A white Rondo Accord pulled into the driveway of a two-storey house at the far north side of Stony Hills. It was modest, but worthy of the owners' upper-middle-class status. The driver and passenger got out, the latter taking a moment to stretch her legs. The walk from her hospital bed to the car had been the most she'd used them in days.

Nariya sighed longingly. It was good to be back home. At least one part of her life was returning to normal. Other parts might not ever go back to the way they used to be.

Two individuals were there to greet them as they stepped through the front door. The first was their pet Glameow, Glamer. She rubbed affectionately against Nariya's leg, wrapping her tail around Nariya in a sort-of embrace. The other was her father.

"There's our little angel!" he boomed, promenading over with his arms outstretched. She accepted the hug. She badly needed one. "So how was the hospital?"

"Terrible," she said. "I'm glad to be out of it. I missed…" She took a deep breath to steady herself. "I missed reading books, I missed watching TV, I missed walking around, I missed watching you play your video games, I missed eating real food…"

Owen Yaznik laughed. "All big things to miss. But don't worry. May not be a home-cooked meal, but we bought you a pizza for tonight. Meat lovers, your favorite! Just gotta throw it in the oven!"

"Oh, thanks dad!" That was the perfect pick-me-up after all that bland hospital food. She hugged him tightly for a brief moment before turning to her other parent. "And thanks again for getting me out, mom," she said as she got her shoes off.

"You're welcome, dear," Quinn Yaznik said. "I figured it would be easier on you. Do you want to have the rest of the week off from school?"

"No, I'd better not fall behind on my classes any more than I have." Mom was delivering her homework, but it wasn't good to miss the lectures. Besides, it wasn't even the middle of the week. "And I sort of miss school."

Her mom smiled. "Smart girl," she approved.

She let a sigh escape her. "I miss Prema, too," she said. She missed having a friend. "Mom, can you–"

Her mood changed in an instant. "Nariya, I don't want to talk about that right now," she said before walking off in a huff. Nariya knew better than to protest further at that. It would only make things worse.

"Ah, just give it time," her dad assured her with a shrug. Their pet meowed and flopped down on her foot, comforting her further by rubbing her head into it. "You just got back."

"I…guess," she admitted, leaning down to give Glamer a scratch on the ears. Her mother always acted with her best interests in mind. Nariya wouldn't have it any other way. But this time was different. What her mom thought wasn't actually what Nariya wanted. All she wanted to do was have friends. Most people didn't want to be hers, and something always went wrong whenever she made a friend. It felt so simple, so why did something so simple have to be so difficult?

"By the way, a letter came for you," her dad said, pulling out a light purple envelope with gold markings.

Nariya fidgeted and stood on the tips of her toes momentarily. "A letter?" Who would send her a letter?

With a knowing smile, her dad passed it over. The sight of the return address made her retinas widen. "I'm gonna go read it."

She rushed upstairs to her room. She placed it in her letter opener and let it do its thing. Part of her wanted to tear it open right there, but she never liked cutting the tops off, especially nice looking envelopes. The wait was painful, and she paced the whole while during it.

Eventually, the machine beeped to let her know it was finished, allowing her to simply open the warmed envelope as if it had never been sealed. It was from the Kannagi Shrine. She wasted no time pulling the letter out.

To Acolyte Nariya, it began. The second word practically leaped off the page. She was just a friend of Prema's. She never did anything to deserve that title.

On Friday, September 25th, 2015, you accompanied Lady Prema Kannagi as one of her overseers on her task to exorcise the spirit of Konrad Guhl. You would normally have been called to speak with the Master of the shrine – myself – to discuss your performance. In light of the circumstances, I have sent this letter.

Though your actions were few, they were significant. Your actions in protecting Lady Kannagi went far beyond my expectations. You have attended the shrine for only three months, yet you have shown devotion in line with those who have attended twenty times longer. If you wish, we would formally welcome you into the shrine's ranks and bestow upon you the title of Acolyte.

There is one thing I would advise you about. Your willingness to risk yourself for my daughter is commendable. However, there is a difference between courage and recklessness that you must be aware of. I would advise you to visit the shrine when possible, or alternatively, seek counsel from a soul specialist to check for lingering spiritual damage. Remember that you have but one life, and you would disappoint many if it ended so young. Already, you have made many worry for your condition, including Prema and your parents. Sacrifice is permitted, yet you must weigh the wisdom of it.

To Mr. and Mrs. Yaznik: Your daughter's actions are commendable. I would highly appreciate it if you considered permitting her to return to the shrine, at least that we might properly express our gratitude. The Kannagi Shrine, and my daughter as well, would be glad to have her as an official member.

Sincerely yours,
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Master Haruto Kannagi, Head of the Kannagi Shrine

Though unsure what to make of it, Nariya thought about it. Maybe, just maybe there was hope yet. But it remained to be seen if it would amount to anything. Her mother cared about her, but she could be as stubborn as a Tauros. Would she change her mind…?

The success of the heir to the Kannagi Shrine completing her first task was a cause for celebration. Everyone had words for the future Master Prema Kannagi on Thursday, and if it were not for the fact that Tsukimi had just happened, there would likely have been a mini-festival on Friday. The public smiled at them on the street, and even their rival Mitsutri Shrine sent congratulations. Prema, of course, could not fully enjoy the praise that she felt was undeserved. She nonetheless maintained a facade of modesty in front of her followers.

On Saturday afternoon, she received a pleasant surprise. Nori stopped by to see her. Prema had to whisper thanks to the gods; with Nariya's status unknown, he was her only human friend, and she needed some personal time. It was an ordinary day, mild and sunny. For lack of better ideas, she proposed a walk behind the shrine.

It was just the two of them at his suggestion, with no Pokemon at their side. As they followed the trail, Nori was glancing around and marveling at the sights of the forest. "I never knew there was a path back here," he eventually remarked.

"Most are unaware of its presence." In fact, it was informally restricted. "It does not lead anywhere in particular, simply from one end of the shrine to another."

"That's so cool!" he said with a small hop. "It's like your own private trail! You can get peace and quiet whenever you want!"

His eagerness was endearing. However, his statement was an incorrect one. "There are rooms in the shrine better suited for that purpose," she stated. Her quarters were the most ideal. "Moreover, it is untrue I can come here whenever I wish." Night and when she had duties to attend, for instance.

Nori stretched, reaching for the heavens. "But it's still nice to get fresh air and exercise."

"Yes." There were benefits to being outdoors. Sunlight, for instance.

They arrived at the clearing without further discussion, which was unusual. Nori was ordinarily talkative. Something was evidently on his mind, too. She only wished she could speak to him about her troubles.

She decided to initiate conversation. "I come sit in this grove on occasion."

"How often do you?" he asked.

An unexpected question. She lightly turned away, although not so much as that she was not facing him. "Admittedly, only thrice."

Perhaps it was her not being used to having this luxury. The original Kannagi Shrine in Celestic had nothing of the sort, since it was situated near the center of town. Not only that, she had no need or desire to play in the wilderness at any point in her life. It was only happenstance that she discovered this place, like a feeling she had.

"We should continue," she said, making for the other side of the clearing. It was only a walk to clear their minds, although she was uncertain of what they might be able to do upon returning to the shrine, short of leaving for elsewhere.

Abruptly, Nori hustled out in front of her, obstructing her path. "Wait, Prema. Can I ask you something while we're out here?"

She nodded serenely. "Of course, Nori." It was safe to assume that it was related to Pawniard, if not private and personal. She had promised to help him once she had completed her task. Now was the time for her to keep that promise.

"I, um." He wiped his brow, perhaps involuntarily. He paced to and fro before looking her square in the eyes. "Am I cursed? You can tell if I am and break it, right?"

The request caught Prema off guard. She was taken aback both by the question itself and the fact that it was uncharacteristic of Nori. He had moments of weakness as any other, but he always faced his trials head-on. This behavior was unusual in that regard

Fortunately, helping people with such problems was something she was used to. She folded her hands and spoke softly. "Nori, I understand that there are times when life is frustrating. You have had to deal with far more adversity in yours than anyone your age should have to. But I do not believe that it would be as a result of a curse."

"No, no, no." He waved his palms rapidly and frantically. He shuffled his feet before continuing, very expressive in his motions as he spoke shakily. "I mean, I think a Pokemon might have cursed me recently. Or um, maybe it didn't. But I want to be sure! Can you check?" He had a wrinkled brow, wide eyes, and took some swift breaths after speaking. He even slapped himself.

So he was speaking of a literal curse? Well, she could also deal with those. Where was this coming from, however? All she knew was that his concern was palpable and he would tell her if he felt comfortable. For now, she had to set his mind at ease.

"I understand. Stand there." She gestured to the center of the clearing.

He did as requested. "Okay. Now what?"

Prema approached him. "Hold as still as you can."

She held her arms out at full-length and placed them upon his shoulders. He flinched at first, but otherwise remained steady. Prema closed her eyes, tilted her head to chest-level, and pointed her thumbs at his heart. While she kept a calm visage, she was in truth focusing intensely on his soul. She saw souls as colored objects and lights. His was a primarily green polychoron, with other colors in various degrees. It actively spun on its many axes, pulsating when his heart did. It hastened as she observed, perhaps in nervous anticipation of what she had to say. But there were no other abnormalities.

She broke from her trance and let go. "I do not sense one upon you."

He trembled, but it was out of relief. A deep breath escaped him as he shakily walked over to the log and sat down. "That's good," he hummed.

At least she could do that much. Prema still felt she should have been able to do a far better job at the exorcism. What would people think of her if they knew the truth? Even someone like Nori might think ill of her.

"Nori." Something occurred to her. Perhaps it was just irrational fear brought on by her emotional state. "Is this the only reason you wanted to visit?" Was he going to leave after they returned to the shrine grounds?

He looked up at her with a surprisingly radiant smile. "No, no," he replied. "I wanted to see you, since you have time for me now. Plus it's the weekend, too. That was just…something I was wondering and figured to ask, since I'm here."

She exhaled quietly. As the weight lifted, Prema was unsure why she was even worried about it at all. Perhaps it was a combination of her recent self-doubts and his now being the only friend she could see. He would not come all this way just to ask something of her before leaving. At least not during normal hours.

She turned to him and found he was smirking a little at her. Prema did not mean for her relief to be so visible. A part of her continued to wonder what was behind his fear. She could tell from his tightened limbs and lightly clenched fists, something was still weighing on him.

She bowed lightly. "Forgive me if you are uncomfortable with sharing. I am intrigued as to why you would worry about having been cursed."

He quickly turned away. Prema only folded her hands and waited. What could entail being so secretive? Nori was always willing to speak his mind. Unless, perhaps, he had self-doubts of his own?

Slowly, he turned to face her, his eyebrows gathered inward. He rubbed the nape of his neck. "Well. I… Pawniard…" He shook his head forcefully at himself. He shut his eyes and spoke his next words through his teeth. "No, we killed a Ninetales."

She took a step back, somewhat involuntarily. Of all the things she had expected, that was not one of them. "What…?" she blurted.

That was all she had a chance to say or even think before Nori leaped to his feet. He paced as he plunged into a hectic explanation. "We were out training on Wednesday when I heard a girl calling for help. She was pinned under a rock. But when Pawniard saw something was wrong, she changed form and tried to kill us. I think it was because we fought her young in the woods the week before. She was angry enough to fight off the Demon. But Pawniard killed her, right as her tails were glowing."

He paused just long enough for Prema to gather her thoughts. This certainly explained why he was reluctant to say anything. He was attacked by a Ninetales old and powerful enough to take human form. She found herself at a loss as to what to think. But one thing she gleaned was that Pawniard had chosen to protect Nori.

"I don't know," said Nori as he paused. "I don't know what to think or how I should feel about what happened. Like, I just feel like I'm going to fail my Pokemon, even though I know I'm making progress. There's good signs. But he's still…"

Prema felt a beat of her heart. That summed up her own feelings. As he stared at her, begging her to say something, she did so. "I empathize. I have also felt that way as of late."

Nori glanced, swallowing as he did so. "What do you mean by that? That you'll fail?"

Her muscles tensed. She did not mean to specify recentness. It would have been easy to dismiss it. Nori would respect that. And Father had told her not to tell anyone what happened. Yet it would not be entirely honest. And he had just confided in her something serious.

The girl checked their surroundings. Not a soul in sight besides them, and only the occasional chirping of birds. She made a decision at that moment. She walked over to the log and sat down.

Nori followed and moved beside her. She looked at him, heavily sighing. "Where should I begin?"

"Well, it's about Wednesday, isn't it?" he speculated with certainty.

Astute as always. Prema had to compose herself. "Your research was correct." She decided to begin with the part he had helped her with. It was a good way of setting the scene, regardless. "The spirit in the warehouse was that of Konrad Guhl."

Nori let out a small vocalization. He briefly froze up, but the tiniest smile crept onto his lips.

Prema continued. "He wanted to battle a strong trainer before truly passing on." She squinted. "I could not oblige him that."

"Why not?"

Of all the questions to ask, it had to be that one. "I could not defeat him. My training, both as a priestess and a trainer, was insufficient. Moreover, he attacked me after the battle. Priestess Satomi had to save me and help me send him to the afterlife."

Her friend scowled. "He attacked you for losing to him?!" he yelled, louder than he should have. "What's wrong with him? He's no better than Lochlyn Nuzzo! Well, besides killing, but still!"

"Nori…" She could not find the words. She actually had to look around for eavesdroppers. Thankfully, there were none.

He was on his feet. He waved his fists like he wanted to punch the guy. "Screw him! He got what was coming to him! I'm glad you're okay, Prema. If I was there, I would've done the same thing!" With a growl, he sat back down and crossed his arms.

Send him to the afterlife? Or attack him? Or maybe save her? She supposed all three, knowing him. Whether his presence would have changed matters, considering what she speculated with Priestess Satomi, was another question.

But that had nothing to do with it. "You do not understand. In spite of having sympathy for him, I am under no illusions that Konrad Guhl had to be dealt with." The accident was unfortunate, but what became of him after his passing even more so. "But I feel as if I should not have needed aid at the end. It should not have come to that point." She groaned. "I am ashamed of myself."

He huffed. "I don't get why you think that. I mean, I helped you! Nariya and the others helped you! Why do you feel bad about Mrs. Kurusu helping you?"

"Because…"

She reflected. So many people had helped her. She had thought about it even before the exorcism. Her father had indirectly pointed it out. This task was attempting to teach her that she would need help sometimes. If it was not for Nori, she would never have known all there was to know about the spirit. It could be argued he did more than anyone, and she did not feel bad about his actions.

All Prema was able to do was chuckle. "I suppose I do not really have an adequate answer." She glanced up at the heavens, sighing heavily. "I suppose it feels like the logical conclusion. I am the future Master of the Kannagi Shrine. I have been training for that role for a decade. I should have been able to do better."

Nori shook his head. "Yeah, well, that guy was training Pokemon for even longer. No wonder you couldn't keep up." He leaned back bitterly, propping his hands on the log for support. "But that aside, you have a bunch of people willing to help you and throw themselves into danger and protect you! I'd be glad to have people like that, especially if I'm leading something! And besides, there's always room to grow!"

"I suppose so." There was wisdom in how simply he was thinking of things.

It was ironic. He was saying what Father had said without being privy to their conversation. She considered those words, that she needed others to support and confide in. Nori could be such a person. His position as an outsider was a benefit in that regard, as he could see things from a different perspective. One fact remained. She definitely needed to improve as a priestess. But she had time to do so.

Then they were quiet. Nori eventually broke the silence. "Well." His voice quivered slightly. "What do you think about my situation? And Pawniard, now?"

Now that her mind was free of worries, she could think about it more clearly. Vindictiveness was by no means a trait exclusive to Ninetales. They were only infamous because of their ability to curse. Regardless of what happened, Nori had acted in self-defense. It was unfortunate. There were laws that absolved trainers and Pokemon in life-or-death scenarios, but Nori surely knew as well as she did that the Pawniard once belonging to Lochlyn Nuzzo was unlikely to get such leeway due to his history.

She stood. Prema felt it would make her more comfortable. She was used to giving speeches this way. She faced her friend and got into her analysis.

"Without being able to observe his behavior on a long-term basis, I cannot say for certain. Yet it is evident that he has some degree of honor and respect for you. It would have been easy for him to abandon you in the chaos of the attack. Instead, he stood and fought. He did neutralize that Ninetales, but I find it likely that he did so to stop her."

Yes, it was equally likely that he did so for the sake of killing. Protecting his trainer could have only been the excuse. But she did not want to say that aloud. Besides, he still protected Nori. To have inspired him to do that, he had to have done something to connect with Pawniard.

He was quiet, processing her words. She eventually added something more, "I believe his saving you is proof that you are making progress on his rehabilitation."

He leaned forward. He touched his shoulders and stretched his elbows over his head. "I feel like her death could've been avoided. Maybe if you were there…"

If she was there? It was a possibility. Maybe if he had been with her, things would have been different too. Their situations were parallels in that regard. Yet she knew they could not think that way. Neither of them. She finally understood what Priestess Satomi had been saying. What her father had outright said.

She stood tall. "Nori, there is no sense in dwelling upon a hypothetical. There was no guarantee that my presence would have helped, or vice versa. With that said, going back to your Pokemon, I feel as though his protecting you – even if he chose to subdue your attacker lethally – is a sign that he can yet find redemption under your care."

He pressed a finger to his nose as he considered her words. Soon, he grinned and gripped the log. "Thanks," he said. "I was thinking that, but I didn't know if it made sense."

"It does," she assured him.

He stood up as well and walked in front of her. "Well, for that matter, I think you're going to make a great head priestess some day. Who cares if you needed help to send some dumb dead trainer to wherever he's going? Even if it means anything, not like you'll be head of the shrine tomorrow."

She stifled a laugh at how he referred to Guhl. It was apt, if impolite. Besides that, his words make sense. "Tomorrow's wind will blow tomorrow," she quoted a proverb, placing a hand over her heart.

"Right. You still have plenty of time to be worthy of taking over, and I still have time to rehabilitate Pawniard."

"We will simply need to keep working towards our goals, little by little."

One thing was for certain. Prema would not soon forget this experience. She would keep the memory of Konrad Guhl in her mind forever. That was the least she could do for him.

It was quiet. He was looking at her, and she at him. Once more, neither of them had any idea what to say to the other.

Prema eyed the trail. "We should return soon." She was the one to break the silence this time.

Her friend agreed. "Yeah."

Side by side, they set off. It was always liberating being able to talk about things with someone else. It would have been another source of anxiety to keep them bottled up, as Father had told her to. He did not have to know that she had told Nori–

Wait, that was right. That was important. "One further thing. Father said I should not tell anyone that I needed Priestess Satomi's help."

It took Nori a moment to react. The realization visibly sunk in as his pupils gradually dilated. "Really? Why did you tell me?"

She stopped. "Because I needed to tell someone."

He turned to face her at the same moment she turned to face him. They were silent for a second that felt tenfold the time before Prema spoke words from her heart.

"And, I trust you."

His mouth hung agape in a grin. "I trust you too, Prema."

That was obvious from how he had told her his Pokemon slain another. Still, as they stood there silently once more, it felt like a special moment. Prema could only conclude it was because of the secrets they had confided.

"Let's go back," Nori eventually said, starting off again with a light spring in his steps.

"Of course." She followed right at his side.

Simple words could not express the joy Prema felt. Finally, she had found another person besides Priestess Satomi to whom she could talk to about anything. And he had been right in front of her for so long! Her elderly mentor was always wise. Now, she fully understood what she meant by how Nori was never going to throw away their friendship. It was something she could count on for as long as they both drew breath.

"So that's that, huh?"

"Yes. She's taken her first step forward, even if she doesn't think so."

"Anyway, was glad to help you both."

"Just so you know, I told her not to tell you assisted at the end."

"Yeah, figured. You were keeping quiet the whole time. But you knew she'd need me to step in, didn't you?"

"I did not think it definite."

"Right. But one question, with all due respect."

"Yes?"

"Why don't you want her not telling anyone I helped out? Everyone'd get it, a few probably already suspect it. Hell, it's no secret I help you in many ways."

"It is important."

"Well, if it's what you want, she'll keep quiet. But it's gonna eat her up inside."

Haruto Kannagi smirked confidently. "No. She'll tell someone worthy of her trust. I think she's doing so now, in fact."

Satomi Kurusu's eyes stretched wide. The first task was not a test of power, but of bonds. To that end, he wanted her to open up to others besides them. The Master was giving his daughter a push without her even realizing it. That sort of thinking was not something she had expected out of Haruto. It was cruel, but it was also ingenious.

"Sly," she had to express her admiration. "Just don't make it a habit."

He nodded. "Of course not."

Their little princess was growing up. There would come a time when neither of them would be there for her. When that happened, it would be people such as Nori Carino, Kaede Minmei, and (hopefully) Nariya Yaznik who she would have to rely on. But those two, Nori and Prema, brought out the best in each other. She had no doubt that they would go further together than they would alone.

Satomi rubbed her hands together. She was eagerly looking forward to seeing where their paths would lead them from here.

This fic has reached its conclusion! If you've made it this far, thanks for sticking through it. If you've made it through both fics, thank you even more. I'll go into more detail in the postscript of BotBK. For now, I'll say this was an experimental style for me and I felt I could get more if they weren't entwined. Expect the final Nori chapter very soon. As you might expect, it'll be mostly the same scene from another perspective, but as usual, there will be very different things in that other perspective and comparing the two is a good thing.

This was my first time writing a story with a major plot twist in Guhl's existence. I hope there was enough foreshadowing for it. I also have to say, Prema is coming along as I hoped she would at least in practice: someone who while a young person in an adult-like position still suffers immensely from all the pressure on her. Didn't really show before.

I haven't decided what or when the next major Prema story will be, but you can certainly look forward to seeing the Nariya plot hook get addressed. In the meantime, look forward to the next Nori story where Prema will get to play a more active role.