Chapter 12 – Day 6: Crashing Waves

Chapter 12 – Day 6: Crashing Waves

“DING DONG!”

I woke up with a start. The dreams I was having dissipated and I was back in the home base of Team Lavender. Fenn had awoken as well, fully ready to fight back against what had interrupted our sleep.

Whoever had woken us up made themselves apparent with another bellowing shriek. “DING DONG! CALLUNA COMIN’ IN!” A floating, ghostly figure phased through the wall into our room, completely disregarding the door. The ghost levitated a few inches off the ground, gliding towards my bed with an undeniable elegance. The Mismagius, with her transparent frame, was about as tall as Fenn and I, but she used her ghostly powers to tower over me.

“Oswald, is it?” she announced with a sultry, feminine voice. “Oooooh, how I’ve waited to finally meet you.” The Mismagius lowered herself down to my eye level, phasing through the floor to match my height as I sat there, stunned. “So long I’ve sat in wait, observing you. Hehe~”

Observing me? I blinked. “Um…who are you?”

“Ms. Calluna?” Fenn spoke up. “What are y-you doing here?”

Calluna? Where have I heard that name before?

“Ah!” Calluna, I’m guessing, exclaimed. “Fenn, darling! How have you been?” She turned her attention to Fenn and floated to him, leaving me bewildered. “I was overjoyed to hear that you followed your dreams and joined an exploration team~.” She leaned down to speak in his ear, but still loud enough for me to hear. “And with a catch like THAT. Well done~”

A CATCH? What does that mean?

Fenn rubbed his arm and blushed slightly. “Heh…thank’s, Ms. Calluna,” he said quietly. “I-I’ve been a lot…better recently.”

Calluna chortled, “That’s wonderful, Fenn-dear. I always love seeing my employees grow and thrive~”

“Ahem!” I cleared my throat. Both Fenn and Calluna brought their attention to me. “Can I ask why you’re here?” I said.

“Why, of course, dear!” the Mismagius laughed. “Go ahead!”

“…”

Her ‘W’ mouth became much larger the longer she stared at me. “I’m waiting~”

“Why are you here?” I asked a second time.

Calluna gasped, “How rude! Questioning a lady before even asking for her name!”

“W-what, but I-“

“I am the ever so beautiful, and wonderfully market efficient, queen ghost of Kebia Castle, Calluna~!”

“Yeah, I assumed-“

“I’m here to escort you to see our Gardevoir in charge, Anemone! She wishes to speak with you~”

My eyes went wide. “She wants to see me again?” I blurted out tensely. “Already?”

“Mm, yes,” Calluna hummed. “She had me catch you too; that doesn’t happen often. It must be very important.” She winked.

My mind went back to my conversation with Marigold a few days ago. From what I understood, Anemone had told her two trusted advisors about me. Marigold was the first, Calluna must be the second. And sending this Mismagius to get me…whatever Anemone has for me must be pretty significant.

“Now, come along, Oswald-dear!” she sang. “Don’t want to keep Anemone waiting, now do we?”

I wasn’t too keen on waiting much longer myself. “I suppose not,” I said. Any chance to learn something new after what happened yesterday was enough to make me jump off a cliff if I needed to.

Though when I finally stood up, I met eyes with Fenn. He looked on suspiciously, his ears pressed up against his head. Getting called down to see Anemone must not be that common. There was also the fact that I’d be leaving him alone for some amount of time. There was no telling if I’d be back in time for us to do a mission today.

“What about Fenn?” I asked. “What’s he supposed to do while I’m gone?”

Calluna bobbed in the air in thought. “Hmmm…there are some floors that need scrubbing-” Fenn grit his teeth in horror while Calluna just laughed, “-joking~! Fenn-darling will just have to stay behind.”

Figures. I walked to the other side of the room until I was near Fenn and rubbed the back of my head. “Are you okay with this? I might not be back till later.”

To my surprise, the Quilava smiled warmly. “I-I’ll be fine,” he said quietly. “There are some odd jobs in town that I read about yesterday that I can do to pass the time. We can meet up for dinner at sunset again. H-how about that?”

I smiled back. “Sounds good, Fenn. I’ll see you then.”

“Oh, you two are so cute!” Calluna giggled. “It brightens my day to see newer teams like yours being so understanding with each other~”

I left Team Lavender’s room a little flustered by Calluna’s comment and waved goodbye to Fenn.

Once we were out of the room, Calluna hovered close behind me. “Follow me, human,” she whispered, “the elevator is this way.” The Mismagius phased through the floor and came out of the ground ahead of me. She floated backwards, keeping her eyes trained on me for the whole journey.

I did what she wanted me to do, following her at a brisk pace. Somehow, Calluna knew exactly where she was going. She guided me robotically, taking sharp turns while avoiding walls altogether. There were very few pokemon that saw us on our way to the elevator, and the ones that did watched on with wide eyes. I could already tell news of me meeting with Anemone would spread.

We reached Anemone’s elevator. “Do you remember taking this on your first day here?” Calluna asked. “Because I do.” The elevator doors slid open on their own. “You were so nervous, I could tell.”

Her tone had changed completely. The playful, sultry nature of her words was replaced with a more serious and outright sinister attitude. Calluna looked at me as though she could see right through me. Right through my fragile persona.

“What do you mean, ‘I was so nervous’ when I first got here?” I wondered. “I never saw you.”

Within a fraction of a second, she was there, inches from my face. Her smile wasn’t gone, but her eyes communicated dark intentions. “Anemone might be able to control a portion of this castle with her mind,” she said bitterly, “but I see everything that she can’t. We didn’t allow dark types in until I showed up. The second you walked in through those doors was the second you became entertainment for me and my employees.”

She twitched her head to the left, indicating to the elevator. “Get in. She’s already aggravated enough as it is. Waiting will only make it worse for you.”

I followed her orders without question.

If I wasn’t nervous before, then I was then. This whole time I’ve been under constant watch without me even knowing. That feeling that someone gets when they feel like someone’s watching them? I never got that. How would I know if I was under surveillance of a pokemon I’d never meet?

Privacy was a lie and I was doomed to be found as soon as I entered Kebia Castle.

The elevator doors closed and it began to ascend. Calluna hovered next to me. Was she moving with the elevator or was the elevator moving her? I was too nervous to ask.

The ghost next to me didn’t do as I did and face the wall…like a normal pokemon would. Instead, she stared at me for the entire ascent. “I do hope you don’t mind,” Calluna said to me, “I invited some additional company for this lift ride.”

“Company?” I asked.

The “company” phased through the moving wall behind the elevator doors and flashed a massive zipper grin at me. “Heeeey,” the Banette said. “Long time no see, human. Told ya we’d run into each other again.”

“Human?” I flinched. “Wha…what are you doing here? How do you know that, Aster?”

“Hmm, that was my doing, darling,” Calluna remarked. “I hope you don’t mind~”

I looked between the two of them frantically. “But…Anemone said NOT to tell anyone. Isn’t it the same with you?”

“Oh it is,” Calluna chuckled, “I just couldn’t help myself. Aster is, well…he’s my hands, my other half.”

Aster rubbed his mittens together. “I’ve got big hands,” he sneered. “Big, big hands.”

This was unfair. I was doing what Anemone said but Calluna got to break the rules? I frowned bitterly. “I didn’t agree to this.”

“Consider it a meaningful exception,” argued Calluna. “Aster is very trustworthy, I assure you~”

“Your secret’s safe with me, boss ‘mon,” added Aster. “Hehe~”

I can’t catch a break, can I? Anemone has some explaining to do.

The elevator came to a stop. Both Calluna and Aster phazed through the metal gate before the gates rightfully opened. I reluctantly stepped into the hallway that I had been in five days prior after the gate was ajar with a metallic click.

“Good luck,” Calluna trilled. “I’ll be here when you’re done~”

Aster chuckled from behind his closed lips. “Try not to make her mad. Last time that happened, we had to clean the walls. Took us weeks.”

I was certain that he was joking. Having met Anemone before, I knew that she was demanding and a bit scary, but she wouldn’t…become physically abusive…right? I planned on going in there and confronting her about some of my grievances…what’ll happen if I make her upset?

Wait, crap, she can probably hear me. I’m in her range now, I forgot.

If you can hear me, Anemone, I’m not letting you get off easy with treating Fenn like that. He’s not a liability or whatever you think he is. And this “telling your advisors about me” business without my consent…I’m not happy about that. I don’t care if you don’t like it, I deserve a say in this.

The Mismagius swerved into my vision. “Talking with her like that will only make it worse, Oswald.” She narrowed her eyes. “Trust me, I know.”

The Banette circled around me once before passing into a wall adjacent to me slowly. “See you around, human…”

Calluna swiftly did the same, staring me down as she did. I was left alone in the hallway before the throne room.

Walking nervously towards the large double doors, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had just made a huge mistake. Multiple even. Joining this guild…waking up this morning…following Calluna-

The doors opened on their own.

-and thinking about all of that. Please don’t be angry.

Anemone’s office was deathly quiet aside from the sound of my own dull footsteps on the carpet. I gulped as I inched myself closer to the Gardevoir pacing from one end of the carpet to the other, hands behind her back, head down, and brow furrowed. She didn’t raise her eyes to see me as I approached, she only slowed her pace.

“I have to say, Oswald,” Anemone glowered, her irritated sounding voice echoing off the walls, “I’m disappointed in your lack of proper judgement. I would have accepted literally any other choice you could have made for a team member. So many that would have not only treated you better, but wouldn’t have gotten you killed.” She stopped and glared at me. “So many better than that one.”

I stood my ground, glaring back and fighting the sinking feeling in my stomach. “Fenn is no worse an explorer than any other schmuck I could’ve gotten,” I scowled. “I chose him for myself. He should be treated like any other guild member here.” I pointed to my scarf. “He deserved one of these.”

Anemone crossed her arms, her eyebrows raising complacently. “It’s nice to know that I was 100 percent correct about that Quilava. Fenrir was better as a janitor. Maybe the next time the two of you get yourselves mortally wounded, you’ll realize how wrong you are.”

I clenched my fist in anger. How dare she? “It’s. Fenn.”

She laughed, “I don’t care! Doesn’t matter what his name is, he’s a terrible partner for you. Say the word and I’ll fix that.”

“What do you know!” I shouted. “All you do is sit in here all day! Fenn is an amazing explorer! Better than any-“

I was cut off by an invisible power forcing me to my knees. My airways were restricted and I could hardly breathe. No matter what I did I couldn’t free myself.

“Be quiet,” Anemone ordered, her tone returning to one of irritation. “I didn’t bring you here so you could complain. You should feel lucky that I don’t make you change teams right now. Bring this up again and I break your limbs, got it?”

I fought with the invisible hand on my throat, croaking out hoarse syllables that were vaguely similar to words. “Y…yeeee…yeeeeee…yeeeeessss…”

The pressure on my throat was gone and I could breathe again. I hacked and coughed on my paws and knees, trying to bring myself back from nearly passing out.

“Good,” the Gardevoir said, satisfied. “Now, get up. There’s something I actually need to tell you.”

I shakily stood up, fighting the boiling fit of anger in my chest. Anemone’s eyes met mine and it took everything in me to keep myself from exploding.

“Are you going to be able to control yourself, or am I going to have to make you calm?”

I sighed belligerently. “No. Please, continue.”

Anemone nodded. “Good answer.” She started pacing again. “Now, I know that you don’t know what ‘spatial drift’ is, so I’m going to ask you to ask me what spatial drift is.”

Still peeved, I replied grumpily, “Fine. What is ‘spatial drift?'”

“WOW! Spatial drift? I’m glad you asked!”

I stared at her, silent and unamused. Anemone continued.

“Spatial drift is what happens when stray matter comes to our little realm for whatever reason and congeals into a mixture of anomalies. That’s how it was explained to me. You might know these mixtures of anomalies as ‘mystery dungeons,’ more aptly described as ‘spatial dungeons.’ By me. That’s what I call them.”

“Is that why they’re so…odd?” I asked, now more curious than angry. “Why is stray matter just showing up out of nowhere?”

She shrugged. “Why do orbs only work in dungeons? How do reviver seeds bring you back from the dead? I don’t know, Oswald. That’s just how the world works. I heard once that Palkia has favorite dimensions and hates ours, but that’s just a rumor.”

“Okay, but what does this have to do with me?”

“I’m getting to that. Stop interrupting me.”

That shut me up. I wanted to know where she was going with this.

“There’s this artifact left over from Pamtre’s inception,” Anemone resumed. “Perhaps Palkia was just careless? Regardless, unofficially, it’s called a ‘Spatial Orb.’ I only know of one in this existence. What it does, well, I’m not entirely certain of it’s restrictions, but I do know that the orb is capable of unspecific sway over spatial drift. In particular, you can utilize the Spatial Orb to send something vague from another reality to ours.

“This usually is accomplished through the orb’s user providing the orb with a concept like an apple of any kind, or a type of pokemon, or-“

She stopped and looked me dead in the eyes with a somber expression.

“-a human.”

I balked, my eyes going wide. “A human? You think…someone used the orb to bring me here? Why would anyone do that?”

Anemone began pacing once again. “Not entirely sure. If I’m being honest, I’m not confident that the orb is the primary reason why you’re here, but it’s a good guess on my part.

“As for the reason,” the Gardevoir added, “I’m ignorant as to who would want a human here. I can take a guess on who would use the spatial orb, but their ulterior motives make no correlation with your circumstances.”

All of this new information was making my mind wander. I was agonizing over a lack of a lead yesterday and now I might know how I got here! “Where is the orb?” I wondered. “You seem to know a lot about it.”

“That’s the thing, I was certain that it was lost after the psychic wars over thirty years ago.” Anemone rubbed her chin. “I haven’t heard of it being used since then.” She shook her head. “Not that it was used in any meaningful ways back then anyways. I tried it once myself. The results were pretty underwhelming.”

Thirty years, I thought. Whoever wanted me here must not have found me yet. I can only imagine what a pokemon that went out of their way to uncover a lost artifact and use it to bring me here is capable of.

“Exactly. Which brings me to my next point.”

I listened intently, blocking out any more thoughts of mine until later.

“There were humans in Pamtre once. If you can recall our first conversation, I mentioned that they’ve been gone for a long time.”

I did remember. I recalled how humans were practically extinct in Pamtre. All except for me. Sort of.

Anemone continued, “You are a pokemon most likely because having a human in a dimension with no humans would cause a paradox. That’s what I’m guessing. Now as I was saying, humans have been gone for a long time, but their influence isn’t gone completely.” She pointed up. “This castle, for instance, wasn’t built by pokemon.”

I figured. This castle never gave me the impression that it was built with most pokemon in mind.

“Doing a great job ‘blocking out those thoughts.'”

Oops. Sorry.

She sighed breathlessly. “The humans left a lot behind. One object that was left over was a device called the ‘Kingfisher device.’ It’s a computer powered by four gems that serve as it’s only source of power.

“One of those gems was stolen.”

“Stolen?” I repeated. “What does the Kingfisher device do? Why would it need four gems to power it?”

Anemone turned around with her back to me. I couldn’t see her face. “I don’t know,” she said.

“You don’t know?”

She turned back around to face me, her facial expression neutral. “It was never actually used in any capacity, but some pokemon wanted it and it’s never a good thing when an unquestionably evil pokemon wants an artifact that obscure.”

The mind reader came closer to me, momentarily towering over me before she leaned down to better lock eyes with me. She spoke in a low tone. “I’m telling you this because the Kingfisher device was destroyed three decades ago, but the gems weren’t. I trusted four powerful pokemon to look after them to ensure that no one would ever use them for nefarious purposes.”

Her brow furrowed. “And now one of them gets stolen. And you suddenly show up days beforehand. Don’t you find that…a little strange?”

“I-I don’t know,” I stuttered nervously, “is it strange?”

She stood back up and walked away from me. “I don’t believe there will be any argument over you needing to keep a low profile,” Anemone declared. “A pokemon out there is looking for you. Keep your humanity to yourself,” she paused to send me a sideways glance, “and I’ll work on finding the culprit. Are we in agreement?”

“Me? You want me to keep my secret to myself?”

Anemone glared at me, her eyes intense. “Yes,” she replied slowly. “Keep it a secret.”

“And what about you?” I pointed at the Gardevoir. “Do you get a free pass on telling whoever you want about me being a human? How is that fair?”

“Marigold and Calluna are pokemon that I can trust. I need them to know for the sake of having the necessary assistance.”

“THEN WHAT-” I yelled, frustrated, “-WHAT ABOUT FENN? I can trust him! Let me tell him about this! I need the necessary assistance too!”

“No!” Anemone shouted back. “You expect me to trust you to tell someone you just met about something this important? Ignoring the fact that the pokemon you plan on telling this to is absolutely not trustworthy, I don’t have faith in your judgement. Only I get a say in who is allowed to know.”

I sputtered. “And Calluna too apparently! Can’t forget about that!”

“ENOUGH!“

Much like before, I was forced down telepathically. A great invisible strength overpowered me and I ended up on the ground, stomach down, struggling for control over my own body. I could barely breathe, the hand on the back of my neck squeezed hard.

“THIS IS MY CASTLE! YOU WILL FOLLOW MY RULES! I DON’T CARE IF THAT MAKES ME A HYPOCRITE! YOU WILL DO AS I SAY OR YOU WILL REGRET IT! UNDERSTAND?“

I attempted to squeeze out a response. The wind had been pushed out of my windpipes and nothing would come out. I wheezed pitifully. “Y…y…ye…yeee…”

Yes. I understand.

The pressure was released and I could breathe again. I gasped loudly and shook on the ground as if I was in the middle of a snowstorm. Getting back up wasn’t something I planned on doing for quite a bit.

“I’m glad we’re both on the same page.”

I coughed, gripping the carpet tight in my paws. My words came out hoarse and barely audible, but I knew Anemone would be able to hear me. “Why…why don’t…why don’t you just…lock me up…like the obedient little pet…you want me to be…”

She laughed, “Ha! Sorry to say, but I’m not that much of a tyrant. I’ll let you live like a normal pokemon. I would appreciate it if you would refrain from dying though. That would be inconvenient for the both of us.”

“…Yeah,” I fell into an intense coughing fit, “it…sure would be…”

“And stay within reach. I need you here in case there are any new developments.”

With some effort, I managed to stand on two feet. I wobbled and clutched my stomach. “Are we done now?” I asked shakily. “Can I leave?”

“Yes.” She waved me away. “Please leave. You’re giving me a headache.”

I didn’t need to hear that twice. At this point, I’d rather be anywhere but here. I stumbled out of Anemone’s office, not bothering to look back or argue my case any further.

I regretted even trying. All my complaining did was give me a reason to never look forward to seeing that woman again. If I ever came back to that throne room—which I seriously hope I wouldn’t—I was just going to sit there and accept what Anemone had to say. I didn’t care anymore.

The doors opened and I met with Calluna right on the other side. She wasn’t surprised to see me so downtrodden.

“You made her mad,” she laughed. “It’s a good thing she wants you alive. I would hate to have you sent to the morgue in pieces~”

I ignored her comment and hobbled straight for the elevator. Calluna followed right behind me.

After some time of riding the lift in silence, Calluna turned to me when I could only assume we got out of Anemone’s range. “I really am sorry about what she did to you,” she said. “Anemone doesn’t function well under stress. Her methods aren’t always the most…principled.”

You can say that again. I only grunted in response.

“As a fair warning, you shouldn’t take her for her word. She has a tendency to leave out some details that you might find important.”

I raised an eyebrow and looked at Calluna to find her eyes much softer than the last time we talked. “That’s an interesting thing to say about the person you work for,” I stated. “Aren’t you afraid she’ll find out you’re talking behind her back?”

Her eyes glinted knowingly, as though she had expected the question. “Oh, that’s not a concern of mine,” she said. “Anemone is well aware of what I think of her. She knows what most pokemon think of her. That’s her curse. She’s even aware of some ‘conspirators’ that seek to take her throne.”

She’s aware of some, meaning they’re still around? “Why doesn’t she do something about it if she knows they’re trying to overthrow her?”

Calluna’s eyes lit up at the sound of my words, as if she overjoyed at the direction this conversation was going. “Because if she has the power to get rid of one problematic Rattata, then why not remove them all? Why not remove the lazy Rattatas too while we’re at it? The weak Rattatas? Throw them in the dungeon.

“It’s a slippery slope, you see. Anemone doesn’t want to be a dictator that locks away her enemies before they have the chance to strike or reconsider their actions. Thinking about committing an act is not the same as actually going through with it after all. She knows that better than anyone.”

I realized that this Rattata talking point was the same one Anemone had used on me less than ten minutes ago. “Not being a tyrant” seems like a major goal of hers. Could’ve fooled me. I didn’t feel like I had much choice as an independent pokemon when I was getting choked into the ground.

“The Anemone you’re describing sounds a lot different than the one I know,” I said.

Calluna shrugged. “Anemone is a leader. She’s also two-faced. What did you expect?”

Fair point.

Our descent in Anemone’s personal elevator came to an abrupt end. The gate slid open and I walked outside onto the first floor. Calluna was right behind me, but then she was in front of me. The ghost phased right through me as a way to get ahead, sending an unnatural chill down my spine.

She faced me. “I’m glad we finally had the opportunity to meet,” Calluna said, the tone in her voice returning to its signature provocative quality. “Well, mutually meet that is. I’ve already seen you dozens of times~”

I smirked. Might as well play along. “I should get you a bell to wear,” I told her, “then I’ll know when you’re around~”

“Mmm,” Calluna hummed, circling around me, “what an interesting idea. It’s a shame that would ruin the fun in watching you. You’re so endearing when you’re alone with your little friend~”

I should’ve really been more uncomfortable about this. I mean, I was, but I wasn’t doing a very good job communicating that to this Mismagius. I had a bad habit of trusting pokemon that treat me well it seemed. I should stop doing that. At the rate that I was meeting new pokemon, I was bound to be kidnapped in the dead of night within the next week.

Oh well. I was probably really naive and stupid. Actually, no, I am really naive and stupid. But if I trust everyone I meet then I’m bound to make the right choice by sheer chance eventually, right? There’s also the fact that Calluna just admitted to stalking me and I’m taking that information strangely well. I must not care all that much, because I couldn’t find it in me to tell her off. She most likely had my best intentions in mind, even if she was kinda creepy about it.

“Well, I’m sorry to tease and run, darling,” Calluna said in a mocking sad voice, “but I must be leaving now. Will you be able to handle yourself on your own?”

“Alone, you say?” I spoofed, putting a hand to my forehead and stepping around trying to act in an exaggerated manner. “Oh, I’m not sure. I might just…die of loneliness without you here.”

She laughed, “How charming.” Calluna phased through the ground until only her head remained. “Best find a way to keep yourself busy. Fenn-dear won’t be available for a long while. Farewell!”

And then she was gone, as far as I was aware.

I stood there for a few moments after she left, taking in what both Anemone and Calluna had told me. Mystery dungeons were the result of spatial negligence, someone on Pamtre brought me here for some reason, ancient human technology, I have a ghost stalker…all very significant and worth thinking about…

…

WAIT. HOLD ON.

What about the dungeon from yesterday? Why didn’t she…holy shit.

She knew. Anemone knew that I saw what the dungeon was like and heard what I heard. She had to have seen it. She read my mind AND SHE DIDN’T EVEN BRING IT UP!

What was happening? Why wouldn’t she mention that? Was it not relevant? It had to have been, even from a “me possibly being crazy” perspective. Did I make her mad enough to make her forget about it? Please tell me she didn’t intentionally leave it out of our discussion.

This is dreadful. I feel like I’m losing my mind.

I was going to break down if I didn’t take my mind off this. I needed an escape from this hell. But what options did I even have? Fenn was off doing his own thing, and even if he wasn’t, I couldn’t bother him with my human troubles. Who else knows? Marigold? Calluna? Aster? I barely know any of them. How are they going to possibly help me?

Go swimming? I shook at the thought. Floating around in the castle pool will only serve to remind me about Grepa Lake.

I suppose there was Allium. I could train with him for a few hours. He might tell me to come back when I’m less distracted again, but it was worth a shot. I could show him my scalchop skills…ugh. That reminds me of Grepa Lake too.

This sucks.

---

My trek to the training grounds was excruciating to say the least. I was getting weird looks the whole way there. Having noticed that I was a source of attention the last couple of days, it didn’t bother me because I had Fenn with me. Being a seemingly uncommon pokemon that shows up out of nowhere and gets special treatment definitely earned me some dirty, jealous glares sent in my direction. It wasn’t my fault, of course, but that wasn’t any consolation after what I had just gone through. Rumors spread fast here it seemed, so keeping a low profile like Anemone suggested sounded like the ideal.

So, after keeping to the least populated routes and generally avoiding every pokemon in sight, I once again found myself in the castle training grounds. The courtyard was as busy as always. Flying types flew overhead and engaged in aerial combat while three fighting types fought a losing battle against a single Blaziken. Allium was easy to pick out through all of the commotion. It occurred to me right then that Allium must’ve spent most of his time in the training grounds. Of the four times I’ve been here, the Samurott would be about each time.

Regardless, Allium being here benefited me. I walked through the grass, avoiding the stray hits of pokemon in training, and approached the water type.

He was currently sparring with a Wartortle. Allium brandished his two blades whilst he engaged in frivolous combat on his two hind legs. The Wartortle, meanwhile, fought back with such vim and vigor. His shell might not have been a blade in the literal sense, but he sure used it like one. The clashing of blades rang out through the courtyard.

I watched them for a while, fiddling with the scalchops on my hips as I waited. Watching Allium fight almost made me excited. Deep down, I wanted to be like that. But thinking about being a cool samurai wasn’t why I was here. As the fight went on, there was no clear victor, but that wasn’t the point. Rather, their battle seemed more like a struggle for dominance. The Wartortle would put so much effort into utilizing his airborne momentum and outright skill to land a hit. His eyes, when I would catch them, were sharp and resolved. He was taking this very seriously.

Allium could not have been any more different. The way he fought back with his blades gave me the impression that he wasn’t actually fighting back. He was defending primarily, but not losing any ground. There was a smile on his face because of course there was; Allium always has a smile on his face. But, honestly? He looked bored. I could take a guess and say that he was really just looking for an opportunity to land a single strike and end the session.

Which was exactly what happened next. The Wartortle, by sheer happenstance, botched a strike. Allium smacked him down into the dirt, sending the water type sliding away on his back. “A single mistake,” the Samurott said, “that is all it takes.”

His eyes fell on me and lit up immediately. “Ah, Oswald! How wonderful it is to see you! Are you here to test your skills?”

“Partner is off on his own,” I responded, walking closer. “Training with you is my only real option…so here I am.”

That came across like I was saying that I only came here out of obligation. Not my intention, but Allium didn’t take it the wrong way. “I have you all to myself then!” he exclaimed. “Haha! I cannot wait to see how you have improved!”

The Wartortle finally righted himself back onto his two legs, stomping over to us. His eyes were trained on me.

If looks could kill, I would be dead in the dirt.

He stared daggers at me even while Allium introduced the two of us. “Oh, I don’t believe the two of you have met. Oswald, meet my apprentice, Swift!”

I smiled nervously. “Uh…nice to meet you, Swift.” I held out a paw.

Swift didn’t even look down for a second. He kept his eyes locked on mine, glaring harder than before. The Wartortle was silent, but his gaze said everything that needed to be said. “I don’t like you. I hate you even. Don’t act like we’re friends.”

I rubbed the back of my head with the paw I had just outstretched awkwardly. What’d I do to piss this guy off? I realize that a personal room is a sought after luxury around here, but that’s not enough of a reason to hate someone.

Allium placed a hand on my shoulder, causing me to jump. “This is a fantastic opportunity to show me what you have learned!” he said loudly. “You and Swift can practice together and demonstrate your skills to each other!”

I’m not sure I want to take a hit from someone that would clearly cleave me in half given the chance, I thought. I should come back later when Swift isn’t here.

Before I had the chance to voice my grievances, however, the Samurott smacked me on the back, sending me careening forward. I nearly lost my balance, just barely regaining it inches from the Wartortle. He still remained silent and stood rigidly.

“Begin! Fight!”

Swift must’ve been waiting for the signal to strike because he launched a hefty stream of water directly into my torso the second that Allium told us to fight. The force behind the attack sent me flying back into the dirt. For the second time today, the wind was knocked out of me, the Water Gun being strong enough to nearly knock me out outright.

I rolled on the ground, and the world spun after I landed on my back. I didn’t have much time to rest, however. Swift took my weakness as a sign to push me even further down. A shell, coated in water sharp enough to cut my head off, narrowly missed me as I used the final inklings of my strength to dodge. I rose as quickly as I could.

Swift spun around through the grass, changing his course to once again make another go around at slicing me in half. My mind was scattered, and any attempt I made to conjure up a Water Gun only produced weak spurts of liquid. I eventually stopped trying when Swift hurled himself at me. His shell missed once again, but not before grazing my arm. Blood flung from my shoulder and my balance was stolen from my feet, causing me to fall to my knees.

“Use your scalchops!” Allium yelled. “Show me what a true swordsmon can do!”

Not my biggest concern right now! In any case, I wasn’t going to hit Swift at range; he was too fast. I peeled a scalchop off my hip with the paw of my uninjured arm. The Wartortle was coming right at me at full spin, spraying water all over the place. I was terrified, my premiere reaction being to jump out of the way, but I knew that he would get me eventually. I’ll block his attack with my scalchop and then…I’ll figure it out from there.

A couple of meters away, Swift used his tail to bounce himself off the ground and attack me midair. I held my scalchop up defensively, fighting the urge to close my eyes and pray for it all to be over soon. My plan was to meet him midair and knock him down, but there was no way that was going to happen.

And then Swift surprised me. He backed out of the spin at the last moment and blasted right past my defenses. His midair double flying kick landed square in my chest. I fell onto my back and dropped my scalchop as Swift flipped over my head and slid on the grass. I laid there, stunned and beaten.

“Still underdeveloped!” called Allium. “That is unfortunate. But you will be a proper swordsmon yet!”

If someone was saying something, I couldn’t hear them. How I got so beaten up without leaving Kebia Castle today was beyond me. Maybe that was just me being unlucky again, I suppose. Or maybe that was just me being stupid. I did walk into these situations, after all.

Allium loomed over my prone form, blocking the sun with his massive, grinning face. “Do not give up yet, Oswald, my friend! With enough oran berries, no injury is too much to come back from!”

I groaned. I’ve got another long day ahead of me don’t I?

A few more hours passed and I didn’t make much progress. Allium mentioned something about “channeling my inner tide” into my scalchops at some point or something. I don’t know, it was all a blur. Swift wasn’t making any of this easy for me. I was left with multiple bruises and cuts each time he would get the chance to brutalize me. Never said anything either—just kept glaring at me and hating me with his eyes.

Allium either didn’t notice or didn’t care. I suppose it was fine considering how many oran berries I ingested by the end of it all, but would it have killed him to tell Swift to go easy on me for once? I hated it. Genuinely, I was miserable.

After the tenth time or so that Swift kicked me into the dirt and left me wheezing for air, Allium ended our training session. “Well, that was productive!” he said.

No. No, it wasn’t.

“I must be going now. Oswald, work on your scalchop skills! Remember to treat your blade like an extension of your instincts. The waves listen to the moon only if it shines through the clouds!”

I had no idea what that meant. Not that I cared. I stopped paying attention not long after I got here.

“And Swift, work on your approach. You are too predictable.”

The Wartortle nodded, sending a brief sideways glance in my direction.

“Farewell, my apprentices! I hope to see you improve the next time we meet!” He left then, leaving Swift and I alone watching the Samurott leave.

Once Allium left the premises, Swift immediately forced himself uncomfortably close to me, poking me in the chest with a finger. “Listen here and listen good, whelp,” he snarled in a deep voice, “I don’t like you.”

No surprise there.

“You should feel lucky that I didn’t decapitate you. Next time, I won’t miss.”

Welp. I can’t say I didn’t expect this. Granted, I was still horrified and concerned for my safety, but I saw this coming.

“Stay. Out. Of. My. Way.” He poked my chest with each consecutive word. “I don’t want you around here, got it?” I nodded quickly, trying my best not to fall backwards with how hard Swift was leaning over me. “If I ever see you on these training grounds again, I’m gonna make you wish you were never born.”

With one last shove, I fell, landing awkwardly on my tail. Swift stared daggers at me before storming off. After that exchange, I sat in the dirt for what felt like hours.

Well. That was terrifying. Never coming back here again.

I looked up at the sky, my eyelids heavy. It wasn’t even close to sunset. My day had been thoroughly ruined and all I wanted to do was lay in bed until it was all over. In fact, that’s what I decided to do.

This sucks. Being a human sucks. Being a worthless sack of meat sucks. Having no agency sucks. Everything sucks.

Why couldn’t I just live as a normal Dewott that was at least mediocre at something. I had nothing to my name and now I effectively had nothing left to do today. What good was there in my life?

Nothing. Except…Fenn.

Fenn…where have you gone? I want to see you. You’re the only positive in my life right now. My only source of happiness, my only escape. I don’t want to think about anything other than you, Fenn.

Fenn, the shy but competent pyromaniac of Team Lavender. Fenn, the explorer. I don’t care what anyone says, you’re great at your job. Sure, you don’t pay attention to your own limits, but I don’t care. I’ll follow you to the ends of the earth if that was what you wanted.

I don’t care. I don’t care. I just want to spend these miserable hours with you.

Fenn…

Fenn…

I then proceeded to waste five hours of my life sitting in my room thinking about nothing but Fenn. I only left at sunset, when I was certain that I would get to see him again.

---

Oo-oO

The cafeteria was particularly active today. Fenn sat on the bench of his regular table, antsy and fidgety. He had just finished his work in town, and now he was eagerly waiting to see Oswald again. Having helped with construction work on upwards of six newer houses, he was pretty tired. It was difficult work, sure, but also very rewarding. Fenn had made over twice as much today as he had after dungeon jobs over the past couple of days. He couldn’t wait to tell Oswald. With their new earnings, they could easily take harder jobs with better equipment and not fail this time.

Having spent the vast majority of his life living with his father, carpentry became one of Fenn’s innate skills. It wasn’t something he planned on doing, of course, but that was just how life turned out for Fenn. He could clean floors better than an Ambipom with four mops, fix houses faster than the strongest Conkeldurr, and burn ferals with flames brighter than Moltres itself.

But talking to pokemon? Not his strong suit. Fenn was happy that Oswald had such an easy time talking for him. It helped that Oswald provided Fenn with the confidence to talk louder than a whisper. He was easy to talk to, even for someone as socially inept as Fenn.

The sun was close to setting and Fenn was finding it harder and harder to sit still. He had got to the cafeteria early because he knew that today was the day of the week that Marigold was due to have her performance for the guild. It was a common occurrence, but one not many would tend to miss. As such, there was a lack of proper seating. Fenn was worried, with all of the looks that he was getting, that he would have to give up his spot to a larger group. He dreaded the thought of having to explain to Oswald that they might have to sit on the floor or stand.

Thankfully, Fenn’s eyes lit up at the sight of a familiar Dewott shambling through the crowd toward him. “H-hey, Oswald!” Fenn called. “How was- oop.”

Fenn was cut off by Oswald pulling him into a tight hug. The Quilava sat in his embrace awkwardly, not particularly uncomfortable as much as he was confused.

“Um…is everything…alright, Oswald?”

The Dewott hummed into Fenn’s shoulder. “Mm…yeah, I’m fine,” he mumbled. “Just…happy to see you is all.” Fenn felt Oswald’s grip tighten as he leaned into him more.

Fenn was a bit flustered to hear him say that. Regardless, he leaned into the hug as well. It was nice. He hadn’t been hugged in a while and he was happy to see Oswald. They remained in their embrace for a few more moments before Oswald broke the hug. Looking into his eyes, Fenn noted how tired he looked. It was like Oswald hadn’t slept in days. Much different compared to how awake he looked just this morning.

Still, the Dewott smiled warmly. His voice was low and quiet. “I’ll go get our dinner,” he said. “You stay here.” Oswald scratched behind one of Fenn’s ears before leaving to get their food.

What happened while I was gone that made him so tired? It must’ve been Anemone. Fenn dreaded the thought of seeing that Gardevoir more than once. He still hasn’t told me what’s going on. I should ask him when he gets back. Maybe he’ll explain why he’s acting so…pleasant.

Even more pokemon piled into the cafeteria. Fenn caught sight of a trio of pokemon walking in his direction and the quills on his back sparked to ignition. “You!” he snarled. “What do you want?”

The Houndoom, Monferno, and Murkrow approached the table nonchalantly. “Calm down, will you,” Holly said indifferently. “We’re not gonna rob you this time.” Dahlia landed on the table before Fenn snapped at her with a paw. She fluttered back onto Holly’s horn, slightly peeved.

“There’s no other available tables,” Dahlia grumbled. “Quit being a Grumpig and let us sit down.”

Fenn growled, “No! Not after you tried to hurt Oswald!”

Pink, with her arms crossed, spoke up. “Where is the blue bastard anyways? I would think he’d be with you.”

“…He’s getting the food,” Fenn said angrily.

Holly clicked her tongue. “Great idea. Pink.” She tipped her head to the left. “Go get the food.”

Pink seemed surprised by the demand, but followed it despite her apparent grumpiness. She walked past the table, grumbling something about “only one with hands” and “not getting paid enough for this.”

Fenn glared at the remainder of Team Phlox. Ready to start a fight if needed.

“I hope you realize that if you start something, you could get penalized for it,” Holly deadpanned. “There are rules against that sort of thing.”

The Quilava was about to retort back, but then he heard a voice nearby.

“What’s going on?”

Fenn turned to see Oswald with two plates of berries nearing the table. He sat down before any pokemon could say anything and began digging into his dinner shortly after.

“Yo, Oswald,” Dahlia chirped, “mind if we sit here?”

He waved her off without looking up from his food. “Don’t care.”

“Cool.”

Much to Fenn’s dismay, Holly and Dahlia sat with Team Lavender. “W-what are you doing, Oswald?” Fenn questioned. “They robbed us yesterday!”

Oswald held a pink berry up to Fenn’s face. “Are you hungry?” he asked. “I got you your favorite.”

He should’ve had an angry response to that, but Fenn was hungry. He begrudgingly took the berry and buried his grievances. Fenn wasn’t happy having to deal with this, but Oswald was here now. He was the one that got strangled and he doesn’t even care. As much as Fenn wanted revenge, Oswald didn’t. Best move on and ignore the pokemon across from them for now.

“So, Oswald,” Dahlia started, “I hear you got sent up to see Anemone today? What’s that all about?”

Oswald snacked on a grepa berry and grimaced. He must have not liked the taste. “You heard wrong,” Oswald said. “That wasn’t me.”

“Oh? It wasn’t?”

“Yeah, that was my imposter Smugwaldo. Looks exactly like me except he wears a blue scarf instead of a purple one. Completely evil bastard. I would steer clear if I were you.”

“…What?”

He sighed. “It’s confidential.”

Confidential, Fenn thought. I haven’t asked myself yet, but is that why he won’t tell me?

“Confidential, you say? Are you sure you’re not able to give me a small hint?”

“Nope.”

Holly clicked her tongue. “Let it go, Dahlia,” she said. “This is Anemone we’re talking about. Whatever she wanted to tell him must be important enough to keep it secret.” She narrowed her eyes at Oswald. “Though these sorts of things tend to usually happen to…more acclaimed members of the guild.”

Oswald didn’t look up from his meal. “She really likes my whiskers, what can I say?”

Pink returned with Team Phlox’s plates and sat down. “They didn’t have Tauros meat, sorry, Holly,” Pink said mockingly. “Guess you’ll just have to eat Linoone chops today.”

“What? Grebes told me we got a new shipment last week? How are they already out?”

“I don’t know, how about you go up there and ask him yourself?”

“You’re lying, aren’t you? You know how much I need my Tauros meat.”

“Can we please not have this discussion?” Dahlia cut in. “We do this every week…”

“I’m perfectly fine with arguing about this. I’m not eating this crap.”

“If you weren’t so picky, this wouldn’t be an issue.”

Team Phlox continued to bicker, leaving Fenn and Oswald to watch on as they ate their meal.

Fenn looked at Oswald to see that his expression was sullen, the berry in his paw half-eaten. He’d never been that great at reading others or being empathetic in general. Perhaps that’s why he never had many friends. There would rarely ever be opportunities for Fenn to exercise his sympathy for others, implying he had any to give.

Still, he felt inclined to make Oswald feel better. Fenn…actually cared. He liked Oswald, a lot. Maybe a little too much…that scared him.

Another reason why Fenn never had many friends: he would get too clingy with the ones he had. He recalled a Torchic he had known when he was young. Nice little fellow, granted Fenn the time of day, great fighter. Fenn, not used to being around someone that actually treated him like a pokemon, grew attached to the Torchic and wouldn’t let him be. It got to the point where the Torchic resented Fenn, and moved on.

Fenn never really got over it, even if he says the opposite. After his experience with the Torchic, he always had a worry in the back of his mind that if he made friends, they would inevitably throw him away when he needed them most. It wasn’t their fault, Fenn disputed, it was his. Fenn simply oversteps his boundaries when he shouldn’t.

This led to a situation where Fenn would agonize over being too forward and, as such, devoted all of his free time to a hobby that didn’t require him to talk to others. He never really got past the social hurdle. It was why he ended up as a janitor, rather than the explorer his grandpa wanted him to be or a fighter like his dad expected him to be.

And now he sat with the only real friend he had made in years. The only one that didn’t toss him away when Fenn needed him the most. Even when he poured his heart out to him the night before, Oswald returned the sentiment. Fenn was attached—he couldn’t deny it, but he still felt that if he tried to be caring, he would only push Oswald away.

Fenn’s mind couldn’t decide on how to form the first words in a sentence or whether to say anything at all. He wanted to ask, “Hey, pal, are you feeling alright? Can I help you in any way?” But he felt as though he should just leave him be; he probably needed the space. Who knows what he was up to today. Fenn sure wishes he could know, but that would be a breach of privacy.

A sigh escaped the Quilava’s lips, and his flames smoldered out.

“What’s up, Fenn?”

The Quilava perked up to see Oswald looking at him with a sad stare.

“You haven’t eaten much,” he said softly. “Are you not hungry?”

Fenn, surprised by the question, stuttered. “U-um…not any m-more.”

Oswald nodded. “Yeah, me too,” he said thoughtfully. “After everything that happened today…berries aren’t that appetizing.”

“Why was it so bad? Y-your day, I mean.”

He smiled. “All sorts of reasons, but I’m not going to bore you with the details. I’m just glad I’m here with you now. It can’t be that bad when you’re around. You always make me feel better.”

Fenn suddenly felt a feeling he had never experienced before. Something deep within him stirred and…made him feel warm. Warm, not in the way he usually felt warm, but warm in a way that flowed through his entire body. He couldn’t describe it. It was…nice, but…nice in an indefinable way. Regardless of what kind of warmth it was, however, Fenn was happy. He was happy that he had Oswald, a pokemon that liked him just as much Fenn liked him back.

There was nothing to worry about. All of that agonizing over whether or not he was being too clingy didn’t matter. Fenn had found someone that liked him for him—flaws and all. He was excited to do more with Oswald, travel, and become the best explorer he could be!

“I…thank you…Oswald. You-“

Fenn was interrupted by a squeaky voice all around him.

“Attention, everyone!”

Every pokemon in the cafeteria turned their heads towards the stage. A Braixen adorned in shiny jewelry and draped in a dark blue gown stood at the front of the stage. She addressed the audience with her wand at her lips. “The performance is about to begin, please take your seats.”

A bustling through the crowd commenced and the commotion of so many pokemon talking with another quieted down to a hushed whisper. Within the next few minutes, a group of six pokemon, all decorated much like the Braixen, occupied the stage. A seventh pokemon, a Primarina, slid her way up the very front of the stage. She addressed the crowd with her feminine and welcoming voice. “Welcome all! I hope you’re all doing well. Tonight, we have a very special performance for you all. I hope you enjoy it.”

The lights in the cafeteria dimmed as curtains were draped over the windows. The hushed whisper from before quieted to complete silence. The Seven pokemon on stage formed into a line and a spotlight shined from above. They sparkled as their jewelry reflected the bright light.

Without another moment to spare, Marigold and the rest of the performers began to sing…

Stranded far in the deep, haven’t earned our keep

Arceus save us all

Promise we’ll be home before the stew is done

Don’t give up on us yet

We’re living free, oh can’t you see

Kyogre won’t pull us under

So we’ll sing and dance until the morning comes

Pass me a drink, my friend

The waves can’t stop us now, me lads

The waves can’t stop us now

We’re living free, oh can’t you see

The waves can’t stop us now

Once more, set our sails for the nearest port

Another day at sea

What treasure we’ll find, o bountiful loot

How richer we shall be

Such horrid beasts will block our path

Stranded with no help to come

And yet we’re living free, oh can’t you see

The waves can’t stop us now

The waves can’t stop us now, me lads

The waves can’t stop us now

We’re living free, oh can’t you see

The waves can’t stop us now

Wind set north, so let us go forth

Onward to adventure

Sailors we are, follow the star

Tornadus will guide our sails

Plagued by disease and wounds so deep

Must carry on, my friend

One night more, hold on my friends

That’s what living free is like

The waves can’t stop us now, me lads

The waves can’t stop us now

We’re living free, oh can’t you see

The waves can’t stop us now

The waves can’t stop us now, me lads

The waves can’t stop us now

We’re living free, oh can’t you see

The waves can’t stop us now…