It was thirteen months ago when Prema Kannagi met Nori Carino. There were a number of disgruntled members of the shrine who would say that he had barged into her life. Those who found favor in him, including Prema herself, would say something to the same effect. However, they would use a more positive term and place the emphasis upon the curtains he opened. Moreover, the circumstances behind their first meeting as well as their second could be called nothing short of fate. There was no one in her life quite like Nori, and she was as thankful for him as he was for her.

It was obvious from the moment she saw her friend standing before the door of the shrine that something was troubling him. He was tense, wary, and not direct as he often was. Her reaction to the reason behind this had been reflexive. She had not intended to show her shock so overtly, let alone worry him further. With haste, she folded her hands and lightly bowed.

"Forgive me," she beseeched, albeit in a hushed tone. He only contracted further, wincing in dread, before she scooted closer and reassured him, "It is okay, Nori." It was all she could think to say.

"Nothing about this is okay," he fussed, clutching at himself and gripping the capsule tighter. He was wearing an orange and white t-shirt with beige-colored cargo pants. "I have a Pokemon that everyone is going to hate, and it's aquatic on top of that!"

That was true. His phobia aside, Prema knew that it was an ordeal to train water-dwelling Pokemon to adapt out of water. The shrine's own Priest Warutsu – one of her battling instructors and the former Gym Leader of Celestic Town before he was given the duty of heading the original shrine – had a number of such Pokemon, including an Overqwil.

"Did you want my help with training?" she speculated, albeit with a measure of unease. For all intents and purposes, he was more skilled and learned than she was. But if he needed support, she would be willing to do her best. After all, part of her duties were to help Pokemon and trainers in need.

"I…guess if you can? Want?" With a hum, he rubbed his chestnut-colored hair with the tips of his fingers. He was as uncertain of it as she. He leaned toward her. "Actually, I wanted you to be there when I meet her for the first time."

For her to perform an assessment, no doubt. However, there were a few visitors scattered about. Truth be told, Prema had been keeping an eye on them to make sure they were not prying. "Perhaps doing so here would not be best."

"I know," he replied, shuffling his hands. "What about our spot?" He glanced over his shoulder at the tree line.

Their spot? It took her a moment to realize what he meant. There was a forested trail behind the shrine where Prema often went to get quiet and fresh air. It was off limits to most individuals. The first time they went there together was when their bond deepened, and when they learned they could trust each other with anything. It was effectively a private place for them to speak, in lieu of Nori entering the shrine.

"It could work," she admitted. "However…" She made a sidelong glance at the shrine. There was a problem which made it not ideal.

"But what?" he asked, apparently none the wiser about the flaw in his plan.

Prema cleared her throat. Nori fidgeted with uncertainty over her hesitation. She opened her mouth, stopping when she felt a prickle on her neck. This should have been easy to explain, so why was she faltering? She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and attempted to address him as if she were giving a speech to a crowd. "When we raise and bond with Pokemon, we must be aware of their preferred habitats."

"Yeah, that's going to be a problem," he cut in. So he had already realized. Prema looked up at him, the tension in her loosening. "I don't know if they're trained out of water, and they'll probably be more comfortable in it anyway. But I…you know how I do there."

"Yes. Forgive me. I did not mean to imply pressuring you." Prema could not claim to have a phobia, but she was aware of many who did. She was aware that it was not necessarily simple to overcome them. Even hypnotherapy had flaws and limitations, not to mention that suppressing traumatic memories (if they were the root cause) was not an avenue some wished to pursue.

"I didn't think you were." He tilted his head back and eyed over his shoulder. "Besides, the only water I see here is back there, and well. It's too small and that'd ruin the purifying stuff." He chuckled.

She could not help but frown. There was nothing funny about using the chōzu-ya. Besides the issues he was aware of, he would be in all sorts of trouble if he were to do so. Why even consider something as that?

"It was a joke." He shrugged and smirked. Prema could admit she had trouble with those. "If I can avoid it, I'd like to try. If not…"

He trailed off. Prema guessed what his next words would be. "There will be nothing to do but do it?" It was a mantra of his.

Nori raised a thumb. "Exactly," he said with a grin before standing. He stretched his arms over his head, placed his hands together, and cracked his knuckles. "We should get moving if we want to get this done."

Prema did so as well. "Yes, let us go." Visiting their spot would no doubt attract attention in itself, but it would only be a matter of time before word of his assignment spread. He had not explicitly said so, yet Prema inferred he wished to enjoy these moments of peace before that happened. "We will simply need to let our Pokemon know."

"So they don't get worried, right." He turned to them and shouted, "Hey, Pachi!"

The pair halted their play at once. Pachi hurried over after a short exchange, with Shu not that far behind. Her Pokemon was quick for his species, even if he was not deft.

"Me and Prema are gonna go see You-Know-Who," Nori told Pachi as the squirrel sat wagging his tail before them. "Just letting you know, so you don't worry."

Pachi looked back at Shu, and Shu at Pachi. The two nodded in unison and widened their eyes. The former put his paws together while the latter batted his eyelashes. Together, they made a plea.

Nori rubbed his head. "What?"

Although Prema could not understand the words of Pokemon without the use of her abilities, which involved focus and meditation, theirs were clear enough given the context. "It appears that they wish to accompany us." It was of little surprise that they had an interest in meeting Qwilfish as well.

Her friend scratched his left cheek and adjusted his hair. "Yeah, it's a good idea," he admitted as he stretched to the tips of his feet. He suddenly dropped. "I think. Right?" He spun to her for answers.

She folded her hands. "The presence of other Pokemon would more than likely be beneficial. In particular, since you are this Qwilfish's new trainer, meeting a Pokemon that is attached to you might help put her mind at ease."

"Then that's even better." He clenched his fists and threw his elbows back. "Let's go!"

Nori started off with swagger. Prema could not help but giggle a little, especially as the two Pokemon marched right in behind him. Despite what others might believe, she felt that deep down, he had a certain purity of heart. It was a little endearing, actually. She dutifully followed behind him and the Pokemon.

If taming a Pokemon was as simple as throwing a Poke Ball, being compassionate, and having talent at raising them, Nori's position would not be necessary. The truth was that there were ones who required a more specialized or creative touch. Evidently, the Officials had thought that this Qwilfish was such a Pokemon. Prema had to admit that she was curious as to how they had come to that conclusion.

Their spot, as Nori had referred to it, was a small grove in the trail behind the shrine. Since it was the middle of October, the forest floor had red and yellow leaves scattered about. Many more were periodically drifting down from the canopy. Prema was uncertain who had been cleaning them up prior, but if it was not by the Pokemon of the forest, it would be something for them to do later on into the season.

The only notable feature of their spot was a fallen tree along one side, which provided a place to sit. There were a few chutes of grass and some small stones in the dirt of the semicircular clearing. It was otherwise nondescript.

"Well, we're here," said Nori as he glanced all around them. "I guess we shouldn't waste any time getting ready."

Prema nodded her approval. "When you are prepared for it, Nori. There is no need to rush yourself."

He looked at her, then at their Pokemon. Both Pachi and Shu nodded at him. Shu even chirped a short tune. It was of little surprise to Prema. Shu was always the type to care for others, particularly those close enough that he could call them a friend.

It brought a light beam to the Pokemon Rehabilitator's lips. "Thanks, guys," he said. Nori retrieved Qwilfish's capsule. His gaze momentarily went to a dip in the ground. "Puddle, no, won't work," he mumbled. Prema had considered the possibility. As he had realized as quickly as he thought of it, none of their Pokemon could use a Water-type move to do so. With no more hesitation besides a whisper of, "Here we go, Nori," to himself, he gave the ball a gentle underhand toss.

As the ball sailed to the ground, Prema readied herself. As a diviner, she was familiar with the dilemma before them. All aquatic Pokemon are capable of breathing oxygen. Some believed this was a gift by the master of the ocean, if not the Original One so that they might live on the surface with humanity. Yet much as one born above the surface needed to learn to swim, they needed to learn to move on dry land. It was an ordeal for both the Pokemon and their trusted trainers (if they had one), with no single solution even among members of the same species.

It was one of those Pokemon that emerged before them. Qwilfish immediately flopped to the forest floor like a falling Cherubi. She was a female, judging from the length of her spines. As she desperately wriggled in attempt to move, squealing all the while, Nori's mouth fell agape and his chest caved inward. He looked helplessly at the sight before them. His cherry-like retinas were clouded over. Prema felt her pulse start to quicken. Before either of them could react or say anything, their Pokemon sprang into action.

With a crescendoing chirp, Shu flew to the side of Qwilfish. Pachi was following until Nori shouted, "Wait, it could be dangerous!" His Pokemon stopped instantly and shouted to hers, and before Prema could think about doing the same, Shu was over there.

The pink bird squawked concern as Qwilfish tried to right herself. When she saw the Spritzee right beside her, she let out a gurgle. Her body stiffened and she sucked in air. She let it out almost instantly with a cry, the force making her bump into the Fairy-type.

When her friend began to falter and sputter, Prema took a step forward. "Shu!" she shouted.

Nori threw out an arm, aimed the Dive Ball, and fired the beam to recall his Pokemon. His reaction was swift and likely instinctive. His aim was precise, even while Qwilfish was flopping as if she was using Splash. He cut a striking figure before rushing to the aid of the injured Pokemon; Prema was only a half-step behind.

Pachi was the first to reach Shu, but they were there less than two seconds later. Prema scooped her Pokemon into her arms. "He is suffering from poison. Only a minor case," she assessed. It was most likely the Poison Point ability that had caused it. Shu was tougher than he appeared, but that did not mean it was a pleasant feeling.

"Do you have an Antidote?" Nori asked.

She shook her head. "No. I have Pecha Berries, however."

Her friend nodded and pulled a small vial of yellow fluid from his right pocket. "I'll use mine anyway, since my assignment did this."

Prema reached into the inner pockets of her robe. "No, it was my suggestion that our Pokemon be out." She had considered the possibility of injury, and surely Nori did as well. However, she should have warned Shu sooner.

While still cradling Shu, she held the pink berry in front of his beak. He wasted no time leaning forward and snapping it down in one bite. It took about eight seconds for the effects to take hold, first easing the pain, then neutralizing the toxins as the enzymes rapidly broke them down.

"Jeez," Nori muttered. "What you were thinking, rushing in there like that?" Pachi seemed to echo the same sentiment, although he expressed it with far more compassion. He came running to her and looked up at Shu.

"Shu, I know you were only trying to help," Prema consoled, patting him on his tuft. "I am relieved that your injury was minor. Yet it might have been far worse if she had chosen to do something more drastic."

Shu groaned and turned his gaze away. He quietly chirped an apology.

"That being said," she said, gently lowering him to the ground to see his friend. "I am relieved that you are okay."

Pachi patted Shu on the beak, while giving what sounded like advice. The two Pokemon hugged, with the squirrel giving the Fairy-type a hearty clap on the back. It made Prema smile, but Nori had turned off to the side. He was staring vacantly at the sea-blue ball, which he held in front of his face.

"Nori?" She approached him. "Are you all right?"

"I'm fine. But I recalled her on impulse," Nori admitted what Prema had expected as he pocketed the capsule. He rolled an ankle and sighed. "Probably not good to send her out again right away. So much for meeting her. A girl, you said?"

"Yes, she is female. I believe recalling her was the correct decision." It was to her understanding that he had been trained to recall his assignments at the first sign that they might endanger innocents.

Shu repeated his chirps. Prema understood what he was attempting to convey from hearing the pattern before and his languid posture. She translated. "Shu apologizes, as do I. I should have warned him as you did Pachi."

Her friend shrugged and smiled. "I guess having them out did hurt after all," he found a bit of humor in the situation.

Prema chuckled. "I suppose so. Again, I apologize." She folded her hands and bowed lightly.

"It's fine, no use stressing. Anyway, what did you think?" he inquired, putting his hands together. "Even if it was like, for fifteen seconds."

It was brief, but more than enough for her to go on. "I sensed no malice from her," Prema stated. The priestess was uncertain of how else to put it but simply, "She was frightened and confused."

He straightened his posture and put his hands on his hips. "I thought she would be," he boasted with a broad smile on his lips.

Prema blinked slowly. "You did?"

Nori nodded. "Prema, I'm trained in reading Pokemon too. Not like you, but still. I saw the video, she looked scared and lost even then, and being abandoned would hit anyone hard." He placed a hand on the back of his head and glanced up at the canopy. "Glad to know I was right."

The video, yes. Prema had not watched the program in question, but she had heard of the events. So he knew what to expect from this meeting based on logic and instinct. Was she mistaken about why he had asked for her aid? What was with his sudden confidence and boisterous demeanor?

"Nori," she asked, again folding her hands and pressing them against her stomach. "Forgive my asking, and I would like to make clear that I do not mind if there is no practical reason for your showing me her. But I am curious as to your intentions in coming here to do so."

"Hey, there's a couple reasons!" He raised a thumb and winked. "It wasn't just to come see you. Even though that was part of it."

"As I thought you had," she paraphrased his earlier words. He had implied as such. "If I may help in any way, please do not hesitate to ask." It was her duty not just to a Pokemon in need, but as a friend.

Nori's arms went slack. "Thanks, I'll keep that in mind. Like with helping me train her if I really need it." That was an idle supposition on her behalf, although one she was willing to commit herself to if requested. Nori thought for a few moments before asking, "I guess I should, since you're offering. Did you sense anything peculiar from her? Anything that stood out?"

Prema gently closed her eyes. "I was unable to get enough of a read on her." If there were any intricacies to the emotions of Qwilfish, they were being drowned out by her panic. "Anything I say would be speculation."

"Well, what's your speculation?"

She shook her head. "It would be unbecoming of me to make too many assumptions about an individual." Prema was not about to judge this Qwilfish based off one meeting when she was not of sound mind. "That said, I will say that I believe the cause of her distress was due to the circumstances. Shu exacerbated the issue, but did not change the result."

Nori turned away. "Yeah," he conceded. "A middle of a forest with two people and two Pokemon, far away from where she was. I at least hope they talked to her before sending her to me, but I don't know their protocol with that. All I know is she was caught in the lake by the camerawoman, so if she went from there to here…"

Prema did not respond as quickly as she wished. It was difficult to tell Nori this. She did not want to offend him, so she chose her words carefully. "When you next meet with her, it would be for the best if it was in an environment more suited for her."

He hung his head. "I know," he said quietly, folding his hands over his sternum.

She walked in front of him, a meter apart. "I understand that it will be difficult for you."

"It will be, it will be. But!" he chimed in, waving his right hand in tune with his words. He paused for two seconds, a finger raised before he dropped it and turned away. "I'll…figure something out that'll work for us both."

The priestess smiled and nodded. "I know you will, Nori."

The encouragement brightened his face. "Thanks, Prema," he said, giving a light bow of his own. "Appreciate you doing this."

"You are welcome, although I believe my presence caused more harm than good for the reasons we discussed." She had yet to actually do anything to help besides give positive reinforcement. Granted, sometimes that was the best thing you could do for someone.

"Don't be silly, you did plenty good," he told her. "I wanted someone around just in case anything bad happened, and you're the only one I can ask to do this stuff."

"In case anything bad happened to you, I see." That was sensible. He asked her for a second opinion as well as a safeguard. It was now all in perspective. "Then I am glad to have helped."

He looked down the trail. "I guess we should head back, now that we're done."

"Yes," she concurred. "Shu, let us go."

The four of them set out once more. The Pokemon chattered excitedly. As they went back onto the trail, Nori had a question for her.

"Do you think she'll be fine?" He pressed his index fingers together. "Qwilfish with me, that is."

Prema again did not reply straight away. That was difficult to answer. There was no guarantee. He was certainly aware that not every Pokemon would accept anyone. Just because he had tamed the Nidorina known as the Demon and made significant steps with the Pawniard once owned by the Blackout Killer did not mean he could gain the trust of anything. That was not what she was worried about, however.

"Prema?" Nori paused in his tracks, his widening gaze locked on her.

"I was thinking of how to word it," she made it clear. "I believe that she should be if you put in the necessary effort. But will you be able to care for an aquatic Pokemon like her?" Would he be fine with Qwilfish, in other words?

"I don't know," he quickly and openly admitted. "I'll just have to try."

Prema approved. Sometimes, that was all a Pokemon Trainer could do.

"Do you think he will, friend?" Shu asked Pachi.

"Of course!" the squirrel boasted. Nori was a great trainer, even if he, or a ton of other people really, didn't seem to think so. But there was something else. "Eee, by the way. Did you understand what the spiny sphere was saying?"

Shu flapped his wings in front of him. "It sounded like hums and screams to me."

"I thought it was kind of like bipping and booping."

"It did sound like it now that you say it!" Shu squeaked a giggle

Pachi twitched his tail. It wasn't like Pokemon all spoke the same language; they had four common ones in fact. So Shu didn't know hers either? It was a long shot anyway. Pachi would've loved to help Nori out with some words to their new Fenadh, but would he be able to? Did she know any of theirs?