It's nice having Gwen look after Elliot today, I think I really needed the break. He's the best boy a mom could ask for, but…well sometimes I just don't know where all that energy comes from.

While they're out with some of Gwen's team in Bedrock Town, looking for any leads about that book, the rest of us are trying to find answers here, while also taking in some of the sights. Gwen was in a huff this morning—she'd gone down to reception before we even woke up, asking after Delcatty. Turns out she had some kind of emergency and is supposedly going to be away for a few days. Needless to say she wasn't happy about it. I agree, it's frustrating, but it is nice to have a little free time to explore the Center.

I still can't get over the scale of this place. It's like it's own self-contained city—it has everything! There's an incredibly detailed map carved into one of the trees in the lobby—in addition to the various dorms for explorers and visitors, they have schools, training arenas, the oh-so famous Artifacts Wing, shops, and even a hospital.

"Oh yeah, that's where Gwen and I woke up!" Seviper says when I point it out. "It took me a minute to understand it was her though. I'll be honest, it's all still a little weird…"

It is for me too…I still can't believe I can talk to her without the aid of Rotom's 'translations' (which were dubious at best based on how often she'd have to dodge Seviper's tail after one). But I'm definitely glad we have this opportunity, however limited it might be. I was never much in the training scene myself…not like Gwen anyway. I never even intended to get one pokemon…but when I saw her hurt in the wild one day…I couldn't just leave her there. As she regained her strength, neither of us really had the heart to say goodbye, so we just…became a team.

After we were reunited I asked her about it, what left her injured that fateful day, to which she replied it was a zangoose attack. It's always a zangoose attack; we've had 'incidents' too many times to count, but one of those was how I met Gwen, so I guess it's not been all bad. "Why do you do it? Try to attack every time you see one?" I asked—I vaguely know there's something instinctual about it, but it would be interesting to hear her side. She thought about it, eventually coming up with, "I dunno, I can't really help it. Neither can they...but it's nothing personal or anything." "Well no funny business here, 'k?" I said jokingly. She's usually such a sweet pokemon…but to get so vicious over nothing more than a…feeling she can't explain? It's so weird. I guess some pokemon are just…like that.

Ever since our very first meeting, we've been inseparable, but being able to talk to her like this? I'll admit, losing that will be a big downside of going home. I wonder how Gwen adjusted, returning home and not being able to understand her team anymore? Although I guess that's why she got Rotom that Pokédex, it was better than nothing. And anyway, what else could she do about it? Other than her 'attempts' to teach Serperior how to write—she told me about first trying—and failing—when they were younger. It's sweet, really, and an…interesting idea, which, even now, seems to have limited success (last I saw he could half-legibly scrawl out his name).

It's been interesting communicating with Gwen's team too. I'm of course used to Rotom—she's the same as ever—but I'm still adjusting to speaking with the other three.

Dragalge seems to be the most sensible, and I'm steadily getting more comfortable talking to them. They've really been there for me through all this, and really seem to understand all my reservations, confusion, everything. I've felt we've become a lot closer, more than we ever could have back home. Noivern, despite being fully evolved, still seems very young in some ways. I don't know what it is, he just has a way of fumbling things…but the way he thinks and speaks…it's clear he has a heart of gold. Gwen told me how he was originally her old boss' pokemon, but that he'd been deemed 'too weak,' until the whole incident here…and after that he was 'too unruly,' so he was 'gifted' to Gwen. Despite all the hardship and rejection he faced, he's still come out as a very kind, gentle pokemon. And Serperior…well, he was always a little difficult. In the time I've known Gwen, I think could probably count the times he's been in his pokeball on one (human) hand. He just has a knack of getting in the way and butting heads with Seviper (over what I'm never sure—but it usually ends in her rushing to me tearfully while he levels a fearsome glare her way). But I can tell he's always looking out for Gwen, so maybe I can cut him some slack back home.

Or maybe not. It depends how often I lift the covers to find him asleep in our bed. Gwen tells him off, but I don't think he's particularly bothered.

We're standing in the lobby now, not quite sure where to begin. "Maybe we could ask some of the exploration teams if they know anything about traveling between worlds?" Dragalge suggests, "even a half remembered story someone heard in a distant town could be valuable."

"Now there's an idea! All the explorers have those badges, let's go!" Rotom says, whizzing off to pounce on some poor, unsuspecting team.

But she's right, it is a good idea. We go around asking anyone with a badge if they know anything about other worlds, portals, the book Gwen talked about, anything. There are so many explorers ambling around, but it seems no one has any answers.

"Oh! My teammates told me about a human who came from another world! She turned into a funny-looking zorua, I think her name was Gwen!" A grimer tells us excitedly. "Too much sludge in your ears? That's the Gwen who Delcatty welcomed back a few days ago!" Rotom frowns, "we're all with her, that's why we're asking!" "Thank you dear, if you hear anything else, please let us know," Dragalge offers to the confused pokemon while guiding Rotom away.

"I swear, for explorers, some of these guys are awfully dull," Rotom says with frustration. "Be nice. Look at him, he's so young, looks like a new recruit." They continue going back and forth, but I've stopped listening. We're not doing so well coming up with leads. I hope Gwen, or even Delcatty, are having more luck.

—

Maybe bringing Elliot with us was a bad move.

He was up and full of energy by the time we made it to Bedrock Town—he's been running wild ever since, poking his nose into stalls, darting between patrons, basically getting underfoot and into trouble.

Well, he's actually too cute to be getting in trouble. And for whatever reason many of the townsfolk seem to think I'm a child too (maybe because I don't have a team badge on me?) so Noivern and Serperior have been taking the heat as the 'irresponsible parents.'

"Hey dude, control your kid!" An exeggutor selling what looks like paperweights complains. "Sorry!" Noivern says, lunging after the laughing boy as he deftly runs through the crowd. "Elliot! Wait!" I call, to no avail. Serperior dives into the crowd, emerging a moment later with the struggling Elliot tangled in his vines.

"Hnnng! Down, let me DOWN!" He cries, trying to fight his way out of his grip. I know this stage of the tantrum well—he's going to keep getting more and more agitated until he's back on the ground. "Serperior, you remember the kiddie harness? Do you think you could…?" "Ah, got it," he says, putting him down while keeping one vine snugly tied around his body. "Makeshift, but I suppose it will do," he says while Elliot runs around, upset forgotten, despite being partially restrained.

With Elliot under control, now we can properly check the town for leads.

We ask around at the various shops and stalls whether they sell books, if they know who does, or if they've ever heard of the one we're looking for, but no luck. "You could try the Exploration Center! I hear their library is the best!" A comfey selling flowers suggests brightly. "Ah…thank you," I say with a small smile. With answers like that, I'm starting to feel my spirits dampen.

"Don't be sad eevee!" Elliot says, noticing my face, while struggling to break free from Serperior's vine. "Elliot, what is her name?" He coaxes. "Uh…Gen!" Close enough, although the psychic damage I'm taking from hearing him attempt to call me by my first name is significant. Still, I guess it's better than 'eevee.'

We stand off the side of the path, looking at the shops and crowds around us. Noivern and Serperior brainstorm where we might try next, but I'm a little lost in my own thoughts to listen. There must be an answer somewhere…I can't believe no one seems to have even heard of the book, never mind have a copy. My thoughts are interrupted by Serperior crying out, followed by a pink blur rushing past. "What the…?" "He bit me! Hard!" Serperior says, holding his vine. "Elliot, wait!" I call out, running into the crowd.

Now I'm thinking bringing him was definitely a bad idea.

"Elliot? Elliot!" I'm looking all around, but I've lost sight of him. My breaths go shallow…he can't just…he has to be…how could he have just disappeared?

I see the shadow of Noivern overhead while Serperior frantically searches around. He went into the crowd, and yet I don't see anyone reacting to a crazed child. No one seems to be reacting at all—it's like he's just gone.

"Serperior! Can you see him!?" I say, fighting the mounting pressure behind my eyes. "No…no there's no sign of him!" He says, while continuing the search.

I can't believe this…we only just got him back, and if he's out there…

"Gen! Lookit!" I hear a familiar voice call from behind. "Elliot!" I rush over, forcing my way through the townsfolk and pull him into a hug. Serperior and Noivern are beside us a moment later. "Hey watch your crazy kids, will ya?" Someone calls out.

"Elliot, don't you ever do anything like that again, do you understand? You have to stay close to one of us at all times!" The blood is pounding in my ears, I'm relieved he's safe, but it doesn't mean I'm not upset. He's pouting and looking down at the ground, then nods slowly. "Ok, good. And apologize to Serperior for biting him." He goes over and does, and even offers to kiss the wound better. Even though he can be unruly, he is a good kid…I just hope he slows down a little with age.

I notice for the first time he's got something scrunched up in his little hands. "Elliot? What's that?" "Oh! Present for Gen! From my friend!" "Friend? What friend?" I say, looking around, seeing no one other than the passersby. "What's your friend's name?" "…I dunno…" he says bashfully, "but look! Present for youuu," he says again, holding out the fistful of paper.

I'm feeling my fur stand on end. My son disappears for a moment, makes a 'friend,' who gives him a present…a present somehow meant for me? It's…incredibly creepy. Noivern and Serperior keep trying to get info about this 'friend' out of him while I consider the papers.

My blood runs cold.

The old paper has detailed illustrations and text in a familiar style. It's…it's the same style in the Professor Alakazam legendary book! It looks like the papers were quickly torn from the book, a tear snakes it's way across the main picture. The detailed drawing is of a fearsome looking pokemon—reminiscent of a dragon, except it has six arms that hover detached from its body, each wielding a golden hoop. As I scan the page, no longer hearing the sounds of others around me, certain phrases catch my attention.

"Incredibly dangerous," "wickedly cunning," "do not engage," but the one that makes my heart stop?

"Special ability: creating and wielding portals between dimensions."