Chapter 26: A Call

POV – JAKE

Jake had a visitor. A spectator. An observer. A manipulator.

There had still been no real explanation as to how he had appeared on the Isle of Armor in such a random manner. He suspected he might be mad—perhaps he had played the Pokémon games so much that he could no longer distinguish his dreams from reality. If that were the case, perhaps the time had finally come. The beginning of the end. A point of no return. How soon would it be until his body, as well as his mind, began to collapse, as he fell further into the abyss of his madness?

Jake smirked at his melodramatic thoughts. Before him was no harbinger of doom, no eldritch horror, but an Inkay. She revolved with innocent curiosity, cheerily singing to herself “Ink, inku.”

The room was still buzzing with the afterglow of adrenaline from his latest showdown. Jake stood near the door to the stairway that would lead him to the third floor of the Tower of Darkness, a metallic scent of ozone lingering in the air. The floor beneath him was tiled in dark black, slick and gleaming under the dim lights. Sparks of residual voltage danced across the ground, remnants of Trixie's explosive finisher.

Glass motes floated lazily in the air, catching and refracting light into tiny rainbows. The arena felt surreal, like a magical battlefield suspended in time. Jake took a deep breath, the sharp tang of ozone filling his lungs, and let out a slow exhale, still coming down from the high of the fight.

Inkay was a rather beautiful creature to behold. She was almost fluorescent blue, a miniature cephalopodan body featuring a translucent mantle, reminiscent of a crown, encasing a rounded, pink core adorned with several yellow spots that pulsated gently like golden jewels. Four of these luminescent spots were on the front and two on the back. As Jake watched, the lights pulsed rhythmically, almost mesmerisingly, casting a soft glow around her.

Jake observed the intricate details of Inkay's body. Her skin was smooth, slightly glossy, akin to the delicate feel of silk or the slick surface of wet sea glass. The translucent mantle allowed the light from the glowing spots to diffuse beautifully, giving Inkay an almost otherworldly appearance.

Inkay rotated gracefully in mid-air, mantle rippling like a living veil. Her two longer transparent tentacles swayed elegantly like delicate ribbons in the wind, while eight blue main body tentacles waggled playfully, as if dancing to a silent rhythm only she could hear.

He might have expected to encounter such a creature in the deepest oceans or perhaps the farthest reaches of space. Yet, a cephalopod was among the last beings he had anticipated seeing here. Now, just over a foot high before him, was a dichotomy of the weird, wonderful, and strangely adorable, casually defying Newton's laws as if they were nothing.

With the likes of Jekyll on his team, Jake supposed he should be used to supernatural sights by now. However, Mimikyu and the rest of his Pokémon, at least on the surface, appeared to obey certain laws of physics.

Suddenly, an image flickered in Jake's mind: an energetic ball of light, darting about and radiating an almost overwhelming sense of curiosity. It felt as if the light were asking a hundred questions at once. Shaking his head slightly, he dismissed the thought as his own, perhaps a remnant of the battle’s light show. Speaking of which, he looked over to see Trixie diving in, his cute Emolga, zipping and twirling through the air, energy seemingly boundless, emoling and emoting animatedly at Inkay, no doubt boasting of the glory of her high voltage performance.

Jake watched with bemusement as his flying squirrel chittered away at Inkay with infectious enthusiasm. Inkay floated serenely, eyes following Trixie's every move with a calm, almost bemused curiosity. Despite the decidedly one-sided conversation, Inkay seemed content to patiently listen, luminescent spots pulsing gently in a rhythmic, soothing pattern.

Then, an odd realisation struck Jake. He had been convinced all this time that Inkay was a girl. He couldn't quite pinpoint when and why this thought had entered his mind—perhaps an intuition, or maybe something about the way she carried herself. He shook his head slightly, feeling a bit peculiar about this sudden certainty.

‘Where did it come from?’ he wondered. ‘Probably just her mannerisms… I think?’

He glanced at Inkay suspiciously, but before he could ponder further, a stomp of boots on tiles interrupted his thoughts. He looked over to see a very unhappy Rowan making his way towards him. Tall and broody, Rowan's dark aura seemed to precede him. Shaggy dark hair and pale skin, combined with a vaguely emo aesthetic and spectacles, certainly gave him a presence.

Approaching with a frown, Rowan's voice was tinged with an edge. "You've got some nerve, haven't you? How the heck did you win that? No way was that a three for one battle!"

Jake offered a sympathetic smile. "Yeah, I get where you're coming from. Honestly, a bit of luck was on my side. But my Pokémon gave it their all. Could've done without the underhanded tactics, though. Guess we both learnt something today."

A wry smirk played on Rowan’s lips. "Oh, so it was educational, was it?" His tone dripped with gloom. "Tricks are pretty standard fare here."

Jake returned the smirk with a dry chuckle. "Yeah, I noticed."

"And how’s your Morgrem doing?" Jake shifted the subject.

Rowan's smirk twisted into a mock grimace. "How do you reckon?" His expression softened a touch. "He’ll recover. A bit of rest, and he’ll be back up to no good. That’s the rough and tumble of Pokémon battles for you. Didn't think an Emolga could be such a heavy hitter, though."

"Got any tips for the next floor?" Jake ventured.

Rowan's expression darkened further. "Tips? You’re not prepared for this. There's no way for you to clear this."

Jake smirked. "Not with that attitude," he retorted. He recalled how Morgrem were supposedly attracted to trainers with gloomy, negative thoughts. A thought, seemingly out of nowhere, appeared in his mind: Rowan and Morgrem brooding together in a dark, shadowy room. The thought made him shudder, but he couldn't help but laugh to himself.

Rowan glared at him, clearly irritated. "Be warned, mother—uh, I mean, the Master shows no mercy. You will lose."

Jake raised an eyebrow. "Well, that’s the vote of confidence I've been waiting for," he said dryly. "I better get going. Thanks for the battle, I guess. Can't wait to meet your mum."

Rowan's face flushed with embarrassment at his slip. "Just get out," he snapped, muttering curses under his breath.

Jake chuckled as he proceeded toward the stairway, the door closing behind him with a resonant thud. He found himself standing at the foot of another endless staircase and sighed, gazing up at the daunting ascent. "Of course, more stairs," he muttered to himself, shaking his head in mild exasperation.

Trixie fluttered over to perch on her favourite spot on his shoulder, big eyes sparkling with pride. "Emol! Emolga!" she chirped, clearly pleased with herself.

Jake chuckled, scratching Trixie's head affectionately. "Yeah, the dive bomb strategy worked brilliantly, didn't it?" he praised, watching as she puffed up with pride. "All that practice wasn’t for nothing! I think you might be kind of awesome!"

"Emol, emol!" Trixie beamed, cheeks sparking with delight. She hugged Jake's neck adorably, soft fur brushing against his skin as she nuzzled into him with a contented sigh. Jake felt the warmth of her tiny body and the light, almost comforting side of static from her cheek pouches. He smiled, feeling her genuine affection.

"Only kind of?" Trixie seemed to tease, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Jake laughed. "Alright, alright, more than kind of," he said, giving her another affectionate scratch. "You're completely awesome!"

"Emol!" Trixie exclaimed, loving the praise. She squeezed him tighter, joy evident in every movement.

"But don't let it go to your head too much," Jake teased, a playful glint in his eye. "Remember who came up with the idea in the first place."

Trixie stuck out her tongue and fluffed her wings, patting her chest proudly. "Emol! Emolga!" Her expression clearly said, "You thought of it, but I made it happen!"

Jake laughed, throwing his hands up in mock despair. "Oh, the audacity! Mocking my brilliance, are we, Miss Trixie?" he said, shaking his head. "I do believe your ego is inflating at an alarming rate!"

Trixie wagged her paw dismissively, teasing him right back. "Emolga, emol!" Her attitude clearly said, "You just can't handle how fabulous I am!"

"Oh, the glory of Trixie is too much for us mere mortals," he said, bowing with a flourish.

Trixie twirled in the air and gently tapped Jake's head. "Emolga, emol!" she cooed, as if to say, "Rest easy, partner. I shall love you anyway!"

For a moment, they simply grinned at each other in shared, silent amusement. Then, unable to hold it in any longer, they burst into laughter, the sound echoing joyfully around them.

Their laughter was interrupted when, out of nowhere, Jake felt a strong wave of curiosity wash over him. It was accompanied by a fleeting, almost dreamlike thought—of wide eyes, a strong sense of inquisitiveness. The image was so subtle it almost felt like his own thought, but the intensity of the emotion behind it made him pause.

"Strange," he muttered, looking at Inkay, suspicion returning. She had floated much closer, headlights pulsing golden. Inkay appeared utterly transfixed by Trixie and his banter, eyes wide with fascination as she swished her two fore tentacles in cute delight. Yet Jake couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. He had never encountered a Psychic Pokémon before and was unsure of all the implications.

The games, anime, and various stories Jake had read depicted a wide range of psychic abilities—hypnosis, telekinesis, telepathy, and even mental manipulation. Compulsion, in particular, was known to be a speciality of Inkay's line. Jake knew that Inkay's lights held certain hypnotic powers that could be used to sap the will of prey or create distractions for hunting or flight. But an Inkay was more than just a psychic.

Jake pondered this as he took a short admin break, that battle had been more intense than he thought it would be. He sat down on one of the stone steps, the coolness of the stair seeping through his clothes. He reached into his bag, taking out a snack, while confirming his equipment: potions, status heals, and a collection of Poké Balls. With a practiced hand, he pulled out a Poké Ball and released Iggy, who was fast asleep. Gently, he placed her on his lap and began administering some potions, watching as the restorative liquids seeped into her tiny body.

An Inkay was supposed to be an impossibility—a paradox, the blending of psychic and dark, two opposing forces coexisting within a single being. A creature of inversion, contradiction, of diversion, and subversion—a reversal of truth and expectations. In the games, this was depicted through the ability, Contrary, which caused stat-changing moves to have the opposite effect.

Jake had no real reference for how that would translate into reality or how he would interact with psychics. Was telepathy an actual thing? How would it feel to have another voice in his mind? It sounded kind of creepy, almost invasive. He wasn’t quite sure how he would respond to it.

Back when Jake was just a gamer, he used to read the Pokédex entries casually, appreciating them more for their cool aesthetic than as something he'd ever have to confront. But now, finding himself in this world, those entries—vague as they sometimes were—began to take on real, tangible implications. Some of those Pokédex entries described Pokémon with unsettling traits that were almost, for lack of a better term, evil.

As he worked, Jake kept an eye on Trixie and Inkay, who appeared to be engaging in a lively discussion. The saying, "There are no bad Pokémon, only bad trainers," echoed in his mind. It was a comforting thought, but he couldn't shake a sense of unease. Malamar, perhaps, was an exception to this rule, known as one of the more genuinely sinister Pokémon. Its hypnotic powers were reputed to be the most compelling of any Pokémon, capable of manipulating and controlling even the strongest minds.

Jake had faced dangerous, even terrifying Pokémon before. Jekyll, at their first meeting, had been pretty scary, with a malicious intensity that had been much more profound than Jake would have expected. The mama Scolipede and the recent clash with the Druddigon had also been quite frightening, making him genuinely fear for his life—or at least a limb or two.

A Malamar, however, would be a different kind of threat, much more serious in many ways. Jake knew he wasn't ready—if he ever would be—to face such a Pokémon. The likely outcome might not be fatal in the physical sense, but worse, he might be made to forget who he was. Stuck here in this place for all time, as some sort of mind slave to an otherworldly squid. Not exactly his idea of a good time.

He shook his head, trying to dispel the dark thoughts. Suddenly, a strange, hazy image flickered in Jake's mind—a simple, almost abstract depiction of light dancing across the surface of a dark, rippling sea. It radiated the same playful energy and joy he saw in Trixie, a sense of curiosity and wonder. It was odd and out of place, as if it didn’t quite belong. Blinking, Jake looked over at Inkay, who was tilting her head curiously, interested by the lively Trixie. Jake smiled to himself; this Inkay, evil? Ridiculous.

Jake leaned back against the stone step, feeling Iggy's warmth on his lap, watching Trixie and Inkay play with a mixture of amusement and astonishment. Trixie's boundless energy and irrepressible playfulness never ceased to amaze him. She ought to have been conserving her strength, especially after her recent battle, but her exuberance was simply beyond his control. Pokémon were not machines; while they might want to listen sometimes, be your best friends, and cooperate in training or battles if they trusted you, they couldn't always resist the call of their natural instincts. Bribery was an option, but, Jake thought wryly, he didn't have nearly enough snacks for that.

The stairwell, with its sturdy dark gothic balustrades and perfect weaving spaces, was an ideal playground for the two young Pokémon. The dim light from the wall sconces cast long shadows across the area. Trixie zipped around with ease, a streak of lightning darting through the gaps in the balustrade, using every inch of space to her advantage, just as she had in her battle with Morgrem. Nimble and quick.

A game of tag, was it? Jake thought, amused. Trixie was not the Pokémon to play this game with if you expected to win.

Inkay floated along, almost lazily, as if just enjoying the scenery. Jake noticed a twinkle in her eyes, a calm intelligence hidden behind her cute looks. She watched Trixie’s movements with a laid-back curiosity, never looking rushed or worried.

As Trixie zoomed in with impressive speed, Jake was almost certain Inkay would be caught. But Inkay glided towards the balustrade, totally unbothered. Jake saw her subtly lower herself, clearly planning something. Just as Trixie lunged forward, sure of her victory as she entered the gap between the balustrades, Inkay swiftly turned, her body sparkling with a sudden, playful shimmer.

Suddenly, a blinding flash of light exploded from Inkay, flooding the stairwell with intense brightness. Shadows danced wildly as Trixie let out a startled cry, her momentum broken as she flailed mid-air, trying to rub at her eyes. Even from his position further away, Jake had to shield his eyes from the sudden brilliance.

What just happened? Jake thought, blinking against the afterimages. He wasn't sure if Inkay had used the actual Pokémon move Flash or a different application of Hypnosis, but the effect was undeniable. The flash wasn’t just bright; it had been perfectly timed, using the gap and the darkness to create an unavoidable trap, catching Trixie completely off guard. It was like something out of a strategy game, where you position your units just right to blindside the enemy. A calculated tactic, planned effortlessly, executed flawlessly.

Inkay hovered in place, tilting her head curiously as she examined the flailing Trixie, almost as if admiring her own handiwork. Trixie struggled to stay airborne, her wings beating wildly as she tried to shake off the disorientation. Iggy had been fast asleep on Jake’s lap, but the excitement of the game and the effects of the energy-boosting potions had caused her to stir. Jake gently petted Iggy to keep her calm as she looked up, eyes wide with curiosity.

“Cynda?” Iggy cried softly, her voice tinged with concern and confusion as she glanced over at Trixie’s floundering form.

Inkay seemed to hear Iggy’s query. She casually drifted over to Jake, singing “Ink, inku!” cheerily, clearly delighted with her performance. Lights pulsing gently with each syllable, a playful rhythm that matched her upbeat mood. Jake couldn’t help but feel almost obligated to respond.

“Wow, Inkay,” Jake said, lightly applauding. The sound of his claps echoed softly in the dim stairwell.

Inkay’s face lit up with joy. Revolving about, moving in graceful spirals. One of her headlights flashed, but this time the brightness had a different texture. Shimmering gently, darker, with a dim, subtle sparkle.

Jake felt a strange yet somewhat familiar incongruity, like a slight pressure in his mind. Suddenly, a vivid thought popped into his head. Underwater, vast and dark, water thick and hazy. As if he were looking through another’s eyes. Countless Inkay swam through the murky depths, lights flashing at different intensities in a mesmerizing, bioluminescent display.

An overwhelming sense of fun and playfulness radiated from the vision, filling him with a joyful energy that made him smile uncontrollably. Yet, another emotion was intertwined within it, faint and elusive, something he couldn’t quite grasp—a pang of some sort. Not quite loneliness, but a sense of separation. Perhaps boredom, though it wasn't clear enough for Jake to be certain.

But now, on the contrary, he was no longer uncertain. That sense of incongruity, the strange feelings and thoughts he had been experiencing—not just recently, but ever since Brawler’s Cave—now made sense.

"It was you..." Jake muttered slowly, feeling a wave of confusion wash over him.

Those thoughts had not been his own. Inkay’s sudden appearance should have made it obvious, and he cursed himself for being so slow to realise, given the presence of a psychic Pokémon. But then again, how does one exactly distinguish a foreign thought from their own?

Weirdness, more than anything, enveloped his mind. He didn't quite know how to process it. There was also a hint of outrage—a sense of violation, of intrusion, creeping into what he hoped were still his own thoughts. How had he not noticed? The idea of another creature's visions mingling with his own was deeply unsettling. But then he remembered.

"Inkay saved us," Jake muttered aloud, as if trying to piece together his own thoughts. "That storm... the Druddigon..."

Inkay looked back at him with a curious, almost innocent expression. The realisation settled in further. Despite the strange intrusion, Inkay had only ever helped them. Her actions, though unorthodox, had been for their benefit.

Suddenly, a blur of motion disrupted Jake’s thoughts. Trixie charged in, no doubt hoping to catch Inkay off guard. Her speed was impressive, but Inkay casually floated near Jake’s shoulder, using him as an impromptu obstacle. Trixie didn't slow down, hurtling towards them with alarming speed. Jake sighed, feeling a wave of nostalgia mixed with resigned alarm, as he realised, she hadn’t checked her momentum and was about to collide headfirst into him.

Bracing for impact, Jake’s heart raced. Just then, Inkay’s lights flashed again, this time in a different pattern and colour. A dark blue hue, refracted through her mantle into a greyish glow. As Trixie closed in, her eyes wide with surprise, she suddenly halted mid-air. She strained, momentum trying to resist an immense force, trembling with the effort.

Inkay looked like she was working herself more than usual, lights flickering with exertion. Jake found himself staring directly into Trixie’s eyes. Both caught off guard by the sudden stop.

“Whoa,” Jake murmured, extending his hand to grasp Trixie. As he tried to move her, he encountered resistance. It was as if an invisible force had glued Trixie in place, suspending her in mid-air. The sensation was strange; despite the force holding Trixie, Jake himself felt nothing. He waved his other hand around her, but still, he sensed no force on himself. It was as if this mysterious effect was solely targeting Trixie.

"Gravity," Jake realised. It was an unexpected revelation. In the games, Gravity wasn’t a move an Inkay would naturally learn; it was typically acquired through a technical machine. Given Inkay’s ability to levitate, presumably by manipulating gravity, it made sense in a way. Jake was also surprised to learn that Gravity was able to be utilised in such an isolated way. Then again, he couldn't precisely explain some of the other more outlandish Pokémon abilities, so he supposed this was simply another one of those that was par for the course.

Jake looked back at Trixie, who was still frozen in place, eyes wide and pleading. Jake suddenly grinned to himself. Rarely did he have such an opportunity. Not being able to resist he reached out and poked right on the nose.

“Can’t escape now!” Jake teased. Iggy, not wanting to be left out, leaned forward and tried to poke Trixie’s nose too, tiny paw reaching, but not able to.

Trixie protested with her eyes, her gaze a mixture of irritation and helplessness. Jake chuckled, shaking his head. “Trixie, you really need to learn when to slow down. Charging in like that without thinking is going to get you into trouble.”

Trixie’s eyes narrowed in a clear display of defiance, but Jake sternly continued, both amused and firm. “We still don’t know how many challenges we’re going to face. You need to conserve your energy and take a rest when you can.”

Iggy nodded along with Jake’s words, her “Cynda, Cynda” like the miniature sage she was. Trixie rolled her eyes, the only part of her she could move, and Jake smirked at her attitude.

Just then, the hold on Trixie was suddenly released. With a startled ‘emol!’ she dropped like a stone. “Gotcha,” Jake said as he caught her, steadying her in his arms.

He heard a soft "Ink" and realised that Inkay had been strangely silent. He relaxed a little, still disturbed by the invasion of his mind, but he began to think that perhaps Inkay was actually more like a benevolent guardian, a mysterious protector lurking in the shadows. In a bizarre way, it was almost comforting to have his own eldritch guide—a benign entity on the edge of the familiar and the otherworldly.

But then, he glanced over and saw that Inkay had once again inverted herself, with her head facing towards the ground and her lights now flickering rapidly with an unsettling intensity, her mantle seeming to expand, as if gathering energy. According to the Pokédex, Inkay did this to enhance her psychic powers by improving blood flow to the head. Perhaps she was quite limited in her use of Gravity, and it had exhausted her in some way, and she needed to recharge.

Despite this explanation, the sight made Jake's anxiety spike once more. With her body floating upside down and her tentacles strangely stiff, Inkay resembled a creature from the depths of an unfathomable ocean, teetering on the brink of something more ominous—a transformation that could bring unpredictable consequences.

Jake sighed to himself. This Inkay was either going to be the death of him or the solution to all his problems. Inkay was all about the contrary; perhaps she could invert fate as well. Either way, their destinies suddenly seemed intertwined. The path ahead was uncertain, but one thing was certain: Inkay wasn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

POV - INKAY

Oh, how wonderful. Her mind was clear again. Whenever she used too much power, a clouded sensation would drift into her thoughts, like a thick mist rolling over her. The effort always left her in a dreamy daze. Yet, this feeling was so intriguing. Such a rush. With each inversion, the fog lifted faster, and she could hold her power for longer. Something seemed to change within her. She was so curious to find out what that meant. How very interesting indeed.

She looked around for the bipedal, oh yes, Jake was his name. She had learned it from the fun one, Trixie she thought she was called. How entertaining Trixie was! There had been no Pokémon like her where she had originally lived. Trixie was a puzzle of energy and excitement; Inkay didn't understand half of what she said, but that made it all the more intriguing. What were those apples she spoke of? What did they look like? Apparently, they were very delicious. Were they similar to fish?

As Inkay floated closer, she noticed that Trixie had disappeared, as had the fiery one, Iggy—yes, that was her name, she remembered from the shelter. What peculiar spherical objects those were! That must be where Trixie and Iggy went. How curious! She wanted a go as well! But before she could ask, Jake produced another one of those spheres, and in a burst of light, the costumed one appeared, Jekyll he was called. So many strange Pokémon Jake had with him. They all had names as well. Why was that? She really wanted to know! She had seen Jekyll before, and she was incredibly curious about what he looked like underneath that costume.

She decided to ask Jake. She focused on her headlights, letting the right patterns and signals fall into place to create the effect she desired. A soft glow emanated from her bioluminescent spots as she formed the images and thoughts in her mind.

"Jake! Jekyll is very interesting! What does he really look like?" she projected, her thoughts reaching out with a gentle nudge. It was like putting together a puzzle, each piece fitting just right to convey what she wanted to.

Jekyll turned sharply towards her as she approached, stepping in front of Jake possessively, hackles up. His eyes glowed beneath his costume, emanating an aura of malevolence. He hopped closer, sharp and hostile, shielding Jake from her.

"Stay back, inkling! Jake belongs to Jekyll, Jekyll’s precious possession! Do not approach!" His voice was high-pitched and surprisingly adorable, despite his words.

Inkay, however, was too busy examining Jekyll's costume to notice. She floated around him, lights flickering with curiosity. "I like your costume, Jekyll! It's very interesting. Did you make it yourself?" she said, cheerful and genuine.

Jekyll seemed to falter, his aura wavering as he processed Inkay's words. "C-costume? What costume? This is Jekyll’s true form!" he proclaimed imperiously, trying to regain his poise. He even gave a little hop, mimicking the Pokémon he was trying to imitate.

She used her fore tentacles to point out the details of Jekyll's appearance. "Oh, but look at the smoothness of the fabric! And the tail, so spiky and such a fine choice of wood. Very impressive!" She traced the outline of his costume, noting how well-maintained it was.

Jekyll's ‘eyes’ widened in surprise, momentarily at a loss for words. He did not seem to know whether to preen at the compliment or strive to maintain his facade, looking hesitantly at Jake for support. "Y-yes, indeed! You are perceptive to see that Jekyll is quite magnificent, undeniably genuine!" he proclaimed, attempting to bolster his front.

Inkay continued, oblivious to Jekyll's growing discomfort. "But, hmm, the eye-holes make it less realistic, don't they? Though, I guess it would be hard for you to see without them! And the ears are a bit droopy. Maybe they could be perked up? However, I do admire your decision to go for the non-bipedal approach. That seems so inconvenient. Why would they not float like any sensible being?" she offered helpfully.

Jekyll's eyes widened in outrage, the dark aura around him growing denser. "This one knows too much! She must die!" he shrieked, high-pitched yet menacing. He surged forward under a veil of darkness, his true power and ferocity coming to the forefront.

Inkay watched Jekyll's anger escalate but remained unfazed. She knew she was weaker than him, having observed his battles, but she had a different plan. She knew his weakness. As Jekyll lunged, she sent a thought to Jake, of sadness and disappointment.

"Jake, why is Jekyll being so mean to me? I just wanted to be friends and learn more about him. I was only curious, really!" she conveyed, her thoughts tinged with innocence and genuine curiosity.

Jake's eyes flicked towards the two Pokémon, catching sight of Jekyll mid-attack. He quickly stepped forward, placing himself directly between Jekyll and Inkay, arms outstretched to block Jekyll's path. "Whoa, Jekyll, let's take it easy, huh?" he said firmly, his voice steady but gentle. He knelt down, ensuring he met Jekyll's gaze. "This is Inkay. She's been following us for a while now. She's a friend."

Jekyll hesitated, dark aura simmering around him. Inkay watched intently, noting Jekyll's body tense and ready to strike. But as soon as Jake picked him up, the dark aura flickered and began to fade.

"Unhand Jekyll at once! She knows Jekyll is in disguise! She cannot be allowed to live!" he demanded desperately.

Jake held Jekyll close. "Don't worry, Jekyll. I will take care of it. Just relax," he murmured gently. Inkay observed how Jake’s soothing words seemed to chip away at Jekyll's resistance.

Jekyll's defiance wavered, façade beginning to crack. "F-fine, you may hold Jekyll," he muttered, as he relaxed into Jake's arms.

Inkay noted how Jake's gentle pats on Jekyll’s back seemed to melt his fury away. “Jekyll will allow this... just this once," he added. Inkay's eyes gleamed with satisfaction as she twirled in delight. Her plan had been flawless once again, and she revolved in her success.

Jake looked at Inkay reproachfully. "Inkay," he began with a mix of frustration and curiosity, "I know it’s you talking to me in my mind."

"Isn't it fascinating?" Inkay projected.

Jake's brow furrowed as he tried to interpret what she was trying to say and make sense of the situation. "It's a bit unsettling, honestly," he admitted.

Inkay floated closer, tentacles undulating with playful excitement. "It's really convenient," she projected, nostalgic. "I used to speak this way with my brothers and sisters all the time," she continued, her bioluminescent spots flickering softly. "It's been so long since I’ve talked to anyone. So, I might be a bit out of practice!" she added cheerfully, pleased to finally have a conversation with Jake.

Jake looked intently at Inkay, brow furrowing in concentration as if trying to test something. Inkay tilted her head, bemused by his focused expression, tentacles gently waving as she floated in a curious circle around him.

"What are you doing?" she projected with amusement.

Jake’s face strained slightly as he continued to focus, turning slightly red with effort. Inkay’s glow dimmed slightly as she hovered closer.

"Are you well?" Inkay asked.

Jake's eyes widened as he felt the concern in her projected thought. "Wait, you can hear what I’m thinking too?" he asked, taken aback.

Inkay giggled softly, her amusement rippling through the air like a gentle breeze. "No, silly. Your face says it all," she projected in a light, playful tone, headlights flickering brightly.

Jake's face turned a deeper shade of red, a blend of embarrassment and relief evident in his expression. "So, you can't actually read my mind? It’s one way? You can only send thoughts to me? Thank goodness. I'm sort of relieved, though it's still a bit weird," he said with a chuckle. "Not that you're missing much mind you! My sister always liked to say there was not a lot going on up there!" he joked.

Inkay giggled again as Jake slapped his cheeks lightly, trying to shake off his lingering embarrassment. "Right, it's time to get a move on!" he declared. "Inkay, I'm not quite sure why you're here, but you're sure welcome to come along. You’ve already been a big help and it's always nice to meet new PokéFriends."

Inkay's spots flickered with joy as she watched Jake carefully place the blissed-out Jekyll onto his shoulder. With a nod of readiness, Jake began moving up the stairway, and Inkay floated alongside him, curiosity piqued by every new sight.

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The stairway they ascended had a distinctly gothic aesthetic, much better maintained than the first. The black tiles of the floor gleamed underfoot, pristine and almost mirror-like. Tall gothic windows lined the walls, filtering in soft, diffused light that created an eerie yet beautiful atmosphere.

Inkay's attention was drawn to the windows, pulling her towards the bright, glorious sun. She floated closer to one of the tall windows, mesmerised by the sight. Until a day ago, she had never seen the sun, only knowing the darkness of sea and cavern. There had always been rumours of an outside world, but she had been so preoccupied with finding her squad. They had been missing for so long that she almost thought she might be lost forever.

As she moved alongside Jake and Jekyll, her thoughts drifted back to her time in that deep, deep underwater world. That sea had been vast and dark, illuminated only by the glow of her kin and the occasional flicker from a passing Chinchou school. How enchanting those lights were, like the stars in the night sky she had come to love. Inkay had been part of a large squad, but her intense desire to explore, to see new things, had always set her apart. Her kin had often warned her about the dangers of straying too far, but she couldn’t help herself. She just wanted to see it all, to know it all! It was all so interesting!

She remembered that day vividly, the glimpse of silver. The day she followed a particularly intriguing flicker in the distance. Oh, how it beckoned her! There was simply no way to resist. The sea around her was so mysterious, the darkness almost tangible, pressing in from all sides. Yet, she swam towards the flicker, eager to discover what it meant! She had sensed it’s majesty. It’s power. Her tentacles propelled her forward with eager determination. She searched and searched, but the flicker kept moving, so fast, and always just out of reach, leading her further and further away. Driven by her need to explore, she ascended slowly and deliberately in the dense water. Before she knew it, the light of her kin had faded, and she was surrounded by the inky blackness of the depths. The flicker gone. She paused, looking around, but the darkness was now unbroken. A pang of loneliness touched her, but her determination was stronger.

And so, she ascended, slowly, so very slowly, the water around her began to lighten, and eventually she felt a strange new sensation— the pressure lessened, the water growing warmer. Her three hearts fluttering with excitement. What could be above?

And then, finally, she had breached the surface, and oh, what a sight! The world above was so different. For one thing, it was not all water! She saw the expanse of the cave around her, stalactites hanging, curious formations on the rocky walls. The air filled with new sounds—drips of water, echoes of distant movements, and the soft rustle of new never before seen creatures.

There were so many new things to see, to hear, to do. Her curiosity drove her to explore every nook and cranny, sometimes clumsily, always following whatever caught her interest. None listened to her. None understood her. But she floated through the cave, headlights, illuminating her path. The cave was a labyrinth of wonders, each twist and turn revealing new mysteries.

Until, one day, she found the most interesting thing of all.

POV - JAKE

Welcome, poor soul, to this dark, cursed floor,

Where your feeble mind will be tested and sore.

Think you're clever, think you're smart?

This puzzle will tear your confidence apart.

Your Pokémon are weak, just pitiful pawns,

Can they aid you here, or will they just yawn?

Align the shadows, match them just right,

But you'll likely fail, lost in eternal night.

Foolish challenger, with dreams so bold,

Lost in this puzzle, left out in the cold.

Hidden patterns mock your feeble sight,

Find them, dimwit, or be trapped by the blight.

Turn the statues, twist them around,

Watch as your hopes crash to the ground.

For in this dark tower, you're nothing but prey,

To shadows and tricks that lead you astray.

So, as you toil and stumble about,

Remember these words, soaked in doubt.

Master this challenge, if you think you can,

But we bet you'll fail, poor pitiful one.

"Jekyll, I'm not sure, but I think they might be trolling us," Jake said, scrutinising the 'instructions' on the plaque before him. The third floor of the tower had a distinctly tomb-like atmosphere, with dark stone walls and rich, dark wood panels carved with various sigils. The stone floor was pitted and worn, exuding a sense of timelessness. However, it was blatantly obvious that the room had been designed to appear ancient, rather than actually being so.

That said, they had done a rather excellent job, with the scent of old stone and granite in the air mingling with the faint, smoky aroma from the gothic torches flickering along the room's sides. Jake almost considered himself fortunate that there were no draugr to contend with.

"Mimi, kyu," Jake's own undead companion responded in a dark tone. "They dare mock us? We should teach them a lesson they won't forget!"

Jake grinned at that, adjusting the Mimikyu on his shoulder. "Oh, really? And how do you propose we do that?"

"Kyu, kyu," Jekyll whispered, low and conspiratorial, like a devil in his ear. "We could sabotage them, curse them, make them beg for mercy."

Jake pretended to consider Jekyll’s words seriously, stroking his chin. "Hmm, sabotage and curses. I quite like the idea, but it’s hard to do that without knowing who is responsible. Let’s see if we can figure out the trial first, shall we?”

He scanned the room. High above, a bright, crystallised light filtered down onto four large statues haphazardly arranged in the centre of the room. A Corviknight, Umbreon, Zoroark, and Grimmsnarl were all represented here, each carved with exaggerated, fierce expressions, grotesque parodies of the Pokémon they were supposed to be. They would certainly be at home on a gothic cathedral. The bright light created dark, shadowed patterns across the floor, forming interesting shapes suspiciously similar to the meticulously carved sigils on the walls.

The task was clear: they would have to manipulate the statues in a certain way to align those shadowed patterns with the sigils on the walls. This would presumably unlock the door on the far side and thus their pathway up to the fourth floor.

Jekyll huffed but remained vigilant, his eyes scanning the room for any hidden traps or tricks. "Very well. But Jekyll is watching. One misstep and we shall unleash chaos upon them."

Jake laughed, a bright sound that echoed off the stone walls. "I appreciate the enthusiasm, Jekyll. We can always plan our revenge later if we need to."

"Mimi, kyu!" Jekyll nodded in enthusiastic agreement. "They think they're clever, but we'll show them! We'll twist their minds until they scream, fill them with such despair they'll wish they were never born, make them rue the day they ever dared to cross us!"

Jake couldn't help but chuckle at Jekyll's creative ideas. He didn't always fully understand Jekyll’s words, but the emotions he emitted through the connection to his real body were often a story in themselves. In truth, Jake's interpretations were probably rather tame, but what could he say? He had always been taught to see the best in people, and he supposed that applied to mons as well.

He adjusted his stance as he considered his next steps. He noticed Inkay hovering around the room, inquisitively examining everything, from the statues to the door on the far side. She seemed particularly drawn to the crystal light at the top of the room, which was refracting a focused beam of sunlight onto the stone floor. This Inkay really wanted to know everything, didn’t she? All the projections he had received from her were questions: What is this? What is that? How does this work? Never-ending questions.

He smiled to himself, finding her earnest curiosity endearing. He didn’t mind this part of her personality at all. It was just that she really, really wanted to know, even if he didn’t always have the answers. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and it reminded him again why he loved Pokémon so much.

However, Jake was making a conscious effort to maintain a degree of caution towards Inkay. He remembered her subtle attempt to influence him in front of Jekyll. Although he saw through it and chose to cooperate on that occasion, he had been fortunate to be actively listening for it at the time, testing her and observing her reaction to an aggressive Jekyll. She was very clever, and it wasn't always immediately clear whose thoughts were whose. Though, sometimes, the images she sent were truly bizarre. He doubted that many people thought so much about tentacles, so he supposed he was lucky those weren't his thoughts—unless he had truly gone down a path few could follow.

All in all, he was relieved that Inkay appeared to be on their side; she would have been a troublesome enemy. Pokémon were remarkable not just for their incredible abilities, but also for their restraint in using them. In the hands of humans, powers like Inkay’s might well be used or abused for control. However, most Pokémon did not seek such power. Even in the wild, many Pokémon were not frivolous with their abilities and reserved them for moments of danger or peril. It often seemed that only under human influence were Pokémon's abilities directed towards truly destructive purposes.

"Jekyll, like Trixie on the first floor, you’re the guide. Keep an eye on the sigils and let me know if I'm moving them correctly," Jake said, placing Jekyll atop his head. "Use Shadow Sneak on the ground to show me exactly what to do.”

"Kyu!" Jekyll exclaimed; his eyes gleaming with excitement. He loved being asked to help by Jake, despite the dependency it implied. Nevertheless, Jekyll was progressing remarkably well, surpassing his expectations this early in their journey. With growing confidence, Jake believed that he could become not only a more reliable but, most importantly, a happier companion.

"Alright, Jekyll, you’re the boss. Where to?"

POV – JEKYLL

Jekyll watched. The puzzle, intricate, baffling, shadows and shapes. Jake, determined, sweat trickling down his brow. Jekyll sensed the urgency, the pressure. Shadows, his domain, his power. Jekyll reached out, tendrils of darkness forming, twisting.

An arrow took shape on the ground. Jake noticed, followed. A thrill coursed through Jekyll. Control. Jekyll directed Jake, shadows guiding the way. Patterns on the floor, matching those on the walls. Jekyll felt strange, power and uncertainty. Yet, Jake obeyed. Delightful.

Jake grunted, muscles straining as he moved the Corviknight statue. Heavy. Slow. Jekyll's shadows shifted, forming another arrow. Umbreon next. Jake heaved, positioning it. Jekyll's excitement grew, but also a tinge of doubt. Too slow.

A grinding noise. Statues resetting. Shadows dissolving. Jake's frustration, palpable. "Damn them," he spat, panting. "They didn't even mention the timer."

Jekyll's emotions surged, chaotic. Rage. Manic. He cursed the perpetrators, promising dark revenge. Shadows writhed, reflecting his turmoil. They had messed with them, taunted them. Jake, his anchor, his guide, now struggling under the weight of failure.

Jekyll's thoughts twisted, violent. Revenge, curses, shadows consuming those who dared to interfere. He raved, of ghostly fury, a whirlwind of dark intentions. Yet, amidst the chaos, a flicker of calm. Jake. His presence, a tether.

Jekyll steadied, shadows reforming. Urgency surged through him, frantic. He would not fail. Not again. An arrow, sharper, clearer. Jake, muscles taut, moved quicker. Corviknight first, then Umbreon. Jekyll's shadows pointed, directed. The conundrum gnawed at him – the statues too heavy, the timer too short. A cruel joke.

Jekyll cursed the situation, power vast, lethal, but not physical. Mimicry was his domain, not the weight of stone. An odd sensation, helplessness. Directing Jake to do what Jekyll could not. A strange burden. Responsibility, urgent.

Statues in place, nearly there. A grinding noise. Reset. Failure. Jekyll's rage, exploded. Shadows lashed out, swirling in chaotic patterns. He failed Jake, failed them both. Yet, Jake's voice, calm, reassuring.

"I trust you, Jekyll," Jake said, panting. "No worries. Urshifu told me I needed to develop my muscles anyway." A weak smile, strained but genuine. "Though really, this kind of trial is better placed at a rock gym."

Jekyll's fury abated, replaced by a strange state of emotions. Trust, foreign yet comforting. Responsibility, heavy yet motivating. Jake's reassurance, soothing to his haunted unrest. They would try again. They had to.

"I hope Siobhan doesn't have to face something similar," Jake murmured, adjusting his grip on the Umbreon statue.

Jekyll watched, determined. Shadows danced, guiding once more. Frantic, but focused. He would not let Jake down. Not this time. Together, they would overcome.

Then, a presence. The pest. Jekyll felt a jolt of irritation. Confusing creature, weak and vulnerable yet somehow dangerous. Jekyll never knew what to make of her. If he tried to act against her, it felt like the outcome would not go the way Jekyll expected.

The pest approached, too cheerful. Jekyll's fury simmered. Jekyll had sensed the pest communicating with Jake, silent exchanges infuriating. Jekyll hated this. This time, she spoke aloud, perhaps for Jekyll’s benefit. Jekyll doubted it.

"I can help!" Pest chirped. "I have a great idea! The statues are heavy, right? There's a timer? How about I lighten the load?"

Jekyll trembled with rage. How dare she interfere? An outsider. He wanted to reject her, destroy her. Yet, her plan made sense. Lightening the load, easing the burden on Jake. Effective, frustratingly so. He rebelled against the idea, viciously. Yet, he could not deny the potential. They needed every advantage. But Jekyll hated it. Hated her.

Jake spoke, breaking the tense silence. "It sounds like an interesting plan, and it could work. But Jekyll is in charge here. Jekyll, what do you think?"

Jekyll looked at the pest, agitated. He warred with himself, memories of solitude and mimicry flooding his mind. The loneliness, the emptiness. Jekyll had found a place with Jake, even somewhat among the 'family'. Jekyll had thought he would be content with just Jake, that he alone could do everything Jake needed. But here, Jekyll could not help alone. Yet, Jekyll was not alone.

The realisation twisted within him, powerfully, chaotically. Emotion surged, overwhelming, a tempest inside. Even Jake felt the intensity, shuffling beneath him. Jekyll shuddered, trying to process the flood of feelings. In the end, Jekyll knew he had but one choice.

"Fine," Jekyll said, a low growl. "We proceed with the plan. Pest, you will assist."

Pest’s eyes sparkled with glee, seemingly oblivious to Jekyll's hostility. She floated closer, power radiating. Jake nodded; determination renewed.

Jake moved the statues, muscles straining. Inkay used Gravity, lightening the load, cheerfulness undiminished. Jekyll shaped the shadows, making them fit the sigils without needing a perfect alignment. The confluence of their efforts, power and precision.

Success. The doors to the fourth floor swung open. Jekyll had done it. Conflicting emotions roiled within him. Victory, tainted with bitterness.

Jake hugged Jekyll, praise in his voice. "Well done, Jekyll. We did it!"

Jekyll felt a surge of joy. He was Jake's Jekyll. Jake was Jekyll’s Jake. They had achieved this together, even with the pest's help. Jekyll struggled with this. The pest, strong but not strong, clever but not clever. Same as Jekyll, but not the same. But useful. 'Family' was a stretch. But a minion? That might be useful.

POV - JAKE

Jake slumped slightly, trying to catch his breath. The third floor had been more physically demanding than he had expected. Standing just outside the third floor, he looked up at the next set of stairs leading to the penultimate floor of the Tower of Darkness. He loved his Pokémon team, but he recognised that aside from Arthrox, who was currently mobility challenged, all his Pokémon were pint-sized and built more for speed than power. He didn’t mind this, but it did mean that puzzles like this had to be tackled with good old-fashioned DIY.

Jake also saw the opportunity this challenge presented. Jekyll was easily his strongest Pokémon, way beyond what Jake would typically consider a ‘starter’ Pokémon. So, for Jekyll, training at this point was not really about power or skill—Mimi kyu had plenty of that. What Jekyll needed was a balancing, stability and the ability to integrate with his teammates.

While at the Master Dojo, with Mustard's guidance and through his own research, Jake had begun to comprehend the real dangers of training a Mimikyu—the potential risks trainers could face and how, even after many supposedly joyful years, a Mimikyu's possessiveness could turn deadly. Had Jake known this, he might have made a more concerted effort to distance himself from Jekyll at their first meeting, despite the potential repercussions. However, he was glad he hadn't, as he later realised that despite Jekyll's intimidating and seemingly malevolent nature, his actions were driven by loneliness and a painfully desperate search for acceptance. Although this did not excuse all of his actions, Jake found himself able to empathise with him.

Jake theorised that a Mimikyu would 'turn' because trainers failed to fully understand its deeper desires, which went beyond mere companionship. Fearing potential harm to others, Jake could see why a trainer might decide to isolate a Mimikyu from the rest of the team. From those close to them. This might work temporarily, a bond with the trainer might develop, but in the longer term, Jake believed it would severely damage a Mimikyu's psyche. Such isolation might in fact further fuel its psychotic tendencies, eventually leading to disaster. To counter this, Jake had the idea that by beginning to give Jekyll responsibility and leadership roles he could foster a more authentic relationship between Jekyll and his teammates. This would encourage genuine liking and respect, allowing Jekyll to be accepted and take pride in his true self, rather than in what he pretended to be.

"That was really amazing, Jekyll," Jake said, warm with admiration. "Not just guiding us through the trial but also learning from the setbacks and even asking for help. That's huge progress."

Jekyll's seemed to almost vibrate with joy, letting out a soft, shy "K-kyu, kyu." Still not familiar with praise, the words soaking into him slowly, like sunlight warming a cold surface.

Jake chuckled softly. "Yeah, I knew you cared! And you act so tough, but you’re just a softie in the end," he teased.

“...M-mimi, kyu” Jekyll protested shyly. "...D-don't be ridiculous, I don’t care at all!" he retorted.

Jake grinned, teasing further, "Oh really? But you were watching me struggle, weren't you? Knew exactly what needed to be done."

"Mimi, kyu!" Jekyll responded, his confidence building. "You did well, when you followed directions for once. It’s a wonder what can be achieved when you do as you're told."

Jake's laughter echoed softly in the grand stairwell. "Well, ouch, is that so? I must admit, it was quite the workout. Maybe I should start taking your advice more seriously, but perhaps go easy on the revenge plans."

"K-kyu! Kyu..." Jekyll's voice lowered, his tone growing dark with a seething rage as he recalled the ones responsible for their suffering. Jake imagined it as probably something like: "I don't know who they are. I don't know where they are. But I will seek them out, I will find them, and they will beg for their end before it's over."

Jake felt a bead of sweat form on his forehead. He chuckled weakly, scratching the back of his head. "Uh, Jekyll, I think that might be a little too far," he said.

Jekyll suddenly erupted into a fit of high-pitched giggles, a rasping, almost rattling sound, but unmistakably genuine. Jake just stared at the happy Jekyll. Not usually one for emotional displays, Jake had learned from his mother early on to manage his feelings and compartmentalise issues effectively. Yet, witnessing Jekyll's sheer joy, now freely playing pranks on his trainer, Jake felt a tear almost form in his eye.

Before he could respond further to Jekyll, Jake noticed that Inkay had hovered very close, so close in fact, that he could scent an odd, enigmatic blend of incense and earthy vetiver, with a hint of briny sea air. Her eyes sparkled, seemingly transfixed by their conversation.

Noticing his attention, Inkay projected a thought to Jake, a feeling of entertainment and curiosity. "What are you talking about?"

Jake chuckled. "We were just talking about the trial we just went through, and how Jekyll here really helped out. Of course you helped too... eventually" he teased.

Inkay rotated around Jake, tentacles undulating playfully. She projected an image of herself floating near the statues again, with the thought, "You could have asked."

Jake laughed, shaking his head. "Oh, so it's my fault now? I didn’t want to presume you wanted to get involved. Besides, I thought you were just here for the entertainment."

Inkay's eyes sparkled, as she projected a feeling of playful reproach. "You assumed wrong."

Jake grinned, enjoying the banter. "Well, lesson learned. Next time, I'll make sure to ask the all-knowing Inkay for her assistance. But you know, you’re not my Pokémon, so I wasn’t sure if you wanted to help."

At Jake’s words, another feeling entered Jake’s thoughts, unexpected and poignant—a pang of some kind. He looked at Inkay, surprised by the depth of emotion from the usually naive and innocently manipulative Pokémon. Jekyll stared at her warily but surprisingly did not make too much of a fuss.

For the first time, Jake had a very different sense of emotion from Inkay. A sharp feeling, similar to what he sometimes felt from Jekyll, but without the searing resentment. Inkay herself almost seemed puzzled by it. The question "Why do I feel this way?"

Suddenly, his mind was plunged into an abyss of unfathomable darkness. Then, a majestic, silvery apparition. Lugia. The name resonated within him instantaneously. An intense, presence enveloped him, pressing down upon his consciousness with the weight of the deep sea—so profound it nearly brought him to his knees. He roamed unchained, a contradiction of isolation within a collective, together, but yearning to explore the vast unknown.

Then, as swiftly as they had begun, the visions ceased.

“K-kyu?” Jake felt Jekyll tug at him, asking if he was ok. Jake put his hand on the Mimikyu’s ‘head’ reassuringly, looking at Inkay.

Witnessing a Legendary Pokémon, even through a vision, was an indescribable experience that still resounded deeply within him.

Shaking his head to dispel the awe, Jake turned to see Inkay tilting her head, as if to ask, "What was that?"

"You tell me," Jake thought wryly. Inkay had overwhelmed Jake with the memories of her lone wanderings. Drawn by the distant sight of a Lugia, she had become separated from her kin. The vision had made it clear that Inkay, driven by whimsical curiosity, had been aimlessly searching for her family until their paths crossed. Unable to resist her nature yet yearning for companionship, she reflected Jake's own feelings of disconnection from his family, with slim chances of reunion. As he looked into Inkay's eyes, a strange certainty took root—a sense of destiny, as if their meeting was meant to be. Jake knew then that they would be partners.

"Inkay," Jake began, a warm smile spreading across his face, "how would you like to join my team?"

Inkay tilted her head strangely, as if she didn’t quite grasp the concept. Jake chuckled softly and explained.

"It means we’d be a team. You’d be one of my Pokémon. We’d look out for each other, help each other, and face whatever challenges come our way together.

You wouldn’t have to follow us from a distance anymore. We could hang out together, explore together, and battle side by side. And, of course, we could continue the search for our families together. We could let them know we're okay—no, better than okay—that we're having the journey of a lifetime.”

Inkay's lights flickered brightly, and she rotated rapidly, projecting a rapid flow of images that basically said YES YES YES! Jake laughed; her enthusiasm was infectious. But then Inkay stopped very still for a moment, inverting herself as her excitement caught up with her. Jake froze at the sight, doing the opposite as his brain finally caught up with his emotions. This Inkay was cute and friendly now, but what about when she evolved into a Malamar? How would he handle that?

Jake glanced at Jekyll, catching his stare. "Mimi, kyu," Jekyll turned away with a stubborn, haughty edge. "Hmph, if you must. I suppose this one will do."

Jake sighed, smiling. Perhaps Jekyll had come to a similar realisation. Despite the risks, a Malamar could become a powerful and valuable ally, just like Jekyll. Jake knew he would need to work hard to befriend this Inkay before she evolved. He recalled the precise quote from the Pokédex entry: 'There's an endless number of people who utilize Malamar for their nefarious deeds.' People being the key word in that. He nodded at Jekyll, acknowledging the silent agreement.

Taking out a Poké Ball, Jake looked at Inkay as she righted herself. "Alright, Inkay, welcome to the team." He tapped her gently on the noggin, and with little fuss, there it was, Jake had the fifth member of his team.

As the Poké Ball clicked shut, Jake felt a surge of excitement and anticipation. This journey was becoming more extraordinary with each step. "We’re going to have some amazing adventures together, Inkay. I promise."

POV – INKAY

Oh, how marvellous! She had found the spherical devices so curious and cozy, wrapping around her. They seemed to connect everyone, even when she couldn't quite reach Jake, she knew he was there, that she could reach him, if she really wanted to. Such a comfortable distance, like the space between stars.

Out she popped, back into the open, another winding staircase with Jake and Jekyll. Inkay felt an exhilarating joy bubbling inside her, and she couldn't help but hum a little tune, body rotating in play. It was wonderful to be together with Jake; this was what she had been missing all along, though she hadn't realised it until he had shown her. What was it about him that drew her in? A mysterious force, much like the one she had felt with the silver one. How intriguing! She would unravel this mystery with Jake and the rest of her new friends, by any means.

Just then, Jake's voice pulled her from her thoughts. "Inkay, come over here!" he called, gentle and excited. She floated closer, her curiosity piqued.

"Before we reach the next floor, we need to decide on your name," he said, a spark of excitement in his eyes. Oh, how thrilling! A name, a label, just for her! Like Trixie, like Jekyll, like Iggy, and even Arthrox, who she had seen from afar but not yet met.

"What is it?" she asked, barely able to contain her excitement. The stream of her thoughts must have overwhelmed Jake a bit because he blinked, looking a bit taken aback. He rubbed his temples, muttering something about "tentacles on the brain.”

"Calm down, Inkay," he chuckled. "I don’t think I can unless you can." She tried really hard, she truly did, but it was all so difficult. She really wanted to know!

Jake smiled warmly at her. "Right, this is it. Are you ready?" She nodded vigorously, eyes wide with wonder. "It better be a good one!" she demanded.

Jake laughed again. "Okay, no pressure then." He took a deep breath and began to tell a story, voice soothing, almost mesmerising as he began.

"Inkay, I want to tell of a legendary being, one that's often misunderstood. Known for its immense power, a symbol of unpredictability, of overturning expectations. People who encounter it are often filled with awe and fear because they cannot understand its true nature."

Jekyll seemed to perk up at this, listening intently.

"This being, though it appears frightening and otherworldly, represents the unknown and the potential for greatness that lies within each of us. A defiance of norms and a challenge of perception, just like you. It surprises and impresses those around it."

Inkay felt a swell of interest. Was this another Pokemon? What could this being be?

"In many stories, this being's true power comes not from malice, but from the ability to adapt, to change, to turn the tide. A symbol of resilience, strength, and the potential for transformation. It's about finding strength in what makes you different, embracing your unique qualities, and using them to your advantage."

Jake paused, looking deep into her eyes. "And for that reason, I can't think of a better name for you. Cthulhu."

The name resonated within her, reverberated. Echoed. Something stirred, the awakening of an ancient intelligence. Her, but not her—deeper, enigmatic. Thrilling and unsettling. Contrary.

Inkay felt a connection, a thread linking her to something vast and otherworldly, something that transcended her current self. As if another, greater version of her existed just beyond the veil of her understanding, waiting to be fully realised. This presence carried an air of danger, a hint of the unknown, but it also promised immense potential and strength.

The sensation was both alien and familiar, a whisper from a distant realm that sent shivers of excitement down her cephalopodan body. A glimpse into what could be—a future where she embraced this newfound power and mystery. How very interesting.

Jake seemed to sense her swirling emotions and decided to lighten the mood. "Formally, welcome to the team, Cthulhu," he said with a playful bow. Then he chuckled, scratching his head. "But, you know, that's actually a bit of a mouthful! How about 'Tuli' for short?"

Cthulhu—no, that name felt too far away right now. She was not quite ready to take up that mantle. She acknowledged it, but full acceptance would come with time. Tuli, she would be, until one day, she would claim her place.

Tuli twirled joyfully, the new name settling over her. Yes, Tuli would suffice for now. She hummed a gentle melody, feeling her bond with Jake deepen. Yet, as she basked in her blissful reverie, another thought crept from the depths of her mind. Insidious, potent. Yes, she would wait, grow into that name, and then...

Domination.

She shuddered at the thought. How very interesting indeed.

POV - JAKE

Jake spied the plump, stout-looking bird struggling to stay aloft, wings straining with each flap. The bone-made nappy it sported appeared burdensome. An odd and impractical creature, really, but at least she was well protected down there. There was some wisdom in that. ‘Better safe than sorry, after all’ he thought, Jake wouldn’t want to be on the wrong end of a stray Rock Throw. Still, compared to some of the other Pokémon he had encountered, a Vullaby was practically mundane.

"Tailwind!" the punkish older girl across from him shouted.

Suddenly, Vullaby began flapping her wings more vigorously. The dead air around them starting to stir, a powerful gust of wind picking up. Jake could feel the sudden strong breeze against his face, hair whipping wildly. Pushing forward with increasing intensity, meant to boost Vullaby’s speed and give her and her partner an edge in battle.

But Vullaby was up against the unexpected. The wind began to twist and contort, as if caught in an invisible whirlpool. The gust that was pushing forward suddenly collapsed in on itself, reversing direction. Jake felt the wind slam back towards Vullaby, his own hair following to now cover his eyes. "Well, I know now I need a haircut," he muttered.

Tuli floated, the very picture of calm, enigmatic energy. Her very presence altering the natural order. Instead of enhancing Vullaby’s speed, Tailwind had turned traitor, hindrance rather than help. The plump bird now flapped even more vigorously to maintain altitude, while her partner, Krokorok, shielded its eyes against the newly altered airstream.

"What the heck?" Josie exclaimed. "That makes no sense whatsoever!"

Jake recalled Josie's less-than-friendly introduction: "Name’s Josie. I don’t like you. I don’t want to talk to you. I don’t want to know you. But I am gonna kick your arse." She had promptly sent out two Pokémon, and Jake had no time at all to admire the scenery of the fourth floor, swap out his Pokémon or anything at all; he was right into it.

With purple hair—natural or not, he couldn’t tell—shaved on one side, she embodied the punk aesthetic. Perhaps eighteen or nineteen, she wore shredded black jeans, a black leather jacket, spiked accessories, and a couple of nose piercings. She would have been at home on Team Yell, and the punkish makeup and no-nonsense attitude completed the look.

It might have seemed unfair to thrust Tuli into a trainer battle without any proper preparation. But, Josie had left Jake with little choice in the matter. Remarkably, Tuli didn't seem to mind in the slightest. True to form, she had been brimming with curiosity, eager to discover what this battling business was all about firsthand.

But Tuli was already more than able to hold her own. "Tuli, use Gravity!" he called out.

Josie's eyes widened in surprise, and then in rage. "W-what's that?!" Her rant was cut short as the air around them seemed to thicken. Jake could feel the pressure in his chest, the world itself becoming heavier.

Vullaby, already struggling against the oncoming wind, now found herself yanked downwards with bone-crunching force. Crashing to the ground, impact reverberating through the ground. Nappy cracking, bones splintering with a sharp snap. Immobilised and stunned, Vullaby could only lay there, struggling against the invisible weight pinning her down.

Josie's face twisted into a snarl of fury. "You really think a sneaky little stunt like that will win this?!" she shrieked, her voice teetering on hysteria. "Playing dirty now, are we? Typical!" She stomped her foot, cheeks burning with rage. "You're going to rue the day you crossed me—just watch!"

Jake tried to ignore her, but he felt a shiver run down his spine. Josie's reaction was far more hysterical than he had anticipated, her green eyes kinda wild, words dripping with venom. He took a cautious step back. 'Note to self: steer clear of crazy.'

"Jekyll, it's your turn!" Jake called out. Jekyll, had been poised in eerie stillness, waiting for the right moment. Jake sensed the bubbling fury concealed just below the surface; the third floor's trial had displeased Jekyll. Now was the moment for retribution. Before Jake could add another word, a deep thud echoed around the room. Josie had managed to regain her composure with unsettling speed, her steps thudding purposefully on the dark wood-panelled floor.

Jake recognised this scene from his clash with Rowan. His gaze fixed on Josie's tan, black striped Krokorok. Oddly enough, Jake wasn't especially daunted by the reptilian creature. In fact, he felt an unexpected surge of confidence, as though the odds were more in his favour than usual. Despite expecting a greater challenge, that sensation simply wasn't present, and he couldn't quite put his finger on why.

Krokorok advanced slowly, forced to use four legs, struggling against the buffeting Tailwind. Jake observed the resistance to Gravity, wondering if this stemmed from its Dark typing or perhaps because Inkay’s Gravity hadn’t yet developed enough to impact the entire battlefield. But then abruptly, Krokorok's face twisted, transforming, becoming hideous, menacing, scary. Jake felt a momentary shiver of fear, which was quickly cut short by a high-pitched, rasping sound. Curiously, he glanced over to find Jekyll chuckling.

The giggle was infectious. As Jake glanced back at Krokorok, an uncontrollable wave of hilarity surging within him; he struggled to stifle his laughter. What was meant to be a Scary Face now appeared utterly absurd, almost comical. Far from being slowed by fear, on the contrary, Jekyll was energised by joy.

Josie’s eyes narrowed, frustrated by Jake’s unexpected reaction. She seemed intent on slowing down Jekyll, maybe to buy Vullaby time to recover. However, she seemed to be unaware of Tuli's innate ability to reverse stat changes, a fatal disadvantage from the start.

“Alright, Tuli! Use Swagger on Krokorok!" Jake commanded. Tuli had made it easy for him to understand her moveset. Upon asking, Tuli had simply uploaded the images into his brain. If battling didn't suit her, Jake mused that Tuli might have a promising future as a USB drive. Based on the information provided, Jake could estimate Tuli to be around level 18, using the game terminology.

Tuli floated over to Krokorok, speed aided by the breeze, lights flashing, taking on a more reddish hue. A shift in intent, Krokorok's eyes were irresistably drawn to the mesmerising display. For a moment, Krokorok was captivated, hypnotised by Tuli’s lights. Then, Krokorok began thrashing about wildly, own power working against it. Twisting and turning upon the ground, its strikes seemed weak and feeble, unable to muster the intended strength. Tuli’s Contrary meant that Swagger not only confused the target but lowered his attack, rather than raising it.

"Jekyll, Drain Punch on Vullaby! Now!" Jake called out, seizing the opportunity.

With grace, Jekyll leapt into the air, his light body surfing the favourable air currents. He was a blur, streaking towards Vullaby, true claw emerging from beneath his disguise, glowing with fierce energy. The air currents surging around him, closing the distance in the blink of an eye. Jekyll's claw slashed swift and devastating, connecting with Vullaby in an explosive impact. Helpless, the Vullaby hurtled back, the force of the strike reverberating through the battlefield, as Jekyll siphoned vitality from the contact.

"You bastard!" Josie screamed, twisted with a frustration and concern, voice trembling with a manic edge. She ran to Vullaby's side, dropping to her knees. "Vullaby, are you okay? Stay with me, sweetheart." Her hands were gentle as she checked over her downed Pokémon, her eyes flashing dangerously as she looked back at Jake "Why is everything backfiring?! You must be cheating! There's no way a Psychic should be able to win!"

Jake found it fascinating that Josie, along with many other trainers—even Mustard to some degree—appeared to have incomplete or inaccurate information about Pokémon abilities. The Pokédex, if it even existed, was not a widely spread device. Jake hadn't encountered anything to suggest its presence so far. It seemed that most knowledge regarding Pokémon came from direct experience or word of mouth. While there must be online resources available, even those didn't seem to have all the correct information.

In this case, Josie seemed entirely unaware of Inkay, its typing, or its unique attributes, leading her to believe that Jake was somehow cheating. Even now, she didn't seem to understand why the moves she commanded had failed to meet her expectations.

Jake decided to respect Josie’s request to not to talk to her. Based on her rising angst, Jake felt it would be wise to wrap this up quickly. With Vullaby down, it was now a two-on-one fight, he had this one in the bag.

Josie’s eyes burned with fury as she snarled, “Krokorok, bury them alive! Sand Tomb!”

Krokorok, still visibly confused and weakened by Swagger, made a last-ditch effort. Stomping its feet, the ground began to tremble. Jake watched in fascination as sand seemed to materialise out of thin air, forming a swirling vortex. 'Where does all this sand come from?' he wondered. He did not know; it was no doubt a question for the particle physicists, who would likely have a field day with the answer

Unfortunately for Josie, the move wasn't that powerful. Worse still, Krokorok’s confusion meant it completely missed both Jekyll and Tuli. Instead, it created a small sand tornado directly in Jake's field of view, partially obscuring his vision. Jake felt a twinge of annoyance but then remembered he had a personal camera with him.

"Tuli, send me what you see," Jake called out. Instantly, he received a unique perspective—a Pokémon battle through Tuli's eyes. The view was animated and dynamic, a rapid flow of projections from Tuli. Jake every detail vivid, the dark wooden panels, the clear white lines, the large windows streaming afternoon light onto the court.

With his vision clear, Jake knew it was time for the finisher. "Tuli, focus on Krokorok," he instructed. Instantly, Tuli adjusted her field of vision, giving Jake a clear view of their opponent. Tuli was the perfect Pokémon for double battles, offering countless tactical options and ways to surprise an opponent, as well as being invaluable for battlefield support.

"Great job, Tuli," Jake said, smiling. "You're an amazing help."

Tuli projected an emotion of pure joy, accompanied by an adorable picture of her cheering. Tentacles waving excitedly, making Jake chuckle at her enthusiasm.

"Alright, Jekyll, it's time. Wood Hammer on Krokorok!" he commanded, his voice brimming with confidence.

Jekyll, still energised from his earlier 'scare,' moved rapidly across the ground. The tailwind had faded, but his speed had not. He slid across the surface, unaffected by any undulation, or battlefield terrain, almost eerie. But then leapt up high, drawing his weapon, bringing it down with him, Jekyll slamming it down with unnatural force. The impact was brutal, right on Krokorok’s head, who already struggling, had no chance to react.

Krokorok crumpled instantly, knocked out cold. Sand vortex dissipating, battlefield clearing.

Josie’s reaction was immediate. "You cheat!" she shrieked, echoing off the dark walls of the room. "There’s no way you won fair and square! You must have done something—no one beats me like that!" Her eyes were wild with anger, and the intensity of her rage unnerved Jake. An older girl so furiously angry with him— an uncomfortable experience.

"Uh, thanks for the battle," Jake said, trying to be polite despite his discomfort. "I appreciate it."

But Josie was having none of it. She glared at him; her fury unabated. "Shut up! Don't you dare try to thank me! I don't need your fake pity, you little cheat!"

Jake glanced at Jekyll and Tuli, both of whom were looking blankly at Josie. Jekyll shifted uneasily, even he was clearly uncomfortable with the situation. But then, Tuli’s lights began to flash, a unique pattern Jake had not seen before, and to his surprise, Josie instantly calmed down, expression softening as if in a trance.

"Wow, that was a really great battle," Josie said suddenly, now sweet and polite, her gaze gentle. "Thank you so much for the challenge. You may have surprised me, but that's just part of the game, isn't it? You did wonderfully."

Jake blinked, not sure how to take the sudden sea change. "Uh, thanks... I appreciate it," he said cautiously.

Josie smiled warmly. "You really know how to bring out the best in your Pokémon, don’t you? It's impressive! Good luck with your next challenge, I'm sure you'll do great."

Jake nodded, still a bit bewildered by the rapid shift. "T-that’s, uh, nice to hear."

Jake wasn’t sure how ethical Tuli’s influence was, but he wasn’t about to question it now. "Let's take this chance to make a run for it," he whispered to Jekyll and Tuli.

Feeling a surge of relief and triumph as they backed away, Jake reflected on how exceptionally well that battle had gone. Jekyll had been as effective as ever, and Tuli had demonstrated her cleverness and intelligence. A sense of completeness filled him, as if Tuli had been the key missing piece all along. Jake's thoughts turned to the challenge ahead, and he felt a renewed sense of confidence. The final floor and the Mistress of the Tower of Darkness awaited them.