Chapter 14: Somber Expectations

It was hard to believe I slept for so long and yet here I was, being escorted through the Central District like helpless royalty by the Eiscue and his crew. Now I really knew how Diancie felt sometimes. The Hourglass Tower's clock was drawing closer to chiming on the Dusk Wedge.

The winds were still as strong as ever, pushing against me in the Eastern direction. Yesterday, I didn't think much of it, but after staying here for a while and being wide awake now, it became a little clear this wasn't as natural as it appeared. Could it have been my stormy daze? Did it really have that much influence here? Lugia certainly said so, but still. I wondered how that was going? Was it going well or was it driving him mad?

As we came closer to the busier streets, I heard folks making meaningless chatter with greetings and…comparing something to some kind of party? I couldn't get the context because right as we turned the corner, the noise quieted down. A deafening silence spread through the whole area around us. Mostly everyone glared at me with frowns, especially the more dirty-looking folks in the crowd.

I tried to resist making needless glances, but the sudden silence in my presence certainly made me uneasy. (I felt wrong. The stinging weight of the mistakes piled with each glare witnessed.) It was enough to not read the letter yet. I didn't want to seem heartless, but I couldn't risk showing my sympathy as it probably would have made matters much worse than it already was.

Worse yet, the silence followed us throughout the whole trip. There was no peep, no screams, no words. Heck, a passing mother and her crying child fell silent at the sight. That alone made me look away, not wanting to see whatever disdain they probably had in their eyes.

This was made worse with the guards spouting orders left and right to clear a path. Luckily, no one bothered to stay in the way, but that may have been the town-given authority at work.

My ears flattened as I tried to whisper to the Eiscue. "This is a tiny bit excessive, don't you think?"

"Nonsense," the Eiscue replied, waving off my concern effortlessly. "In fact, this is inadequate if you ask me."

I blinked. ("Inadequate? What is adequate then, Electrodes?")

The Ice-Type sighed to himself before musing aloud. "This poor city is not what it used to be. The ocean that knows is watching us. But we will march forward, just like we always did. I look forward to what the mayor has to say. Must be important if she's-" But Eiscue paused.

He then glanced back and chuckled at my presumed ignorance. "Oh, where are my manners? You're not accustomed to our traditions."

My tail quivered a bit. "Errrr, it's…a lot."

"Oh yes, especially with how diverse the districts are. Different environment, varying needs, not to mention you Electric-Types and your- ahem Electric power is a powerful thing here. Safety for the people is one of our top priorities. That's all you really need to know."

"...Riiiight…" I looked away to tune out every bit of noise I could. It was better than witnessing more of this awkward walk.

- o - o - o - o - o - o -

Thankfully, we made it to the Hourglass Tower with no issue. The courtyard was eerily quiet and as symmetrical as ever. Conversely, the interior was a loud riot. Numerous crowds constantly badgered the front desk while countless guards prevented access to the stairs. Just walking through the first floor became a trial with this many Pokemon.

Even worse, Lugia was not here to give me a lift this time. So we had to use the old-fashioned way...or so I initially thought. Actually, we headed to a surprisingly spacious and hollow support beam and stood on some kind of platform. Within moments, the whole platform suddenly rose from the ground and ascended.

Floor after floor, the lift climbed up until the tower began to narrow itself. It was around the twelfth floor when the lift finally halted. We were close to the ceiling now, and yet I saw more stairs ascending to the next floor somehow.

The truth was that the Hourglass Tower was divided into two halves, each of which were vaguely triangular in shape. This central staircase merely led to the next layer of floors and maze-like staircases crossing from one side to another.

Ascending to the thirteenth floor, I would become acquainted with the temple part that Grapploct, or rather Itallo, mentioned yesterday. Rather than clean walls, bookshelves, and maybe a waiting chair or two, these floors presented a more bygone look. Pure stone walls, extensive murals, slotted spots with trinkets on display; all of these indicated something that would be seen in a set of ruins.

The only remaining semblance to the bottom half would be another elevator lift and the thick glass floor of the twelfth and thirteenth floors that allowed crossing glances. I avoided looking down as we ventured forth on the stairs. Just the thought of a long drop down this hollow chasm forced a shiver out of me.

Robed Pokemon roamed the area, most of whom being of the Psychic-Type. The sleeves of these robes bore a branded symbol of an hourglass whose corners were decorated by stars. These Pokemon were far too focused on their droning chants or studies to pay us any mind. For a place as separate as this, you'd think they would at least raise a brow at our presence or at least notice us. (Better question, were they even here in spirit? Their movements looked waaaaaay too instinctual.)

Regardless, this temple section primarily relied on Silspring's quote-unquote "natural" lighting" with numerous-slotted windows letting in sunlight. There was also the occasional crystal lighting the walls, but aside from that, much of this place wanted the whole all-natural aesthetic it seemed. …Actually, that wasn't true.

My eyes inevitably caught the sight of some strange lines on the walls, with beads of lights rhythmically racing at high speed toward the bottom floor. Further glances showed that these lines were everywhere, not just on the walls. Ceiling, floor, all of it. Even the crystal lights had a line next to them. And all that linked to another purpose of the tower: power. How long had it been here? Was there that little space left in this blasted bubble?

So now there were more unanswerable questions on my mind, all because of this ridiculous tower, which was even more ridiculous than I initially believed. How did it all work? How in the world did this even get built at all, on the seafloor no less?! (Couldn't anything here be simple for once?)

- o - o - o - o - o - o -

Luckily, we made it to our destination, the sixteenth floor, before my brain decided to fry itself. We entered a set of solid hallways and impenetrable walls. (The warmth and general closed-off aesthetics could make one argue they were in a different building.) After passing by several doors, we finally reached the last entrance straight ahead.

These double doors were definitely special compared to everything else. The frame was decorated with glittering gems atop wavy branches that also had the appearance of ocean-born waves. In a vague sense, the whole door had a tree-top aesthetic matching the lands I've known for all my life..or at least from what I recalled. It was odd, especially compared to the seabound look of everything else.

Standing side by side in front of the doors were a pair of Grass-Types, both of whom were rather shocking to see down here of all places. A robe-wearing Lilligant stood on the right, standing proud and tall. She was anything but the first choice of a guard I would have made. The second was a Breloom, which made a tiny semblance of sense now that I thought about it. Moist air, probably dim lighting…yeah, that would do it. It would explain one place…

Once they noticed our approach, the duo stood at attention.

"My, so this is the new goddess," the Lilligant gushed.

I rolled my eyes at the statement. "It's mister Zeraora," I said dully.

"Oh." The Lilligant causally turned away, almost embarrassed. "My mistake."

The Breloom sighed. "Can you not? He's not even your type. Besides, he's like…older than the both of us combined."

"I know that…"

The Eiscue cleared his throat. "Ahem, can you two open the door for our guest and move further up the hall? It is a private meaning after all."

The Breloom narrowed his gaze at me. "Those are the orders, but alone with him?"

The Lilligant put a petal on the door handle. "Have a little faith in our guest. She- I mean he. He's not going to harm our fine mayor, not after all the news going around."

My ears flattened in response. ("Sheesh! Word really does travel fast.")

The Lilligant noticed at that moment. "Err, right. I assume you saw, well, everyone. Yes, they're…not happy."

"That's putting it lightly." The Breloom remarked.

The Lilligant sighed. "Don't mind him. He's just…focused at the moment. That's all."

The Breloom shook his head, before gripping the other door handle. "Don't you cause trouble."

With a brief opening of the door, the duo let me inside.

- o - o-

No one else seemed to be present in this office, so it was just me and the mayor. (That alone demonstrated a surprising amount of faith in someone who is ultimately a stranger.)

The office I found myself in was quite spacious, almost structured like a home. A soft pair of couches with a small table in-between on one side, cabinets and neatly organized papers in the other. Each side also had an accompanying door that probably led to who knows where.

Finally, toward the back of the room, a surprisingly small desk sat in front of a gigantic glass window that peered toward town. (The chair accompanying it all also had a rather royal design, kind of like Diancie's throne…almost.) And of course, there was a set of lesser seats for visitors like me.

As I walked further down the carpeted path before me, I breathed in the sweet scent in the air, which was a pleasure to my nose (though it seemed rather familiar).

Suddenly, a feminine voice spoke (a very familiar voice). "Well then…you sure wasted no time in making a real splash here. Ruined quite a few things too from what I heard. This place is different from what you're used to. Even with all the storms you make, there's never a chance to rest and think, or…so you said to me once."

My ears swiveled as my attention drew itself to the desk. Peeking out from the sides of the throne-like chair, the rather bulbous shape of a closed flower, shades of green with white stems. It was alive.

("What was she doing here?") I stammered out. "Ah- Uh, wait. Have we met?"

The pokemon solemnly sighed before making her own response. "...Goodness, did a little over eight years make you forget? I guess it really was as bad as they all say. And that makes me worry for you even more. Then again…"

The seat turned, revealing (her)...Calyrex. "I always worried for you, Galvan."

Seeing her face once, the memories came flooding back, the gargantuan flower housed on her head that may as well be its own crown, the peering eyes that glow with a gentle focus, and, of course, those long bug-like legs obscured by the desk's structure.

I blinked at the sight. "Calyrex? Wha-"

Even behind yellow-tinted glasses, I saw her gaze dull in disappointment. "You didn't read the letter? I suppose nine years can't change old habits easily, can they…Please, do so."

I hesitated to do as she said, but…

"Go on…" she gently insisted.

I realized I never fully took out the letter from its envelope. And so I did, dropping the envelope and unfolding the invitation.

For Zeraora's Eyes Only

Dear Galvan,

In light of recent events regarding your arrival and subsequent activities, I request your immediate presence at the Hourglass Tower in my office. There, we shall discuss matters in private.

Please come alone, I am well aware of how vital it is to keep the details secret from most folks. And sadly, I simply cannot trust Five and her entourage to not spill the beans if you know what I mean.

I look forward to seeing you again after all this time. I hope it will be a civil interaction at least. I know that last time was not the best, to put it lightly. I said some things I regret. And you probably did the same thing.

I wish I could say why I vanished when I did, but there was more important business at the time, something I needed to do.

Even still, I never once stopped thinking of you, and how I might have hurt you. As much as I want to talk it all out and maybe even reconnect, catch-up…official business is sadly official business. If I make this letter any longer, the rest of the Hourglass Guardian Unit might get a little suspicious, and that's absolutely the last thing we need right now, believe me.

So, please come as soon as possible. I hope to see you soon, old friend.

Sincerely,

The Current Mayor of Silspring

Madam Calyrex Cleo

To my horror (and my honest surprise), I dropped the letter. "C-Cal" I glanced back at Calyrex, trembling at the thought of what I learned. "W-Why? You're-"

Calyrex raised her paw. "I understand your confusion and it's justified even, but I-"

"Cal, this isn't just 'association.' It's full-blown involvement!" To say I was upset would be understating it. This was beyond a mere mistake, this was ripe for dangerous judgment, far worse than Lugia and Lucy's taboo crime. The concept of Cal not just assisting a town of common, but leading it…it was a betraying sight. I felt bad before, but now…what could I even say? (The thought was terrifying, sure, but in smaller ways, I did feel somewhat proud to see her rise to leadership like this. It was bold, perhaps a little too bold.)

After a short bit of stammering, I finally continued. "Ah- Uh, Erm, eh. J-Just. It's great to see you again, but- I mean, it's ah-...This is wrong! Associating with common folk, this is something we've always wanted to avoid. Didn't you-"

*TRRRR!*

The cold and firm jab of metal onto the floor sounded throughout the room, silencing me in an instant. Calyrex held a firm stare aimed at my eyes. (Even after all this time, Cal still had that way of reminding me of her presence. And it seemed like she had a new tool to do so now.)

The mayor cleared her throat and stood up. Speaking in a slow and forcibly composed tone, she told me. "I know, Galvan. And I am all too aware of the consequences behind those…laws."

She then slowly walked around her desk, each step accompanied by a firm tap. "It's not like I had much of a choice. In fact, I was quite reluctant, far more than you may think based on my attire."

And that attire was certainly different, tacky even. (Tacky wasn't the word, royally fashionable I'd say. Stands out for certain though.) The yellow-tinted specs with a red bridge was already off-putting enough, but the rest painted a whole new mural. A blue and black jacket going down her knees, held together with buttons and a belt whose colors were reminiscent of her old reins. Even with the bizarre Incineroar-like pattern of black on her backside, the jacket could have been somewhat formal. However, the completely out of place set of yellow stripes on each of her sleeves threw senses of appeal out the window. As if to complete the look, she held a thick black cane with a decorated and silver-colored metal tip. The handle was also colorful, a lavender head, a blue handle lined with swirling silver lines, and a blocky teal casing. It would have been a neat design had it not been for the dark violet orb with crimson rose core. Weirdly enough, the core's shape was oddly familiar. But the color was a bit different; perhaps it was just a coincidence.

I stood there, staring at Calyrex's look in silence. Unsure what to really say about it. The whole thrown-together look felt like it was attempting to say something. (Something was familiar about that jacket pattern and spiky collar, that much I knew. Almost looked like a fur coating. Still…) Whatever meaning it had, the fashion statement completely eluded any possible understanding on my end.

The Psychic and Grass Type twirled around in an elegant step, once again making no effort to levitate (not that I was expecting her to anyways). "Well? I guess you can share your impressions now before we get to business." She softly set the cane down, holding the head gently and smiling. "How's the look? I picked everything very carefully."

"Uhhh…yeah, it's uh…something." I scratched my head, feeling a tad anxious at how to answer this sudden question. I didn't want to get on her bad side again after so long, but… "A little strange to see."

At that Calyrex frowned and sighed.

I shrugged. "S-Sorry, just a little busy taking the revelation that you're the mayor."

"Come on, Galvan." She said, gesturing to me to follow as she walked by.

Even after all this time apart, she still insisted on calling me by that old name. It was the only reminder of my old identity, but those days are long over…or should have been over…

I followed her to the shorter table. "You got a lot of explaining to do." I said. "You and Lugia. Lucy is one thing but, this is-"

The Psychic-Type stopped her pace, raising a paw. "I know. I know…Take a seat."

I did just that as the mayor took her time bringing back a tea set with her own paws. (Indeed, still on those odd habits of hers.)

"Sweets and cream." she said, offering a cup to me.

I figured I should take her up on the kind hospitality. "...Thanks." The last conversation we had, it was rather grim. So it was nice to see her acting reasonably again. (Actually, she always acted reasonably. The only reason things ended badly was because someone got in the way.)

While sweetening my tea, I asked. "Can you just say something?"

Cal took her seat, joining in on the flavoring. "Yeah, yeah I know." She took a cup up and crossed her legs. "You see, I came long after Five dragged her parents to this place."

"It's Lucy," I promptly corrected.

Cal shook her head. "If she sticks with that name, good. But her track record's been rather rough to put it lightly."

"Lightly you say, that's a stretch."

Cal pinched the bridge of her nose before taking a sip. "You have no idea."

"Cal, how long has this been happening?"

"In what regard?" the mayor inquired, before taking yet another sip of tea.

"Well, Lugia, Lucy, and especially this." I sighed and took a slow sip of tea. The flavor was nice, even if it was a bit sour for my tastes. (Too few sweets used to be honest.)

Cal nodded and began her explanation. "I do not know the exact details, but Lugia and…his fledgling arrived here in a mishap of sorts. The girl got attached to the location and refused to leave. This happened over twenty years ago. I do not know when Lugia decided to involve the retainers, but I do know that they were sworn to service and secrecy.

"In fact, the previous mayors all swore an oath to make sure word of the town and Lugia didn't get out. It's why Silspring practices isolationism, just like us…somewhat."

"And yourself?" I asked.

"The same applied to me," Cal replied. "I kept to myself as long as I could, remaining as an anonymous citizen. Unfortunately, there had been an unfortunate increase in crime over the years and with numerous incidents and desperate times came more dramatic and drastic measures."

I narrowed my gaze. "Like the guns- I mean Pipes, like the one Detective Ivory carries around."

At the mention of Ivory, Calyrex flinched for a very brief moment. "...Yes. She- The force's Pipes are a newer innovation, an inspired invention of mine to help even the playing field so to speak. However, the refining of it all just…" She looked away and closed her eyes. "It didn't come…without cost."

I took another sip of tea, disappointed at the prospect. "So you aimed a weapon at the problem."

The grip on Cal's tea plate tightened. "It was a calculated effort, but I couldn't foresee every possibility."

I finished the tea, set it down, and leaned forward. "And yet the people chose you as a leader? And you accepted it?" Thoughts stirred in my head. Volant's so-called memories noted the words election, voting, speeches. I shook my head, trying to listen to the mayor.

"Again, I did so reluctantly," Cal said.

I leaned closer with a furrowed brow. "Reluctantly? This leadership deal is voluntary. You voluntarily went out of your way to talk to the folks here, got them to choose you. How is any of that reluctant?"

"Does it look like I had much of a choice?" Clayrex barked back, before trying to calmly put down her tea. "I tried to stay out of it. I really did. But after everything that happened this past decade, myth-year, whatever those proud quil-tappers call it…" She looked back up at me, taking off her specs. "...I could not just stand by and watch anymore."

She leaned back and uncrossed her legs. Glancing down at the unfinished tea, she wearily and bitterly told me. "I couldn't, and I still can't now…Not anymore."

Seeing Cal like this, I felt a small hint of pity, but she also sort of did this to herself. (It wasn't a hint. She was hurt. She was hurt then and she was still hurting now. This leadership position she found herself in now wasn't helping matters either. I wanted to say something to help, just like last time. But I was unable to reach her. Though even then, what could I say?)

I stayed silent, and let her say her piece.

"...Yes, I may have made the choice. I only did it because if I didn't, no one else would." (Calyrex winced as she said that.) "I stepped in to help with the problem, but the roots run deep…deeper than you can believe. I cannot even begin to describe how much is wrong, how flawed it is beneath this town's surface."

Cal's gaze fell to her tea. "And because of how leadership works here. I couldn't just leave. I couldn't…not without putting you and everyone else here at risk."

The mayor turned her gaze back to me for a moment. (A shaken gaze, it was the sign of some unseen and inconceivable pressure. It made me concerned. It was an anxious look, driven by some scare. Of what, was something I wanted to know, but would there be enough time to ask? Was it even possible to ask?) Calyrex quickly put her specs back on, letting the glint hide her eyes.

Afterwards, I slowly spoke up. "Isn't that something with every common folk village out there? There's always gonna be that one guy that never wants to follow the law. We've had studies of it happening, all throughout history. I've read some of those."

Calyrex stood up and walked toward the window, cane and all. "I know. I read those too. I was that bored after all."

I followed the mayor at a slow pace, flinching with each tap of that cane. "W-Well. Why do this? You know what happens, right? We…We just can't. How else do I even say it?"

Calyrex caught cane after a harder tap. "There is no need to say anything," she stated firmly.

She breathed before softly setting the cane tip down. "This sacrifice benefits more than just me, you know. …It's for everyone's sake, Lugia's, the commoners, even you. Especially right now."

The statement puzzled me for a moment until I realized. ("Oh right…the reason I'm here now.") (Though considering the nature of the conversation thus far, this seemed more like a reunion, which, to her credit, it was.)

"Now you get one piece of the picture," Cal stated, before turning around to face me. "I'm the only reason you're not in jail right now. I'm the reason you're not being questioned at the moment, even after your rapidly increasing list of problems from yesterday."

I raised my hands as I clarified. "Okay, the explosion was a mishap on my part. Okay? I was being a little dumb."

Calyrex leaned forward, raising a brow. "..."

"...A-Alright, more than a little. But I learned."

The mayor shook her head slowly before telling me. "How about I name a few major points." And then she counted off at a fairly rapid pacing, all the while giving me a straight stare. "Disturbing the peace, setting off a violent electrical discharge in a populated street, at least five counts for destruction of property, twenty injury claims and counting, three or four counts of trespassing, instigating a riot, wandering in a police-restricted area, and even causing a few power outages in the Central District. And that is only a few of the confirmed hits on your otherwise non-existent record. You're welcome."

My eye twitched. "Ah- Uhh…That's only a few?" ("Were commoner laws always this nitpicky?") "Whoa whoa whoa…hold on, I did not cause a power outage. When did that happen?"

She rested her cheek on a fist as she leaned to the sign. "Apparently last night. Got at least sixty reports from residents. I'm not the one who writes these complaints."

"Ok, ok. Sure, you saved my tail. I get it. What do you want me to do?"

"Officially yes I did, but…" To this, Calyrex pushed the bridge of her specs higher up on her snout. "As much as I want you to stay low and stay out of trouble. It's a little bit late for that unfortunately. The people, they value perception. And right now, their perception of you is not good. We need to fix that, and fast."

My ears flattened once more. "But how? I'm not like the founders of the town."

The mayor took her specks off and looked me in the eye. "...There's a festival tournament starting tomorrow and its roster is one entry short of an even bracket. This might sound a bit uncomfortable, but I want you to partake in it."

My tail shot up in surprise. "Wait, huh? What? Me?"

"I know, it sounds a bit odd."

"A bit? You literally just said the people here don't like me very much…at all. And that's gonna make the whole involvement thing worse. A-And even if I didn't have to worry about it, wouldn't me participating make everyone more angry?"

Cal rubbed her chin. "Likely yes, if you didn't have someone vouching for you."

I frowned slightly in response to this. "...Cal…"

"Galvan, you've seen this place for a bit now, yeah? Underneath all that anger are scared people in need of someone to look up to. Someone who's willing to listen and act in good faith, and be willing to atone. And considering the festival's importance, I believe you having the honor of testing Silspring's might would be a fine way to restore a little more…hope."

As much as I wanted to side with Cal and trust her judgment, something about that reasoning felt flimsy somehow, impromptu. She was usually more thorough about plans than this. (I wanted to disagree with that thought though. Cal was quite a complex mon, but the one simple thing I knew about her was this: she was incredibly stubborn once her mind was set. This bit of convincing from her showed that hasn't changed one bit. It really was as she said, "nine years can't change old habits easily.")

I hid my gritted teeth as Cal spoke to me. I understood what she meant. I didn't want trouble either. It was more like that trouble found me. I thought she understood that. And if partaking in this tournament meant I could ease the minds of everyone, I may as well entertain them. (Besides, it could be my own apology to Cal.)

"I- I'll try," I said. "I'll do it. Think you can convince them?"

After a brief flash of light in her eyes, Calyrex smiled back. "Yeah. I believe I can. My words still have weight to spare. Think of it as my own apology for everything, alright?"

I blinked for a moment. Her apology? "I…Okay? Are you-"

"Don't worry yourself. It'll be alright. I can guarantee that."

My ears swiveled to attention. That was Cal talk for future sight. Looked like she gazed at the future again. Still unnerving to hear it as always, but for now, it was at least some form of assurance, even with the possibility of not coming true. (Future gazing has always been a weird subject from my perspective.)

I took a breath. "Okay, so this tournament is tomorrow, huh…"

Cal nodded. "Yep, tomorrow morning in the Salt District sparring yards. That's when the minor rounds start. Smaller roster, but 255 opponents in three days is hardly easy by any means."

I quietly groaned at the number. "255? No rest for the weary, huh…"

The mayor sighed wearily. "Indeeeeeed…If you think that's bad. I got a speech the day after the tournament ends. An important one at that."

"In the middle of a festival? And for what?"

"It's…hard to explain in a short time," she replied, looking a little more uncertain. "But the timing is important. And let's just say I need all the attention I can get before it's too late. Election matters, not that you would understand much of it."

Unfortunately, my memories clicked together once again, filling in the otherwise blank spots. "O-Oh, right. Can't get that publicity if you're not bold in presenting yourself before the biggest audience."

Cal blinked. "Huh? Oh uh…"

We just stared at each other in stunned silence for a few awkward moments.

I would be the first to stammer. "I uh, I mean that's just a guess of mine."

Calyrex gripped her cane anxiously, "I suppose? That was some guess though."

I promptly nodded, hoping to not make this anymore awkward. "Y-Yeah. A-Anyways. Tomorrow, Salt District sparring yards. Where…is that?"

Cal quickly composed herself. "North. Toward the volcano. Just after dawn. Hard to miss. Trust me."

"Got it." I said, nodding.

But then Calyrex held up a paw. "And Galvan, thank you." The mayor turned to gaze at the view. "I know this place is strange compared to the surface and its settlements. Keeping our presence hidden from the rest of the ocean is tough enough as is. Your help means a lot to me. I hope that this whole week can work out."

I glanced at the view and sighed. "I don't think you're the only one."

Cal closed her eyes. "I know that. Just try not to cause yourself trouble. I know you're staying with the fledgling and all, but please…please don't make this hard for anyone. You're capable of that, Galvan. I know it."

"I am, yeah…" However, something else stuck itself into my mind. A sore spot for sure, but… "It's Zeraora or Zera. You know that, right?"

To this, Calyrex merely chuckled (just like every other time before). "Ehehe mmhmmm. Call it a force of habit if you want, but one bad spat is not gonna stop me from making that mistake so easily."

I awkwardly scratched my head. "Oookay. You're still not mad?" A sudden thought came to me. ("Better apologize now.") The lingering thought made me wonder if I had forgotten something and then. "Ah! Uh…right…Uh, Sorry?"

Calyrex tilted her head. "Sorry? But you're already mostly-"

"I uh, mean about…everything…last time." ("Not a good way to word it, Zera.")

The mayor blinked before looking down. "...Oh…that."

("Remember. Just say it. Now.") I bit my lip and looked away. "I was…stupid. I said some things and I just ran."

Calyrex remained silent as I continued.

It was a sore wound, but I felt compelled to tell my side of things. ("The bitter feeling, the loneliness, the hurt…") "I…I felt terrible for it all. After a while, I just needed to apologize. So I searched for ya." ("Wait…what kind of wording is that?")

Calyrex stayed still, interest piqued.

I grasped my head for a moment. "I mean- I mean to say I searched for ya, for years even. In as many opportunities as I could. Just to say, sorry."

The mayor stuttered, "I was- We're-" But then she promptly turned her back to me. "We're past that, Galvan. Thank you for your time a-and apology."

I was about to say something until Cal's grip on her cane tightened. So I started to back away, saying. "Okay, Cal. Take care."

Cal kept to her silence while I made my way to the door.

"Wait," Calyrex said, prompting me to pause.

I stopped and saw the mayor running to the door, putting a paw on the handle.

She looked up at me, saying. "I should show you something, right now."

- o - o - o - o - o - o -

I soon found myself being escorted by Calyrex and her bodyguards. The Breloom kept a nigh constant glare aimed at me, which made talking admittedly difficult.

Before long, we climbed up more floors until the halls became darker and darker. Lines of light whirred past us, coming from a wall decorated with solid-looking beams and dials. But it wasn't a wall, it was a door, a heavily fortified door.

Calyrex moved for a nearby wall, where it suddenly opened and rotated on a whim. I realized that parts of the wall hid security devices; buttons, wheels, and shining panels. With calculated and flawless movement, Calyrex disarmed the lock with the devices.

The door's beam opened up as the dials turned, each lock pounding open with the harsh slam of a Wood Hammer.

As this happened, Calyrex turned toward her retainers. "You know the regulations. Stand guard and watch."

The Breloom protested. "But Madame Cleo…"

"It will be just fine for a few minutes. I trust him, and you both should have a little faith. Alright?" Calyrex gave the guards an assuring nod.

After a brief pause, both guards reluctantly turned their backs.

The mayor walked forward. "Right this way."

Calyrex and I then entered the next room as the massive door closed behind us.

We found ourselves in a vast room filled with glowing metallic roots covering the floor, ceiling, and walls. Each root showed countless beads of light running through them at record pace. The source of these roots was a small column at the center. And at its core was a singular hourglass, rotating at an incredible pace.

My fur loosely raised itself in response to an evident, albeit invisible, force of static that permeated throughout the room. The only other indicators were the hourglass' evidently bright glow, and the rhythmic whirring noise that alternated in tone like a heartbeat.

There was no natural light in this room, nor were there any visible light fixtures, outside of the roots, the hourglass, and the lights of two observation rooms that watched behind glass.

After nearly a minute of silence and staring at this contraption, I finally spoke up. "What is this?"

"...The Heart of Silspring," Cal said. "The Abyssal Hourglass."

I turned my attention to the mayor, who seemed undeterred by this bizarre force as she stared. Her glasses masked her eyes with deadened expression and a bright reflection of the hourglass.

Cal continued. "Originally, this artifact had a much different purpose compared to now. However, it releases a lot of powerful energy whenever it's turned over. The device you see here forces the hourglass to keep spinning around, releasing power for all Silspringers to use for their needs. That, of course, includes the air shields with which we breathe."

"Just that?" I looked at the contraption and then went back to Cal. "That thing powers everything?"

"Yes," She answered. "Without it, Silspring wouldn't be here. It'd all fall apart."

"Just that. No backup plan or anything?"

She shook her head. "Not exactly. We do have some temporary means of maintaining power, but…only for several hours at a time. For cleaning this space at least.

"But you already noticed a glaring flaw in the design. With an exceptionally high demand for power, we simply don't have any good alternatives, anything that would last anyways.

"Not that there are any measures yet. There is a project that's in the works of reviving an old form of power-making, something used prior to the Rift Calamity."

Again, that name. "Yeah, about that. What is it?" I asked.

Cal was silent and walked closer to the hourglass. "...I suppose it was inevitable for you to hear about it. It's a long story, but essentially…it's Silspring's greatest tragedy. You saw some of the signs from what I heard.

"A great beast once terrorized this town a hundred years ago, nearly destroying it single-handedly. The founders fought with all their might, but one by one, most of them fell in defeat. Not many knew exactly how it ended, but the beast vanished as quickly as it came, leaving much of this town in ruin. That, unfortunately, included the means with which power was granted at the time."

A great beast? It was hard to fathom such a thing. And if it were so great, why hadn't I heard about it? Better question, why hadn't any of the legendaries heard about this? (Was this another of those secrets?)

Even if this beast was real, that left a major hole in the story. "But then, how did anyone survive?"

"A miracle," Cal simply stated. "The Abyssal Hourglass was there at the time, and someone relayed the knowledge of its energy releasing aspects. With it, the Silspringers built a contraption to keep this energy flowing. And it was improved upon, again and again, until it was moved into this tower.

"It took many years to reach this point, where people are comfortable with talking about alternatives."

I let out a somber sigh.

Cal, seeing my uncertainty, told me. "That's only the short version. The details are complicated and best left to study…once you have the spare time of course."

I crossed my arms. "...Right…" If I could even get enough spare time. I had a feeling Lucy and manuscripts wouldn't mix very well.

"For now, let's get going." Cal suggested. "Being here may drive you a little crazy after a while."

So the mayor led the way for our departure.

But as this happened, my tail suddenly quivered, prompting me to stop and look back at the spinning hourglass. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, until I blinked a few times. I didn't know if it was the light or flashes I wasn't seeing, but somehow, for a split second I saw a pattern. The light in this room almost made a face. My fur stood on end as these pulses kept reaching me. Then…I could have sworn I heard something among the whirring. A purr, or was it a growl? Perhaps, the constant noise and static was getting to me. (Either way, something felt wrong about this place. It was…too big to just be this little thing.)

Cal called back, snapping me out of my trance in the process. "Is something the matter?"

I blinked and looked back for a second, and then back at the contraption. "Uh…" The hourglass was still moving like normal. Perhaps Cla wasn't kidding. The room can get to you really fast, and that almost makes me feel bad for whoever needs to watch this thing constantly, if there was anyone.

I then eventually answered back. "Uh, I guess we should go, yeah." With that I more hastily walk out of the room before more signs of insanity show up.

- o - o - o - o - o - o -

Thankfully, those weird signs stopped after we left the room. Neither Calyrex nor her guards spoke up too much as we traveled back to the main temple area.

Cal glanced at me with a small, but rather sudden smile. "Well, that was that. You're free to go. Maybe take some time to relax, enjoy the festival however you please. I'm more than certain you need the rest. After all, you did help take one of the most infamous gangs in town. That's worth celebrating a bit, right?"

"Ehh, yeah, I guess," I admitted awkwardly.

Though the guards gave the both of us a perplexed look before glancing at one another.

Cal frowned at her guards after noticing their behavior. "Hmm? Is there anything wrong here?"

To that the two of them quickly turned around in embarrassment.

The mayor shook her head and turned her attention back to me. "Don't mind them. Things are just strangely uncertain right now. And that usually demands…unorthodox responses compared to what they're used to."

I could only nod and agree. If I knew better, I'd have more to say. "Okay, be safe out there."

Calyrex looked away. "If I can, I'll try. Same goes for you too." And with that, she and her entourage left me alone with my thoughts.

I watched the trio walk away until they were out of sight. ("Cal, I'll come back somehow and then we can talk it out. Not as mere legendaries, but as friends.")

- o - o - o - o - o - o -

I climbed down several flights of stairs on my way to the lower lift. These temple floors were devoid of lively activity. In fact, it was eerily empty, much like a graveyard.

To this observation, I raised a brow. I knew Otto, or rather Itallo, told me that the tower housed a number of operations, but the idea of a temple being at the center of town seemed a little unnerving. Sure, temples like this were an inevitability thanks to the foolish actions of several legendaries throughout history. Even still, there was no denying the idea of temples being made in one's image without consent is an unsettling thought for us legendaries.

(Though we were told to never actively interfere with the matters of common pokemon, it is always sad to see some pokemon being deceived or in some cases deceiving themselves with fabricated ideas and absurd practices such as the offering.) It felt wrong to me. We're servants of nature, not almighty beings of infinite power like some exaggerated tales always said…mostly. I shook my head as these odd thoughts returned to my head. I needed to focus on what I was going to say to the mayor.

Just before reaching the thirteenth floor, I noticed one individual, someone I never expected to see in a temple area like this.

And yet there she was, leaning on a wall and gazing at a distant mural: D.D. Ivory.

With DD here, I figured it would save an extra trip of questions. Better yet, this temple perfectly fit a question that bothered me. So I approached the coat-wearing Indeedee. "Ivory? Don't tell me you're one of those worshipers too."

Upon hearing the noise, she looked back at me with a frown. "Of course not, Zera. And that's a rather casual way to greet someone."

I blinked and then shook my head. "Okay, fine. But…what brings you here?"

Ivory's gaze dulled as she shrugged. "Investigation. Why else would I come to this dreary place?"

I crossed my arms. "Already? Because it seemed like you were admiring the art."

Ivory gestured to the mural in response.

"I needed something to stare at, look busy." the detective explained. "There's quite a few pieces in this case, scattered pieces at that. Not easy to put together."

That to me sounded more like an excuse to take an extended break.

Ivory continued, "As for the mural, that is an artistic piece made over a century ago."

The mural in question was a circular plate embedded into the wall. Along the outer edges were loose depictions of various legendaries. The shapes were hard to tell from a distance, some points I did notice included a Lati, Meloetta, Diancie, and even the long since dead Zamazentta. (Even when dead, the image of his hardened shield for a neck still lingered on somehow. Heck, his sister Zacien might have been on that mural too.)

Closer to the center were waves that formed a whirlpool, with the center showing a few figures gathered around some trinket. I noted the shape of Lugia among the few of them as well as a Gothitelle, a Milotic, the recognizable beard of a Perrserker, and even Manaphy…or at least a predecessor anyways. But there was one figure that stood out to me: Zarude, or at least the shape of someone similar. Even still, the head shape was distinct.

The figure alone was enough to force my gaze away. I didn't even bother looking at the central feline figure. (Though that figure was holding up some kind of hourglass, accompanied by a star just behind it.)

Noting my silence, Ivory spoke up. "I suppose you aren't exactly fond of non-permitted depictions."

I frowned. "..."

Ivory hummed for a moment. "I suppose I can take that as an unconfirmed 'perhaps.' So you saw the mayor and she bailed you out of your troubles. Same could be said for Five's entourage perhaps."

I sighed at the thought, even though I was grateful for it. "And you're not mad?"

"Never said I wasn't. Detailer papers and their readers certainly are. Actually, even the Hourglass papers are shaken by yesterday's events. Who would have thought it? Those sides actually agreed on the detailed level. I'd probably call that a worthy achievement for someone who's only been here for what? Two days now?"

I pouted as I heard those statements. "Ha ha, thanks for rubbing it in, Ivory. Is that all you're here for?"

"Do I really have to answer that to you?"

"So you like tempting folks to punch your Lycanrocing teeth in?"

"I'd love to see them try. And for the record, I know you want to know that Five is safe again." She then raised a finger. "However, just because you're the mayor's special little story star, doesn't mean she will save you again. Surely, she's made that clear to you at least. As of now, nothing will stop us from arresting you for crime, just like any other citizen here."

I faced the Indeedee once more. "And how would you know that? For all you know, there could be some secret business we needed to conduct."

Ivory straightened up, acting surprised. "Oh? Do you? How would we know, pray tell?"

"You don't," I hissed back.

Ivory was unphased by the hiss though, only crossing her arms and remaining disturbingly stern. "I would be very careful with that attitude of yours. Unlike the mayor, my heart is not weak as hers when it comes to the likes of you. But I digress, I actually have a job to do, or rather three now, no thanks to you."

I shrugged at the Indeedee, making my amusement known. "You're welcome for that."

The detective growled and glanced toward the stairs.

I saw this as an opportunity for something I wanted to ask. "Speaking of, there's actually something I wanted to ask for a while." ("Right, that.")

"Hmm?" She faced me. "Ask? About what?"

"It's about last night," I replied, "Back at the catacombs, with that door."

She "innocently" tilted her head. "What about that door?"

I shook my head. "It's not about the door. I was referring to the key."

"And?"

With a quiet huff, I spelled out the question to her. "How do you know Glastrier's name?"

(For a very brief moment, the corner of Ivory's mouth fell slightly.) "Come again?"

At the time, I was frantic in trying to meet the deadline, but there was one tiny little detail that felt off about that whole interaction. (In fact, the vibe surrounding said detail was just as present now as it was before.)

I simply asked, "How would you say both of the steed's names?"

Ivory slowly pondered for a moment. "Let's see, if I recall…Glastrier…and Spectrier. Yes, Glastrier and Spectrier. Even just one of them is a mouthful to say, let alone both in quick succession."

("Nice try, Ivory.") "Yeah, which is why I find it funny how you asked for clarification."

"Funny? How?"

"Simple. Back then, you only asked about Spectrier's name."

Ivory (begrudgingly) paused for a moment. "...And that's important…how, exactly?"

Spectrier, I could understand. Only one steed is given to each Calyrex in their lifetime at a time. Which one depended on some kind of spinning V-Wheel of fate? I dunno. Point is, Glastrier was Cal's steed, as mentioned in the scrolls. And yet, Glastrier had been missing for years and presumed dead (many years before I even met Cal for the first time).

Regardless, my fist tightened. "I'm only asking a simple question, detective."

"The same way as everyone else here heard it, from Cal's words and speeches," Ivory answered irritably.

"Would she really mention that? She could hardly talk to me about Glastrier, what makes Silspring okay enough to say it?"

Ivory looked away at this point. "Yesterday was the first time I ever saw you in my life and Calyrex hardly ever left the city and hasn't in years." She stared back at me. "I don't know what your deal is with her, but just so we're clear, folks can change with time. You legendaries are no exception."

I frowned. "Don't dodge the question."

"Calyrex is passionate about her work here. She's more than willing to put herself at risk, in the right way." She then walked past me. "Now, I've had a long enough break. I have something I must look into. Stay out of trouble, Zeraora."

And before I even had a chance to retort, Ivory strolled away to the upstairs, not willing to hear anything else.

I was alone once more, just as folks began to populate the area again. ("Change…eight years is a long time, sure. But would Cal change that much?")

With no one else around to willingly ask questions, I simply continued on my way. I didn't feel right about sticking around anymore.

Still, to a small extent, I felt a little fulfilled. I found Calyrex at long last. And no amount of sour Indeedee-brand sass was going to ruin that form of relief. Cal needed time after everything said, that's all. ("Perhaps, I'll just go see her before I depart. No harm in doing that, right?")

- 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 -

Fragment of Knowledge:

Silspringer Police File: #SS-G8R0-898

Subject: Madame Calyrex Cleo (Noted on file as Calyrex the Second)

Relations:

[REDACTED]

[REDACTED] and [REDACTED]

Glastrier (Traveling Companion, but Presumed Deceased)

Note: Other Details have been omitted due to a lack of information

Background:

Calyrex supposedly appeared in town about eighteen years ago by happenstance and was thrilled when the mayor at the time helped her find a home.

The reason for the respite being [REDACTED]. During the time, she called herself Cleo to hide her identity. She remained an anonymous citizen who would eventually encounter [REDACTED] during a cold winter's night. She would go on to [REDACTED] and live out a humble life in the Arbor District.

After some time, she would leave the city to travel the surface lands. Cleo would eventually come across [REDACTED] and [REDACTED]. Feeling pity, she would [REDACTED] as she returned to the city to live out their quiet lives.

It wasn't until the recent rise in crime during the last decade that Calyrex decided to dedicate her time to helping the cause of "restoring Silspring to its former peace and glory."

Political Career:

Eight years ago, much to the surprise of officials and citizens alike, Calyrex would go on to establish herself as a leading figurehead, starting with more direct efforts in aiding the Silspring Police in the fight against crime, including the newer invention of gadgets such as Police Pipes. She even revealed her identity as Calyrex the Second.

Slowly, but surely, she climbed up the ranks in hopes of finally putting an end to Silspring's thus far isolationist policies that were made to protect information regarding the residing legendaries.

As of now, she is the leading mayor of town, reinventing the news distribution and policies to better the town. However, the outbreak of organized crime still lingers throughout. As a result, she is supposedly going to run for a second term with hopes to end the cycle of violent defiance at long last.

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Very special thanks to TheSnapDragon for beta reading this chapter.

Apologies for the delays once again. Things have been rather busy as of late between real life obligations and other projects. But even still, I am glad the story has at least reached this part so far. I've been waiting a long time for this moment. Well, it's one of the ones I've been waiting for, and I'm glad to share this vision with you all. I hope it stuck the landing.

Regardless, thank you for reading the story up to this point.