strongly suspect that Almighty Sinnoh sent her to us for a reason."
The room became quiet again. Celeste glanced at the faces of everyone around her. Cyllene's face was emotionless but Rei, Akari, Laventon, and Mai all seemed to be looking at her with… hope? She glanced back at the man who looked like Professor Rowan. His expression was… difficult to read.
"Very well. I suppose that I can arrange for her to meet the leaders of the two tribes," the man grumbled, "It doesn't appear that we have much choice."
"I suppose I should also officially welcome you," he stood up from his desk, "Celeste. As Commander Kamado, I welcome you to Team Galaxy. There is a lot you have to do."
Later that evening, Professor Laventon invited Celeste again for dinner at The Wallflower. After meeting the nurse-a kind-eyed woman by the name of Pesselle- and getting her arm bandaged up, she and Froslass joined Laventon, Rei, Akari, and Warden Mai on the picnic bench right outside the canteen.
"To Celeste!" Laventon raised a cup, "Welcome to the team!"
The rest of the party joined the cheer while Celeste gave a timid "Thank you" as her cheeks flushed.
"Here's the mochi," Beni walked up to the table to serve potato mochi. He placed the plates gently in front of everyone, except for Celeste for whom he slammed the plate down.
Wow, he can really hold a grudge, Froslass muttered.
"So, it is true?" Warden Mai asked the girl, "That you come from a place where everyone has a Pokemon?"
"Yes. And where I come from, Pokemon are just a part of daily life," Celeste answered.
"Wow!" Mai gleamed, "You know, I grew up with a Munchlax. Do you know what kind that is? He's like a brother to me. People don't understand because they only see Pokemon as dangerous creatures but I am sure that you understand what I mean. Your icy friend here must be just like a sister, huh?"
"Eh… more like an overbearing mother," Celeste smiled.
That has kept you from dying multiple times, Froslass pointed out.
"But still. It's amazing to have a bond like this. Maybe one day, Hisui will also be a place where man and Pokemon can live side-to-side. I think people are slowly warming up to the idea. When I walked by the fields, I overheard some farmers talking about how they could use some help tilling and caring for the earth," Mei smiled at Celeste.
"I feel like any rock or ground type would be good for that," Celeste dug her fork into the mochi, "Maybe a water type that can help with watering and tending for crops?"
"Yes! And you seem to have a knack for taming the beasts! I, for one, could never catch multiple Pokemon. Especially not an alpha. But you did that. And they seem to respect you too."
Celeste raised an eyebrow. Just because she caught them doesn't mean that they respect her. She's had plenty of experiences of catching ones that never listened to her.
"I forgot to mention," Akari said, "I don't know how things are where you're from. But, per our ancient myths and laws, we can only carry six Pokemon at a time. Any extra ones can be sent to the pastures that we have. The caretaker has a lot of experience caring for them. She comes from a faraway region where she worked with a scientist, much like Professor Laventon, who also studied Pokemon."
"Thanks for letting me know. I think I'll just leave the ones I caught today there," Celeste shrugged.
"Most people don't carry that many Pokemon anyway," Mei sighed, "They're so difficult to catch and even harder to care for. I am in charge of carrying for Lord Wyrdeer, one of the Ride Pokemon, a descendant of those blessed by Almighty Sinnoh. I hope that you can help us with calming the Nobles down," she paused and glanced at the setting sun, "You know… I heard so much about you. I was wondering, have you ever battled with your icy friend?"
"Oh yeah, many times."
"Maybe we can have a battle? I would like to see someone with so much expertise in action."
"Uh, sure. I think Oshawott can use the training," Celeste shrugged.
The two got up and released their Pokemon. Mai's Munchlax clapped its paws in happiness. Oshawott wagged its tail in response.
"Munchlax! Use tackle!" she shouted.
"Oshawott! Use water pulse!" Celeste commanded.
The two Pokemon kept tackling each other for a while. Celeste glanced at Froslass.
"This is going to be a long battle," she sighed.
Been too long since you've had a baby, huh? Froslass cocked her head.
"Oh my gods, don't say it like that!" Celeste turned red.
After tackling each other for quite some time, Oshawott finally defeated Munchlax. He turned back to Celeste and cheered.
"Good job!" Celeste smiled at him.
"Wow! That was exhilarating!" Mai clasped her hands.
Was it really? Celeste bit her tongue, trying her best not to seem bored, These people don't battle. Be nice.
"You know… since you did such a great job, there is an alpha Pokemon to quell… would you like to take up the challenge?"
"Uh, sure." Not like I have much choice anyway…
"Perfect! Let's meet at Deertrack Heights tomorrow then. I have a good feeling about this!"
The next day, Celeste put on her uniform and headed outside. She got to the eastern gate of Jubilife Village where Rei and Akari were talking to a blond stranger. He turned to Celeste and smiled kindly. Celeste's heart dropped: the golden hair, the gray eyes, the oval face…
"My, look at that," the stranger said with a familiar half-smile, "That is quite the ice fiend you're traveling with."
Celeste wanted to drop everything and hug him. But no matter how familiar these faces were, they were just the ancestors of people that she knew from Sinnoh. Still, her mother would definitely help her. She always had an answer for everything, no matter how difficult the problem was. Surely this stranger would be just as supportive?
"My name is Volo. I come from the Ginkgo Guild, a traveling store serving all of Hisui's mercantile needs. I've heard quite a lot about you… You're the one who fell out of the sky, right?"
"Yes! Unfortunately. And I miss my home. And my mom and my aunt and-" Celeste folded her arms, realizing that she might start ranting, "Sorry. It's just weird falling out of the sky, you know?"
"Oh, of course. I understand. We are all here to support you until you find how you can get back home," the stranger replied and Celeste felt a lot better. That is exactly what Cynthia would say.
"Now," he added, "I was told that you've already caught Pokemon in Hisui. You see, I love investigating; it is the key to any merchant's success. Could I learn more about these Pokemon. What do you say? Maybe we can battle?"
"That's exactly what Cynthia would do!" Celeste whispered to Froslass, knowing that her mom wouldn't just help her without challenging her a bit first, "Sure! Here. Come out, Oshawott!"
Volo fixed his yellow-blue cap and took out a ball. Celeste glanced at Froslass with excitement.
I thought you hated battling, Froslass pointed out.
The girl pulled the ice-type closer to her and spoke quietly, "He's obviously one of mom's ancestors! This is great! I'm sure that he'll know exactly what to do to help me get back home!"
Is that really it?
"Okay, and I miss mom and Aunt Celina. You have a problem with that?"
Even though you're related to these people, there's generations between you. You don't actually know him.
"We met that other lady that's definitely dad's ancestor. And she tried killing me. Like everyone else on dad's side of the family, I guess."
She might have made an honest mistake. I doubt that she knows where every alpha Pokemon is.
"Dad's family is Dr. Akagi and his weird wife," Celeste wrinkled her nose, "Mom and Aunt Celina and Grandma Caly are way more interesting anyway."
"Go Togepi!" Volo threw the ball, releasing a small, round Pokemon with a crowned head.
"Oshawott! Use water pulse!" a large bubble of water escaped the Pokemon's claws and went straight into Togepi.
"Togepi! Use tackle!" Togepi ran up to Oshawott and tackled the water-type.
"See? He's basically like mom," Celeste grinned at Froslass.
Don't say it any louder, you'll creep him out, Froslass mused.
"Oshawott! Water pulse!"
And the Togepi fainted. Volo shook his head and grinned, "That was pretty good! Exactly what I expected based on what I heard about you. Make sure to remember to use items as well! Although, I don't think that I need to tell you anything. Rei and Akari told me that you're out to catch an alpha Pokemon. Good luck!"
"Catch?" Celeste frowned.
"If you can!" Rei quickly said, "It'll really help with filling up the Pokedex!"
"But if not, just calming him down would be perfect!" Akari added, "Just whatever you feel comfortable with."
Celeste and Froslass walked with Akari and Rei up to a clear field to meet Mai. Celeste couldn't tell her two human companions why she was so happy but spent the whole walk talking to Froslass.
I'm just saying. You don't know these people, Froslass insisted.
"I know but I'm sure that Volo's super knowledgeable. He probably knows how to return to Sinnoh," Celeste said defensively.
"What are you two talking about over there?" Akari asked.
"Volo? Yeah, he's a little weird. But he has traveled a lot and knows a lot," Rei said.
"See?" Celeste smirked at Froslass who only rolled her eyes in response.
"Hi!" Mai greeted Celeste, "It's nice to see you again! Here, you beat me last night and I didn't even award you. Here's some vivichoke!"
Celeste held out her hands and Mai placed a small, yellow plant bud with blue leaves in them.
"Uhh… thanks?" Celeste raised an eyebrow.
"No problem! I try not to give away too many of them. They can be used to craft items that can heal fainted Pokemon."
Celeste stared at the plant in her hands. She's built machines before, but never had to craft any potions or heals. If her Pokemon fainted, she could just buy medicine back in Sinnoh. Now she has to make her own potions too?
She felt a ringing from her pocket and took out the phone that she found after falling into Hisui. On it appeared to be a GPS leading her to a location.
"Woah! I have never seen a device like that!" Akari's eyes glittered, "Hey… this all obviously Obsidian Fieldlands… and that path leads to Deertrack Heights!"
"This must be some sort of a map… I have never seen a device like that. Where'd you find it?" Mai frowned.
"Oh. It was just laying around outside," Celeste quickly responded.
Let's hope it doesn't run out of battery, Froslass murmured.
"Interesting…" Mai muttered under her breath, "Well, at least you know how to get there! That's where the alpha Pokemon is after all. I have some things to do but I'll meet you near the alpha!"
Celeste and Froslass walked further up the field as the sun set. Finally, she got to tall grass with many Kricketots.
"So Arceus is basically spying on me?" she asked, holding out the phone.
Not spying, per se, moreso guiding you, Froslass said.
"Okay. So spying on me. Ugh… can't you just send me back home?" she asked the phone.
Maybe you should focus on catching the Pokemon like how you're supposed to.
"I only have, like, fifteen balls left. But here," she threw one at a Kricketot that walked towards her. Then she threw another at a Drifloon floating nearby. Then another at a Zubat.
Wooooow, you catch these baby Pokemon so easily. Good for you, Froslass clapped her hands.
"I thought I was supposed to do this?"
Look, there are steps nearby. And Mai is over there. You made it.
Celeste walked up the wooden steps. Lined along them were torches. In a weird way, the scenery reminded her of the dream she had her first night in Hisui. Except that, instead of being on top of Mt. Coronet, she was in some grassy field catching Pokemon slightly bigger than what she was used to.
"Celeste! Over here!" Mai smiled and waved, "Even that Professor decided to make it. Isn't that exciting?"
"What?" Celeste turned around. Professor Laventon was running up the stairs, gasping for air. He ran right in front of Celeste and grinned widely.
"Yes! I made it on time!" he exclaimed, "You have no idea how excited I am to see you in action, Celeste," he took out an old-timey camera and took a picture of the girl and Froslass. Celeste rubbed the flash out of her eyes.
"As a researcher, I couldn't miss this opportunity," he continued.
"I don't see a problem with this," Mai folded her arms, "Just stay out of the way. The alphas are very dangerous," she turned around and looked at the great fields, "This is Deertrack Heights. This is where I come to honor the Great Lord Wyrdeer."
Celeste looked at a rock formation. This seems pretty empty for a place of worship, she thought.
De-le-le-woooooooooop!
The group heard a screech from behind the rock formation.
"That's not Lord Wyrdeer, by the way," Mai frowned as Kricketune ran out onto the middle of the field.
"Thanks, I couldn't have figured that out," Celeste grumbled.
Be nice, Froslass warned her.
"He's probably trying to just cause a ruckus. Lord Wyrdeer wishes to not be disturbed," Mai ignored Celeste's comment, "Now, we must create peace again. I can heal your Pokemon before you face that beast."
"No need, I only have Oshawott," Celeste replied confidently.
WHAT?! Froslass screamed, Just Oshawott?! Have you learned nothing from the Lopunny?!
"He'll be fine," Celeste shrugged, "If anything, I have you too."
What if the Kricketune is too powerful? Then what?
"Froslass, you've taken them out with one move before. I'm sure it'll be fine."
You're just too lazy to train a new team, Froslass folded her arms.
"No, maybe I'm just tired? I got sent to who knows where to do who knows what… and when am I going to get back home, huh?"
Just complete your quest. It's not that hard.
"Okay, I will. I'll see every Pokemon in Hisui. And you'll defeat all of them," Celeste scoffed stubbornly.
"Actually, you have to catch every Pokemon to complete the Pokedex," Professor Laventon piped up.
He's right, smart ass, Froslass glanced at her master.
"Let's go get that Kricketune," Celeste said emotionlessly.
Celeste approached the Kricketune slowly. Its glowing, beady red eyes followed her and she shuddered. Why were they so similar to Giratina's?
The Pokemon was pretty large. It had to be one of those alphas that everyone kept mentioning. It let out another shrieking cry. Celeste sent out the Oshawott which clapped its paws with happiness. The Kricketune used aerial ace. Although the Oshawott fell on its back, and was left with a pretty large bruise, it got up, ready to continue fighting.
"Wow, that's a lot of damage," Celeste muttered.
When I was alive, alphas were known for being much bigger and stronger than regular Pokemon. Just like that Lopunny. On top of that, they might also know moves that other species of their kind don't. But, truth be told, this Kricketune seems like it only recently evolved. Oshawott might have a chance. Do you have any potions just in case?
"Uh…" Celeste dug around her pockets and bag, "I have the vivichoke that Mai gave me."
It's honestly a miracle you're still alive, Froslass rubbed her temples, You should try catching the alphas though. They're pretty powerful and the Hisui wilderness is not to be messed around with.
"Oshawott! Use water pulse!" Celeste commanded.
A pulse of water hit the Kricketune, leaving it bruised. It shrieked again in rage and swiftly ran up to the water-type, which evaded the attack.
"Nice! Okay, let's try catching it now," Celeste threw one of the wooden balls that she received earlier from the Galaxy Team. The bug type was caught.
Oshawott cheered and swung its tail, releasing a harsh stream of water.
Hey! Aqua tail, Froslass said proudly.
"Look at that, good job Oshawott," Celeste scratched him behind his ear.
"That was pretty impressive," Mai walked up to Celeste, "Honestly, you remind me of the tales of the Hisuian hero."
… I'd hold off with the compliments, Froslass said.
"Let me heal your little buddy," Mai offered and Oshawott ran up to her. She gave him a drink from a canteen and Oshawott almost immediately looked better.
Wyeeeeeeer! A deep and majestic roar came from the top of the rock formation. Everyone looked up.
"It's the Great Wyrdeer," Mai said quietly.
The Wyrdeer jumped down and gracefully walked up to the group only to directly face Celeste.
"The Great Wyrdeer appears to have taken a liking in you," Mai added, "He will surely be of great help during your journey. He can dash across Hisui carrying a human that he deems worthy."
"Remarklable! A Pokemon who would just let a human ride it?" Professor Laventon said in awe.
But Celeste wasn't that impressed. She's ridden Pokemon of all kinds before: Rapidashes, her mom's Milotic, even Staraptors. But she kept her annoyance to herself and instead smiled respectfully.
"Professor!" a familiar feminine voice shouted from behind.
"Celeste!" a familiar masculine voice added.
Rei and Akari ran up to the group in joy.
"Captain Cyllene sent us! She said that once you complete the challenge, we can set up a base here," Rei announced.
"What a splendid idea! This will help us coexist with Pokemon better," Mai turned to Celeste, "Before we do that though, I want to give you this," she handed the girl a flute, "This is the Celestica Flute. If you play the C major scale on it, it will cause Lord Wyrdeer to come and ride you wherever you need to go. He truly likes you and wishes to help you further."
"Thanks. I guess I'm going to have to go over my scales again," Celeste took the flute.
"Rei and I will set up a base camp here. You guys should all go home. Let's meet at The Wallflower again tonight!" Akari smiled.
At The Wallflower, Professor Laventon ordered potato mochi again while Beni continued shooting Celeste dirty glares. After serving the food, Celeste turned to Froslass.
"Could we please have some variety in our diet," she whispered, as to not offend Laventon who seemed to really enjoy the mochi.
This is actually so sad, Froslass agreed, I miss having men for dinner.
"Oh my gods, shut up!" Celeste playfully slapped Froslass's arm and went back to eating her mochi.
"I have grave news," Beni announced after a while, "The frenzied Kleavor mauled some of our Galaxy folks earlier today."
"Was this the Kleavor struck by lightning?" Laventon asked.
"Yes," Beni said grimly, "Four of the members didn't make it and the remaining three are in critical condition."
"There is some degree of danger when facing wild Pokemon… But I'm sure that Celeste will handle the Kleavor just fine."
Akari glanced at him, "Are you sure? Even the alpha Pokemon don't compare to the Kleavor's strength."
"Celeste will do fine," Laventon repeated himself, clearly annoyed, "Now, we should get a good night's sleep. I wouldn't want Celeste to face such a ferocious creature sleep deprived!"
Celeste choked on the sticky mochi skin and tried coughing it up, "Wait, me?!"
"Well, who else? But don't worry, I'm sure that everything will be just fine."
