Chapter 53: Beaches & Breadcrumbs

Ceailean breathed heavily, staring ahead. He stepped forward wearily, his shoes sinking in the sand. In his left hand, he held a big branch, dragging it along the ground. He then swung it up and held it like a sword.

“This is it!” he said. “Your reign of terror ends here! I will defeat you, right here, with my sword.” He ran ahead at full speed. “HAAAAAAAAAAAH!” Ceailean swung the stick with all his might, right at Noivern. Noivern smirked and raised its wing right as Ceailean, flashing it momentarily with dragon rush. Ceailean’s branch shattered immediately upon impact, making him gasp. “No way!” he said, eyes wide. Noivern then shoved him away, making him fall flat on the sand. It then stepped over him and began to rapidly bite him all over his body.

Ceailean held his hands over his head, trying to get away. “You monster! You won’t get away with this!” Ceailean looked up, seeing Raboot sitting on a rock with one leg over the other looking down on him. It gave him a dismissive look and told Noivern to finish Ceailean off with a wave of its paw. Ceailean gasped as Noivern went for the killing blow, biting down on his back, looking to pull out his spine. Ceailean held his hand out as he gave one last fleeting gasp before falling limp on the sand.

“You’re such a drama queen, you know that?” said Marie, eating a donut on a nearby park bench. Fennekin was napping on her lap.

Ceailean raised his head. “It’s called acting, Marie. This is the work of a professional act-tour.” He said in a sarcastic tone.

Marie tilted her head. “Is that what that was? Coulda fooled me.”

Ceailean pointed at Marie. “Hey! I’ll have you know-!” He then gacked as Noivern continued to playfully gnaw on his body. “Ah! Ow! Stop it!” said Ceailean, laughing the whole time. He tried to crawl away, but Noivern bit his feet and dragged him back, playfully rough housing some more. Solosis watched from the park bench Marie was sat at, holding a donut with psychic energy. It took a bite, unamused at Noivern’s seemingly primitive version of fun.

“I must admit Marie, this experience you’ve chosen certainly is… unique.” said Crisis, walking up to the bench. It was the very early morning. The skies were a bright gray and the wind smelled of sea water. The waves crashed gently against the slightly secluded beach, drowning out the slight drone of the city behind them with its calming roar.

“I promised Scolipede that we’d see the ocean and the snow.” said Marie, looking off into the distance. “And to be honest, I wanted to see the ocean too. It’s been so long that I’ve forgotten what it was like. Endless water as far as the eye can see. It’s so… surreal.”

“There is nothing surreal about it, Marie. The ocean is real. It is simply beautiful.” said Crisis.

Marie then looked at Scolipede, who was standing a ways away from them, staring off in a trance towards the endless waters. Fomantis was on its head, staring off as well. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.” Marie said with a smile. Then, the sound of stomping came up to them.

Noivern walked up carrying a tightly bound Ceailean within its wings. “Beware, flesh based beings! You are all no match for me and my Mecha-Noivern!” Noivern roared into the air. Fennekin woke groggily from the noise and looked to see what all the commotion was about.

Marie gave him a smug look. “Really? The mech that can’t even use half of its limbs?”

“Do not underestimate Mecha-Noivern.” said Ceailean. “It is still capable of shooting you with its mega-death beam!” Noivern then shot a dragon pulse into the air. It exploded harmlessly above them, sending a boom across the beach. Raboot then ran up its back and sat at its neck, yelling like the leader of a charging cavalry while Noivern roared again.

Marie held a fist over her mouth, trying to hold back a laugh. “You guys look like such nerds! I can imagine you all in a painting!”

“I was thinking more about how Noivern looks like it’s holding a human sized Teddi Bear.” said Crisis, tilting his head curiously.

Marie looked closer and noticed how Noivern’s wings looked like tightly wrapped blankets, making her burst out laughing. “By Arceus, they do! Aww, that is so cute!” As Marie laughed, Noivern gave her an unamused look. It dropped Ceailean in the sand and walked away, Raboot trying to keep its balance.

Ceailean quickly stood back up and brushed himself off. “Come on, Marie!” he said, gesturing to Noivern. “You ruined it. You ruined it and it’s leaving.”

“You don’t need to try so hard to be cool. You and Noivern are already cool.” said Marie, slightly blushing.

“Thanks, Marie.” said Ceailean, scratching the back of his head. “But it ain’t about being more cool, it’s about being a different type of cool. A flying, laser firing dragon is cool and all, but having a mecha is just a different type of cool. Sometimes, you even have those two things fight each other to create an entirely new type of cool that is better than the other two on their own. You know what I’m sayin’, right?”

Marie sighed with a smile. “I’ll never get you boys.”

“Why am I generalized in this?” asked Crisis.

“You’re right, Crisis. That’s not fair. You’re actually quite boring.” Marie said teasingly.

Crisis gave a slight gasp. “Wha-!”

Ceailean then pointed to Scolipede. “Um… is Scolipede sinking?”

Marie looked to see that a wave washed over Scolipede’s hooves, making it sink slightly. “Scolipede! You’re too close to the water, you’re sinking!” Scolipede looked down, seeing that the sand had risen halfway up its hooves. It was so entranced by the ocean that it didn’t notice the sand. It tried to get out, but the sand held firm as it tugged itself. Panic began to set in and it flailed around. Fomantis held its horns, trying not to get thrown off.

“Uh oh, that's not good.” said Ceailean. Scolipede then swung its head around, sending Fomantis flying through the air. Ceailean began running with his arms outstretched. “Don’t worry! I gotcha!” he said. He then caught Fomantis in his arms like a football. Fomantis thanked Ceailean profusely and hugged him tightly.

“Calm down, Scolipede.” said Marie, walking up to it with its pokeball in her hand and Fennekin resting in the other. “You’re almost as big a drama queen as C.” Scolipede nervously lowered its head. Marie sighed and put Scolipede into its pokeball then immediately released it again. “Next, just remember to not stay in one place for too long while in the waves, okay?” Scolipede nodded and walked back over to the waves.

“A thought has occurred to me, Marie.” said Crisis. “After this, shall we head to the gym?”

“Nah, I think I want another day to relax.” said Marie, letting Fennekin down and putting her hands behind her head. “It feels like so many things happened in the last few days. I think it would be best to tone down the intensity for a bit.”

Ceailean sat down on the bench, placing Fomantis on the table and gave a huge sigh. “Ain’t that the truth.” He leaned back against the table and put his hands in his jacket pockets. But he felt something strange. He tugged something out of his right pocket. It was a bit of scratch paper with a little bit of text. “Shit!” Ceailean said under his breath, quickly shoving the paper down back into his pocket, hoping no one saw.

It’s been a while since he got a message like that. But who would’ve been able to slip it into his pocket? It definitely wasn’t there yesterday or the day before. Could someone have snuck into their room and snuck there while they were sleeping? They both did pass out without going under the sheets. The thought was worrying, but the answer came to him and it was much simpler than that.

“Don’t you ever threaten to break into my car ever again, you understand?!” Christianson’s words echoed in Ceailean’s mind. He must’ve slipped it in while he was getting shaken up. He never knew Christianson was able to do such a thing. Lafar made sure to teach him how to defend against pickpockets, but he didn’t feel a thing. He didn’t see the message, but he knew he would probably have to answer it as soon as possible.

“What do you guys think we should do though?” asked Marie. “The festival is over now, I wish you guys would have seen it.”

“There are boat tours, restaurants, an aquarium if you are willing to go quite a ways south.” said Crisis, counting each location on his fingers. “Then there’s the gym, like always.” Crisis urged them slightly on the last location.

“We’re doing the gym last, Crisis.” said Marie. “Sometimes I feel like you’re in a hurry everywhere we go.” Crisis groaned slightly and looked away, leaning his arms on the table.

“You got that card, didn’t you?” asked Ceailean. “We could just do an old-fashioned mall trip.”

Marie gasped excitedly. “A mall trip! By Arceus, how could I forget! I always wanted to go on a real mall trip!”

“You have visited Lumiose and Camphrier, why have not done so in either city?” asked Crisis.

“Well, I suspected that dad would’ve disabled my credit cards If I ran away from home like that. So I just left them. That’s why I’ve been relying on C to pay for everything for me.” said Marie.

“You’re welcome, by the way.” said Ceailean with a sigh. “I had no idea I could spend that much in just a month.”

“Thank you, C. I’m sure I’ll make it up to you someday.” Marie turned around and cupped her hands around her mouth. “Hey Scolipede! Let’s go up across the street! You can still look at the ocean while we look for a beach side mall!” Scolipede nodded and made its way over.

“You sure are enthusiastic.” said Crisis.

“They don’t have malls up in Snowbelle.” said Ceailean. “Mom and pop shops, as well as whatever big department store decides to have a joint occupation with a pokemon center at the time. Snowbelle’s just too small to support something like that. Whenever Marie went out of town, she would always go to the local mall.”

Marie danced and twirled past the two. “Hurry up guys! I can’t wait to see what they have! I haven’t bought anything for myself for a whole month!”

“Is that not Christianson’s money?” asked Crisis.

“No, it’s the company's money.” said Marie with a cheeky smile.

“The point is that the money is not yours. It’d be best that you do not spend that money exorbitantly and only on things you need.”

“Dad can just take it out of my allowance. And last I checked, since I was a good girl last Christmas, I think it's about 1 million.”

Crisis’s eyes widened. “You cannot be serious.”

“Just give it up, Crisis.” said Ceailean. “Girls and shopping? You can’t find a more inseparable pairing. That along with Marie and battling. Best to just go along with it and hope it ends quickly.”

“I am just concerned for her worrying financial values.” said Crisis.

“Then she’ll learn from her mistakes.”

“Truly?”

Ceailean laughed up to the sky. “No, you’re right. She won’t learn a thing.”

“C!” said Marie with a pout.

Ceailean stood up off the bench and stretched his arms. “Anyway, why don’t you guys go on without me? I forgot something back at the pokecenter. Text me whatever you guys find and I’ll be over in a flash.”

“Are you sure you’re not just skipping out on me?” said Marie.

“I left my wallet. How am I gonna buy stuff for myself?” said Ceailean.

“I mean,” Marie put her hands behind her back and looked away nervously. “I could buy things for you. You know… as a gift?”

Ceailean pondered for a moment. “Nah. I couldn’t ask that of you. Noivern!” Noivern’s head perked up and it ran over the Ceailean’s side. He climbed up its back and mounted it. “Look, I’ll just get my wallet, then I don’t have to feel bad.”

Marie tried running up to him. “C! Wait!”

Noivern got a running start before flying up into the air. “I’ll be back real quick, I promise!” They flew off towards the city, mixing in with the bird Pokémon over the city.

Marie sighed. “C! Come on…” she said somewhat sadly.

“Is this a common occurrence?” asked Crisis, somewhat irritated.

Marie gently kicked the sand. “Yeah. But it’s fine. C just isn’t somebody that likes receiving gifts. He feels bad every time and feels like he has to repay it.”

“Is that not frustrating?” asked Crisis.

“In a way. I just hoped that maybe… maybe I could show him that I appreciate him wholeheartedly this time. No repayment needed.”

“Is that so?” said Crisis. He stood up and started walking back towards the city.

“Wha- Crisis? Where are you going?” asked Marie.

“You wanted to go to a mall, did you not?” said Crisis, still walking. “Then let’s go to a mall.”

“Wait a minute!” Marie beckoned to Scolipede, who quickly came to her side. Fennekin hopped on its back and Marie climbed on as well. Solosis flew up near its head and plopped Fomantis in between Scolipede’s horns. Marie tapped her hell on Scolipede’s side and it caught up with Crisis. “Hold up! Don’t leave without me.”

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() Ceailean flew high above the city. A rush of euphoria swept through his body as he outstretched his arms in the wind. “Isn’t this so cool guys?!” he asked. Raboot held on tightly to Noivern's fur, shivering slightly at the height. Ceailean patted its shoulder. “Don’t worry. Noivern will fly gently for you. Right Noivern?” Noivern nodded and spread its wings, slowing and stabilizing them. As they did so, Raboot tension washed away as it took in the beauty of the sight.

The city was waking up. People and cars looked like ants and the mountains were stunning. Low clouds flowed through them like a river and the greenery was like nothing Raboot had ever seen before. Noivern looked back at Raboot and nodded towards the sky. Raboot looked up and noticed that they were flying just below the clouds. Raboot held up its paw and watched as the cloud parted away as its paw flew through. Raboot looked back up to Ceailean, chuckling slightly. Ceailean smiled back, happy for it.

The three then headed down to the Pokémon center. Noivern landed on the ground, sliding to a halt just in front of the doors. Raboot then twirled its arms, trying to keep its balance, but Ceailean quickly grabbed on and helped it. “Whoa whoa, I gotcha! Looks like we still gotta work on our landing, Noivern.” Noivern gave him a quick ‘pfft’. The two got off its back and Ceailean pulled out their pokéballs. “I have to make a call real quick guys. Chill out for a bit, yeah?” Both of them nodded as they got recalled into their pokéballs.

Ceailean sighed. “Alright, let’s see what you have to say.” He pulled out the scratch paper and read what was on it.

Ceailean, this is Christianson. A couple of interesting events occurred in my search for you guys. Because of them, I’m not fully convinced Marie is safe with you. Call me as soon as you can so that we can discuss. I believe that this address should be familiar to you. @VisuMerryMan

“Classy.” said Ceailean, looking at the username. He sighed, guessing as to what Christianson was talking about. He’d been avoiding the topic for a while now, supposed now is the time he finally confronted it. He entered the pokecenter and looked at the public phones on the wall. No, that wouldn’t work. He then walked up the stairs up to his room, clicking his card into the reader and opening the door. He fished his pokédex out of his duffel bag and called the username in his chat app. After a minute, somebody answered.

“Hello?” asked Christianson.

“VisuMerryMan?” asked Ceailean.

“Ah, so you found it. In all honesty, I’m exactly well versed in what you kids are using these days and I don’t plan on using the app all that often.”

“So what did you wanna talk about?” asked Ceailean, starting to pace around the room.

“Right, straight to business I see.” Christianson cleared his throat. “Tuviere. I’m sure you heard about what happened there.”

“Yes, that was us.”

“I know that already. I’m talking about the other thing. There was… something that showed up back in Tuviere after you two left.”

Ceailean sighed. “Wait, that was real?”

“You’re familiar?”

“I came across a news article about something like that back when we were dealing with Solga. I’ve been meaning to read it, but it kinda slipped my mind.”

“Better believe it’s real then,” said Christianson with a sigh. “‘Cause there was a real monster there, and Team Harmonious supposedly put a stop to it.”

“Really? What kind of monster was it?"

“It was vines, the same ones that ravaged Lumiose in The Battle for Kalos. And strangely enough, it resembled the Pokémon the Pokémon hunters had. It was strong too, enough to put even both Zygardes on the back foot.”

“Zygarde was there?”

“Yes. It would seem it is still cleaning up the mess Team Flare left behind.”

“Okay, but why call about that?”

Christianson paused for a while. “Have you met anyone else since I left?”

“No… why?”

“Nothing really. It’s just that a weird pattern is occurring. I know you and Marie don’t check the news very often, but it was reported that another monster appeared in Camphrier. And it also looked like someone you’re very familiar with. A delinquent named Solga Telin.”

Ceailean’s eyes widened. He covered his mouth with his hand as he tried to think. “These vines are becoming people we faced?”

“There was another monster too, one that resembled a Drapion in the forest between Lumiose and Camphrier. I’m assuming you faced a Pokémon like that as well?”

“Y-Yes, I fought one when I first ran into Noibat. Literally, by myself.” Ceailean paced around the room for a bit. “Do you think whatever is making these monsters is following us?”

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

“Their motives aren’t fully understood. But that is not what matters right now. I was there when the Solga monster showed up. I can tell you first hand that it’s power was no joke. Rhyperior and I struggled greatly, which is why I started traveling with a full team afterward. My worry lies with you. I chose to let Marie go with you, despite knowing this danger heading your direction. She is stubborn, strong willed, and adamant in what she wants to do. I know we don’t know each other the best, so that is why I ask, do you plan on defending Marie once this danger shows up before you?”

“I-” Ceailean paused for a minute.

“I need to hear what you have to say, Ceailean. You fought for her so hard yesterday. How much harder are you willing to fight for her? These monsters have the capability to level entire towns. What will you do knowing that information? What will you do when Marie is in danger?”

Ceailean relaxed his shoulders and took a deep breath. “I’ll fight. All the way to the bitter end. I’ll never lose anyone ever again, I guarantee it.”

Christianson chuckled at his resolve. “Good. It’s refreshing to hear that. But your conviction will only get you so far. You’ll need to train harder than you’ve ever had before. I need you to promise me that as well.”

“Of course. I’ll do whatever it takes to protect her.”

“And I’ll even be willing to give you some pointers through video call, so you know, don’t be afraid to ask.”

“Oh uh… thanks man.”

“You’re welcome. Anyway, I have to go. Do not make me regret my decision.”

“Yeah, see ya.” Ceailean hung up the call. The weight of the situation was crushing down on him. He leaned against the wall and slid down to the floor. He sighed and took out Noivern’s pokeball. Something was out there and seemingly heading towards them. He would have to be ready. He made up his mind, wanting to head out to the battlefield and train. But his pokédex buzzed with a message from Marie.

“We’re at the coastal outlets! Come here and see!” said Marie’s message with a pic of her smiling brightly and holding up a peace sign. Ceailean couldn’t help but smile as well. Training could wait one more day. He stood up and walked out of the room, heading towards the outlets.

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() Crisis and Marie both walked down the busy walkways of the beach side outlets. Marie however hung her head, pondering as to what gift to buy Ceailean.

“Just so that we are clear,” said Crisis, “You know what Ceailean likes?”

“Subtle knick-knacks and the like.” said Marie, as if going over test questions. “Never was a fan of big expensive things. Stuff he could keep as mementos.”

Crisis gave her a skeptical look. “And his past reactions were…?”

“Subtle… again.” said Marie with a sigh. “C is a very low key dude. It is very hard to make him all jumpy excited about anything really. Anytime I gave him a gift, he would smile and tell me in a soft voice that he was thankful.” After a moment, Marie caught herself instinctively holding her hands together, She quickly put them back at her side with a slight blush.

“Right… So if we have all of this knowledge already, what is the issue?” asked Crisis.

“I can’t just get him anything!” said Marie, gesturing to all the shops around them and twirling on her heel. “It has to be special! Something that he’ll really treasure forever. When I look at all these souvenirs and pendants, there are no memories, no experiences. It’s just… stuff. You know what I’m saying?”

“You have a surprisingly artistic mind.” said Crisis.

“Uh, Miss Marie Visu, daughter and heir to the Visu Visuals Animation studio, how may I help you?” said Marie sarcastically, holding her hand out for a shake.

“Is that so?” said Crisis, unamused.

Marie’s body slumped. “Ugh, you’re so boring sometimes, you know that?”

“Then how about we get several opinions on the matter. I believe Solosis has already found its answer.” Crisis pointed to Solosis up ahead, in which it was mesmerized by the egregious amount of toppings a vendor was putting on top of an overly large ice cream.

Marie groaned. “Solosis! Come on! We are not getting an ice cream!” Solosis whined back, practically begging to have it. “It’s the tail end of winter! Why are they selling ice cream anyway?!” Solosis continued fawning over the food and Marie gave a sigh of defeat. “You’re right, Crisis. I really need some second opinions.” Marie pulled out three pokéballs and released Fennekin, Scolipede, and Fomantis. Snom poked its head out from underneath Marie’s beanie. “Hey guys. As you know, we’re here to get a gift for Ceailean. I’d like you all to try a find anything you guys think he would like the most, okay?” All the Pokémon nodded. “Now wherever you do, try not to get lost, separated, or cause any trouble, alright? Especially you Scolipede, you’re a bit big to be walking around here, but I believe in you.” Scolipede gave her a dismissive scoff, thinking its size wasn’t that big of a deal. “Okay, break!” All the Pokémon went their separate ways. Snom opted to hitch a ride on Fennekin's head.

As Marie watched the Pokémon head their separate ways, she received a text. Ceailean had sent a picture of him flying above the outlets, asking which one of the people below was her. She looked up, but didn’t see him flying in anywhere. She texted him that they were just near the entrance.

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() Ceailean read the message on his pokédex. “Okay, which entrance dingus?” he said to himself. He looked over what he thought was the entire area of the outlets. He could 4 ways in. “Imma just guess. I like a 25% chance anyway. Noivern, try that one.” Noivern nodded and flew down, landing in a clear section of a parking lot. “Thanks, I’m gonna walk from here.” Ceailean then returned Noivern to its pokeball.

He looked around before speed walking his way towards the outlets. But before he could get too far in, he heard someone call out for him.

“I have a special order for a Mr. Ceailean!” they said. “If a Mr. Ceailean could please step up and pay for his meal!”

Ceailean turned around. “Wait, I didn’t-” But there was no one there. The crowd of people walked by him, none of which looked like they were addressing him. Ceailean’s eyes darted back and forth until he felt a presence behind him. He reached back and grabbed a hand about the grab his shoulder.

“Hey-a!” said Synden, wincing a bit.

Ceailean let go of her hand and stepped back flabbergasted. “By Arceus! I’m so sorry, Synden!”

“No no, it’s my fault.” said Synden, clutching her hand for a moment before waving the pain away. “If I knew you were some kind of super secret spy dude, I would’ve approached you directly.”

“I’m not some super secret spy dude.” said Ceailean in a mocking way. “You just startled me. What are you doing here anyway?”

“Because of a scheduling conflict actually.” said Synden, spinning around in place. “You see, I found a super easy way to travel between cities a while ago by using the train tracks. My cart comes equipped with train wheels beside the wooden wheels on the inside so I can use it on the train tracks. But the thing is my cart is about 4 times slower than what commercial trains cruise at. So I have to look at the schedule ahead of time in order to find a window where I can make it to the next city without getting run over. And apparently the window I thought was coming a day ago was actually the day before that and now I’m here.”

“Oh…” said Ceailean. “When do you think you can get going again?”

Synden put a finger on her chin and thought for a moment. “Well according to my admittedly sketchy math. I should be good to go in like a day-ish?” She then smiled and leaned towards Ceailean. “Why? Do you not like my company?”

Ceailean shrugged. “I mean, you did throw me off a bridge.”

“Ah come on! I threw myself off that bridge with you!”

“That doesn’t make it better!”

Synden then laughed at Ceailean, bending over and holding her chest. “You’re funny, you know that?”

“Yes, glad you see fun in my worry.” said Ceailean, unamused.

Synden laughed for a bit longer before stopping herself with a big sigh. “So, what are you doing here?”

“Oh, I’m here trying to get back together with my friends.” said Ceailean.

Synden gasped and put her hands on her cheeks. “Really?! Ceailean has friends?! Can I meet them?”

Ceailean gave her a confused look. “I can’t tell if you’re really insulting me or not.”

“Um… no offense?” said Synden with an innocent smile.

“Eh, some taken.” Ceailean said, making a so-so gesture with his hand.

“Good enough!” said Synden. She then turned around and looked towards the other side of the outlets with a hand over her eyes. “Anyway, where are your friends?”

Ceailean crossed his arms. “That’s what I was gonna figure out ‘til you ran into me. They were near an entrance, they just didn’t tell me which one.”

“I saw you coming in with a Noivern.” said Synden. “The cute little guy evolved since the last time we met, hasn’t it? Why not let it listen for them?”

“You know, I often forget that Noivern can hear things really well.” said Ceailean. “Nice call.” Took out his pokéballs and released Noivern and Raboot, but Solosis’s pokeball was empty. “By Arceus! I left Solosis behind!” Noivern smirked when Ceailean said this. “I hope Marie took care of it.”

Noivern listened closely, it’s ear twitching. “Mmm… uhhhh…” sounded Marie’s voice within the sea of voices. “I appreciate you guys getting gifts and these all seem very thoughtful, but I’m just not sure.” Noivern could hear all of her Pokémon sigh in defeat.

“We may truly be mulling over this in perpetuity.” said Crisis.

“I just need more time for Ceailean’s gift.” said Marie with a hint of sadness. “Maybe I should give it up. I won’t have enough time to find one before he gets here.” Noivern gasp, gaining the attention of Raboot. It asked Noivern what was up. Noivern looked at Ceailean, who was conversing with Synden, before bending down in a whisper, explaining what was happening. Raboot’s eyes widened, worrying about Marie’s predicament but also by how cute it sounded. Noivern and Raboot both came to an agreement, buy Marie as much time as possible.

“So, Mr. Noivern.” asked Synden, sliding over beside it. “Have you found Ceailean’s friend yet?” Noivern quickly darted its eyes away and shook its head. Raboot gave a disappointed look and shook its head. “Huh? You wouldn’t happen to be lying, would you? ‘Cause I have a lot of siblings. I’ll know if someone’s lying.” Noivern continued looking away.

Ceailean walked up and returned Noivern to its pokeball. “Could you stop antagonizing Noivern please? Let’s just hurry up and find Marie.”

“And you don't mind if I come along with you, right?” asked Synden.

“I guess…” said Ceailean.

Synden gave him a quick, “Yay!” before following him and Raboot into the outlets.

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() Marie lowered her head onto some iron bars overlooking the ocean and covered it with her hands. “It’s so over. I just can’t think of a good gift to get C.” All her Pokémon looked down in defeat.

“There is nothing that truly comes to mind?” asked Crisis, picking his fingers while leaning on the same iron bars.

“Nooooh…” said Marie. She raised her head and looked up to the cloudy sky. “C, why don’t you ever want anything…”

“Perhaps the problem doesn’t lie with you. Could there be a possibility that Ceailean simply does not have the capacity to appreciate any gift he’s given?”

“Huh?! That can’t be it! He's been appreciative of many things!”

“We all have flaws Marie, even me.” said Crisis, looking melancholy ahead. “We strive to make each other better, to fill in what is missing in others. Perhaps you should help him?”

“Help him with what exactly?” asked Marie.

Crisis thought for a moment. “Ceailean told me something interesting the other day. He said you were tired of running into villains.”

“Well yeah, they’re annoying.” Marie sighed. “It amazes me how many bad people we run into in this world.”

“It is astounding, yes. But my point is, what if another one were to appear? What then?”

“I would try to have the police handle it. There’s only so much I can do. I’m just some basic wealthy girl from out in the mountains. I can’t exactly solve mysteries or battle real hardened criminals.”

“But you have battled one before.” said Crisis, facing her.

“That one was a fluke. His Pokémon had an incredibly terrible move set. It took itself out when it hit me.”

“Then am I to assume that you are discrediting your Pokémon's efforts?”

“What?! I-” Marie towards Fennekin and Snom, both looking at her confused. Marie picked them both up in her arms. “No! Of course not! I feel so proud of what they were able to accomplish that day. It’s just-” Marie looked down at her two Pokémon with a worried expression. “What if it becomes serious? What will happen to me and my Pokémon?”

“What will happen to Ceailean?” asked Crisis.

“He…”

“What will you do if a villain does not confront you, but does confront Ceailean. Will you leave him to fight alone? Will you continue to have him battle for you?”

“Hey!? Are you saying I can’t do anything!?”

“I have insinuated no such thing. I simply state what I have observed. Solga and Christianson have proved to be a bit much to you. Now all the weight is being burdened on Ceailean’s shoulders. I try to help when I can, but when the time comes, will you be there to stand side by side with Ceailean? As equals?”

Marie stuttered, unable to get a word out. What has she been doing? She has been running, complying, and acting irrationally. And every time, Ceailean was there to bail her out. Was she a burden? Is all she is capable of doing is causing problems? She hated that idea. She was more than that. It was pitiful to think of.

“I am sorry if I’ve come off as… blunt. Just think about it, okay.” Crisis turned around and looked back towards the ocean.

Marie held her Pokémon tightly. She looked down upon their innocent faces, each looking at her with concern. That wasn’t fair, she was concerned for them too. She loved them just as much as they loved her. To think if anything happened to them brought a tear to her eye. But that wasn’t fair either. If Ceailean was in trouble, of course she would help. But it was so scary. She gave a look at all her Pokémon and gave a slight gasp.

“Where’s Solosis?” she asked.

Crisis gave a confused look and looked around. “Uhhh…” Solosis was nowhere to be found.

“By Arceus! What am I gonna do?! I spent this whole time looking for something to get C only to lose something! Is he gonna be mad?! This has never happened before! I think I might freak out!” said Marie.

“Found it.” said Crisis, pointing to a stall. Marie looked to see Solosis ogling over pancakes with an almost sickening amount of toppings over it.

“Unovan’s Finest Chocolate!” said the vendor, beckoning Solosis closer while pouring each topping right in front of it. “Our crunchiest waffle cone crust, and honey-caramel that came straight from the Alola region. You really can’t get better than this.” Solosis drooled a river. Its voice quivered as it approached, instinctively reaching over to take a bite. But the plate was scooped up from right under it. “Nuh uh! Every customer has to pay their dues.” said the vendor, pointing to a sign with a picture of the plate. The price was set at 50,000 pokedollars.

“I fear that Solosis may throw a fit at this point.” said Crisis, crossing his arms. But then, he heard a soft rumble. He looked over to see Marie hanging her head in embarrassment.

“Dang it! Now I’m frustrated and hungry!” She grit her teeth and looked towards the vendor, blushing slightly. “I don’t care anymore. I’m gonna splurge on breakfast.” She walked towards the vendor. “Come on guys! I’ll get us each one!” Fennekin and Snom cheered in her arms, Scolipede pranced as it followed, but Fomantis shrugged, hopping on top of Scolipede as they made their way.

“I take it that you’re giving up then?” asked Crisis.

“Just hurry up or I won’t get you one!” said Marie. Crisis sighed, but still chose to follow her towards breakfast.

----------------------------------------

() “So this a mall, huh?” asked Ceailean. Raboot strolled right in front of him.

“Um actually, it's an outlet mall.” said Synden, pointing her finger up. “And you make it sound like you’ve never been in one before.”

Ceailean continued walking, eyeing up all the shops he passed. “Sort of. Mom wasn’t really much of a shopper, so when I moved out to Snowbelle, I never got the chance to visit one.”

“How does it feel?” asked Synden, leaning in curiously.

“It’s… a lot.” said Ceailean with a sigh. “So many things. Yet I want none of them.”

“Who’s to say you can’t enjoy window shopping?” asked Synden.

“It just reminds me of the situation I’m in now. After we leave town, I’ll run out of money. Mom and Me always had to save and it was hard for her to get a job. So much so I was half considering working for her. But now I’m here. I’ve been getting everything for us so far on our journey. I had so much more than I’ve ever seen that I thought we could last the whole journey. But it didn’t last for more than a month. Now I think I’m gonna have to rely on them.”

“Do you think that’s a bad thing?”

“In a way. I just feel like I’ll be a burden, you know?”

“A burden?” asked Synden, somewhat confused. “They’re your friends right? Why would they ever think you’re a burden?”

Ceailean kept walking for a moment. “I just don’t like it when I have nothing to pay them back with. They shouldn't feel the need to give me anything because of that.”

“They’re your friends though. They’ll help you anyway because they’re your friends. No payment needed.” said Synden, putting her arms behind her back.

“Would they really? It just seems so… optimistic? I’m not sure the right word for it. Maybe wishful thinking? They should expect something in return for helping me.”

Synden chuckled slightly. “How materialistic of you.” she said with a sigh. “Do you think your friendship isn't enough?”

“Come on, what could my friendship possibly be worth?” Raboot then stamped its foot at Ceailean, startling him slightly. “What?”

“So in turn, do you think that Marie’s friendship isn’t worth anything? Is Raboot's worth anything?” Synden asked, gesturing to Raboot.

“No!” Ceailean said in a panic, “I treasure their friendships! It’s just…”

“So why wouldn’t they think the same for you?” said Synden. She smiled and walked ahead of him. “I think you should look more into the worth of friendships. In terms of what other people's friendship would do for you, and what yours would do for others. It’s not just some benefit someone gets or a good feeling you have with someone. It’s a relationship, a real human bond. And no one can put a price on that.”

Ceailean stopped in his tracks, pondering for a moment. “Hypothetically speaking,” he said softly, “They would fight for me as hard as I fought for them?”

“I don’t see why not.” said Synden with a smile. The two walked for a moment before Ceailean stomach grumbled, making Synden laugh.

“Hey! I had to skip breakfast this morning! It’s not that funny!” said Ceailean, his face slightly red.

“Aw, that’s so cute! I think that’s the first time I’ve seen you blush like that!” she said, pointing at his face.

Ceailean quickly wiped his face as it would get rid of the blush. “Tch, better not get used to it.”

Synden chuckled again. “We can head back to my place. This time you gotta pay though.”

Ceailean scratched the back of his head. “Did we not just have a conversation about how broke I am? Unless you’re implying that my friendship can pay for it this time?” The two had a laugh while Raboot had a look around. Its eyes widened and it pointed down towards somewhere. “Huh? Did you find something Raboot?”

Off in the distance, Ceailean saw Marie eating on an outside table, her Pokémon indulging right beside her. “Oh! Marie!” he said, running over.

Synden hung back for a moment. “So that’s Marie huh?” She eyed her up and down, smiling before approaching as well.

Marie looked over with a face full of pancake. “C!” she exclaimed with her mouth full. Solosis and Fomantis both rushed over to hug Ceailean.

“Hey guys! Sorry I took so long!” he said, hugging the two back.

Marie quickly gulped down the pancake in her mouth. “So C? What did you need to get back at the Pokémon center?”

“Oh, I had to make a call and I left the phone number there.” he said on the spot. Synden then stepped up.

“So, these are your friends, Ceailean?” she asked, putting a hand on her hip.

“Yeah. Synden, this is Marie and Crisis. Guys, this is Synden. I met her back when I was telling you about Fomantis.” said Ceailean.

“Huh? You didn’t mention her.” said Marie.

“You didn’t include me in your story?” asked Synden. “Now that’s mean, I'm the best part of anyone’s story.”

“Again, you did throw me off a bridge.” said Ceailean with a finger raised.

“She did what?!” asked Marie, shocked.

“See, now she’s interested.” said Synden.

“Not in a good way! Why would you do that?!”

“Can we talk about it later?” asked Ceailean. “I’m starving. What are you guys eating?”

“A certain concoction that Solosis saw as normal for consumption.” said Crisis.

“Uh… pancakes.” said Marie, quickly jumping in.

“Still with an egregious amount of toppings.” said Crisis, crossing his arms.

“If you don't like it, why did you finish first?” Crisis didn’t answer, only mumbled.

“Can I have some?” asked Ceailean.

“Oh sure, I can get you one.” said Marie.

“Oh, I could just have a bit of yours.” said Ceailean.

Marie blushed a little. “R-Really? Okay uh, sure.” Instinctively, she held out her own fork. She quickly realized her own mistake and pulled away, but not before Ceailean reached out. Marie panicked a bit, but Crisis smacked Ceailean’s hand before he could grab it.

“Have some class, Ceailean!” said Crisis, holding up a new utensil. “Use something that has not been in someone else's mouth.”

“Alright, I guess.” said Ceailean, somewhat unenthused. He went to take a slice.

“On a side that Marie has not consumed already.” Crisis said with a disappointed sigh. “Were you seriously not taught basic table manners?”

“Who are you, my mom?” asked Ceailean. “Fine, whatever makes you happy.” He took a slice of the pancake opposite of the side Marie was eating. Marie gave a silent sigh of relief. Once he took a bite, his eyes lit up. “Whoa, what is that?!”

“Huh?” asked Marie.

Ceailean curiously inspected his fork. “It's chocolate and honey, but there’s something else. I don’t think I’ve tasted it before.”

“Then… caramel? You never had that before?” Marie guessed.

“Caramel.” said Ceailean in awe. “That’s really really good! Can I have another?”

“Uh… sure!” said Marie, backing her hands away.

“Caramel huh?” asked Synden. She smiled, keeping a mental note of Ceailean’s taste in sweets.

“Now back to what we were talking about.” said Marie, clasping her hands together. “What’s this I hear about you tossing Ceailean off a bridge?”

“Oh! That’s a funny story actually!” said Synden.

“It wasn’t very fun for me.” said Ceailean.

“We had fun in the end though, right?” asked Synden.

The four conversed about their respective events. The waves crash gently nearby on the sand.