Twin Colors

by tremor3258

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

19. An Adventure in Pet Owner Sitting

Twin Colors

By tremor3258

Chapter 19

An Adventure in Pet Owner Sitting

---

"Listen, you all lost in perfectly fair matches. I went out of my way to tilt the odds in your favor," Mei protested to the group of pet trainers she'd wrung money out of during her lunch break. Since they'd pushed the first match on her to the point trainer psychology had forced her to accept, she felt no guilt for putting the commoners in their place.

"Sure, all that panting and wheezing you were faking," one said, "Before you skipped out of the courtyard."

She didn't feel guilty for continuing on to con them out of multiple forfeits and ride on Kieran's betting pool, either.

"Kieran gave four to one odds! You should have realized something was up," Mei defended herself.

"Mei, these terrible people aren't worth bickering with," Victor said tiredly.

"Especially given there is still something on campus. I would not push them too far," Alamy said. Her stance and Victor's were both loose. The Kalosians preached caution, but weren't worried at all.

Both group's Pokemon were in front of them, eyeing each other warily. Even Bandwidth was on his feet, and Mei knew Alamy was getting nowhere with that duck. She complained about her failings with him quite a bit.

Alamy and Rose were even doing some preparatory channeling, not a full workup, but enough to be sensed. Enough to be intimidating if the opposition had any sense, so of course they were still being bullish. Alamy had weak lightning bouncing around, a rain squall in a teapot.

Mei could almost see why Rose was interested in mentoring. There were some fundamental similarities in how Rose's mass bounced around. Whole streams of energy were going nowhere instead of to their Pokemon still. Mei felt a stab of pity for Rose that she was coming off so raw. And the anger that was starting to get familiar started to rise on their mother, but Mei tried to focus it on the ones in front of her who had hurt her.

The two girls might be flailing a bit with their bonds, but that still left them ready to pour on more power than they would need against these smallfry at full battle sync. They were ready to cause a surprise attack. Mei did have to admit she was pleased her sister was so offended on her behalf after the outbursts Mei had been having. She couldn't let them make the first move it wouldn't look good.

Also, Rose was irritated enough she looked angry. Her feelings could be amplified enough by whatever was still going on to cause some real injury.

"You're right," Mei said aloud, surprising her classmates, "They're not worth it. Come on, Poppy, show me your Bastiodon." Mei spun and walked away.

Rose looked back and forth with her expression still intense. "[Are you sure?]" she asked in Kantonian. Mei nodded without looking back.

"Sure about what?" one of the other group asked. Mei paused, closing her eyes to try and get some patience. This was a Pokemon Academy. It wasn't surprising someone might know other languages. She still had to fight down another flare. Terpsi squeaked warningly at her. She'd fight of course, if her trainer wanted, but the Bounsweet knew this wasn't a useful victory.

"My sister is a poor winner, and I'm sorry it made you angry" Rose said suddenly and sullenly. Mei and Terpsi turned around in surprise. Ivy hissed one last time then settled down into a grassy catloaf, looking sullen himself.

"Rose, I," Mei started then stopped.

"You should not do this," Alamy said fiercely. Bandwidth shrugged but kept his guard up.

"What was that?" another asked, looking back and forth between the two still closeby.

"She's saving her sister face instead of ramming a Sprigatito down your throats," Victor translated, "Since we know we can't trust our reactions." He looked down to his side. His fist was shaking, and his Quaxly was pointing a wing at the group of pet trainers expectantly.

"I don't know those three. You made out on the betting too, don't think you're innocent here," their leader, Ron, said.

"She just isn't always the most gracious, and may have gone overboard," Rose tried again, gritting her teeth.

Mei took a deep breath, and said, "My sister is right. Let's deescalate."

Alamy started to hold up a hand then put it down, taking a deep breath. "Rose, you are too responsible," she said after a bit, then threw her hands up to walk over by Poppy's Basti. Bandwidth quacked gratefully and sped to follow.

"Hiding under some trust fund Pokemon?" one of them taunted. It put a hitch in Alamy's step, though Bandwidth kept going smoothly. She kept moving.

"I caught Basti fair and square!" Poppy said. There was a brief glow around her to Mei's senses and then she closed her eyes. "They're just jerks, Poppy," she said to herself quietly. Basti looked at her doubtfully, but then turned back so her face shield was braced against potential opponents.

"Rose, come look at the fossil," Mei called. Victor unclenched his hand and walked over, Rose followed after a bit, their partners behind.

"I do not want to humiliate them in a match, I want to hurt them," Rose hissed when she was standing by Basti.

"I would like some of them," Alamy asked, polite over an icy rage.

"We don't live in a just world, just a civilized one," Victor said, "So they get to keep their partners from earlier, and we don't engage now. Because it would be too satisfying and we can't trust what we would do."

"Rose, I'm sorry you had to do that to get me to shape up," Mei said quietly, "I should have just walked away."

"I know they're not good people," Poppy said definitively, and quite loudly, "But Grandpa Hassel says you shouldn't have a match just if you're angry with someone."

"Listen, little girl, I don't care if you know the art teacher, don't defend these shysters," Ron started to say. Basti started to growl, a sound like a freeway in the distance, cutting him off.

"Yeah, we have to go to Raifort now," one shouted over the growing noise of the fossil Pokemon.

Victor whirled. "A detention and a mild financial penalty are nothing for what you think is acceptable," he snapped.

"Oh, come on, the battlers had to battle," Ron said, looking around and laughing, "Whoever heard of one not wanting a match?" He took a step forward, and his Chewtle followed.

"Don't," Rose said very distinctly. Mei tensed.

"What? You want to swagger around too for being a bit tougher than me? You got lucky with a strong Pokem-AHHH!" Ron was interrupted as ivy blurred, then appeared in a puff of grass blades on his shoulder, claws gleaming green. The power faded away immediately, and Ivy started washing his face with a paw.

The group scattered from the surprise appearance as their Pokemon yelped in astonishment. Ivy looked down at them with disdain from the shoulder, easily keeping his balance. Rose let out a deep breath.

"Oh, that's what his Trailblaze looks like? Neat!" Poppy said excitedly, distracted.

"Trailblaze?" Mei asked in confusion. Where had Rose picked that up? Also, as much energy as she was wasting, how was she that precise?

Alamy touched Rose's arm gently, she didn't quiver. "Civilized society is not based merely on ability to battle. Skill is sadly independent of morality. I cannot let my mentor and friend get in trouble for a brawl," Alamy said, and took a shuddering breath, "Even if it sounds attractive."

Rose didn't say anything, but after a moment Ivy blurred again, vanishing and appearing in a puff of grass near Basti. Rose hung her head down. Mei frowned. That was definitely not Leafage.

"Brawl?" one of the others said. Ron was starting to recover from his shock, and they clustered back around him. Huddled in defense, Mei mentally amended to her own description. "Weren't we just going to sandbag them in class?"

"Sure, as long as we are watching you," Rose muttered. Ivy hopped up on Basti's face shield in preparation.

"Rose, I understand, but you are worth more than six of them," Victor said, "We have to wait and let the problem fester instead of cutting it off."

"Rose is worth more than a dozen of their sort," Mei said hotly.

"I just became a battler if you would like a match?" Alamy offered brightly but wasn't surprised they backed away a bit. Alamy leaned and stretched instead. Mei wasn't surprised her eyes were hard despite her smile.

"I'm not very good at holding back yet," Rose said, still looking down, "If anyone else does despite a warning."

"Wow, at least that photocopy of-" Ron started, regaining his wits, but Rose's head snapped up in anger at that. Ivy hissed as Bandwidth stepped forward, flapping his wings. Terpsi made a sound like a lawnmower.

"I'm saying you're decent enough to warn people!" he hastily protested.

"Guys, I don't think they really get it," Poppy announced, "They got told it's a bad thing, but don't get why so it seemed fine." Poppy spat on the ground.

"Have any of you ever been asked?" Mei asked loudly.

"Asked what?" Ron asked in confusion.

"And it's likely with your attitude you never will," Victor declared.

"Just show me the other Trailblazes," Poppy said sadly. The group turned away and started walking across the broken court.

"We're still going to get you to pay back for conning us!" Ron threatened lamely. Mei dismissively waved. It was better than clenching her fists, though she was in better shape than some of them. She'd gotten some measure of retribution.

---

Victor shifted and kept starting to look back and then stopping himself. "Poppy has the right idea, let's try something constructive. Our quiet members are about ready to tear throats out, we need a distraction." His Quaxly quacked encouragingly.

"Where did you get a TM Rose? Salvatore?" Mei asked, "I don't think it has a public array."

Rose pointed at Alamy, and explained, "Everyone but Bandwidth got it from the two of us together."

"That channeling training earlier gave me a better idea how we fit together for it. I know I do not have the energy construct on my own," Alamy said to Rose. Rose nodded.

"I don't either. Maybe we could get it with practice, but it burned a lot of elemental essence off. A TM would probably be slightly cheaper for other partners," Rose said.

"Where, how, and what century was this all in?" Mei demanded.

Poppy looked around the field for a moment and pointed. "I think it was that corner there? It looked different when it was wet. Was this Nemona's trainer box here?" Mei followed the sight line. Rose closed her eyes and braced herself.

"You did it when you nearly died?" Mei asked.

"It was just a bad knock out," Rose said, uncomfortably.

"Something out of that moment of beauty," Alamy said distantly.

"Oh, we can see if you can give it to others?" Poppy said, "Basti can learn Trailblaze! I've never bothered, but why not?" She reached into her purse to start rummaging for some supplies as Basti nodded enthusiastically. Victor leaned against Basti with interest as the various smaller Pokemon jumped on Basti's back to peer into the depths of the purse.

Terpsi and Mei looked at each other. "I know we need a distraction, but I just can't encourage you flinging yourself at danger. It's a bad habit," Mei mumbled, "I'm going to go see if I get anything Victor missed on his rounds."

Rose smiled sadly but understandingly, which rankled Mei a bit. Rose had nearly died, why pity her? And Mei knew why, but it still itched at her. She was going to fix this and be the future Champion.

"If they get enough courage injected in them to try and come for you, we'll come right away," she promised. The others nodded, even Victor to Mei's surprise.

"Teasing you on it is tempting, but tempting seems a bad idea right now," Victor explained.

"I appreciate that," Mei said automatically and bowed, and was a little surprised she did, the thought giving some warmth different from the usual heat. She hesitated but shook her head and went to look at the court where Poppy had pointed.

---

"Do you think we need Resistor's Poke ball?" Alamy asked. Bandwidth had jumped down and was studying the big Bastiodon with some actual interest in his gaze. Alamy's expression brightened but fell as Basti good-naturedly licked the Quaxly on his head, ruining his 'hairstyle' and sending Bandwidth off in a flurry of sulking quacks to repair it. Ivy shook his head and jumped down to stand by Basti expectantly. The Bastiodon, amused, started to lick the little Sprigatito's back, starting Ivy to purring.

"He did better there than usual," Rose said sympathetically, "For the Poke ball I think we should start without it directly, see how it feels."

Poppy looked at the two in worry. "Are you two feeling better? I tried to change the subject like Zania said, but it didn't go well. I don't like them at all, but you guys were getting so angry," she said. She glanced nervously at the bullying group, then where Mei was walking across the court.

"It's a bit better, so I'm angry at myself. Even as a tease, I shouldn't have asked Ivy to do that when everything is so inflamed. It was tempting to have him bite," Rose admitted.

"I wish that did not feel so justified. It was taking a lot to stop. The more I thought about what they did, the worse it got," Alamy said, "Thank you." Poppy beamed.

"I do appreciate you all willing to jump in. I know I'm not the… easiest person," Victor said, "I don't think I'll ever like those people, but they're the sort that ends up ruined in the end."

"But you would rather see it," Alamy stated. Victor rubbed his forehead.

"Do you want us to try with one of yours?" Alamy asked politely.

"I'm not sure I have the materials to underwrite it. I'd rather see how Poppy handles it for comparison with my own methods," Victor said, "I have some trophies on me, but cashed in a fair number."

"Will that be a good idea to have sold them? You said you were adjusting your Pokemon's moves still to draw properly?" Rose asked.

"First, it looked like Ivy was able to use Trailblaze casually without full sync," Victor observed, "And did either of you feel a strong drain when you were practicing with it?" The two girls shook their heads.

"Then you taught it properly," Victor said, mouth quirking briefly into a smile, "The issues I'm having I don't think extra elemental charging will fix. Adjusting the moves to 'normal' is proving more difficult than I thought, between the specific matrix I gave them and my own habits. You can't just 'delete' a move out of a living creature's head, so we have to practice and adjust. I am making some progress with the moves they can generate on their own with more experience." His Quaxly quacked sadly.

"You are both looking to improve, though!" Alamy said, with a side-eye at Bandwidth, who studiously didn't meet his gaze.

"Is that why you've been sad this afternoon?" Poppy asked without looking up. She was digging into her purse for a set of elemental extractions still. From a glance, Rose could see she was having to rummage past a lot of brightly colored candy wrappers.

"Some of it," Victor said, hesitating. Poppy looked up, irritated.

"I am ten. Full trainer's license and everything. You can say stuff in front of me," Poppy insisted.

"You could battle for it?" Alamy suggested, then covered her mouth briefly, then her eyes in shame, "Ignore me. I am still having to find myself in here."

"We haven't really had a chance to see Poppy go all-out up close, though," Rose reflected. Victor nodded. Poppy stamped her foot in irritation at the tangent.

"You can't blame them for being curious, especially since they missed your one-shot of the ghost yesterday," Victor said, "But to your question, some of it is that rabble over there. They brought bad memories, the sort of people who want to pull down those in front rather than try and race ahead. Maybe the Academy can still fix them, but I doubt it."

Poppy thought for a bit. "This is about Team Flare?" she asked eventually. Victor nodded.

"I'm not surprised an Elite Four would know what happened next door," Victor said.

"It's not a pet trainer thing, like we have a license or morality. A lot of battle trainers coast or try and corner an angle," Rose said grimly, "Or we wouldn't have poachers."

"I wish I could just look at our class, even ones like Vine or Minx, and say 'oh it's just the adults are stupid, we'll do better'," Victor said. He jerked a thumb over his shoulder towards Mei. She and Terpsi were running in a circle on the court, for some reason.

Rose drew a breath in sharply, alarmed. "If my sister has in any way expressed Team Flare sentiments, I absolutely have to know that," Rose said. If Mei was lost to the Knight, Rose would cash in her freedom gladly if that was the price needed to rescue her.

"No, this is just her normal stupidity," Victor said. Rose sagged in relief. Victor observed her with a critical eye.

"Your dramatics aren't nearly as hammy as your sister's, by the way," Victor said, "It's… your sister's getting strong, or maybe just starting to get better at not overdoing it. She did eight battles in a row with only two partners. By the end, her Pokemon were relying almost purely on their bond to keep going. It took fool's luck or a Champion's finesse to not have a backlash. She made it look easy. As many tips as we're giving each other, that's still sheer natural talent."

"It's not… just talent," Rose said hesitantly. She was on dangerous ground to not give anything away.

"I can tell by comparison the work you two put in, especially with how your bond training got botched," Victor said, "This isn't just that kind of practice."

"You're all stronger than I'd think for a couple days work, but we've had some big things happen," Poppy reflected.

"We've gotten some excellent advice from our seniors," Rose said. Poppy blushed.

"And passed a lot on to their juniors," Alamy said, patting Rose's back. To Rose's pleasure, she didn't jump at the touch, though her nerves were jangling in worry for Mei.

"I know how much growth you see at the beginning, and she's doing better than that. Rose too, for that matter. Battle trainers on day one and you're skipping a lot of the normal mistakes," Victor said, irritated.

"You're worried you're not being any better than that pack of slugs when it comes to my sister," Rose realized.

Victor sighed. The average level of insight at the Academy was much higher, and it took the fun out of sulking. "Yes, that I'd rather curse the darkness then turn on a light. Especially since I thought fixing the moves would be simple and it's proving complicated."

He shook his head, "How you see all that and you don't-" he stopped, "But besides my problems, I'm curious to see this Trailblaze."

"Right, still got to find it," Poppy said, looking back into her purse.

Rose glanced at Mei, knowing what he was on about, but not thinking about it. Alamy's grip tightened on her back briefly. When Rose looked, her face was a careful mask of curiosity.

"Do you think they'll really be trouble?" Rose asked, glancing at the group of slightly older students milling, to change the subject.

"Not after that trick with your cat showed how far behind they were. I don't think they'll be any fun in class, but any violence would start on our side," Victor predicted.

"This is, I assume, with the consideration that Mei does not make it worse," Alamy said carefully.

"I almost have found the green ones," Poppy said, rummaging into her purse.

"You and Victor have legitimate reasons to, and I'm hoping it's just stress and not some ghost that has me on edge," Rose said, looking up at the cloudy sky for a moment.

She then turned and looked clearly at Victor, at his chest rather than the eyes in the trainer way. "If people's emotional balances are being preyed upon," Rose said, "I don't want to feel any blame to her right now. There are a lot of issues all going on in all of us right now."

Alamy looked at Victor and tapped her free hand against her side a few times, licked her lips, and spoke, "Hypothetically, if one had good hearing and could overhear some conversations, one might then theorize a first party was avoiding considering a line of inquiry about a second party very deliberately. Especially since the first party is usually good at reading people," she said.

"Ahh," Victor said, but Rose pressed in.

"Recent incidents would, hypothetically, be giving the second party the cloak of a legitimate grievance to bring up in association with the first party's friends. That this hypothetical person is quite glad to have met. And would not want to be torn between friends and the second party if they were to dwell on it," Rose said.

"Also, it is better emotionally to hope the second party is concerned about the first party's career and progress, not that the second party feels they have some emotional claim on the first party. But the second party is not in a state they can discuss this rationally, but the idea of a 'claim' has a very terrifying possibility until it can be discussed," Alamy said.

"You two have been talking on this about not talking on it," Victor said.

"The issue with emotional balance is a bigger concern than unraveling all the issues," Rose said, "And is a much more immediate problem for the impression that would be given." Alamy nodded.

"Ill-phrased but well-meaning critiques is something I have encountered before. I know the second party is not fully in control," Alamy said.

"We're not trying to make it worse," Rose said.

"But you shouldn't put your life on hold so she can feel like she's running the whole circus," Victor summarized. Rose nodded.

"I did think she was going to drop Pome on their heads. I'm pleased to be wrong," Rose said.

"We were right not to hesitate to be ready to intervene," Alamy said, "Especially after yesterday."

"You're astute, not a prophet," Victor reminded Rose, "And you're not the only one who can put stuff together about people, either."

"Are we still pretending this is other people or can we just say Rose and Mei now?" Poppy asked, holding up a small vial that was glowing green, "I have more if this isn't enough, by the way."

"I'm glad I have smart friends," Rose said with a smile, taking in the group, "Okay, Mei is trying to work it off constructively, so that is a good sign. Let's see if we can do the same and see if this is going to work." Ivy, reluctantly, stopped having his belly groomed, to go stand by Rose at attention. Basti panted and smacked her lips a few times, having gone heavy on the grooming.

---

Alamy and Rose held hands as their Pokemon shone faintly. "Does this look okay?" Alamy asked as Victor peered at them. It was hard for Alamy to pay any attention outside herself. Her connection felt slapdash and writhing compared to yesterday.

She could feel Rose was stumbling trying to match her. Neither dancer could lead, and both were tripping over themselves, metaphorically. They held the matrix together, but their stamina was draining away like they were exerting in battle to maintain it. The knuckles on the hands that gripped each other were white.

"It looks acceptable and similar to what Rose's Sprigatito did. No holes in the energy connections needing to be filled by outside sources," Victor said. He was clearly still kicking himself over his self-sabotage.

Said Sprigatito sat at attention next to Bandwidth who slouched. They needed the partners as an energy sump for this, you needed a connection to channel. Bandwidth was at least participating. Move theory seemed to interest him even as nervous as he was. His movements in battle were straightforward, not really contributing any innovation. Alamy wished he would tell what was wrong.

"Put it in before you two rust over," Poppy urged, lighting up herself. She spilled some energy too, but a tiny fraction compared to the newer trainers. No one's bonds were ever perfect. Bastiodon continued to stand genially.

And that small fraction of loss was more than everything Rose and Alamy could pull, let alone what actually went to their partners. Poppy barely had to work for her part in this just showed how long the road was.

"I'm not sure who is going to be draining the extract," Rose said, slurring her words a bit. Rose's channeling writhed with every word and she struggled to stay aligned. She had difficulties focusing outside her bond as well. Talking in particular seemed to tax her.

"Easy," Poppy said, to Basti, who had noticed the disturbance. "They're my friends and they won't do anything to hurt you," Poppy soothed her partner. Basti nodded. Poppy uncorked the extract, and there was a sudden smell of fresh-cut grass, a bit of power bleeding off into the background energies of the world.

"We should do it now while we still have it," Alamy said. She was starting to sweat. Poppy nodded and Basti stepped forward, and the girls put their free hands on her head. The two closed their eyes and tried to push through the meaning they had found. There was a flare of energy Alamy could feel; the elemental essences suddenly boiling as Basti drew them to herself.

Finally, the two opened their eyes and moved back, dropping both their hands to their sides. The little test tube was empty, and clover had sprouted around the big Pokemon's feet. Ivy, now off duty, stepped forward to sniff it curiously.

"Was that enough?" Rose asked. She looked as flushed as Alamy felt.

"Yeah, I think we used more than we had to, but Basti's always been a big eater," Poppy said, looking at the empty tube. "You want to try out the move?" Poppy asked her partner.

The big Pokemon waggled her tail and crouched. Barely forewarned, everyone scooted to her sides. Poppy was too professional to give an attack call even for a demonstration like this, so partner and trainer's eyes merely flashed together for a moment, and the big Fossil Pokemon jumped six meters forward.

She landed with a loud thump, and green glowed around her, energy needles like grass flying into the air as if disturbed pouring off her body. There were shouts of surprise from closer to the entrance. More students had arrived, and the noise drew everyone's attention from the loose huddle.

Alamy risked a quick glance over, not wanting a confrontation. Even Mei had stopped to look.

Intrigued, Basti bent around as best as her head structure allowed and raised one of her feet in the air to peer at it.

"Oh, yeah, stuff is pushing through better. Something about it clears the channels, even with us not practicing it," Poppy said, and bowed briefly before continuing, "Thank you, teachers."

"Thank you," Rose said, returning the bow, "It does prove the experience was repeatable."

"Shameful a kludge as that was," Alamy said. Rose covered her face with her hands in agreement.

"You should have seen a few years ago before Rika started giving me tips. It looks solid now but it was so many bits. It takes practice," Poppy assured them.

"We have a terrible curse," Alamy continued, and swept her arms, calling on her drama training. Poppy's gaze followed where her hand ended up pointing.

"I don't see it," Poppy said apologetically.

"We got to be perfect yesterday, for a few seconds, or feel that way," Rose said, slightly muffled by her hands.

"Close enough. I am sure we were bleeding off a litle. And now we are mere mortals again," Alamy said, "Trudging on the ground with feet of clay knowing what it is like to fly."

"You've booked training space time through the rest of the week?" Victor asked, practical, "You're going to need it and it's filling up fast."

"At six in the morning we were still able to find spots," Alamy said. Poppy physically recoiled.

"Cursed twice-over, chasing perfection and to be early risers," Victor said sympathetically, "Well the evening spots are mostly filled until past ten."

"As long as they follow the noise rules. I've been asleep by then," Rose said. Ivy nodded.

"Will you be up for our cooking lesson?" Poppy asked. Rose nodded. Poppy grinned and waved to Basti, who padded back over. The big Shield Pokemon glowed as she came to a stop, and Poppy looked up apologetically as Basti set to eating clover.

"I'm not bothered that you're not keeping Trailblaze running. Basti's strong point obviously isn't speed," Rose said.

"Can I ask a lesson from you, Poppy?" Alamy asked. Poppy nodded.

"I got asked a big question I could not answer properly a few days ago. But with Resistor I see it better what battle is to me. My partners are light and hit first, but what moves do you use on a tough defensive partner? Just so I have an idea what to expect direct from an expert?" Alamy asked politely.

The praise made Poppy preen, which Alamy admitted to herself she intended, but it was the truth.

"Basti usually runs Body Press – it's an advanced move; it uses the partner's bulk to drop an opponent's stamina. Iron Defense makes Basti tougher and the two lock together like gears. Reflect makes the team tougher. Metal Burst needs closer timing than Counter or Metal Coat, but covers both," Poppy listed.

"It's not quite as powerful a return attack as those two moves," Victor warned, "Still uses the stamina loss to return more power than it got, so it can be vicious."

"Basti's really tough but her stamina isn't great beneath," Poppy admitted, "But if I use it early it can scare people from setting up a big super-effective attack, especially with fragile partners. 'Rajah sets up stealth rock first to makes 'em nervous about trying to switch around."

Alamy considered it, and felt a surge of excitement, from the same place of glee when she had started calling Resistor's paralysis moves. It was something that predated Resistor inviting her into this world, which was reassuring she was still the same. Poppy set up a clever obstacle to fence people in, and Alamy wanted to knock it down.

Aloud she said, "That's a clever tactic." Poppy grinned.

"I think I've seen a full team from you at this point, and they're more aggressive Pokemon. This is to break their rhythm and force a new strategy?" Rose asked. Her expression was closed off as she thought.

Alamy smiled. When she had asked Rose what battle was, she had answered 'dance'. There were implications to that Alamy hadn't thought about before. A wall was something for Alamy to punch through. Rose wanted to render it irrelevant.

"Right, it's the wham clang bang bang!" Poppy said enthusiastically, "You hit and let them break first." Basti roared, chiming cry echoing off the walls, in glee for her trainer. Poppy, Alamy amended mentally, liked to bring her own, bigger wall.

Victor mused, "I was wondering if you were considering a switch to a stall-based strategy on your team with a Bastiodon. I can see how it fits in better now."

"I bet that is an easier mindset in the battle circuit than in the open world, that sort of slow approach," Alamy said. She was familiar with the umbrella term, but she didn't think she'd ever seen it in the battle courts in Lumiose.

"It is. The trainer doesn't have to have as much of their own endurance to keep powering recovery. And the more mercantile bonding with Pokemon promotes the style," Victor said. His Quaxly quacked nervously.

"Relax. It's not an easy thing to see your partners take a lot of hits is what I mean. They're also long battles. Most matches are done before one Pokemon goes down in the style. Organizers aren't fans. It's not easy to train even with a battle circuit court. I've seen some dreadful and very effective stallers, never in between," Victor said.

Victor's duck looked relieved. Alamy was trying to get better at reading Quazly's moods and asked, "Is he pleased that you were not raising him for stall with the way you taught moves?"

Victor grinned, "That and slow battles will leave him looking rumpled." Quaxly, and surprisingly, Bandwidth nodded, though he looked away when he caught Alamy eyeing him.

"It would be interesting to battle one though," Rose said, "I didn't see more than a few on TV in Galar. Dynamax tends to mess up their timing."

"I prefer a more aggressive approach to stall, especially if I don't know the trainer. Give them less time to plan. Ideally, I want to have won before I start. And yes, Galar is too much a blunt object with Max Moves," Victor agreed.

Alamy's mental image of Victor with a wall, she was completely caught on the poetic metaphor at this point; was him arranging for someone to throw ropes over when he approached without expending any visual effort.

"We should try and have a proper match later this week. I know you have plenty to do tonight after this weekend," Victor proposed.

"My drama class starts soon after biology. You are both in history? Could we do it after that? I would like to as well," Alamy said.

"Tomorrow? The Academy may be busy but there must be a small court we can use nearby," Victor agreed, "Cycle knows we don't need a top tier court."

The three pulled their phones out and found something open in south-central Mesagoza, arguably in walking distance even with city traffic. Bandwidth sighed and started doing some half-hearted kata. Ivy jumped down near Victor's Quaxly, who flapped his wings. The two were excited enough to start chasing each other in a circle.

Basti watched and pulled some of the clover out of the ground that had sprouted during the move training and munched thoughtfully.

"We could battle you, Poppy, if you want, too" Alamy added kindly.

Poppy shook her head. "All my partners are all grown up and trained but Fuey. Even if I barely channel, you're not any kind of match yet," Poppy said sadly. "Maybe I can come watch? It's a slow time for challengers at the League."

"There are Champions in the city, maybe one will want a match if you post an opening," Victor said. Poppy's eyes fairly lit up at that.

"I hadn't thought of that!" Poppy said, "Where's the app on here?" She pulled her phone out and shoved it to Victor, who laughing, called up the Paldean Trainer's Eyes on her phone to find someone wanting a match.

Rose giggled and tried to pose alluringly. "Surrounded by girls who only want one thing. Poor Victor," Rose quipped. Rose really needed a growth spurt and something more fashionable than the Naranja uniform to make it work, in Alamy's opinion.

"Like I want it any less. Now with that 2/10 pose, we're not supposed to know about that kind of thing yet," Victor chided.

Someone wolf-whistled from the pack of students and Rose jumped a half meter, landing already blushing to her ears. "I'd forgotten they were there," she muttered.

Alamy patted Rose's back. She could feel Rose twitch before she relaxed. There was something going on there, clearly. Alamy hoped Rose could open to her on it someday.

"I think ignoring them is the right call. No one too interesting has shown up yet," Victor said, glanced across the field, and a smile went across his features before being tugged into a straight line. The other three turned, but just saw Mei still investigating the ground.

"As far as calling out to people or seducing them, I do have a complaint I need to give to you three," Victor said, deeply serious.

"Poppy's an evaluator, she's able to handle losses," Victor started. Poppy held up a hand and waggled it noncommittedly.

"I get less practice losing than Geeta would like, and she wishes I did it better," Poppy admitted.

"Regardless, it's something you are supposed to handle with grace, professionally. Alamy and Rose dug a move out of being utterly crushed and already bounced back seeing what they need to work on," Victor listed.

"Is this a 'it's not you, it's me' speech?" Rose asked curiously, blush faded at wondering where this was going. Alamy smiled at the thought.

"Maybe," Victor drawled, drawing the word out before returning to a serious tone, "But what relationship is dearer than that of a proper rival? Celebrated in culture, easily recognized from those outside it looking in. I need something who feels crushed and angry that they somehow lost to an equal, and to give the same in return. I'm sorry, you all just can't give me enough to be worth my time." He leaned against Basti as he started to crack up, having kept an utterly serious tone until that point.

Alamy and Rose giggled, as Poppy looked confused, which made them giggle harder.

"Sorry, Poppy," Alamy said, "He is apologizing he needs trash for his trashy needs." Victor barked out a full laugh.

"Oh, I see, so it's like rivals in movies. He's apologizing he's a one-trainer type because he needs commitment," Poppy said, pleased she figured it out.

That explanation set the three taller students off laughing again, to Poppy's perplexity. Even Basti started laughing, something like bells ringing, caught up in the mood, which caused a general giggle fit.

---

Mei and Terpsi walked away, glancing briefly back behind them. She was a bit curious, but she couldn't deal with Rose and Alamy having a follow-up to where they had nearly died. It was just a day ago, and she was trying to push past it. And then she had gotten a TM or the like? Who was encouraging that kind of behavior?

The other possibility was that her sister had kludged something with the little lightning rat owner. Mei was worried about where that power had come from in the midst of insanity, if no one else would. Some Pokemon seemed to be serving as Rose's patron, but it wasn't handing out power like this.

Terpsi squeaked a question. "No, Razor Leaf is a little stronger and you have a speed booster, you don't need Trailblaze," Mei answered absently. She had found one of the impact sites in the court. The soil was grayer than normal for Mesagoza in front of her, getting worse farther along. Mei bent down to touch the dirt and it crumbled, dried and probably dead, cleared of even microbial life .

This was within the court's boundaries, but the defenses had been down. The sky was overcast, so it had looked different yesterday, but after a bit more thought on angles from where the ghost had been moving around, Mei estimated where her sister and hanger-on had been when the attack hit.

She paced in that direction, and sure enough, there was a black rimmed oval of nearly normal looking soil in the center of another gray space. Battle-bonded partners giving everything they could to protect each other. It would be the tragic high point of a chivalry adventure Mei liked to read, if she didn't know one of the victims.

"How is it right here?" Mei asked her Bounsweet. Terpsi extended a root and made a noncommittal noise. The normal soil of the court was hard-packed clay. Terpsi's roots on their own couldn't get purchase. Which meant it was nearly normal.

"The bond absorbed a lot of it," Mei said, "But this still affected an area a few meters across. There's no way they would have survived another shot."

Terpsi gave a burbling whistle of astonishment. "Yeah, she may get there someday, and we'll definitely get strong enough to hold this off. But I think Rose needs to see this to appreciate it. What are they up to, anyway?" Mei asked, shading her eyes despite the overcast. Looking over and focusing, she could feel little scraps of energy around. Rose was either sputtering in and out while trying to channel, or they were putting a move construct together.

Mei guessed the former was more likely. There had been no time to draw an array.

Terpsi growled encouragement. "Yeah, time to stop letting her play around before she has a backlash," Mei declared. Before she could stomp over, she could feel it wash over her. Enough elemental embodiment had been consumed Mei could only quantify it as expensive. The visible gleam of green was enough for the pet owners to spot it.

Mei's best estimate from what she felt was enough industrial-grade refined grass essence to cover her food budget with Terpsi and Pome for a month had just been burned off.

You could also fertilize something the size of the battle court for a whole year off that much. Mei really hoped Rose hadn't impoverished herself when Mei saw the big Bastiodon leap through air. A moment later she heard her, the rumble of impact after she landed from her jump setting windows to rattling around the courtyard

There was a puff of grass energy when Basti landed. That hadn't felt like a TM going off, it was too wild with too much energy.

Mei felt a chill down her spine. This put more weight that something had been pushed into the two. She needed to dispel the cold with work. Rose wouldn't listen to her if she didn't have evidence to back up her accusations. Mei couldn't blame her, it sounded wild inside her head.

"Terpsi, see if you can help me map how big this dead zone is and the area that Rose managed to shield. I'm going to take photos of everything. We'll need to head to the library later and do research into ghost imprints after a haunting," Mei said urgently. Terpsi, knowing this was serious, nodded in determination.

The impact area wasn't that big, but Mei wanted to make sure she got all the details, plus she had a camera with digital storage, so she could take plenty of shots. When the two were finished, she walked over to where everyone was clustering besides her home room members. Several more people were there, but half the class would be racing the bell if they showed up.

"You a hex maniac?" one asked in a dry voice. Mei looked over in surprise. That was a Galar accent mixed in to the Paldean, and not one disrupted by this summer's learning botch. She was an older student; not a tall woman but certainly over Mei, with a Flareon sniffing the ground at her side. She had the largest, fluffiest Eevee-themed backpack Mei had seen in the era of electronic storage. Most importantly…

"How are you getting away without a uniform?" Mei asked. The girl was dressed in practically all grey, spiced up by a few red and blue accents on her stockings to match her hair and a Poke ball logo on her baggy hoodie.

"Years of academic excellence," the lady continued in a dry tone, "So are you a hex maniac? The uniforms make it hard to tell."

"Maybe a little," Mei equivocated, "My sister was caught in that attack here and I feel like she's rushing the recovery, so I wanted to investigate. I've not really dabbled before."

"Yeah, leave it to Paldea to try and smooth things over so it can fester," the young woman agreed, which got some glares from the crowd of fodder Mei had gone through. She glared back better than all of them, and they drew back.

Mei studied her more carefully. Pet trainer. The Flareon seemed to be well-raised, to her credit. He was probably from a store like most Eevees, but he wasn't obese like a couple Mei had seen.

"Name's Penny. What's your email? There's some drone footage floating around of the attack I've been sweeping up for the school," the woman said. Mei rattled it off.

A minute later, Mei's Rotom phone made a strained beep. "This is a lot, actually, poor thing's chugging on the first part," Mei said, surprised, "Do you work in computers outside the Academy?"

"'Work' usually involves more direct compensation," Penny said flatly, "But sure. Are you from Kitakami?"

"Hammelocke, but I was born in Sinnoh," Mei said, "Some idiot botched the translation quick-learn software this summer and my phonemes are all back to Solaceon now." Mei cocked her head in surprise. She could have sworn Penny looked guilty for a second.

"Even people born in Wyndon are having trouble this term," Mei continued, "You're from Galar aren't you? Who are you hoping to win?"

"Peony, I guess," Penny said, rolling her eyes, "I'm from Wyndon, though moved around a bit. You got caught right in the middle of it then at Hammerlocke?"

"We didn't live near the stadium, but we got evacuated," Mei said.

"Ugh, Rose," Penny said, "My dad never liked him, and it turned out he was right. We weren't there for the Darkest Day but boy was he ultra-mega-insufferable for the next few weeks when we got the news." Her Flareon yipped agreement.

Mei mouthed 'ultra-mega' but focused on the more immediate issue. "My sister's also named Rose. She's over there playing in the dirt or something. Just so there's no confusion later," Mei explained, pointing over. There was some energetic gesturing with the four, they were going on about something.

"Sister's a bit of a flake? You have my sympathies. She owns that walking bulldozer?" Penny asked.

"Oh, no, that's Poppy's partner. She's the short one. Steel-specialist. You want the next shorter one. You can see her cat balancing on the face-shield. Genetics mean we're grass specialists," Mei clarified. Terpsi puffed up.

"New grass battlers? You were the ones who Kieran got to impress? Little respect goes a long way with that boy," Penny said, more intrigued. Penny blinked suddenly, realizing she may have said too much and switched topics.

"Nemona told ,e you both helped out yesterday. That drone footage is for the one who got hit, right? She ok?" Penny asked. Mei nodded, and then held a hand up to waggle it side to side.

"You're friends with Nemona and Kieran?" Mei asked.

"Somehow," Penny said and laughed, "But good luck poking into it. Ghosts aren't my thing at all. Be careful spending time with Nemona. She'll battle you to exhaustion if you get good and Florian's not in range," Penny warned.

"Assuming she gets exhausted," one of the sore losers scoffed. Terpsi gave a nasty chuckle.

"Try to actually train your Pokemon and you might make me sweat," Mei countered. She gestured grandly at Poppy's Flareon, like sweeping a sword.

"See, that's where you could be by letting them work out. I wouldn't want to fight him yet, and that's a pet Pokemon. I know a little spark of an electric trainer that's done better too," Mei said.

Penny looked flattered. Her Flareon breathed a tiny tongue of flame and puffed up so much Mei was afraid he would float away.

"Huh, you really can tell. Most battlers don't think much of my Vees," Penny admitted.

"You've put in some work. Give me a couple months and I can probably power through against him, though," Mei felt compelled to note, "I've just started. But my mom had me practice to assess since you can do a rough version before you let them all the way in. I can compared to like what Terpsi and I can do at full power." Terpsi swelled, trying to be intimidating, but was still an adorable fruit. She was going to be a terror after evolution, Mei was sure.

"I've gotten lucky with a major grass affinity, so I could tell more specifically if you happened to have a Leafeon instead," Mei added with a shrug.

Ron gave a sudden sharp piercing whistle, drawing their attention. Without context, Mei would assume he was trying to flirt. "Wow, you really got the deck stacked in your favor," Ron interrupted. There was a yelp from over where Rose was, the four gesticulating for a moment, but it didn't seem major.

"If you were training seriously for a few months, you could give me the runaround. For now. One did the other day," Mei said, editing down the match in Los Platos a bit. She jerked a thumb over towards the other battle trainers.

"The little Lumiose lightbulb got a complex from her parents, but she's given her rat the power to match my sister or I day one. You're at a Pokemon academy, use it for more than trying to bully new trainers," Mei advised.

"Bully?" Penny asked. She was suddenly very focused

"Well, they tried, but they didn't check their targets could fight back. Now we have their money," Mei explained in a fast summary.

"And now they're acting like they're bullied?" Penny guessed. She gave a glare at the group, even more heated than the first

"They let us bet," one protested.

"Maybe the bets and forfeits were potentially a bit much," Mei allowed, though her face showed she didn't believe it, "But think of it as investment in Pokemon education. Your contribution helps my Fuecoco get a Mud Slap TM."

"Is that what that move was with throwing dirt clods?" Ron asked. Mei winced, as Terpsi fell over laughing. Mei glared at the betrayal, but Terpsi just laughed harder. It got worse when there was a sudden burst of laughter that carried over from where Rose was lurking. Even the Bastiodon was giggling in a clarion tone, which set Terpsi off again.

"You can see why I need the TM," Mei said once both the noise had dropped down.

"Which TM?" Dendra asked, off to the side, making everyone jump in surprise at her showing up.

"How do you keep doing that?" Mei demanded.

"Teachers really shouldn't enjoy getting one over on their student so much," Penny said.

"Osu! You'll never make it as a teacher with that attitude!" Dendra said with a grin.

"This. This is what happens when you the eligible educator list is reduced to battle maniacs," Penny commented without heat.

Nemona popped her head through the door, "Can I come in now?" she called. Dendra waved her over, now that her presence wouldn't ruin the surprise. Her big Skeledirge poked his head in and gave a low, but melodic, moan.

"And coming in on cue," Penny added. She sounded like she was complaining, but she waved cheerfully at Nemona, who waved back.

"I'm so excited you're taking this intro class I'm helping with, Penny!" Nemona said excitedly once she was closer, though she only partially modulated her volume.

"I need one to graduate," Penny replied, "And I'm almost out of time."

"I'm not doing the morning class, though. STEM classes all start late, even," Nemona pointed out. Penny coughed embarrassedly. Her Flareon looked down and pawed at the ground a bit.

"Well, funny how it worked out, eh?" the pet trainer added. Nemona turned to survey who else was there.

"Oh, she finished training that Bastiodon. I've got to get a challenge in," Nemona mused, as she finished turning and spotted Mei.

"Mei, you've met Penny!" Nemona declared.

"Just barely," Mei said.

"She's very smart! I wish she was a full battler, but she is helping coordinate logistics for the STCs, so she's a good person to know for training," Nemona said.

"Even pet owners should know the basics in case a wild Pokemon wanders to where they are," Dendra cut in. She held a finger up as she counted under her breath. "We're missing some people."

"That email for the location change was less than an hour ago," another student pointed out. Dendra frowned at that.

"I hate to start late the first day. We have a little time before the bell rings, so time for some early lessons," Dendra decided. Nemona suddenly put her hands over her ears, causing murmurs from the class in confusion. Mei had no better idea what was going on until what happened next.

Dendra called out her big Hariyama, who looked fine after the exertions from yesterday. Mei realized Dendra was pulling a trick Mei had learned from her past life and clapped her hands over her ears just in time. Dendra put two fingers in her mouth and gave a whistle that left Mei's head ringing even with the muffling.

"EVERYONE MEET UP!" Dendra shouted before anyone could recover, which echoed around the courtyard and sent several students reeling to the ground, their Pokemon shouting in confusion.

Terpsi was shouting something, but Mei was only hearing it over the link, her ears ringing. Someone else must have said something, because Dendra shrugged.

---

After some ribbing on Victor's bad taste, the group had been chatting about move-teaching given Victor's more immediate problem. He probably could fix it with TMs, but it might take multiple, and most were locked from purchase.

Poppy was discussing good locations to find Pokemon willing to give trophies west of town when the whistle cut through discussion. Rose could feel it in her teeth. The Pokemon-assisted shout afterward was loud enough, the deployed Pokemon gave startled vocalizations in complaint. Basti looked up from her grazing and her head gleamed, apparently prepping a Metal Burst. Poppy shook her head quickly.

"That wasn't Hyper Voice," Poppy identified.

"I think Professor Dendra was a Pyroar in her last life then," Alamy said.

"Or she will be in her next," Rose considered.

"Hi there!" Nemona called, waving, "We're meeting over here!"

The eight humans and Pokemon walked over to join the group. Several more students were there. Nemona was standing near one that had to be a part-time student; she wasn't wearing the ubiquitous uniform.

"Not nearly the turnout I was hoping for," Dendra muttered.

"Okay, so not everyone was able to make it today, but we'll try to do better next time! I'm sure you're already wondering why we came here, of all courts," Dendra announced. There was some nodding.

"We're going to be covering safety and how courts work today," Dendra said, sweeping a hand to take in the court, "Because this can be the result if you don't know what you're doing. Our bond with partners entrusts us with a great deal of power. And the more you learn and work with them, the greater it becomes. Every class at the Academy is important, but this one will teach you how to be safe to others and safe for yourself," Dendra finished quietly.

"Now! Osu! New kids!" Dendra said, suddenly noisy enough a few people winced, "Welcome to battle tactics class! We'll have a lot to cover this year, and we'll have to move fast! Helping me this year is the student council president. Nemona is a very skilled battler, if you've been in Paldea longer than an hour you probably heard about her."

That got some laughter as Nemona waved.

"But she knows the League rules for matches cover to cover! She'll answer any questions if I'm busy and help with practical discussions! Now, let's cover some basics!"

"First and most important – if I say stop during a practical demonstration or practice, you stop," Dendra said, smile dropping for a moment. She spun around making sure everyone was speared, then turned back to Poppy and pointed.

"We have a unique placement in this class, so I'm adding in an extra rule – if Poppy says stop, you stop. Miss Poppy is a professional evaluator for the League," Dendra explained. Poppy waved nervously.

"We fight with and live with Pokemon. The nature of partnership makes this typically a safe and fun experience. Let's all keep it that way, all right?" Dendra said looking around.

She frowned at the nods she was getting. "Let's get a little louder. Let me hear your osu!"

"Osu?" came back confused from the class, but it seemed acceptable to Dendra.

"Good! Now, new kids! I'm sure you're worried about your new friends getting hurt! That's a perfectly normal fear. Stop trying to have them fight and recall. From most matches, they'll wake up soon but need some rest before they can support a battle link. They'll let you know! Listen to your Pokemon! A lot of this stuff feels complicated, but battle is as second nature to humans as is Pokemon, we just over think it," Dendra assured the class.

"Nurse Barnaby's office is equidistant from all the courts if we need assistance, though. It's a good idea to know where it is in general! Home ec is a lot more dangerous than this class!" Dendra said and punched her hand into her palm when that got some laughs.

"To some of you, this is going to be old info, but we gotta set a baseline! We'll cover medicine application to Poke balls and linking with battle courts today. Osu! If I feel we got it, we'll start into the fun stuff!" Dendra said.

Dendra looked around the field and her lips moved briefly. "Let's head where the light is better," Dendra suggested, "Before everything I'm sure you have some questions."

---

Dendra walked by the nearly intact trainer box and gestured the class into a depression that had been carved out of the ground. Mei could see faint filaments shining out of what was the court's understructure. Even the weakest Skwovet would threaten the audience here now. The court was busted.

Dendra looked around and nodded, then looked down at the class. "Here's good!" she announced. Her Hariyama stretched, looking around.

Mei looked around in confusion. The ground was all broken up, so it wasn't really a good meeting place. The court itself was badly damaged, so it was no good for object lessons. Rose had been knocked out on the other side of the field, and most of the fighting had been closer to the trainer box. What was here?

"Osu! So if you have basic questions, now's the time!" Dendra said, smiling broadly.

"What's Osu?" Penny asked as she raised her hand.

"It's a karate thing! Look it up!" Dendra said.

"You're not going to make us exercise, are you?" Penny asked with real horror.

"Maybe a little," Dendra admitted. Penny groaned, but Dendra continued, "Channeling to Pokemon works a bit like a muscle; a well-trained trainer benefits a well-trained Pokemon. Karate's my thing because having the focus helps me understand my fighting types. But! There are lots of ways to train yourself."

"I do a lot of calisthenics. Wilderness training your Pokemon is a workout too," Nemona volunteered. The experienced trainers nodded.

Penny shook her head. "There are two horrible words in there with 'wilderness' and 'workout'," she announced.

Poppy cartwheeled into a handstand and spoke upside-down, "Those words aren't scary! If you want your partners to get better, you keep up!"

"I prefer words like 'team deathmatch' and 'connectivity'," Penny said.

Mei raised her hand. Dendra pointed. "Why here for class? Half of us either were involved yesterday or caught up in these weird aftereffects," Mei noted.

"Or both," Victor added. The pack of trainers shot him a glare, and he and his Quaxly shrugged dismissively.

"Yeah, we do have a high percentage, don't we? Have you figured out where we are?" Dendra said in a mysterious tone. Terpsi put her roots in the ground briefly but sent negative. Ordinary soil, not life-drained. Poppy's Bastidon sniffed the air then lowered her head to sniff the ground, everyone gave it some space.

Rose realized after a moment Basti was after more clover. There were small shoots poking out of the soil in a few of the cracks. That was odd, this soil was dark enough it hadn't been exposed to light very long.

"Well Rose and Alamy nearly died over that way," Mei said, jerking her thumb. Rose and Alamy jumped slightly as the class's attention shifted to them. Their partners leaned back defensively but didn't bristle.

"We were knocked out," Alamy allowed after a few moments' recovery.

"Another Shadow Ball and I wouldn't be in orange today, I'd be in mourning white," Mei snapped back.

"There's several Shadow Ball and Dazzling Gleam impact sites around after the court failed. The one where Alamy and Rose fell is less withered than the rest," Dendra said quickly, "Even with that level of stamina, I'm impressed you're attending classes today."

Mei opened her mouth to protest but Dendra's Hariyama clapped his hands together and stared. Mei's mouth closed without a word.

"The riot was over there, then," Victor said, pointing the other direction, "Hard to see in this pit."

"Oh," Poppy said, still upside down, "This is where Tinkie hit the Misdreavus, isn't it?"

"Bingo!" Dendra said, "Good situational awareness. It looks a lot different after everyone's been back and forth."

"Different nothing, this pit is much deeper," Victor said, "Mei and I had to carry Aliquis across it yesterday. I think I would have remembered it being class sized."

"Raifort was doing some literal digging. It was her suggestion to change venues. I'd rather be able to get a couple flashy live demos in at the start," Dendra said.

"We're bait," Mei summarized. Dendra winced.

"That isn't how I would like to put it," Dendra began.

"How did Raifort put it?" one of the pet trainers in the class shouted. Dendra rubbed the back of her head nervously.

"I am loaded for ghost today!" Nemona assured them.

"Raifort found a couple pieces, apparently the Tera Orb didn't digest fully, but she thinks she has all the pieces that were left," Dendra said.

"Really? Basti smells something kind of like one," Poppy said. The big Pokemon pawed the ground and shook her head, not liking it.

"Right, rock type with the steel in there," Victor identified. He took a big step backwards though.

"Smells like what?" Mei asked.

"Basti isn't sure. Tera crystals are a little odd that way. She doesn't like it. It smells like it's warm too. It's faint. Fortunately, 'Rajah knows dig!" Poppy announced and swapped out her Pokemon.

This was probably a bad idea, in Mei's opinion, but getting to see a 3-meter tall Pokemon burrow into the earth sounded like fascinating viewing. She and Terpsi scrambled out of the pit, followed by everyone else including Poppy to clear the splash zone.

Rose bit her lip, hesitated, then shook her head, instead moving closer to Alamy to discuss something.

This can't be a good idea, Mei thought, but the thought of what treasure lay buried there stopped her.

Copperajah pawed briefly at the ground, then started to use the wide end of her trunk as a scoop to move dirt out of the way.

"Here's seeing what an Elite trainer can do!" Poppy bragged and puffed out her chest. Penny rolled her eyes and pulled her phone out to play something.

She was embarrassed less than five minutes ago for having attention, Mei thought and shook her head. Everything felt sluggish. Rose knelt and put her hands over her face. Alamy twitched a hand towards her then stopped.

"We need to stop," someone said quietly, and Mei realized it was her. She felt suddenly the pressure of people looking at her, wanting to get her down and be quiet. Was this how Rose felt? Terpsi looked up blearily and shook her head. Mei wanted the center.

She grabbed onto that thought with both hands, and tried to pull herself out of the mire her thoughts were suddenly in. "Dendra, we need to stop," she said more clearly.

"I know," Dendra said blankly, but didn't make any move for a moment.

"Professor?" Mei said. Talking was a strain. Moving was nearly impossible. Terpsi, leaves rustling, took a step forward as if against a tremendous wind. Mei reached out to her mentally, but it felt a great distance away, the two shouting to hear each other. They weren't 'close' enough to go to battle-sync.

"I know," Dendra said more fiercely, and tightened her fists, but still didn't move. "Poppy!" she said through gritted teeth.

"What do you want?" Poppy said sharply, then put her hands to her lips, and shook her head. 'Rajah continued digging unperturbed.

"There's nothing to hang onto, I need a target," Nemona said loudly, eyes looking around frantically. Her body was relaxed. Victor was rubbing his temples in irritation, not opening his eyes.

"Say stop, it should stop it getting worse," Rose said, muffled and reluctantly. She didn't look up or put her hands down. Alamy let out a sob and stumbled into a sitting position.

Like a switch being pulled, Mei felt the pressure of embarrassment leave, and then the absolute certainty if she let this proceed, she would get all the victories she wanted. Mei felt visions of trophies in her head and tried to shake free. She'd been a Champion. It had sucked. That wasn't what it was like. "Stop!" she stage-whispered, her throat closed.

"Not you!" Rose said angrily, looking up, her eyes almost gray. Her neck twitched then she raised a shaking finger towards Dendra. She looked at the finger with an absolute loathing.

"Too late!" Nemona said with manic glee, but she was shaking her head, expression horrified. Shaking, she grabbed a Poke ball and her fingers twitched, tendons suddenly straining, until she gasped and clutched her braced arm with her other. "No, this isn't right," she said, looking around.

'Rajah stumbled backwards, shoved back by a force as something glowing rose out of the hole. It was a sickly medley of colors, like a light bulb the color of a bruise. All the colors of the sick bonds Misdreavus and Aliquis had yesterday. 'Rajah slumped down and stayed there, breathing normally, but apparently having no interest in standing.

There was a general moan from the class, people falling over or going glassy-eyed, their Pokemon either doing the same or nudging their trainers to no avail. Mei couldn't note too many people, because it was in her even more clearly now.

It sounded like here. It felt like her thoughts, not thoughts she had had, but could have. But she had spent the last few days trying to sort herself out from the other implanted memories. And not always doing a good job. But while she wasn't fond of that life, these thoughts wanted her to want it. It helped her space them out.

Rose's eyes were full of tears, and she stroked Ivy, but she made no move to stand. She shook her head as Ivy braced himself. Victor's eyes snapped open, and he spotted Rose's motion. His hand started to raise, and he grabbed it with the other one, his teeth gritted.

Victor's Quaxly looked back and forth and fretted, with no instruction where to go. Alamy sat slumped, her wires cut. She mouthed something to her Quaxly. Bandwidth shook his head and slowly backed away, disturbed.

Skip all the tedium of the work to hone partner and trainer. Just jump to what she knew she should be and could be again. Surpass that sick damaged Champion and show what she could do in a just world. Just sit back and let it happen.

Terpsi sagged down in response, stopping trying to move. "No," Mei managed to say aloud, but she couldn't reach her mentally. A Champion could. Mei shook her head. Terpsi looked at herself and fitfully tried to stand, even managing to summon a few sparkling leaves around her.

Dendra looked over and shook her head. There were tears in her eyes, and she looked down at her hands like she hadn't seen them before. Her Hariyama stomped his feet, unsure which way to go.

Penny was tapping her phone with increased intensity, refusing to look up. Poppy's hands rose up to be clasped in victory then dropped to her sides, as she swayed. "I can't," she managed to get out, then went still.

"We're going to be amazing, but shortcuts are what," Mei gasped to Terpsi, her tongue felt like lead, and she swallowed and kept going. She wasn't sure if she was actually speaking aloud, but Terpsi looked like she heard.

"It's what did her in. All that Team Flare wanted was a parody. I know that. I hate how far it got her. We have to move right now, if we do, we're winning," Mei encouraged her, and pushed against the ground, swaying to her feet.

"Rose!" Mei managed to shout. Rose looked over then sharply away, trying not to acknowledge.

"I don't know how to fix this!" Mei shouted desperately, gesturing to take in everything.

"Mei, they did something horrible to you. I keep hurting you over and over," Rose said fiercely, "Why help them and make it worse?"

This thing was hurting everyone and thought her being covered in trophies would make her happy about it? Mei grimaced and took another step forward. Terpsi stood up and followed, quavering but willing.

Trophies' gold had proved tarnished to the Knight, what good rewards and honor for a bad cause? And even then, trophies? She was an angry little new trainer who was outrunning her own destruction, biting off more than she could chew, reliant on memories of a monster for glory.

I don't deserve awards right now, she thought. It was like cold water, splashing her awake. She really didn't. And even a little water could make the desert grow; she could feel the bonds of their souls soak in the thought and quicken. Terpsi cheeped triumphantly as the spiritual distance between them closed and they reconnected. .

"I'm so sorry, you little diva," Mei said fondly. Terpsi smiled, and staggered, but kept her feet under her. A dozen years' stolen experience and book after book from her mother told her she was too tired for a full battle. But did she really have a choice? She looked at Rose and felt guilty, thinking of sacrifices.

"Rose, I hurt me," Mei said, and touched her throat. It had come out normal volume. "Nothing with last week is yours to blame. It was higher powers, and the rest is me. Please, I know you have an idea, and no one deserves what happened to Aliquis! You know that if that thing goes on it will just get worse for everyone, not the guilty!" Rose closed her eyes briefly in pain, but when they opened they'd cleared to neutral green.

"It was part them," Rose said angrily, but she stood up, releasing Ivy to stand before her. Even as she balled her fists, she eyed the light speculatively.

"Rose, please, no, I almost have the gap closed," Alamy said. Rose winced and her hands relaxed.

"You're right, though, even if we don't like the people," Rose said, "It's a trainer's duty. Just don't ask me to like it."

"I know I don't," Mei muttered. Rose looked quizzically at seeing her lips move, but Mei shook her head.

Rose took a breath and reached for a Poke ball, but Alamy grabbed her hand lightning fast before she could.

"Please, just a little more time," Alamy pled, tears going down her face, "He will stop hating me, just a little more." Bandwidth backed away further, stumbling.

"I know you'll get there," Rose said kindly.

Alamy gasped, "It is that thing but – oh alone, alone…" She shuddered again and released Rose's hand.

Rose stepped up towards Mei. "If we lose now I will never forgive myself," Rose said.

"Dragons knows it's still in here. What do we do?" Mei asked. Rose's expression flashed to anger, and she rubbed her temples for a few seconds until it cleared.

"It did not like that idea. Aliquis was fine mentally after he lost?" Rose asked. Mei nodded, and Rose recalled Ivy.

"It wants us not to confront it, so I assume it still follows the rules. Azucena, on field!" Rose called, tossing the Poke ball. Her little Petilil appeared, benign face contorted with rage. She surrounded herself with pink hearts, with faint afterimages of pink butterflies, and they floated up to orbit the dark purple and black of the light. It flared darker, but then reduced in size as the hearts popped around it.

"Charm?" Mei asked. That had been a… more dramatic use of the move than Mei's experience said. Rose didn't look surprised, so apparently, she finally had gotten in channeling some fairy energy this morning. Mei felt some smugness at being right, and Terpsi mentally nudged her they were busy.

Right, Terpsi, no need to go fancy with weakening, Razor Leaf it until it screams. Make it pay, Mei directed, feeding power. Terpsi was sluggish for a moment, then something snapped in place as Terpsi pushed through the last of the barrier that thing had put in them. Her anger was even hotter than Mei's as leaves gathered around her, the glowing green projectiles slamming through the dark light. There weren't nearly as many as either of them liked, but the act seemed to have some effect.

For a moment, Mei felt lighter, the whispers stilling. There was a sudden intaking of breath, and Nemona's dominant hand suddenly shook itself free of being gripped. She put the Poke ball back on her belt and nodded at her Skeledirge. He grinned as only a crocodile can as he stepped forward.

"Thinking all I want is to win," Nemona said loudly, "As if that would be fun. Let's see if you're what I think you are." She reached into a pocket and pulled out a dark blue sphere. Mei recognized it after a moment.

"Great dragons who maintain the universe, let this be a good idea," Mei muttered in a hasty prayer. She had to keep up the flow of leaves from Terpsi, which was definitely sputtering despite their hopes. Part of her was taking notes on changes since Terpsi's live practice session this afternoon, but most of her was yelling at that part to focus. Azucena was keeping up the Charm for the moment, driving the darkness into a smaller area.

Nemona barely kept a grip on the Tera Orb, but did manage to stop it from flying away. She threw it after it charged and her Skeledirge vanished behind a wall of crystal. It shone with brilliant light, and the people who had been left dazed stirred momentarily.

Rose snapped her fingers and pointed at her Petilil. Azucena waited for Mei to be looking and conjured one of her Drain orbs. The two trainers watched tensely as it impacted, Rose having a Poke ball ready. The darkness quivered, then the little Petilil shook her head. Nothing returned, good or bad, though it had done damage.

The sky darkened, or at least the light from the Terastalization had reached the point where the sun seemed insignificant in comparison. The crystals fell away and dissolved, revealing a gleaming Skeledirge seemingly cut from glass. A generic spirit rising from a purple hat sat on the big crocodile's head, and his little bird familiar landed back on his snout as the Skeledirge gave his low groaning moan of triumph.

The dirge kept going and intensifying, a bone-shaking noise that gradually started to stir the soul. Dark shadows gathered at the Singer Pokemon's command, before he exhaled, hurling the Shadow Ball forward.

The ball of darkness ground itself against the strange dark diseased looking light. Both were diminishing in intensity. A shard of crystal was now visible through the 'glow' and everyone who was capable of mobility put their hands to the ears. A terrible screeching sound like scratching glass assailed them until the Shadow Ball puffed out. The sick light from the crystal remained in abeyance.

"That hurt it," Mei said, pumping her fist.

Victor relaxed and his face grew furious. "Everyone is trying to play me today," he growled. His Quaxly coating himself with water and propelled himself forward with an angry squawk.

The hanging light dimmed, until a shard of crystal was visible, and everyone who was still mobile put their hands to their ears as a terrible screeching sound of glass being cut assailed them. The Shadow Ball ended, but the sick light from the crystal remained in abeyance.

Victor relaxed and his face grew furious. "Everyone trying to play me today," he muttered, as his Quaxly coated himself with water and launched himself with a furious squawk. The Aqua Jet dove through the edges of the light, wisely in Mei's opinion. Full direct contact with the thing seemed unsafe.

Alamy's eyes were red-lined as she stood to her feet, cheeks tear-stained. "Please," was all she said aloud, but it was a dire as a graveyard. Bandwidth sighed, but stood up, after one more careful glance at his trainer. He flapped his wings until they glowed, and then took flight, energy snapping at the light as he passed by.

"Huh, you're doing something," Poppy observed listlessly, but her face was taut. 'Rajah still seemed content to stay put.

"Decent marks for form," Dendra said, dazed. Hariyama kept taking one step forward and back, looking at his trainer in confusion.

"We need to spread out the attacks, if it's like Aliquis," Mei said, and then wheezed. She thought she had recovered more than she had, but once she broke the surface, her reserves were gone.

Rose shifted her footing and Azucena's attacks briefly paused, the Petilil bobbing her head, before snapping a Mega Drain in time with the weakest parts of Terpsi's Razor Leaf stream.

"Gotta check!" Nemona called, and her Skeledirge shifted positions slightly. His rumble was higher pitched this time, with pink swirls leaving his mouth as he exhaled, a rainbow-colored ball of notes smacking into the crystal. Nemona cocked her head briefly as she judged.

"Okay, ghost is doing more then," she noted, "Penny! I know it's holding you down instead of being stuck still!"

Penny looked up from her phone. "You guys are doing great?" she offered. She didn't look down though, instead biting her lip. Her Flareon yipped at her encouragingly.

"It doesn't want us to do anything!" Mei called. She switched Terpsi to her charm routine, to at least keep doing something while the two tried to regain energy. Rose's other Pokemon likely had all contact moves if Ivy had switched to Trailblaze, so she was stuck with patiently throwing out draining attacks.

Nemona pointed at Mei, "She's right. Just be fruitful, you don't have to do much damage.

"I understood that, and I am questioning my life choices," Penny quipped and looked grumpy, but she withdrew her Flareon for a proud looking Umbreon. He opened his mouth and breathed a small but agonizing-looking Dark Pulse.

The crystal drew back. If it was organic, Mei was sure it had just flinched. Nemona clapped.

Penny looked away. "What? Ghost did more than fairy so dark will too. Type interaction isn't hard to keep in your head," she said sullenly.

"But you remembered!" Nemona said, delighted. Penny sighed.

"We could use another Champion," Victor said, "We can keep annoying it, but Nemona's attacks have had a much larger effect." The two Quaxly were keeping up a syncopated rhythm, but it wasn't having much effect.

"Remember! Tera Orb sign-ups… week from Saturday," Dendra got out. She was still shaking in place.

"Oh," Penny said, and pulled her pack off to set it on the ground as her Umbreon breathed another Dark Pulse. She ducked down to rummage through it, disappearing nearly to her waist – it was nearly as big as she was.

"Ha!" she said triumphantly, "Your turn to shine, Umbreon. Well, you know what I mean." She held the Tera Orb with two hands as it charged, before tossing it.

Umbreon went through the same process Skeledirge had, though emerging with a smirking face hat instead of the generic spirit. The next Dark Pulse didn't look much better, but the eerie light noticeably diminished. Several more students stopped quivering on the ground as their Pokemon gave cries of relief.

"Okay, so definitely a Terastal thing," Nemona said.

"Usually that's for Sylveon, but needs must," Penny said.

How rich is this girl to have three Eevee? Mei noted with jealousy. Terpsi squeaked anxiously.

Mei shook her head. That thought wasn't entirely hers, and she refocused as she switched back to Terpsi's Razor Leaf. She would much rather have time to build up moves between letting them loose, but the important thing here was to keep hitting. This was out of what had worked for her this week made it uncomfortable.

Also, Terpsi was only getting a few leaves out each time at this point. Mei had to swap her before she fell over, but Pome after a second to adjust through the remaining mental static could only manage a fitful stream of embers. Mei was running on fumes.

"If you need to stop," Rose said haltingly and quietly. Azucena shifted uncomfortably and squeaked at the same time. Mei's sister really was having a lot of difficulty keeping herself separate enough to talk. Another point for Mei to fix later.

"I think it's more dangerous to stop here," Mei wheezed.

"Just give it anything," Alamy urged at loud, "It helps keep that monster out of your head." The Kalosian was shaking with anger. The students who were released, which was only a few of the pet owners, shakily ordered Pokemon further. A minor stream of elemental energy. It wasn't hurting.

Victor looked at Penny, then over at Poppy then called to Nemona, "Are Tera Orbs linked to a trainer?" As a battler, Mei got his embarrassment, they were outclassed by a hobbyist. One who had been training for some time, but still.

"No, they're not linked to your channeling. You can just pick one up," Nemona said, then thought a moment. "Oh, taking them!" she exclaimed, "Dendra and Poppy both have one!"

"Pickpocket for great justice," Penny directed. She and her Umbreon were sweating, keeping up their own attacks.

Victor's Quaxly gave him a salute and jumped back in with another Aqua Jet. The coating was much smaller; Victor was distracted as he headed where the dazed victims still were.

The Kalosian looked back and forth and then focused on Poppy as who to take from. "The purse, you think?" he asked as he reached for it.

Poppy shifted and stirred as he grabbed it. "That's mine. Not supposed to take people's stuff."

"You aren't using it," Victor responded inanely, putting a hand on her shoulder.

"Oh? Oh," Poppy said, then shook herself, "Right, there's a battle. 'Rajah, get up!" she said and dug into her purse, pulling out a Tera Orb.

"That was easy," Penny said.

"This is not the first time this week I saw something like this," Alamy said, disturbed. Rose nodded.

Poppy handled the orb in one hand, tossing it easily, as 'Rajah joined the sparkly Pokemon in Terastal, with a large hemispherical hat.

"Ground?" Nemona asked.

"Tinkie goes pure steel for power. Rajah needs some defense if he Teras," Poppy said firmly.

"If it's Tera like in a Tera Den, you need to use the same type move," Nemona observed, "It's floating a bit. So you think it's like Levitate or, oh, never mind. Guess not." Nemona finished as 'Rajah reached up with his trunk, delicately wrapped it around the odd crystal, then slammed it against the ground. 'Rajah reared back and stomped on the crystal in a classic High Horsepower as the weaker Pokemon scrambled away.

The crystal, barely 'lit', shakily floated back in the air after the assault was done, only to get caught in another small Dark Pulse and a devasting Shadow Ball that left it spinning. The crystal struggled, seemingly, for something without limbs or a face to emote. Its largest facet turned right towards Alamy and Rose, but another Shadow Ball smacked into it before it could do anything.

The crystal fell to the ground, no longer glowing with any light, and seemingly clear. 'Rajah reared back to smash it with a follow-up.

"WAIT!" Dendra called, suddenly moving again with full energy, "What if it grows again from the pieces?" She took a step then sat down shakily. "What is that thing?" she wondered aloud.

Rajah kept rearing up and paced backwards on his two hind legs to get away from it. The big Steel-type then started to tiptoe up the hill, backing away from the crystal cautiously.

"You did good!" Poppy assured her partner when he reached the top. 'Rajah trumpeted victory, echoed by a dozen other pleased Pokemon. The Terastal effect shattered off as battle sync dropped.

"You did good!" Poppy assured her partner when he reached the top. 'Rajah trumpeted victory, echoed by a dozen other pleased Pokemon. The Terastal shattered off the relative Pokemon as the battle sync dropped. Poppy triumphantly reached into her purse and started chewing on a toffee.

Mei blinked. The sun seemed brighter somehow and she rolled her shoulders, though she was still breathing very hard. Some weight had been taken off. Several other people – not on the ground – were having similar reactions. Rose and Alamy sagged and went to the ground, panting, though reaching over to pet their partners.

"Everyone watch that piece of glass," Dendra directed, having her phone out, "I'm calling in Jacq and Raifort." Her Hariyama nodded, shaken free of his own stupor, and set in a shiko sumo stance to watch. Dendra herself was still on the ground.

"Maybe just one of them?" Ron asked woozily. He tried to get up, but his legs went out from under him.

"Also does anyone have anything to eat?" he asked. There were several low murmurs of agreement. His Chewtle started gnawing on a chunk of clay.

Alamy and Rose looked at each other, then at Victor.

"I'm not hungry this time," Rose said, then rubbed her neck, "Can't believe I thought like that." Alamy nodded, then sniffled briefly.

"Just tired," Victor and Mei said together.

The four sighed. "It's the right thing to do," Victor said reluctantly, before rummaging into his own pack to get some trail mix bags. The other two unslung their own bags to pull out handfuls of granola bars.

"Didn't you eat all that?" Mei asked.

"We restocked earlier," Rose said, and she handed some over to Mei.

"I've most of my trail stuff in my purse until I get a hip belt," Rose said, "I figured you weren't carrying a week's worth of snacks." Mei nodded in thanks.

"I can give them to them if you want me to," Rose said, glancing at Ron and his group.

"No, if it's going to get worse, it'll be by me," Mei said, then added hastily, "Not that I think you would."

"You might as well," Rose said shakily, "But then again I didn't push myself into someone when it was in my head."

"I think that's been a little in our heads since Sunday," Mei said, "At the very least."

"You could have left to get help. Left it to the Champions, minimized risks," Rose said, looking at Mei intently. Her eyes were dark green at best.

Mei looked down at the ground. "Okay, I get your point," Mei ground out, "I'll let up on what you did. It was the right trainer thing to do."

"What I did?" Rose said acidly.

"And the Kalosian you dragged into it," Mei said, then looked down at the granola bars. "Let's go feed people," she said, changing the subject.

Rose and Alamy moved away talking, notably starting by Poppy, who shook her head, holding up candy she was unwrapping, tossing one of every three pieces into 'Rajah's mouth.

"The same ghost again," Victor said, falling in near Mei as they walked over to Ron.

"Didn't you teach Quaxly Aqua Jet with your methods earlier? I'm more worried about you than them," Mei said flatly.

"This power level, I can manage it," Victor said with a wince, "It's a move Quaxly has a natural training association to, so it was easier to adjust out of the habit."

"You guys talk about one thing and are mad we did a battle," Ron said.

"Just take it, we don't have to talk," Mei said, as she and Victor handed snacks over, which were rapidly snatched, unwrapped, and started disappearing down their throats.

The two walked away without further comment.

"Sometimes not engaging is the better call. I would have talked. And I would have overhanded the bars at them," Victor admitted, before going to distribute to the people he didn't know personally.

---

Dendra, accepted one of Rose's snack bars from Mei. Poppy had managed to pull one of her bags of Pokemon chow out for 'Rajah to start scooping from as well. Nemona was doing stretches by the pit wall and she and her Skeledirge were keeping an eye on the crystal. Skeledirge was amusing himself crooning the bass line to a recent pop song.

Mei sat down near Dendra, taking advantage of the opportunity to rest. Her breathing still wasn't under control, and she was starting to ache. A nap was certainly in her future. Her partners needed dinner at least before she could bed fully down.

Jacq and Raifort arrived shortly thereafter, with the group having dragged itself more closely together, the battlers mainly sitting at the pit to keep an eye out. Penny was on her phone again, but waved without looking at Jacq, who waved back. Her Umbreon snoozed at her feet, looking pleased.

Mei studied Raifort with interest. They would have history tomorrow and this was her first look at the teacher. Her first thought was this professor was much more ruggedly dressed than the rest of the staff, but also much more jewelry, so apparently an affectation than spending her free time solely in the field.

Mei did wonder if this meant class would have practical demonstrations of antiquity living. She was vaguely expecting a lot of reading of other people's summaries, at leat for the first turn. Given Paldeans having some tendency to coast so far, she could imagine getting dragged to practical demonstrations would explain the dread.

Mei was too tired for a full probe but the teacher was strong, unsurprising at this point. A Gengar wiggled in her shadow behind her, and he was no joke either. He spotted Mei looking at him and rose further out of the shadow and waggled his tongue gleefully, doing a Gigantamax impression.

Rose was giving Azucena a bar as Alamy did the same for Bandwidth. "Should we give them refills?" Rose asked hesitantly.

"If they somehow helped fuel that thing into my head, I would rather not," Alamy admitted, "I did not need that introduction to myself." She shivered.

Dendra looked at the two of them. "You fought a ghost yesterday, got knocked out, clawed your way out of the underworld from how Salvatore described it, then fought some sort of possessed crystal today, and then gave everyone from your own supplies," Dendra listed, before taking a sip from an energy drink, "I wouldn't ask more of an Ace Trainer."

"It was some sort of vision, we had to fight through with our channeling," Rose said.

"If we were in the underworld, I would imagine we would still being punished there," Alamy said darkly. Rose agreed.

"The comedown after a fight can be rough, all the 'what could have beens'," Dendra said sympathetically, "At least you aren't wishing you had done anything."

"We can actually see Raifort and Jacq. Is it that bad?" Victor asked.

"We may overuse that trick," Dendra admitted, "But Raifort isn't as bad as they're making out."

"From how Miriam implied it, I see why you do," Victor said.

Alamy rubbed her head, and said, "Zygarde rise and save me, I get what you mean. It sets a hierarchy for… us without needing to use the time to put us individually in our place." Dendra nodded.

"A ton of matches everywhere gets in the way for everyone else. I love teaching kids, and if you kids didn't push at your age, you wouldn't have said yes, let alone got the question. It's human nature with partners, and if we didn't do something, you all would have to spend all your time in the wilds," Dendra said.

"You're still sending us off in three weeks," Victor said, amused.

"The journey has a lot of educational advantages," Jacq interrupted, "The chances to discover where we fit in with Pokemon are not something we can replicate in the classroom."

"There's a reason it, of so many traditions, hasn't fall into history. A remnant of those dark days where champion-kings insisted they were part of the few who could partner to hold power over human settlements, and would send young applicants out," Raifort added, then chuckled, at some joke she could see.

"Though we use it for different purposes. Those weren't the days of Gyms and building each other up, no, it was to filter out the ones who couldn't find it on their own, or perhaps ensure that only those who loved the current system came back," Raifort finished. There was something like longing in her voice for those bloody days.

Pome whistled a question wearily at Mei. Terpsi was asleep in her ball and Pome was valiantly trying to showcase his strengths as a study Pokemon by staying up to protect Mei. "No, I like the end of that part of history, when the Clans arose and the cities started reaching out," she whispered back.

"I prefer to look at how we've expanded our knowledge since then," Jacq said tersely, "Which is what we are both doing here. You found a Terastal fragment, you believe?"

"Maybe something left over when the ghost was beaten," Dendra said, chewing a protein bar as she spoke. Jacq took a cautious step backwards to ensure he was out of range of crumbs.

"Sorry, I'm hungrier than I was after yesterday's workout, and that was four dinners," Dendra said.

"It was feeding on all of you," Rose remarked quietly, for only the immediate group's ears.

"Yeah, I could feel a pull, but it was important to do nothing. Different than you all got than Poppy or me, or… some of the others. I just felt I should do nothing, that it didn't make sense to do anything. Felt weird," Dendra said, though she had definitely hesitated at naming groups.

"Oh, interesting, we'll have to interview people," Jacq said, scribbling on a tablet. He pulled several small drones out to float around. Raifort sighed and pulled a tablet out as well to start taking notes.

Rose looked at Mei, and the latter shrugged. "Penny wasn't doing anything except her phone. She's from Galar," Mei said.

Penny looked up from her phone briefly. "I blame Florian that I'm going to say this," Penny said as a preamble. Nemona clapped excitedly.

"It was in my head, I could tell it was in my head but it still sounded like me. Staring at the phone kept me happy. I wouldn't have to deal with people," Poppy said sounding haunted, "Once you knocked it around a little it started getting more scratchy. Before that, every time I reached for a Poke ball there would be a voice telling me I would screw it up and it was much more fun to keep surfing." Her Umbreon popped his eyes open and keened at her

"It was sticking in your head," Rose said, rubbing her arms, then petting Azucena again.

"Interesting, anyone else have that?" Raifort asked.

"I have been trying to keep busy not to think about it," Alamy said, sounding haunted. She looked at Bandwidth apologetically, who waved a wing in understanding.

"I knew people were hurting," Poppy said, "But I could then feel myself think to stay on the sidelines if I thought about doing something. Nemona is loud enough I can't hear myself think, fortunately." Nemona nodded firmly in confirmation. Her Skeledirge let out a deep chuckle.

Mei started reluctantly, "If I didn't do anything, I would be Champion, a winner. Just everything would fall into place. I knew it, even though I could tell it wasn't me."

Nemona sighed, "I wanted to stop it like yesterday and do better, but throwing and having a battle with anyone nearby would be more fun. I knew that was dangerous and stupid, but I kept thinking it."

"I wanted to fight them," Victor said slowly. Mei shrugged. As busy as the last few days had been, she and Victor's match probably would be a bit different. Shame she was exhausted.

"Well yes, you too, I suppose, but them mainly," Victor said, inclining his head towards the group that had forced the match. His Quaxly glared at them in support.

"I needed to challenge everyone of them and make sure they knew they were beaten," Victor said, "Not even as a challenge lock, it was like a principle of existence. Break their wills by dominating them. It felt so urgent." Rose looked away, uncomfortable.

Alamy saw that and spoke up. "I have been having issues connecting with Quaxly. If I stayed still, it would all clear up. I would stop having something wrong with me and I could connect with everyone and I would not be rejected any more," Alamy finished as a whisper. Rose looked at her sympathetically. Bandwidth quacked, seemingly apologetically.

"He recognized the… need I had as something alien. That I am not reaching out for just my sake but his," Alamy translated, "It is good of him to think so. Is there anything else you want to discuss?" Alamy asked hopefully. Bandwidth shook his head and Alamy slumped forward.

"You're better than me," Rose consoled to Alamy. "I knew it was bad, but if I didn't do anything and just played the victim, it would hurt them. It seemed so simple," Rose seemed to be talking just to Alamy, but her voice rose, and she jerked her head towards the same group Victor had pointed to. She went back to rubbing her arms. Azucena patted her legs but glared at the students.

"I'm starting to feel threatened," Ron said.

"Good," muttered Rose to herself, not heard over Victor saying the same louder.

"I see there's a greater lack of understanding of the origins of certain conventions between trainers than Saguaro led me to believe. We'll have to cover the… history," Raifort said, chuckling to herself. Ron cringed, distracted away from the other students, and the group fell to muttering. Raifort winked at Victor once they were distracted.

"One more Tera trainer left, though," Dendra said, "Poppy, did you feel anything? You broke free."

"I got broken out," Poppy corrected, "I was the best trainer in the world! Or Paldea. Just whichever meant everyone knew I was right and great and not just some fluke. But when 'Rajah got knocked down I couldn't feel anything then."

"Your Copperajah exposed the shard?" Jacq asked, "May I examine him?" Poppy nodded. 'Rajah continued to eat unconcerned as one of the drones floated around him.

Raifort's gaze swept the area, and she asked, "Did anyone else feel there was some reward if they didn't intervene?" A few hands went up.

"So not just the battlers," Raifort said aloud, "And everyone else, hands up please, just felt… apathetic?" The trainers who were eating, including Dendra and Poppy, raised their hands up.

"Interesting that some people got more creative mental attacks," Jacq said, "All these energy readings are depressingly normal, by the way Miss Poppy, for a monstrously powerful trainer-linked Steel-type." Poppy nodded but didn't stop hungry.

"I wonder what the link could be," Raifort said teasingly, "What with the mélange of accents from those who reported mental intrusion versus a drain."

"I suppose we have a lot to cross reference," Jacq agreed. Raifort rolled her eyes.

"I forget that with some verbal sparring I keep overshooting," Raifort muttered. She spoke up louder, "Hands up again please. Did anyone not born in Paldea feel like it was too much effort to do anything?"

Nemona raised her hand briefly then put it down. "I've been here since I was seven. Well, it was only for a second before it switched to making me want to bully everyone, does that count?" she asked.

"Hmm, so it may be a length of exposure or how early in mental development," Raifort said, writing something down. She looked up. "Is there any chance your older sister will mind participating in some tests if we find another case? Just to see if it's some developmental factor or time spent in the region? It would be safe. Probably."

Nemona shrugged. "Get that safety in writing first, Nemona," Penny advised. Raifort merely grinned, then looked down at the shard. Her eyes glistened.

"An interesting treasure," she remarked, "But now appears to be but a common shard of Tera crystal. Anyone with a pick could harvest one like it ten minutes outside the city gates."

"No energy in it I can detect, besides the faint remnant of Tera energy common to crystals detached from veins," Jacq said, "And you said your own methods found nothing?"

"Not once we were contacted by Dendra. Before, as the energy spiked, I admit to feeling listless, even though I was several hundred meters away," Raifort said.

"I feel lighter now than all day," Mei volunteered. That got general agreement from both groups of the affected.

Rose hadn't said anything, but hand-signed to Mei, Do you feel less up and down? Met thought about what happened at lunch and felt the spike of easy fury again. Being exhausted and ready for it, she could tamp it down after a moment. Mei shook her head. Rose frowned in disappointment.

Well what did she know, apparently carrying around all that anger herself? Mei thought to herself haughtily. Waste less time on Kalos snobs and you could process it better.

"There was definitely an emotional effect during the day. Exposure may have strengthened it," Raifort said, "Are there any other readings to take? Do you see a use for this piece of glass?"

"It's the wrong shape to be usable for a Tera Orb, it would have to be cut down and have other pieces fitted, though I suspect Clavell would object to recycling it given the history," Jacq said, adjusting his glasses, "Without context in Terastal studies, it could be mistaken for a chunk of quartz."

"Then one final test," Raifort commented. Her Gengar slid out of her shadow and hopped easily into the crater.

"I wish Nacli wasn't worn out," Victor muttered as the big ghost cackled to himself merrily.

Raifort's Gengar scooped up the crystal and eyed it briefly. Before anyone could react, he opened his mouth wide and swallowed it, chewing thoughtfully.

Mei shrieked in alarm as the Gengar burped, exhaling a small opalescent cloud of smoke. Briefly, his body shimmered, crystallizing into a glass pattern, but it shattered away almost immediately. Gengar looked around and shrugged, then looked up at his trainer, before Mei's vision swept away.

---

Mei found herself hit by a headache to where her vision swam. The Academy courtyard around her, despite her blurry vision, was once again smooth and intact. The lines stood out crisply from the clay, and with the grass green and bright under a sunny sky.

She struggled to turn her head. A Tsareena sat there exhausted where Terpsi had been. She looked at Mei and her eyes closed in what was clearly a beaming expression, even with her mouth hidden. Mei looked around as the pain clawed at her temples. She was in a trainer box, and on her belt were a variety of advanced Poke balls.

The pain got too much, and tears pooled in her eyes. As she wiped them away, she saw the courtyard as it really was again.

---

"Same reaction as a wild unaspected Tera shard for Gengar. Disappointing," Raifort reported, making a note.

"Are you out of your Azelf-given mind?" Mei demanded once the pain receded. Her belt shook and Terpsi popped her way free, expression furious. The effect was hurt by her falling back asleep after a step, but Mei appreciated the intent.

There was a general popping of air as Pokemon deployed. Resistor and Ivy came out as well. Even if any trainer-given strength would be split, they refused to sit idly by. Victor's Nacli and a Wattrel were out, the Nacli falling over exhausted but still glaring at Raifort.

Nemona's Skeledirge had his bird familiar flying around his head, with a menacing team behind him, blocking Nemona from sight. Dendra's Hariyama had one hand drawn back, palm glowing threateningly. "Rajah had even risen from his meal with his trunk high.

Penny yelped in surprise as five brilliantly colored Pokemon exploded from her belt to join Umbreon. It was an Eevee array. That tore it, Penny was money through and through.

Dozens of other Pokemon popped out, entire active teams deploying, and all of them looking furious.

Raifort looked specifically over to the junior battlers. "Fascinating, Gengar could destroy you all with a Sludge Wave, yet you leapt to your trainers' defense, despite your exhaustion leaving you vulnerable. What an odd loyalty," Raifort said. Her Gengar waggled his tongue at her.

"You can try me then if you want," Dendra challenged, "We just beat that, barely and it was eating us. What were you thinking?" The glow in Hariyama palm dimmed and brightened with Dendra's breaths, but the big Arm Thrust Pokemon looked determined.

"Arm Thrust? Dendra, you may need to take a leave for your health and senses," Raifort said, ignoring the question.

"It's Heavy Slam, look closer," Dendra snapped irritably, "But to reinforce our students' inquisitive natures one more time – are you out of your mind?"

Jacq looked back and forth and made calming gestures. "I'm sure Raifort had a chain of logic she can elucidate," he said hopefully.

"Eh," Raifort said with a shrug, "It was inert, so if it was going to reactivate, best do it when everyone's blood was up. Gengar doesn't have that fae touch that put our best students on the back foot. And I'm not close enough with Gengar to start weeping over each other, so I doubt I'd be affected as Aliquis." Gengar waggled his tongue again before nodding.

"My sister nearly died yesterday," Mei keened.

"My sympathies," Raifort said without sympathy.

Dendra swallowed and took a deep breath, hands trembling.

"I think it's time for you two to leave and report to Clavell," she said coldly.

"Professor, my Tera Orb recharged," Nemona said nervously. Dendra reached into her pocket and found hers shimmering slightly as well. Penny and Poppy, after a beat, pulled theirs out in the same state.

"Interesting," Jacq said, "Did anyone else notice any reactions?" He had his tablet ready and was ignoring Raifort, damn him.

"Azucena and I were in a move demonstration, but she had evolved," Rose said, glaring still at Raifort.

"I think I had a Key Stone," Victor said faintly.

"Something fixed the courtyard for a second," Ron said.

"I was sitting in the trainer box over there but next to a Tsareena. I think it was Terpsi, but she was far too happy to see me," Mei quipped. Terpsi giggled affectionately. It was a lot easier to bring it up since other people had mentioned visions first.

"I had two Raichus in a double battle against some fire Pokemon. One was fluffy?" Alamy said.

"No metal this time. Everyone, please send anything you recall or think you experienced to my inbox," Jacq said loudly without looking up, "Visions were reported as a side-effect encountered yesterday as well. This seems a classic possessed object case with an unusual core, but we appreciate more info."

"Yes, now, please, I need to do this safety lecture. More than ever, apparently," Dendra said.

"Enjoy the rest of your class, students," Raifort said with a jaunty wave. Jacq followed, looking worried, in her wake. Dendra waited for them to reach the door, then angrily tore back into her granola bar.

"Can you test out of classes?" Poppy asked aloud, once the door had closed.

"I'm going to blame that decision on a lingering curse effect, so I don't dribble that Gengar like a basketball," Dendra said through a full mouth. Hariyama nodded, and finally let the light go out on his palm.

"How is she a teacher?" Mei asked, still a bit stunned.

"The director keeps a short leash on her," Penny said, still looking at her orb.

"Oh, after yesterday I think I can handle a Gengar, even if it got big like Aliquis's did," Nemona said, "But there were too many people around paralyzed for that to be a mochi match."

"I don't want to hurt someone! Even her!" Poppy said.

"Safety," Dendra muttered, "Okay, gather tight! Unless you want to be excused to the nurse's office now! Which won't affect your grades! I know my legs could use a little more rest, so I'm going to cover this between bites to do something. We'll hold off medicine application to next class." She took a savage bite from her granola bar.

Several of the class shifted as if to get up, but Poppy spoke up. "I think we should stay and keep eating," Poppy said, munching on trail mix. "That's what they'll tell us. It's what most everyone needed yesterday outside a few ouchies." Given the smallest class member was staying, the others hesitated and looked at each other but weren't the first to break away.

"We can't really cover court linking in here, and I'm not going to make it to another courtyard right now," Dendra self-diagnosed, "So we're going to talk about trainer decorum and when to stop. Any issues first?"

Victor raised his hand. Dendra pointed.

"Terastalization did more to whatever that was than anything else. Was that you who said sign-ups for Tera Orb permits were in two Saturdays, or whatever was riding Aliquis's Tera Orb?" Victor asked.

"I got that out?" Dendra said, impressed with herself, "Wow, I didn't think I managed it. Osu! Short class on Saturday morning in two weekends! It's technically through the League and not the Academy, but it's held in front of the school. Send a message to my or Jacq's inbox if you want to attend."

Nemona held up a hand. "Not that I think you shouldn't," she said, "They're useful in matches or a pinch, but I'm curious why after the last few days. I thought you'd be scared by them. You're all stressed." Nemona's expression was open, seeking information.

"I don't think battlers know fear," Penny said, "Caution, sometimes."

"One of the best things you can bring up against a ghost is another ghost. Failing that, a cheat," Victor said simply. Nemona nodded thoughtfully.

"Let's get down to one Pokemon each here to not have too many distractions. Okay, we'll talk about the battle after! Osu! We're racing the bell here!" Dendra exclaimed, some of the old vitality coming back as she started another protein bar.

---

Dendra was a better lecturer than Mei had expected. It was just the basic etiquette lesson though. Don't attack fainted Pokemon, don't try to aim attacks at trainers, or set your Pokemon so that attacks would risk you as a trainer to serve as defense. Know the rules for the match for item and medicine use. The latter was rare but sometimes came up in exchange for a free hit.

She actually got to where she was ready to cover how to apply medicine to balled partners when the bell rang.

"Since we had a lot of people missing, there'll be a short quiz on the material today put up later on the class site. The reading also covers it. If anyone still feels shaky, I'm happy to go with you to the nurse's office. I think this was everyone's last course regardless of track," Dendra noted.

"Were you waiting to check for relapses first?" Mei asked.

Dendra held up two fingers close together and said, "Only a little. Getting the blood sugar up was important too." She snapped her fingers and pointed at Ron and her group.

"You lot, get to Raifort for detention and let her check you over before heading to the nurse," she ordered.

"Still? After that? But you don't like her?" Ron demanded.

Dendra didn't deny it. "There were eighteen reported cases of incidents that can be firmly linked to a spiritual attack. Yours was the only group that decided deliberately abusing trainer physiology was how to get our way. Get," Dendra finished dismissively.

They hesitated, and Hariyama clapped his hands together, then assumed a ready stance. "We can do it that way too," Dendra said simply, "I'd really prefer not to have to put a reason behind a fight and it's not good form but it has been a long day."

They scrambled to their feet, still snacking, and left the courtyard.

"Miriam said she was more aggressive than she wished yesterday," Alamy said as a statement, "Though her worry was justifiable."

"Oh, I'm going to regret that later," Dendra predicted, "Got to work my Emotional Spectrum stuff and rebalance, I'm sure. But that thing was eating at me, and I wonder if everything today powered it up."

"With Salvatore, I have to assume we were feeding it too while waking up," Rose analyzed.

"The more we forced channeling through, the closer I got to seeing everyone again," Alamy murmured. She smiled down at her two Pokemon. Resistor gave a thumbs up.

"Please don't do it again," Mei requested, then looked at Alamy, "You either I guess."

Rose's expression went dark. "Mei, we're due at Clavell's office over yesterday. Can you just put some time on the schedule to do this later?" she snapped. Ivy growled.

"I know, I said I'll try and cut it down. I could have run here instead of trying to help," Mei said, "Though I suppose we shouldn't make a habit of it."

Rose scoffed. "When do you run from a problem?" she asked.

Mei thought of the last few days, the occasional freezing, and, to her shame, found she couldn't bring it up. But she'd kept Rose thinking about herself at least.

"I guess not," she said aloud. She bowed to Rose.

"If that's what would have happened to people if that Misdreavus kept going, then I'm glad you two did it," Mei said, "But try not to brag about it."

"You need to apologize to Alamy too. I know I wanted to lash out to stop it, but Alamy didn't have my protectinos," Rose said in clipped tones.

Mei turned and bowed in that direction. Rose looked at Alamy.

"I think I will accept that as given," Alamy said after a moment's thought. Resistor chittered at her.

"Right, so should we get going?" Alamy asked Rose. Rose nodded, looked at Mei, then nodded at Alamy again.

The two left with Resistor and Ivy. Mei stood a bit confused, and a little irritated at being left behind.

"Are they bragging about both getting to Clavell to get the last word?" she asked aloud.

Victor groaned. "What?" Mei asked. He looked at his duck, shook his head, and walked off towards the dorms.

"What?" Mei asked again but got no answer.

"Remember, we're going to run errands, you promised! I'm going to go feed everybody now, in case they're hungry like 'Rajah!" Poppy called after the two. They turned and waved briefly and continued.

Mei looked back and forth considering, then shook her head, better judgement winning out. "We need to rest," Mei admitted. Pome nodded, tired. She recalled him rather than force him to trudge with his short stride back to their floor.

"You new kids did good," Dendra said, as Poppy and Mei prepared to leave. Mei nodded and started to walk to her room.

---

Poppy watched the other twin leave. The hunger was starting to drop down. Which pleased Poppy. Rika always got irritated if she skipped dinner from snacks.

"This one went better than yesterday," Poppy reflected, "And no raw peppers either."

"Are you feeling better about stopping it than yesterday?" Nemona asked.

"I wish I hadn't dug it up," Poppy said, "But I don't think I had a choice. Then getting stuck was bad. Change just felt hard." She shrugged philosophically. It had been mean to them and they smashed it. Case closed.

"We should talk to everyone, especially Arven," Penny directed at Nemona, "He loves the Tera stuff, and he was born in Paldea. Just so he can keep an eye out for this."

"Yeah – the Dens don't seem to be filling up as fast after the last few days of flying around," Nemona said hopefully, "So we can get away from wild Pokemon and back to proper battling."

"You think it's going to be that easy?" Penny asked skeptically.

"No," Nemona said, "I wanted a nice full school year for everyone to be friends and have the Ace Tournament, but it's been a mess. What should I do?"

"I'm about the last person who can help," Penny warned, but relented and gave advice, "Look, you didn't do anything wrong with that stupid court."

"Find something else fun?" Poppy suggested.

"The whole school may need it after the last couple days," Penny said.

Later, Penny considered she should have paid more attention to the glint in Nemona's eye after that.

---

Battle tactics may be a scare 'em straight for the other students at this rate. They were very rude.

Victor's sense of humor is a bit strange and perhaps crude for Kalos. He doesn't especially care.

Mei and Rose's window of training activity with the school day isn't really overlapping, so that isn't helping Mei's misconception Rose isn't doing anything (the tragedy of early risers and night owls)

Would Penny have botched the Galarian-to-Paldean learning software to try to block her father from visiting Naranja Academy if she had the opportunity? Ultra-mega-yes. Did she? Possibly.

Would she admit it? A herd of Copperajah couldn't pull it out of her.

As some background on timing, my assumption was that Peony was planning something fun with Penny and Peonia, but since Peonia had picked out the Dynamax Raids in Crown Tundra, Peony threw that together for a father-daughter adventour first.

So Penny may have had further impetus to rush back to Paldea to help fix the Team Star mix. (Alternatively, just assume Peony got his butt kicked in some Pokemon-world first person shooter for a week.)

Penny does seem to have been nerfed compared to her fights with Florian, there is something going on there.

Eevees do have a small breeding population by the wild in this point (pets being released, and some research programs to ensure they were viable) but they're still quite rare and an expensive wild capture. The pet shop breeding lines are a bit less pricy and tend to have better coats. Then you need an expensive stone a lot of the time. Penny's a bit unusual for a pet owner to have done the friendship/affection evolutions.

There's a lot of fat 'show' Eevees/stone Eons in the upper crust.

I don't think Raifort gets a sundae for every seven obviously malicious conversations, but I do wonder. I assume Clavell does this so that anyone who responds favorably can be flagged as 'possible future evil team member'.

I'm not planning to have many competitions include healing item clauses in Paldea, but Dendra's a thorough instructor.