Chapter 13: The Break In

The two-story stone building loomed ominously at the edge of the plaza, its weathered façade a warning of secrets held within. Cracks spiderwebbed across the grey stones, each fissure deepening with time, while patches of moss clung desperately to the crevices, a testament to nature's relentless will to reclaim what was once vibrant. The wooden doors, long ago painted a vibrant cerulean blue that signified warmth and welcome, now hung awkwardly on rusted hinges, creaking open to a darkened interior that felt like a breath held, waiting for the disturbance of intruders.

Inside, the air was thick with the smell of dampness and decay; shafts of muted light streamed through barred windows, casting eerie shadows upon the walls, while the distant drip of water echoed in the stillness. The stonework, while sturdy, revealed the ravages of neglect—plastered sections peeling away to expose crumbling mortar beneath. Dust hung in the air like forgotten memories, whispers of a once-vibrant life hinting at the absence of warmth, laughter, and care that had long since faded.

The ground floor featured gaping holes where shelves once stood, remnants of splintered wood scattered about like fallen leaves. Broken furniture lay strewn haphazardly, each chair and table telling a story of abrupt abandonment. The staircase, a sturdy spiral stone construction, was still intact yet dimmed by layers of dust, leading to the second floor where the true extent of disrepair was laid bare.

Upstairs, the long hallway stretched out, its walls lined with peeling wallpaper stained with age and moisture. Doors swung ajar on rusted hinges, revealing rooms stripped bare—the echoes of conversations and laughter now replaced by the haunting silence of desolation. In one corner, pieces of shattered ceramics lay like fallen stars, remnants of what used to be cherished items.

Yet, one room shimmered like a breath of fresh air amid the decay—the sole place that radiated a sense of newness. Here, Faelan had devoted himself to restoration, pouring his heart into transforming this dilapidated space, as it symbolized his hope for a new beginning. Here, Faelan had devoted himself to restoration, molding it into a humble yet inviting living space. Fresh paint adorned the walls, and the floor lay swept and polished, a striking contrast to the surrounding neglect. Shelves brimming with firearms and shotguns momentarily dispelled the shadows of desolation, embodying Faelan's ambition not just to defend, but to breathe new life into this crumbling edifice, transforming it into a secure home. A neatly made bed with crisp sheets stood ready, while a table had been hastily arranged to accommodate Faelan and his four guests: Elduran, Aisha, Jabari, and Anaya.

The roof, though still intact, showed signs of sagging with the weight of neglect, allowing sporadic leaks during storms. On days when the sun shone, patches of light illuminated the dust motes, momentarily breathing life into the lifeless space. Yet a prevailing sense of abandonment lingered, palpable and heavy, like a secret waiting to be uncovered within this stone shell of memories lost.

The quintet had been engaged in discussions for nearly two hours. Aisha absorbed the information, feeling the weight of unfamiliar dynamics as Faelan was brought up to speed. Aisha was struck by how markedly different he seemed; the haze appeared to have cleared from his mind. She was almost convinced by the tales Elduran shared about him. Despite this, his aloof nature remained unchanged—perhaps a shield against his past experiences—making it evident that this distance was a permanent trait.

"Honestly, now that we've figured out the financial aspect, I've had significant revelations about the legendary Pokémon featured in all those books I'm reading. As for handling the renovation of the building, I believe it's up to Aisha and Faelan. They should stay a bit longer after we're done to discuss it. Aisha seems to have a handle on the business side of things, and well... it is Faelan’s house," Jabari remarked.

"Sounds good to me. I’m not too concerned about those details, but I do care that stove pot coffee is on offer," Elduran added.

"Man, your obsession with coffee—you’re like a broken record. Do you think about anything else? Do you even dream about coffee?" Aisha quipped.

"You don't need to be so harsh," Faelan interjected.

"Faelan, you don’t have to shield me. Aisha is at her best when she channels her energy into tackling high-stakes situations; talking about anything else seems absurd to her. Just ignore her. Eventually, she might grumble about the time you spend cleaning your firearms. Anaya might hear it for painting too much, and Jabari will only stay in her good books if he reads mission-related material. She’s a good person once you get to know her. Like I said, just brush it off when she vents—she doesn’t really mean it, she's simply always on edge," Elduran explained.

Elduran's words resonated deep within her. Lately, Aisha found herself often venting about trivial matters. Her empathy seemed to wane as well. She had forsaken Dorothy, put Jabari at risk with the recording that nearly led to his assassination, and manipulated the homeless children right outside this very building to serve her own ends. A re-evaluation of her life and ideals was imperative; she was transforming into someone she scarcely recognized or wanted to be.

"Let’s maintain our civility. As I was mentioning, I’ve caught wind of part of the scheme they’re concocting. They intend to employ Dialga to transport Xerneas and Zygarde out of the present moment, leveraging Yveltal for sheer devastation. I’m not certain what kind of destruction they envision, but Yveltal is a Pokémon whose power is counterbalanced by Xerneas, and without that balance, Zygarde is the one who restores it. If both are absent, who can fathom the extent of the chaos Yveltal could unleash?" Jabari elucidated.

"That's impossible; there are far too many Zygarde cores and cells. There's no way they can locate them all. What if their plan is to simply eliminate Xerneas from this present moment? Without Xerneas, Zygarde has no means to restore equilibrium. However, they might still be conducting research—just in case their calculations prove to be flawed," Aisha remarked.

"I can at least be certain that their primary Pokémon for the attack is Yveltal. I don't even believe they need to capture or control them; merely disrupting the balance between them and Xerneas should suffice. All they need to do is awaken them. Hopefully, they haven't found their cocoon, because if they have, I fear they'll find a way to awaken them prematurely," Jabari stated.

"We need more information, damn it," Aisha exclaimed.

"I'm trying, Aisha, I'm truly doing my best. This requires time," Jabari replied.

"What? Oh, I'm sorry, Jabari, I didn’t mean it like that. I wasn’t directing my frustration at you. My fault," Aisha apologized.

"Don't worry, we're all feeling the pressure here. No offense taken," Jabari assured.

Elduran stood, moved to Aisha, and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Given our circumstances, we're doing our best, Little Light Bulb. Use that mind of yours. Do you honestly think the five of us could have accomplished more by now, or are we perhaps exceeding expectations?" Elduran asked her.

She didn’t even turn to face him as she pondered his question, her mind a whirlwind of relief and anxiety as she weighed their recent successes. Just days ago, they were only two; now their numbers had increased to five, with Ashanti arriving soon to be the sixth. They had uncovered part of the enemy's plan, barred two adversaries from accessing library intel, and had a legendary Pokémon ready to detect the enemy's location. Elduran was right; they were indeed overachieving—a testament to their teamwork and mutual support during this chaotic time. She took a deep breath, fighting the tension that curled in her gut, and allowed herself to sink deeper into her chair, grasping a moment of solace amidst the chaos. "You’re right, we’re doing far better than I expected we would a few days ago. I need to gather myself; with everything progressing, moving in seems rational. I’m truly sorry for being so tense, guys," she said, her voice tinged with a vulnerable sincerity.

"I'm not sure about you all, but I'm definitely moving in here. The closer we are, the better. I spotted a furniture store, and aside from a bed, I don’t really care about much else!” Elduran declared with infectious enthusiasm as he released his trio of Pokémon. "While renovations are important, we still need to tidy up. Blue, gather all the broken furniture, cut it into small pieces, and stack them in the fireplace downstairs. Forge, start burning them—slowly, of course. We've got a big fireplace, so pace yourself. Viv, your task is to tackle the dust and clear out the cobwebs," Elduran directed.

His three Pokémon dashed downstairs, and soon the entire building echoed with the sound of wood splintering as furniture began to break.

"Is there even a functioning bathroom here, or are we resorting to the great outdoors?” Aisha inquired, with an exasperated smile.

"The one across from this room, yes. It’s a mess, but the toilet, sink, and shower are functional. I just don't have hot water because the furnace refuses to ignite," Faelan replied.

"That's a problem. I can't manage this," Aisha admitted.

"The furnace can be operational today with Forge's help. We can call someone in to fix it tomorrow. Do you know anyone who can handle that, Faelan?" Elduran asked.

"Yes, but he isn't cheap. It’ll be about 400 cetis," Faelan said.

"I can't wrap my head around these prices; that’s ridiculously low," Elduran said.

"Wages in Tenera are not substantial. For someone from Kanto, yes, it's a bargain. How much did you bring with you? What is your savings?" Faelan inquired.

"Around 140,000 cetis," Elduran revealed.

"Wow, that will last you quite a while here," Faelan noted.

"I have a bit more than that," Aisha mentioned.

"We’re lucky to have you Kanto folks then, because Jabari and I barely have 12,000 cetis between us," Anaya pointed out.

"I don't even have 1,000," Faelan confessed.

"No wonder it's difficult for outsiders to relocate here. Apart from the badge route, the only other way is to possess a skill they need. If many people moved here, the prices would surge, as they'd afford everything, while locals might struggle to get by with the wages they earn here," Aisha said.

"My issue is that we lack a functional kitchen. Eating out constantly is quite costly," Anaya remarked.

"My dear, we can simply purchase a stovetop and a fridge for now. We'll need them soon anyway," Jabari suggested.

"Faelan, are you comfortable with all this? I notice no one asking your thoughts on us moving in here," Aisha inquired.

"Well, since we’ve decided to turn this into a business, and given the funds you all possess, we could hire a crew to get this place ready in as little as two weeks, I imagine. So, whether you move in now or later makes little difference. You’re welcome to my room, by the way, like Elduran all I also need is a bed," Faelan replied.

"We spoke about starting a business, not moving in with you," Aisha clarified.

"I just assumed we would. There are four bedrooms on the second floor. I have free rooms at Pokémon centers, but the rest of you don’t. So why not? Jabari and Anaya can share one, Aisha, you can take another, Faelan can keep his own room, and Ashanti the last," Elduran proposed.

"And what about you?" Aisha questioned.

"I'm perfectly fine with setting up my bed in the corridor," Elduran answered nonchalantly.

"You think I left the army and suddenly I desire privacy? Elduran, you can place your bed here," Faelan insisted.

"I’ll stay with Ashanti when she arrives. Faelan’s right, we should share rooms," Aisha agreed.

"But there’s an extra bedroom," Anaya pointed out.

"There isn’t. Those homeless kids outside will use that room. We’ll need workers soon," Aisha explained.

“I’m not sure whether to feel uneasy about the implications of this suggestion or relieved at your foresight," Jabari commented thoughtfully.

"Forcing them? What are you talking about? I’ll ask them. If they prefer to stay outside, they’re welcome to. We can offer them free lodging, meals, and certainly pay. I’m not suggesting they work for nothing. As far as I know, Tenera doesn’t have child labor laws," Aisha responded.

"There aren’t any, but as long as they’re paid, it’s fine with me," Jabari conceded.

Aisha released her four Pokémon. "Candy, assist Blue by moving what he breaks over to Forge. Splash, wash each wall once Viv has dusted it—wait for her to finish dusting first. Gale, help Viv, as I suspect dusting will take the most time. Luna, lend Blue a hand with the demolition," she directed.

"Regrettably, I must take Brush and Ink with me to continue my painting," Anaya announced.

"That's fine. How about Elduran and I go shopping? We could use a few beds, mattresses, a stove, and a fridge for starters. I'll keep Meltan with me for protection, though I'm sure Elduran is quite adept with the bow," Jabari suggested.

"Elduran's skill with the bow surpasses that of half of APSO soldiers with rifles—if that gives you any idea," Faelan commented.

"I can vouch for that; I've witnessed him in action," Aisha confirmed.

"Well, that’s reassuring," Jabari replied with a smile.

"Alright, let's get going, Professor. Let's leave the renovation planning to them," Elduran said to Jabari.

Anaya departed first, planning to continue her painting at the nearby plaza. Jabari and Elduran followed suit. Faelan appeared reluctant to start the conversation, so she took the initiative, "Bring as many workers as you can; they'll be ready to start tomorrow," she directed.

"Tomorrow? Seems like there’s a lot to clean up here," Faelan remarked.

"There are seven Pokémon currently handling the clean-up. By tonight, it should be quite presentable. Pokémon work swiftly," Aisha assured.

"Yeah, I don’t doubt that for a second," Faelan muttered, casting his gaze towards the ground, the weight of unexpressed worries furrowing his brow.

She noticed something troubled him regarding Pokémon but decided to let it pass, focusing on more pressing matters.

"The kitchen can remain where it is; it’s spacious enough for preparing sandwiches and breakfast items like eggs. We don’t need anything larger than that. A wall can enclose it and extend to envelop the staircase leading to the second floor. This design ensures access to the second floor through the kitchen, making it an 'employees only' area. It reflects a smart use of space," Aisha outlined confidently, inspiring Faelan with her clarity.

"You’ve thought this out quickly. Sounds good to me," Faelan responded.

"The toughest task will be tearing down the remaining walls downstairs," Aisha mentioned.

"All the walls, in all four rooms?" Faelan queried.

"Absolutely. The space will be for customer seating. Of course, structural columns will remain to support the second floor, but hopefully with minimal beams," Aisha clarified.

"How do you know so much about construction?" Faelan asked.

"My father took a hands-on approach after my mother passed. To save money, he learned to do everything himself. We did renovations together. His job is unrelated—he is a truck driver—but he was committed to becoming self-sufficient. I assisted by handling instructions better than he did," Aisha explained.

"That makes sense. My father was a painter, so I'm familiar with that field. Beyond that, he didn’t engage much with construction—just prepping walls, covering holes, but not building from scratch," Faelan recounted.

"No wonder this room looks almost new; a fresh coat of paint can transform it. The second floor requires little work: patching and covering wall holes, sanding, and finishing the floor. Downstairs, we need more windows in the seating area. That might be the renovation's major expense," Aisha suggested.

"It should improve the atmosphere," Faelan agreed.

"Indeed. We can decide paint colors and other details later," Aisha conceded.

"Alright, I’ll contact a construction crew I know. They’re sizable, but we have the funds, and they work quickly," Faelan proposed.

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"Perfect. Let me assist my Pokémon," Aisha said, rising from her seat.

"Wait," Faelan interjected, pausing as he considered his next words, "How is Elduran managing?"

"What exactly do you mean? He’s fine. What concerns you about him?" Aisha asked as she settled back into her seat.

"I mean, how’s he really handling things as a trainer?" Faelan pressed; his concern genuine.

"Keep this between us; he’d be angry if he knew I told you, but he genuinely loves Pokémon. He’s been deceiving himself for years. I confronted him, and his reaction was basically an admission," Aisha confided.

"Really? So, it’s not just about them being superior to firearms?" Faelan questioned.

"That too, but it’s mostly his love for being a trainer. Please keep it discreet," Aisha advised with concern.

"Why should I keep it a secret? He remains indifferent to others' opinions; he's truly unaffected," Faelan remarked.

"You’re probably right. He was upset when I told him because he didn’t realize it himself. He wasn’t mad at me, but at himself," Aisha explained.

"Naturally, his fury arose from the situation itself rather than your remarks, if I were to hazard a guess," Faelan observed, a faint smile ghosting across his lips.

"He spoke highly of you during your time in APSO," Aisha mentioned.

"All lies. I was terrible—still am. I haven't recovered; I’m hiding at the end of the world," Faelan said.

"Faelan, what you went through, anyone would have reacted similarly. You’ve nothing to be ashamed of," Aisha consoled.

"It isn’t about shame. It’s about how it shattered me. I’m not like him; he’s strong, and I am weak. He lost his parents, you lost your father, yet both of you endured. But I was the one who ran," Faelan confessed, his eyes struggling to hold back tears, never lifting a hand to wipe them, to conceal his vulnerability. However, Aisha had the keen vision of a Braviary for the subtle actions of both humans and Pokémon, an ability that allowed her to understand them completely.

"It’s different; you feel responsible for your unit’s demise," Aisha reasoned.

"Maybe not exactly like you, but Elduran was made commander at twenty-two, failed his first mission with his unit killed. Given another chance, the second mission wasn't all his fault, but only he and a soldier named Robert survived. Command was stripped, but two years later, he was reinstated. Despite losses, he continued facing the Gods, never running like I did," Faelan shared, his eyes still betraying the effort to hold back tears.

"Why isn’t that on record? I know nothing of it," Aisha asked.

"Because disclosing it would’ve meant his discharge, which command couldn’t afford. Elduran was an exceptional sniper. They buried it. Officially, the records state he was temporarily relieved of command post-second mission for trauma recovery, not faults. Bureaucracy would’ve eliminated the best we had," Faelan explained.

"Damn. He’s like a machine. I’d have acted like you. Why didn’t you try being a trainer?" Aisha wondered.

"I never cared for them, even as a kid. I didn't want anyone relying on me. Hyper-independence, they called it. Pokémon need dependency," Faelan replied.

"Indeed, you can't escape that truth. Even during your time in APSO, you were constantly pushing your boundaries. Even without direct orders, others depend on you. Every role relies on someone else in some way," Aisha conceded, instantly regretting her words as Faelan bowed his head onto the table, face-first. Gently, she moved closer, placing her hands over his in a comforting gesture. "Faelan, we'll face this challenge together. For now, understand that it's okay to act—or to choose not to. You've got people standing by you. Failure is among the possibilities. Our friendship will endure, and you won't let us down. We will all be there for each other, Faelan," Aisha assured him, meeting his eyes with a look of deep comprehension as he raised his head to look at her.

Faelan withdrew his hand from Aisha’s hold, and rose, heading to the door, "I’ll talk to the contractor."

Aisha pondered the challenge his condition posed to group work. She doubted Elduran knew, but if not, she couldn’t disclose it, unlike how Elduran might not mind, Faelan would likely be upset. Situations were becoming more complex. If not for the building being Faelan's, she’d have considered removing him from the group. She wondered when she’d grown so heartless. Seeking distraction, she ventured downstairs, invited the children to stay in the building in exchange for helping her Pokémon with cleanup. They agreed eagerly, their smiles wide.

***

Elduran entrusted the construction to Aisha and Faelan, avoiding the house for the last four days until after six o'clock, when the construction crew departed. The progress was speeding far beyond his expectations. He devoted all his time to training his Pokémon for the looming gym battle. Vivillon had mastered Bug Buzz; she took some time to catch on initially, but once she grasped the basics, her learning was swift. Heracross, on the other hand, absorbed information quickly, regardless of how simplistic the explanation, yet took longer to refine his skills. Elduran's attempts to mimic Swords Dance must have appeared comical to any onlookers—indeed, Vivillon and Cyndaquil seemed amused—but he was unfazed as long as Heracross understood, which he ultimately did as the move neared perfection.

Cyndaquil was another matter entirely. Whether peculiar to this particular Cyndaquil or not, his understanding and learning were rapid. Perhaps Aisha’s theory about young, unevolved Pokémon learning more swiftly held merit. Rollout was close to being perfected. By the time Heracross mastered Swords Dance, Cyndaquil might have acquired three moves. If Cyndaquil learned yet another move before departing Dirthrow, it would make three: Quick Attack, Rollout, and a third yet to be chosen by Elduran. He didn't need to consult his phone to recall Cyndaquil’s potential moves; he knew them all by heart. Rollout and Quick Attack significantly enhanced Cyndaquil's mobility. Elduran was torn between teaching Flame Wheel or Flame Charge next. Flame Wheel packed a punch and enhanced maneuverability, while Flame Charge increased speed with each use. Though both moves typically hit harder than Ember, Cyndaquil's expertise as a special attacker, meaning moves that mostly were effective from distance, made Flame Wheel only slightly stronger since it was a physical move. Elduran leaned towards Flame Charge though, opting to rely entirely on evasion in battle.

In the past few days, he couldn't shake the feeling that without someone directing him where to go and whom to target, he'd become obsolete to the group. Even Faelan proved more valuable—after all, Faelan owned the house. While such doubts might plague others, he found they didn't trouble him, though he kept pondering over the shift. Despite the pervasive danger lurking in every shadow and the possibility that today might mark him as an assassination target, this was the first time in ages that the group didn't entirely depend on him. The dynamics had shifted. He never enjoyed leading, he merely recognized his proficiency in it. Each time they arrived in a town or city, he wished others would take the helm. Out in the wilderness, however, he sensed that leadership would once more be thrust upon him, regardless of his desires.

Elduran settled onto the ground, reclining on his back as the sun gradually descended into the evening sky. The construction crew would soon be departing. He called his Pokémon for a well-deserved break, and all three approached him. Cyndaquil, as usual, nestled comfortably on his chest, savoring the closeness. Vivillon had been like that initially when he first encountered her—perhaps a reaction to the trauma she endured during the Ho-oh attack, losing her trainer, and then gaining a new one, a stranger in a completely altered environment. Now, Vivillon was no longer so clingy. Heracross, on the other hand, mirrored Elduran in his preference for space. He respected and loved everyone, though he wasn't particularly eager to display it. Nonetheless, he delighted in a bit of praise for his skill and strength, a complete goofball at heart.

Elduran allowed himself and his Pokémon to rest there for half an hour; they had earned it, and he needed them rejuvenated for what lay ahead—a venture both foolhardy and utterly necessary. He wouldn't breathe a word of his plan to the others; they needn't know, and they'd likely disapprove of his tactics.

Elduran assured Cyndaquil, Vivillon, and Heracross, "If anyone wants out, let me know now—I won't hold it against you, seriously."

All three met his gaze with undeniable resolve. That was all the answer he needed. He required at least one of them, as bringing his bow was out of the question; it would broadcast his identity to the world. Displaying his Pokémon would be risky enough, but he was confident he could keep even that under wraps.

He recalled his Pokémon and, after traversing a few blocks, entered a clothing store. It didn't take long to find the desired item—a white hooded cape, light and common in this town. Locals used it to shield themselves from the searing sun on scorching days. After purchasing it, he donned it immediately and, before heading out, raised the hood. Once on the street, he kept his head bowed and started walking. He passed Faelan's house on the right, where construction workers were busily engaged with the building's exterior. The progress was impressive.

At the plaza, he spotted Anaya with her two Pokémon, Smeargle and Grafaiai, setting up their equipment. She had completed a painting yesterday and now aimed to create a similar one by night. Elduran chose to skirt around the gym, avoiding proximity to her as a precaution against recognition. Navigating through two more intersections, he went around the gym and library, emerging on the opposite side of the plaza—a bit closer to Anaya than he preferred. The first building on the west side of the plaza stood before him. It was undoubtedly the finest building there, newly renovated and fenced, with a lawn adorned with various flowers encircling the two-story stone structure.

He waited until the street was clear, then released Vivillon and Cyndaquil. They acted without instruction, having rehearsed the plan multiple times over the past three days. Vivillon would lift Cyndaquil toward the small circular window on the second floor, likely a bathroom window, people and their obsession with fresh air, Elduran mused. She could ascend a little before fatigue set in. Cyndaquil perched on her back while she flew up; the crucial part was for Vivillon to hover just below the window long enough for Cyndaquil to squeeze through. Though a tight fit, Vivillon was steady for more than two seconds. The plan worked; Cyndaquil was inside.

Minutes later, Elduran recognized the creak of a door swinging open. His primary worry had been whether Cyndaquil could manage the lock. They had practiced on various doors, yet the twist knob posed the greatest challenge—it was simply too small to grasp while leaping. In the worst-case scenario, had Cyndaquil refused to join him on this venture, he would have resorted to breaking a window; he might still have to resort to that option. He considered the likelihood of alarms being installed; given that the door was locked only at the knob and the bathroom window was perpetually ajar, he doubted it was even secured. The top lock had never been engaged; the individual he observed always locked only the knob. As people strolled by, he bided his time, then approached the gate, which was always left unlocked, and made his way to the main entrance.

Inside, Cyndaquil awaited him near the door. The lock had been an easy push knob—serendipity indeed. Otherwise, Cyndaquil would have needed several attempts. The kitchen lay straight ahead. Elduran proceeded, after locking the main door, noting brand-new white cabinets. Any lingering doubts he had about the occupant's innocence dissipated upon seeing the house's lavish interior. The kitchen table was against the wall he entered from, perfect for remaining unseen from the doorway. Aware of the time, he opted to scout the rest of the house before taking a seat, ensuring there were no unexpected surprises. He always preferred to err on the side of caution, a lesson learned from experiences that left no room for mistakes.

The house was unremarkable throughout, freshly renovated, and that was the essence of the building. Whether right or wrong, legal or not, Elduran was indifferent. His sole concern was the information he was about to receive. He returned to the kitchen, choosing the chair furthest from the doorway. Carefully, he released Heracross and recalled Vivillon and Cyndaquil. It was prudent not to reveal all his Pokémon in case things turned sour. The presence of a Heracross wouldn’t lead anyone directly to him; after all, he had spotted numerous trainers with one on the streets of Dirthrow. However, he realized he had seen none like Cyndaquil and Vivillon in that area.

About an hour later, the sound of a key turning in the lock echoed through the stillness, followed by the familiar creak of the door as it swung open and then shut once more. Slow, deliberate footsteps approached the kitchen, and a plump woman in her sixties entered, flicking on the lights as she went. She headed straight for the refrigerator, oblivious to Heracross and Elduran lurking nearby. Pulling open the fridge door, she retrieved a water bottle and filled a glass she had just taken from the upper cabinet beside it. As she drank, she turned around, only to find Heracross suddenly right in front of her. The glass slipped from her grip and shattered on the floor. Stumbling backward into the cabinet, she caught sight of Elduran as well—a shadowy figure, his head bowed beneath a flowing white hooded cloak.

Elduran trusted Heracross implicitly, convinced she bore no Poké Balls; otherwise, he would have acted with swiftness. This situation had certainly become less complex, he mused. Following their earlier instructions, he moved cautiously closer, attuned to the possibility of a firearm, though he harbored little belief that she would possess one.

"You are going to tell me everything you know about those four staying in the hotel," Elduran commanded, his voice turning sharp and unforgiving.

"The hotel is closed," she replied, her voice trembling.

"Not a great start to our little chat. One more wrong answer and Heracross here might have to get involved. Let's try this again... Audrey. Share anything you might have overheard about them, even if it's just a random Pokémon name, a city or town, anywhere in the world. I don't need specifics, just anything," Elduran pressed.

"They bought the place and hired me from a poster out front. I was literally the first person to apply. How do you know my name?" Audrey asked, clearly terrified.

"You're avoiding my question. It’s quite easy to find names these days. This is your last chance—talk," Elduran warned as Heracross moved so close he was almost touching her.

"I overheard something about Route 114 near Dasos City. That's it, I swear. Why are you doing this to me?" Audrey pleaded, trying to put distance between herself and Heracross, but failing as he matched her every move.

"Because you’ve been a naughty girl, Audrey. You're being paid an exorbitant amount of money to run a supposedly closed business. Your new and beautiful home doesn't quite fit a front desk clerk's salary. You must realize they're up to something illegal. I'd think a woman of your experience would recognize Tauros shit" Elduran continued, his tone still harsh.

"Even if they are," she sobbed, "I’m not doing anything illegal myself. I needed the money; I was close to having nothing for retirement. Do you know how tough things are in Tenera? Are you even from around here? Your accent says otherwise. Who are you to judge me?" Audrey asked, tears streaming down her face, yet showing a glimmer of defiance.

Elduran disregarded her question. She had provided something, which was more than they had gleaned from Mew, who had been secluded in their room for days. Yet, it was merely a random City name with no context beyond the route designation. Still, it was something.

"Anything else? Think hard. Sometimes Heracross just likes to punch things even without my command. He has a knack for sensing when someone's lying, I believe," Elduran said.

"I know their names," Audrey said.

In truth, Elduran realized they hadn't uncovered the couple's names. They knew of Dan and Keesh, but the others had likely mentioned something he'd overlooked. His inattention to names was remarkable. They held little significance to him, but in case the others hadn't identified the remaining two, this was an opportunity. Plus, if she omitted Dan and Keesh, he'd know she was lying.

"Actually, I don't. Never cared much for their names. Go ahead, tell me," Elduran said.

"They're Sue, Jake, Keesh, and Dan. I swear I don't know their surnames," Audrey replied.

She'd spoken truthfully about Keesh and Dan, so likely the others were genuine too. Still, all he had was a route and a city name.

"Anything else unusual? Ever seen them with Pokémon or even Pokéballs?" Elduran pressed.

"No, I haven't," she said, her legs seeming ready to buckle. He remained indifferent.

"Firearms?"

"No, no firearms either," she answered.

"Anything else you've heard them discuss? Think hard, Audrey," Elduran urged.

Audrey appeared to be straining to find something to appease him. No, not to appease, he thought, but to prevent him from killing her—something he had no intention of doing.

"They really don't talk at all in front of me," Audrey stated, a hint of frustration in her voice.

She had wrestled with her thoughts to muster that simple response, there was more there. Elduran wished Aisha were with him; alone, he had only one recourse. In a cold, detached tone, he instructed Heracross, "Punch her."

Heracross obliged, executing what had been practiced numerous times before—a feeble blow that resembled a slap. Yet, it still sent Audrey to her knees, bleeding from broken glass scattered on the floor. Elduran remained indifferent. Her sobs grew loud until Heracross silenced her with a firm hand over her mouth.

"Let us review this once again. Recall anything—no matter how insignificant or absurd it might appear—that you may have overheard from them. Bear in mind, your generous compensation for this...exhausting task you perform for them will continue, and I assure you, your life is secure," Elduran promised her.

When Audrey relaxed, Heracross released her, allowing her to speak. Tears streaking her face, she began, "We don't need more people, we can't look incompetent. The Mayor is on our side, they’ll let us back in the library. To be cautious, he'll meet me on Route 114 near the Dasos City base to discuss."

"Wait, who said that? How did you even hear it?" Elduran probed.

As I was tidying up the hallway upstairs, the door was left ajar for the first time. Dan, the oldest of the four, spoke of it—not in precise terms, but in a manner that lingers in my memory. I wasn't meant to overhear, so I slipped quietly to my desk. You can't tell anyone! This could ruin everything!" Audrey urged, her voice a trembling whisper, her eyes wide with the weight of uncertainty.

"If I ever have a heart-to-heart with them, Audrey, rest assured it’ll differ greatly from our exchange. This conversation won’t surface, trust me," Elduran assured her, though the weight of the decision lingered heavily on his conscience as he rose, moving toward the front door while keeping his face obscured. As he left the kitchen, he advised, "Consider finding a legitimate job. I’d hate to see what happens once the police start... cleaning up."

As he was exiting the building, he recalled Heracross from afar. Leaving the property, he veered away from the plaza. When out of sight, he swiftly removed his cape, its fabric whispering against the air; he folded it into a small rectangle with practiced hands, tucking it into his knee pocket—remarkable how thin it was, hidden yet invaluable. Later, he made his way back to the plaza, seeing Anaya, Smeargle, and Grafaiai engrossed in painting on its west side. He approached them.

The day's revelations were significant. He should have sought Audrey sooner. The Mayor was either entangled with the Watchers or he was one of them, and a base near Route 114 close to Dasos City was crucial intel. The eavesdropped conversation must have occurred the night they were expelled; otherwise, Mew would have overheard as they never left until Dan retired for the night.

This information needed to be shared. No matter how he tried to present it, there was no recounting his discovery without embedding the truth. Faelan would surely understand, and perhaps Anaya would as well. Yet, Aisha and Jabari—they would be furious. With Anaya standing before him, he resolved to enlist her support for the challenging conversation that lay ahead. Anger or disappointment from Jabari and Aisha didn't trouble him; he knew that feigning remorse or regret might somewhat appease them, but he never understood why he found it impossible to fake anything. He had been deceiving himself ever since the day his parents died, up until the moment Aisha had knocked him down repeatedly using a Copperajah’s ass, forcing him to awaken from the illusions he'd built around hating everything that could use Tackle and be contained in a red and white orb. It must have taken an immense amount of effort to construct such a barrier, yet it took that much and more for him to sustain a lie or a pretense—he had to truly believe it.

"Damn, your painting looks awful," Elduran remarked, catching Anaya off guard as she swiftly turned to face him.

"Well, of course it does; I've just started. But at this stage, I think it bears a slight resemblance to your face," Anaya replied.

"Fair enough, I can see that too. Maybe I should buy it as it is; I'll never need a mirror again," Elduran quipped.

"Five thousand should cover it," Anaya said, extending her hand expectantly.

"Damn, that's an awfully expensive mirror," Elduran chuckled.

Grafaiai shot him a menacing glance, as if Elduran's presence was unwelcome—of course, it probably was. Smeargle, on the other hand, appeared delighted to see him; then again, Smeargle always seemed pleased to see everyone.

"What brings you here, anyway? Coming from the west, huh? What's out there for you? Ah, let me guess, you discovered a new coffee shop," Anaya teased.

"Nope, no coffee shop today. Instead, I broke into a house, threatened an old lady, had Blue knock her down on broken glass, and got some intel about Dave meeting the Mayor at a base on Route 114 near Dasos City. They're planning to pressure the library into letting those two fools keep revisiting," Elduran recounted.

"Wow, that's some serious improvisation—impressive skills," Anaya remarked.

Elduran merely watched her, a smirk playing on his lips, not uttering a word but maintaining his gaze. It dawned on him that he was undeniably drawn to Anaya. Her spark and straightforwardness captivated him. Although he wouldn't act on these feelings, denying them would be foolish. She returned his gaze, still expecting an answer.

"Did an Arbok bite your tongue or something?" Anaya quipped.

Elduran continued to look at her.

"You know what, I give up," Anaya said, turning away and picking up her brush. She barely painted three strokes before glancing back, finding Elduran with the same smirking expression. Handing the brush to Smeargle, she turned to him again. "Damn, you're actually telling the truth, aren't you?" she acknowledged.

"Yes, I'm afraid I am," he confirmed.

"Arceus's stinking urine, Jabari will have your hide—and he's got two Legendary Pokémon with him," Anaya warned.

"I'm sure Mew would side with me," Elduran replied confidently.

"They would, they definitely would. You've stirred up quite the fucking storm. Tell me everything damn it," Anaya demanded.