The hum of the hairdryer filled the bathroom and she felt the warm air run through her locks, ridding them of the moisture from the shower.

Her finger flipped the switch off and she set it to the side. Both arms found purchase on the counter and she leaned in, blue eyes staring back at her. They drifted upwards and narrowed, she'd been less thorough than she thought when cutting her hair short and a rebellious strand stuck out.

No matter, she'd get it now. Tilting her head down, she used one hand to grasp the errant lock and the other her knife. She checked to make sure everything would fall into the sink before proceeding, it would be rude to make a mess of someone else's bathroom.

A shriek pierced through the adjacent room and she aborted her attempts. Hopping off the stool she burst through the door, scanning for threats.

She relaxed upon seeing Mawile snickering in the corner, perched on a desk chair. The bedroom was small but neatly organized. Decorated in pastels, it was not as obnoxious as she'd originally feared. They were on the second floor of a quaint house near the playground. Through a window framed with curtains, she could see the setting sun in the distance.

Lowering the knife she regarded the room's owner who was sprawled on the floor looking at the bed with agitation.

"Is there a problem?" Tanya asked the girl, not seeing anything cause for concern.

"N-no." Marie, the referee from her impromptu match, slowly got to her feet. She didn't turn to look at Tanya, keeping her eyes locked on the bed. "I thought I saw something. It must have been my imagination." Tanya wasn't sure which of them she was trying to convince.

"Most likely," Tanya added. On the bed sat Ralts' doll, the Pokemon itself resting in her ball for now. "If you'll excuse me I need to finish getting dressed."

She'd stormed out with only a towel wrapped around her.

"Wait," Marie spoke, finally turning her direction. Her face twisted in a variety of ways before she continued. "I-I'm not going to even ask about why you were showering with a knife." Good. There was such a thing as stupid questions and 'Why didn't you disarm yourself?' qualified as one. "Your hair, who cut it?"

"I did." It had been a hasty decision but she had gotten most of it. "It was a rush job, I was about to correct it." She finished, raising the knife again.

"No." Marie's face was flat, devoid of any emotion. She stalked up and Tanya suppressed a reaction when small fingers grabbed the ends of her hair, rubbing them. The hand retracted and the girl marched into the bathroom, returning soon after with one of Tanya's recent purchases held. "What is this?"

"Shampoo?" Was this some sort of trick question? It was written in bold letters on the bottle. "plus conditioner and body wash."

It served three purposes and was significantly cheaper than buying separate products, it was clearly the superior choice.

"It's for men." Marie leveled a critical gaze towards her. Holding out the bottle as if it carried disease. "I'm not as crazy as the other girls in class but even I'm offended by this."

"The ones for women were overpriced," Tanya stated simply, taking back the bottle and marching into the bathroom. "I'll just be another minute."

"Nuh-uh." Marie followed after her, dragging a chair she'd kicked Mawile off of. "I'm not letting you do any more damage."

Tanya bit back rebuke, why was she putting up with this again? Small drops of water could be heard splashing down from the shower head.

Right, it was late and she'd been offered a hot shower. The bigger question was why she had been invited in the first place. She didn't dig too deep into the motives of a child.

A hand pressed on her shoulder and she assented, sitting on the chair that had been placed in the shower. Marie opened a drawer, retrieving a comb and a pair of scissors.

"I've never actually done this…" She said unsurely, a hand running through Tanya's hair. "But anything is better than what you were planning."

"Just make it quick," Tanya grumbled. Proper grooming was important when presenting yourself, she'd just never gotten used to this aspect of her second life.

Marie hummed in response and soon all that could be heard were the sounds of snipping. Tanya rested her eyes while the girl worked. Ordinarily, a blade near her throat would be closely monitored but the child posed no threat to her.

"And done," Marie exclaimed after some time, grabbing the blow dryer and cleaning her up. "You should think about growing it out."

"I'll consider it," Tanya lied while rising from the seat. "Now can you let me get dressed? I'd like to find a place for camp soon."

It should have been done before dark but it would be no great trouble to get it set up.

"Camping?" Marie left the bathroom with the chair. "Not staying in the Pokemon Center?"

"I prefer camping." It wasn't true, she enjoyed the fruits of civilization. However, it was the excuse she had prepared in case anyone stumbled on her campsite.

"Ick." Marie made a strange sound. "I know that's what you're supposed to do but I'm planning my journey to avoid that as much as possible. Oh!"

There was some fumbling coming from the other side. Tanya, now clothed, exited the bathroom and found the girl holding a large binder against her chest.

"I-just look, alright?" Marie didn't wait for her and plopped down on the ground, opening it up to reveal a map. "I'll start off by checking out the opening ceremony at Lumiose, I've seen it on the TV…but bro says it's super different in person. Then." A finger traced a river leading from the city. "I'll take an overnight ferry out of the city, the fare is subsidized for trainers so I'll get a good deal. It will drop me off at Aquacorde. I'll have about an hour to sightsee until making my way to Route 2. It's a short one so I'll rush through it and then comes the forest." There was a hint of dread in her tone and she leafed through the binder, stopping on a page with a printed map. "It's crawling with bug types but I'm hoping to find a Pansear!"

"May I?" Tanya asked with her hand out reached. Marie nodded enthusiastically, short hair bobbing up and down.

Tanya leafed through the thick-laminated pages.

"Did you do this yourself?" She found herself questioning after seeing how orderly it was put together. The region map was dotted with colored pins with corresponding tabs holding more detailed information about the area. There were lists of known Pokemon in the area, places to stay, restaurant reviews, and trainer supply stores. "It's well-detailed."

Far more detailed than a child her age should be able to accomplish.

"Ah." Marie clutched her skirt and looked away. "My brother may have helped. But only a little! I did most of the research myself!"

Tanya had the good sense not to call her out further. There was no reason to make the child cry.

"Wile." Mawile padded over, taking the binder. She flicked through the pages, stopping at one and holding it out to her. "Ma. Wile."

It was an aerial shot of a city blanketed in white. Mountains framed the backdrop, surrounding the small cradle of humanity.

"Snowbelle City?" Marie commented. "I'm not sure if I'll get that far…but if I do I'll have a fire type for sure." She shivered in place. "My teacher told me she almost lost her toes on the way there."

A consequence of improper planning.

"Wile." Mawile poked the picture to gain her attention again. "Ma. Wile."

Tanya gave a subtle nod, confirming the message had been received. Mawile didn't know what business Xerosic had there but they'd spent a non-insignificant period of time there. She was loath to travel that far but if she was bereft of leads she would take what she could get.

She'd forgotten that the Pokemon had been raised by the man and must have been privy to some secrets. It was probable she knew more than Tanya.

Mawile tore the next page out, earning a yelp from Marie, and shoved the free sheet in Tanya's face.

It was a list of local 'must try' delicacies from Snowbelle. Tarts, pastries, and some type of Meringue.

Why did she suddenly feel like she was being taken for a ride? Had Xerosic spent any time at all in the city or did Mawile just think the pictures looked appetizing?

Hmmm. She took the page before Marie could recover and examined it closer. They did look pretty good. She should probably visit-investigate the city. Leave no stone unturned and all.

"I apologize for Mawile, we're still working on some behavioral issues." Tanya handed it to the gaping girl. "Mawile, you had no right destroying her property."

"Ile, ile." The Pokemon agreed with a disconcerting smile.

"It's fine," Marie said with a strained look that said otherwise. "You know I thought Ralts was your main Pokemon but you and Mawile seem pretty close. I can't understand Bonsly yet."

Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.

She'd briefly met the Pokemon. Before Tanya had arrived, Marie had tried her luck against the Furfou. She ended up withdrawing it quickly after seeing how outclassed she was. It spoke well of her, she was able to make the sensible choice whereas her peers all had to make trips to the Pokemon Center.

"Marie!" A voice from below shouted. "Dinners ready! Come on down with your friend!"

"I'm afraid we'll have to decl-"

"Maw"

Well, a meal couldn't hurt.

—

"Thank you for having me."

Tanya provided the required platitudes. She was seated at a dining room table, flanked on both sides by Mawile and Ralts. Across the table sat Marie and her older brother, Marco.

He was half out of his seat and using a ladle to serve her and her compatriots stew from the pot sat at the center of the table.

"No problem, any friend of Marie's is welcome here."

Marco finished serving and settled down, taking his first bite. She took that as her cue to begin eating. She could feel Ralts' eyes shift from her and begin eating her own meal. Mawile on the other hand…was reaching out with a short hand trying for seconds already.

Tanya whacked the offending hand with a spoon and shot her a disapproving look.

"We're not friends dummy." Marie scoffed and Tanya got the sense she was trying to imitate someone. "We met an hour ago. I wouldn't have even talked to her if you weren't late."

"And that." He pointed at the girl. "Is why you don't have friends."

"Wha?" Marie sprung out of her chair for a moment before remembering there was company and sheepishly reseating herself. "I do too, jerk."

Marco chuckled, raising an eyebrow and then shaking his head.

"Just because you help them with their homework doesn't make them friends."

Marie's face bunched up at the comment and she reached into her pocket, pulling out a phone. Her fingers tapped on it quickly and she brought it up to her ear, peering at her brother.

"What are you doing?" Marco asked with a hint of anxiety. "You know there's no phones at the table."

"I'm calling mom. I'm sure she'd looove to hear what you just said."

A utensil could be heard clanging to the table and he reached over with panic on his face.

"You little-hand it over."

"No way!"Marie leaned away but his longer reach meant it was a matter of time before he snatched the phone. Her eyes glanced around, honing in on Tanya. "Catch"

It was tossed and Tanya moved to grab it when it was halted mid-air over the table. Ralts outstretched palm was lowered and the purple field around it blinked out of existence. It made a plop as it landed in the pot.

"Hahahaha" Marcus broke out in laughter, it grew heavier when he witnessed Marie's stricken expression. "This is what you get for throwing things."

"I wouldn't have to if you weren't so…ugh" Marie fished out the device, drying it frantically with a napkin. "Turn on, turn on, turn on." The girl mumbled in futility, the screen remaining dark.

"I'll buy you a replacement." Tanya volunteered, eying the psychic Pokemon who continued eating as if none of this involved her. "The fault lies on my end."

"You don't have to." Marie kept clicking buttons, hoping for a miracle. "Ralts must still be tired from showing that tourist up."

Was it? Behind the green bangs, a pink eye winked at her. Cogs began to turn in her head.

"No, ultimately it's my responsibility. I can use my prize money to purchase it."

"I, well I guess if you insist. There's a place close by that sells a bunch of used stuff. We can visit it tomorrow."

Something told her she'd not be welcomed back there.

"Why don't we upgrade you to a Holo Caster instead?"

Two little girls shopping would be less suspicious than one. She wouldn't normally include a civilian in her plan, let alone an underage one, but it wasn't like she was doing anything overtly dangerous.

"That's way too expensive." Marie's face betrayed her words.

"Oh come on Mar, she's offering." Marco saw through the half-hearted denial. "I'm sure the money is burning a hole in her pocket."

It really wasn't…

"He's right, I have no need for it." She ground out with a false smile. "However, I would like to visit the store with you. Would that be acceptable?"

"Of, of course!" Marie's voice came out as a squeak.

There was a crash from the yard and Tanya's head snapped in that direction.

Marco didn't miss a beat and slapped his hands on the table before rising.

"The perils of having a Rhydon, let's see what the damage is."

If this was a common occurrence it showed his failings as a trainer. Tanya followed him through the house and out the back door with some trepidation.

The yard was a simple patch of dirt surrounded by a chain-linked fence. Any grass that existed had long since been upended and numerous craters littered the field. If the dust still settling didn't indicate the newest addition, the two Pokemon on the rim looking down did.

"Rhydon…I told you to play nice." Marco had the decency to look embarrassed. "How is this nice?"

"Rhy! Don! Don!" Rhydon stomped its leg indignantly.

"Bon, Bon!" The tiny Pokemon who appeared like a potted plant backed up the bigger Pokemon's claim.

Tanya wasn't sure if Marco understood or believed said assertions but they were disturbingly believable to her.

"Carbink!" She called out to the embedded rock in the hole. "Shake it off."

The rock wiggled back and forth before shooting out. He wobbled in the air upside down before righting himself.

"Bin!" Carbink gave a battle cry and charged.

They all watched with varying reactions as the tiny pebble bounced ineffectively off the living boulder.

Carbink's offensive abilities remained, underwhelming.

Rather than try again, Carbink bounced up with his ears wagging in glee.

"Come here," She addressed the troublemaker. He got within range and she reached out, pulling on his ear and earning a small yelp. "Please don't conduct such exercises without getting my approval first."

Left unsaid is that she'd never give such approval. She'd thought the macho bullshit had been left with the 203rd but Carbink sought to disprove that belief.

How many times had she tried to break up fights only to find out it was some stupid contest of strength?

"Rock types." Marco had a tired smile. "They don't tell you how hard their heads are, well besides the ones who have Rock Head."

It would have been nice to be given a brochure about that, but at least he was more malleable than Mawile.

"Stay still." She released the ear and used her hands to steady the Pokemon, maneuvering his form. No cracks. The extent of the damage appeared cosmetic, thankfully. The Rhydon must have held back. "Think things through, we can't have you getting injured."

They literally could not afford it, both in cost and time spent in recovery.

"I've heard Carbink are sturdy but I've never seen it in person. Makes me want to find one myself but they're a little rare." Marco mused, rubbing his chin. "Where did you find it?"

"He found me." She deflected while telling the truth. "Your Rhydon is impressive."

It certainly looked the part. That type of Pokemon standing behind you would surely make any negotiations run smoother.

"This guy?" Marco patted the flank of the Pokemon. "I'm no ace but he brought us closer than most, he could stand to lose a few pounds though."

Marco dodged a swipe.

"Rhy." The Pokemon huffed, crossing its arms.

"Are you a professional trainer then?" They hadn't broached the subject but he did carry himself with some authority.

"Sorta." Marco shook a hand. "I'm juggling between that and a job at the port authority. Are you considering going pro? Carbink has the right attitude for it"

"Bink!" The Pokemon cheered at the praise. Tanya found the idea of reinforcing that mindset to be disturbing.

"I like to keep my options open. For now, I am traveling."

"Best time in your life to do it." Marco gained a far look, reminiscing. "Most try to time their journey with the circuit season but to each their own. Have you thought abou-"

A second crash was heard, duller than the last. Heads turned again and the large group squeezed inside the home.

They were greeted by the sight of an overturned pot, its contents dripping off the table. Mawile was slouched in her chair, her finger swept across the table and she brought it to her mouth. She savored the taste and let out a content sigh.

Ralts was seated where she'd left her, pointing an unnecessary hand towards Mawile.

These Pokemon were going to be the death of her.