"Here, we have a rare opportunity to witness something that few are privy to. The first meeting between the future renowned Pokémon Professor, Lucas, and the research subject that made him famous-"

"Must you talk like that?" Lucas says, slightly annoyed, because I'm doing my best David Attenborough impression.

I shrug, flicking some grass that I've pulled from the ground at him. "Kind of. This is a momentous occasion, after all."

"Nothing's been confirmed yet," Lucas corrects me, turning back to offer some a kebab of berries to the Stantler in front of us.

I snort as Stantler eyes Lucas, before allowing himself to be fed. As if Lucas could make a bad impression on anyone. Not only does my friend have Professor Rowan's backing, which is ultra well respected throughout Sinnoh, he's also managed to secure the support of a famous Pokémon researcher in Hearthome whilst we were there.

Sure, the daycare people wanted to make absolutely sure that Lucas was someone that they could trust, but of course he passed whatever silent test they were conducting with flying colors.

This particular Stantler is a wild Pokémon that was recently attacked by a loner Houndoom, one that has ventured far away from the area around Lake Valor where there are several packs of Houndour and Houndoom. Stantler got away by kicking the hellhound in the chin, but not before Houndoom managed to get its fiery fangs around one of Stantler's back legs.

The burns and poison that Houndoom managed to inflict are being slowly dealt with by a steady diet of Rawst and Pecha berries. What's worse is that Stantler those wounds infected a broken leg that Houndoom caused, damaging the muscle and bone, and so Stantler basically limped into town half dead, on three legs.

Of course, the Pokémon Daycare was happy to look after it, once Stantler's health was much improved, and it's leg has been healed. Still, Stantler needed rehab if it was going to run and fight again, and whilst it could be sent back into the wild after that was done, such a process usually created a powerful bond with a human.

Hence, where Lucas comes in.

Of course, it works out perfect for him, considering Stantler is one of the few Pokémon that actually has a Hisuian evolution.

"Let's say hypothetically that Stantler does decide to come with you. Where are you going to rehab?"

Lucas points to a field adjacent to the Daycare Center, which only has a token fence with a gate to separate the two properties. "Over there, that ranch belongs to someone named Hayley. She was actually my contact in Solaceon Town. She lets Pokémon that need more space use her property."

Makes sense, considering the prestige that the family who runs this operation has. There are Pokémon Breeders, people who will raise your Pokémon everywhere, and while there are certainly some excellent ones out there, like a guy in Veilstone City who's quickly garnering a reputation for his skill, none of them have the resources that the people here do.

They also have generations of experience on their side, as this has been a family business for over a hundred years.

"So, once we get Stantler up and running again, then it's time to figure out how to evolve him, yeah?" Stantler looks up, like every time he does when we mention evolution and him in the same sentence. Considering Wyrdeer hasn't existed since this region was called Hisui, I can't blame him. "Do you have any theories on that?"

"I do, but I want to hear what you're thinking first." Lucas ducks the question rather neatly.

"It has to be something to do with a Psychic-type move or psychic power in general," I murmur, after a few seconds.

Stantler's a Normal-type, which makes it hard to pin down what exactly is special about it. Its appearance doesn't help us either, in that regard, considering this thing is pretty much an ordinary reindeer. Like, it doesn't even have a shiny red nose.

The thing about Normal-type Pokémon, is that while they are generic, they also have a great deal of variety hidden underneath. In Eevee, that adaptability manifests in its ability to evolve into a multitude of different forms depending on the circumstance. For many other Normal-types, it shows up in their varied movepools.

I can't prove it, but if you were to rank types based on the variety of moves they learn, I'd bet some good money Normal-types would be topping that list. Stantler here can learn Thunderbolt, Energy Ball, Shadow Ball, and even Earth Power, though you wouldn't think it. There's Megahorn too, as a possibility, but that at least makes sense considering this deer's grand antlers.

Of all moves it can learn, what I found the most surprising was the amount of Psychic-type moves for a Pokémon that isn't even Psychic-type.

I'm not only talking about a few Psychic attacks like Zen Headbutt, Psybeam, and such. There are a whole host of utility moves like, Reflect, Light Screen, Imprison, Trick, and Hypnosis that are available to Stantler that aren't to other Normal-types, even ones like Noctowl, which have some latent psychic power.

"The thing about Hisui," Lucas explains, now brushing Stantler's coat, "is that it's a much harsher, colder environment than Sinnoh is today. "Modern Stantler probably don't need the power that evolved them into Wyrdeer that ancient ones did."

Sounds like a task for Paul, unlocking a Pokémon's latent power. I think replicating Hisui is going to work as well for us as Paul trying to replicate that Zangoose attack; so not at all.

"So, we're looking for a Psychic move that the Stantler of the past used to better survive the harshness of Hisui." I try to brainstorm a little, but there are too many options bouncing around in my head. "Is it an attacking move, or utility? And if it's an attack, is it melee or ranged?"

I'm really struggling to figure out what it is. Is Cosmic Power a move only for Pokémon from space? It does fit the bill as a move that would increase your defenses significantly. There's also something called Expanding Force, that doubles in power when you can set up a Psychic Terrain, but it's not exactly unique or forgotten.

Lucas's excitement about this is palpable "We'll have to figure that one out! In between running, what do you say to some psychic move practice, Stantler? I have a Pokémon that can show you the basics. My friend Luna here has a couple as well. Even if you can't really use Psycho Cut, we can transfer the idea of imbuing your horns with Psychic energy to use Zen Headbutt, eventually."

Stantler agrees, as I knew he would. The first thing Lucas asked, because he wasn't the type of guy to make an unwilling Pokémon his science experiment, was if Stantler was interested in evolving into a Wyrdeer. The Normal-type looked very interested in Lucas's ideas. I suppose if you heard that you had a powerful evolution that's been locked away, you would want to try everything to make that destiny happen.

For some people, I guess. I'm still trying to come to grips with everything that Maiko told me at the Lost Tower, about Giratina, and how I'm the only one who knows about the threat that it poses to the world. I've tried telling Lucas multiple times, but as Maiko said, even for such an intelligent guy like him, my words are in one ear and out the other.

Even Absol, as smart as any Pokémon I've met, is not a match for the powers of Uxie. He understands the threat that the world is under, but anything about Giratina might as well be me speaking to a wall.

But, rather than drive myself crazy, I've decided to push all of that to the side. You could say that I'm running away from it, and I wouldn't argue that point, but until things start to pick up, and the threat becomes more imminent, that's just the way things are going to have to be. Which means throwing myself headfirst into Lucas's project, and by finding other ways to distract myself.

"Speaking of ancient Psychic-type Pokémon, there is one place around Solaceon Town that supposedly has been created by a bunch of them," I say, getting up and brushing some grass off my pants. "What do you say? Wanna go and try and receive some Unown wisdom?"

"That sounds like a great idea!" Lucas replies, not understanding my true intentions. "We'll be back tomorrow, Stantler. I know it's boring now, but you'll be running and jumping in no time, okay?"

Lucas's new Pokémon grunts in assent before laying his head down to take a nap, while we head back into town, passing by the contest hall. You know, the place where I'm going to be making a fool of myself in a few days time.

Preparation for that has been going much better than my trying to tell people about Giratina, I think.

With Vivillon back in the fold, we've been continuing to work on the appeal we started, even if I haven't told him it's for the contests. I think we can put on a sick light show, with the combination of Pollen Puff and Flash. It's got that wow factor, and it's heavy on the razzle-dazzle. You can barely see Vivillon, with how widespread and gaudy we've made the light display.

The only issue is, the whole 'appealing to the audience' part. It certainly looks pretty, but I don't know how it will go over here. Not to disparage the good people of Solaceon Town, but this place is full of simple, country folk. Part of me thinks this appeal is a bit too flashy, pun intended.

We'll see if the Solaceon Ruins provide any inspiration or wisdom to solve my problems.

There has been vandalism of them in the past, though that's not the main reason why they haven't been open. It's more because they're packed with the power of the Unown, and they're aren't actually the weakling Pokémon with terrible base stats that can only learn Hidden Power.

Well, maybe alone, they are. Together, they have incredible psychic powers, and while I don't know if they can create a fantasy land, complete with a talking Entei, going into their ruins isn't a stroll in the park.

Plenty of brave adventurers tried their luck only to emerge dazed, rambling, and confused, having gotten lost down there. It's only now that the historical experts of Sinnoh, led by Cynthia and her grandmother, have mapped the entire ruins out.

With it being open to the public, and because of rumors of great wisdom being at the bottom, it's no wonder so many people are lining up to go inside. Lucas and I manage to pay for tickets as some of the last people to be on this excursion.

Everything in life costs money, but these fees go towards paying the staff and upkeep of these ruins and other such artifacts, so it's money well spent.

The person in charge is using a megaphone to make himself heard over the large crowd. "Excuse me! May I have everyone's attention! I need to educate you all on the ground rules. First off, there is to be no Pokémon battling, under any circumstance! These are delicate ruins. Find somewhere else to take out your anger!"

The worker stares hard at someone in the front row. "You hear me, Karl?"

Karl, who seems to be one of those Ruin Maniac types, judging by his outfit, grumbles until the question is asked again. "Fine! No battling. But I couldn't help it last time! There's so much historical significance and puzzles to crack in there, and I can't make heads or tails of any of it. That makes me so cranky!"

"Next time you do that I'll get you banned permanently," the man with the megaphone mutters, though we can all hear him, before raising his voice. "Secondly! These ruins are rife with psychic energy, since they used to house the Unown! There is a high chance that you will be confused, possibly to the point of seeing visions! We will be providing an escape mechanism as a result. If you find yourself overwhelmed, use it and one of us will be there to extract you!"

I nudge Lucas with an elbow. "Scared?"

"One day, I'll find something that you're scared of," he mutters, shushing me and listening instead to the man talking.

"Which means, everyone will be going into one of the entrances in groups of three! No exceptions! Once you've formed groups of three, come meet up with me and I'll provide you with an escape rope, if you will."

This is a bit unfortunate, considering we are down a member of our usual trio. Even if she wanted to be around me, I doubt I'd find her in a place like this.

No one wants to work with Karl the ruin maniac, but surely we can do better than someone like him. Lucas and I start looking around for someone who isn't already in a group.

I gasp as I spot something far more interesting lying in some of the tall grass around where everyone is milling about. I bring the cutest Grass-type Pokémon ever up to my face to speak to it.

"I've found you," I say to the Sprigatito I've only seen once from far away solemnly, squealing internally inside because I'm so enamored. It looks very pleased with the attention I'm giving it. "Now I'm never going to let you out of my sight."

Lucas laughs at my antics. "You already have six Pokémon, if we count the egg," he reminds me. "Who's getting left out?"

I clutch Sprigatitio closer to my chest, and grin as I feel its purrs vibrate through me. "I can totally make space for a cutie like this." Sending it to home isn't an option, though. Gardenia finds Gloom and Victreebel cute. She'd snatch this thing up in a heartbeat.

Alas, all my plans for Sprigatito are dashed as its trainer calls out for it. Hoping this thing was wild was a little too optimistic, after all. "Ah, there you are, Sprigatito. Found a new friend, have you?" says a man that I somewhat recognize, with a heavy accent and a feathered cap.

The grass kitten starts squirming in my arms at the man's voice, and I reluctantly let it go. It quickly jumps into its trainer's arms. "Thank you for finding him," he saws, booping the kitty on and chuckling the nose before returning Sprigatito to its Pokéball. "Whenever he gets bored, he starts to explore, and with us being in a new region, there is certainly a lot to look around."

Him telling me that he's new to this region basically confirms his identity. "Nando, right? I recognize you. You won the contest in Hearthome. Fantastic performance throughout, by the way."

"Ah, yes," he says, looking a bit surprised. "I still need to get used to people recognizing me as a coordinator. Usually, it's for a performance I have given."

"Not to cut in," Lucas interjects, "But would you like to be our third as we explore the ruins? We don't have one currently."

Nando agrees easily, and I do a fist pump when neither of them are looking. I want to pick this man's brains. Not only because he's competing in the contest, but also because he managed to defeat Fantina.

We three go up to the megaphone guy, who hands me a button in a glass dome. "Press it if you want to get out of the ruins, and one of us will come rescue you," he tells us, like we are complete morons. I pocket the high tech escape rope, and we choose an entrance, because this is a bit of a competition, to see who can solve the Solaceon Ruins and acquire the great wisdom at the end.

The megaphone man urges his Numel for several minutes to send a flare into the air, and we're off when it finally does. The Solaceon Ruins are as dark and spooky as you might expect, though it seems the people that have made the explorable have lit these hallways with torches. Still, it's the type of place that you want to make sure that the person you came with is next to you at all times.

I try to strike up the conversation where we left off. "Right, where were we… Oh! Nando, you were saying you were a performer of some sort? I remember your appeal was you singing a song with your Pokémon."

"I have been labeled as a bard, which is a fairly accurate description," Nando explains to us. "My performance is not limited to songs, however. I wander the world with my Pokémon, making music, dance, theater, and even other entertainments such as juggling, story telling, and magic tricks. It is all in the pursuit of my dream, that I may one day draw the attention of the mythical Pokémon of performance."

Interesting. I don't really know of a Pokémon with that description, and before I can ask for more detail, the hallway flares out into a cavernous room. One with three separate exits, each one that looks like it's covered in some thin, blue, psychic barrier.

"Choosing the wrong path means we'd end up right back here if we're lucky," Lucas warns us. "Or we could be wandering the ruins for days."

I'm quickly realizing that Nando is quite the positive guy. "Luckily for us, the Unown have been kind enough to leave us some clues, to select the correct path."

There is a pillar in the center of the room with some inscriptions on it. I crack all my fingers before striding up to it. "Hah! This is too easy. I'm a bonafide Pokémon spelunker, ya know."

"She's not," Lucas tells Nando, but he has no idea. I remember going to the library and looking up braille to solve the puzzles needed to catch Regirock, Registeel, and Regice back in the day.

Not that I remember any braille. Thankfully, this is in Unown letters, and while some don't look at all like their counterparts, it's easy enough to read.

In the darkest of places

I am the light

But for many a creature

Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.

I'm also the night

"It's a riddle?" I say slowly. "Is the answer supposed to be the path we choose?" Suddenly, I'm not feeling as confident of making it all the way through to the end of these ruins.

"That must be it," Lucas agrees. ""I'm going to assume that they're related to Pokémon somehow, because Pokémon created these ruins." He looks over at Nando. "I suppose it would be too fortunate to think that you had an expertise in riddles, as well."

Nando hums while thinking. "That would be correct. I was never any good at word games. I did travel to the Trick House in Hoenn, though, where I learned the best way to solve a riddle is to break it into half, and consider what each part is trying to say."

This man has really been everywhere, huh? We all go silent and put on our thinking caps. A light in the darkness…

I'm the first one to break the silence. "The first half sort of reminds me of a lighthouse. On a dark night, the lighthouse would provide that light." I shrug. "Ampharos were used in lighthouses, though I'm not sure if they were around during the time of the Unown."

Lucas seems contemplative. "You're on the right track, I think. What other places can we think of that can lack light at times? Outside on a new moon?"

"Outer space if you can't see any stars?" I suggest.

Our well traveled companion has a different idea. "Perhaps the deep sea? Light will not reach the bottom of the ocean."

"That's it!" Lucas snaps his fingers. "Lanturn! Lanturn uses flashes of light to blind its prey. It would be the light in the dark, but also the night for an unlucky fish."

"I don't have any doubt that this is correct," Nando says. "Left path for Lanturn, then?"

Lucas and Nando both turn to me. "That works." Passing through the Psychic barrier is a bit like going through a bubble, but as soon as we're on the other side, I can't help asking more questions to Nando.

"Is the reason you travel to so many different places to look for that mythical Pokémon? Does it fly around and bounce between regions, or something?" The whole performance thing is tripping me up, because what I'm thinking of now is either Latios or Latias. I don't get the sense either of the two is a performer, though.

"Alas, if it were only that easy. I travel for my craft, firstly, but also in the hopes of finding some stories or fables about this Pokémon, so I can determine its identity. But I cannot find any one description that matches with another. Some say that it is a singer, and that the sound of its beautiful lullabies can lull even a raging Gyarados to sleep. Other stories say the sight of it dancing can motivate even a Slaking to want to fight."

"Was this legendary Pokémon your motivation to start performing and traveling?" Lucas asks.

Nando doesn't need a second to consider. "No. I've always enjoyed making others happy, and when my Pokémon became interesting as well, it became my ultimate joy to perform side-by-side with them. It's only later that I've heard of this legend. It's something of a validation of your craft, and a blessing that means you are certain to get even better."

It's kinda cool how everyone we seem to meet has a different reason for why they're going on their adventure. Of course, there's no point to any of them, if I don't figure out a way to stop Giratina from destroying the world in a few months time-

Ah, bollocks. Here we go again. Thankfully, my attention is drawn by us reaching a second chamber. Though it's absolutely identical to the first, which leads credence to the fact that someone could wander in circles for hours in here, the inscription on the central pillar is different this time.

Sometimes I'm cold

Sometimes I'm hot

I make things alive

Even though I'm not

I huff in frustration. "This one is even more confusing than the last one!"

"But it is different from the last one," Nando assuages me. "That means we chose the right path."

"We'll solve this one, too," Lucas says determinedly. "Split it into half like last time. What Pokémon is both cold and hot? An Ice-type that can use a Fire-type move, or vice versa, maybe? Can we think of any Pokémon like that?"

I mean, I can think of Pokémon that learn both Ice Beam and Flamethrower. Snorlax, Nidoking, and Gyarados, for example. Nothing is really standing out to me though, and I shake my head.

Lucas is as stumped as I am. "I've read about a Pokémon that is both Ice and Fire typing, when it gets enraged. I don't think it applies though, considering I think the riddle is saying that it's either or. Nando? Any ideas?"

"I don't recall encountering any such Pokémon in my travels," the bard replies. "However, the last line seems fairly straightforward. A Pokémon that is not alive. A ghost, yes?"

"A ghost that can bring things to life," I say, repeating the last line. "Are there ghosts that learn healing moves? Is there some revival move that I don't know about?"

That last question was rhetorical, but Nando is nodding. "Wait, really?"

"There are a couple of Pokémon that can use the move Revival Blessing, but neither of them are ghosts," he explains. "Do not worry about having to face the move. I believe it was banned in tournaments for being uncompetitive."

Yeah, turning a three-versus-three into a four-versus-three definitely sounds super broken. I'm still trying to work this out. We know it's a Ghost-type and there are plenty of Fire/Ghost Pokémon. The Litwick line, Alolan Marowak, and even Nando's Skeledirge. The only Ice/Ghost I know is Froslass.

I cast my mind back to that night in the Old Chateau, when I actually met a Froslass, and I laugh out loud. We helped a ghost that turns hot and cold, and brings things to life. "It's Rotom. Rotom possesses machines and, depending on the machine, can change forms!"

There is a little bit of doubt that creeps into me as I say it. "Actually, how would the Unown know Rotom would have a habit of possessing modern machines?"

"The ruins are the only thing that are from ancient times, not the Unown themselves," Lucas corrects me. "They are probably still here, hibernating, considering their power obviously is. I wouldn't be surprised if these tests change because of their wills."

Right. Don't underestimate mythical and legendary Pokémon. They can do things like wipe the world's memory of a target and then prevent anyone from learning anything about it.

Speaking of, we pass through the right door, and I turn to Nando, having figured something else out with that Rotom riddle. "I think I have a name for you, for that mythical Pokémon you're looking for."

Lucas turns to me, intrigued, but Nando has figurative stars in his eyes. "Truly? You've heard of it?"

"I don't know about summoning it, or anything like that," I warn him before he gets too excited, unsuccessfully. "I'd bet pretty good money that, based on the description you've given, the Pokémon you're looking for is called Meloetta."

"Meloetta," Nando repeats, almost reverently, before his joy returns to him. "What a fantastic day this is! It calls for a celebration, don't you think? Would you mind terribly if I struck up a song, right now?"

Lucas and I pause as we're walking and shrug. I mean, I was fine just talking, but if Nando wants to give us some entertainment, then more power to him. If he's as good as I think he is, and his Hearthome Contest appeal indicates, then we might be in for a treat.

I'm expecting him to bring out his harp-thingy, or a flute. You know, something traditional. Instead, Nando pulls a very modern, portable synthesizer out of his bag, presses some buttons, and has it play some very upbeat drums.

Nando quickly adds his voice to it, and while this tune has no words, it's light and catchy. I quickly find myself whistling to the song, which reminds me a lot of the first ever route of Pokémon's music.

"What is that thing?" Lucas asks, when Nando finishes with his tune.

"This is a fantastic device," Nando replies. "Contrary to how it may seem, my Pokémon and I are not masters of all instruments. This lets us pre-record an instrumental, and then we can sing on top of it. It also helps when we are performing by ourselves, but our show needs one more element added in."

I might ask Nando where I can buy something like that synthesizer after we're out of here. I don't miss much from my old life, but I definitely have found myself humming an old favorite song from time to time. It'd be nice to try and recreate one.

Not that my singing is much better than my dancing. I'm below average, to put it very kindly, at both, but at least I can do some karaoke.

That will have to wait, though, as we enter cavern number three. As with the last two, I walk up to the central pillar and read the inscription out loud.

Fear not fire or poison

For I am the cure

In order to see me

Thy heart must be pure

Ah, now we've got one with fancy language. Still, the three of us put our heads together and try to tackle this one in the same way.

I throw a suggestion out there. "A cure for fire and poison. Ground-type moves are super effective against them both. You guys think that can be the cure?"

Lucas frowns. "Possibly. The last line has me thinking about my own experience. About how mythical and legendary Pokémon only appear to you if you have certain qualities. Do you think being pure of heart can be one of those things?"

"If it is, it's not the criteria for Mesprit," I assure him. It does sound like one of those reasons the game gives for a legendary encounter. "Have you heard of such a rumor in your travels, Nando?"

"Interestingly enough, it's a common criteria throughout regions, in stories of people who have supposedly met these Pokémon. I think the key word in this riddle is pure. Instead of defeating fire and poison, This Pokémon cleans and purifies the poison, and also washes away the fire."

I think I know where he's going. "It wouldn't happen to have two others like it? An Electric-type and a Fire-type, perhaps?"

Nando nods happily. "Straight ahead for Suicune, then?"

Once we're out of the riddle chamber and into the hall, I begin my questioning of Nando again. "I get that your reasoning for leaving Paldea and traveling is so you could perform all over the world, meet people like you, and maybe one day catch Meloetta's eye, but where do contests and gym battles fall in that spectrum? Are they big where you're from, or did you decide to do them because they're also performances?"

"I hadn't realized I was such a celebrity." the bard says curiously. "Battling was always a hobby, to keep my Pokémon in shape. I battled in a gym here or there, as a bit of a challenge, and I dabbled in contests in Hoenn, but I never was any good at either of them. It's only after coming to Sinnoh that I've managed to succeed in either."

Well, that's a cliffhanger if I've ever heard one. "What changed for you?" Lucas asks him.

"I had a few encounters that changed my perception, and made me realize that I wasn't being all that I can. I needed to go and push outside of my boundaries, which means stepping out of my comfort zone. Only then, can my Pokémon and I break through the walls that we let define us."

One day, I'll learn that beating around the bush with people never actually works, because most of that didn't make any sense. I resolve to ask him what I actually want to know the next time I get a change. For now, it's time to solve another Unown puzzle.

Again, this one is different from the first, lending credence to the theory that we're moving forwards rather than in circles. I do wonder how many of these are left. It better not be one for every letter of the alphabet, plus question mark and exclamation point. I'm already getting hungry!

Although I have eyes

I close them to see

Sharing my power

Connects you to me

"Do we want to brainstorm some Pokémon that rely on senses other than their sight?" Nando asks us. "Aipom and Ambipom? Lickitung and Lickilicky?"

"Swinub and Piloswine?" Lucas adds to the list.

That covers touch and taste, and smell, but it doesn't cover hearing. For whatever reason, I'm having a really hard time coming up with a Pokémon that uses their ears more than their eyes. I can think up something else, though. "Zubat doesn't even have eyes, but it uses echolocation to see, right? Can we add Pokémon like that to the list? Wailmer and Wailord, for example?"

"It is a different way of seeing, so it certainly is worth considering," Lucas says. "Onix and Steelix navigate underground with magnetism, in a very similar way."

"The second half sounds to me like another mythical or legendary Pokémon," Nando suggests. "In stories, those few trainers that have been able to work alongside a legendary Pokémon often speak of a deep connection."

"The whole sharing power is tripping me up, though," I counter his argument. "I've heard some tales of legendary Pokémon, and while people battle alongside them, and possibly even getting their blessing, I've never heard of a human getting legendary powers."

Lucas shakes his head. "I think we're thinking about sharing wrong. Instead of a power being shared, what if both Pokémon and a human had it?"

"That doesn't make any sense either. Yeah, I've heard about other senses getting stronger to compensate if you lose one, but it's not like there are people running around with magnetism or echolocation skills." At least, I hope not. Pokémon Poachers, Team Galactic, and the shadow of Giratina skulking around in the background are bad enough. The last thing we need is a couple of comic book style villains running around.

I'm still in the dark, but Nando and Lucas seem to be on the same wavelength. "Are you talking about the legend of the Hallowed Tower?"

They're kinda leaving me out of this. I'm pretty sure Spiritomb has nothing to do with this. "Oh, you went there? You must remember the story of the hero, then."

Nando nods. "The aura guardian, that sealed the villainous spirits away. Did they have a Pokémon partner?"

The who now? "Supposedly, aura is an ability that lets you sense things like people and Pokémon's true intentions, and manipulate the world around you, because all things have their own aura. The Aura Guardian and their partner supposedly used aura to construct and seal the Hallowed Tower shut after defeating the spirits."

Is this guy like a jedi or something? "Which one is it, then? I assume the evolved one," Nando wonders.

"I think it's Lucario, too," Lucas says. "It must have been a powerful Pokémon to help seal the spirits, and Lucario has evolved to the point that it has mastered its aura. That's why it learns Aura Sphere and Riolu doesn't."

How we got to Lucario, I don't know, but I guess I can picture it closing its eyes and sensing the surroundings. We take off and go through the left tunnel. I take a deep breath before asking Nando my question this time.

"No offense, Nando, but most of the reason I know of you isn't because you're a contest star, or because of your other performances. I actually talked to Fantina after my gym battle with her, and she had some really high praise for you. "I was kinda, uh, hoping that you could give me some insight or tips. Because you beat her. And I couldn't."

"Ah," the bard says, thankfully without being judgemental or condescending. "Fantina really cannot help but talk about things she enjoys."

I cast my mind back to the larger than life gym leader and laugh. "No kidding."

"I'm not sure what I could tell you that you already don't know, but I will say this." I lean in to soak up his advice. "Fantina has the utmost confidence in herself. Warranted confidence, considering her lengthy list of accomplishments. Very rarely will she be surprised, but that is exactly what you must do."

That sounds difficult. My lack of confidence must show in my face, because Nando nods sagely.

"Easier said than done, I know, but that is one of the few ways you can gain an advantage on her. In addition, showcasing something new may cause her to become enamored, and drop her concentration for a few precious seconds."

You know, that doesn't sound half bad. I've already battled Fantina once, and I shouldn't count on her forgetting what I showed in that one. Coming up with a totally new and unexpected technique just for her might be what I need.

Of course, I have no idea where to start on that. I could ask Nando what his surprise was, but if he's going for eight gym badges like me, he's technically competition, as nice as he is, and he might not want to share.

There is one more thing I can ask for advice on, though. Right after we solve Unown puzzle five.

I had a hard head

And a hard shell

Beware for my rage

Is a death knell

Finally, one that's easy. To my amusement, Lucas seems utterly stumped.

He's thinking in the right direction, at least. "A Pokémon that underwent metamorphosis? There are certainly a lot of Bug-types that do that."

"If you stretch it a bit, Weedle has a hard horn," Nando offers. "I don't think Beedrill is our answer, though."

Lucas turns to me. "What do you think?"

"Oh, I already know the answer," I tell my flabbergasted friend. "If you haven't gotten it in five minutes, I'll tell you."

"Well, if the first line isn't referring to Weedle, or Caterpie, or Wurmple, or Scatterbug, then what is it?" Lucas asks, to which I give him a wide grin. That'll teach him to talk over me.

"Perhaps we should pass the next few minutes with a song!" Nando suggests cheerfully. I give him the go ahead, and he brings out his synthesizer once again.

It's kinda funny how it seems to produce tunes that I already sorta know. This particular one starts off really slow, but when the beat drops, it shifts into an upbeat jazzy tune, much like the one you would hear on the snow route near Snowpoint City.

I take off straight ahead as soon as Nando's voice dies down. The bard is quick to follow me, but Lucas is more skeptical, staying rooted to his spot. "What Pokémon is it?"

"Salamence!" I throw back.

"Salam-" I hear, before Lucas jogs to catch up with us. "It's always so obvious in hindsight," he grumbles.

For once, we aren't confronted with another hallway when we pass through the psychic door. This time, it's a spiraling staircase, heading downwards.

"This seems promising," I say, peering down the endless stairs. Sure hope we won't have to come back up.

"If we've proved ourselves worthy, then maybe this will lead us to the oldest part of the ruins and the wisdom," Lucas theorizes, quickly heading down. A part of me thinks he's excited to possibly meet his first mythical Pokémon seeing as Mesprit never revealed itself to him.

Nando and I are soon to follow, though I can't help asking for his advice one more time. "Sorry for all of these questions, but I have another. Every contest is different, right? How would someone approach a contest in a place like this? Hypothetically speaking."

The bard doesn't comment on my less than subtle information grab. "It's no issue. In all honesty, Meloetta's name is worth more than all of my wisdom. But, if someone were to be entering this contest," he eyes me knowingly. "I would tell them to keep things simple."

"Hey, come look at this!" echoes Lucas's voice from up ahead before I can ask him to elaborate.

We enter into a large, empty chamber. "There's nothing here," I say, spinning around in a circle.

My friend simply points up, and I gasp when I see it. Or them, actually.

Hundreds of Unown are embedded in the walls, glowing softly with blue light, like gemstones, even though it's clear they are fast asleep.

"Incredible," Nando murmurs softly.

"They're reacting to our presence!" Lucas says, almost shaking from excitement.

I see what he means. Every second, the psychic light coming off the Unown is getting brighter. In the far corner of the room, a dais, thus far hidden by the darkness, has started to glow with the same light, in a large blue cylinder.

There's no doubt in my mind that if we stepped in there, we would be teleported to the entrance. No one pays it any attention, because in front of us, giant, bright letters are emerging, creating a message.

This must be the wisdom of the Unown, that people come here to try and find. Let's see what they have to say. I read it to myself silently.

Friendship

All lives

Touch other lives

To create

Something anew

And alive

This usually would be the part where I complain that I came all this way for something that you could find by cracking open a fortune cookie, but for once, I understand.

To think I'd find the answer to some of my biggest problems in a place like this. Every time you meet someone, a special seed is planted, and somehow, the bonds I have with my team have grown into the trunks of big ol' trees. To the point that they'd follow me even to the Distortion World and back, no questions asked. With a little more time, I'd like to think that way about some of the people I've met on my journey as well.

I'm not as alone in this as I thought when I received that revelation at the Lost Tower. To top it all off, this is what the contest is about, too. All the people of Solaceon Town are asking for is to make the bond you have with your Pokémon the showcase. Nando's advice to keep it simple makes so much more sense.

Doesn't mean I can't have a little fun, considering I don't really think I have any chance of winning the thing. Making it out of the appeals would be a victory.

We sort of stand there in silence, each of us taking in the words in our own way, and when the light finally fades from the wall, we make our way to the teleport portal, Lucas taking it first, then me, and then Nando materializes next to the both of us in a flash of blue light once we're both at the entrance of the ruins.

It's eerily silent, compared to the lively crowd that was here earlier in the day, which makes it easy for me to excuse myself. I bring out all my Pokémon, who look at me expectantly.

"Sorry, everyone," I address them while apologizing. "I haven't been completely honest with you. I'm participating in the coming up contest. And while I'm sure everyone will be capable for the battle stage, I need a volunteer for the appeals. Anyone interested?"

I've been looking at this whole thing backwards. Instead of me picking who is going to do the appeal, I should let my Pokémon pick for themselves.

They basically react as I've come to expect them to. Charmeleon scoffs and turns his head to the side, as if he couldn't be bothered. Absol frowns in apathetic disinterest. Vivillon looks like he's having a fierce debate inside his head, half of him wanting to and the other half telling him it'll be a disaster, despite the work we've put in. Glaceon glances at the other four, seeing if anyone would step up. I have no doubt my starter would, in need be.

Luckily, I have one Pokémon with her hand in the air, bouncing up and down in excitement. I smile at her. "Ok, Bellossom. Let's show 'em what we can do, and blow all these other coordinators away." She twirls and cheers at that.

For anyone else, this would be a massive risk, scrapping your appeal in favor of something else so close to the contest, but again, I have no stakes involved, or expectations for my performance. I'm here to give it my best shot, let the cards fall where they may, and not really care about the end result.

If I'm taking advice from the coordinators I do know: Ursula, Dawn, Nando, and even Jessie, there's a lot to be done. Hair, makeup, nails, props, outfit… yeesh. I can't walk into the contest hall as I am now. Everything's got to match up.

With the appeal, which has to take priority. And for that, there's one last favor I need to ask of my new bard friend.

I catch Nando right as he's about to cheer up a few disappointed ruin explorers who didn't make it to the end with another tune. "Hey," I say as I pull him aside.

"One last question?" he asks me preemptively, amused.

"Kinda," I tell him. "May I borrow something for a few days?"