We wait in the cell. And wait.
And wait.
The only mark of time passing is the meals we receive three times a day. An array of things that are either too dry or too soggy to pass as real food.
I gotta say, the service 'round here is nothing to write home around.
Next time our warden comes maybe I'll suggest a suggestion box. First suggestion, provide prisoners with edible meals. Second suggestion, kindly let us go.
Nothing unreasonable.
It's at least given us the time to catch up—get to know each other a little better and all that.
"So…an explorer?" Serperior starts, making conversation, "what made you…?" "Ah, that would be me" Skitty says, proudly, "a little tit for tat, I rescue her from lying unconscious in the forest, get her medical attention and all the sweet benefits, and she joins my team for the rest of eternity," she grins at me goofily. Serperior turns to me, concern lining his face, "Gwen, you don't have to stay in her team against your will if you—" "aww I'm just kidding around, you downer! Lighten up!" She says, waving her paw. "…a little difficult, given the circumstances, don't you think?" He says, looking unimpressed. A couple of beats pass in awkward silence.
"Skitty got me excited to join the Center…she told me all about what it means to be an explorer…making great discoveries in the pursuit of knowledge, fighting to help the downtrodden, to spread support to even the most distant communities…those values, plus the chance to potentially learn about my past…it was just too good a deal to pass up. Plus, I could tell Skitty was a good pokemon, she did so much for me and didn't really ask for anything in return." I smile at her, then notice Serperior's studying me closely. "Even without your memories…it…really is you…" he says sadly. I want to offer some kind of support, some way to connect with him a little better, but I'm not sure what to say. I eventually settle on: "I…I of course hope to regain all my memories…but if I don't…I hope to get the chance to get to know you again." He nods vigorously, eyes glistening slightly.
More time passes, more subpar meals are delivered, more conversations had. We tell Serperior about what happened with Dragalge and Rotom, and he tells us the first he saw of them here was the wanted posters. It seems like we were all separated when we got here. From Serperior's accounts, I learn that Dragalge often lives with their head in the clouds, but is a fierce battler with an inquisitive mind, while Rotom can be quite emotional, but has a powerful sense of humor, usually focused on possessing an appliance to scare the wits out of unsuspecting victims (a stunt that has apparently got me into trouble several times).
Hearing him talk about his team—our team—a group who I remember even less than I do of myself, I feel a sense of longing for what I've lost. I'll always be grateful for having met Skitty, but I feel my chest tighten slightly when considering what could've happened if we weren't scattered across this world, each trying to figure it out alone. We…we could have worked something out, together…memories or not. But what's done is done; all we can do is make the best of it. And, if we can get out, if I can free Dragalge and Rotom and we all get to talk…
Well, right now it's a pretty big if.
It's clear they're just keeping us around for now. Maybe they're not sure what to do when one of their own exploration teams goes bad. Maybe they want to make us stir crazy.
So far it's working.
We're getting antsy, pacing back and forth, testing the bars over and over again for any sign of weakness, trying to listen for something…anything, and always with the same result—nothing. But, it's also been a learning opportunity. For example, I've learned that Skitty and Serperior do not get along very well.
Yes, it's rather unfortunate; I'd like nothing more than my old partner and my new partner to be besties, but it seems it isn't to be. After the first day they started arguing. Arguing about how we should've responded when the Center arrived in Skitty's hiding place, about how it could barely be called a hiding place, about how we should escape from here, about how Skitty's tail is always too close and how it's Serperior's fault for taking up more of the cell than is fair.
I've gotta say, I'm starting to get fed up.
"Look, we won't get anywhere by being at each other's throats," I say after overhearing a threat about where exactly a piece of particularly dry bread could be stuffed (it does not bear repeating). "But we need to think of something…anything! Anything at all to get out!" I'm wracking my brain. "We're underground…could there be a way to dig out? Or if we all use moves on the same spot….maybe break a hole in the dirt? In the ground? Or if we—" I'm suddenly aware I'm rambling, and they're both looking at me with concern. "Well, at least you've stopped fighting now," I mutter.
"Gwen…I'm sorry," Serperior starts. "It's been so hard…going through all this…in a strange place…but…I can't imagine what it's like for you, without your memories." "We'll find a way out of this. Promise." Skitty smiles and touches my shoulder. I know it's tough on them too—it's a terrible situation through and through—but I do appreciate the gesture.
Just then, we hear the trap door opening. We've only recently been fed, it's surely not mealtime again already? Maybe someone fancies a visit with the infamous Team Starburst.
Everything's quiet, save for a gentle fluttering. From around the corner appears Noibat.
"You? What are you doing here?" Skitty says, bearing her teeth. "I know what I did was wrong…and I know you can't trust me…but I want to make it right!" "How could you possibly fix this?!" Skitty says, gesturing to our cell. "Well…maybe this could be a start?" He produces a shiny key. "Gwen, Skitty, a word?" Serperior guides us away from the bars. "What's happening? Why does Dr. Laurel's hatchling keep popping up?" Ah, seems like being unconscious left him in the dark about a plot twist or two. We briefly explain how he was a member of our team and the betrayal. "So what do we do?" Skitty asks, "we can't trust him…" "but we can't get out by ourselves either." I finish. "If he's plotting something…we'll figure something out, but for now we just need to get out of here!"
"You know, these ears do more than just make sounds" Noibat says from beyond the bars. "Look, we can't trust you…yet," I say, approaching "but as you can see, we're out of options. I…do remember a few things about you and how Dr. Laurel treats you. I truly hope some day you'll have the clarity to see who your real friends are."
He looks thoughtful for a moment, then waves the key in front of his face, "sooo…?" "Get on with it, open the door!" Serperior says impatiently.
With a click, we're free.
Now it's time to run.
