Twin Colors

by tremor3258

Generally getting cheat memories is supposed to be a *bonus*. OCs, Paldea, post-game.

17. Interviews with the Top

Twin Colors

By tremor3258

Chapter 17

Interviews with the Top

---

One thing that started to worry Nurse Barnaby after a while was the status of his most injured patients. Their partners' restorative sleep outlasted their trainers significantly. Even with the two junior trainers awoken prematurely, it took another hour for Alamy and Rose's Pokemon to wake up after Salvatore did. Given the links between trainer and Pokemon and the highly spiritual nature of the attack, the girls healing cycle had been interrupted.

Salvatore hadn't taken a ghost attack directly or been directly awoken. He had been near a Titan-grade Pokemon for some time. His Pokemon took a half hour to awaken after him, and they had full access to the ministrations of a healing machine. Given the shared factor of their proximity, Barnaby was trying to take vitals repeatedly without alarming them. It could be a key piece of evidence for Clavell's investigation.

There was another unusual datapoint that was applicable across all his patients. Everyone injured in the attack were eating like Snorlax after their winter hibernation. He'd checked the cafeteria and the Centers in town, and they were seeing similar effects. Even the damaged Rotom phones had been hogging the power outlets.

Poppy and her friend's charity was helping, but Barnaby had rolls, sandwiches, and sides sent up to help space out the paella. He'd still caught trainers sneaking trail rations from their bags to themselves and their partners when the flow slowed down. No one was having any nausea, at least.

Salvatore had put down three bowls himself. The six who had been knocked out by the Misdreavus's last Shadow Ball were eating even more. The Pikachu had recently evolved but she was taking in far more nutrition than normal and taking an electric charge at the same time. The Quaxly had finally stopped but had eaten about twice the normal daily intake for the species. Barnaby had excellent notes on the school's study species available thanks to his predecessor.

Rose's two grass Pokemon were maximizing their surface area under the sun lamps and were still eating. He could take some comfort that he had been correct their dead foliage was causing no discomfort.

Barnaby's focus as nurse was typically on the partners, and so while he had been noting Rose and Alamy's intake on their charts, he hadn't been paying conscious attention. When Poppy and Zania had left and returned with the paella they had been intending to freeze, a couple quick questions revealed they had been eating steadily since they woke up.

Rose was stricken from dealing with her sister but was still eating mechanically. Alamy was more animated in her eating, which kept her barely on the side of etiquette as fast as she was putting it away.

The fact neither had to ask for the facilities meant something with the partners was involved in increasing their digestion efficiency. All those calories were going somewhere between them.

The trainers who had minor injuries or just warranted some extra observation mounted to a dozen more, crowding the room. The nurse's room had started everyone on full recovery, but at least twenty thousand calories had disappeared when they started to slow down even as Salvatore was steady and the children were desperate.

If an attack hadn't been involved, this kind of nutritional intake usually meant having to discretely hand a 'So you're no longer a Lass/Youngster' pamphlet if their adolescence had gone into fast-track. People didn't grow as rapidly as Pokemon between stages, but it was still in discrete chunks.

"I guess we didn't have too many ingredients," Poppy commented as the last bowl rapidly disappeared into a birdkeeper.

"Please let me cover some of this," Rose said, who was working on her third sandwich after the paella had given up. Alamy nodded.

"You all had enough happen today, and I barely let Poppy talk me into covering any. This is my contribution to the school's recovery," Zania said empathetically.

"Please let me try and argue," Salavtore's wife said, "As a gift – you helped carry my darling to safety and stopped the rampaging Pokemon." This was directed at Zania and Poppy, who shifted, embarrassed. Neither felt they had done much.

"We can figure that out later," Zania said quickly. Salvatore's wife nodded, but her expression showed she wasn't going to forget her debt.

---

"I think we are finally slowing down," Salvatore noted. The second pile of sandwiches had been half devoured. "Even with everything my partners and I exerted in our Championship evaluation, I have never felt so hungry in my life."

"Mei said the ghost was hungry too," Poppy said.

"You two have not eaten, and were in the main line of fire, were you not?" Alamy asked, having finished wiping her mouth with a napkin. She put a hand on her stomach.

"I am sorry, but if there is another ham and watercress, I will take it please," she added. She started looking around for anything else she could eat before Poppy threw her another sandwich. She messily unwrapped it and began devouring.

"We had a bowl when we first got here, you two weren't up yet," Zania said.

"And we had a bowl upstairs, come to think of it, before we came down with Magney and the hot plate," Poppy added.

"And I was snacking on some of the poultry we sauteed first," Zania said, pursing her lips in worry.

"I snuck one of the seafood packets," Poppy said, scuffing her shoe on the floor.

"Wait, I'm noting this," Barnaby said hastily.

"It was amazing," Rose complimented around a mouthful of sandwich. She had to hastily grab her water as she started coughing.

"Sorry, it was really good," she said after swallowing. She paused to continue, then went back to eating instead.

"No one looks as bad as Aliquis, at least," Poppy said.

"Hmm?" Barnaby asked, and the girls explained the 'withering' Aliquis had undergone inside the ghost.

"These aren't full medical beds, so they don't have scales built in," Barnaby mused, "I think I'll want to get everyone's weights before they leave."

"It doesn't seem anyone was spared," Salvatore noted.

"And you're helping replenish your partners too," Barnaby said, "Being close to a purification can dampen the bond, so it may have taken extra energy while you were unconscious."

"They're taking something," Rose said, unwrapping a granola bar. Poppy tossed another sandwich she caught gratefully.

"I was not sure what was my 'new normal', but would explain so much going to Resistor," Alamy added, before going back to tearing the second half of the sandwich free with her teeth.

The room went silent as people looked at the two girls, who looked around.

"What did we do now?" Rose groaned, putting her hands over her eyes, before jumping and recoiling. The discoloration effect was disturbing, she hoped she wouldn't have to grow used to it.

"My Pokemon were hungry and going through recovery, but they haven't been calling on the bond to where I was actively channeling after their healing finished," Salvatore said carefully.

Poppy gave a 'hmm' and took her gloves off as she looked around, holding them up to the air a few times. "It's such a crisscross in here I wasn't looking," Poppy admitted, "But Resistor, Ivy, and Azucena are taking right now."

"How much?" Barnaby asked.

Poppy shrugged helplessly, "To me? Not a lot? For a young Pokemon and a new trainer, I dunno."

A trainer added in an Unovan accent, "I'm amazed you can probe in here without a challenge. This many trainers in close quarters is halfway to a match anyway with the best intentions." Poppy waved bashfully before putting her gloves back down.

"The purified space helps stop the energy clash is my understanding. I'm not a battle trainer. I don't experience it myself," Barnaby said, and withdrew a digital surface thermometer.

"But I can put some numbers to it," He announced. He held it to Alamy and then Rose's heads, who managed to stop chewing briefly so he could get a read and jot the numbers down.

"Your temperatures have still not come all the way down to average yet," he said.

"Have they said anything?" Salvatore asked. The two girls looked at each other and rock-paper-scissored to who would have to stop eating.

Rose lost two out of three and said, "Just they're hungry and tired. They don't say much either when eating. I asked a lot of trust earlier to stay with me. They're getting what they want right now." She smiled.

"Which apparently is more of whatever that green colored kibble is, please," she asked. Poppy nodded and went to refill their bowls.

"I am so proud of them though," she continued, "I'm going to spend my whole life chasing the feeling during that attack. Everything went perfect for a second." She shook her head then went back to eating, more desperately. The pause had just sharpened her appetite.

Alamy stopped for a second and looked dismayed. "That is not the normal sync?" she asked. Rose shook her head. Resistor raised her head and made a buzzing sad noise that Alamy translated.

"A shame, but Bandwidth was hungry earlier and just is tired now. Resistor is trying to fill something? The energy and food aren't enough. Oh Xerneas spread our antlers, there is just so much I was missing with you," she finished, speaking faster and faster. She stopped, realizing she was babbling, but brushed away tears, and regretfully went back to eating.

"The link gives a lot, but they of course have control over what they say. Body language and vocalizations can give important details, if they feel they need to hide something to not disappoint you," Salvatore warned.

Rose was starting to sniffle too, and had to put her sandwich down to not choke again. "It was so amazing, though. Everything just flowed while we were focused. We had to make that hit connect," Rose mused, still stuck on the feeling. Ivy and Azucena looked up, also teary-eyed, though they ducked back to their food bowls after Poppy refilled them.

"Now if you would just tell me what you need," Alamy said, directed to her duck. She had finished licking her fingers. Bandwidth continued to nap. Resistor glanced over at her teammate and buzzed dismissively before going back to eat.

"This is an interesting reaction. Objectively, you two lost and were defeated. Being pitted against such a powerful opponent often is a breakdown of trust in the trainer's judgement and corrosive on the relationship. They're acting more like you made some accomplishment," Salvatore said encouragingly.

Rose swallowed, then swallowed again, her throat dry. She had to drink more before speaking. Her eyes were still wet.

"Please don't credit me with some breakthrough," she said, "We could be dead. I knew we could die. I don't know how we did that at the end, but it felt so right." Alamy nodded, digging through her pack, though Zania was hastily getting her some rolls.

"I do appreciate what you did both for me and Aliquis," Salvatore said. His wife nodded in agreement.

"That thing shot towards the crush at the doors a couple times," one of the other trainers said, "It would have rampaged if it could." There were calls of agreement.

Ivy and Azucena looked at each other, made a few paw motions at each other, and Azucena squeaked confusingly at her trainer as Ivy went back to food.

"Yes, I know we're not dead. I'm happy we're not dead!" Rose insisted. Resistor buzzed, sounding unconvinced.

"Do not listen to your sister," Alamy said, and very carefully did not look at her sandwich as she continued, "I know what we felt. It could have done that across the city if left unchecked. We knew what was necessary and we did it. Our judgement is not flawed." Alamy took a deep breath and went back to her sandwich.

"They really seem to think you're missing something," Salvatore mused, "Like something came and we're missing it. Except the Quaxly."

"Bandwidth," Alamy said indistinctly with a full mouth. Salvatore nodded confirmation.

"Is that part of this?" Rose asked, remembering to drink this time first as she gestured at the crumbs. Barnaby shook his head.

"I wish I could say. Ghost attacks are often very individual and unique outside the trainer-link. And bonds express themselves so individually," Barnaby apologized for not having more, "You were certainly fighting a life drain earlier, which would explain some of the appetite." He briefly counted sandwich wrappers and discarded bowls.

"Not all of this, though," he finished drily. The girls were too hungry to be embarrassed.

"I just feel like I'm not filling up," Rose said, and went back to eating.

"The two of you put together don't make three meters, I think, but you're eating like cyclists on the Grand Tour of Paldea," Zania said.

"It's okay to be short!" Poppy piped up.

"You said purification affected the bond, would going to the hallway help?" Alamy asked. She was halfway through her next sandwich and eyeing the pack

"I think I have some dried soup in here still," she muttered.

"We still have sandwiches!" Barnaby said hastily. His Audino backflipped to Alamy's bed with one to present it and toss another at Rose.

"Thank you," Alamy managed. Rose nodded.

"Their Pokemon are a few refills in, too," Zania said, "You've mentioned how competition goes up and down the bond mentally. I didn't realize hunger was part of it too." Salvatore shook his head.

"Could it be some curse?" Salavtore's wife asked. Poppy shuddered, but Magney gave her a reassuring pat with a magnet, crackling with electricity on another, still plugged into the hot plate. Resistor's head shot around to stare at the electricity, hunger in her eyes. Magney backed up, suddenly nervous of the junior Pokemon.

"Resistor, you have electricity," Poppy chided, stepping forward to interpose herself.

"I'll up her voltage," Barnaby said. He adjusted the current and Resistor sighed, relaxing and going back to eating physical food as well.

"Poor Resistor, it's like they don't know what they need so they want everything," Poppy sympathized.

"We may need to draw blood to check for an imbalance, but those labs wouldn't run until tomorrow morning," Barnaby said. Ivy looked up, stricken by the thought of needles, then nervously turned to keep an eye on Barnaby while eating.

"Azucena and Ivy have fertilizer, sun, water, and nutrition-balanced food. They had some paella earlier. What are we missing?" Rose said before going back to eating.

"What sandwiches have you tried?" Barnaby asked.

"Everything but the potato salad. If it's like the buffet's, I will never keep it down. Is this the school's bacon, by the way? I like how it's cooked," Rose asked, working on a BLT.

"I have tried the potato salad, but not another please. It is too creamy," Alamy said. She had some sort of chicken panini at the moment.

"I saw Rose go through a few granola bars. And some trail mix. And I think some dinner mints," Poppy said.

"And I dry-swallowed some drink mixes," Rose added, embarrassed. Alamy coughed, then nodded.

"I had some chocolate but that went quickly," Alamy added apologetically. She then tore another bite free.

"I don't usually like chocolate though it doesn't sound bad right now. I might have some macha jellies still," Rose said, then went to taking another bite.

Zania walked over to Rose's purse. "Can I toggle through to look?" she asked. Rose nodded, still eating.

"I don't know how you're managing to burn all that," Zania said, impressed.

"Maybe we're channeling to digest faster," Rose said, before quickly going back to eating.

"Jellies, jellies," Zania muttered, "What container were they in?" She brought out a few potions, and a water bottle, and shook her head. Next pocket she toggled she pulled out a large plastic case.

"There's something green in here," she observed, cracking it open.

"Oh, that's just a storage case for wild Pokemon trophies," Rose said dismissively, "It's inert plastic, and…" Rose trailed off speaking, and suddenly sniffed the air, once, then repeatedly, her eyes glazing.

Zania took a step back at the look in Rose's eyes, and turned to see Rose's Pokemon had stopped, and were watching her intently as well.

"Rose?" Zania asked nervously. Rose made a lunge for Zania but got tangled halfway in her sheets. Zania jumped backwards. Azucena and Ivy jumped on the bed and turned to look at Zania, their eyes hollow.

"Nurse!" Alamy called, worried. Salvatore tried to get up but was pressed down by his wife. Ivy crouched to pounce, but got clotheslined by Barnaby's Audino. Struggling to avoid the Spirgatito's claws as Azucena started to bodyslam her, she whistled. Barnaby's Skiploom was out of the room getting more sandwiches, but his Milotic popped out of her Poke ball, putting a tail between Zania and Rose.

Rose drew back a little at the big Pokemon, but still struggled to free herself from the covers. The three Pokemon's struggles were keeping her pinned.

Poppy hastily unplugged Magney who floated over the bed to cast Rose and her partners into shadow. Barnaby's reactions were slower but he started over. He suddenly shouted in surprise.

It was in time for Zania to turn and stumble instead as Alamy jumped at her. Zania accidentally shoulder-checked the Kalosian, who fell backwards. Her eyes had the same glazed look, and she snatched forward even as she wheezed. Zania yelled in surprise and tossed the case upwards. Resistor snatched it out of the air as she made a jump.

Zania turned and fled, ducking to keep Magney and the Milotic between her and her suddenly crazed friends. Bandwidth looked at the big Magnezone nervously, and held his wings out to show he was a passive observer to the whole thing.

"What happened?" Zania asked. Poppy shook her head, confused.

"Alamy was fine until she got close to the case," Salvatore said. Resistor had landed and presented it to her trainer. The Kalosian rummaged through it and held up several small leaves from the case, which glowed green and faded to ashes, disintegrating in her hand. Resistor and Alamy sighed, and she shook her head to clear it.

Rose let out a high pitched keen as she saw the leaves vaporize in Alamy's hand.

"Wait, there's still some!" Alamy said, holding them up. Milotic's tail lashed at the noise and Resistor buzzed angrily, sparks in her cheeks.

"Let her through," Barnaby ordered, and the serpent haughtily drew back out of the way. Alamy pressed several into Rose's hand – it took two tries as Rose tried to clutch them at the same time.

The leaves glowed and faded to small specks, and Rose blinked, then groaned in relief. Ivy and Azucena went limp under the Audino and sighed blissfully.

"Zania?" Alamy asked weakly, "Did any of us hurt you? I had to get it. It smelled divine." She looked at her hands, which were shaking.

"Did I really do that?" Rose asked, "Zania, I'm so sorry." She turned to bow to Barnaby, but tangled in the sheets still in the sheets fell sideways instead. "I'll surrender my trainer's license with no disagreement. If there is any leniency to be had, I insist this was on me and Azucena and Ivy are still safe in society." Azucena and Ivy muttered in protest underneath Audino, but Rose made a shushing gesture.

"Aren't you overstating this?" Zania said nervously.

Alamy hugged Resistor like she was about to go to the gallows. "You are correct. There is no room for disagreement, we lost control with our Pokemon," she said hollowly. Resistor buzzed, but she shook her head firmly. Bandwidth stepped forward cautiously.

"Whatever was in there, you two went crazy," Zania paused and hastily corrected, "Wild when you smelled it. Like instantly."

"It didn't look like that was a conscious decision," Barnaby said.

"If we had feedback up the bond that's worse," Rose wailed, "I'm so sorry, I was going to do so much with you two." She was struggling free of the blankets to try and pet them.

"No one's taking away your license right now," Barnaby said firmly. He nodded and Milotic withdrew to her Poke ball as Audino let Rose's Pokemon up. They rushed into her arms, all three weeping still.

"Something left over from the ghost?" one of the trainers asked nervously, leading them to look around. Salvatore's wife squeezed his hand. Who knew what time bombs were left?

"They looked like Resistor when Magney sparked," Poppy said nervously, "Like you saw something and knew you needed it."

"It was green, whatever you two took out," Zania said, taking a few tentative steps forward. She picked the case up from where it had fallen.

"There isn't anything green left in here," Poppy observed, and crawled on the floor to see if anything fell out.

"That looked like an elemental imbuing. To happen to a person would require a severe imbalance – did you try teaching a move during training?" Salvatore asked.

The two shook their heads, still sniffling. Bandwidth stepped forward and let Alamy scratch his ears.

"All that were in there were some Hoppip leaves," Rose said.

"How many?" one of the students asked, swinging out of bed. He had a small bone fracture that was knitting, with his Pokemon disabled in the melee, his arm was in a light cast.

Rose's tears stopped as she considered the oddity of the question. "Maybe a dozen?" she said, "I gave some to my sister."

"You had a very productive weekend," Salvatore complimented.

"Hoppip like me," Rose replied.

"That seems like something was being fed," the student continued, "And only three of your Pokemon reacted to it as well."

Rose looked through Ivy's fur and under Azucena's petals. "The burn spots are still there," she said apologetically. That got Alamy wiping her own away to look at her Pokemon.

"Resistor has her discolored spots, and so do we," Alamy said, holding her hand up.

"Your Quaxly?" the student asked. Bandwidth sighed and briefly brushed apart his coiffure to show several feathers were faded to nearly gray.

"Something had you guys digging deep and trying to make up the debt," the student concluded, "But whatever it was affected only three Pokemon."

Salvatore looked at him in surprise. "Look, humanities track has logic classes," he said defensively. Poppy giggled.

"Stephan, I'm just surprised. You've always been more interested in human language than Pokemon behavior in my clasess," Salvatore said; his homeroom teacher.

"I've got my water partners, and we're great together. You can't write books for Pokemon, you do for their trainers," Stephan said, "But it's interesting. That looks a lot like you had a move trained to where it just needed the energy spike to take. A sensitive goes from being eaten to pushing a move concept in a few hours? I'm stealing that, if you don't mind."

"No?" Rose said, uncomfortable, "But I wasn't eaten. The Misdreavus couldn't get in. I found a channeling spot, but it was taken. I had trouble afterward since I was nearly asleep."

"Oh," Stephan said awkwardly, pulling his phone out, "And it's nearly nine, great."

"What's wrong? Besides I'll be back to sleep soon," Rose predicted, turning to Barnaby, "Please, if you need to take them, do it now." Barnaby shook his head.

"Whatever hit you, you didn't even have time to process," Barnaby said kindly.

"No, it's just it is getting late after a rough day," Stephan said.

"No kidding?" Zania said sarcastically.

"I owe you a few. I need to fix this," Stephan said, tapping on his phone.

"Did you ask someone something?" Poppy asked.

"Spreading rumors?" Zania said icily.

"From what her sister said, two people got hit in two days," Stephan defended himself, "I wanted to warn people more got eaten. I thought one of yours had done it to you."

"These two are all of us together," Rose said quietly, still holding them.

"You're not angry?" Zania asked, "You should be angrier."

"I'm mad at Mei, but I don't blame him. And look what I just did," Rose said, eyes starting to tear up again.

Zania took a deep breath and sat on the bed. "Easy, I just got startled, I'm not mad at you. Whatever that was, you both needed it."

"I'm letting people know, but it was a few hours ago. Who knows how many heard, and it's past dinner now," Stephan said miserably, "I told them a lady got affected, I didn't say names."

Rose's lips quirked up briefly, "Well if they look for a lady, they will expect someone taller."

"I will bear their stares," Alamy joked, though she still sniffled a little.

Zania looked back and forth.

"It takes time to ready a move, but we can command our partners at the speed of thought, Zania," Rose said, looking down, "If we can't bear that responsibly it's too dangerous for people in the area. You saw what a surprise attack did to Professor Salvatore."

"Salvatore, please," he insisted, "Professor makes me sound too important. Neither of you tried to call moves, either. In a technical reading of the law." Rose and Alamy didn't look convinced.

"Look, are you two hungry now?" Poppy asked. The two shook their heads.

"There was something you needed really badly in those," she concluded, "And I've seen the whole Pokemon League go through less food at a business lunch, so it was really bad."

"See, the Elite thinks so?" Zania said. The two let their Pokemon sit instead of clutching them, but kept petting them, a bit mollified.

"Anyone worried about them?" Salvatore asked, looking around. There wasn't a response.

"This day was so weird I doubt I'll remember this," one wise-cracker said. That got a few snorts of laughter, including an odd echoing modem noise from Magney.

"I do owe you two for this," Stephan continued, "You stopped that ghost, and I just let that rumor go without even checking with the nurse."

"If you want to make up for it," Rose said, and yawned suddenly, "Now the food catches up to me – if you want to make up for it, can you help Alamy with Bandwidth? You said you were a water trainer? For some reason he's skittish." Alamy looked flattered. Bandwidth gave her a look at betrayal. Salvatore snorted.

"Salvatore is right, I'm good with water but mainly battling my own, sorry, not the whole type. I want to be a novelist, not a Gym Leader," Stephan apologized, "I can get a TM for it or something to make up for it?"

Rose looked at Alamy, who nodded. "My resources are tight, we should discuss it later," Alamy said, "Why did you come to Naranja if you were not considering a Pokemon career?"

"Ancient languages, and the old epics. Exploring poetic ruins and that sort of thing. You need good Pokemon to be able to walk through them safely, and I'm not bad," Stephan said. "Yeah, we can figure out something out. What move did they get?"

Alamy looked at Bandwidth who quacked and she reported, "Bandwidth doesn't have anything new."

Zania had her phone out to check the Pokedex app. "There aren't many moves that all three species are listed as potential," she said. She grimaced and complained, "This needs a better way to flip between profiles."

"Use mine too," Poppy offered, bringing her own phone out. Zania flashed a grateful smile.

"Hoppip leaves mean grass, or flying energies naturally, right? Only Sprigatito can learn a flying move," Zania said, then she peered at Poppy's phone to continue, "And Pikachu doesn't have many. Grass Knot?" The three Pokemon looked at themselves and shook their heads.

"That would have made some sense. Mei was teaching it earlier and we were nearby, and then we exerted all this energy," Rose said, "I haven't tried to teach any moves outside their natural development yet. Budget." That got several knowing nods around the room.

"I have not looked into move training yet when I was having… difficulties with Resistor's natural Pichu moves," Alamy said evasively.

"Scrolling down, scrolling down, Professor Jacq did not build this UI if you were having to look for something," Zania complained.

"Very likely," Salvatore admitted.

"The only other move on Pikachu's list in grass is Trailblaze. Unless there's some other legal TM in Kalos," Zania said. Alamy shrugged.

"That's a relatively recent one for getting its matrix identified," Rose identified, "It's a move designed to mimic an ambush attack out of grass, with a follow-up boost to move speed," Rose paused, and looked at Alamy.

"We did focus together on that, yes. I know it is not simple to add a move," Alamy said.

"The Pokemon's natural strength gradually builds their 'natural' matrices; smaller Pokemon need less to sustain them so less evolved forms learn faster," Rose said, "Otherwise you need enough energy to 'imprint' it, and a very clear concept to the trainer and Pokemon."

"Good summary," Salvatore said, ever the teacher, "I would add there are several potential matrices that make the same move, but typically the TM is a computer-derived form to minimize energy expenditure in teaching."

"Quaxly can't learn it," Zania announced, cross-referencing. The group generally turned to look at Bandwidth, who merely adjusted his coif and settled back down.

Alamy and Rose closed their eyes, and the three Pokemon in question glowed briefly.

"It is in there," Alamy whispered.

"No demonstrating moves in here please," Barnaby said hastily. The Pokemon, looking sulky, settled back down on the beds.

"Did we… use ourselves as trophies?" Rose asked concerned, looking at her blackened hands, and then motioning over her Pokemon to hug them again.

"That's from a burst of ghost energy but would explain why your Pokemon took so long to wake up if they were filling an energy debt from you," Barnaby said. His lean face was set in more of a frown than usual.

"I apologize for missing an apparent elemental imbalance, though the life energy deficit was my focus," Barnaby said, stricken.

"We're in a muted environment too," Rose said assuredly, "We and our Pokemon didn't know until we had the solution literally in front of our noses."

"I will pay you back for those," Alamy added. Rose shook her head.

"You took the hit we me, and you gave me the greatest moment in Pokemon battling I may ever have," Rose said, voice thick with emotion. She had nothing, even reduced, from the Ranger that had compared to that.

"Clarification, S'il vous plait," Salvatore added, "You two were discussing the same heightened sense of channeling earlier? Not some similar experience in the midst of a desperate attack?"

"We both had Resistor's Poke ball," Alamy said, "Azucena was supplying energy as well and I felt it from both sources. Rose tried too hard for a bit and started to choke herself off. I helped her adjust and then it was everything until Resistor hit the Misdreavus."

Rose nodded, "That matches what I felt – I'm sorry, I tensed. I was afraid you wouldn't conduct."

"I understand, the assumption was a static path of circuits for my bonds," Alamy said, and folded her hands and grinned, "It appears I am a bit wilder than that, and I can work across an air gap."

"I would like to know every detail of those moments," Salvatore said, enthused and his eyes sparkling, "A pure communication between trainers, the ideal moment, even beyond language!"

"What?" Poppy asked.

"They weren't on the same wavelength, they were on the same transmitter, practically," Zania translated.

"If not the same brain cell," Rose said, still a bit hurt by her sister's comments. Alamy giggled however.

"Perhaps, but look what we learned," Alamy said, gesturing to take in the three.

"Please, while it still fresh," Salvatore said, calling while tapping on his phone. Laughing, his wife rolled her eyes at him but gazed affectionately as he sought better understanding.

---

Salvatore was satisfied with their account after a half hour – most of which was assuring the girls they had committed no fault. Rose was able to sleep with only a lightly disturbed conscience.. She found herself waking about her new normal time, hours before dawn. The lights were dim in the nurse's room, and Ivy's eyes gleamed at the base of the bed. Azucena waggled hello in the dark, a silhouette in her temporary pot.

A few students had gone to their rooms last night, but most had encamped here. Professor Salvatore's wife was asleep in a chair, a tablet dropped in her lap, next to her sleeping husband.

Rose got out of bed quietly and looked in dismay at what was left of her uniform. The mud had dried enough, she wasn't going to be able to get in it without washing it. She had two others right now, and only for the season. Her mother was expecting a growth spurt to kick in after starting training.

She did have a rain jacket she put on over the shift. She turned to recall her Pokemon and blinked as she saw Barnaby's Audino was on the bed. The Hearing Pokemon had a claw to her lips, though she didn't make any move to stop her. Barnaby had asked them to try to get some sleep, but hadn't blocked them from attending classes.

She sent a mental signal and Azucena uprooted herself carefully as Ivy stretched. The recall did make some noise, so she would do it in the hall. She turned towards Alamy and stopped – the girl was still wrapped in the blanket, and her Pokemon had their eyes shut.

She felt some intent behind her and turned to see the Audino tensed. She mouthed, "I wasn't."

The Audino shrugged apologetically. Rose got her phone to leave a note. She had wanted to talk with Alamy more privately, and get her a proper first match. If Alamy needed more sleep, Rose wasn't going to pull a Mei and wake her up early.

"I'm sorry," came a whisper from the next bed, "We woke a little while ago. We were curious what you would do." The Audino facepalmed and made shooing motions to both students. Resistor opened her eyes and grinned while Bandwidth shook his head as he quietly stretched.

Alamy quickly got her shoes and a jacket on, and the group snuck to the halls, where they recalled their Pokemon to move quieter.

"I'm sorry you're not sleeping still," Rose said quietly as they made for the elevators.

"I think my body clock adjusted to yours; I did not last much longer awake than you did," Alamy said, and frowned.

"I think I should apologize. The idea to test you went into my head and would not shake. I do not think I am angry at you," Alamy said.

"When we said we would get up to help more Hoppip, a lot has happened since then," Rose said.

"I woke up, and was worried, suddenly," Alamy said, still processing her feelings..

"About what?" Rose asked as they reached the main library to cross over to their wing. This early, it was thankfully empty for no questions what they were walking around in pajamas for, outside a few Noibats looking for their dinner before they retired.

"That you would close yourself off, or just… leave without me. If I had slept in," Alamy said slowly, and shook her head before continuing, "It does not make sense saying it aloud. That Audino is serious about quiet hours, too. It was not a sensible place to force a discussion."

"I'll see if I make it through the day or just end up under a blanket in my room," Rose said, and held her hands up. The ghost effects hadn't started fading yet. Alamy nodded.

"I appreciate you looking out for me. I don't want you to get a bad reputation, though," Rose said. Alamy held her own stained hands up in reply, then shook her head.

"You have fought through many trials this weekend. I am not sure why I was worried for. That you would dismiss me? I had the breakthrough, and was not enough? I am not sure I am putting it into words correctly," Alamy said, "After this weekend and everything we did, I do not know why, but I think I am not enough."

Rose looked around, but they were still crossing the library, and she shook her head.

"Bad place to stop to talk. I really want out of this shift. We're both getting all our partners now, anything from the purification is gone. And we sparred a lot yesterday without a full match," Rose warned, "And channeled together. This doesn't sound bad for me, but I won't be offended – do you feel recovered enough for a match this morning?"

"Absolutely, yes, let me get dressed first and we can start," Alamy said quickly, and bit her lip.

"Was I trying to provoke a fight? Or just trying to make you say I was worth one?" Alamy said frustrated, "I know they say they know someone in battle, but I am not sure I like I will be relying on it. This is the part I worried about."

"It just woke up," Rose said reasonably, "It took me hours to realize I was in challenge lock instead of tense my first day."

"If I climb on the roof and shout how I am going to be the best there ever was and the next Champion, push me off. Just see Resistor and Bandwidth get good homes," Alamy said miserably, "I envy your self-control."

"I've battled Mei, got into challenge lock with our homeroom teacher, challenged Victor, checked the trainer boards at Los Platos on two different days, tried to challenge-lock Nemona, sparred with you or her or both for most of yesterday afternoon, and then ran at a corrupted Pokemon because I didn't want to be passive. I didn't even try to count the number of wild Pokemon yesterday and today. I then pulled you out of bed for a match. What self-control?" Rose listed off for the weekend.

Alamy laughed at that, the sound ringing in the empty space. "Somehow you still seem the calmest of the other battlers," Alamy said after her chuckles subsided.

"I may just be quiet," Rose warned. That started them both giggling again as they reached the elevator.

"It's a drive, though it doesn't have to be bad," Rose said, "I want my partners to be the best. It probably helps get me out of bed."

"Yesterday's Alamy had a different set of criteria. Worries about the forfeit, how much punishment she would take, and all that endless worrying about Nuzzle," Alamy said, starting to speed up from her usual Paldean.

That made Rose stop and look at Alamy in concern. Alamy stopped at her look and thought about the last sentence. "Once Resistor was able to open her heart, and what I felt, even before the rest started – I was a fool about it. I knew that yesterday, but being with Resistor know and feeling her, put it in contrast. That I cared so much about others over my own partners feels like it must have been a nightmare," she said.

"You found her beauty, that you were hoping," Rose said, smiling.

"This is really the start," Alamy promised, then patted her other Poke ball, and continued, "Though I need to work on this one too. And if I want more." Alamy gestured as the elevator opened and they walked in.

"It was nearly the end, though, right there?" Alamy said quietly after the doors closed.

"I thought I had good self-control," Rose said. Most of it's borrowed though, isn't it? And you spent how long blowing chunks out of the Ranger yesterday night? She thought to herself.

"We pulled too hard, somehow," Alamy mused.

"I felt the energy go into me from those leaves and just vanish. We paid something back that we're not supposed to follow, I think. At that moment, I needed to get my hands on them more than I needed to breathe," Rose said. Alamy nodded.

"We needed that more than life, but if you can think of other… urges I should watch out for, please let me know," Alamy pled.

"The battle lust is a big one. Pokemon need their matches and so do we," Rose said.

"I do really want that match," Alamy answered, and started to grin. She pushed the floor button.

"Oh, just give me five minutes to change and gather some Hoppip. And you'll probably be ready for a third Pokemon before me after your time with Resistor," Rose said.

"I wonder if the Hoppip will seem attractive?" Alamy wondered.

---

The Hoppip did their best, but neither trainer felt like making one of the rescues a partner yet again. Dressed, they didn't linger on the roof but went to grab a court to have a quick battle. There were plenty of reservations this early, though the afternoon and night were filling up already. The battle results left Alamy frustrated with herself again.

Her two Pokemon were back in their balls to rest as Azucena strutted before the two girls, and Alamy shook her head. "I had not realized you were holding back that much yesterday," she nearly growled.

Rose made placating gestures as she pulled the moonwalking Petilil back to her ball. "I wasn't holding back on power, you can just pick up what I was doing on reactions you couldn't before. Resistor still has some bad habits from having to get voice commands, and I'm not a good type matchup," she consoled.

"I did want to be closer," Alamy said. She closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths. "[Be a good sport]," she muttered to herself in Kalosian, before switching back to continue, "I could see much better what Victor was talking about for your flaws, but I just couldn't get to them in time. Everything feels so dull this morning."

"I know. I feel so clumsy after what we managed together yesterday. But I could see what you were trying to do and it's a little terrifying to contemplate. We both have plenty to keep us busy improving," Rose noted. That got Alamy smiling again.

"Flatterer," she said.

"Give it a week and it'll be a different match," Rose predicted, and made 'crying' gestures to emphasize, making Alamy laugh.

"Do you want to meditate on the roof? Most of the techniques I know are intended for battlers, so I haven't gone into them with you yet. All our Pokemon like the spot, it'll help them rest up better to recover," Rose urged.

"Yes," Alamy said in a mock-threatening hiss, "Give me all your secrets." That got Rose laughing as they headed back into Naranja's halls.

The door opened before they could get there, making the two jump. The figure that stepped through had Alamy relax, though Rose was still tense.

"That was a nice match," Miriam said kindly, "More energetic than I would have thought after yesterday." Her arm was still in a sling, but she'd switched to one decorated with a color pattern matching her hair. She had it up in her normal style, so someone had given her a hand already this morning, with it washed and brushed.

"How do you keep doing that?" Rose asked, irritated.

"Oh, Dendra feels she owes me, so she's been an extra arm," Miriam said, being deliberately obtuse and patting her hair. The students stared and she winked and giggled.

"This is an extra credit opportunity?" Alamy probed. Miriam nodded briefly.

"I guess something you can-" Alamy started encouraging, then stopped, giggling as she looked at Rose.

Rose looked behind her and down herself, not seeing anything.

"Your face is exactly what I was looking to describe earlier for how I was when I awoke, frustrated I was not enough," Alamy said.

"Us teachers do have a bit more experience than you do at living with Pokemon and trainers," Miriam said, smiling and making a pinch gesture.

Her face cleared and she said, "Especially at living with our partners. Salvatore let us know you broke through, Alamy, how are you doing?"

"I do not know yet?" Alamy said, "I was trying to pick a fight with my friend in a very obtuse way rather than simply ask for a match when I woke up."

"That can happen," Miriam said apologetically, "You caught it though and had the match. And everyone can recover quickly and hopefully has a good time once you do."

Alamy bit her lip again. "You're bothered you're not bothered about that making sense," Rose predicted. Alamy nodded reluctantly.

"You know, if you ever want to go to counselling for newly synched and pet owners dealing with the first round of match requirements, there is a market," Miriam said to Rose.

"That's a lot of strange people to meet. I really wasn't trying to push her into being newly synched," Rose said hastily. Alamy nodded rapidly.

"She was very gracious about trying to not influence my decision," Alamy said, and paused a beat, "She was very, very insistent that she was not influencing my decision. I could just feel waves of not pushing all around me as I broke through." Rose winced. Alamy giggled, but with a bit of an edge.

"Psychic tendencies?" Miriam asked.

"None I know of. You did everything I could ask to uphold your promise, Rose, really. But I could tell how excited you were afterward," Alamy said.

"You were excited too!" Rose protested. Miriam looked further confused.

"I think… we were in sync as two trainers can be with each other," Alamy said, hazily.

"We were trying to push Resistor so hard I think we improvised a move matrix into our partners," Rose said.

"We were not trying to. We nearly lost ourselves trying to recover the energy we used and did not have," Alamy said, "From what Professor Salvatore said, it is a relatively clumsy form compared to the Technical Machine's, and required extra effort," Alamy said.

"Ivy and Resistor had no trouble with Trailblaze in battle, but we used up a lot of Hoppip leaves to get there, and a lot of other energy too. I don't know how much I ate yesterday but I'm still down a half-kilo," Rose reported.

"That may have only worked because they're so young, easier to set up a move," Miriam theorized, "Barnaby told me about the hunger situation. I know I doubled up dinner and had a midnight snack. Dendra usually eats quite a bit as an active martial artist and trainer, and she said she had to order in four times," Miriam said.

"Even as much as we ate, we are doing breakfast before class and it will be large," Alamy said.

Miriam exhaled, "Class, yes. I did need to talk to you two about that, unfortunately."

"I was wondering what you were doing up before seven after your injuries yesterday," Rose said, though she couldn't keep a straight face at the blatant hypocrisy. Alamy tried to nod solemnly but lost it as well.

Miriam looked at the rising sun, "If you need to sleep in the nurse's office tonight, Rose, that won't be a problem."

"The chapel has more staff during the week and Poppy, Zania, and Trigo all promised they know someone who can fix my necklace. I've got a group chat for who wants to go to town this evening," Rose said.

"That's good. I'm sorry how much trouble you've had with it. I don't plan to make a declaration on it, but if anyone gives you trouble, please feel free to come to me," Miriam said.

The joy drained out of Rose's and Alamy's expressions. "How many people know?" Rose asked dully. She stepped back and folded her arms, going defensive.

"Not as many as think the ghost struck repeatedly before it settled on Aliquis," Miriam said sadly, "I wasn't on duty at the cafeteria, but the teachers there were keeping an ear to gossip. Clavell is preparing a statement that the ghost only targeted Aliquis, and was affected by a probable third party, to help that will be over the PA during homeroom this morning."

"Is he okay?" Rose interrupted.

"Both he and his partners are far too cheerful for what happened, but whatever happened to us hunger-wise hit him far harder. He is being treated for malnutrition before he can come to classes in person," Miriam said smoothly, "But he should make a full recovery."

"That is good to hear. They really seem to both be victims?" Alamy asked.

"We missed the ending," Rose said grimly. She shifted to put her hands up her sleeves and Alamy put her hands behind her back. Neither had gloves long enough to hide the effects up the arm's veins, and had decided people would imagine it looked even worse if it was partially obscured.

"If I had one critique of your work yesterday, it is I wish you were farther back. Your bonds aren't so weak you need to be right on your partners for strengthening your orders," Miriam lightly chided.

"Farther back was next to the Professor," Alamy rebutted.

"I know, I'd still prefer it in a perfect world, where you could be far enough back to pull your partners to safety," Miriam said and rubbed her slinged arm briefly, "But I understand that wasn't available."

"For your question on Aliquis, yes. As far as we can tell, they were both under some compulsion, though we don't know why or how. I wish I had known that; I didn't handle it well to try and protect both. What you two did was very helpful, and very brave," Miriam assured them.

"Most people talking about yesterday are talking about our group, but no one wants to think about the near-riot, and the group of us are nearly Galar flashy all together," Miriam said, and briefly posed.

"A lot of people are talking about Mei and Victor with the Nacli – Barnaby said you heard about that?" she asked. The two nodded. "Clavell will mention people who assisted with the injured as well in his opening remarks. You two will be called out for our help, so I hope that helps keep the rumors from centering on you. It should be good for your careers," Miriam said. Rose suspected she knew who was making sure everyone knew about Mei and Victor, but Victor could be spreading it as well.

Getting a strong reputation as a trainer could make the path a lot easier. Unique facilities or early tips about resources or job opportunities could really help a trainer improve.

"If I have to have everyone staring at me, it would be better if it was for that than for the weird girl in the corner again," Rose muttered.

"Do not do that to yourself for her sake," Alamy said fiercely, grabbing onto Rose's hand. Rose flinched and tried to pull away, but Alamy held on even as she turned to Miriam, having the advantage of trainer strength as well.

"Miriam, Rose held off the will of that ghost yesterday and helped me as well. We had to fight our way back free of it to find our partners afterwards. She is not merely some victim," Alamy said firmly, "Our friends know the same, or they are not very good friends."

Rose tried one more time to pull, then relaxed and took a breath, before putting a hand over where Alamy had her.

"I am not happy with Mei, but I owe it to her to help her with whatever is going on, even if it hurts," Rose said sadly.

I wish I could tell you why, but you do the right thing. And I'm sure Geeta would lock us up if she thought us a threat, Rose thought sadly.

She had to get a better hold of herself. The Ranger had her flinch again. She took a deep breath. Physical content didn't scare Rose, it scared the Ranger. She opened her eyes and saw Miriam looking at her in concern.

"I'll make it to class," Rose said in a small voice. Miriam laughed.

"Oh, I've known a few like you over the years. They could line the hallways laughing and you would be there. You'd hate it and plan your escape, but you meet your obligations," Miriam predicted. She tapped her head near her eyes.

"I know how long you held it off to get a nice memorable opening battle with your sister," Miriam said kindly.

"Have any of those trainers you known made it to graduation?" Alamy asked, concern in her voice.

Miriam giggled. "Plenty – and most found the place for them to thrive along the way," Miriam assured them.

"I do need to ask. Rose, do your hands hurt? You jumped like Alamy was a live wire when she touched you," Miriam asked.

She has my psych record for who I was a week ago, Rose reminded herself. "They don't," Rose said, to keep it simple, "I've been jumpier about being touched. Is it a Sprigatito partner thing?"

Miriam looked at her doubtfully, then sighed. "My email box is always open, even if I'm not on campus, okay?" she urged, "And Director Clavell will contact to speak with you after classes today. Are you both okay otherwise? That soreness from Saturday gone?"

"Did Barnaby tell you about the leaves?" Alamy asked hesitantly. Miriam nodded.

"No one is holding that as a conscious act on either of your parts," Miriam said softly.

Rose exhaled, not realizing she had held her breath. Alamy slumped a bit.

"There's one more thing to check," Miriam said, making the two look up.

"You two said you saw things when the Tera Orb broke? There were a lot of reports of headaches, and a few other reports of visions. Charged Orbs don't cause that reaction, so we think it's related to what happened to Aliquis," Miriam said.

"Barnaby waved something over our heads while we were eating and said it looked 'as normal as battlers' brains do'," Alamy said, trying to imitate the nurse's accent.

Miriam giggled, and pressed, "It hasn't happened again? Do you remember what you saw?" She had drawn her phone out of her sling and had it hover in midair to type.

"No, it has not reoccurred," Alamy said, "It was odd – I was dressed differently, Rose looked like she was in some formal robe, and then the world was dead metal."

Rose blinked in surprise, "Dead metal is exactly how I would describe it. I hadn't looked at myself, but Alamy was dressed – it didn't suit her. Punk fashion, maybe? I don't follow it, but she was spiky, and the blonde was dyed out of her hair and it was short. Don't cut your hair, you looked miserable," Rose advised.

Alamy shuddered at the thought. Yellow or lightning seemed preordained at this point, but she preferred longer flowing outfits if she had a choice. Leather seemed uncomfortable and spikes unnecessary.

"Your hair was longer, and the color was gone out of it – it was almost ash-colored. Your eyes were nearly black, too. I have seen you angry and this was much deeper than that. Your face was flat, you looked depressed," Alamy recalled.

"Dead metal?" Miriam echoed. The two nodded.

"I am absolutely sure it was that way but not sure I can describe why," Alamy said.

"Not like the door frame over there as some sort of cast metal versus a Magnemite. Like it was missing something vital. It wasn't very long but I'm sure," Rose said quietly.

"You're not the only ones who saw metal all around them briefly. Jacq will have to check for adjectives, then. That's very specific," Miriam said, a bit weirded out.

"At the end, I could barely see Alamy, she was like a statue. Maybe me too, I don't know. I could barely make her out from the scenery. It was only a second or two," Rose said. She shifted, feeling disturbed, and Alamy squeezed her hand reassuringly. That helped a bit.

"Rose was the same at the end; a decoration, inert," Alamy said, "But only a moment. It could have been the ghost's influence."

"Did you see in detail what Rose was wearing before?" Miriam asked, changing the subject a bit.

"White or maybe light gray? The headache got in the way a bit. She had a gold crown on too. The robes were cut like something ceremonial. There was a black and red tabard too," Alamy said.

"Yveltal?" Miriam asked, surprised.

"No, I have seen people representing Oblivion before. Only the chest was that color, and it was banded, not up and down the body. The sleeves were not cut like wings either," Alamy said, "Though I did not see the back. I did not get a chance to look very long."

"Were there any other gold ornaments?" Rose whispered, very disturbed. Alamy shrugged.

"You recognize it?" Miriam said.

"I've seen it," Rose muttered. She looked up and clarified, "But from a long time ago in a Sinnoh ceremony. It isn't something I would ever be chosen to wear."

The great dragons of Sinnoh were usually depicted by priests as observing religious ceremonies rather than participating, if anyone represented them in a ceremony at all. Rose had seen it then, a few times, and then met the first Renegade in her mind at the worst moment of her life, when she had to argue for her existence.

"It sounds like our opposites, almost," Alamy said.

"I'll send these to Jacq," Miriam said quietly, "Thank you for going into detail. It doesn't look like it was easy for either of you."

"Do you think it was a Pokemon that did this to Aliquis? Or an actual ghost?" Rose asked.

"It could be one of the usual suspects with a grudge – ghost, fairy, dark, psychic – but this was a very odd way to try and haunt a space," Miriam said, "And if Pokemon are attacking a space or someone for a reason, they almost always show themselves, if briefly. A wide swathe of the student body was represented, and no one saw any wild Pokemon. It could be a spirit but they don't usually form in occupied buildings."

"That Misdreavus was putting out a lot, if something was hiding," Rose mused.

"If it was being driven, I could not tell for how furious it was. Aliquis seemed compelled, but I thought it was his partner," Alamy said.

"We'll keep looking at it. If you can think of anything else of course, Professor Jacq is compiling the data," Miriam said, and put her phone back and smile.

"Any other worries?" she asked.

"I may never channel as perfectly again as I did yesterday," Rose said. Alamy nodded. Miriam looked worried at that and looked with a probe through them. Alamy jumped at that, newly sensitive, as Rose let it pass though.

"Your energy seems good – quite strong since you just battled. May I?" Miriam asked, holding her hand up. Rose nodded and braced to make sure she wouldn't jump again. The presence of Alamy still holding on helped focus her to her.

Miriam used the physical contact to feel more closely the links entwining Rose and her partners' souls, then did the same to Alamy. Miriam was good, it wasn't a disruptive probe, though it felt slightly slimy.

"They seem fine. Your channelings are both on the diffuse side but you're connecting. Nothing seems frayed," Miriam reported.

"I wasn't thinking my bonds had been damaged. I've seen that," Rose said. Alamy looked curious and Rose explained as an aside, "My mother." Alamy nodded, lips set.

"I was worried some last night until I learned my partners were still asleep. But when we attacked the ghost, for a few seconds, everything was perfect between me and my partners," Rose said. Alamy nodded dreamily in agreement.

"Salvatore said something about that. As the saying goes, if you meet an Enlightened One on the road, challenge them to a match," Miriam quoted and giggled, then frowned. "I'm a little envious, I don't think I ever had a moment where I felt like there was nothing I could fix."

"Oh, there were things to fix. We could have used more power, given what happened to us afterwards," Alamy stated.

"But it was everything and anything we had," Rose finished. The two young trainrse nodded in synch.

"That would explain what Salvatore was enthusing about a new paper," Miriam said, looking a bit jealous. She forced a smile back on her face, "You two were going to do more practice before class? I shouldn't keep you from self-learning." The two nodded, and the group waved at each other.

As they closed the door behind them, the students turned to see Miriam looking at the court. "She is very nice, and I think will be a great teacher for us," Alamy said, "But sometimes the poison rises in spite of her."

"She's a good person," Rose agreed, "But I wouldn't want her as an enemy. I wonder what happened to align her like that? It's obvious she loves nursing and wants to be a great teacher. But the types of personality that go into poison energy are usually aggressive," Rose said, trying for an apolitical tone.

"Revenge or avarice," Alamy said, "Or commonly thought so in Kalos. But there are plenty of virtuous poison trainers, and avarice is not a bad thing in moderation, and revenge can be justice. Do we not claw for perfection ourselves?"

"Right, we lost ten minutes there. We should get a move on. Want to take the stairs, practice tapping in? You can get some good jumps going," Rose proposed. Alamy agreed and the two took off at a jog through the halls.

---

Mei peeked her head into the classroom cautiously. No one was present yet. She had been informed (ordered) to appear a half hour before classes in her home room. It was enough time to go the halls weren't busy yet.

Three alarms had ensured she was at her classroom forty-five minutes ahead of time, with the second half of her pastries. The first half had gone to the floor's common room with an apologetic note attached. She hadn't had time to soak up people's gratitude for the sugar rush with this interview.

She had decided to stay reasonably casual. The uniform, of course, but without Rose to help, fighting her hair into shape was trouble. She had suspicions on the root cause of it becoming unmanageable after she started training, but most of what she found were urban legends. She had loaded up bracelets for color and done the red ribbons again as 'extensions' to distract from the tangles, tied to the ends.

She was glad she gave it extra time. A few people had stopped her to point her out to their friends and congratulate her. A few more had given some jealous looks from the sides, but the Knight's history said that would happen on the path to Champion.

A few more had asked her if she had heard about the ghost eating other students, or someone getting possessed earlier that weekend. Her stomach dropped a bit on that. She assured people she had seen nothing of the kind. No one seemed to have tied it to Rose directly as the rumor grapevine mutated, so her outburst only was damaging their relationship.

She hadn't seen Rose at all last night. And there were no direct texts. Rose had sent a few things to group chat about repairing her necklace. There were a couple vague references to some sort of cooking language lesson. Mei hadn't replied to the thread. She wasn't sure what she could say.

What was wrong with her, to lash out on her sister like that? Rose was flaky, but why couldn't Mei keep centered? She had to put it out of her mind for this discussion with La Primera. She recalled Terpsi and entered the classroom. She sighed, looking around, still empty, and hefted the pack of pastries to start setting it up.

"Hello Mei," came a pleasant voice from behind the podium. No one seemed to be there.

Mei jumped up where she was hanging with one hand off the top of a free-standing cabinet almost a meter above the height of her head. Terpsi and Pome were radiating smugness from their Poke balls at the two of them pulling that off on a standing jump, but Mei brushed past that for now.

Miriam popped up with a grin and holding a tablet in one hand, her other in a fashionable sling. "I found it! Are you all right?"

"I thought the classroom was empty," Mei gasped, and carefully let go to land on the floor with a loud smack. Miriam didn't even wince at the noise and kept smiling.

"Oh, I was just ducking down here for a moment. I'm sorry if I startled you," Miriam said, still smiling. Mei's eyes narrowed briefly. There was a bit of a gleam in her homeroom teacher's eyes. Mei hadn't been hiding her presence and had her partner out. Miriam could have tracked her easily, especially as Terpsi was helping her carry the packages. Rose might be on to something about Paldean ninjitsu.

Realizing Miriam wouldn't admit it to setting it up, Mei moved towards the front of the classroom. "I brought some doughnuts for the class," she offered, unslinging her purse. Fortunately, the bakery had boxes designed for small electronic storage bags.

"That will probably go over well – was your appetite large last night?" Miriam asked, "A lot of people who were in the courtyard or near it reported it."

"I got a good-sized dinner from Teff that took a while to eat," Mei said, "I had some grapes before I went to bed." Miriam nodded and made a note.

Miriam hesitated just a beat and then added, "The people in the nurse's room were especially affected." There was a hint of heat there. Given Miriam's usual geniality, it stuck out.

"I don't know why I blurted it out," Mei fibbed hastily, "I just got so angry-"

"Mei," Miriam said, not fiercely but insistently enough Mei stopped.

"I know the context. You were angry enough you wanted to shame her into agreeing with you. You're a battle trainer. That limits any indulgences for reckless tantrums, for the sakes of those around you," Miriam said softly, "We saw yesterday how much damage one Pokemon can do without control."

Mei winced and said nothing. She started pulling pastries out instead.

Miriam waited for her a bit if she was to say anything before continuing. "I know you're not used to a school the size of the Academy, but who is? But rumors move fast here, especially when people are finding their social groups."

Mei paused, frozen for a bit, until her Poke balls rattled. "I heard that people thought the ghost had more victims," Mei said quietly.

"That's one version. The one grace to Rose of this is that no one knows the incoming class well enough to attach a name to the rumor," Miriam said sharply, "She does not welcome attention like you do."

"Believe me, I know," Mei said.

"Do you think you can meet La Primera and hold your temper? She'll be here shortly," Miriam warned.

"I'm getting a handle on it," Mei defended herself automatically, "If Rose and the others survived La Primera, I'm sure I can. And Victor will be there as a distraction," she finished, trying to reassure herself.

"I think you and Pome have made a great start, but you may need to box him for a bit," Miriam warned.

"I can't do that!" Mei said automatically. I can't guarantee I can beat Rose without Pome! She thought wildly and had a flush of shame at the thought. Pome was more to her than some token on a playing board.

It was true, though. Mei had seen the progress Rose was making on overcoming their mother's training, and she didn't think she could guarantee a win on an even playing field.

"It took time for me to find balance with my Hypno, and I still mainly use him for support instead of power projection" Miriam noted, "And you'll notice I don't have ground Pokemon either."

"This weekend was weird; we have a routine starting now. That'll help," Mei said frantically. The thought of having partners taken away was nerve-wracking. And Pome was a great easy-going guy. He wasn't pushing for fights, not the way Terpsi was. She just kept flaring up.

"Oh, Professor, I didn't realize you were in here either. What smells good in here? Breakfast feels like it was a while ago," Victor said at the door. He recalled a Wattrel that was hopping next to him – the Kalosian was swapping out active partners again.

Miriam gave Mei one more look but didn't continue the discussion.

"Bought some donuts and I think there's some puff pastries in there," Mei said, still drawn up.

"Quite the gesture. Pricy too, the way it's been in the city so far," Victor commented before taking a jelly filled.

---

With the two rivals in the room looking at each other awkwardly, things were quiet for the few minutes before Geeta was scheduled to arrive. Miriam, the natural conversation starter, had demolished a cruller and apologetically started a second, preventing her from breaking the silence.

They felt it rather than heard it first. A presence that set Victor and Mei's Poke balls to rattling in preparations for self-defense. Mei could get a brief feeling of something cut and held under pressure before it was drowned out by sheer intent.

It wasn't hungry like the ghost's had been yesterday, but it was everywhere. Deliberately so, trying to fill the space all around it and keep the focus on it. She heard Miriam's intake of breath, followed by a cough on some powdered sugar.

The Knight had faced Diantha in battle. The two Champions of Kalos at full power could have a presence like this, but there's felt more unregulated. Diantha's at full power was large because it was large. This felt pushed. That would have made it less intimidating, a paper tiger, except Mei was a tiny sprout next to a mountain still. She had a long way to go.

Victor cursed under his breath and mopped sweat from his brow. He hopped on the table at the front to try and sit causally, awaiting what would arrive.

The movement caught Mei's eye and shook her free. She was able to bend over the doughnuts, arranging the display, to ensure she wouldn't make eye contact immediately, affecting her own aura of calm.

The door opened silently and smoothly, and trainer reflexes had the three in the room look up anyway. Humans' reliance on eyes meant their processing of the feeling at a distance was nothing to seeing it. All three were struck stiff, even if only for a moment, on seeing the source.

A tall woman walked into the room like she was liquid elegance. She was dressed sharply and stylishly, and her hair made Mei feel even more self-conscious about the tangles in her hair. She was glad she hadn't tried to fight it into shape, it would have been a crude parody of this.

The woman held a gloved hand to her chest; marked with the symbol of the Paldean League and bowed to the classroom.

"Hello, Victor and Mei? And Miriam again, of course. I am Geeta, Top Champion of Paldea," Geeta said, giving a very slight head incline. Mei reflexively returned it bowing to her waist, nearly putting her face in some beignets.

Victor slid off the table he was sitting on, gobsmacked. Miriam smiled and said nothing but remained tense. After a moment, she realized she was still holding the remnants of a donut and set it down to pick up a stylus, appearing to work as she listened in.

"It's… more than I thought," Victor said hoarsely. Mei found herself having trouble standing upright before the pressure

"It's the other end of the Victory Road, isn't it?" Geeta asked, sounding amused but not letting up. She walked up to Mei and looked her over for a moment. Mei held a breath and directed her partners to stop rattling. This close, she could see the faintest crease in La Primera's expression. Was she irritated at Mei for taking some of Nemona's glory in the battle?

Geeta shook her head and clucked her tongue briefly. She held out an ordinary Poke ball and dropped it in the classroom. A Pokemon large enough to almost reach the ceiling appeared. Even sitting down on a stump made of metallic hair his face was even with Mei's. He was black and red, and covered with bladed protrusions. His hands were golden weapons, a powerful gold blade bisecting his face and extending even beyond Geeta's height.

Geeta finally let it relent, letting the two gasp for breath. She whirled towards Victor, "Victor from Kiloude City. Scored highly in battle theory and care evaluations. Better at math on evaluation than your trainer school records had indicated. Can you recognize my partner?" Geeta asked, voice now all honey.

There was a tapping sound from the podium and the three turned. Miriam looked down and realized she was tapping her stylus on the podium. With a blush she put it down and folded her free hand to her lap. "Sorry," she said quickly.

Victor swallowed once, and said, with a shadow of his usual superior tone, "Kingambit. Dark and Steel type. Highly vulnerable to determined singleton fighters, but infamous as a leader of Bisharp and Pawniard packs. They serve as powerful champions when the species gather into armies during mating seasons. The crests Bisharp gather to power their evolution are found only in Paldea in the western part of the continent currently. Why isn't known. Immune to," Victor paused, to glance behind him at Miriam. She was still smiling, if you didn't look at her eyes too closely.

"Immune to both poison and psychic, and resistant to more than half the remaining elements," he finished.

"Odd this king among blades is so rarely found in the former kingdom of beauty and chivalry?" Geeta asked lightly, "But you do know your Paldean Pokemon well."

"I've had time to study," Victor said, still sounding weak for him. Mei looked at the big Pokemon, who stared back threateningly until Mei broke the start to look up its blade. Rock cleaving, grass-cutting, poison ignoring steel. That had to be deliberate, the way Geeta had clearly prepared for this meeting. Mei wondered how Geeta had unearthed it, the way Victor hid it from himself.

There was a spark of anger at being so blatantly intimidated that it helped the stiffness in her limbs. She invited Pome to breathe back on it, and he did so readily. With the pressure off, it helped her recover even as her temples throbbed.

"He's no king, he's just a big sword," Mei said, voice cracking a bit. Geeta shifted, staring, but at least the aura wasn't out again. The Kingambit gave her a look briefly, then went back to glaring at the wall in an intimidating pose.

"Victor isn't the only one who can read. Kingambit are famously poor strategists and aren't very good at supporting other Pokemon. Their position relies purely on strength. Kalos's Pyroars drain strength from their foes with their signature move, and if crippled, can return it to their opponents," Mei said. She was still quavering a little, but she let the beat of her partners hold her up.

Letting Pome's flames lick the bond felt different than the power she'd fed him in battle. It was simpler at this level, and easier to maintain at a steady heat as they both concentrated. That was a mental note for later.

Geeta glanced over but didn't let anything show on her face.

Victor shot her a grateful look, which just made her feel vaguely unclear. "That's true. Their strength in an army of Bisharp is continuing over the bodies of the fallen forward. Given trainer matches aren't so bloody, it makes them a powerful turnaround as a final member of a team," Victor listed.

Geeta finally spoke, "Mei of Hammerlocke. Leon was undefeated as a champion, but his charisma as the Galar League's banner bearer after they reorganized around Dynamax was an even greater strength." There was a burst of pressure, and she could feel the energy Pome and her were feeding each other dry up as the metaphorical air was pulled out of the room again. Mei locked her knees.

"He was even cleared of all charges for the Darkest Day, wasn't he?" Geeta continued politely. Mei did not like the insinuation. Her mouth was dry and her partners felt far away, but she opened her mouth. Before she could speak, there was a burst of intent, a flower popping up through the cracks to bloom anyway. The classroom door opened.

"Everyone in Galar, from the meanest Wooloo rancher to the Champion, believed the Chairman had the best interests of the region in mind. Leon's fault is all of ours in not seeing the madness," came a familiar voice from the door.

The focus shifted there. Rose, Poppy, and Zania were standing, braced with their arms folded as Rose finished speaking. Zania and Rose were trembling. Poppy waved at the Kingambit, who cheerily waved back in turn.

Mei was surprised by the assist but felt some irritation that her sister looked so composed. She had her short hair up in barrettes and had found time to apply makeup. Even though she was hours from a self-induced medical coma. Her hand was at her chest. Mei wasn't sure Geeta would realize it, but Rose was clutching the empty air where her comfort item was.

"I apologize for interrupting, but as a Hammerlocke resident, my life was personally saved by the two Champions and the legendary heroes," Rose said, and even managed a bow. She managed a glance at Mei as she rose, and her eyes flashed. It wasn't a friendly gesture. Mei was fine with that. She deserved to be in hot water.

"We meant to let you talk to someone before you left," Poppy said, "But we're in here anyway." The three spread out and Alamy stepped forward. She winced as she got fully exposed to La Primera's aura.

"We will not bother you further, but will you be on campus later today? I was promised a short interview," Alamy said through gritted teeth.

"I'm afraid my office hasn't had a chance to look at your questions yet," Geeta replied, amused. "I do apologize, and I understand your… patriotism to the fallen Champion. I still would like to talk to these students, as I believe we have some time before class starts. Poppy, could you watch the door?"

"All right, Miss Geeta!" Poppy said, looking serious. She turned around and waved her hands, and the group left. Before the door closed, Mei thought she spotted others out there.

---

As the door closed, the girls leaned against it, exhausted. "That is too much to take twice in three days," Zania said weakly.

There were impressed murmurs around them. Almost the entire class was present to listen in. Even muffled by the wall and door, the aura was fierce. The bursts of intent were making everyone flinch but Kieran and Poppy. The class had recalled their partners on Kieran's suggestion.

"I thought it was strong before, but my blinders are off," Alamy whispered.

"I can't believe even together you went in there after you felt it before," Teff said near the front. "But thank you, all of you. No one should link Leon to Rose like that." The last part was a growl.

"She insulted Kalos, too," Alamy said in a low angry voice.

"Not you, Rose, of course, the insane Rose," Teff added in a more normal drawl. Rose nodded in understanding.

Rose wiped sweat from her head with a handkerchief she returned to her purse. "Thank Poppy, she took the brunt for us," she reported.

"Kingy likes me! I mean, on top of the normal like steel-types have with me being me," Poppy said. She looked around conspiratorially, motioning people in. She stage-whispered, "He really likes peanut butter."

"Even Miriam looked like she wanted us to take her away from that," Zania said.

"Is she still in the sling, how did her arm look?" Trigo asked.

"What happened to your hands? Were you with the girl who got eaten? Did they find her?" came an anonymous voice from the back of the crown before anyone could answer. Alamy and Rose drew their hands behind their backs.

"No one ended up eaten, and no girl was kidnapped by the ghost. Aliquis was used as a hostage," Kieran snapped, turning towards the anonymous voice, "Rose and Alamy's hands happened stopping it's movements for Poppy."

Kieran turned back to the door and his expression relaxed. "You put yourselves on the lines for a stranger. It probably saved Aliquis's life," he said.

"I felt like I got eaten, a bit," Arthur, one of the kids in their age group, "I was so hungry last night." That led to some general agreement. Zania held up a hand to shush as they were still listening in through the door.

"There are donuts in there," Poppy stage-whispered.

"She's in there," one of the adults noted, frightened.

"She wasn't like this Saturday," Poppy reflected, "She flashed us a bit on Saturday, but then we talked. She keeps letting it all out in there."

"Her trainer aura," Alamy added hastily, looking at some of the facial expressions from Poppy's word choice.

"Nemona's mentioned the Top Champion a few times. Think she would want a match?" Kieran asked, getting to proper trainer priorities, "Especially if she's irritated about something."

"Geeta doesn't have matches with trainers under eight Paldean badges. She considers it a 'point of pride for the office'," Poppy quoted. Kieran nodded, clearly making a mental 'to-do'.

"Are they still talking? Remind me never, ever, to make La Primera angry," came another voice from the back. There were a few murmurs of agreement.

"Mei and Victor make each other angry. When did they get to Geeta?" Poppy wondered.

Rose ignored that last comment and reported, "Geeta keeps moving back and forth. They're talking about yesterday. I think someone else brought a Pokemon out. Wow, Geeta is tall." Rose peered through the window and shook her head.

"You didn't get any Kalosian genes at all, did you?" Zania asked. Rose was standing next to Alamy and it was clear the girl had at least half a head's height on her.

"We take after our very short maternal grandmother," Rose said.

"What a shame that must be," Poppy said bitterly.

"Sorry Poppy," Rose said contritely, "Do… do you want to get on my shoulders to see in the classroom?"

"Yes," Poppy said determinedly.

---

The brief distraction had broken the pressure enough the three could gather their wits. Miriam had, smiling still, brought her Toxapex out 'to help her look over the agenda'. The presence of another strong Pokemon was distracting Geeta's Kingambit from working on his scowl.

There was still a feeling of Geeta's presence in the room, but time was helping to take the edge off it. Not that anyone wanted to keep the experience going.

Geeta brushed herself off slightly and smiled, looking around the room, unperturbed by the Galar patriotism outburst.

"Where were we? Ah, I wanted to congratulate both of you for your actions yesterday, besides showing the path forward. Innovative battle trainers such as yourselves are encouraged to take the Gym Challenge to improve your skills while on your Treasure Hunt. I and the Elite Four, of course, await at the other end of the metaphorical Victory Road. I love strong challengers," Geeta said.

"And such… dynamic trainers deserve special attention, you both have intriguing and unusual properties that demand proper follow-up," Geeta admitted, "And strong personalities too." Geeta's eyes narrowed briefly

Mei gasped, stepping backwards. The pressure was even stronger again, with aggression behind it. Geeta was deliberately flaunting her channeling at them. Mei wasn't sure what reaction Geeta wanted, but hers was anger. The Knight had such techniques to deal with lessers, but a real Champion should be better than Flare's puppet. Mei would be, she knew.

She grabbed for a sword that wasn't there as she rallied, stepping back forward to the table. "Is that a problem in Paldea?" she asked, nearly growling. The pressure broke in surprise as she responded. There was snickering behind Mei, but she couldn't risk looking behind her to see if it was Miriam or Toxapex.

There was a burbling humming after a second, so she suspected the latter. Mei was pretty sure the sea creature had winked at her when Miriam brought her out as a distraction.

"What problem?" Geeta asked and seemed genuinely taken aback at the turn in the conversation.

"Strong challengers. The last two trainers that passed the certification while enrolled were the youngest in Paldean history. And they had watched Leon and Peony in Galar like I did," Mei said fiercely.

Victor's movements were stiff, but he added to the conversation. "How many attempted between those prodigies? I have high expectations for my growth, but my time in Naranja is limited. Reaching heights of training to defeat eight Gyms and become a recognized Ace is unlikely in a few years," Victor said.

"Ah – so that explains much of it," Geeta said, looking relieved. The pressure popped like a bubble, and Kingambit leaned back on his 'chair'.

Victor and Mei shot a glance at each other, confused.

"Your anger wasn't the League system, but from the poor examples you saw. And you see Paldea and fear I brought it to a state of neglect," Geeta said. She leaned back against a table, suddenly conversational instead of deliberate elegance. Though the squat Kingambit still added some extra weight.

"Anger?" Victor asked.

"You shared some opinions on corruption in the system with the court repair. I do share your concerns that someone was stealing," Geeta said grimly.

"Hassel said you hadn't fixed the bell yet either," Miriam interrupted. Geeta winced, but artfully, and continued past the interruption.

"My greatest wish as La Primera is the same as any battle trainer. I wish for strong opponents to challenge myself. But Top Champion also has the wish to be surpassed," Geeta said, "While I enjoy Chairwoman of the school, for the League Chair and Championship, I am ready for when someone is ready to take Paldea farther, and they will have the seat with my blessing. The Paldean League is not as large or wealthy as some administrations you know. Our staff is very small. No one stepped forward the last time we needed a new Chair."

"Were you afraid we just didn't like you personally?" Victor asked. Geeta looked down, embarrassed, and seemed mortal for the first time.

"You would not be the first. Some people have a strong reaction to me. And I admit, the success rate of trainers through the Circuit is not what we wish. Less than half continue to reach three badges. But after last semester's stunning success, I must be fierce to try and replicate Florian's climb. I know the risk of driving some off," Geeta said.

"My other belief was your anger came from Kalos and Galar's recent unrest. I needed to gauge you there as well as hope to push you to the League," Geeta explained.

"You were afraid we didn't like you," Mei repeated, and snorted. Terpsi's ball rocked and she could feel the Bounsweet howling with laughter through their link. She didn't look back at Miriam. If her homeroom teacher was managing to keep a straight face, she didn't need any extra burden on it.

"Well, ahem, yes," Geeta said, "In this case, since it is not personal, I wished to extend another offer to show my efforts to fight corruption. I familiarized myself with your schedules and Thursday afternoon you are both free after math. I'd like to highlight your contributions against a rogue Pokemon threatening the city at the ceremony for beginning the demolition of the existing central battle court as part of a complete investigation and rebuild."

Mei slammed her hands on the table. Geeta didn't jump, but her Kingambit and Victor did. Mei didn't apologize. "A full reconstruction?" she asked. Geeta nodded.

"See a high-grade battle court get autopsied down below the bedrock?" Mei asked rhetorically, "I'll swear a loyalty oath publicly to you if that's what is needed."

Geeta smiled, "I don't think we have to go that far."

"Getting a good reputation out there will make it easier for connections for battles or rare Pokemon," Victor said, "I have no issue."

"Good, see you at the review stand Thursday at 2:30, please," Geeta said, and pulled a phone out briefly. She looked at her Kingambit, who shook his head.

"I do appear to be out of time. I'm due at Cascarrafa shortly for environmental impact discussions on an expansion of their water systems," Geeta said apologetically.

"I appreciate you both taking your time," Geeta finished.

Not that we had a real choice, Mei thought to herself.

There was a brief flash of intent again, more a declaration than a push. "Keep getting stronger, I'll be waiting," Geeta assured them. She recalled Kingambit and walked to the door. There she stopped in apparent surprise, stunned out of her decorum. There was a forest of legs visible beyond her, which parted to let Geeta through.

The class poured in through the gap after Geeta left. The group chat members were in the lead. Mei had some surprise for herself to see Poppy on her sister's shoulders. Poppy was acting like she was surveying some unexplored domain, and her twisting made Rose hitch her hands up to keep the small trainer stable.

The motion made Mei wince. Rose's hands looked worse seeing the rest of Rose being composed and normal, versus asleep in a nurse's bed.

Zania nodded to her, but Mei didn't get many smiles from the rest of her peers. The Kalosian looked right past her. Trigo waved and Teff nodded. Kieran paused, looking at her and Victor, then over at Rose and Alamy oddly, before shaking his head.

The rest of the class gave more generically waves, not knowing each other well, but Mei gestured grandly as the rest filled in.

"Geeta wasn't hungry, so I still have donuts – Happy First Day!" Mei proclaimed.

---

Food was usually good as a bribe on the young. It had smoothed things over enough upstairs that Mela had sent a thank-you text. It had always worked on Mei as well. Almost everyone in class took one, except for a few of the adult students claiming diets. Rose and Alamy were right behind Poppy in line, grabbing a few small puff pastries lightly sugared. Mei had gotten them specifically knowing Rose's tastes.

Rose hadn't stayed up front near Mei. She had wandered back with Trigo to chat about supplies she needed in town. When the line was finished, she returned forward. Mei perked up at that point, hoping the power of fried dough had smoothed things over.

"Thank you for the pastries," Rose said quietly, and politely, "I didn't want to draw attention to why I'm angry with you. I can pay you back later if you would like for me taking one."

Mei's face fell. She leaned forward to hide it, being at the front of the class. "I am genuinely sorry for shouting that," she muttered, "I know it's not enough yet."

"People not knowing us is working in our favor, it seems," Rose said, "Just please tell me – is this because the parts of her that got put into you? We must fix this. I saw you trying to draw a sword."

"Geeta's strong enough it reminded me of Diantha," Mei admitted, "And that let her in. You don't owe me anything here. Except maybe next time don't follow a Kalosian to the barricades and get yourself killed. I won't apologize for being angry about that, but what I did was shameful."

"Her name is still Alamy," Rose said quietly, "It was a mutual decision that we could contribute."

Mei huffed and rolled her eyes. Rose caught it, as Mei was hoping. "Is it because she's from Kalos?" Rose asked, still speaking quietly, but quickly, "Because there was so much ugliness of the land you loved that got stuck in you? Is that why you're reacting so strongly to Victor still?"

"Victor's just smug since Kalos is less reactionary about young trainers. I'm catching up, of course, but he's got a head start. Defeating him makes me a better trainer. And you're instead spending all your time shoe shopping with a Mesagozan fashionista and a Lumiose lass with a lightning fetish. Even if it's keeping you close to Poppy, she has stuff to work on too," Mei huffed quietly.

Rose drew back as if stung, and her hand twitched, like she wanted to hold a Poke ball. The conversation in the class over morning pastries briefly stilled, sensing a threat approaching. Mei looked at her in disbelief, surprised she was even considering trying.

"Rose, would you mind going to get a projector from the supply closet for me? I'll need it for my later classes and forgot to ask Dendra to lift it earlier. Silly me," Miriam asked hastily.

"Of course," Rose said, moving around Mei while eyeing her to reach the end of the tables. Mei looked away from her sister before anything could be imparted, but she could see Rose's eyes starting to water.

"[I will figure out why you're like this]," Rose hissed before she turned to walk quickly, not running.

Dragons, she needs to worry about herself. Get her head in the game and stop trying to kill herself being showy for pet-owners. 'Stumbling' on major channeling points, nearly getting herself killed for an idiot trainer who was dumb enough to put a partner he barely knew into a high-level match. Mei thought to herself.

Her balls rattled a little. I'm not wrong, you know, she thought at them, The Ranger wasn't much in her dimension, forget one that matched this one more closely. She'd be much happier if she did what I said. She's got to realize she's got to put in work if I drag her kicking and screaming to it before she gets left behind, Mei thought at them.

---

Rose held it together until she reached the supply closet. She sat down inside and called Ivy out into her arms and breathed in his fur for a minute. When she was sure she wasn't going to cry, she pulled back and rubbed the dead spots in his pelt sadly.

"You'll get another round of brushing with Azucena tonight too," she promised. Ivy rubbed his head against her chest and purred reassuringly. Ivy was still riding the high of winning this morning and already having a new move better than the creche-trained Leafage. Having to fight through the shadowy energy of the netherworld to consciousness was a small price to pay.

"You like the girls, right? I really do. I don't think it's wasting time, but is it a problem for either of you?" Rose asked. Ivy bopped her nose with his paw, claws retracted, irritated at the question. They were on Rose's path, and he trusted her judgement.

"She's in here? Good boy!" Zania's voice came from outside the closet followed by an answering bark. There was a light rapping.

"You can open it," Rose said, still sitting down. Zania indeed did. Fi-cutie came over and Rose held a hand for the little Fidough to nuzzle on. He sniffed her again, and barked, more excited.

"Probably smells Ivy's fur, it's relaxing," Rose said, still looking down.

"Miriam sent me a quick text to pop out after you. She thought I'd be less noticeable than an Elite Four member or Alamy since the two of you got marked by that big dumb ghost," Zania said, squatting down as well and petting her partner, and after Ivy sniffed her a few times, Rose's partner as well.

"I don't know if I could have done what you two did if my back was against the wall," Zania said after a few seconds

"Mei is still mad at me for taking it on," Rose said in a small voice. Zania gave her a look.

"That's the important part there," Rose insisted.

"I'm not mad at you for last night. You two needed it desperately," Zania assured her. Rose looked up and smiled.

"I can't figure her out. She loves being helpful when asked, but she still has an ego like she's on Paldea's Rising Stars," Zania said. Rose didn't get the reference and said so.

"Goofy show in the region. Pet trainers, usually a little older than us, from the show circuit go through challenges. It's off-season now since the League's getting ready for the Hunt. Oh! We could do some language practice on a re-run tonight. I buy the seasons," Zania said. Fi-cutie yipped encouragement. Apparently, he was also a fan.

"I would like to work on Kalosian. And this stupid accent," Rose said.

"It's a charm point," Zania insisted. The two giggled and she side.

"I could use work on all three of the languages between you and Alamy," Zania said, "I'm at the school to learn, right? I'm willing to cook for it."

"You're really nice," Rose said.

"Well, I like cooking, and I like the show too, so I get to show off," Zania said happily, "You may think some of it is too simple. Like a 'find the hidden Nugget' for a Slowpoke or 'walk across balance beams' for a Spinda. But it takes them some effort. I used to watch it with – old friends," Zania said, with a small catch to her voice.

"I'm sorry," Rose offered, "I had people I knew in Trainer's School, but they moved."

"That's bad enough," Zania said, "I was really surprised, but it's fine. They weren't really friends."

Zania stopped petting Ivy to pat Rose's hand. She was pleased she didn't jump. "I swear Mei keeps going hot and cold with you," Zania said angrily, "Even more than Victor. I don't think she's handling the trainer transition well."

"It's getting worse," Rose said bleakly, "She even came with me to help after my problem with that grass Pokemon. I told you how I pick up stuff, but this was trying to push in, apparently. She yelled then, but it was apparently bad. I don't remember. Then we were fine for a while and even battled together. Now it's worse." Ivy meowed in irritation.

"I hope she's just stressed from you being hurt," Zania said, "Cycle, I was sure I wasn't going to see you two alive again."

"How much could you feel on that Misdreavus?" Rose asked, suddenly serious.

"A bit, it was angry and hungry. Got a headache when it bit the Orb too," Zania said.

"I got that and a little more. It was looking for more like Aliquis. It had specific tastes, and didn't care if anyone got hurt to get them. If I call myself a trainer, I couldn't let it leave without doing all I could," Rose said. Ivy meowed agreement.

"I get why she should be mad, but I really don't like how she's saying it or what's taking - or why she's mad," Rose said with a slight stutter.

"I'm not going to ask," Zania said, with the expression on her face filing that slip away for later.

"Do you want to go back, with her in there? Miriam will excuse you. No one will begrudge it. Yesterday was the bravest thing I ever hope to have to see, if you need some time," Zania said.

"You ran practically right to the court to help poor Salvatore," Rose said, "That was really brave, and you don't have my advantages with partners."

"Alamy didn't either and she joined you. That's not just Kalosian spirit, there were plenty from Kalos who were in the riot running away. My Kalosian is lousy, but I know what their curse words sound like," Zania pointed out.

"Could you tell Mei that for Alamy?" Rose asked weakly.

"She was bad about Alamy last night too. Doesn't even like using her name. Do you have any idea why?" Zania said.

"She hasn't given me a reason why Alamy bothers her so much in particular. She wants me to train more," Rose said. Zania waited a moment, but that was apparently as far as Rose had gotten.

"Maybe she thought she'd be another Victor to hate, and is disappointed," Zania theorized. That got Rose giggling, and she grabbed a shelf to pull herself up, as Ivy gracefully jumped next to the projector's cabinet

"Thank you for coming. It helped. You're a good person," Rose said.

Zania tabbed a drawer open and pulled a projector out of electronic storage

"Glad you think so," Zania said sadly.

"I don't know if I can help with this. But I can listen, if it would," Rose offered. Zania beamed.

"It would, and I believe you would. Now I'm worried any of you three would set off and challenge people to battles," Zania admitted. Rose giggled.

"That could happen," Rose said, "But Alamy is working through her first phase!" Rose said brightly, taking the projector from Zania. Fi-cutie barked, wagging his tail.

"So does Alamy start adding more 'insidious battler propaganda' to me in case I missed all the TV examples?" Zania asked, chuckling.

"If you want to know about it, just ask her," Rose said, dead serious. Zania paused to confirm it, but there wasn't any laughter on her face.

"She's done some research on it, for her podcast. She doesn't disagree with why we need it. Full battle training is stressful. It's always in your mind," Rose said.

"Fi-cutie's happy rolling around for now," Zania said, "If I had a partner like Resistor, I may have different thoughts. I wouldn't want that duck, though."

"Fue-cutie seems to be taking your training well," Rose complimented.

"He does like me telling him to set things on fire," Zania acknowledged, "Have either of you figured the duck, yet? Naranja students are always all over Mesagoza. I've never seen any student's Pokemon be so skittish, let alone a study Pokemon."

Ivy gave a quiet yowl and spat to the side and continued meowing for a bit on a rant.

"He doesn't know either, but he doesn't like it," Rose summarized when he finished.

The two started walking back to the classroom.

"I'm sure it'll be something obvious once you all figure it out. Speaking of problem solving. Miriam sent a couple of us the text. Trigo and Kieran are flanking Mei so we can sit separately if you want."

Rose thought for a few seconds, and looked at Ivy, who nodded. "Yes, all in all, I think that's for the best," she said.

---

The two had to pause to recall their partners at the door, but the trip was short. It was nearly time for the bell to ring and classes to begin. Mei didn't look up from where she was talking to Kieran near the few remaining breakfast pastries, though Trigo and Teff nodded when Rose and Zania entered. Victor had set himself up at the other corner on the front tables to get some solitude; no one wanted to take responsibility for cleaning up the doughnut boxes so the seat next to him was unavailable.

Poppy and Alamy had taken a few seats in the middle row, and Zania and Rose sat in between to start preparing for the day.

"Were all of you really in the fight yesterday?" came a soft question from behind. The girls turned to see Vine looking at her with curiosity rather than caution.

"Poppy is the one who stopped it," Zania clarified. Poppy nodded.

"But all of you were there? I heard you all were following Nemona to go see the match," Vine pressed.

Arthur sitting next asked, "You two got hit by the ghost directly, right? Can I see your hands?"

"Arthur," Vine started.

"What? It's an honorable scar. I keep hearing people say that even the president was losing until it got paralyzed and Mei and Victor could do their Poke-long bomb," Arthur defended himself.

Alamy and Rose looked at the more social Zania, who shrugged.

"Not like you can hide it without ballroom gloves," Zania said and sighed.

"I'm really sorry you guys had to," Poppy apologized again.

The two turned around and held their hands up. Vine recoiled a little – she was from Kalos, Rose recalled. Arthur nodded.

"Hardcore," he said approvingly.

"I hope it fades away like the nurse said," Rose said. Arthur frowned at that. He was in favor of a hard-lived look, apparently.

"Maybe some sort of tattoo to make it look intentional, though that's a very permanent fix," Alamy mused.

"Class, we're getting ready to start," Miriam's voice came from the front of the classroom. She wasn't loud enough to shout, but her voice carried through the conversations which started to die down immediately. Her Toxapex was back resting in her Poke ball, and she stood straight at the podium, even with one arm still in its sling.

"There will be a short message from the director as a broadcast on the video boards to open the term," Miriam said, gesturing to the electronic screens behind her, and then tapped a control. The boards switched to a standby image with the Naranja Academy crest.

---

The rumors had certainly spread overnight. If this had happened halfway through the term, Clavell feared for young Rose, though he suspected she would have enough reputation people would dismiss the claims. That wasn't a fair gamble to put on a student, though.

This was a chaotic weekend. The one good piece of news was that Geeta was headed off on the rest of her day's itinerary instead of in his office, so Victor and Mei's interview must have gone well. They performed well during the crisis, with a clever improvisation.

A crisis that had caught the Academy completely unprepared. A Paradox Pokemon running rampant inside the city had been his worst nightmare about Area Zero, but now he had a new, more focused one. In only a few minutes dozens of people and Pokemon were injured. Ironically, the strange corruption had saved lives. A full rejection from a Pokemon would seek collateral damage as it left its trainer. The Flutter Mane's focus on Nemona had helped keep the damage contained.

Clavell was sorry the Flutter Mane would need to be returned to the Crater. Aliquis's decision to enter a new catch made more sense after seeing them interact. The Paradox Pokemon had enthusiasm for its trainer, even if it was still cautious. Whatever had utilized and twisted them, Naranja would uncover, Clavell vowed.

He sat up straight and checked his collar was aligned. He mourned the previous draft for these opening remarks he had worked on last week. This would be rough but would hopefully suffice. He nodded to Jacq who was working the camera rig. His old friend and colleague gave a thumbs-up and started the broadcast.

Clavell looked up slightly so the gesture would be caught and started smiling as he spoke, "Greetings, students of Naranja, and welcome to your new term! As always, it is my great hope that within the walls of the academy your education can be nurtured and fulfilled."

Clavell frowned as he continued, "But it is also my duty to note that the walls are not always perfect. As many of you are aware during the pre-term, yesterday, a Pokemon partner ran wild with a Titan reaction during a match. I wish to make sure it is on-record this was no bond rejection, and that the Pokemon solely used its trainer as a shield, not any other students. The two partners have a favorable relationship, and the trainer has our full trust to continue his career at Naranja. The injured are expected to fully recover. We were truly blessed with luck."

"The root cause of the incident is still being determined. The trainer and Pokemon both appear to have been held hostage by an outside force. Anyone who believes they saw anything unusual before or after the incident is encouraged to talk to a teacher, privately or publicly as you wish. Rest assured, we are learning from this incident to ensure it cannot happen again," Clavell continued.

He smiled again and continued more positively, "I am proud of our faculty and students for organizing so quickly to protect each other's safety. Without any warning, the Pokemon was neutralized and safely united with its partner within ten minutes. A great potential tragedy was averted. I would specifically like to highlight President Nemona of Cabo Poco, Poppy of Mesagoza, and Kieran of Mossui Town for their showcasing their battle and leadership skills to help organize a safe ending."

"Less visible, but their contributions should not go unremarked include the following – Victor of Kiloude City and Mei of Hammerlocke deserve credit for an innovative way to help separate the trainer from his compelled Pokemon. Finto of Cascarrafa, Zania of Mesagoza…" Clavell continued through a list of a dozen and a half students who had provided medical aid or worked hard to stop the riot.

He finished with, "Finally, Alamy of Lumoise and Rose of Hammerlocke, as young trainers, reacted with grace and speed upon realizing the afflicted Pokemon's speed was preventing the trainer's rescue, and undertook to paralyze it. It was a great risk, and while they sustained injuries, you will see them among your classmates today."

Clavell set himself in determination as he began wrapping up, "This is not how anyone wished to begin this next term at Naranja. Safety and preparation in your studies and the Hunt are our goals, and the faculty and staff at Naranja will do their utmost to allow your time in the great land of Paldea, as a visitor or a resident, is an informative and enjoyable as possible."

He folded his arms and smiled, and finished, "It is still my great pleasure to welcome you all to Naranja's fall term. Questions are the greatest gift to an educator, and my office is open to our student body. Let us all have a wonderful experience."

---

There was an automatic level of clapping as the screens went back to the Naranja logo. Rose didn't turn around to look at the murmurs, but she smiled at Zania next to her for being highlighted. Poppy snuffled, drawing their attention. She was teary-eyed again. Alamy patted her on the back.

"Some elite trainer," Poppy said, "I barely was able to do anything right."

Kieran's ears were visibly red from the back, and he had ducked his head down to the desk after Clavell had pointed him out. Victor was leaning back from the desk, but the way he kept himself closed off gave Rose's intuition fits for figuring what he was thinking.

Rose knew her sister's expressions from different angles (having nearly the same face helped) and could tell she'd started grinning when she was name-dropped. She had stiffened a bit when Clavell listed Rose and Alamy at the end. Rose sighed internally. This wasn't going to help with Mei's freaking out over their assisting.

First Rose had been in trouble because she'd attracted a Pokemon's interest to try and catch her and she couldn't fight back. Then she fought back against a different Pokemon and she was in trouble with Mei for that. And she couldn't ask her mother for advice on handling a new battle trainer or other Mei-wrangling advice. One look at her hands and Hannah would probably send her back to Hammerlocke, cursing the dragons the whole way. If she answered Rose's call at all.

Rose did not want to face another year in that desert withering. She was making friends here! They had approached each other instead of just having no options the same age. And she had wonderful partners. She could fight for her own path. As hard as it was, she would figure out Mei without her mother intervening. Hopefully.

"We went over most of the basics Friday, so I'm going to just go over the grading structure before I take any questions on what happened yesterday," Miriam said, "And let me second the director in welcoming you to the term at Naranja!"

Rose bent down to work on her tablet to take any notes – she trusted her memory, but teachers didn't usually like it if you just stared. She did her best to put the Mei issue out of her mind for the moment.

"Before we start, Professor, may I say something?" Victor asked. Miriam nodded, and he stood to face the class.

"Whatever happened yesterday was outside the bounds of normal for humans or Pokemon. Running was the natural reaction, and there is no shame in it. I was able to help because I had been under too much pressure to be able to run until it was too late to escape. That is all I did for most of the fight," Victor said calmly. If he had any shame at admitting fear, he didn't show it.

"If anyone, wherever you are, thought something was unusual yesterday, I beg you to go to the teachers. It was a great group effort that saved everyone yesterday, and I urge it to continue," Victor finished, and bowed before sitting back down.

"Thank you, Victor," Miriam said quietly.

Victor was right, a lot of people contributed. With advanced trainers like Poppy and Kieran in the class, Mei and Rose's small accomplishments would be lost from attention, and she could concentrate on issues like having the Ranger in her head without worrying about the League.

A little time, and then hopefully everything with Mei would be fine, Rose prayed.

---

Geeta had splurged a while ago on a noise-cancelling headset specifically countering Squawkabilly, letting her conduct calls while in flight. It was coming in handy again now as she called the League building.

"Larry here," he said in his usual drone. Geeta smiled. She had to admire his dedication, even if his personality had some quirks.

"Larry, I think I can confirm that special assignment is a go. I will need a full background security check on Victor of Kiloude and Mei of Hammerlocke," Geeta said, "They're not the plants I feared they would be from some nascent organization. Their training is legitimately that of early trainers-"

"Told you," Larry reproached.

"True," Geeta allowed, "But eliminating that first allows us to avoid acting overtly. They've been making connections to the school's major power players and this incident with the Paradox Pokemon gave them a stage, but their distrust of authority is very real."

"You want me on it, I suppose," Larry said.

"If you're volunteering, of course I would. Your skills are exemplary," Geeta said, pretending not to hear Larry's sigh. The man had some odd coping mechanisms with the stress he voluntarily took on.

"She's got a sister, do I run her too?" Larry asked. To a close observer, he wasn't looking forward to the answer.

"Anything in parallel, gather it, sure, but no reason yet to set up a full third trace," Geeta said, and grinned at Larry's small choke of surprise. One advantage of in-flight calls was she didn't have to keep her usual mask over herself up.

"I hope they're just astute kids, but I want to make sure no one's using them to test the waters for issues. I had hoped Nemona would be ready I could step down from La Primera, but as much good as Florian has done, his unusual qualities have convinced Nemona she needs more seasoning," Geeta said.

"I still say she's more astute about this whispering campaign than you think," Larry warned.

"I hate to confront her on whatever is going on there until we can find the source. Either she's ignoring it or is unaware. Either way forcing her to confront it may convince her further she's not ready for the position," Geeta admitted.

"You're the boss, La Primera, for now. So, if you're looking to leave, can I have my early retire-" Geeta hung up. Larry knew the forms if he wanted early retirement, but he never filled them.

Until she could find replacements, she didn't dare have anything shake her position. Paldea was a flywheel ready to come apart. With Sada gone and Naranja still recovering its reputation from recent scandal, she was the axis holding it together. Whether she wanted to or not.

---

The universe doesn't always let someone know dropping that blatant a straight line is dangerous, Rose, when you assume everything is fine like that. At least, not immediately.

I know Indigo Disk tried to walk it back a bit, but it's interesting the closer people worked with Geeta, the more clay her feet are. Though she does work very carefully for her image of smooth competence in general.

"A girl with sensitivity got overwhelmed by a Pokemon" – since most don't know or care who Rose is, got turned somehow to "A girl got eaten by that giant Misdreavus" on the rumor vine.

Alamy's noted pro-battler propaganda, but this is another piece of social engineering. You don't launch an attack move on the trainer directly, especially by surprise. It's a big part of trying to keep the whole thing more a pastime than dangerous. Penalties are quite high. Alamy and Rose weren't quite sure they had ordered their Pokemon to go for the Hoppip leaves (and Zania) but were assuming they would face the worse.

Rose was dressed as a priestess of Giratina, the Renegade Pokemon, her last life had a history with, in Alamy's vision, though she tried to wave it off as she doesn't want anyone associating her with Legendaries and attracting League attention.

You know, for my rough mental timeline, this is probably the second mentally controlled trainer situation Kieran has been at point on within a month. He probably would prefer another bout of chicken dancing.

Something I thought of while doing this chapter, thinking about how the region needs a Professor replacement. After Sonia, this is another generation where a Pokemon Professor's specialty seems to be more a non-biology field, what with inventing a time machine and an artificially intelligence android based on their own personality.