The demeanor by which Sam carried himself was much different than the last time Lilith saw him. He had almost lost his gym battle in a careless approach, but it seemed like he really took the opportunity to reflect on himself.

He stood focused and ready, leaning forward towards the solution rather than on the back foot. His main problem was going with the flow and being reactive, not proactive. It was one of the reasons he was so likable, but served as a hindrance in a Pokemon battle where victory was the goal.

Joltik was already out with Trubbish across from him when she finally got the chance to turn back to the battle. Electro Webs shot out as the tiny spider slowed down the bag of trash. Trubbish was fine with the speed control, sending Sludge right back at Joltik. With the lowered speed, Joltik was able to set up a Thunder Wave, Paralysing Trubbish.

The small spider's overall strategy compensated for his low defenses with total speed control. Trubbish had trouble hitting his foe, having real trouble moving around with forced pauses and low speed.

His shields were chipped away due to his total lack of mobility. their battle experience was too different, with one literally running around the other. Joltik beat his opponent but was periodically damaged in return.

His luck drew to a close, going head to head with his natural enemy. Skorupi tagged in for his fallen comrade, creating the age-old battle between the scorpion and the spider. A simple Poison Fang and Joltik was finished.

With one final Pokemon remaining, Darumaka took to the fields. Lilith was content, feeling the presence of a two star Pokemon. With her newest move Fire Fang, she dominated the Bug type Pokemon.

‘A Drapion wouldn’t be a terrible choice, but how would I get one…’ Lilith wondered.

The end of the battle signaled the end of their competition, with Sam’s opponent only having two Pokemon like him. The kids of Aspertia held their heads high basking in the feeling of victory.

The crowd seemed to have calmed down, receiving a standing ovation. It was much more polite than seen previously considering Wendell’s origins. Almost all participants lined up as both teams shook hands.

Each Trainer went down the line as they showed their respect to one another, ultimately having the same goal. Their drive was to get stronger and help to protect the people of Unova, period. Most other Trainers shared the view and didn’t allow the short term animosity to cloud their mind. It was a competition at the end of the day.

It was a way of thinking that still hadn't caught on for Lilith, not having been born in Unova, let alone a Pokemon world. Her perspective for things was much different than the people around her, keeping her ultimate feeling to herself.

“Congratulations to Aspertia for being our winner for this year's inter school competition! A round of applause please!” Lenora stood in the center of the field, being flanked by both teams.

With the figurative fat lady singing, the event was officially closed. Everyone shuffled back to the entrance of the Ranch, chatting with their neighbors.

With the crowd thinning, Lilith thought of Levy. Her setback was minor, giving her a direction to move towards. The experience would teach her that she couldn't do anything alone.

‘I should really take a hint…’ Lilith though.

Axew caught the corner of her eye, turning to see Sam console his friend. The brief encounter left her knowing she would be alright. Lilith left her in his capable hands, she had something much more important to follow up with.

She reached out into the air and tried feeling for the dark energy around them. Only a tiny amount still lingered, but she ultimately couldn’t follow the trail. Too much time had passed combined with her lack of control to have any success.

Absol was recalled, increasing her mobility as she slipped through the crowd stealthily. She backtracked to the Pokemon Center while also looking for her target.

The chance he would clear the area was considerably large considering his recent defeat. His attitude proved to be unwelcoming, having jumped out of sportsmanship practices.

Lilith jogged down the road looking left and right. She left the gathering of people behind and increased her distance covered. Tracking down anyone after having left for so long would be hard for a professional, let alone her.

The Center came into view, with the streets being relatively empty. The front door held no traffic, entering easily.

Lilith spun around the area, looking for Rick but found him nowhere. The reception area was practically deserted while the job board hung only multiple posters. She dashed up the stairs, checking the lounge area.

“Slow down please!” One of the staff members told her.

Each Center had a place to unwind, seemingly the perfect place for a man on the edge to unwind.

The entire area was deserted, having any and all new Pokemon Trainers out watching the event. The area generally didn’t promote higher level Trainers due to their odd location. The three human settlements were boxed in by water on the south and east, with Twist Mountain to the north and the Desolate Lands to the west.

With the evening starting, they would have been out training anyway.

“Nothing…” She said, disappointed.

The walk down to the ground floor was much slower. She clung to the railing while controlling her descent. Lilith’s head turned, hoping to get a glimpse of her target. She didn’t even have any clues to make an informed decision.

“Info, right.”

Lilith bounced up to the reception counter, trying to act inconspicuously. A tired young woman sat in a chair, one arm cradling the side of her face. There wouldn’t be a better opportunity than that.

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“Hello there! I’m looking for my friend, we were supposed to meet up here a while ago, have you seen him? He was wearing a blue jacket and long blonde hair!” She tried acting cute and approachable.

On the inside however, she wanted to vomit. If acting like a child got her the opportunity to meet, then that’s what she would do. Purrloin just didn’t seem viable to her.

“Yawn.” one hand covered her face.

“Sorry kid, we don’t give out personal information to strangers, nice try though.” She waived her hand, dismissing her entirely.

Lilith took the hint and got lost, the encounter being helpful.

‘So he was here but left, that gives me a place to look at least.’ She analyzed.

She got the notion that pressing any further and the lady would call security. Even having to explain herself would be precious time wasted, clearing out of the Pokemon Center entirely.

Lilith pondered her options, mainly following the two main routes. That would give her the best chance to encounter her target, having unfortunate odds.

‘If he got his badge, then the only direction he should go is towards Aspertia…’

Lilith set off with a dash, trying to make up the distance between them.

Physical conditioning had been incredibly hard, but the effort was starting to pay off. She didn’t even have to do anything with Pokemon energy, doing everything the old fashioned way.

“Huff, Huff.”

Lilith scanned the outer trees, looking for any sign of people. Despite going so fast she also listened for any commotions.

‘Nothing.’ She thought, continuing her march.

Pokemon ran at the sight of her, being scared off by the sudden movement. Habits in general weren't something she paid much attention to previously, but were coming into more and more relevance.

“Snap!” A tree branch broke.

Lilith turned off of one of the main pathways onto a dirt road, investigating the sound. A gut wrenching feeling overcame her, unsure what her next move should be.

A frown painted her face, trying to make sure she wasn’t spotted. More branches snapped as shouting was heard ahead. She moved as fast as the environment would let her, dodging greenery and underbrush. Her back slammed against a nearby tree, her hand covered her mouth.

No sound escaped, the quiet returned to the forest as a familiar voice spoke.

“Young Master, what may I do for you?” An aged old voice sounded out.

Lilith peeked out from her hiding spot meters away, recognizing the Holo Castor and caller.

“The Pokemon you got for me are trash! They lost to some village kid who can’t even tell the difference in our standing!” Rick screamed into his Holo Castor.

Lilith had no need to get closer with his incessant shouting.

“You lost Young Master? That is indeed unfortunate news.” The old butler spoke in a sympathetic tone.

“Are you even listening to me, old man?! I never lose! Never! It was all your fault for getting me these trash Pokemon!” He shouted once more.

“Hmm I see, what would your father say?” The old man said unfazed.

“My father?! You call him and you're fired!” Rick sounded desperate.

“It’s too late for that, boy.” A second face popped up beside the first.

Rick’s face grew pale in recognition.

“Fffather.” He sputtered, unable to find the words to explain himself.

“Hahh.” He sighed, hands covering his face

“Butler Thorton added me to the call, and if you had bothered to pay attention, you would know that. I have tolerated your childness long enough. At this moment I am canceling your accounts, let’s see if some struggle will teach you humility, because I have obviously failed at that.”

Rick had no chance to defend himself, being terminated from the call immediately. With that, the line went dead.

Lilith choked back her laugh not wanting to be heard, as a scream resounded through the area. She peeked out from her hiding spot to see the young boy kicking the dirt, curves of soil covering the vicinity. He let out all his anger as he picked up a nearby fallen branch and decided to beat his imaginary foe into submission.

‘Is that what I look like?’ She watched, horrified at herself.

Upon further reflection, her behavior had been terrible ever since landing in her new world. She never got the chance to make a conclusion, as the choice went sideways. The scene took a turn for the worst when Rick reached for his belt and pulled out his Pokeballs. His three Pokemon all appeared in a flash of light.

“Magnemite! Show them what losers get!” He shouted at his partner.

The worst case scenario unfolded before her eyes. Before either could defend themselves as his Partner proceeded to attack the other two Pokemon relentlessly. Thundershock zapped Sableye while Sonic Boom’s assaulted Gligar, the duo unable to fight back.

Lilith’s face twisted in anger, her hands clenched into fists. She unleashed Absol just as the two Pokemon hit the ground. A scream resounded out right when she stepped into plain view.

“You dare leave me?! I’ll kill you!” Rick’s voice grew sour.

A sharp pain unlike anything he had felt before rumbled through his mind. Both Pokemon severing their connection simultaneously had shocking ramifications while the boys couldn’t help but clutch at his head.

“Hey!” Lilith shouted and caught everyone’s attention.

She announced herself just before Rick could do the unthinkable. Rick turned towards the voice in fright. His eyes were red, his clothes disheveled, and his hair needed to be introduced to a comb. Lilith scrutinized his appearance, resembling a rabid animal.

“Hey, what are you doing?” She shouted once more.

Magnemite turned away from the two downed Pokemon as Absol let out a growl. Her body was still covered in bandages, but she could feel her partner's rage overflowing, egging her on. It was an entirely uncomfortable feeling while black light oozed everywhere.

Lilith analyzed the situation, looking for any out. Ultimately she knew. They would have to fight even if the Nurse had told her not to, consequences be damned.

“None of your damn business!” He shrieked.

Rick was on edge, just waiting for something to set him off.

“Now leave, before I make you!”

Lilith’s blinders went on as she took a step forward, glad that the emergency help beacon on the Pokedex had already been pressed.

‘Pignite won due to type advantage, we need to finish this fast.’ A sliver of rationality seemingly popped into her mind.

Absol’s anger was unleashed, feeding off the negative energy sent her way. Violence for violence sake was unforgivable. She knew he needed to be stopped. Something unrecognizable drove the need.

“Go!” Lilith shouted.

“Destroy them Magnemite!” He screamed.

Rick was growing more unstable by the second. Magnemite was cold hearted like most other steel types, following orders to the letter.

A Thundershock was charged up and sent straight towards her. Absol jumped in between the two, covering her Partner with Detect. Flashes of their battle with Pidove ran through her mind. Their endless practice was finally paying off

‘So much for no battles… Sorry Nurse whatever your name was.’ Lilith thought.