Chapter 13 – Remembering, Learning, Training

“No, Kallias. I won’t do it.”

“But Zenobia, don’t you realise what this means? You and Elvira…you’re just as in danger as I am. More so, if anything. If Mitrofan truly has gone off the deep end…then you could well be prime targets for him, just because you’re related to me. It’s exactly what cruel leaders do in a time like this.”

“I know, Kallias. …But I’m not going to Miletos. End of story.”

“…Will nothing convince you to change your mind? What about Elvira? What about her? Don’t you care for your own daughter’s wellbeing?”

“…All the more reason not to go to Miletos. Elvira, with the likes of them? I won’t have it. I will not leave Elvira’s fate in the hands of people like them.”

“Come on, Zen. You know there’s many people in Miletos who don’t think like that. That’s the whole reason you were even able to come with me and leave your old life behind. If we didn’t have the backing of people like that on our side, you and I would never be where we are now.”

“…Maybe. But I still think it was more your influence that had a say in things. Those attitudes in Miletos still haven’t gone away and they won’t go away anytime soon. I don’t want to imagine the ways in which they’ll try and suppress Elvira’s ambitions. The amount of freedoms they’ll cut from her…And more to the point, we don’t know how long this will be for. A month? A year? …Will Elvira have to spend her teen years in a land of prejudice and endless curtailment? I’m sorry, Kallias, but as her mother, I can’t agree to this.”

“Well, what about one of the other countries? Dresilia? Alba? There’s surely people who would be willing to look after you.”

“…Dresilia is too alike to Miletos in its philosophy. Not as restrictive, but…I wouldn’t be comfortable living there. And Alba’s climate is unsuitable for someone like me with Dry Skin. Besides…think about Elvira. She’s built up a great circle of friends here in Ozerograd, and isn’t plagued by any kind of worries. As such, she has healthy aspirations, encouraged by you and the people around her. You would strip that away from her and kill her dreams stone dead? The people of Miletos would never approve of someone like her!”

“That’s not the point, Zenobia! If she stays here, there may well just be as equal a chance her dreams may be killed stone dead, as you say! There’s no Guild to begin with! All mercenaries have been declared as outlaws in Selenia. If Elvira follows in her dreams, the only place she’ll end up going to is her grave! It’s not safe here for the two of you! You must flee!”

“We do not know yet what will happen, Kallias! That might well be an overreaction, if we move now! Given what Miletos is like, we could well be jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire!”

“You would not be doing that, Zenobia! I’m telling you, Melchior and I personally met with Mitrofan, and it’s like he’s a completely different man from who he once was! For us mercs to be hunted down like fugitives…how long will it be before he decides to hunt you and Elvira down? You could be killed, or worse! Yes, worse! Kidnapping you and Elvira, and using the two of you as hostages to force me to do evil – that’s a very real possibility! I wouldn’t put it past him! …No, not him. Not Mitrofan. That…monster that my friend has now become. …How could this have happened? Why would my good friend do this…? He, who had the upstanding morals he did…how could he have killed the tsar and his family, burned down the Guild, and declared all of us outlaws? …Why? Just why?”

“…Oh, Kallias…come here. You’ve been through a lot…Just let it all out. I’m here for you.”

“…*sniff*…Damn it! Damn it all! Why did this have to happen?! Why?!”

The sound of anguished crying was all that could be heard after that.

---

“No!”

Elvira’s eyes shot open in alarm. Her heart was beating speedily in panic, and she found herself breathing rapidly. But when she saw the stone ceiling of the caves she had become used to over the past while, relief came over her.

Phew. Just a dream. I’m not living in that time anymore. Just…bad memories. That’s all they are. Quickly, she closed her eyes again, and tried to get back to sleep.

But to her annoyance, sleep never came. As thoughts did in these situations…they saw to it sleep was kept at bay. And so Elvira was forced to remember those times once more

Turbulence…uncertainty…what a time that was. And what I wouldn’t give to forget they ever happened. I really don’t want to live through that again…Mom and Dad never argued like that. And then Dad…he…

She winced, remembering her father’s anguished pleas.

…He really must’ve been in turmoil emotionally. It must have been sickening, seeing one of his best friends and companions turn into someone so ruthless and murderous. And then to disappear, just like that, without seeing that loose end tied up…Poor Dad. Poor, poor Dad…

Elvira laid there for the next while, staring at the ceiling. She was unsure of what time it was, nor did she really find herself caring to know that fact. Thoughts of pity and mourning for Kallias went through her mind, and also thoughts of what was said that night did the same.

…Should we have listened to Dad? Should we have left Ozerograd? Even if it meant going back to Miletos for Mom…would it have been for the best? Especially given what came after…

Memories of Hinnerk, Mikhail and various Thorned Roses came into her head.

…Would it have been better to flee before we became ensnared by their thorns?

Her mind preoccupied herself with questions like this. She never went back to sleep, but endlessly debated the scenario in her head, wondering what could have been. Despondence crept over her, and she admittedly felt like crying at times, but she resisted the tears, fearing she’d wake up her partner, who was sound asleep in his own bed.

Eventually, after what seemed like an eternity of contemplation, Elvira heard stirring from that direction. Looking over, she saw Arian let out a yawn, and rub the sleep out of his eyes. He looked over at her, and saw she was awake.

“Morning, Elvira,” he began.

“…Morning,” the Treecko muttered, unable to muster any kind of enthusiasm.

“…Is something wrong?” As always, the Riolu was quick to notice this. “…Oh, wait. You don’t need to tell me. Is it to do with last night?”

“…Yes,” she answered. Might as well tell him the whole truth. “I had a bit of a flashback last night, and…it woke me up.”

“A flashback? Do you mean…like a nightmare?” Arian presumed, judging from her gloominess.

“A nightmare of sorts,” confirmed Elvira. “Except it wasn’t in a way, because it was exactly what happened on a night five years ago, when Dad came home after Tsar Kliment was killed.”

“Hmm…” Arian thought back to what had been divulged last night. As he mulled it over, one detail stuck out to him. “Didn’t you say your parents argued about leaving Selenia? ‘Like the worst of enemies,’ you said.”

“Did I say that? …That wording might’ve been a bit strong, now that I think about it,” Elvira self-repudiated. “But…Mom and Dad did argue about it. And…I admit that I may have listened in on what they were saying.”

“…Oh.” Arian’s eyes widened in realisation. “Oh no…Let me guess. You heard things you shouldn’t have?”

“…I did. I shouldn’t have, but curiosity got the better of me. And so I listened in to try and hear what they were saying…”

And so Elvira told him all of what she recalled from the flashback. Arian listened intently, wishing to be a voice for his partner’s woes when she was done. What he was hearing, though, he found it impossible to not feel sympathy for what she had been listening to. Who wouldn’t feel for her? Only the heartless, that’s who.

“Then the arguing died down. And then Dad…he…for the first time that I can remember, Dad was actively crying at all that was happening. …I’ve never seen him like that before. He was always the one that would cheer me up on days when I was off form. He was always this source of endless optimism; no matter how bad the situation was, he would never fail to find a way out. That’s why I admired him so much, not just as a mercenary, but as a person. Problems simply seemed to melt before him. …To see even him broken down by all of what was happening…that only made the situation more hopeless. And hearing that my lifelong ambition now had a slim chance of coming to fruition?” Elvira looked down in despondence. “…Now that I think back on it, that might’ve been the moment my hesitation about becoming a mercenary began. And it stayed with me for five long years…”

“Well, that rot’s ended now, hasn’t it?” Arian reminded. “You’re a mercenary now, in the Irian Guild. You got there in the end.”

“I know. But…it’s about Dad as well. He always gave me confidence and encouragement when I talked about wanting to become a mercenary. I loved him so much…” She gave a long, sad sigh. “I just wish my last days with Dad were…happier than what actually went down.”

“Oh, Elvira…I’m so sorry you had to go through all that,” Arian condoled. “I know everyone’s said it a million times already, but I don’t think it can be said enough times. You didn’t deserve a loss like that.” He opened his arms. “Here. You need a hug.”

Before Elvira could react, the Riolu wrapped his arms around her in a comforting gesture. The Treecko was initially taken aback by the move, but accepted it nonetheless. She recognised his want to help her, and she appreciated the comfort that he gave she needed it. It was unusual, being hugged so emotionally by someone who she’d only known for a week and a half and who wasn’t related to her at all.

But he didn’t have to be. This was Arian, her mercenary partner. And mercenary teams always looked out for one another, whether in battle or in moments of emotional strife. She could see he was fulfilling the latter side of things quite well.

…But perhaps a little too well. After a while, she found his embrace to be rather suffocating, and his tight grip was robbing her of air.

“…Arian,” she breathed, trying to communicate that she wanted out.

“…Oh! Sorry,” apologised Arian, realising what she wanted, and released her from his hug at once. “I didn’t mean to do that…”

“It’s fine,” assured Elvira. “…Arian? Can I ask you an honest question?”

“…Sure. What is it?”

“…Do you think Dad was right? Should Mom and I have evacuated Selenia five years ago? Especially given what happened to Ozerograd right after…was it the right decision to stay put? Should we have gone to Miletos instead? …I know you’re maybe not the best person to ask, but…I need a second opinion on this. More than anything…”

“Hmmm…” Arian considered his partner’s question. “…As much as I hate to say it, I don’t know if I can truly answer your question, Elvira. Mainly because…I don’t know what could’ve been. I don’t know what Miletos is really like, so I can’t truly say whether or not your mom was in the right by not bringing you there. It never happened, anyway. So why wonder about it? The way I see it, there’s no point in dwelling on what could have been. The only thing we can do is look to the future. Wallowing in regret about what you did or didn’t do in the past won’t solve anything. …I don’t blame you for doing it. We all do it at some point. But it really doesn’t solve much.”

“…You might be right,” Elvira replied, although with a hint of reluctance.

“I will say this much, though,” Arian continued. “Because you didn’t leave Ozerograd, you could see exactly what was going on with your own eyes. You knew just what the Thorned Roses were doing to Ozerograd. If you’d fled to Miletos, you might not have been as aware, and therefore, you wouldn’t be willing to help. And it’s as your mom said; you would be cut from your friends and those you know in town. Would that be something you’d really want?”

“…No, I suppose not…”

“And there’s another thing too,” the Riolu added. “If you’d gone to Miletos and abandoned your house, then…you never would have found me washed up on that beach, and we’d never have met and done this thing together. Who knows where I’d be without you? …Maybe the Thorned Roses would’ve found me. And then I might’ve become one of them.” He pulled a face at the thought. “Ergh…that’s not a reality I want to imagine.”

“Definitely not,” agreed Elvira. The image of Arian wearing a Thorned Rose armband and grinning evilly conjured itself in her mind, and she mentally tried to push it away. “…I suppose you have a point. I got to meet you this way, and you were the one that helped me to put my dream back on course. …I get it. Thank Fate for the fortunes we receive, rather than curse them for our misfortunes.”

“Well…not necessarily the last part,” Arian replied. “My point’s this, really. We just have to move forward, despite all that comes our way. Even if it’s something like transforming into a Riolu, like what happened to me. Or…on a more tragic note, what Melchior told us last night. Even to a hammer blow reveal like that, we have to keep looking ahead.”

“…I guess.” The Treecko’s voice still carried that same reluctance to accept from earlier. “…That’s what Dad would probably want, too. He wouldn’t want me to be moping about what happened to him. …Maybe…as much as I don’t want to…it might be best to try and move on from what happened to Dad. Now I know the truth about what happened to him. …It’s a hard truth to accept, but…sometimes that’s just the way the world works.”

“Well…If you need help, you can talk to any of us in the Guild. We all said that last night. And we mean what we say,” Arian responded, thinking back to last night’s dinner, after Melchior had unveiled the truth behind Kallias’s disappearance. Elvira had received an outpouring of support from just about everyone in the Guild, and everyone promised her that they’d be there to comfort her if she so wished. Given the fragile emotional state the Treecko had been in, she found herself in tears at their kindness.

“I will,” Elvira pledged. Before she could continue, though, she let out a yawn, and she realised at that point how tired she was. Staying up for several hours in contemplation hadn’t helped her sleep any.

“You tired?” Arian asked.

“…Mmhm,” murmured the Treecko. “…What time is it, anyway?”

“…Breakfast time, I think,” the Riolu answered. “I can hear movement from some of the other rooms. …You know, I could always ask Aldebrand to save a bit for you, while you get some more rest. He’ll understand.”

“…I might do that,” Elvira decided. “…Thanks, Arian. You’ve been a great help.”

“No problem,” Arian returned. “Just focus on getting on some rest. You deserve it.” And with that, he got up and left the girl to catch up on the sleep she missed.

He walked towards the mess hall. Delicious smells emanated from there, which made Arian’s stomach growl in hunger. Eager to taste Aldebrand’s delicious cooking, he hurried himself inside, where a number of his fellow mercenaries were seated at one of the long tables. He got a tray and a bowl, received some appetising-looking porridge complete with nuts and chopped berries, informed Aldebrand about Elvira’s condition and joined his comrades, sitting next to Isaac.

“Morning, Arian,” greeted Lillian. “How did you sleep?”

“I slept well,” the Riolu answered, as he dug into his breakfast.

“…Where’s Elvira?” Axel noted. “The two of you always come out together for breakfast. …Is she alright?”

“She’s fine,” Arian assured. “She just needs a bit more rest. She didn’t get enough sleep last night.”

“…Can’t blame the lassie,” Ishmael replied sympathetically. “Ya would do, if ya were in ‘er boots.”

“Mmm…Indeed,” Serafina agreed, mournfully. “To think the great Fernblade Kallias met his end in such a manner…I cannot sympathise with Elvira enough.”

“Nor can I,” Lillian seconded. “I don’t blame her at all for breaking down in tears last night. That feeling of losing loved ones like that…It’s never an easy thing to have to go through. I still have both of my parents, so I can’t say I understand how Elvira feels. But I do know what it’s like to lose people dear to you. And it’s one of the worst feelings in the world.”

“Hear, hear,” Axel concurred. From his tone, and from the looks that had developed on Team Sandstream’s faces, Arian couldn’t help but find himself wondering if there was some history with this. He was tempted to ask, but held his tongue. Best not to get too personal. It might be a delicate topic with them.

“…Returning to the topic at hand,” Isaac then interjected. “…It would be wise to not speak of Fernblade Kallias’s demise outside of here. If the people caught wind of it, that would only dampen our chances and bolster Mitrofan’s cause, knowing that one of his strongest adversaries has perished. It might well kill any chance of revolution we have.”

“…I think that would be for the best,” Arian said in agreement. “It’s not exactly an easy topic to talk about, anyway. Besides…there’s still a question mark over whether Kallias actually died or not. Melchior never found his body, after all.”

“…With all due respect, Arian,” the Espeon replied, in a doubtful tone. “This is the River Agrios we’re speaking of. It’s an infamous river for good reason. The swift currents, rocky riverbed, depth and quick-moving rapids all make for one of the deadliest rivers in Ardalion. Few, if any, who have fallen in have lived to tell the tale. The chances of even Fernblade Kallias surviving its flow are slim at best.”

“…Tch. Way to kill confidence there, Izzy,” Ishmael admonished.

“It’s the truth,” Isaac justified. “Deluding ourselves to it will only do us greater harm in the end. It would be a miracle if Fernblade Kallias did manage to survive. But five years have passed since he fell into the Agrios River, and not a trace of him has been seen since. …Not a promising sign, is it?”

“But…” Arian tried to protest, but the words died on his lips. He wanted to believe Kallias still lived. However, he could not deny that Isaac raised good arguments. And coupled with what Elvira had told him earlier, that maybe she was ready to begin moving on…he reluctantly found himself having to agree with Isaac’s words, as he took another mouthful of breakfast.

Still…can it really end, just like that? Is that really how a great hero like Kallias met his end?

“…Can we talk ’bout somethin’ else?” Natalie requested. “This is a bit heavy, all this talk ’bout Fernblade Kallias…”

“I agree,” Serafina said. “It is time for a change in topic.”

“…Actually, I have one,” Arian brought up, keen to bring up something that had been bugging him since last night. “I’ve been hearing about Miletos a lot recently. But the way it’s talked about by people…Is there something up with the place?”

Right after asking this question, Arian could tell there was an immediate shift in atmosphere. Looks of tension formed on the expressions of a good few of his fellow mercenaries, and the human got the feeling the answer he was about to receive was likely to be a contentious one. Oh dear…Did I ask something a little too controversial?

“Something up with Miletos?” Lillian said. “…I guess you could say that.”

“…Why’s that?” asked Lex. “I’ve never been to the place. Ise, you can tell us, can’t you?”

“Certainly,” Isaac gladly accepted. “…Miletos is the strongest and most influential power in all of Ardalion. In their alliance with Dresilia, they’re near unshakeable as a power. We in Selenia could never hope to match their sheer might. Alas, that power has gone to their heads on more than a few occasions. And very often, they always lust for more like the craven they are. Most of the time, we as a nation have felt the brunt of their power-hungry ways.”

“Indeed,” Serafina took over, her lips pursed. “There was a terrible famine in Selenia that took place two hundred years ago. It devastated our country and many, many people perished. Part of that was Miletos’ fault, who did nothing to alleviate the country they’d taken over for their own gain. Their negligence strangled us as a nation, and if not for the efforts of Team Hope, Selenia may have withered altogether.”

“It caused a bitter animosity that still remains today,” Isaac went on. “You couldn’t simply forget such mistreatment, even if it was two centuries ago. But Miletos never looked back in shame. No public apology was ever given. And their current ruler will hardly kowtow to Selenia, if his actions are to be believed.”

“Who would that be? Their current ruler?” Arian asked.

“That would be Archon Pyrrhus, a vainglorious ruler who has ruled over Miletos for the past thirty years or so. If rumours are to be believed, his tyranny rivals or even exceeds that of Mitrofan. He has brought absolutism into his hands and the people live or die by his words. Some strategoi over there protested at this concentration of power. In response, he had the protesting officers executed and replaced by loyal followers of his own. Many of them are putrid, incompetent yes-mon who wouldn’t know leadership if it hit them in the face.”

“Geez…he sounds like a piece of work,” remarked Arian. “Almost like Mitrofan.”

“Both bottles an’ glasses,” Ishmael growled. “No-good fucks that wanna mess shit up for folks all ‘round. All Mets are gits, but ‘e’s a real arse, ‘e is.”

“Why did you ask that, Arian?” Isaac then said. “Amnesiac curiosity, perhaps?”

“Er, yeah. Sort of.” 

That wasn’t the whole truth, but Arian didn’t want to go into detail for Elvira’s sake. I think I figured it out anyway, he thought to himself. Sounds like an awful place to be, Miletos. If Elvira moved back there with her mom and dad, that would be a bad move. She’d definitely lose a lot of freedom if she went there. …Then again, not like staying here is much better…

“Hey, forget all this doom and gloom about Miletos,” Lex chimed in. “Arian, are we gonna have this spar or what?”

“Oh, right, of course,” Arian said, remembering what the Cranidos had said yesterday afternoon, when they’d met for the first time. “We’ll do it today. But I’d rather wait till Elvira wakes up and has something to eat first.”

“Sure,” Lex accepted. “The more, the merrier! It wouldn’t feel right if only you were there. Since Isaac’s coming as well, it’d be better if Elvira was there too.”

“You’re doing a good job of looking after her,” Lillian complimented. “You’re a good teammate, Arian.”

“Well, that’s what team partners are for, aren’t they?” Arian reasoned. “I wouldn’t be a good partner if I didn’t look out for Elvira.” He paused to eat up the last of his breakfast. “…Well, that’s that. Guess I’ll just find something to do until she wakes up.”

“Any missions today, Arry?” Ishmael asked.

“No,” Arian denied. “We’ve been doing missions for the past few days. I think we’ll take a break today and hone our skills here at the Guild.”

“Fair enough,” the Krokorok replied. “Gotta ‘ave breaks from time to time. Shame we can’t stay; we got our own missions lined up today.”

“As do Natalie and I,” Serafina added. “We shall see you once we have completed today’s tasks.”

“Good luck with them,” Arian wished to both teams, before returning his tray and bowls to Aldebrand to be washed. Then he returned to the main area, weighing up his options.

“Hmm…”

He looked across the hall, towards where the dojo area was.

“…Yeah. I guess I’ll go there.”

---

The dojo was quiet when Arian arrived; no one else was there. Not even Galen, the manager of the place. This wasn’t uncommon, the Riolu had been told, for the Medicham usually meditated at the waterfall at the edge of his dojo, and thus usually couldn’t be seen at first. Arian wanted to go and ask for permission to use the dojo, but he remembered his first encounter with him, and this made him hesitate.

Should I ask him? the Riolu pondered. Hmm…no. He recalled the way the Medicham snapped at Ishmael for interrupting his meditation. I don’t want to be on the receiving end of his fury. Best not to interrupt him.

But then what? When will he be done with his meditation? That’s the kind of thing that could go on forever…and I really want to scratch this itch to train that I have right now. I guess I could go back to my room…but Elvira’s asleep in there, and I don’t want to wake her. …What a predicament. Maybe I could just be quiet while I train? Is that feasible? …Maybe Galen won’t hear me, he thought, although doubtfully.

Arian lined himself up in front of one of the dummies. Taking a breath, he readied himself to use a Metal Claw on it. He slashed forward, and cut its torso. It wasn’t a deep cut, though, which disappointed him inside.

Come on, he self-criticised. I can do better than that. He decided to up the force on his next attack, charging a Force Palm and striking it dead on in the chest. This broke the dummy’s centre with a crack, and with that, it fell to pieces.

Arian winced at the noise. …Did Galen hear that? Please tell me he didn’t…

“…Hm. Seems the wood on that one was a little more brittle than I thought.”

“Ah!” Arian jumped at the sudden voice. Looking over at the path to the waterfall, he saw Galen standing there. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to break the dummy! I didn’t mean to interrupt your meditation, Galen! I’m sorry! I’m sorry! Please don’t get mad at me!”

“…You don’t need to apologise. That’s what the dummies are there for: to be destroyed in training,” a slightly bemused Galen replied. “And as it so happens, I was finished with meditation some time ago. I’d normally put up a notice telling others they were not to disturb me. I must admit, however…I’ve forgotten to put it up the last few times. I apologise for that.”

“Yeah…I don’t remember seeing any notice up when Team Sandstream were showing us around the Guild,” Arian reminisced.

“I must’ve forgotten, then. I suppose I only have myself to blame for my behaviour when we first met.” Galen bowed sorrowfully. “That explains your jumpiness around me. My apologies, Arian.”

“It’s okay,” Arian assured. “At least you’re not always like that. I’m relieved about that more than anything. …Say, are you busy right now?”

“…Not at all. If it’s fighting capabilities you seek, then you’re speaking to the right person,” the Medicham answered, having a feeling what the Riolu was going to ask.

“Great. I was wondering…if maybe you’d be willing to give me a few pointers?” Arian requested. “You see, I read up on Medicham recently. You’re a Fighting-type like I am…and you can learn Force Palm as well. I was thinking…maybe you’d know a thing or two about what I’m capable of.”

“…I shall certainly guide you, if you so wish,” Galen obliged. “But to do that, I would like to see you at it again with a training dummy. Only this time…” A glint came into his eye. “What’s say we make this one a little more interesting?”

“…You’ve got something up your sleeve,” Arian observed.

“Indeed, I do. Go and stand in front of one of the dummies, if you don’t mind,” Galen requested. Arian followed his instruction and did so. “Now…watch the power of a psychic at work!”

Galen closed his eyes, and he raised his hand. To Arian’s surprise, the dummy in front of him became enshrouded in a strange pink aura, and began to physically move.

“Oh yeah…Medicham are Psychic-type,” he reminded himself. He found himself fascinated by the abilities of some Psychic-types, and he’d seen Isaac psychically levitate objects for his own purposes. He was no less intrigued now…but he did realise exactly what Galen was doing. He’s animating the dummy so it’ll be an actual opponent against me. Hm…that’s actually clever. Better than just beating up a post of wood and sandbags…

Arian shook off his amazement once he saw the dummy heading for him. Quickly, he switched to a fighting stance and got ready to launch a Metal Claw at the dummy. He slashed forward…

…But he missed, and the dummy let him feel the weight of that error with a strike to the stomach.

“Oof!” Arian cried. “Alright, take this, you hunk of junk!” He charged a Force Palm and managed to strike the dummy in around the abdomen area.

“A good hit,” Galen complimented. “But that’s not good enough on its own. This dummy’s material is more durable than the one you destroyed before.” Thrusting forward his arm, he psychically commanded the dummy to deal a punch to Arian, which landed, causing the human to stagger back in slight pain.

“…Right,” he murmured. This is harder than I thought. Being beat up by a training dummy…Good thing most of my fellow mercs are out of the Guild today. That would be a bit embarrassing. …Come on, Arian. You can win this.

Arian saw another punch incoming. But this time, he dodged it, and used a Quick Attack in retaliation, aiming to strike one of the dummy’s arms to disable it. This worked, and the hit was powerful enough to tear it to splinters. Now it only had one arm to work with. With that weakness now exposed, things became easier for Arian. Wanting to be a bit more fair, he targeted the chest area with a Force Palm, and landed the blow. This made an impact; a dent was made in the sandbag that made up the dummy, and sand began to leak from it.

“…Hmm,” Galen murmured. To Arian’s dismayed surprise, he stopped using his psychic powers to animate the dummy, and it crumpled into a ruined pile of wood and sand.

“What? Galen, why did you stop?” Arian complained, somewhat peeved that he couldn’t finish the job.

“The writing was on the wall for that match. As well as that, I wish to contribute my own advice, as you wanted,” Galen explained. “You did well during that. But there are some skills you need to improve on.”

I should’ve seen this coming, the Riolu inwardly sighed. “What could I improve on?”

“Your dodging, for one,” the Medicham replied. “Some of those hits were slower hits that someone of greater experience would have little trouble avoiding. To put it simply, that’s something you must work on, especially given your capabilities as a Riolu. Some species of Pokémon have strong defensive capabilities, thus lessening the need to avoid attacks, but Riolu are more fragile than that. Dodging and parrying hits are two skills that would be beneficial for you to master.”

“Okay…” Arian said, nodding in understanding. “Is there anything else?”

“Yes. Your Force Palm,” Galen went on. “I have little doubt it’s your strongest move.”

“Of course.” The Riolu nodded. “I use it all the time.”

“And you don’t use it poorly. But at the same time…there are ways to better utilise your strikes with it, to draw out more power.” The Medicham took this opportunity to line up in front of one of the other dummies. “Allow me to demonstrate what I mean.”

He took a breath and closed his eyes, reasserting his focus. Then his right palm lit up with the familiar glow of Force Palm that Arian had become so familiar. Realising what was to happen, the human watched intently, seeing what he could glean from this.

Galen’s left hand then went behind his glowing right. He walked slowly up to the dummy, and thrust his palm forward.

“Hi-yah!“

It was a sight to behold in Arian’s eyes. The physical hit landed, but what really drew Arian’s attention was the short blast of white light that originated from the Medicham’s glowing palm.

The dummy stood no chance, and before the power of Galen’s Force Palm, it crumpled to smithereens.

“Wow…” Arian remarked. “What was that? What did you do, Galen?”

“Force Palm can be utilised in the way I demonstrated; by unleashing a short burst of energy,” Galen replied. “This has a number of uses; for instance, Force Palm can become an attack with some range to it, a shortcoming for most of us Fighting-types, including you as a Riolu.”

“I see…” the canine said in understanding. “…So how can I use Force Palm like that?”

“With training and dedication. And of course…meditation,” Galen answered. “But before you give me your eye-rolling expression, Arian, meditation is quite important for you too, as a Riolu. For you see, not only does it aid your concentration and calm your mind…it also helps you to develop your aura.”

“My…aura?” Arian cocked his head, confused. “What do you mean, Galen?”

“It is the power Riolu and Lucario are known for,” Galen explained. “More so with the latter than the former. But Riolu have that power, and can use it, albeit to a lesser degree.”

“…Can I?” Arian stared at his paw. “I knew I could read emotions, but…”

“That’s part of it,” the Medicham elaborated. “Through their aura senses, Riolu and Lucario are able to sense the emotions of others. But if tempered, their aura senses allow them to sense far more than that. Natures of others, mind reading…and even attacks. The move Aura Sphere, for instance, is a powerful attack that Lucario is able to learn, and it’s seen as a main staple when we idealise Lucario.”

“Aura Sphere? …That sounds nice. I wouldn’t mind having a move like that to use,” the Riolu said. A thought then occurred to Arian. “Do you know any other Riolu or Lucario? Maybe…they might be able to help me get to grips with what I might be capable of.”

“Alas not.” Galen shook his head. “Riolu and Lucario are a rare sight. Many live in isolation, far away from centres of population, and typically stay together. You would have to hunt hard to find one, and even then, you would have to convince them to teach you. And given their perceptive abilities, they would quickly be able to discern your human background, and that might lead to you being turned away by them.”

“…Oh…I see,” a disappointed Arian murmured in realisation.

“Not to worry,” the Medicham said immediately. “I will do all within my power to help you bring out the power that lies within you. After all…I have something of a feeling about you. You were able to defeat Hinnerk, an opponent feared by many, even the most capable of warriors. And you claim to be a human. Somehow – and granted, this could be conjecture – I feel as though you being a human is what makes you special. As if it hides away some greater potential within yourself.”

“…You think?” the human pondered. “I doubt it. Just because I’m a human doesn’t mean I’m hiding some superpower. I’m not exactly invincible, and there’s no way in hell I could have beaten Hinnerk on my own.”

“But of course. No one is invincible, Arian,” Galen replied. “Regardless, there are many mysteries about you, and your greater potential is one theory I believe is right on the money. …Further training is the only way to prove whether I’m right or wrong.

“But before we get to action, let’s start off with meditation first, to calm yourself after that session. As I suggested earlier, it would be beneficial for you, Arian, to help you develop your aura senses. …And of course, there’s no better way to rest oneself than with a period of calm through meditation,” he added, as he crossed his legs in a meditative position.

…Typical Galen. But…maybe he has a point, Arian realised. Maybe meditation would help me. At the very least, it couldn’t hurt to give it a go.

“Sure,” he agreed. “I’ll do it.” The human copied the position of the dojo master, sitting in a cross-legged position across from him.

“Close your eyes,” Galen instructed. “Take deep breaths, and let them out slowly. Become more relaxed with each breath, and embrace the inner peace of your mind.”

Arian followed the Medicham’s instructions, and took breaths. Attempting to visualise the inner peace of his mind that Galen had described, he pictured a vista of pure tranquillity: a green field as far as the eye could see, with beautiful mountain scenery. The scene could not be more perfect: the sun shone, there was a calm breeze, and the air was crisp and clean…

---

“We really live in a beautiful place, don’t we, Papa?”

“We do, my boy. Free from all the world’s troubles, and surrounded by the amicable, supportive people of our village…I knew I made the right decision to stay here in the end. And thank the blessings of the Creator for it. It was his vision that saw the creation of the sheer beauty of this place. I wouldn’t trade anything to be anywhere else but here. Not where I’m separated from you and your mother.”

“Aw…thanks, Papa! You’re the best!”

“…Thank you, my boy. …But perhaps it’s time we head back to the village. I’d rather not get a search party sent for us again.”

“…Mama really worries too much sometimes, doesn’t she?”

“She only cares for us. That’s all you could ask for in a wife, and a mother.”

“Yeah. …I love Mama. And you too, Papa. You’re both the greatest parents in the world.”

“…And I you, my boy. You make me proud.”

---

Arian snapped out of his trance.

What was that? What did I just hear?

“Arian?” Galen’s voice drew him away from his thoughts. “Is something the matter?” The Medicham’s eyes were open, and he was gazing at the canine with a questioning look.

“I…don’t know,” Arian replied. “I’m…not sure what just happened. But when I went into meditation and tried to create this peaceful image in my mind…I suddenly began to hear voices.”

“Voices?”

“Yes. It was like…I was living through a memory. A memory of a child and his dad talking.”

“A memory?” This caught Galen’s attention. “Could it be…a memory from your past, perhaps?”

“…Maybe. But I’m not fully sure yet. I mean, the memory, if it is that, was a happy one, so…I’m not against the idea of it being from my past,” Arian answered. “But I can’t prove it. There’s not much to go on.”

“…Some truths do not reveal themselves immediately,” was the dojo master’s response. “Perhaps in time, you will have an answer for this.”

“…I hope so. Because it does make me curious,” the Riolu replied. He remained in his cross-legged position, deep in thought about what played out in his mind. Does it mean anything? Is it really a memory from my past, before I caught amnesia? And if so…was that really me and my dad talking?

He thought back to it. In it, there was definitely a father and a child talking. As well as that, it seemed to trigger when he imagined this idyllic landscape. Is that a clue? Did that memory take place in an area of beauty? That memory did talk about it…especially the dad. …I don’t recall the voice in question. It doesn’t sound familiar. And the child…

Wait a minute, he suddenly realised. That voice…I’ve heard that voice before. Just where did I hear it before…?

“There he is! He’s with Galen!”

“Hm?” Once again, Arian was forced out of his thoughts, as he looked to the entrance to see Lex, Isaac…and Elvira.

“Hello, Arian,” the latter greeted.

“Hi, Elvira,” Arian said in return. “Did you get some sleep in the end?”

“I did. I feel a bit better now,” the Treecko replied. “And now I’m ready for this spar with Isaac and Lex.”

“…You look as though you’ve had a workout already,” Isaac noted, as he sniffed the air.

“Yep,” Arian confirmed. “I did some training with Galen before this.”

“Did you teach him anything?” Lex wondered.

“Some things. I never turn down an opportunity to train an eager student,” Galen defended. “And Arian was quite keen to hone his technique. I couldn’t deny that enthusiasm. …Besides, if you win, victory will be all the greater, given your opponent’s advantage. Defeating tougher opponents is a vital lesson for up-and-coming mercenaries like yourselves.”

“Tougher? We’ll see about that,” Isaac said. “Defeating Hinnerk could not have come without the help of Team Sandstream. How good are you without their help? Are we sure it wasn’t merely a fluke?”

“That was not a fluke,” Arian insisted defensively, despite himself wondering that same question a number of times since he had beaten the Obstagoon. “We’ll prove to you our strength’s the real deal. Won’t we, Elvira?”

“We will,” the Treecko said, with confidence. “We might not have the might or rank of some more experienced teams, but we’re far from weak.”

“Come on, enough talking!” Lex interjected. “More battling! Then you can prove if you’re weak or not!”

“…I suppose he’s right,” Arian said, finding himself agreeing with the Cranidos’s words. “Let’s get into this.”

The two teams lined up on opposite sides of each other. Galen took his place out of their way, off to the side.

“The winner will be the side who knocks out both opponents of the opposite team,” the Medicham stated. “You may not use items in this battle. Victory must be determined by your own abilities, rather than your skill with using items. Now then…” He held his hands up, and clapped them together. “Begin!”

The moment he declared this, Lex charged forward. Immediately, Arian realised he was dead in his sights. Thinking quickly, he dodged out of the way, just before his adversary’s attack connected. He got to his feet and readied a Force Palm to counterattack with…

…Before, all of a sudden, pink circles entered his vision, and he felt pain that caused his move to fizzle out.

“Wh-What? Agh!” It was like a force was pulling him at all ends of his body. What is this? Ow…this really hurts…

Then he looked over, and saw Isaac’s gem glowing, as the latter was using Confusion on him.

…Oh. Right. Isaac’s a Psychic-type. That means…he’s strong against me. …Oh dear. This one’s gonna be an uphill battle…

But it’s not unwinnable, just as Galen said. A disadvantage doesn’t mean I can’t win. Especially…when I have a reliable partner by my side.

It was at that moment that Elvira used Mega Drain on Isaac, and the distraction from that caused the pain to cease.

“Thanks, Elvira,” Arian said. He didn’t wait for a reply, though; he kept his focus on the opponent in front of him. Lex was barely phased by his miss, and just as quickly reared up again for another attack. Energy coated his skull once again, and he threw his head forward. Regrettably, Arian didn’t fully dodge in time, and received a hit from the Cranidos’ Headbutt.

What he was not expecting, though, was the sheer force behind the attack. Arian found himself thrown some distance away from where he had landed. He got up, dazed and shocked at what just happened.

“…What was that?!” he asked. “What did you do? …Argh. Ow,” he winced, feeling the pain on his torso where his opponent had struck.

“…I used my head,” Lex replied, unable to resist a grin at what he had just said. “See, Isaac! I can say smart stuff!”

“…Clever. But save your witty banter for when we’re done, Lex,” Isaac advised. “Cocky words and actions might only embolden them.”

“…Careful, Arian,” Elvira advised. “Cranidos are known for their sheer physical prowess. Even one hit from Lex is going to pack a serious punch.”

“That’s right,” Lex said. “Understate me, and you’re gonna regret it!”

“…True. Underestimate my partner at your peril,” Isaac subtly corrected. “Stick to battling, Lex. It’s what you do best.”

“Gotcha, Ise!” obliged Lex. “Now…onto you, Elvira!” He lunged forward once again, this time revealing his fangs and ready to use Bite.

“Not likely,” Elvira countered, and with the use of Detect, effortlessly dodged the dinosaur’s attack.

“…Detect, hm?” Isaac observed. “…Looks like nothing can be done there for now. Let’s focus our attacks on Arian instead. That way, it’ll be one less opponent to deal with.”

“Me?” Arian’s eyes widened in horror. Both of them? Oh crap. That last hit took a lot out of me. If I get hit by their attacks, there’s no way I can keep fighting! I need to keep going…

Isaac’s gem glowed red, and Arian felt the pain from the Espeon’s psychic power once again. But he powered through the attack, resisting it despite the increasing strain he was being put under.

“Hang on, Ise! I’ll help!” Lex volunteered. “Take this!” He lunged forward with his skull poised to strike, and struck Arian with Headbutt again. “That should do it.”

“…Oh, really?” Arian breathed. “Think again.” A red glow surrounded him, and though he was panting heavily…he still stood.

“B-But how?” Lex was dumbfounded. “How did – ” He didn’t get a chance to finish his sentence before Arian slammed a Force Palm into him, pushing him away.

“Endure…” Isaac observed.

“Arian! I’ll help!” Elvira called out, before using Mega Drain on Lex. The combo proved to work quite well, and after it had been dealt, the Cranidos was in similar straits to Arian, on the verge of being defeated. “There. That should even the odds a bit.”

“I don’t think so,” Isaac shot back. He unleashed a different attack, this time one that shot star-shaped rays at his two opponents. Seeing them, Arian attempted to dodge out of the way, but the effort was futile; they chased him down and hit him anyway.

“…No…I think that’s me down,” he said regrettably, as he tried to get up without success. “Sorry, Elvira…”

“…No worries,” Elvira returned. “I’ll finish this. A team isn’t defeated unless all of its members fall.”

“Quite right,” Galen seconded from the sidelines. “Victory is never a guarantee at a point like this. The odds may be in favour of Team Mindfist, but they must push further for victory, if they want it. And though Elvira’s on her own now…that doesn’t mean she’s exhausted all of her strategic options.”

“Duly noted,” Isaac said. “Well then…what tricks do you possess on your own, Elvira? That…I would like to see.”

“You won’t be disappointed,” Elvira promised. “Now then…I know I said it already, but let’s even the odds a bit. For real this time.” She focused her attention on Lex, whom she unleashed another Mega Drain on. The Cranidos was unable to avoid the attack in time, and joined Arian in having to throw in the towel.

“So that’s an even playing field, you say?” the Espeon remarked. “…I wonder about that. Arian and Lex are alike in many ways – both yearn to get into the thick of things. But are you and I alike? Are you the ‘brains’ of Team Elpis, just as Arian seems to be your ‘brawn’?”

“…You know, I really don’t like labels like ‘brains’ or ‘brawn’ to describe people’s fighting style,” criticised Elvira. “My dad taught me that the best fighters have both at their disposal. Sharpening one edge of the blade is no good; both strategy and power have to be constantly honed if someone wants to be the best warrior they can. There’s an old Miletan quote about this. …What was it again? Something about cowards and fools…”

“‘The leader that separates his warriors from his tacticians will have his battles fought by fools and strategies devised by cowards,'” Isaac recited. “I’m aware. I’ve read my share of the works of Miletan historians. That specific quote comes from Chapter 1, line 46 of the History of the Tyrant King’s War, written by Euthymios of Lefkada. …I’m surprised you know of it. And I’m glad that you do. Because I don’t believe in that nonsense of brains and brawn either. Logic and strength in the one warrior…truly, the ultimate combination. But do you have both? Come. Let’s find out!”

After saying this, he used Confusion. Elvira took the hit, luckily resisting it better than Arian did due to her partner’s type disadvantage against Espeon. Even so, the Espeon’s psychic power was made apparent through that attack alone. He and Lex…quite a powerful pair. Even without his partner, Isaac’s still a force to be reckoned with. …I need to make a similar stand. I shouldn’t need to rely on Arian’s help all the time. There might well be a time in the future where I’ll have to rely on my own strengths, rather than depend on Arian. Now’s as good a time as any to start on that…by getting some of my strength back.

Elvira cast Mega Drain again. It was a slight relief to her, feeling herself regain some of her energy. It wasn’t much, but it was a way to deal damage and heal herself at the same time. The latter was important, especially in a duel where no items like Oran Berries were allowed.

However, her opponent instantly struck back with a Quick Attack. The look in Isaac’s eyes showed a determination that would not give in until a substantial conclusion to this spar had been reached.

“I can do that too, you know,” Elvira responded, and hit back with her own Quick Attack.

“Not a unique factor,” shot back Isaac. “Quick Attack is plentiful, learned by a high proportion of Pokémon. I would be disappointed if Quick Attack is all you have to offer me.”

“Of course not. How about this, instead?” Elvira then got up close, and launched a Leafage attack at Isaac. At close range, the Espeon found himself unable to dodge the Treecko’s flurry of leaves, and many of them dealt a number of cuts to him.

“…Not bad,” Isaac panted. That was an encouraging sign for Elvira; she was wearing her opponent down, and he was getting close to giving in. “…You have skill, Elvira. You deserve praise on that front. But…our spar’s not over. Not until one of us yields. And I have no will to admit defeat now!”

At that point, he suddenly turned around. Before Elvira could react, Isaac kicked his rear legs backward, and she got a face full of sand.

“Agh!” she cried, as the sand got in her eyes. “Sand-Attack?”

“Quite right,” Isaac declared. “Just the move to trip you up at this point in our spar.”

“Doesn’t matter,” Elvira breathed. “I can still defeat you!” She launched Mega Drain. However, her obfuscated vision thanks to Isaac’s Sand-Attack made it for an effortless dodge from the Espeon.

“As I predicted,” the psychic said. “Now to capitalise on your mistake!” His gem glowed, and Elvira was hit with Confusion once again.

Urgh…not good, the Treecko thought to herself, as she felt the Confusion wear her down. This sand’s really blurring my view. At this rate, Isaac’s got this in the bag. He has Swift, after all. Just one Swift might well be enough to finish me off. If I’m to win…I need to make this count.

“This should wrap things up,” Isaac said. As Elvira predicted, he used Swift, and the star-shaped rays of the attack came careening toward her. It seemed inevitable that he would win…

…Unless the unmissable attack happened to miss. Which it did, much to the shock of the Espeon.

“But…oh, that’s right,” he realised, recalling earlier in the spar. “You know Detect…”

“…Yes, I do,” Elvira replied, her eyes glowing in a familiar usage of the move. “And I’m not going to let this go to waste.”

“…Hmph,” Isaac huffed. “That can only keep you safe for so long.”

“I know that. But it’s like I said. I won’t let this go to waste,” the Treecko vowed. “And I know just what move to use.”

The next thing Isaac knew, a Quick Attack struck him. To his annoyance, it hit him head-on, despite the Sand-Attack’s effects still plaguing his opponent. And worse still for him, it felt like Elvira had put her all behind the attack, and as such, it hit harder than it normally should have. Coupled with the previous attacks, the Espeon found himself on his side, and struggled to get on all fours again.

Even he knew when to give up. And so Isaac uttered the words confirming his submission.

“I yield.”

This caught Elvira by surprise. “You do?”

“Yes. I submit.”

“…That decides that, then,” Galen said from the sidelines. “The winner of this match is Team Elpis!”

“Elvira, you did it!” congratulated Arian, coming up to her. “You won us the victory!”

“…I merely did my best,” the Treecko played down. “To be honest, I didn’t think I’d manage to win the spar at some points…”

“Well, let this be known to you, Elvira,” Galen said, as he walked over to them. “Never doubt your ability to claim victory. There’s a reason why the saying ‘clutching victory from the jaws of defeat’ still holds up today. No matter how dire the battle situation may seem, it is never impossible to triumph in the face of adversity. …That goes for you too, Team Mindfist. It was a close match that could have gone either way.”

“It was,” agreed Lex. “And it was a good one! You’re great sparring partners, the both of you! Let’s do this again sometime!”

“Indeed,” Isaac concurred. “I wouldn’t be so sure of victory going to you, though. I’ll see to devising strategies that will lead to your defeat next time.”

“A good plan,” Galen approved. “It would be a way to assess the strengths and weaknesses of each of your fighting styles, and how to improve upon them. I myself have spotted a few things. In the coming days, I’ll teach you how to improve your fighting technique.”

“We’ll look forward to it,” Arian replied. “…That was a good workout. But you know what? I still feel ready and raring to do stuff. …Is that strange?”

“Not at all,” Isaac replied. “Riolu are known for their stamina, like most other Fighting-types. You most likely still have energy to burn.”

“It should be around noon right now,” Elvira said. “…We might still be able to do a mission today. …But after a short break for me. I don’t have the same stamina you have, Arian.”

“That’s okay. I can wait,” Arian accepted. “Let’s go back to our room. There’s more species of Pokémon I haven’t read up on yet. …You’re not the only one who’ll be studying up on strategies, Isaac,” he added, targeting his words at the Espeon. “I’m no slacker to making up plans.”

“…I look forward to seeing what you come up with,” Isaac returned. “I would hate to see your strategy stagnate and fail to grow beyond typical means.”

“You won’t be disappointed,” promised the Riolu. “Later, you two!” He left the dojo, with Elvira following close behind.

“…Heh. Looks like we hit the jackpot with good sparring partners, eh, Ise?” Lex said to his partner.

“…We did. Arian and Elvira…” Isaac looked at the duo as they disappeared out of sight. “…Ones to watch, those two. Something tells me…they’re not the kind of people that will fade into obscurity. I can’t prove what will be, but…it’s just a feeling. And one I’d put stock in.”

Just what will they achieve, though? That intrigues me more than anything. Hopefully that’s a question that will come to light in due time.