Lexi woke up with the clanging of hammers that morning. She covered her head with her pillow to try and sneak in a few more minutes of sleep, but eventually gave up and headed to the bathroom. Aiden had woken up as well and was groggily packing his bag.
''So, I guess our next stop is Bitis?'' Aiden inquired when she got back into the room.
''Yep. We better train a bit before we go. How far away is it?''
''Around four or five days of travel, if nothing goes wrong. And I need to stock up on some food, my backpack is nearly empty.''
''That's because you kept sharing with Arvo'' Lexi reminded him. ''Even after we got to the village.''
''Well, he hadn't been to Pandam yet and was interested in what the black and white cookie would taste like.'' Aiden defended himself, ''Why do you care?''
''I don't, you do whatever you want.'' Lexi shrugged, ''But this way your money is going to run out quick.''
(_)
After having a nice long breakfast themselves, Aiden and Lexi let out their pokémon inside a specially designed room in the Pokécenter, which had fake grass painted on the walls. There they gave the pokémon their food and Lexi spent some time brushing Serafine.
When they walked out of the Pokécenter half an hour later, they were immediately hit by a gust of sand.
''Gross,'' Aiden said, spitting on the ground.
He looked over to Lexi, who was busy wiping the sand from her eyes. ''Well, that's great. I don't think the battles will be much fun like this. We better go near the river or the hill, far away from those machines.''
''Yeah, I think I can see even less now then that time when I battled Jasper.'' Lexi blinked a few more times. She then nodded to Aiden that she was ready to go.
Just as they walked away from the PokéCenter, Lexi saw Arvo running to them. ''Hey guys, you won't believe what I just heard!'' Arvo almost fell down as he slipped on some sand. ''Police guys are walking around town talking to people about some waterfall they have here. Apparently it used to heal stuff but now it doesn't, and they think someone that came here for the event did something to it.''
''A shop owner mentioned a special waterfall yesterday, I wonder what happened to it. Why would anyone want to ruin it?''
Suddenly a soft voice interrupted their conversation and startled them all. ''Can I have your attention for a moment?''
Behind them stood a man in a blue uniform, holding a pen and clipboard. The man wore a limp hat with two triangles embraided into it. ''No need to jump around, I just want to ask some questions. Starting with your names.''
They all gave their names and the man swiftly jotted them down. He then asked them about their whereabouts the day before and their reason for visiting. ''Okay, that's all I need for now. I don't have the authority to keep you here, but it would greatly help our investigation if you all stay in Aster till we find the culprit that took away our waterfalls healing properties.''
''You don't have the authority? Well…then I'm not staying, I've got plans.'' Arvo stated, and Lexi could see the man's face fall.
''Why don't you have the authority?'' Lexi questioned.
''Well, I'm not part of the police. The police doesn't find the issue with the waterfall important enough. Not the first time we had this problem…'' the man huffed, ''A small group of people, including me, set up a neighbourhood watch to do something about the stuff the police doesn't want to waste their energy on. And one of these things is the waterfall. I have lived here for more than a two years now, the waterfall is a special part of Aster and we as residents of this village need to protect it.''
Lexi looked at the determined expression on the man's face and softly nudged Aiden when the man left to question someone else, ''Can we not stay here another day, just to help him out a little? He seems really upset and no one takes him seriously.''
''You really want to stay here just to make him feel better?'' Arvo raised an eyebrow, ''Is that not a bit sad, he's a grown man.''
Lexi face turned red when she noticed he overheard her. Nevertheless she looked Arvo straight in the eye as she replied. ''Just because he is an adult doesn't mean that he doesn't have feelings, you were really rude!''
Arvo looked surprised, ''Rude? How? I'm not going to let my plans be ruined just because the man wants me to stay. If there would have been a real problem and he would have been a real policeman, it would be different. But as he said himself, the police don't find it serious enough, so why should I?'' Arvo responded, ''If you really want to help him why don't you just try and find the culprit yourself?''
''Well maybe I will!'' Lexi nearly shouted.
Arvo shrugged before walking away towards the fountain. ''Good luck, I'm packing my bags.''
Aiden looked at Lexi, who was still frowning. ''Are you really going to try and find the culprit?''
Lexi sighed and pushed a strand of hair out of her eyes. ''I don't know. I mean, Arvo just got on my nerves a bit. But now I said I would do it so…I should at least do a little. And I feel bad for the neighbourhood watch guy,''
Lexi and Aiden looked at the man in uniform, who was busy questioning a construction worker.
''So, you're going to stay here till he gives you the all clear?''
''Yeah, it feels mean not to. He is trying his best and has only treated us kindly, I think he would really appreciate it.''
''Okay, then I guess we better get started at solving the crime,' Aiden said with a wink, ''Where do you want to start?''
Lexi smiled and thought for moment. ''Let's check the waterfall, see if we can find any clues there. Maybe there are footprints or suspicious items?''
Lexi and Aiden walked to the foot of the hill, where the waterfall loudly splashed down. The pool existed out of a simple rock formation which temporarily trapped the water inside before letting it pour out the left side, creating a small river which would eventually merge with the big lake next to the village. The stream of water originated from a natural gap inside the hill and flowed down a winding path of rocks before plunging into the pool.
There were only a handful of people, but all of them looked worried. A boy with a teddiursa in his arms turned around when he heard them, ''Is there any new information?''
Lexi shook her head, slightly surprised at the sudden interaction.
''Why haven't they solved it yet?'' the boy huffed in annoyance and then walked back to the village.
''Okay…'' Lexi shrugged and pointed to the waterfall, ''Shall we start?''
Lexi and Aiden started either end and worked their way to the middle.
''Found anything?'' Lexi asked.
''Other than a ton of footprints? No, not any objects or damaged parts, I don't think we're going to find anything here.''
''This would have been easier if I went by here yesterday, then I could notice differences.''
''There must be something different, the color, the taste? We should ask around.'' Aiden decided.
Lexi and Aiden approached anyone who was still near the waterfall and learned that the water used to have a minty taste that would make people feel refreshed, hence why many people came here each morning before work.
''Wait a second, could you help me?'' Lexi climbed up the side of the stone basin and hovered over the pool of water, while Aiden tried his hardest to not let her drop in. She reached as high as she could inside the waterfall and caught some water in her cupped hand. She quickly took a sip. ''Hm, not a trace of mint, that means that the issue isn't inside the pool.''
''So, you are actually helping the guy.''
The sudden voice startled both of them and Lexi was just able to pull herself back before falling face first in the basin. She turned around to face Avro, who grinned and shook his head. ''I didn't think you'd actually do it. Why are you wasting your time? Why not spent it training your pokémon, I'll let you battle my new roselia.''
''No, thank you. I have better things to do, so stop interrupting me.'' it came out a little harsher than Lexi intended, but Arvo didn't seem the slightest bit bothered.
''Your loss. What about you Aiden?''
Aiden looked a little uncomfortable but then put a hand on Lexi's shoulder. ''Sorry, I told Lexi I'd help her, maybe we can fight later today?''
''Oh, okay,'' Arvo voice sounded a little higher but his face was as unbothered as before. ''Maybe we can lunch together. I'll be at the Pokémon Center in an hour.'' Arvo turned around and left.
''So, the water'' Aiden said, trying to pick up the conversation again. ''It might not be easy figuring out where the waterfall originates. It could be from a spring on top of the hill, but it could also be ground water. I don't think we can ask Pero to dig to the core of the hill.''
Lexi nodded but couldn't help feeling a bit discouraged by Arvo's words. Aiden could see he didn't have her full attention. ''Everything okay? You seem a bit distracted. Do you want to continue investigating?''
''Yeah I do, it's just…'' Lexi searched for the right words but their conversation got interrupted again.
''Hey! Hello there, I heard there were people asking questions around the waterfall. I guess I have some little helpers!'' It was the man with the blue uniform. He smiled widely and saluted them. ''I am so happy you understand the gravity of the situation. Have you discovered anything?''
The man's cheery disposition and supportive words made Lexi feel better and she quickly tried to catch him up on everything they had discovered. ''Well we noticed the water tastes different, less minty. And we searched for anything out of the ordinary but nothing really stood out.''
''There was no noticeable damage or strange items. So now we wanted to try and see where the source of the water is, so we can inspect it better.'' Aiden added.
''Hm..'' the man held his chin as he thought, ''I believe the water is underground, inside the hill, we won't be able to access it unless we start digging. But why do you think that is the area we need to search? An area so far away from the part reachable for humans? Or do you think a trainer might have sent a pokémon in to ruin the healing water… yeah, that must be it!''
''Oh, we kinda ruled out foul play and were busy trying to find other causes.'' Lexi admitted.
The man looked at them inquisitively ''Hm, no foul play you say? That could be a possibility, but it would make finding the solution a lot more difficult. This requires a lot more investigation…... Could you maybe go to Maurine, she lives in the house with number 6 on it.''
''Why, does she have some kind of special device, or maybe a crime scene kit'' Aiden asked enthusiastically.
''Oh no, Maurine is my wife. I haven't been able to eat yet today, could you ask her to make me something? We'll meet back up at the fountain.'' The man winked.
''Is he serious?'' Aiden asked as they both watched the man make his way to the nearest house.
Lexi shrugged and pointed to a line of houses. ''Sounded like it. I guess we just start counting?''
Because of Lexi's little stroll the day before, they knew that only three of the five streets had homes. They were able to find the house on the second street they tried, which was the furthest from the river. The road had noticeably less sand and tire marks on it, and the roofs had a considerable amount of filth on them, so Lexi concluded this was probably the first street they build.
House number six looked the same as the other houses except for the metal sculptures which decorated the outside of the building. Lexi squinted as she looked at the one next to the door. ''What do you think it's meant to resemble?''
''Don't know, a pikachu biting its tail?'' Aiden knocked on the door and a curly haired woman opened.
''Hi, can I help you two?'' The woman looked quizzingly at them.
''Hello, my name is Aiden and this is Lexi. We're helping your husband with something, and he asked us if we could go here and get some lunch for him.''
''Oh did he?'' the woman looked amused. ''Well, I guess I can make something. I take it that you have already eaten?''
''Uh, no. We were planning on doing that later.'' Lexi answered.
''Later can turn into evening if you let my husband lead the way. Why don't you come and join me, I was busy with my own lunch. Young trainers need to eat.''
''How do you know we're trainers?''
''Your jacket?'' The lady pointed to Aiden's badges.
''Oh yeah, forgot I put them there.''
The front door opened right into the living room, which was filled with many different styles of chairs. The walls were painted in light vibrant colors, giving the room an open and roomy feeling. They entered the kitchen through a bead curtain and sat down as Maurine grabbed extra plates. The lunch was simple with little fresh produce, which probably had to do with the lack of farms nearby.
Lexi gobbled up her lunch, but Aiden, much to her dismay, was calmly enjoying it. Lexi looked at her watch and fidgeted with her hands before eventually kicking him under the table. Aiden gave her an annoyed look and Lexi frowned back, motioning to the door.
''Is something wrong?'' Maurine asked.
Lexi quickly stopped frowning and blushed a little. ''I..I'm just a little worried we're going to be late. What if your husband is waiting for us?''
''Don't worry sweetie, I'll make his food in a few minutes. Knowing Harold, he won't be on time himself. There is no need to hurry.''
''Your husband told us that he was part of neighbourhood watch, but we seem to be the only ones working with him. Do you know why that is?'' Lexi asked Maurine.
''Oh there are others, but Dean's sister needed a ride to Bitis Village so he is gone till the end of the day, Cooper is ill and both Everett and Audrey have work today. So that leaves only Harold, he honestly wouldn't have gone out if he didn't feel like this was serious enough. He hates working alone.''
Maurine looked at her watch and then stood up. ''I better get started on Harold's lunch.''
(_)
A few minutes later Aiden and Lexi exited the house with Harold's lunch in a small bag and went on their way to the fountain. The workmen and women were gone to eat lunch as well, it seemed, as the air was for once not filled with the sound of drills and hammers.
Lexi could see the top of the fountain above the roofs of the houses, they were nearly there.
''Excuse me, could you possible help me with something?'' A lady with grey hair and a long brown sweater held her hand up as they passed.
Aiden turned to Lexi ''We kinda have to help an old lady right?''
Lexi looked ahead, what if Harold was there already? ''Yeah, sure. You go first, I'll be right back''. Lexi quickly jogged a little further till she could see the fountain. There were around twenty people, but none of them had the very recognizable blue uniform on.
''I'm back! He wasn't there yet.'' She huffed as she joined Aiden at the door.
''Okay. This is Mrs. Gaazon, she said she dropped something.''
Mrs. Gaazon looked very worried and pointed inside her house. ''I dropped two picture frame's behind my cupboard, and I'm not able to get them back. If I get down to reach under it, I'm afraid I'm not able to get up again.''
''Don't worry, we'll help'' Aiden reassured. Lexi followed them both into the house. The layout of the house was the same as Maurine's, but the walls were painted in an even dark brown color and there was almost no decoration on them. The furniture was a mix of old and new, the biggest contrast being the immaculate white modern table which had two faded and greasy five headed candleholders placed on it.
Aiden dropped down on his belly and pulled out to picture frames, which were covered in dust. He took the cloth which Mrs. Gaazon had left on the cupboard began cleaning them. Lexi inspected the first picture as Aiden put the frame back down. She could see a man and woman posing with two boys. The tallest of them was blonde and looked straight into the camera, but his, probably, younger brother was glancing upwards. The second one was in black and white, and showed a young man standing in front of a building with the Gym sign in front of it.
''Thanks you so much! Here have some cookies.'' Mrs. Gaazon put a platter on the small table next to them. ''I couldn't have done it without you. Go, sit, and enjoy.''
Both Lexi and Aiden still had some room in their stomach after the small lunch, so they politely sat down. The cookies were a bit dry but tasted great, Lexi quickly took another.
''It's so nice to have people over. It has been pretty dull the last few weeks, both my boys are busy with their work.'' Mrs. Gaazon cleaned the top of the cupboard again before carefully placing the pictures back.
''Oh hey, is that the Complete Uniqui Handbook?'' Aiden walked around the couch and walked to a neatly organized bookcase. ''My bookstore back home always had that book in the window, but I was never able to afford it. Could I possibly read a bit?''
''Of course, read as much as you like! It was my sons favourite book, he used to read it to me when I was making dinner,'' she stared in the distance a bit, probably thinking about the past.
Aiden pulled the thick book out of the bookcase and quickly started reading, but when Mrs. Gaazon back went to the kitchen to get more cookies, Lexi nudged him. ''We don't have time for this, we're already late!''
''Then go alone.'' Aiden said slightly annoyed. Lexi hesitated for a moment but then stood up.
''Do you need to use the restroom dear?''
Lexi turned to Mrs. Gaazon, who just came out of the kitchen with even more cookies. ''Oh, no, it's just. I'm just going to be late for an appointment. So, I'll have to go now.'' Lexi apologised.
''Well if you two are going then let me pack you some of those cookies, I've baked way too many!''
Aiden looked up from the book, ''Oh, I'm not going, if you don't mind. I would really like to read more.''
Mrs. Gaazon looked at the book and tilted her had like she was thinking. ''Well, we can't have that. You know, I was thinking about sending the book to my son, but I got in a bit of a… disagreement, with the postman, and now I don't really trust him to deliver it with the care it deserves. You have already proven yourself more helpful and trustworthy, so I propose this: You deliver this book to my son in Grus, and in exchange, you may read it the whole way there.'' Mrs. Gaazon looked quite pleased with her own problem solving, and held out her hand expectantly.
Aiden smiled and shook it. ''Deal, thank you so much.''
Mrs. Gaazon quickly wrote a note to her son which they could give together with the book, and both trainers walked to the fountain with their backpacks filled with cookies. Even with their little detour they were still well in time at the fountain.
Harold joined them five minutes later, with his hair slightly messy and hauling a big bag, small shovel and blue pokéball. ''Hello there kids! I got some things that could help us find the culprit...uhm…I mean the cause. Let's start at the waterfall again, I have all kinds of gadgets this time.'' Harold shook his bag.
''Hey, I thought we would lunch together?''
Lexi jumped a little at Arvo's sudden appearance and hard tone. Aiden seemed less alarmed but did have a apologetic look on his face. ''Sorry dude, I didn't really pay attention to the time.
''Well, can we at least battle?''
''Uh, yeah, sure'' Aiden turned to Lexi, ''You don't mind right? I don't really want to blow him off again, and I'll come back right after. You and Harold might even work better without me.' he joked.
''I guess,'' Lexi shrugged half-heartedly and the boys walked away.
''I don't know we had upgraded to a first name bases?'' Harold laughed.
''Oh, your wife told us your name. Would you rather have me call you sir, or mister?
''No, it's okay. You're my colleague after all, the only one that wants to help bring justice, or…just answers. Either way, I have a lot of gear that will probably be useful, including a machine that I borrowed from the Pokémon Center. It is normally used for water pokémon, so it can not only register temperature, oxygen and salinity, but also analyse a whole host of other things. I had to collect some favours for that one. And,'' Harold held up the pokéball,'' a little friend to help us track the water. Swinub are famous for being able to find hot springs, but I'm sure he'll be able to find cold water as well. Shall we go?''
Lexi smiled and nodded before following Harold towards the hill. She was happy that Harold appreciated her help and curious what they would find. But still, she couldn't help but feel disappointed that she had to do it without Aiden.