I feel the chill of the morning mist seeping through my clothes to brush against my skin. We creep through it quietly like thieves, driven to sneak by Steven's paranoia. After the revelation that Ellie can communicate with Pokemon he is determined not to spend another minute in Johto.
We travelled from Ecruteak City through the night and took refuge in the barn of a Moo Moo farm on our way to Olivine City. Morty knew the owners but that did not soothe their irritation from being disturbed in the early hours of the morning. The Miltank made their displeasure of our presence clear too with a few well-timed kicks of fresh droppings in our direction.
There was no mention of the lost date Kenji had offered Ellie in the Burned Tower. I suspect he does not want Steven to learn he even proposed it.
The brisk, happy sounds of Looker's Growlithe padding through the dew damp grass as it sniffs excitedly are a welcome contrast to our heavy mood. Looker's continued cooing and awing every time his Pokemon does something mundane, like getting mud on its nose or blinking, are not quite as welcome a noise.
"Is that your first Pokemon or something huh?" Kenji quips rudely.
"Is it your only Pokemon?" Koga pries. It is one of the few things he has bothered to say since joining our company.
The ninja is an enigma. Perhaps I am negative towards him because of his past or maybe it's because he's yet to demonstrate his skill set to us. Perhaps it's simply because I consider his fashion sense ridiculous and loathe how Ellie continues to hug his old scarf about herself like a comfort blanket.
"At present," Looker answers stiffly.
"What? Really?" Kenji blurts out. "How are you a cop without Pokemon? How do you battle?"
Looker ignores the questioning in favour of bending down to scratch his Growlithe's ears. The Pokemon wags its fluffy tail in delight.
"I could give you a Fire Stone if you want to evolve it," Steven offers. His tone is almost hostile rather than friendly as if he is giving an order rather than being generous.
I look over to the Hoenn native, he and Ellie are side by side, equally pallid with fear and fatigue, both identical in their tenseness and worry even if there are no other similarities between them. How have they passed for siblings for so long? I suppose there is no doubting Steven's devotion to Ellie or his desire to protect her and maybe that has been enough to persuade people of their fake familial bond even if they do not look alike.
Morty lingers near Steven and Ellie, calm with a mild tiredness on his face. His Haunter continues to flit in and out of appearance as we walk in a most distracting manner. It has started a new game in sneaking up on Ellie's Farfetch'd, plucking at it from behind with disembodied hands and vanishing in laughter when the bird Pokemon swings its leek round in retaliation.
"He's fine the way he is, aren't you?" Looker answers to the Growlithe rather than Steven. "Yes you are, you are!" he coos happily while clapping his hands off his knees.
"He's weak," Steven mutters crossly.
"The cop or the Pokemon?" Kenji asks mockingly. "Hyuck-hyuck-hyuck!" He gives his hysterical laughter and ignores the scolding look Steven gives him.
Steven turns around and starts to walk on. I'm not sure I've ever been exposed to so much travel or exercise before. I've kept thin with stress over the years not healthy living.
Within ten minutes of walking the salty scent of the sea reaches us and we step out of the wilds to a beautiful view. Before us is a sprawling city fixed around a port. Despite the earliness of the hour there are already boats and ships active.
"I hope the one to Paldea is soon," Steven grumbles.
"Well if not we should see the beach," Morty suggests happily, "and maybe the Gym Leader Jasmine, she's in to Steel Pokemon like you."
"Could we have that walk on the beach since we missed the Bellchime Trail?"
I look to Ellie and see her staring at Kenji. I follow her stare and see the surprise on his face. More baffling, there is a tinge of pink rising up his neck, the sight of which sprouts a seed of anger in me.
"Walk? Um..." He rubs at the back of his head awkwardly and his strange laugh erupts from him.
"What walk?" Steven demands.
I want to discourage any interaction between Kenji and Ellie but when I turn back to her I take in the sorrow in her stare. I realise she needs this.
"To get some fresh air for the Pokemon," I explain, "and see how Ellie's Stantler is doing."
"Oh." Steven frowns and glances from Kenji to Ellie with suspicion. "There's no time."
Morty laughs. "You don't even know what time there is Steven, the boat could be hours away yet."
"Why don't you go check and we'll go to the beach?" I suggest.
Morty raises his eyebrows slightly as he stares back at me. There is something in his stare that suggests he knows more than he should and he gives me a smile.
"Oh that sounds wonderful, doesn't it boy? Yes, you'd like the sand wouldn't you?" Looker addresses his Growlithe.
"Sounds riveting," Koga comments sardonically. "Forgive me but I think I'll seek out breakfast instead and see you all at the docks."
The ninja heads towards the city briskly without waiting for an agreement.
"Odd fellow," Morty muses as he watches him go.
"Morty," Ellie addresses him solemnly. She wrings the scar in her hands and stares down at its ends. "Morty, you don't have to come. I know you have important things to do in Ecruteak City, you're a Gym Leader and you want to find Ho-oh. I don't want to take you away from that, especially not so far as Paldea."
"Ah Ellie." Morty steps up to her and ruffles her hair gently with one hand. "I see too many dark paths and you have already suffered far too much. I know the voids are getting worse for you and I want to help you fix them. Maybe we'll find some Legendary Pokemon in Paldea huh? Besides," he looks over to me and winks, "I already caught a vision of Larry serving me coffee so my journey to Paldea is sealed."
Ellie reaches out and hugs him. "Don't come," she begs in a tone so serious I feel an ache of sympathy for her, "everyone keeps getting hurt with me."
Morty reaches up to hug her back. "It's my choice Ellie not yours so don't you be burdened by it."
I wonder at the truth of Morty's words, there is no doubting that Lance coerced him into helping Ellie and I would wonder how Lance would take if Morty did not accompany her out of Johto. I don't think he would opt for violence with one of his Gym Leaders, probably just the same kind of disappointment and work overload for punishment that Geeta so often dishes out.
Ellie and Morty break and Morty gazes out to Olivine City before shooting Looker a mischievous smile. "I'm seeing a lot of rock pools and damp feet, be careful Looker."
"I always am," Looker answers smugly.
Morty nods. "Alright then. Steven and I will go check out the shipping schedule, you guys head to the beach, either we'll get you or you can meet us at the docks. Larry, you should really consider something other than a business suit, it's not exactly beach attire."
I shrug. It's not as if we are spending the day here.
"Ellie, will you be alright?" Steven makes his query sound like a plea.
"Yes," Ellie reassures him. "I'll find a nice stone for you."
Steven gives a faint smile at this and nods. "Okay, we'll see you soon."
We head down the main street together before splitting off. Looker, Kenji, Ellie and I head to the right with the early morning risers to the beach.
As we reach the beach, Ellie seizes Kenji's hand and sprints for the sand. Her Farfetch'd gives a frustrated squawk before pursuing them with several loud quacks and flaps of its wings.
"Wait a minute!" Looker and I protest at the same time.
We look over to each other in surprise. Looker's dark gaze is solemn as it meets mine. I frown back at him.
"Larry, when are you going to tell her?" he demands. "When you've got her in Paldea? Would that be fair?"
I consider it. I feel she would be safer there but Looker has a point, if she doesn't receive the news well she's nowhere to go, Paldea will be a foreign land to her now. Maybe that's why I want to wait because she won't be able to run from it, she'll have to stay with me. I realise I'm being selfish.
"I don't know how to tell her," I admit.
Looker sighs and raises a finger and thumb under his chin in a thoughtful manner. "Hmm, it has gone on very long, she'll probably feel betrayed in a manner but she might understand your reluctance, yes, maybe."
I shake my head. "Why doesn't she remember me?" I stare ahead accusingly to the Team Rocket Grunt she is frolicking with on the sand. "Why does she remember him?"
Kenji might be wearing jeans and a t-shirt with a Zubat on it and the caption 'You Drive Me Batty' but he still has something of the punk about him. He's said he's going straight back to Team Rocket after this, he's not remorseful or regretful over being with them, it's only Ellie he has any qualms about. Why does she remember someone like that so well but her own father is forgotten and presumed dead? Is it because I was in her life so little that she doesn't have much to remember?
I hear a low growl and look down to see the Growlithe tugging on Looker's trouser leg impatiently. For a moment I can see the Houndour puppy fighting with me over a shoe. I feel the Greavard's Poke Ball in my inner pocket but I can't reach for it.
Looker laughs and bends down to pat the fire Pokemon. "Alright, let's go then. Is your first time on a beach? I bet it is Officer Pawly!"
Looker stands up and heads for the beach and I follow.
Ellie pulls out a Poke Ball and presses a button to release it. Her Stantler emerges calmly. It sniffs the air and turns a curious gaze out to the sea before turning back to Ellie. She is looking at it in awe.
There is a loud, excitable trill and the fast beating of wings.
"Alright Batty, calm down now!"
Kenji's Golbat is out and flapping its wings so energetically I wonder if it might whip up a whirlwind. I don't think I've ever seen a Golbat so happy before.
Ellie looks over and laughs sweetly as the Golbat flaps its wings excitedly at Kenji and almost knocks him over with them. Shock consumes me as a gigantic tongue slides out of the Pokemon's wide, exposed mouth to soak Kenji with a disgusting lick.
Kenji squints as the saliva drips down him and reaches up a hand to pat the Pokemon.
"That is so gross!"
An early morning bather and her male companion are regarding the scene with disgust. The male has his hand up to his mouth as if he might vomit. I sympathise on a level.
"You're gross!" Kenji snaps at them childishly as his Golbat's wing beats become less frantic and it gives a dejected trill.
"Aww you are beautiful," Ellie says as she steps up to the bat Pokemon. "Your coat is a lovely shade of blue."
"Handsome but yes," Kenji murmurs. He is looking to Ellie curiously and I see him give a small smile that lacks the stinging mockery he usually has.
"Disgusting!" the bather continues to scorn. "What on earth would you have a Golbat on a beach for anyway? They belong in caves!"
"You belong in a cave you ugly bi-"
"Now, now!" Looker intervenes hastily. He steps in front of Kenji, blocking his view of the now furious bather. "This beach is big enough for us all, yes? We came to this spot first and no sign states Golbats shouldn't be here. Why not seek out a space on down?"
The bather frowns and looks to her sickly faced partner. "Let's go, the sand's probably got spit on it here anyway."
"Assholes," Kenji grumbles as they go.
Looker turns round to berate him. "You don't help matters you know! Less of the insults, suppose given your business it's no surprise."
Kenji raises his hands to his hips. "Less of them? Maybe I've had enough of them! Maybe Batty has and someone should defend him! He looks how he looks and I think it's great and he likes the sun you know!"
"That's a little odd for a Golbat but very well."
"Batty, I bet you've good sonar," Ellie muses, "can you help me find a special stone for Steven?"
The Golbat gives another excitable trill.
Ellie turns her attention back to the Stantler. "Do you want to help Lucky?" She steps up to the Stantler and extends a nervous hand out to it.
The Stantler leans forward and sniffs Ellie's hand before nuzzling it gently. I feel a rush of joy as Ellie's face lights up with the gesture.
I sit down on a flat rock to rest while Ellie, Kenji, their Pokemon and the Growlithe leave the sand to hunt amongst the rocks. Ellie's Farfetch'd does not assist, instead it stands back on the sand and gives an impatient quack every so often. Looker tries to help and ends up slipping into a rock pool and soaking his shoes for his troubles.
I am not happy to see how quickly Ellie grabs Kenji to pull him along as she points from one rock to another but I can't say anything, she's having fun.
The Growlithe gives a few barks alerting us to the arrival of Steven and Morty.
"The ship will be here in a few minutes," Steven announces, "let's go the docks."
I see Ellie looking to Kenji with dismay. He gives her a grin in response.
"I'll walk you up and wave bon voyage," Kenji says happily. "I hope you enjoy boat trips, I imagine I'd get sea sick."
"You've never been on one?" Ellie marvels.
"Hyuck-hyuck-hyuck, nah too cheap to spring for tickets, it's all walking and trains and flying on Batty for me."
Ellie hastens over to her brother and offers him a smooth, grey, pale blue speckled stone. It does not look particularly special and I don't think it has any properties to it. How odd then that I should be envious of Steven for receiving it.
"Do you like it?"
Steven stares down at it and accepts it with a smile. "It's perfect Ellie." He pockets it and stares past her to the Stantler. "Better get the Pokemon back in their balls then. All of them."
The Pokemon are recalled and we head up towards the docks. As we reach the pier we find it busy with passengers and sailors alike. Koga is standing there too.
He moves to greet us with a smile. "Well, shall we get some tickets then? I believe the S.S Isabella is docking in half an hour."
Steven nods agreeably and we head to a small office selling tickets. Once purchased, Koga persuades us to a nearby cafe on the main street. Steven is anxious and insists we sit on the tables outside although we don't have much of a view from here.
The coffee is cheap and salty and gives me an odd longing for home. I watch Ellie as I attempt to enjoy a salted caramel pastry. Will I tell her the truth on the ship? I have to tell her before Paldea otherwise she'll only learn it from someone else there. What will she think? What will Steven think?
Ellie only has eyes for Kenji but he's too busy offering up cookie crumbs to the Rattata poking out of the top of his t-shirt to notice.
"Right, let's go," Steven says impatiently as he jumps up from the table.
The ship will be a welcome relief from all this travelling. I wonder what it will be like being able to just sleep for a change.
"What's Paldea going to be like?" Ellie wonders. "Where will we go there?"
"With me," I offer instantly. I feel embarrassed as everyone looks to me at once.
"How hospitable of you Larry!" Morty enthuses cheerfully.
"It's only temporary," Steven mutters. "I'll contact Lance once we're there and he can update me about Team Rocket. We'll go back to Hoenn and get the Elite and Gym Leaders there to be on guard."
"They're still suffering from Team Aqua and Team Magma," Ellie says quietly.
Steven frowns. "Let's go."
We head towards the docks together and as we near them we see the approaching S.S Isabella. She is a grand ship, glistening white and sliding through the waves with ease. Her horn blows out in greeting as she docks.
"Well here's where I say adieu," Kenji says cheerfully. Despite his tone I think there is a hint of sorrow underlying it.
"Not quite," Koga says with a surprising brightness. He produces two tickets from somewhere inside his top. "I got you a ticket too. Do you really think Team Rocket won't know what you are up to? You are safer on the ship."
Kenji frowns up at the ninja. "You know I can't do that."
"It's temporary, consider an extended weekend there."
"It's a Wednesday."
"Super extended, then catch a ship back to Kanto, which will be safer for you."
"Please Kenji!" Ellie exclaims as she grabs at his arm.
Kenji stares up at the ship. I do the same and feel dubious about the proposal.
"What are we going to do in Paldea?" Steven grumbles. "It's a bad idea everyone going."
"You wanted protection," Koga reminds him. "Kenji, you can assist."
"You're bonkers," Kenji mutters.
Koga smiles again and nods. "Consider it a vacation then. Let's board, you'll have time to think about it before the ship leaves."
I shake my head even as Ellie pulls Kenji over to the boarding ramp. Is this really happening? Are we all going to Paldea now?
As I start to ascend I feel dread instead of joy. I'm getting what I came for, Mia is coming home but why do I feel so worried about it? Because there's a Team Rocket Grunt coming? It seems foolish and dangerous, it's unlikely he's been acting this whole time but how can I be certain?
"I don't want to bring him," Steven mutters to Morty. "Are you getting any foresight over it?"
"Nope but his Eevee evolved into a Sylveon for him, he can't be that bad and considering all Ellie's been through with them I'd say if she trusts him then he is trustworthy with regards to her anyway," Morty answers.
"He's a criminal," Looker complains, "we should've left him in a cell."
I agree but I don't say it. We're on the ship now, in a few more minutes we will be setting sail and I will have Mia safe again.
The time goes by swiftly. Ellie pulls Kenji about the deck, pointing out and marvelling at passing Goldeen and Horsea. I wonder if she can hear their thoughts from up here. How far is her range for that? I think of her fleeing to find silence in Ecruteak City, can she not block them out? I think as she scurries from one side to another of the deck that she just wants to keep Kenji from fleeing back down the gangplank.
When the plank is removed and the horn blows again I feel that odd dread rising up in me. What is it?
People cheer and wave from the deck enthusiastically as the ship disembarks. It doesn't seem very crowded and I expect it means good rooms and no fighting for decent portions at the buffet. The sun is shining, the mist is long gone and everything points to a good journey.
We are fifteen minutes out to sea when Steven suggests we investigate our rooms.
"Ah, perhaps not just yet," Koga says.
I look to him in puzzlement and wonder at his odd comment. He glances over his shoulder and smiles back.
I see several sailors approaching from behind him. I count six in total and wonder why they are all coming our way. Glimpsing the maniacal grin of one I realise I recognise him.
"Team Rocket!" I blurt it out as I reach for a Poke Ball.
I stare down at my waist in disbelief, my Poke Balls are gone!
Proton tosses off his sailor's hat to expose his vibrant green hair. "Hello again," he greets us smugly. "I'd say would you like a rematch but I think you're a little disadvantaged there."
"Where are they?" Steven snaps.
I see Steven and Morty patting themselves down frantically. Ellie and Kenji are doing the same.
"Where is my Growlithe's ball?" Looker cries in outrage.
Koga steps back to join the sailors flanking him only they aren't sailors. They have discarded their caps and tops to reveal their Team Rocket attire.
Koga smiles at us before laughing. Perhaps he didn't leave Team Rocket after all.