My movements are sluggish. The walls of this hideout drive me into a corner, leaving no way out, even though the exit is close by and I could do whatever I want. But I don’t know what to do with myself. Three days have passed since my father called. The hustle and bustle on the streets is still the same, but I can’t seem to connect.
Sighing, I lean my head back. I can’t find anywhere to train, nor does this city’s library harbour an interesting subject to captivate me for over two seconds. Part of me is tired of reading books all the time and absorbing new knowledge when it’s just as important that my team and I get stronger.
Zir and Conia have no time to deal with me. I haven’t seen Amethio once during all this, and Spinel is so busy with his research I can’t possibly ask him to spar. I haven’t seen the other two either since they brought Spinel word and apart from these people, I haven’t met anyone who belongs to the Explorers; Hamber excluded.
In front of the exit, I stop. Wandering the streets again won’t get me anywhere. Sure, my Pokémon love the walks and enjoy the park where I once chatted with N, but the constant urge to improve and become good enough won’t let me sit still any longer.
“I have to do something...” I gasp as I place a hand on the glass of the doorway and follow the activities of the world outside with my eyes. Then I take a step back. Maybe if I look hard enough, I’ll find someone among these walls.
And just as I turn away from the exit, it’s Spinel I spot at the other end of the corridor. His attention half focussed on a document in his hand, he raises the other briefly at the sight of me. The smile on his lips looks unchanged.
We bridge the distance in leisurely steps until I can read the heading on his paper. “Research Results 1/A” doesn’t tell me much, but it seems to be one of his important projects.
“On your way to your room?” The paper crackles as he lowers it.
“On the way to find some kind of work.”
“Amethio didn’t give you a single task?” The corners of his mouth twist in astonishment at my state, and I can’t help but sigh.
“I’m not much help to him. He’ll get back to me when he needs me.” If that will ever be the case.
“Meaning you’d come with me if I asked you to?”
As I raise my brows and tilt my head, only a sound of agreement escapes my throat. Unspoken words that give Spinel’s eyes an unfamiliar gleam.
“I’m on my way to Striaton City,” he then explains. “There are some interesting results regarding a Pokémon who could advance human medicine.”
He immediately piques my interest. It sounds like something Lillie could use to do her research. A closer look at the circumstances can’t hurt, and I have to restrain myself from agreeing too quickly. So I swallow twice before I push a “sounds good” past my lips.
“I was just about to head out. You should pack a few things.” He nods toward the exit. “I’ll wait for you in the car.”
He says goodbye as casually as if we’ve been working together forever and it’s the first time I don’t feel like I’m being taken by the hand. Instead, he makes me feel like a real member of this organisation; someone you can rely on just like everyone else. Trust that I can’t let down, which is why I rush up the stairs and stumble, groaning, to my room. With a few quick movements, I grab an oversized handbag with the Explorers’ emblem and stow away two spare uniforms, as well as underwear, my potion and the Z-Crystals.
Immediately afterwards, I rush back into the corridor, where Conia is just pausing in front of her door to swipe the card through the reader when she catches sight of me. Raising her brows, she smiles wearily. Zir stands close behind her, unable to keep his eyes open for more than two breaths.
“You seem to be in a hurry.” As soon as I stop next to the two of them, Conia scrutinises me from top to bottom. “Did Amethio give you an assignment?”
I shake my head. “I’m travelling to Striaton City with Spinel to check out one of his research projects.”
“Spinel?” Suddenly, they both seem wide awake.
“He ... invited me.”
”Of course, he’s eyeing you... You should have been warned...” Indecisively, Conia puts a hand on her forehead before grabbing me by the shoulders. “Domino, you need to keep your distance from Spinel.”
”Why?” I can’t move.
”Because Spinel can’t be trusted. It’s one of his skills to get close to others and gain their trust before he uses them for his plans.” Conia’s penetrating gaze seems to pierce my soul. “Besides, Spinel and Amethio are not on good terms because Spinel is always trying to trick him. Generally speaking, you can’t trust any admin except the one you’ve been put under. So you shouldn’t let Spinel wrap you around his finger.”
Every word she says is difficult to understand. Spinel and Amethio didn’t get along the first time we met. But apart from that, I can’t imagine Spinel spending his free time with me just to get information he didn’t even ask for.
”Could it be that this is simply a problem between him and Amethio? He seems to get along with the other Explorers. It’s easy to imagine the two of them working against rather than with each other since they are alike. Amethio ... doesn’t seem to be a person who likes to follow the orders of others. Same goes for Spinel.” I gently brush her hands off my shoulders. “But I don’t think you have anything to worry about. If Spinel asks serious questions, I’ll refer him to Amethio.”
”It’s about-” She falters. Her body loses its tension. “Spinel can be cruel. If he gets the chance to use your ability, he will. No matter what he has to sacrifice.”
”He already had the chance.” After all, he was the one who was up half the night with me, trying to track down the voices in my head. He could have chained me up with his knowledge and experimented on me. Instead, we shared lemonade and searched for a solution. “Spinel may be a bit hyper-friendly and enjoy teasing others, but he’s not a bad person.”
“Foremost, he’s not an idiot,” Zir interjects. “It would be better if you turned to Amethio and talked to him about Spinel.”
“I’ll think about that.”
All I can do is smile at the two of them and brush the issue aside. It’s possible that they’ve had unpleasant experiences with Spinel. Amethio doesn’t appreciate being annoyed - in that respect, his match is hardly longer than Sango’s.
Eventually, I leave the conversation and continue on my way, my bag firmly in my hands, ready to leave Castelia City and discover new things elsewhere. Who knows, I might even remember something. Actually, I don’t want to think about it. I want to forget the past and live in the present, but that’s not the answer to my problems. I chose to repress less. Besides, I’m still interested in what happened. Just because everything seems a little more idyllic right now, doesn’t mean I should let myself be tempted to run away. My next step is another one toward freedom.
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》 WHISPERS 《
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It takes about an hour by car to get to Striaton City, and although I wanted to talk to Spinel, I couldn’t take my eyes off our surroundings the whole ride. The long bridge with its four heavy pillars in graceful silver sparkled like stars in the midday light and the nature that has taken over the land starting from Nacrene - a fairly small town a few kilometres beyond the bridge - is almost more magnificent than on Alola.
Wherever there are no towns or villages, there is forest. Trees tower metres high and the shade settling on the routes turns even the heat of this region into a pleasant breeze.
When Spinel pulls the silver car into an almost empty parking lot, I can hardly wait to jump off the seat cushion and take in the vastness. The change of scenery feels good. My body seems to have been freed from clothes far too tight and Spinel’s restrained laughter sounds a bit like music to my ears.
“Do you want to have a look around?”
His offer is so tempting that I press my lips together and sway my head from side to side. “I don’t know. Shouldn’t we do your research first?”
With a casual wave of his hand, he gestures for me to follow, so I quickly fall into line next to him. For a moment, we walk in silence through some buildings with an old yet charming appearance. The ornate stone floor at our feet clacks with every step I take, and as we emerge from between the houses, Spinel pauses. In front of us are buildings with colourful roofs, one of which is clearly marked as a Pokémon Center.
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
“On the right side of the center, you can see the city’s gym.” He points to the tower block with its deep red steps and elegant front garden, where white flowers stretch their heads. “Trainers from this region come here to fight for the Trio Badge.”
“What do they do with these badges?”
“They collect them.” Spinel’s hand lowers. “When they defeat all the gym leaders in a region, they become champions of said. After that, they either follow the goal of becoming world champion by collecting all the badges and defeating the Elite Four of seven other regions, or they replace a gym leader in any city in their region,” he explains. “The first gym you beat also gives you your official trainer’s licence.”
“Which probably works in the same way as the professor's license,” I finish. “They get perks for travelling, I assume.”
“That and, depending on how advanced they are, free accommodation too.” A sigh escapes him. “The only reason trainers can live like that is because they make a fortune from the spectacle they put on.”
I can’t quite follow him. “The gym fights are watched by spectators?”
“Each gym is equipped with Rotom Cameras broadcasting live streams of the fights or recording them and uploading them later. Anyone interested can get access to said videos for a small monthly fee, just like with all other things. Series. Films. Have you never watched a film online?”
Heat burns under my skin. I remember my favourite TV series from my childhood. Since then, there have been no exact scenes to match his statement and the fact my dad eventually denied modern technology makes me doubt I’ve ever watched a film on the net.
“Anyway, it’s a cash crop that keeps a gym alive. There are also the big live events staged in the arenas. Usually, the fights involving the Elite Four and the regional champion take place there.”
“And if the champion isn’t there?”
“Most regions have more than one champion to get around this problem. If someone wants to take up the challenge, all the champions of the region will be notified. Those who can spare the time are later thrown into a lottery pot to see who will compete against the new contender.”
“And they all get money from the videos made?”
He nods. “Everyone gets a set percentage. The more famous you become, the more you get.”
Life as a professional trainer sounds tempting. However, I can imagine that it’s only half as easy as it sounds. The gyms shouldn’t be an easy obstacle and I’m sure levels rise with every year. Not every trainer and not every Pokémon is suited to it. Raya would probably enjoy some gym battles, but I’m sure she’s alone with that joy. Ying would sink into the ground in front of the cameras, despite her increased self-confidence. Mirra does everything she can to make me happy and Coro seems more of an adventurer than a fighter. That said, gym battles would be a dream come true for Eevee. After the defeat against Umbreon, the frustration sits deep in his bones.
“By the way, that building there,” Spinel draws my attention out of nowhere to the grey walls, which seem ancient but well cared for, “is a training school. A small one that mainly teaches children from this town.” His finger points to the left, down a street that probably has a special end somewhere if he includes it in his explanation. “Ten minutes this way and you’ll reach the park. If you’re lucky, you’ll find wild Pokémon there to catch.”
Once again, my gaze wanders over the nearby buildings, over all the skyscrapers in the background, which rise colourfully into the air and thus convey much more life and joy than Castelia City. There are only half as many people on the pavements, there seem to be only a handful of cars, and although it is a city, people greet each other as if they lived in a village.
I would love to explore all the shops and look at the park, but Spinel’s job comes first, so I clasp my hands behind my back and give him a small smile.
“And where do you have to go?”
Just as he turns toward a building to give me another explanation, the ground trembles beneath my feet. Glass breaks somewhere. An explosion thunders in my ears and as I raise my eyes, thick, black smoke comes to the fore. It’s seeping out of the window of the second floor of a house that Spinel actually wanted to say something about. The stench of burnt plastic stings my nose and just as I lift a hand to block the odour, a woman stumbles out through the front door. Coughing, she waves her hands around like she’s trying to clear the smoke from her dirty lab coat.
She takes a few steps back before adjusting her narrow glasses and raising her gaze. For a moment, she studies Spinel and me before blinking several times. Then she straightens up, a sound of joy on her lips. Her legs carry her to us so quickly I can hardly sort out the circumstances.
“Spinel!” Her exclamation is so cheerful that her sunny nature alone suppresses the accident. “You actually came! Was I able to inspire you with my thesis?”
He raises his hand as if he wants to keep her and the smell of burnt hair at a distance. “I’m less interested in clean energy production than in the other possibilities you listed in your report. Like a sleep serum, for example.”
“Ah! I didn’t realise you had a thing for medicine!”
“Not me. Agate asked, but she’s too busy to stop by herself.”
She nods eagerly before turning her gaze in my direction. “And you are?” She doesn’t even wait for my answer. “I’m Fennel! As you can see, I work as a professor and scientist. The thing that blew up there was my newly set up lab ... well, more like the machine I was using in it that went off.” An apologetic giggle escapes her as she scratches the back of her head. “I’m actually studying Pokémon training, but I’ve recently become very interested in researching a Pokémon called Munna. It emits something we call Dream Mist and could lead to many scientific breakthroughs!”
Her excitement spills over, and I want nothing more than to see the creature that could help us make the world a better place. Dream Mist sounds like something I should definitely pass on to Lillie.
“The only problem is ... my Dream Mist was destroyed in the explosion and ... I have no more to share with you, Spinel.” Fennel’s almost ankle-length hair continues to get out of shape as she sways unsteadily from side to side. “For the good of all, new one needs to be brought in, but ... I need to take care of the smoke up there and ... call some people who have been waiting for results. Maybe I should take my Pokémon to the center, too. She’s been breathing in a bit of smoke...”
“Didn’t you used to have a Munna yourself not long ago?” Spinel’s enthusiasm is limited. Little has changed in his expression, but a part of him exudes reluctance towards a task we didn’t come here to do.
“A while ago, yes. But it’s currently in a lab in Castelia City. Caught a virus ... ugly story.” She waves it off. “But you can find Dream Mist in the Dreamyard! Some Munna live there and even if you rarely see them, there’s always a lot of mist.”
“Dreamyard?” I interject. Fennel is now talking so fast, I can hardly follow.
“Ah, yes, an old factory. It’s just ruins now, but children and Pokémon love to play there. They say you can see things there you can’t find anywhere else. Most experts believe that these are illusions caused by the Dream Mist. That’s probably why this place is so popular with the younger generation.” Thoughtfully, she puts a hand to her chin. “If you leave now, you’ll be alone. The children are still at school.”
“Who says we’re going to the Dreamyard?”
Within a breath, both Fennel’s and my eyes are darting in Spinel’s direction. I can understand him, I really can, but the Dreamyard sounds interesting and Dream Mist would make a great gift for Lillie. I could send it to her and see what she makes of it.
“I take it she’s got you excited about the task?” When Spinel turns to me, I hold my breath for a moment. The way he looks at me, the gentle gleam in his eyes as if he wants to fulfil all my wishes, reminds me vaguely of Amethio. In this second, I feel transported back to the Pokémon Center on Poni Island - between arguments, mean statements, and Amethio’s concern.
“Domino?”
“Huh?” I have to blink several times before I realise I’ve lost myself in the sight of him. The memory of Amethio and our argument is probably one of my better ones with him, judging by the way we approached each other. “To be honest, I’d like to look at the Dreamyard. Maybe we’ll be lucky and even see a Munna.”
“You’ll be there in ten minutes! So it’s not much of a departure. Thank you!” Fennel claps her hands cheerfully. “I’ll take care of my ... business and see if my Unfezant has panicked yet.” Bell-ringing laughter shakes her. “I’m counting on you!”
And with that, she turns away and storms toward the building, smoke now also creeping out of the entrance. It would probably be wiser to call the fire brigade, but when Spinel moves without batting an eye, I push the thought to the back of my mind. Surely someone will arrive at any moment to deal with the chaos.
Meanwhile, Spinel leads us to a nearby hotel, where he books two rooms and hands me a key. He doesn’t need to use words to make me realise we’ll get our things out of the car as soon as we’ve been to the Dreamyard; and as I slide the key to my balls, I can feel my heart pounding. I can’t deny I love new things. Exciting little events that don’t guarantee danger are great for exploring your interests. For a change, I don’t have to worry about getting into a gruesome fight or putting myself in peril I’ll probably have to be rescued from. This time I can handle the path with tightened shoulders.
With Spinel strolling beside me, his Umbreon finally out of its ball, we seem invincible. Briefly, I place a hand on my skirt pocket where my team is resting. I’d like to let someone walk alongside me, but they’re all important to me. Letting just one out doesn’t seem right. However, letting out all of them is too much and switching between them seems too inconsistent, as I don’t want to check the clock all the time. They are safer in their balls.
The Dreamyard is well hidden between the thicket of trees. The outer walls are still halfway intact and only occasionally infested with thick moss. The factory itself suffers from a collapsed roof. Barrels are standing around, some have tipped over, and the floor inside the ruins has deep, black holes leading to a basement somewhere.
Despite my interest, my nervousness is endless. The ghostly air of our surroundings makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end and the shimmering pink glow beneath my soles crunches with every other step. At some point, I simply stop. My hands are sweaty. I have no choice but to wipe them on the black fabric of my skirt. My gloves are in the way, but I don't care. Then I want to wipe my fringe from my forehead, but stop. Lately, I’ve been trying so hard to look better than usual that I don’t want to ruin my efforts with a stupid act.
But my hair seems to ruffle as I hear whispers in my ear. A shiver runs down my spine, and my heart skips a beat.
“Are you lost?”
My fingers dig into the black fabric before I slowly turn my head and glance over my shoulder - straight at Spinel, who has leant forward a little to breathe in my ear.
In a flash, I take a step forward and whirl around. “Not funny!”
A restrained laugh overcomes him. “I couldn’t resist. You looked so anxious.”
Hands on my hips, I can’t help but laugh too. Spinel makes this place a little less spooky and the silence fades behind our amusement. Amethio would be far too serious about something like this. He wouldn’t laugh with me - smiling is a frightening foreign word to him - and he wouldn’t waste his time exploring this Dreamyard if it wasn’t his mission.
With Amethio, all of this would be much more serious. He would stand in front of me and make sure I didn’t do something stupid. Maybe we would hold hands, like back then in the Lush Jungle. I would be safe at his side in the face of non-existent dangers.
My eyelids droop as I push a few strands of hair behind my ear.
I wonder what he’s doing right now.