Posted September 19th, 2023

Why weren't Binary Stars equal?

Usually, a small White Star and a huge Red Star became a Binary Star pair. The Red Star slowly fed its energy to the White Star. But they had to be careful of the Roche Limit. Being too close. The two Stars would merge if they crossed that boundary. They would not be unique any longer.

Was Jordan my Red Star? Or were they my White Star?

One who gave, or one who took?

Maybe we were just stars. Ones who shone bright in the sky together, but in our separate solar systems, just like all of the others.

Were we really friends?

The wind blew in a gentle current as the drizzle from earlier died down.

Jordan and I were going to explore a bit of their neighborhood before heading back into Bulalakaw City to run errands. Maybe then I'd get a better understanding of this world. Maybe even why I was here.

But who am I?

"Cameron!" the Oshawott yelled. "Before we head to the Martial Arts Society I've got something to show you!"

I followed the sound of Jordan's voice. "What is it?" I asked as I gazed down at Misty Harbor.

Past a small group of homes, a path led directly to a dock on the sea. The Oshawott also looked at the dock. "I want you to see my favorite spot!"

With hesitant steps in my new Sprigatito body, I made it down the dirt path and reached the wooden dock. Walking on four legs naturally still felt unreal. The dock branched into two other paths, one to a plaza with a large fountain, and the other to a shipyard. There's a beach! On the other side was a large cay, with pristine white sand.

Jordan padded up to the water's edge and hopped in, which sent salty water everywhere. I sat down and watched.

"Why don't you dip a paw in?" the Oshawott asked.

My nose twitched as I looked down to answer.

As I locked my eyes with the rich cerulean waves my heart sped up and I took a few steps back toward the dock. The Ocean was too much for me. Rushing waves, icy water, plunging depths, they didn't care. "I can't."

They reached down. "It's really shallow." Jordan picked up a tiny pawful of seashells.

I headed further back to the dock and stared at the other side. It was attached to what I assumed was a commercial part of Bulalakaw, there were Pokémon moving crates, and other boxes on small boats full of yellow sponges and other products parked in rows along the dock.

"I'm not sure about going into the ocean." I sighed.

Jordan waddled over to me and pointed at the fountain. "There's a small, er, um hatchling pool if you want to try later."

A little pool. One for Pokémon babies. I wasn't a baby. "I can do it," I whispered.

"What?"

I flattened my ears in embarrassment. "With you."

They took a step back as their muzzle reddened a bit before they patted their chest. "Okay, now it's time for a real tour of Bulalakaw City!" the Oshawott spoke and brought me away from the scenery.

Jordan held out their paw and then hurried back toward their house and through the other side of Misty Harbor, as the rain trickled back.

"So where are we going first?" I asked and gazed back at the jungle.

Just like earlier Bulalakaw City bustled full of life. Numerous Pokémon navigated through all sorts of bridges and pathways all across the various jungle structures, deep beneath the canopy of trees.

"First we are going to the Martial Arts Society!"

" The Society?"

"Yeah, but only the entrance!" the Oshawott clarified.

We walked past the market and went by the huts that Salandit and Helioptile sat by. My nerves tensed as we reached the small view of the estuary and near where we fought those bullies.

"Jordan, are you sure?" I asked and the wind intensified. There were all sorts of Pokémon that walked around us to and from the Martial Arts Society.

"But we haven't even tried yet," Jordan placed their paw on my shoulder as we rounded the corner.

"Okay."

We went past those naysayers, past those who forgot about us, and past my old self.

"Follow me Cameron," the Oshawott said before they took a breath. "I'm sure, uh, it'll totally be okay."

There stood the massive dark brown building with the same yellow roof I saw earlier that reached as far as the eye could see, the Martial Arts Society. It was incredible. The front was the part that was a lighter brown; the towering edifices behind it had their walls painted yellow, orange, red, and green.

And there was even more hidden behind them that stretched off across the entire jungle landmass. It was a collection of buildings I never imagined sat back here. This really was fit for all those Guilds Yeong and Linh mentioned!

That reminded me, what was the Raboot's name?

Back to the front, the area Jordan and I approached. It had a stone, brick, and metal structure with warm yellow, orange, red, and green paneling alongside the borders. In the front were three white curtains, with a blacked-out palm and a circle painted in the center.

With a shiver the Oshawott beside parted the middle curtain aside. "Here's some of the front desk staff."

I peered inside and saw a Charizard, a Feraligatr, and a Sceptile. Who then stared at me. "Woah!" I gasped and hid into Jordan's side. These massive Pokémon sat on a bench behind a long wooden counter, with a stack of papers beside each of them. Far before us was a wide barred gate with four sets of levers on either side of it. That must be to the main courtyard. Close but yet so far.

"Ah, Jordan ya brought another friend with ya!" the Sceptile called out and I sunk even further.

The Oshawott tapped my shoulder and I slowly followed them to the counter. "Y-yes, this is Cameron."

"Hello," I mustered the courage to mewl, and accidentally met eyes with the Sceptile.

After they pulled out a piece of paper the Charizard rubbed their chin. "Well, thank you for delivering those Berries. We'll be sure to mark that down."

"Oh and sorry about those three no good troublemakers from the Club Guild, we're gonna punish 'em thoroughly!" the Feraligatr said with a laugh.

Even though they are scary big Pokémon, these guys also don't like that Togedemaru and his friends! Maybe I could trust them!

I leaned away from Jordan to get a better glimpse at the three Pokémon. Like the students they had a metal band somewhere along their body but they also had a harness around their waists that held a rounded four sided metal object on the side. Almost like a badge.

They also had a striped cloth on either one of their arms or neck. But it felt out of place. Like those colors fit a mountain town rather than a jungle city. Blue, green, and grey.

"Um, I'd uh." The Oshawott glanced down at the floor and took a deep breath. "I'd like to know when the applications for the Entrance Exam will open up."

"Hmm." The Charizard gently flapped their wings.

"It'll be uh." The Feraligatr started before they stopped and whispered to the Sceptile.

"Don't mind those two." The Sceptile grinned. "The sign-ups will open soon."

"Soon?" Jordan's ears perked up.

The Charizard smiled. "Something else will happen soon too." They winked at me.

Why me? I gritted my teeth as I glanced at Jordan.

"You two should prepare yourselves." The Feraligatr shifted back in their seat.

Wait two? "I can join Jordan?" I asked, and then gasped. I really just said that!?

The three Pokémon chuckled amongst themselves and Jordan gripped my shoulder. My thoughts spiraled and the seconds felt like minutes. Was that chuckle to mock us? Was Jordan not good enough? Was I not good enough?

Of course I wasn't, I never even used a-

"Yer the Sprigatito that helped Jordan collect those berries yes?" the Sceptile questioned.

"Yes, yes, I am." I replied slowly.

The Sceptile stepped back. "Well that's it then. Of course you can join, ya helped Jordan here!"

"Yeah, without you I don't know what would have happened!" The Oshawott grinned.

"And Jordan," the Charizard tapped the counter. "Make sure you watch over Cameron here."

The Feraligatr nodded. "We felt something a lil bit familiar from uh her? Him?"

Jordan's ears lowered.

"Er, uh Them?" I cleared my throat. "Them, I think."

"Ah! My apologies, them. You two don't need to worry!" the Feraligatr leaned forward as they moved some papers.

Now that I think about it I didn't hate what they said.

Being called she.

Not the he part though. I have no clue why.

"Just have 'em get familiar with Bulalakaw City now, ya hear me! I need y'all two to win it big time here at the Martial Arts Society!" the Sceptile sat back down. "We've got some work to do. See y'all later!"

The Oshawott flinched as the three Pokémon waved us off. "You think I can do it? Oh, of course bye!"

"Uh." I murmured as I followed them. "Thank you."

Jordan turned around and parted through the white curtains."We are going to the library now."

"Okay where's the library?" I asked.

"It's past the huge plaza with the market. It won't take long for us to go."

"Oh?" I gasped. "Great!"

The Oshawott stepped into the tall grass. "Hopefully we can find something about your amnesia there."

My ears flickered as a breeze blew past. "Oh that reminds me, what about the thing we saw yesterday?"

"Yesterday? Don't you mean earlier today?"

"The bright green light."

Jordan and I walked further and further out of the range of the Martial Arts Society and back into the city and the jungle mass waited for us and the market whatever else lay beneath the canopy of trees.

The Oshawott led me further and then I noticed that the ground beneath us was replaced with the bridge and below it was was-

Water.

My tail curled in between my legs while I looked at the ocean as it roared below.

"I can't."

The Oshawott came up beside me. "You're going to be okay Cameron."

"Are you sure?"

"I'll hold you tight. All we have to do is walk across these bridges. I'm not very strong so stay close."

Strength. What merit did it carry? Internal or External. "But what if we fall?"

"Don't worry." They gestured at the balcony of a building above us. "Someone's always looking out for us to catch us if we fall."

The path before us had a large hill and a collection of buildings. On our left was what I assumed was the library. The library was a rather small building. Rather it was smaller than the Martial Arts Society. I didn't really have a good frame of reference besides Jordan's house. The Library was made of warm light wood and had a nice inviting set of stone double doors.

Jordan padded up the slanted slope of the entrance. Together we pushed open the doors. "We're going to go inside and we're going to see if anyone can talk to us about amnesia or the light we saw."

"Got it." I followed them inside and saw something I never imagined.

All sorts of Pokémon, mainly smaller ones, sat side by side on small wooden tables and little benches and stools about the library. They wrote in journals, and shared various textbooks with one another.

The front desk was similar to the Martial Arts Society in a way there are a few Pokémon talking to others.

In the rest of the building was a collection of books that weren't arranged and the way I was used to. As most of them were low to the ground. Because most Pokémon would not be able to reach them otherwise. There were flying-types and other Pokémon that were tall enough to reach them that were positioned around the bookshelves.

"Oh, there's a lot of Pokémon here," I whispered. "Why is that?"

"Hm, I think it's because of something with the students."

A large Pokémon, a Braviary with some oddly fuschia, and pink colored markings approached us.

I flinched away from their gazing eyes and large ocular crest.

The Braviary stepped back. "Hello Jordan, and hello Sprigatito!"

"Hello!" Jordan grinned.

I sat down beside them, and smiled the hardest I could. "Hi."

"A new face here. Welcome to Bulalakaw Library!" the Braviary cooed gently. "If you have particular questions on something you might have to wait." They were just another Pokémon here, not one to fear.

The Oshawott also backed away. "You can't answer our questions? Is it something I did? I'm sorry about hurting-"

"Don't worry about that little Oshawott." The Braviary hunched closer to us. "Fae are fine. Today we are helping the Martial Arts Society students with their test. Feel free to check out any books at your own leisure. Unfortunately we're not able to have one-on-one time."

"Okay."

I sighed. "Well, we're on our own now."

"Let's go see that bright green light first, where would that be?" Jordan led me through a bookshelf.

"In the Astronomy section." My whiskers twitched.

"Perhaps a book about stars or comets?" They held out a book with a large red star and small white one on the cover.

I know this- I know this! Once I glanced at the section light filled my head.

A Star.

A Star was a hot bright ball of gas. I remember this- I remember something. Something, who am I?

"Jordan!" I gasped. "I think I know something about this!"

The Oshawott's tail smacked the ground. "You do?"

I leaned away from them as I collected my thoughts. "Maybe, I mean I don't think I know anything practical but-"

"Cameron, just tell me please."

"I mean even if I don't know someone might know more," I said as I glanced at the others.

Jordan stood by me. "Please, Cameron."

"Well, I remember I took an Astronomy class."

"Your memories!" The Oshawott held me close. "Wow! A memory came back!"

I purred against their chest. "I know, it's crazy! All I had to do was remember the word and it came back to me."

They broke away from our embrace. "Okay, let's see what they have in this section. It's over here somewhere."

We scoured the shelves for any interesting book about sightings in the sky. Jordan found something complicated about sightings but we looked at something simple in the meantime. There were the Aurora Borealis and the Aurora Australis. Which wouldn't make sense for us to see here; we're not that far from the equator.

I guess that's helpful information about Bulalakaw City.

"Let's try and look at something else." Jordan sighed.

"Oh yes, wait but this book is interesting. It mentions that there are Pokémon that come from space!" my tail swished as I read the cover somehow.

"That book yeah it says Cleffa and Minior come from space. Maybe they were the green light?"

"Maybe?" I sighed. "I don't know."

"Are they even green?"

"Minior could be. But many aren't even that bright anyway."

The Oshawott crossed their arms. "Okay, what's more important is your memories."

I narrowed my eyes at them and took a step back. "But my memories are connected to the light."

"True, I'm sorry." Jordan rubbed their head. "I just wasn't sure if we could do both. We're going to go to the observatory soon so we'll be able to ask them okay."

My paws gripped the tassel of the book as I pried it open. "These books about amnesia say there are a few types."

"Really?" they asked.

I stared at the bold letters. "Retrograde, anterograde, and transient global."

Jordan took the book in their paws. "Some Pokémon forget things that they did the next day and some Pokémon forget big chunks of their life."

My ears flattened. "I'm not really sure if that's helping me."

"Okay, we'll come back to the library later I guess."

"Don't beat yourself up." I rubbed against their shoulder. "Maybe Braviary can help us next time?"

"I'm not sure."

We squeezed our way through the crowd of Pokémon studying and out of the library. The sun started to set, it got a little bit darker and the bustling Market life still went out.

I shivered as we walked around the jungle. "I feel like there's just too many Pokémon around."

"If they said we could do it I don't want to embarrass myself."

"I don't know if I am even allowed to try with you." My tail lowered.

Jordan sighed. "I mean they said I could but I don't- I don't know."

"But there's a lot of things we didn't know and we just need to study some more."

"Yeah another time. On to the observatory it's just up the hill."

The Observatory was fascinating; it was a large stone building with a telescope that's stuck into the air and had a solemn presence. Through the clear windows the building looked empty.

"Try to knock on the door." I offered, my paw raised.

Jordan rapped on the door. "Hello?"

"Maybe we should just leave." My nose took in the stale air.

The Oshawott pushed even harder. "Wait but the door is open!"

"Are we allowed to just walk in?" I peered inside.

We entered the building. Not a single Pokémon was inside. "That's that's strange, barely anyone's here." Jordan mumbled.

There were four locked rooms, with plates along the walls, and dozens of paintings. On the floor, rich stone, with models of celestial bodies in the center.

"We can't talk to anyone about what they've seen." the Oshawott scanned the area.

"I know they must have seen it. There's no way they couldn't have." I lamented.

"Well, there's other things they can observe in here too, they have all sorts of sensors and machines."

"All of this in Bulalakaw City," I gasped. "Incredible."

"What's interesting is that the Great Sage frequently visits."

"The Great Sage? Who's the Great Sage?"

Jordan grinned a bit. "Oh, the Great Sage, well the Great Sage is an Autumnal Duecidueye. They practiced under the last Great Sage with their partner, the Noble Sage, a Quaquavel. Those two are very important to Bulalakaw City."

"Sages huh." I hummed.

"Oh, that reminds me we were going to go visit the Great Sage's Office." They opened the door to the Observatory and we exited.

"But where's their Office?"

"The Great Sage's Office is further down on this on another jungle mass so we need to take a bridge there. It's pretty high up." The Oshawott said.

I followed them down the grass-covered path and to another bridge.

We padded along the stately wooden bridge that led to a huge land mass. It was a jungle covered mountain, one with a large collection of buildings. A golden bell sat at the highest one, where there was a large four sided emblem, the edges rounded to perfection. Jordan and I headed toward the large building.

"Why are you running?" I mewled as they dashed ahead.

Jordan waved their arms. "We need to hurry!"

"Why?"

"I mean I don't want to embarrass myself in front of the Great Sage. We need to come up with what we're going to say. What we're going to do. And hopefully I don't ruin it so badly that I don't even get accepted in and-"

"Slow down please," I begged. "You're making me nervous!"

The Oshwott grimaced. "I'm making you nervous?! Sorry, you're new to all of this and-"

"Even if I'm not sure, wherever you go, I'll follow."

"I mean you don't have to."

"I mean I want to , even if I don't know what I can do." I buried my muzzle on their chest. "Even if I should try, if I have the right to try and be here. But when I'm with you I feel like I should." Oh no, my face was red. I backed away.

Jordan was the one who's got all the knowledge on everything and I'm making it weird. They rubbed the back of their head. "Well, I think I'm the one who's supposed to be doing that."

As soon as we approached the slope of the entrance, the massive bronze gates opened. A pink bird Pokémon, an Oricorio, stepped out.

They wore what the front desk staff had but also wore a silver cape. Oricorio held a scroll in a pouch on their front. "Greetings young Pokémon, I am truly sorry, but the Office is closed right now."

"Greetings." Jordan bowed. "Is it truly closed?"

I bowed my head to the floor too.

"Yes." Oricorio bowed back. "We have many Pokémon here today but, alas, we are closed to visitors."

Jordan's ears fell. "I guess we'll just go."

"Would you like to leave a message for the Great Sage?"

"Oh? I can?" the Oshawott brightened. "Yes please."

"Begin when ready."

Jordan took in a deep breath and closed their eyes. They held out their scalchop and pointed it at the door before they exhaled. "Please, oh Honorable Great Sage and Noble Sage, research the bright green light that cast upon the sky the morning of Lunala 68th."

"Understood." Oricorio finished the message on the scroll. "Celestial Heavens bless this Day and farewell."

"Goodbye!" The Oshawott waved their tail.

I forced my nerves to settle down and purred in reply. "Thank you!"

We made our way off the tall landmass and back near the entrance to the market plaza. It was still far across the City. "Why are we coming back here?" my ear flicked as the sound of the Market Pokémon grew louder.

"I need to pick up some ingredients for lunch, oh and for dinner." The Oshawott stopped in the middle of the empty path. Nearly empty.

I planted my paws in the dirt as I noticed a red and white figure. No need for Jordan to tell me. "There's a Scorbunny coming toward us." I explained.

Jordan's mouth dropped, as they narrowed their eyes. "What are they wearing?"

"A black Martial Arts Society headband."

"Anything else?" the Oshawott played with their scalchop.

"They're carrying some books." I watched them get closer.

It seemed like they headed our way.

"Oh." Jordan moved in front of me and my heart began to pound.

"Is that another bully?" I whispered.

"Maybe," they replied, and looked away.

I peered at their incredulous muzzle. "Maybe?"

"She acts like one sometimes, okay!"

"Jordieeee!" the Scorbunny yelled in a relaxed but fiery tone as a flame shot out from her feet and propelled her right at us.

"Hey." Jordan crossed their arms.

She landed right beside us and bowed. "Are you and your new friend heading to the market? And the traveling scholars tent?"

Friend?

Everyone today asked that: if we were friends.

"Yes," the Oshawott nodded. "I'm going with my new friend."

I rubbed their side as my tail swished. "We are? We are friends, even if I'm new!"

The Scorbunny tapped her foot with a grin. "Can I come with you?"

"Yes."

We walked toward the lower center of Bulalakaw City, to the Market. Now was my chance to try and be brave. "Um, Scorbunny," I started, my voice still uncomfortable in my throat. "My name is Cameron. And uh I think I go by they and them."

"Ah, okay Cameron," the Scorbunny leaned toward me. "I'm Wattan! I guess I go by she and her!"

"Wattan is one of my cousins." Jordan blocked her from me.

My whiskers twitched as I stared at the Scorbunny. "So which Guild are you in? In the Martial Arts Society? Oh and what's that book for?"

"The Ninjutsu Guild! Ninja Techniques Volume 2!" Wattan threw a small Ember into the air. "By the way, have you guys seen that green light in the sky?!"

"What!?"

"Seems like everyone's seen it but us!" Yeong's voice called out and I turned behind us.

Linh spoke. "Who would have known we'd meet all three of you here?"

There stood the Dewott and Quilladen, Jordan's siblings. They each had a basket in hand, but Yeong's was full of books and Linh's was empty.

"I see you came here to get food." Linh dropped her basket near Jordan. "Here's a basket."

Yeong rubbed the Oshawott's fur. "Guess what?"

"You want us to get Soft Potatoes, instead of Hardy Leeks?"

"Nope." The Dewott poked their nose. "After you are done with the Market, we'd like you to go on a little request for us."

"A request?" I gulped, my ears perked up.

The Quilladen folded her arms. "Yes, to a Mystery Dungeon to get us extra supplies."

"Wha, why?" Jordan panicked, their tail raised.

Their siblings softened a bit. "You two do want to learn about every Guild in the Society, correct?"

"Uh.. But-"

Wattan smirked as she stepped in between the two. "I think you should go for it."

"We should?"

"This is your big chance!"

"Our chance!?" Jordan and I gasped.