Chapter 5: Sandy Woes

“I’m making the word ‘house.’ That’s two, three, four, six, eight points for me!” Ezera’s dad exclaimed.

“How do you keep getting all those good letters, hon? I’m stuck with my two W’s and Z,” Ezera’s mom complained. She turned her tray of letters around to emphasize this.

“Hey, don’t show us!” Ezera’s dad said, turning away. He picked up a few more letters from the box. “Call it luck. Did you mark the points down, Ezera?”

Ezera typed the last of his message on his phone and hit send.

“Ezera? Come on, put down the phone. It’s family time.”

“Sorry, trying to comfort someone right now,” Ezera said, not taking his eyes off the screen.

His mom raised an eyebrow as she contemplated her next word. “Is this someone from school?”

“No, online.”

“What’s their name?”

“Elessedil. And I know what you’re thinking, it’s not her real name.”

“Took the words right out of me.” Her hands hovered over three tiles. “She’s a girl? Be sure you’re not getting catfished.”

Ezera slouched in the chair, giving his mom his death stare. “Why do they call it catfishing anyway? Cats don’t even like water much to fish.”

Ezera’s dad leaned over and grabbed the notepad. “What’s going on with Elessedil that she needs all your attention?” he asked.

“She’s just… having a bad day, really,” Ezera said. He started typing once more.

“That doesn’t sound life threatening. Can’t you get back to her later? Tell her you’re busy.”

Ezera glanced up, hiding his annoyance. “She was there to listen to me when I needed it. I’m not going to be rude and leave her on read.”

“Leave her on read?”

“Yeah. You read the message but don’t say anything.”

“There’s a term for it? I do that to my coworkers all the time,” Ezera’s mom commented, laughing. She created ‘we’ on the board. “This is the best I can do.”

“My point being,” his dad went on, tallying the score, “people like her aren’t going to be around in the long run. They can leave you anytime. Only us, family, will be here.”

“And when you’re gone? What then?” Ezera responded. “I don’t see your logic working well then.” He placed his phone in his lap and stared at the letter tray.

His father set the notepad down. “By then you’ll either be strong on your own or have your own family.”

“Ah yes, I will embrace the power of loneliness and do neither of those things.”

“Ezera!” his mom chided, lightly smacking his arm. “Don’t say that!”

“I know, I know. I’m kidding.” Ezera’s parents both frowned at him. “Seriously.” He smirked as he rearranged the letters on his tray. “What a perfect word. I’m making ‘single.'”

“Very funny…” his dad began, but paused as Ezera laid out the letters. “Oh, get out of here! That’s one, two, five, seven, nine, twelve points.”

“Who’s lucky now?” Ezera’s mom joked.

Ezera picked up his phone and began typing once more. “Couldn’t be me.”

---

A hoof stomp rang out across the lobby. “That will do it for announcements, dears. May the sword guide you,” Rapidash stated.

“And the shield protect us!” the crowd chanted back.

Litleo made her way over to Ezera, who sat toward the right end of the room. His expression brightened as she neared.

“Litleo! Morning. Did you rest okay?” Ezera asked.

“It was fine,” she replied, not wanting to get into the details. ‘Another stupid nightmare,‘ she thought.

“Other adjectives besides ‘fine’ exist too, you know,” he said, crossing his arms.

“Yes, but it works doesn’t it? I’m more surprised you woke up on time,” Litleo said. She swiped her mane away from her face. “I thought you would be exhausted from the fight yesterday.”

Ezera inspected himself. “I thought I would be too, but I’m putting it on the fact I slept early for once.”

A small grin formed across Litleo’s face. “I assume that means you’re ready to battle again.”

“We- well, hopefully we can skip any battling today…” He coughed. “Let’s go see Sirfetch’d, shall we?”

The pair walked over to the stage, moving by Purrloin and Yamper. Purrloin gave a passing nod, which earned a wary gaze from Litleo.

“Hi, Guildmaster,” Ezera said.

“Ah, Klink.” Sirfetch’d narrowed his eyes at Litleo. “And Klang. Good morning,” he greeted.

“Those names weren’t even close this time,” Litleo sighed.

“Eh? You need to be loudred than that if you want me to hear you.”

“Err, where’s Rapidash headed?” Ezera asked, watching her stride away with the other guild members.

“Off to sort town affairs! She’s much more skilled in that area than I am.” Sirfetch’d lightly tapped his shield. “Her aside, it’s time to begin your second day of testing, yes? Today’s objective will have you once more report to Watchog. He has the specifics. Capiche?”

“Well that’s straightforward. Alright.”

“Good! I expect you should have no trouble for what’s to come.”

“We’ll see about that,” Litleo said, departing for the east hallway.

“Wait, Litleo- Ah, goodbye, Guildmaster,” Ezera said, hurrying after her. He caught up and laid his hands on his hips. “Isn’t it rude to leave the Guildmaster or Vicemaster without saying anything? Sirfetch’d especially cause, would he even know you’ve left?”

Litleo flicked her tail nonchalantly. “I do it all the time. I’m pretty sure they’re used to it by now.”

She pushed on the door to the commission center. They entered expecting Watchog to be filing his papers, but instead found him engaged in a conversation with three tiny mice.

“Eeeeh? This is only half of what we should be getting!” Pichu exclaimed, static racing from her cheeks to the tips of her ears.

Watchog flipped through the papers in his hand. “That… is correct.” He held the papers up to view them better. “The client reported their item was very damaged when they received it.”

Pachirisu pulled Pichu’s ear. “You had one job, Pichu. We told you to be careful with it!” she complained.

“Bu- bu- but all I could think about was the Poké we’d be getting! And the outside looked fine to me.” Pichu hung her head.

“Meh. It’s fine, great leader! We’ll do the next one super perfect,” Morpeko comforted.

Ezera leaned into Litleo’s ear. “Who’s the one next to Pachirisu?”

“Before I answer that, how do you happen to know some pokémon and not others?” Litleo asked, stepping back from him. “Don’t tell me it’s your H-intuition again.”

“You’re going to call me suspicious if I tell you.”

“You still are suspicious, so might as well say it anyway.”

Ezera frowned. “Can this wait until we’re on our way to whatever today? It’s kinda complicated to explain here.”

“Fine.” She jerked her head to the half black and yellow pokémon next to Pachirisu. “That’s Morpeko. Her species is notorious for getting grumpy if they don’t eat enough.”

“She gets hangry? Who doesn’t?”

“Her case is different. Imagine denying a snorlax their food, then turning it up by ten.” Litleo gave Ezera a few moments to approach Watchog. When he didn’t, she pushed him forward. “Are you going to start talking or will I have to do it for you?”

“Yup, I’m moving,” Ezera mumbled, going up. “Sorry to interrupt, Watchog, but uh, I heard you have instructions for me?”

Watchog glanced up. “Greetings, Ezera. As a matter of fact, I have the next commission on the counter.”

“Ooh, ooh, a newcomer!” Pichu said, bounding right next to Ezera. She held out her hand. “Hi hi! Nice to meet’cha!”

Ezera took her hand and shook it. “Hey there.”

Litleo’s eyes widened in light of the action about to take place. “Wait, I wouldn’t do tha-“

A tickle ran up Ezera’s arm, promptly shocking him with electricity. Ezera yipped and yanked his arm back.

“Yeesh, what was that for?” Ezera remarked, shaking his hand.

“Hehe, Pichu’s the name and pranks are my game,” she said, giggling. “My team calls it the Handshock! Get it? Handshake? Or is it pawshake?”

“Why not both?” Morpeko said. She leaned on Pichu. “We invented it, so no takesies of our idea.”

Pichu fervently nodded. “Mhm mhm! Prepare to feel the wrath of Team Piksqueak if you cross us!”

Pachirisu joined Pichu’s other side and the three struck a pose, showing off the three yellow scarves adorning their necks. Each scarf had a gold version of the guild emblem pinned to them. Ezera exchanged a questionable glance with Litleo, who rolled her eyes. Pichu locked her sight onto Litleo.

“You hanging in there?” she asked, breaking the formation.

“Why wouldn’t I be?” Litleo said. “You all don’t need to keep checking up on me.”

Pichu puffed out her cheeks. “Gee! After all the work we went through to get the- mmm, mmmm!”

Pachirisu took her tail off Pichu’s mouth. “You almost gave it away, dummy!

“Gave what?”

Pachirisu whispered into Pichu’s ear.

“Ooooh. Hehe, almost forgot.” She jumped and snatched a paper from Watchog’s hands. “These are good for us to take on, right Watchy?” Pichu inquired, squinting to read the details.

“Yes, but I-” he began.

“Great! Let’s do this one, team. It spells big Poké!” Pichu held the page in her mouth and scampered out the door with her teammates.

“…Need to create a copy of the commission first,” Watchog sighed.

Ezera absentmindedly tapped his fingers together. “They’re Veterans?”

“Yeah, somehow.” Litleo pawed at the single paper on the counter. “What’s this, Watchog? Only one?”

“Yes. We haven’t had much in the way of escorts lately,” Watchog said.

“Escort?” Ezera asked. “I hope it’s not for someone important.”

“‘Assistance needed,'” Litleo read. “‘Falink has been separated from their squad and would like an escort through Atlas Coast to Turntop Cave. They’ll be waiting by the fountain during the morning.'” She paused. “Watchog, why does this read like falink didn’t write this?”

Watchog turned to the cubbies. “That may be because this particular falink has a… distinct way of speaking,” he explained. “Thus, I took some liberties to make the request clearer.”

Ezera threw his hand in the air. “Can we rewind a bit? I did not get any of that. Where’s Atlas Coast?”

“It’s to the east of town past the wharf. Didn’t you see it on the map?”

“I um, might’ve already forgotten some of the layout.” He shot a sheepish smile to her. “Did you really expect me to memorize it though?”

Litleo put a paw to her head, suggesting she did. She looked once more at the paper. “Reward is a Metal Coat and five hundred Poké.”

“Should falink hand the payment to you, Ezera, I’d like you to please drop it here afterward,” Watchog ordered, turning back.

“Do I get to keep some of it?” Ezera said.

“Unfortunately, no.” Watchog split the page and handed the green one to Litleo. “As you’re not a member yet, the proceeds will go straight to the guild.”

“Some of us call it robbery,” Litleo stated, storing the page.

Watchog raised an eyebrow. “Alternatively, think of it as an entrance fee you needn’t worry about paying.”

“I’m fine with whatever,” Ezera said, tail wagging slightly. “Rewards shouldn’t be the deciding factor for this kind of stuff anyway.”

“An excellent philosophy,” Watchog commended.

Litleo refrained herself from scowling. She blew hot air from her mouth upward, releasing the heat building in her mane. ‘Seriously, him too? Another do-good attitude. Who does he think he’s fooling?‘

“Yeah, yeah. For the good of all pokémon and whatever.” She neared the door. “Are we done here?”

“Excited to start our day, huh?” Ezera said. “See you soon, Watchog.”

“Adieu and good luck, adventurers,” he replied.

---

Pokémon milled about in Kaiyo Town’s plaza, exchanging greetings and gossip in earnest. A group of jumpluff bounced past Litleo and Ezera as they searched for their commissioner. Ezera perched himself on a wooden bench, having insisted on wanting to find falink first despite having no idea what the pokémon looked like. He watched a pair of bidoof kids run up to a single bibarel, items clutched in their mouth.

“Would you get down from there?” Litleo said. She sat below, stretching her neck back to look at him. “You look ridiculous. Who stands on a bench?”

“My legs are so short you could say I’m sitting anyway,” Ezera countered, staring at a basculin flop by.

“Be thankful you aren’t any taller to make us look weirder. Now are you coming down?”

“Yes, mom.” He hopped over to her right side. “Any sign of them?”

“None. Which means it’s a good time for you to explain what I asked about earlier.”

“Oh yeah, that. How do I begin… Um, no other way to say it besides pokémon exist in my world too.”

Litleo sat up straighter. “You mean… you coexist with pokémon?”

“No no,” Ezera said, shaking his head. “More like, you’re fictional? In a sense. As in you only exist in what we call video games. Although I guess this proves you are… very real.”

“Uh huh…”

“I didn’t stay caught up with the games as I got older. I had my attention on other things and never got around to seeing newer pokémon. Which is why I know some and not all.” He rubbed his fingers. “I told you it wouldn’t make any sense.”

Litleo shifted her gaze to the water streaming from the fountain. He was right. It didn’t make sense. ‘All this is irrelevant to me anyway,’ she thought. Yet, something about Ezera’s words made her feel strangely… uncomfortable. Almost, as if- ‘It’s nothing. Get over it.‘

“Yeah, you’re right,” Litleo finally said, adjusting her satchel. “This isn’t helping your case at all. I’ve heard enough.”

“Then what will?”

“Time. That’s if, nothing else strange pops up with you around.” She spotted a yellow armored ball waddle into view. Blue spikes pointed from the armor, giving them ample space to navigate through the crowd. “Heads up. Falink is here,” she said, pointing a paw. “Your move, ‘team leader.'”

Ezera crossed over to the fountain, approaching falink. “Hi, you’re falink, right? You need an escort?”

Falink avoided eye contact. “Yes, that is I. You are from the guild?”

“Yep,” Ezera said, looking at Litleo.

“Proof. Can I see?” falink requested, shuffling backward slightly.

“Proof…? Uh, what proof are you talking about?”

“They’re referring to the guild badge,” Litleo answered, digging through her bag. She produced the guild emblem in the form of a silver badge. “Here. Is this good enough?”

“Verify.” Falink allowed Ezera and Litleo to see their bright blue eyes. “You two are safe. Call me Flin.”

Ezera smiled at them. “Okay, Flin. You ready to leave?”

“Am I? Yes. Want to see my squad again.”

“How’d you get separated? If you don’t mind me asking,” Ezera said as the trio set off the east road. He hung on Flin’s right side while Litleo stayed on the left.

“Silly reason,” Flin admitted, glancing down. “We party a lot. But this time I have too much Persim-Razz berry juice. I wander too far and lose sight of leader. Now here I am.”

“Basically you got too drunk?” Litleo said, unamused.

Flin brought their side plates closer together, as if they could hide their already hidden face even further.

“And that is exactly the reason why I don’t touch the stuff,” she went on.

Ezera shrugged. “Ah well, whatever the case, we’re here and that’s what matters. Now you know not to drink so much next time, right?”

“Right. Will not,” Flin repeated. “I will drink only nine rounds instead of ten.”

“I don’t think that’s… gonna do much,” Ezera chuckled. “But you do you.”

The dirt slowly transitioned to cream-colored sand as the coast grew near. Crystal blue water ebbed to and from the sea, sloshing and glimmering under the sunlight. Eventually the path shifted into a wider area and the three walked beside a shallow root-filled incline. Tall fields blocked what they could see over it. A wooden sign greeted them in the form of an upward arrow, reading ‘Kaiyo Town Wharf and Atlas Coast’.

“Wow, this is the wharf?” Ezera gasped, gazing at the few rows of sandstone docks.

“Amazed?” Litleo asked.

“Yeah! The only docks I’ve known are made out of wood and stand on a few pillars.” He strayed a few feet from Flin to get a closer view. “These look like they’ve been raised directly from the floor.”

Litleo contemplated tossing an apple at Ezera’s head. “In case you’ve forgotten, we are on your test right now and actively escorting somemon. It’s not the time for sightseeing.”

“I do not mind,” Flin stated.

“Sorry,” Ezera said, coming back. “I assume you guys use this place for transport?”

“Yeah. The drednaw ferry everymon around the continent,” Litleo replied.

“Dunno know who that is but… I’ll find out. Speaking of, does this place have a name? Like the continent.”

“You know not where we live?” Flin said.

“Oh, I uh,” Ezera stuttered, “I never bothered to learn.”

Litleo side eyed him. “We’re on the Veiled Continent, or Sixth Continent as the foreign pokémon like to call it. You’ll learn it later.”

The group continued on, leaving the wharf behind. Ezera busied himself by continuing to converse with Flin.

‘He really can’t go without talking.‘ Litleo shook her head and quickened her pace, resolving to scout ahead. Shiny particles in the sand made it hard for her to identify any hidden pokémon, however, acting as distractions every few steps. Between those and the crashing waves blocking her hearing, there was little success. This continued for a bit until Litleo became bored of finding nothing. She trudged back, cringing from the tiny granules lodging themselves in her paw pads.

“…and ground-types scary for I. Need escort through here,” Flin finished.

“I can’t imagine what a super effective move would feel like. Must be pretty painful,” Ezera wondered. He beckoned to Litleo. “Hey, welcome back. Flin was just telling me about their squad. There’s Flink, Flan, Fin, Fink, and Filn…” He paused at Litleo’s discomforted face. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” she replied.

“Obviously it’s not nothing. You’re looking like me when my friends made me eat ketchup on ice cream. And I’m telling you, it’s NOT a pleasant thing.”

Litleo’s tail twitched as she tried to make sense of his comment. She inhaled and sighed deeply. “I hate sand. It’s messy and a pain to walk in.”

Ezera blinked in surprise. “Oh. That’s understandable.”

“But not only that…”

“What?”

“Forget it. You don’t need my complaints.” Litleo craned her neck toward the sky. Why was Ezera’s words still nagging her? ‘Now I’m going to start sounding crazy too.‘

“You can say it. I’ll listen,” Ezera insisted.

“Like I told Pichu, don’t concern yourself with me. I’ll figure it-” She halted. “The sand moved up ahead.”

Flin let out a small squeal and huddled close to them.

“Think whoever it is is peaceful?” Ezera questioned.

“You know the answer to that,” Litleo said.

“Greeeaaat.”

Litleo padded a few steps forward crouching, but froze again. The fire in her throat disappeared when she noticed a lack of support beside her. “Ezera, what are you doing back there?” she hissed. “You aren’t a wimpod, are you?”

Ezera flinched. “Shouldn’t someone, I don’t know, stay with Flin?”

“What a great idea,” Litleo said, straight-faced. “You can take the front and I’ll stay in the back with Flin. Or, we both do this.”

“Damn. You got me there.” Ezera begrudgingly moved from Flin’s side.

The pair advanced together silently. Litleo readied an Ember and blew it in front of her. The sand beneath her feet trembled and caved. She shouted as a sprout-haired Diglett struck her stomach, leaving her sprawled sideways. Litleo winced and waited to catch her breath. Ezera pivoted and swung his claws but Diglett burrowed once more. He growled and ran to help Litleo to her feet.

“Where’d they go?” Litleo grunted.

A Mud Slap hit Ezera in the back of the head before he could answer. “Ugh! This is the worst,” he complained, wiping off the mud. “Can’t even get a solid foothold here.”

Litleo kept her eyes along the floor. The sand to her left crunched and she pounced. Diglett popped up just in time for Litleo’s Fire Fang to land. Diglett squealed and twisted while Ezera dashed in for a Slash. But no sooner did he connect it that the ground rumbled violently. Jolting pain shot through Ezera’s and Litleo’s bones. Both stumbled back, freeing Diglett to burrow.

“We need to get them to stay above ground,” Litleo stated, panting. “Otherwise we’ll all be KO’ed before long.”

Ezera glanced behind to make sure Flin was okay. They were still safely tucked beneath their armor. “How do you suggest we do that?”

Litleo fumbled through her satchel and tossed Ezera a small seed. “Using that.”

“What? Are we gonna grow something- DUCK!” They lowered their heads to avoid the sludge of dirt.

“It’s a Petrify Seed,” Litleo explained, peeking back up. “Don’t ask what it does, just listen. When Diglett pops up, I’ll give you an opening. Use that second to throw the seed at them.”

“If you’re really sure…”

She positioned herself away from Ezera, honing in on her ears to listen for shifting sand. A moment later the area beneath her quivered. She hopped up as Diglett’s head appeared then rammed into them. Diglett shook off her attempted stun quickly. Seeing this, Litleo yanked Diglett’s hair with her mouth, holding them still before they could retreat.

“Now, Ezera!” Litleo commanded.

Ezera hurled the Petrify Seed. It struck Diglett and shattered upon impact. Diglett promptly froze in place, eyes and mouth wide open. Embers spewed forth from Litleo’s mouth. Diglett had no choice but to take it and yelled in pain, albeit frozen. Ezera came in with his right hand ready, slicing in one continuous swing. Diglett unfroze and slumped over, face eating the sand.

“Oh man,” Ezera said, leaning on his knees.

“That wasn’t so hard, was it?” Litleo said, checking herself.

“Not as bad as yesterday, but still… I wish it was that simple most of the time.”

Litleo scoffed. “It would’ve been simpler if you decided to use Dragon Rage. Why didn’t you?”

Ezera rubbed his fingers. “That… uh, I can’t remember how to use it.”

“You- what?”

“Yeah… as dumb as it is.”

Litleo held her sigh. “Okay, you know what? We’ll deal with that later.”

Ezera leaned over Diglett. “You think now is a good time to see what diglett look like underneath?”

“And be cursed for the rest of your life? No thanks,” she answered. She nibbled on an Oran Berry and rolled one to Ezera.

“Come on, you know I hate the food being on the floor!”

“Consider it payback for making the fight harder than it should’ve been.” She walked to Flin. “Were you hurt, Flin?”

“No. I in good shape. Much oblige,” Flin replied.

“Great. Let’s keep moving, then.”

They returned to Ezera and continued their trek along the coast. No more pokémon appeared to bother them, a relief to both Ezera and Litleo. They finally reached their destination as the sun was close to hitting midday. Ezera raised his brow as they arrived at Turntop Cave’s ovular entrance. The rock formations surrounding it varied between smooth and jagged rock spikes. The rock spikes’ tips alternated between facing the sky and facing the floor. A revelation hit Ezera.

“So that’s why it’s called Turntop Cave, because the rocks are upside down!” he guessed.

“Wow! How did you figure that out?” Litleo said sarcastically.

“Hey, I’ve never been here. Humor me.”

“Okay, how’s this for humor. The other reason it got its name is because you walk upside down in certain parts of it.”

Ezera’s jaw hung open. “Wait, seriously?”

“We’ve brought you to where you need, Flin,” Litleo stated. This is our stopping point.”

“Yes. I thank you. Here is reward.” Flin produced the Metal Coat and Poké. Litleo stored the items in her bag.

“It was nice getting to know you, Flin. Take care,” Ezera said.

“Um. Might I bother for other, small favor?” Flin asked.

“What would that be?” Litleo said, eyes narrowed.

“Can you take I through cave? I can offer more reward.”

“That’s no way a small favor. No can do. We did what was asked of us.”

“But Litleo, can’t we make an exception?” Ezera asked.

“No. This isn’t an official task either.” She pulled Ezera to the side. “I’m not risking it if there’s a chance of an ambush.”

“Ambush? Flin’s a nice pokémon!”

“And how would you know that?”

Ezera glanced over at Flin. “Well, uh…”

“Exactly. You don’t.”

“And what if they’re telling the truth? Shouldn’t we help them?”

Litleo’s fur bristled. “If you feel the need to go out and help everymon you see, be my guest. But I’m not going any further.” She stomped away from the entrance.

Ezera looked guiltily at Flin. “Sorry. We can’t.”

“Is alright. Miss has point. I… will manage,” Flin said, gazing into the cave. “Goodbye.”

Ezera watched Flin enter and disappear into the dark. He took a step forward to call out, but paused. He turned back and began chasing after Litleo, shaking his head.

---

Ezera trailed behind Litleo as they left Kaiyo Town’s west entrance, on the road to the guild. They hadn’t spoken a word on their journey back, an experience Ezera wasn’t quite used to. ‘What was that on the coast?‘ he wondered, eyeing the back of Litleo’s head. ‘She turned so cold all of a sudden. I want to ask but… what if that makes her angrier?‘

The silence continued on. Ezera rubbed his fingers with increasing nervousness as he debated back and forth with himself. He finally gathered his nerves after reaching a conclusion.

“Are we gonna talk about what happened on the coast or…?” he started.

Litleo tilted her head, expressionless. “What’s there to talk about? It was a simple job on our part. We’re not obligated to take favors.”

“I’m not talking about that. I meant your… outburst.”

“My outburst?” she repeated, taking on a colder tone. “What’s the issue?”

“Well you- don’t kill me, had a temper and I wanted to know, did I offend you?”

Litleo didn’t reply at first. She kept walking before finally commenting, “You’re such a pokémon pleaser, you know that?”

“Er, thanks?” Ezera said.

“Take it as a compliment if you want.”

“You’re avoiding my question,” Ezera said, picking up his pace to match with Litleo.

“Why are you always so insistent on having to know my thoughts?” she retorted, moving quicker.

Ezera halted, frowning. “Because I’d like to be your friend, even if we only met a few days ago.” Litleo’s pace faltered. “You may not, but I do. And I wanna help you.”

“And that’s what I’m mad about,” Litleo bitterly said. She let her tail fall to the floor.

“Huh?”

“I don’t buy it. Your whole ‘goody-goody’ act.” She turned to him. “It’s a facade.”

Ezera didn’t respond for a few moments. “Am I supposed to say you got me?” He threw his arms in the air as if threatened by a mugger.

“You asked, I answered.”

“So to clarify… you’re mad, because I’m trying to be a good person? Err, pokémon.”

“A fake, good pokémon. That and your super friendly approach with clients like Flin.”

“Now what’s wrong with that?”

“Everything,” Litleo said, getting in his face. “You’re the kind of guy who would do almost anything they ask, wouldn’t you?”

“If it was reasonable, yeah,” Ezera agreed, unflinching.

“Then you’re just the same,” she mumbled, gazing off to the side.

“What?”

Litleo returned her glare at him. “Caring for strangers is more trouble than it’s worth. Save yourself the heartache.”

Ezera backed up from Litleo, studying her complexion. ‘How did she become so pessimistic? It’s even worse than Dad’s view of things.’ He folded his arms. “You may think it’s trouble, but I don’t.”

“Then we’re done discussing this, aren’t we? I’m not convincing you and you aren’t convincing me.”

“But what if we run into this argument again?”

“You’re talking as if we’re a real team. We’re not. After the test you’ll be on your own and free to work however you like.”

“Oh… what if I want to join you?”

Litleo’s ears and tail perked up. “Wha- no. You are the last pokémon I want to be seen with.”

“Oh, thanks!” Ezera said, feigning a hurt look.

“Besides,” Litleo carried on, rolling her eyes, “there are better teammates than me who’d fit you.”

“Is this your way of looking out for me? Cause if it is…” Ezera grinned. “You can go ahead and say it.”

“You. Are. Unbelievable.” Litleo swiftly whirled around, whacking the tip of her tail across his face. She began moving ahead.

‘Well, the mood’s lighter, thankfully,‘ Ezera thought, rubbing his cheek. ‘But I’m still no closer in getting to know her. Just have to take it one step at a time… one step at a time…‘

---

Litleo and Ezera got back to the guild in record time. They submitted Flin’s payment to Watchog, successfully completing Ezera’s second test. From there they spent the rest of the afternoon doing light endurance tests for Ezera. When that ended, the pair said their goodbyes and retired for the evening.

Litleo stuck her head near her quarters’ window to dry off from the shower. The night air responded quickly, blowing a cool draft in. She sniffed and caught the smell of oncoming rain.

‘Eugh, it better not be heavy,” Litleo hoped. She pawed at a cushion as the day’s conversations resurfaced. ‘It’s not possible for Ezera to have the same beliefs. He’s lying.‘ That thought made her jump down from the counter. ‘Or connected to what happened.‘ She picked up a pillow and propped it on its side. ‘If he’s not…‘

Litleo inhaled and Headbutted the pillow. She repeated this a few times and switched to a combat stance, pretending the cushion was an enemy. ‘Shame I have no sparring partner, but it’ll have to do.‘ Litleo cleared her mind, allowing her body to perform whatever actions needed to un-tense herself.

After a considerable amount of time Litleo had all but tired herself out. She panted as she leapt back onto her pillow, waiting for the inevitable lull of sleep.

‘If Ezera really isn’t plotting something,‘ she drowsily contemplated, ‘maybe I can show him how wrong his thinking is. He has to see not everymon should or can be helped. He has to.‘