Episode 22: Hatred

They ran. She didn't know where they were running, but they ran. Kayla led the team every which way they could through the ruins and rubble and back into the streets of Hammock. The further they ran, the more the mountains of rubble and fissures turned into tarmac roads and urban settlements. The only evidence that there had been a terror attack was the evacuated population; not one Pokémon could be seen peeking through their windows, even though this part of the city was untouched.

"There they are! Don't let them escape!"

"Those freaks'll pay for this!"

"Don't let 'em outta your sight!"

Similar orders were barked and screamed as the group ran, but it only fuelled Kayla with the energy to keep going somehow. "So much for letting us leave. Don't they realise we just saved their tails?"

"This way. Follow me!" May ordered, sprinting to the front all of a sudden. It felt odd to see the usually refined Pichu running on all fours.

Kayla didn't question it and followed her. They turned corners between buildings and into alleyways, and even what looked like someone's backyard at one point. May suddenly stopped to let the team pass her, and then used her magnetism to pull a billboard down, blocking the alley they just went down.

"It'll take them a while to get through that, but keep going anyway," she returned to the front before anyone could ask.

"A whole ass – tenacious. I like it," Pola remarked.

Between that and all the stuff she pulled to pin down that monster, May's way more powerful than I thought. For a Pichu, is there any limit to her power at all? Kayla thought.

The team soon slowed, but only when the surroundings became more run-down. They stopped to catch their breath in a tight valley, where the walls stunk and seemed to be made out of mould. Water constantly trickled somewhere, while an uncomfortable moisture rubbed against them despite efforts to shimmy through.

"Ugh… I'm already gonna have to wash this, aren't I," Kayla groaned, worried about her shirt. She popped free into a clearing, where Kari happily brushed her off with her tail. "Kari…?"

The Furret gave her a gleeful smile. Her shirt was still marked with dirt and green, but at least it didn't feel slimy like those walls. Another plus for Kari, but it would still take her a while to get used to this whole assistant thing.

"What's this shit heap?" Pola raised an eyebrow.

Makeshift tents and hammocks constructed of discarded, dirty, torn material surrounded the clearing. There were a few fires which Pokémon warmed up on, while others carried smelly sacks, pushed rusty carts, or tiredly slinked down thin pathways that led deeper into the valley. The paths here weren't even dug properly, unsuitable for larger Pokémon and littered with chipped debris or loose mess. Kayla couldn't help but crinkle her nose at the smell of burning. Whatever they were burning, she couldn't identify it but she knew she didn't like it. Thanks to the tall mountains around them, it was quite dark and shadowy here, and surprisingly chilly.

"Are we still in Hammock? I've never seen anything like this," she remarked, coming forward.

"No one's happy," Kari pointed out. Many eyes were on them now, but it wasn't like back in the city. These Pokémon almost looked like ferals with the way they protected their belongings. Even though they were only guarding their tents, fires, and poor excuses for storage, going anywhere near them would probably earn a hiss or a growl.

"Yes, this is still Hammock. The city where all of Isnomia's dreams come to light," May answered, tucking her arms behind her back. She led the way with gusto, ignoring the team's nervousness. "Try not to touch anything."

"Easier said than done," Kari squeaked, playing with her paws.

"If you want to lose an eye, be my guest," May teased, making Kari yelp and stand straight.

The further they went, the more distraught Kayla found herself. These Pokémon weren't normal. Many had missing body parts, or fur in places she didn't expect it. None of them were clean, and she almost thought she could spot some diseases in real time. Besides eying the group, those Pokémon went about their business, whatever they were doing. Some were roasting scraps, others looked like they were patching materials, others were building by sticking whatever to their scrapheap habitats. Eventually they arrived at their destination, a larger tent built into a small cave. There was a trio of Pokémon inside, a Bayleef, a Chikorita, and a male Meowstic.

The grass types were all the same as the other Pokémon here, run down and ragged. Their coats were brownish like dying autumn plants, and they didn't look happy about it. The Meowstic they were guarding however; he was the figure of unhealthy. Large and heavy enough that the repair bench he was laying on looked like it might break any moment. His fur around his chest and waist was thin enough that stretch marks were visible, and he had three chins. He lay on his side resting on one paw, but a single eye opened, locked directly onto the group. His pupils remained thin and cat-like, while the glow of Meowstic eyes remained as strong as ever.

"Oh, it's just you, May. Who're the kids?" he huffed. Even his voice was gruff and raspy.

"We need to lay low for a while. Got a spare space we can use?" May asked.

"Urgh. Ever since you got that place at RSE you've been a real bitch to deal with, y'know that?" Meowstic grumbled. "Coming in here outta nowhere expecting special treatment just 'cos you got lucky."

"Answer the question, Meowstic. We don't have all day," May casually shrugged.

"Look at you, acting like you're hot shit! Get lost," Meowstic flicked a paw at her.

"My my, someone's in a temper today. Mice get away from you again?" she replied.

"Shaddup."

"If you want me to help you catch one again, I'm free for a while. At least until things settle in the city."

"Grr…"

"The offer is essentially free."

"No, because you're a bitch."

"Amusing. Since I got here, all I've heard is bitching."

"Uh…" Pola spoke up. Meowstic's eye opened again, this time locked onto her. "Eep!"

"'Ang on a minute. Who's the chick?" Meowstic asked.

"I am not into whatever you've got going on, just a preface," Pola leaned away.

"I think we can all agree that we would rather keep out of one another's fur. So why the intrusion?" May tucked her arms behind her back.

Meowstic grumbled and belched, and then started picking his ear. "That's what the ruckus in town's all about, ain't it? I've told you how many times that when you start shit, the shiny coats come knocking here. You agree now, or you get lost. Capiche?"

"So that's how it is," May turned to the team, a sneaky grin on her face. With her arms still tucked behind her, she continued to speak poshly as ever. "I know we've just come off a harsh situation and all, but fancy a little work? We'll be paid in items, and they'll put in a good word for us."

"Whoa okay hold up a bit, you're going kinda fast even for me," Kayla breathed out. "Are you saying we've got a job? From these Pokémon?"

"Better not be anything weird or creepy. But considering you're involved and that this guy's calling you a bitch…" Pola folded her arms.

"Precisely that. We help these Pokémon, they help us," May replied. "He won't give us the details until we accept, but I can't imagine it's too trifling."

"Where even is this? How do you know these Pokémon?" Shannon asked. May completely ignored him without so much as a glance. "I suddenly don't exist, huh?"

Ugh, whatever this is, we can't go on like this, Kayla sighed and shook her head, and then approached Meowstic. She instantly regretted it, catching a rancid whiff from him. He was bigger than she realised, too. "Listen mister, er…"

She stalled for a name, but he didn't respond beyond glaring at her with one eye again.

"Look I don't mind helping, but you're gonna have to be cooperative here," she stood back, unnerved slightly.

To her surprise, he opened both eyes in response, and then grumbled as he sat up properly. He could barely lean forward with his stomach in the way, but did so anyway, all to put on a disgusted look for the Buneary. "Brunswick."

Kayla shifted a foot back.

"Heh. Surprised I know you? Anyone in the Brunswick household's about as welcome here as a Caterpie in a Swellow den. Put a foot in too deep and we'll eat ya alive," he warned with a wide, villainous grin.

The heck is he talking about? Kayla started sweating.

"Rich bitch like you really came waltzing through here and can't tell what this is?" Meowstic's volume increased. "The 'dark side' of Hammock. The trash pit. The rear end of the city where dreams come true. You either hit it big in the city or get shat out here to rot worse than a Muk. Civilised Pokémon who're born extraordinary, or those who get fucked by capitalism are all you'll find here. Yet somehow, your household thrives. That damn Hatterene thinks herself better than us, even though she's the same."

Kayla took a deep inhale through her nose. So it's just jealousy…

"Figures she wouldn't tell her kid," Meowstic sighed, going back to lying down. "Tell ya what, though. You've got an attractive innocence to ya. Ya want my respect, show me you're takin' life seriously. You and that Visionary should go take out the crystal we've got here causing trouble. Do that and I'll quit my bitchin'. You want anything before that, you can get lost."

"How the hell did you know I was—" Pola gasped, and her ears flicked. "Wait a sec, there's a crystal here? Oh gods, there is a crystal!"

"A crystal den here of all places… you girls up for this?" Kayla turned to her team unsurely.

Pola was the only one to change. "I think we need to talk, first."

"Oh? I thought you would be eager," May sounded condescendingly surprised.

"Shut up!"

"A little rest does sound like a good idea," Shannon scratched his face.

"Urgh, of course you're a bunch of kids… fine. You can borrow Artillery's tent. Just, get outta here. I'm trying to sleep. May, get lost," Meowstic groaned.

"You heard the Meow. Let's mosey, everyone," May led the way again.

Kayla waited for everyone to go ahead, sneaking a final look at the Meowstic. He'd gone back to laying down, scratching his belly. His Chikorita and Bayleef took to guarding him better as well. Although, all three looked like they truly didn't care about what was going on. With a sigh, she turned to Kari. "You're quiet."

"Me?"

"Yeah. Did you find something I didn't?" she asked.

"Um… they're really hungry," Kari pointed out. "No one can be happy on a rumbling tummy! Say, can we give 'em our gummis?"

Kayla was surprised. "I was planning on sharing them between everyone. You really want to give 'em away?"

Pola and the others had stopped at a distance to watch them.

"Well, yeah I want 'em. I haven't had a good gummi in ages, they're so rare! But these guys look like they need 'em more. It's kinda like the kids the at nursery, except that these guys are grownups," Kari swayed her head. "If it makes 'em even a little happier, I think it's better than me being greedy!"

"Heh, you really do like helping everyone in need, don't you? Go ahead. You've got the bag," Kayla smiled.

"Hey wait, don't the rest of us get a say in this? Those are good gummis!" Pola pouted. Everyone stared at her. "Urf, fine. Whatever, do whatever you want I guess."

"Thankies!" Kari finally put on a sunny smile as she ran back up to Meowstic. "Here you go!"

"Hmm?" he opened an eye at her.

"It's for you and everyone! I know they're just sweets and stuff, but they're good for you, I promise," Kari said.

"If you're expecting goodwill, buzz off. I meant it, y'know. I ain't got nothin' to do with you until you clear the crystal," Meowstic replied with narrowed eyes.

"I know! Wasn't looking for it. I'll just leave the bag riiiight here; you guys help yourselves. Hope you enjoy!" Kari smiled. Meowstic grunted a response as she rushed back to the others, but was left with an arm hanging. "'Kay, I'm good to go. Lead the way, May!"

"Oh great, now she's rhyming," Pola rolled her eyes.

"Gotta admire the spirit," Shannon added.

May only took them a short walk this time, but it became clear that Meowstic wasn't stretching the truth, not that they didn't believe him. Pokémon side-eyed them as they passed, while others signalled to check out their poor excuses for shops. Kari took each opportunity to sneak over, but the only things to buy were scraps of preserved food or loose sheets of material. There wasn't a theme amongst either, they were random colours and materials or random foods in half-filled jars.

"I feel bad," Kari moaned as she returned to the group.

"Don't be. If there's nothing we can use, then there's nothing we can do about it," Kayla said. "I wonder if we even could buy anything. Our money's digital. The PET handles everything."

"Oh yeah, they won't have PETs!" Kari realised.

"They wouldn't accept it even if they could," May started walking backwards, arms still tucked behind her. "These Pokémon can't go into the city, and it's a long trip to reach another town or village, therefore money is useless to them, save for a large sum. Everything here is brought by trading items of equal value."

"So they get things they can at least use. That makes sense. How do you know about all this, though?" Shannon wondered. May didn't reply. "Why am I being ignored now?"

"But then why do they trade for stuff like metal poles and fabric? Is sewing a hobby?" Kari cocked her head.

"And that was a serious question. Why do you know about all this?" Kayla asked, slightly concerned.

"That's a story for another day. Let us not forget I am only here to get my wish granted, after all," May stated. "As for what they trade for, it's to build habitats like the tents you see. They may not be the most fashionable, but you know what they say: there's no place like home."

"Oh, that sounds like fun!" Kari gasped.

"Fun? What part of this is fun? They're homeless and they live in slums," Pola rolled her eyes.

"Everywhere else, you either have to buy a house, or dig a habitat or something like that. But these Pokémon get to build their own house!" Kari started swaying happily. "If you wanted, you could build your own castle. Everything'll be just the way you like it!"

"I imagine anyone would prefer having an actual proper room, but when you put it that way… most Pokémon who have the money or know-how end up remodelling their rooms and stuff anyway. If you could just build it how you want it in the first place, then yeah, I guess that can be kinda fun," Kayla said. "I don't know how to go about this. I don't want to sound disrespectful or entitled…"

"Silly Kayla. When stuff's got you down, making the best of it's the best way to go up. Make stuff fun, smile at what there's to smile about, and do your best!" Kari threw her paws up. "Building your own tent castle has gotta be lots of fun. It's like building a giant sandcastle!"

"Hard to argue with that. There's no law saying the less fortunate aren't allowed to have fun," Kayla smiled. "Y-yeah. There's no one to tell you where stuff should or shouldn't go. And you probably could make it as big as you wanted, as long as you're not getting in anyone's way."

"Won't have to pay rent or anything, either," Pola added. "Could eat snacks where you want, and invite anyone over freely…"

"Now you guys get it! A home all your own, with no other place like it. No place like home!" Kari said cheerfully.

"We're here, speaking of," May stopped in front of one of the larger tents. This one was built into a cave similar to Meowstic's, only it was taller and wider. Much of it had been put together using String Shot, with some webbing dangling freely. There were log seats here, too. A lone Swadloon with sunglass sat in the corner, and stared as May invited everyone in.

"Err… I hope we're not intruding or anything," Kayla said.

Swadloon shook a no. "Irashai."

She was surprised by his low, bold voice, but there didn't seem to be any aggression from him, even after she noticed the line of weapons hung up on the rock wall. He had a whole assortment of them, from knives to claws to even custom swords, and all made from natural materials. Instead of shiny blades of silver, they looked like parts melded from actual Pokémon, like claws or hide. Who the heck is this Swadloon? Meowstic called him Artillery… And why the heck isn't May shocked by this?

"Now then. We're here until things calm down in the city and we can find a safe place to warp. This should only take until the evening at most," May began.

"Um… is it really okay to talk about everything? We're technically still in public," Kayla cocked her head.

"You needn't mind me," Artillery said. He had moved from the corner. "I am already informed. I will not serve you, but this space is yours. When you leave, forget what you saw and I will forget what I hear. That is the law of the Hammock Slums."

"Well that answers that one. Besides, the big issue here is you," Pola poked Kayla all of a sudden. "The fuck was all that back there?"

"Wha?"

"The heroics, the super speed, the- everything!" the Plusle threw her arms up. "And don't try to wriggle your way outta this. I want answers, NOW."

"Pola, what's the big idea? Kayla didn't do anything wrong!" Kari stepped between them.

"Says the wannabe servant. I don't even know why you're sucking up to her, but it looks annoying and pathetic. Get some agency for yourself for once," Pola started pacing. "Look. When I joined this whole team rubbish, I did it 'cos I thought we'd be doing team stuff, y'know? But instead, we're throwing ourselves at terrorists, risking our lives in dangerous dungeons, and, whatever the hell that Jirachi stuff is. I literally didn't sign up for this!"

Kayla leaned back in disbelief. Is this how she really feels?

"Oh yeah? What did you sign up for then, huh?" Kari argued.

"Are you even listening? Like I just said, team stuff. The missions you get on the Pelipper board and our PETs, easy stuff that earns us easy money. I know exactly what you're leaning towards with the crap you're pulling here, and I don't wanna be part of it," Pola replied, folding her arms.

"Oh come on Pola, you're the strongest here. Don't be selfish! You only want the money so you can spend it on stuff you're not allowed to have," Kari cried. "Like going out drinking and all that other super bad wasteful stuff!"

"Better than putting myself on a wanted poster for life," she pouted. "Did you see the way those Pokémon were staring at us? And all I did was Hidden Power. Everybody can do Hidden Power! Yet they stared at me like I was a fucking alien, and chased us into the goddamn slums. I already get enough of this stuff being a Visionary, I don't wanna use that to pretend I'm some kinda hero."

"But there are so many Pokémon who need our help. Stuff like this is—" Kari got quieter.

"And I don't. Want. To do that stuff. What's so difficult to get?" Pola prodded the Furret this time. "And it's not even like Kayla herself is perfect. I saw you freaking out against Zude's monster! You'd be dead if Kari didn't save your ass. Don't try to pull shit if you don't even know if you can handle it!"

The whole argument, Kayla couldn't help avoiding eye-contact, but every word stung. She felt like she could say something, yet she didn't, letting Kari do the arguing. That was until her eyes passed over May. The Pichu had finally let her guard down in hiding her thoughts. She was observing intently. Judging. Every decision Kayla made in this moment would influence May's feelings. That was the impression she finally got.

"I… have to admit, Pola has a little bit of a point here," Shannon joined in. Though he spoke calmly, the words still stung nonetheless. "I only mean to get stronger. You guys already know that what I'm doing is… no law would accept it. If I start drawing attention to myself through scenes like that, then I might as well quit before I get the chance."

"Shannon, not you too! We saved everyone in the city, we had a chance to show that not all extraordinary Pokémon are bad, that we could be for something good, too!" Kari cried. "Why wouldn't you want to fight for that? What's so wrong about fighting for that?"

"You're one to talk! Like you helped Kayla in that battle too. You only stepped in when she was about to get squashed," Pola replied.

Kari gasped and mouthed a response. "I- we, I just—"

"Kari, it's okay. You don't have to stand up for me here," Kayla finally spoke up.

"Kayla!"

She came forward, but it took all her willpower not to turn away from Pola right now. The Plusle was truly angry, and folded their arms. Silence fell, besides Kayla's own struggled huff. Her chest and stomach were twisting, hard. "I'm… sorry."

"Huh?" Pola's brow furrowed.

"I'm sorry. You're completely right, and I'm sorry," she said, and gulped. "I… I normally know what to do in fights because I take things as they come. But against that strange monster Zude summoned, nothing we did worked. When I saw that, and the way you guys couldn't fight in front of the Pokémon of the city, I just… panicked, and froze up. I wanna brag and say it's not like me, but I don't matter here. What matters is I put you girls in danger. That's not what a leader should do."

"Oh so it's humble garbage, huh?" Pola turned away.

Kayla took a deep breath. "What do you want to do, Pola?"

"… Huh?" she turned back.

"You're clearly not happy with the way I'm doing things, so I want to ask you girls. Shannon, you too. What can I do that'd make you stay?" Kayla put on a serious look.

"Ack, turn the spotlight on me why don't you," Pola started twisting her weave. "It's what I just said. Calm it down a notch, yeah? None of this runnin' headfirst into terrorists rubbish. Or expecting us to use our extraordinary powers in a city where it's illegal."

"I know I pulled a fast one on Mum- er Beaurette, but that had some truth to it. It might be a bit hard when we've got the Dream World and Mathildaath stuff to work on," Kayla reasoned.

"I know… yeah, actually. For someone who can dream whatever the heck they want, you don't seem so gung-ho about pleasing yourself. Unless that's what that weird food dream was," Pola started to mumble. "Obviously I'm gonna do my bit and deal with the crystal den here, but when we get back, how about we have some fun with the Dream World?"

"I can only promise to try. To tell the truth, I don't think I'll ever be able to grant your wish, Pola," Kayla slumped.

"Ack, forget that old wish. Just do other cool stuff! Like, how about you dream us lots of money? Then we can have a real party in town!" Pola suggested.

"But our money's digital, like we said earlier. Would that work?" Kari asked.

"… Even if it did, if we suddenly jumped up and became millionaires, I think the academy would notice. We might have to wish even smaller," Kayla started tapping a foot.

"Before we get carried away talking about self-pleasures, I feel it's better we deal with the situation at hand," May finally spoke up. She had that cocky smirk on her face again.

"Killjoy," Pola grumbled.

"I've already contacted Ashe to meet us here. After we deal with the crystal den, we can easily find a spot to warp back. It's the den itself I'm curious about. What's this got to do with Visionaries, and you specifically, Pola?" May asked.

"Wait, smarty pants here really doesn't know about that?" Pola swished an arm. "If we beat the enemy inside, me and Shannon could learn a new move. That means… we'll have to team up this time, y'know."

"Just don't pull anything like you pulled last time," Shannon said lowly and aggressively.

Last time? There was a last time I don't know about? Kayla cocked her head. "Wait a minute, that's a thing, too. You two've been kinda bitter with each other since prom. Do you wanna talk about that?"

The two cheek pouches turned away from each other, though Pola was with a sad sigh. "I'll… try and be real with ya later."

"Oh? Why not now? Kayla's opened her heart to talk about team affairs with you. Shouldn't you return the favour?" May suggested.

"Urk! Sh-shut up," Pola growled.

"… Pola tried to drown me," Shannon stated. The others flinched.

"Shannon!" Pola gasped.

"If I wasn't so resilient, I'd have left the moment that happened. But life's cruel, and I need you in order to grow stronger," Shannon admitted.

"D-d-don't be like that! You tried to kill me, too!" Pola pointed at him. "You had your paws around my neck and everything!"

"Oh my. And here I thought it was a mere lover's quarrel," May commented.

"Don't you start. You're meant to be the smart one. You can see the age difference!" Shannon snapped. "I am not that kind of Pokémon!"

"There's gotta be more to this," Kari groaned.

"Uurgh, FIIIINE, we're doing this now I guess," Pola almost tore out her fur. "Look, I didn't try to drown you, I swear it. I tried to give you a revelation."

"You held me underwater even when I was struggling," Shannon grit his fangs.

"Yeah, 'cos that's how it works!" Pola leaned toward him. "Look- ugh, this is gonna sound totally nuts but… Visionaries learn their moves through revelations. And how do Pokémon get revelations? The surefire way? Your life flashes before your eyes. It's really bad I know, but that's seriously how it works. The revelations that are sure to give you a new move are the ones that happen when you're on the verge of death!"

"Are you kidding me?" Kayla gasped. "Wait so you two like, went to a pool somewhere and you tried to drown him?"

"Not exactly. I wanted him to meditate underwater. Asphyxiation would trigger the revelation. It did for me, anyway," Pola stated. "Don't look at me like that! I wouldn't have actually let you die; I swear!"

"This really feels like something you should've explained before I started?" Shannon raised his voice.

"You'd think so, wouldn't ya," Pola started scratching her head. "The thing is, it's like… er, dreaming in general, y'know? If you know it's coming, it doesn't work. That's why I was so vague explaining it at the time. Azelf didn't say anything either, 'cos she knew what was up. I mean, think about it. Even when you learnt your first move, it was after that shadow stabbed you with the knife."

"Oh gods, you're saying Shannon could've actually died back then?" Kayla shuddered. "Then what about this crystal den here? Either of you could die doing this, just to learn a new move?"

"Don't you get all high 'n' mighty. You were ready to get us killed fighting Zude," Pola pointed at her.

"… Gods, you cut deep."

"But yeah, that's how it works. You can't force yourself to have an insightful revelation, y'know? It's just one of those things that happens. And when your life's flashing before your eyes, that's when they're most likely to come," Pola explained. "So I took you to the hot spring and held you down after it looked like you fell asleep. If it didn't work, then I'm sorry. Genuinely."

Shannon grit his fangs harder and harder it seemed, and leaned forward like he was about to strangle someone. Kayla was concerned as he started growling too, but he stood up. "That's… why… that realm…"

"Realm?" Pola cocked her head.

"That…. I actually did learn a move… from that…" he hissed between his teeth. He took a deep breath, but it looked like it hurt to talk. "No. To be specific, it's like I learnt half a move. I couldn't breathe, so I left before I figured out what was going on. I have an idea for something, but no idea if it'll actually work."

"For gods sake, you couldn't have just said that?" Pola gasped.

"Because then you'd think it was okay to pull stuff like that with me. The fact that this came right after me turning you down for the prom too, can you really blame me for not thinking there was an ulterior motive?" he replied, and sighed.

"Hell no! I still like you, y'know! Drowning a handsome guy like you would be a waste," Pola gasped. "Ah, I really fucked up, huh?"

"The fact that you're still going on like that," he huffed and turned away. "Am I going to have to repeat myself in front of everyone else? Do you really want that?"

"Aww man, how'd this turn into a smoke Pola convo?" the Plusle started scratching her head. "Our lives are already a shitshow with the law, who cares if there's a little extra skirting off the top? But if you wanna pretend you're the perfect public hero, be my fucking guest."

"Murder in the name of revenge is on a whole different scale to doing things with a minor!" Shannon argued.

"Alright that's enough, we are not having that convo here," Kayla stepped in. "As it stands, we now know how Visionary training works. Pola, I really wish you'd have been upfront from the start?"

"Can you blame me?" she folded her arms.

"… No. But that doesn't mean I like it any less," Kayla shook her head. "Shannon, you now know what you're in for, and what we're about. It's your call. Do you want to continue training with us, and deal with the crystal den here?"

He seemed surprised, and looked her up and down. There was some mouthing too, and a short glance at Pola, who just looked annoyed. "If we can stop with the liking me rubbish, I can continue. When I came here, I was prepared to do anything. I just want to put my head down, get stronger, and then be out of your lives, teammate or not. Will you let me do that?"

"That's on you," Kayla turned back to Pola.

"I- ugh, gods damn it. Ya just want me to stop flirting with you, huh? Yeah I can do that," Pola sighed. "Crystal dens are sorta my thing, so you guys ain't getting shit done unless I'm there."

"Are you sure about that?" May commented.

Pola paused. "You got somethin' to say?"

"I'm saying we don't have to clear out the den here. We could warp back to RSE once Ashe gets here and leave the slums without hassle," May shrugged. "We don't owe these homeless bums anything, after all."

"What're you- I get something out of it, so I don't mind. Help some guys out, get a new move, it's a win-win for us all," Pola said.

"How very heroic and noble of you," May commented.

Did… did she just…? Kayla was surprised.

"Well, I'd say that's enough of a rest. Shall we get going?" the Pichu began to leave. "Ashe will catch up to us, so don't worry about that."

"Um, last thing on this…" Kayla said. "If things do get rough again, please don't put yourselves in danger. You guys shouldn't have to nearly die to get stronger. That's really worrying."

"No promises," Pola shrugged.

"There's gotta be some mutual respect somewhere," Kayla sighed.

"I do my shit properly, so I dunno what to tell ya. But I guess you're kinda right, wouldn't be fair if I asked ya not to put us in danger only to put myself in it and have you worry," she scratched her head. "If shit gets rough, I'll let ya know and we can run, yeah?"

"Holding you to that. Just, look after yourselves, please," Kayla said.

"Are you leaving?" Artillery asked. Kayla nodded. "If you succeed, return here briefly."

"Hmm?" she cocked her head. He hesitated.

"Just a feeling," he left it at that. Kari shrugged and led the way out, letting the Swadloon return to his work, whatever that was.

Pola led the way this time, and it wasn't long before it became obvious why the crystal den was a problem. Gone were the tents and habitats, and those that remained were in tatters thanks to large shards of shiny crystal. All of them were jagged and lodged hard into the earth, as if they had rained down from somewhere high up. Kayla grumbled at the thought, and directed her gaze upward to spot just that.

Not far ahead was a rock plateau that arched outward like an upside-down mountain. Crystals littered the cliffsides like a plague growing across it, each one unnaturally smooth and unclimbable. A quiet wind howled in this area, creating a chill that didn't feel fitting for the desert. No one was around this spot either, as if they had stepped near a dungeon rather than another part of the slums.

"Okay hold up, I've never seen anything like this," Pola commented. "The crystals don't actually harm anyone, do they?"

"Don't ask us, this is your field. They look like they came from up there," Kayla said, staring up the wall. This was going to be a difficult climb, even for Kari's speed.

"It's like something exploded or something, and sent those crystals everywhere… if they could dig them out, maybe they could make them into jewellery or something," Shannon added.

"Oh yeah, good idea! Then they'd have money from selling them!" Kari cheered, rushing to grab one of the crystals. She was careful not to cut herself on its sharp surface, but even pulling with full strength, it wouldn't budge.

"They're not magnetic so I can't pull them out. Even so, I must admit, you'd need an acquired taste to wear something like this as fashion," May replied.

Kayla grumbled in agreement. They were glossy but not transparent, and overall not enough of a clean colour to look nice. Unlike the crystals they had seen up until now, these were pale, cloudy, and multicoloured, almost like their gleam was being washed out of them in place of this foggy, glossy texture. Kari eventually pulled so hard she backflipped and fell on her face. "U-uh, careful there."

"I'm okay!" she raised a paw.

"The den's up there, right? Should we ask one of the homeless to help us up?" Pola asked.

"Kari, I think you're up. No one's around, so you can stretch us up there can't you?" Kayla glanced at her.

"Hmm… I think I have a better idea. Shannon, you're up!" she replied cheerfully.

"Me?" he was confused.

"Yep yep yep! You brought the tools we got from Husk Tunnel, right?" she bounced eagerly. He rummaged through his belongings unsurely. "The giant staplers! The Wall Staples, give it a try!"

"You really want me to give that a try? You're too excited about this," he sighed, making his way up to the cliff. He started examining the wall, brushing his tail against parts of it.

"Hmm? Did you girls discuss something at some point?" Kayla smiled.

"Shh! Just watch and see. This'll be really cool!" Kari bounced on her toes.

"If you say so," Kayla replied.

"Here looks good. Straight and soft enough, I hope," Shannon mumbled, coming to a stop.

He took a deep breath, spun, and then drew his tools as he came to a stop. He held two staplers as big as his body, and had a concentrated glare on his face. He slammed one of the staplers into the wall so stylishly it was like he slashed it with a blade, but instead of a cut, there was a large metal step embedded into the rock. Stepping onto that, he repeated with the other stapler, creating another step. One by one, step by step, he stapled his way up the cliff, leaving behind a perfectly straight ladder made of fresh staples.

Is this gonna be safe? Kayla leaned away in disbelief.

"It's working!" Kari clapped and swayed. "Now when we're done, all the other Pokémon can get up the cliff too!"

"… I still can't," Kayla turned to her, and she froze.

"Silly Kayla, I'll carry you like we did with the highway!" she giggled. "You don't mind, do you?"

"I don't, as long as you tell me beforehand," Kayla snickered. "But also, how'd you know the staples would be this good? They just seemed like a random tool. To think they could scale a wall?"

"I'm more amazed he's doing it perfectly straight. Guy's got more skill than I thought," Pola commented.

"Okay, it should be safe to climb. Come on up!" Shannon's voice came through the PET. The group exchanged nods and gave it a try, Pola especially was surprised at how sturdy the steps were. It was still a long climb, but hardly as perilous as climbing normally.

At the peak, Kayla hopped off, wiggled herself free of dust, and then gazed out over the cliff edge. You could see over the valley and into the city from here, though it was mostly faded by light. Skyscrapers filled the skyline alongside Hammock Bridge, all so faded that you couldn't see any of the flashy lights that normally made the city glisten. Something about that made it seem prettier than actually being there. She felt a sense of wonder, imagining what the city could be like. She couldn't spot her house or street from here, but it was fun to look.

"Yeah. This is definitely different," Pola's comment drew everyone's attention to the crystal den.

It was glossy and luminous like the other crystal dens so far, but this one was huge and jagged, rather than smooth and rounded. It had several layers too, almost like a castle made out of crystal. Each section, from its spiky towers to its jagged central gate, had swirls of energy and electricity sparking off of it. Small patches of crystal grew all around the area too, furthering the plague look from before. Even worse, Kayla could feel the wind this time too. It was constant, cold, and howling, an unnatural occurrence despite their height.

"Just don't overdo it, okay?" Kayla said.

"I wouldn't even if I didn't promise you," she commented, and then led the way in.