Chapter 2

Registration

The bus journey appeared that it would last approximately just over thirty minutes. The road was so remarkably straight that Elduran questioned whether he could replicate such precision on paper with a ruler. Surrounding him were vast expanses of farmland, showcasing a variety of crops that left him somewhat bewildered; while he could easily identify wheat and corn, the rest remained a mystery to him. Nevertheless, this unnervingly straight road sliced directly through the agricultural landscape.

To his left, he observed a massive metal beam elevated around fifty feet above the ground. He recognized it as part of the widely admired monorail tracks, a true testament to engineering prowess. The structure appeared robust enough to endure the impact of a Copperajah colliding with its supporting columns. Although he believed he could glimpse another beam further off to his right, his position on the left side of the bus left him uncertain about this observation.

Suddenly, a monorail train sped by, racing at an astonishing speed of at least 250 mph. What struck him most was its lack of the sleek, aerodynamic design he had anticipated; while the front was streamlined, the rest of the train appeared bulky and boxy. It was clear that this was no ordinary passenger train but rather a cargo train. In stark contrast, another train approached from the opposite direction, heading away from the city of Asven. This one embodied the slender, graceful form he had always imagined a monorail should possess, unmistakably a passenger train.

Beyond the monorail, he spotted a massive black mountain in the distance, its slopes adorned with rivers of flowing lava. The proximity of the capital to such an active volcano astonished him. Perhaps this was the reason for the seemingly endless farms surrounding Asven; while he wasn't an expert in geology, he understood that volcanic soil was incredibly fertile for agriculture. However, the logistics of transporting that rich soil to the farms left him puzzled.

What astonished him the most was the realization that there were no visible roads aside from the one linking the airport to Asven. He had heard that in Tenera, everyone relied on monorails for transportation, but he began to question whether that was due to a complete absence of roads. Tenera had once been a vast safari continent until about four decades ago, functioning as a shared business model for all regions, where every Pokémon could be found. Elduran pondered this while observing Tenera, skeptical of its truth, yet indifferent to the details. With no roads and no monorails, the area was designed like a safari, and the local inhabitants seemed to live with technology reminiscent of a century past. The architecture was predominantly traditional, constructed from rock and wood, while the two desert towns primarily utilized mudbrick. However, in Asven, modern metal and concrete structures had begun to blend with the older styles, at least according to the few images he had encountered.

The locals eventually established their own government and sought independence. Although there were initial tensions, the situation remained largely peaceful without escalating into war. The political factions aimed to move in a certain direction, yet every regional Pokémon league rallied behind the people of Tenera, including the Kanto League, which was the most inclined to support the government. While the Pokémon league operated independently from the government, both entities held equal sway in decision-making. The government primarily managed agriculture, commerce, education, energy, health, treasury, labor, and housing, whereas the league oversaw justice, defense, and homeland security. They were also responsible for organizing league events, which included the entire process of badge collection and ensuring safe travel routes for trainers of all ages. The balance was delicate; routes needed to be secure enough to prevent fatalities while still presenting enough challenges to foster growth among trainers. The overarching goal was to cultivate powerful trainers, driven by the understanding that the wilds were home to formidable Pokémon capable of devastating cities in an instant, but also by the competitive nature of neighboring regions. Elduran was acutely aware of this dynamic, being deeply entrenched in the system, and he often caught the murmurs of its inner workings.

The bus finally arrived at the edge of the city, where contemporary concrete homes stood in neat rows, primarily designed for residential living, with most structures reaching up to three stories high. Just a few minutes later, he found himself in the bustling heart of the city, confronted by an odd blend of architecture that was even more jarring than the images he had seen prior to his arrival. The city center was adorned with stunning brick buildings, including a grand city hall that rose majestically to four stories, its pinkish hue catching the eye. Yet, towering skyscrapers, some reaching twenty stories or more, intermingled with these charming structures, creating a striking contrast. Asven, the largest city in Tenera, boasted a population of around 150,000, but the streets were surprisingly devoid of cars, with no road wider than two lanes in either direction. Most residents opted to walk, bike, or travel on Pokémon, which made him uneasy; he was accustomed to regions where there were strict limits on the number of Pokémon one could have out of their Poké Balls. Although he didn’t see any excessively large or heavy Pokémon, he wondered if such regulations still applied here. He knew he had to confront his discomfort, especially now that he had a Pokémon partner and aspired to expand his team. Yet the mere mention of Vivillon stirred a mix of happiness and irritation within him, as it highlighted the striking difference between his companion's serene demeanor and the chaotic nature of many other Pokémon. With a sigh, he acknowledged the inner turmoil he still needed to resolve, recognizing that Vivillon would be his steadfast support and guide on this journey.

The bus finally arrived at its sole destination, a modest glass structure that served as the bus station. Elduran pondered whether this stop was exclusively for shuttling passengers between the airport and the city, as it seemed far too small to function as a major bus terminal. Pulling out his phone, he activated the navigation app to locate the nearest Pokémon Center. As he tried to maintain his composure amidst the flurry of Pokémon bustling around him, he retrieved Vivillon's Poké Ball and set her free. "Hey there, I should have let you out sooner. It looks like Pokémon roam freely in this area," Elduran remarked with excitement. Vivillon responded with a soft "Vi," her eyes wide with wonder at the stark contrast from Kanto. She playfully shot a string shot onto his back and nestled herself there, a habit she had picked up from her previous trainer, Nancy. Elduran mused that perhaps it was a comfort for her or a way to keep him safe, and being a pragmatist, he preferred to believe it was the latter.

Most of the roads he traveled on to reach the pokémon center had tram tracks, which explained why buses weren't commonly used in the city. He reached his destination and entered inside. The Pokémon Center was a practical hub of activity. The waiting area featured simple benches and a few tables scattered around for trainers to sit and catch their breath. A large reception desk stood at the front, staffed by a nurse who efficiently processed trainers checking in their Pokémon. The walls were lined with information boards detailing services, rules, and nearby facilities. Trainers shuffled in and out, some glancing at maps on the wall, while the sounds of Pokémon being treated in the back provided a steady background noise. This was a place to get what you needed, healing, information, or just a moment of respite before heading out again. He made his way towards a large kiosk with a sign that read "housing accommodation," a woman behind the desk greeted him and asked if he was visiting someone.

"I'm actually here to book a room," he replied.

"Oh, my apologies for assuming. We don't often see adults joining the league tour, but it's certainly allowed," she said. "The cost will be 100 crimson cetis."

"Actually, this is my first year as a trainer, so I believe it's free," Elduran said confidently as he handed her his trainer card. He was amused by the look of surprise on the woman's face, but he wasn't embarrassed in the slightest. He was never one to shy away from attention.

"Oh dear, I apologize again sir. I seem to be making quite a few assumptions today," she chuckled nervously as she scanned his card in their system. "Hmm, sir...it appears you haven't visited our pokémon registry office yet. Your card needs to be updated."

"Raikou's shit!" Elduran exclaimed in frustration. "They told me at the Kanto registry that everything was taken care of. Oh...sorry about my language," he added quickly, noticing her name tag on her shirt. She was quite attractive, he thought to himself, around his age with long blonde hair and fair skin, and those big round purple glasses added an interesting touch. But he didn't come here to flirt with women.

"Brie, do you mind if I go to the registry office now? I'll be back in no time,” Elduran asked politely.

"Of course not, take your time. I'll still be here for a few more hours," she replied, glancing at the clock on the wall.

He joked, "I better hurry then, I don't want to come back and find you've been replaced." He winked at her before turning to leave the building with Vivillon still clinging onto his back.

Upon exiting, Elduran placed the Pokémon registry in his navigator and proceeded onward, pleased to find it was just a brief two-minute walk, a pleasant surprise indeed. His stroll was uneventful, and soon he arrived at his destination. As he stepped inside the Pokémon Registry Office nestled in the venerable brick building, he was struck by the stark contrast between its weathered facade and the sleek modernity within. The mingling scent of aged bricks and cutting-edge technology was palpable. The rhythmic clatter of rapid, precise keystrokes resonated through the otherwise quiet space, hinting at the advanced technology sheltered within a relic of yesteryears. Despite the building’s austere exterior, the interior was brightly illuminated, casting a warm glow over the rows of digital data terminals lining the walls.

A dozen employees stood ready behind their desks, eager to assist customers. Noticing the absence of a waiting line and with three employees unoccupied, he instinctively approached the digital kiosk to obtain a number. Just as he was about to do so, an employee from desk number seven beckoned him forward.

The man, in his fifties, sporting curly black and white hair and a thick mustache, with dark skin and clad in a classic white button-down shirt, greeted him warmly.

"How may I assist you, sir?" he inquired.

Elduran presented his trainer card, handing it over to the man across the desk.

"This card seems to need updating at one of your regional offices," Elduran explained.

"Let's take a look," said the man, swiping the card through a reader. "Ah, I see you're from Kanto. My name's Jeremiah, by the way, pleased to assist you, Elduran."

"Can you explain why everything seemed fine at the Kanto registry office? They indicated my card was ready for immediate use," Elduran queried.

"Indeed, there's a reason," Jeremiah affirmed. "The champion of the league, John Gianic, has introduced a new rule requiring all first-time trainers in Tenera to come here to release a minor hold on their cards. Tenera operates differently, and trainers often assume the same rules apply as elsewhere, losing months caught unaware. To release the hold, I’ll simply explain how the league tour functions here," Jeremiah added with a subtle smile.

"You could have just put that information online," Elduran retorted.

"We did, but you'd be surprised how many trainers ignore it completely," Jeremiah replied.

"Trust me, I get it. We humans often assume we know everything and frequently overlook instructions," Elduran commented.

"True enough," Jeremiah chuckled before continuing. "The tour operates quite differently. Abroad trainers often find it surprising that all gym leaders perform at the same level regardless of the number of badges you have. Whether one or seven, their strength remains the same. However, with zero badges, you face a 2 on 2, one badge makes it a 3 on 3, two badges a 4 on 4, and subsequently, all battles are 5 on 5."

"That's quite the change. Is there anything else I should know?" Elduran asked.

"Oh, certainly. Here, you need only collect your first badge before your sixth month to extend your first-year trainer benefits for a full year," Jeremiah continued.

"That's promising, though it seems more challenging than collecting four badges in regions with weaker gym Pokémon," Elduran mused.

"You’re not wrong, but here in Tenera, you only need to collect your badges once, not annually. We call it a tour, but there’s no time constraint, apart from first-year benefits. The Pokémon League Championship starts on September one, which is today. If you’ve collected all badges by the end of August next year, you can participate. If not, there’s always the next year, without having to re-earn previously acquired badges," Jeremiah explained.

"That's bold. So, if I collect all badges now, I could potentially participate in the league even ten years down the line?" Elduran asked.

"Excellent question. The league has a committee that tests trainers who've been away from battling for too long. These trainers face opponents equal to gym leaders in strength, albeit not as formidable as their personal teams. Failing means collecting all badges anew, this time all battles are 5 on 5," Jeremiah elaborated.

"I see, so one could settle into a normal life while keeping the championship as an option. Tenera’s system seems more accommodating," Elduran observed.

"Quite so, and with that, your card is ready for use in Tenera. You have until March to claim your first badge. After that, your first-year benefits will extend to September of the next year. Best of luck, Elduran! Hope to face you at the championship!" Jeremiah concluded with a smile.

"Hold on, are you an embodiment of the scenario I described? You collected your gym badges as a teen, then pursued a career and family, joining the league year after year without needing the committee?" Elduran asked.

"I am indeed that embodiment," Jeremiah chuckled. "My inaugural match is the day after tomorrow, and I'm catching the train to Pinnacle Rock this evening. Over three decades, I've only ever lost in the first round three times, so the committee saw no reason to test me. My best result was ranking within the top two hundred fifty-six when I was thirty-two. I hope to see you there next year!"

"Oh, you will. Maybe not next year, but certainly within two," Elduran laughed softly, taking his card. "Take care, Jeremiah. Thanks for everything. I truly appreciate it," Elduran said as he made his way to the exit. Jeremiah nodded in farewell.

Elduran walked in silence, absorbed in his thoughts. The path he followed led him far from any championship dreams; survival until next year seemed a more reasonable hope than collecting eight trivial tokens. He had noted a park across the street a few minutes ago and decided to make his way there. Crossing over, he found an empty bench and, as he removed his duffel bag, Vivillon dislodged, swiftly shaking off the remnants of a string shot before he could even set the bag down against the bench.

"Let’s grab a bite, Viv," he suggested.

Vivillon settled beside him, still taking in her surroundings with wide eyes, the world around her still a new and startling experience.

Elduran retrieved a protein bar from his duffel bag and some kibble intended for Vivillon. Though she was part Flying and part Bug, she seemed to favor the Bug-type food. Attempts to mix in some Flying-type fare had once resulted in her simply gusting it away. He took one of the bowls from his bag, filled it with the kibble, and offered it to her. She finished her meal faster than he managed to eat his protein bar.

"Careful, or you’ll get fat!" Elduran teased.

"Viiiiii," Vivillon retorted with a playful tone. "Yeah, yeah, I know, you’ll never get fat. How do you like this city, Viv?" he queried.

"Vii," she replied, her voice high and enthusiastic.

"You like it, huh? Personally, I find it a bit ugly, but I do appreciate how it’s less crowded than Saffron," he mused.

Vivillon inched closer until she was nestled against him. A few moments later, she was asleep. Although tiredness began to creep over him as well, he resisted, aware of the tasks ahead. Not wishing to disturb Vivillon, he gently recalled her into her Pokéball.

"I don’t quite understand how you Pokémon can enjoy being digital forms within these Pokéballs, and I can only wonder how the interior appears to you. But Viv, if I manage to scrape together enough money, I’ll upgrade your Pokéball, it'll be like a mansion in there," he said softly, speaking to Vivillon’s Pokéball. Rising from the bench, he headed towards the Pokémon Center.

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Upon entering the Pokémon Center, Elduran found Brie still there. He approached her directly and handed her his card.

"Mission accomplished, Brie. Hope you didn’t miss me too much," Elduran quipped.

"You were gone for only an hour. Hardly time to miss you," she replied with a smile.

"Tell me, do you happen to have eight badges?" he inquired.

"Oh no, as a matter of fact, I have none. Tried being a trainer for about eighteen months, but I wasn’t very good," she admitted, gesturing toward the Aipom snoozing on a couch behind her. "That’s my Aipom, my starter. My other is a Chikorita, but she prefers staying in her Pokéball."

"No worries. Between you and me, I'm not all that impressed by the League tour," he said quietly, so only she could hear.

"Then why pursue it if you feel that way?" she questioned aloud, returning his card along with a card key.

"My reasons are my own. Maybe it’s the free travel and a year of vacation, who can say?" Elduran replied, taking back his card and key.

"Well, enjoy your stay. Let us know if there’s anything you need to make it more comfortable. The stairs to the rooms are just here to the left," she indicated, her tone suddenly brisk.

Elduran sensed he might have offended her; her last words were tinged with a chill. He’d intended to lift her spirits by downplaying the tour, but when he glanced back, he saw her engrossed in the championship match on the TV behind her. Two trainers were locked in battle. It hit him then, she loved Pokémon battling, despite her lack of success. He felt a pang of regret for his thoughtlessness, realizing a frequent misstep of his was inadvertently offending others when he meant well.

Ascending the stairs, he noted his card read 3H, meaning his room was located on the third floor. He found his room easily. It was compact, just big enough for a small closet, a tiny bathroom, a compact desk, but, surprisingly, a full-sized bed. Having grown up in the army, he was accustomed to sharing a space like this with three other men. He knew he had to visit the supermarket for necessities and the Pokémart for Vivillon’s food, but exhaustion was overtaking him. He decided to defer it to tomorrow. It was only 7 p.m., but with Kanto being four hours ahead, his body clock felt it was 11 p.m. An early rise seemed inevitable. After a quick shower, he collapsed into bed. Vivillon, fond of resting in her Pokéball, remained inside it. Elduran wished he could coax her into enjoying the outside when asleep, but for now, he let her be.

He awoke at 3:00 AM, just as expected. He knew pokécafes operated around the clock, and having passed one during his walk from the bus station to the Pokémon Center the previous day, he knew it was a mere five-minute stroll away. Despite the availability of instant coffee at the Pokémon Center, he had a strong distaste for it. The pokécafes brewed the traditional pot-boiled coffee he favored, a style gradually fading from popularity. This method was the easiest to prepare while traveling, reminiscent of his army days where it was the only option. However, upon arrival, he discovered the pokécafe was closed, a letdown as he realized that in Tenera, pokécafes were not 24/7. He turned to his phone's map app to search for open cafes at this hour. Today, he truly embodied an owl, both in name and nature, he mused. He found several options but chose one on the town's periphery for a distinct reason. To his surprise, the tram was operational at this early hour, and delightfully, his trainer card provided free rides, a perk presumably linked to his status as a first-year trainer.

After a -minute tram journey, he arrived at a small gray brick structure with two modest windows flanking a wooden front door reminiscent of a cellar entrance. Inside, the cozy ambiance was accentuated by soft yellow lighting, a welcome contrast to the widespread obsession with the stark, near-blue illumination. The snug space accommodated about a dozen small wooden tables, as the ordering and coffee-preparation counter occupied much of the interior. Only one table was in use, occupied by a solitary young teenager seated in the corner. Her striking long green hair cascaded to her shoulders, where it curled and transitioned to vivid yellow. Her skin was pale even by Kanto standards, suggesting she was not a local. Tenera's populace, he had observed, generally possessed olive or dark complexions. He speculated she might be a first-year trainer from Sinnoh, possibly no older than 17, and he remained perplexed by the contemporary penchant for vibrant hair colors. Her belt already held four Pokéballs.

Approaching the counter, he ordered a stovetop black coffee, astounded by its modest price of five crimson cetis. Tenera, at least, offered affordable coffee, he mused. With his coffee in hand moments later, he seated himself at the table nearest the front door. He began scanning for news related to any destruction or odd phenomena in the region. Gemma, a top-tier intelligence agent, was convinced of their presence here, and he trusted her instincts implicitly. The problem was a lack of leads. Tenera's distinction as the only region untouched by legendary Pokémon attacks was curious, yet he would have dismissed it by default. Not so for Gemma; her instincts were unparalleled. Thinking of Gemma, he realized how much he missed her. She had been his only genuine relationship, lasting two years, a feat by Elduran standards, as none had previously surpassed six months. He was invariably drawn to slightly older women, for they seemed to provide stability, influencing him to listen rather than control. Their maturity earned his respect, granting them the right to steer their shared course. Nevertheless, that chapter was now firmly in the past.

Across the café, the girl kept casting glances his way whenever he seemed preoccupied. Elduran didn't fancy himself particularly clever, in fact, he often thought himself quite the opposite, but he possessed a keen sixth sense for survival. Whether it be spatial awareness, discerning sounds, or sensing when eyes were upon him, he was usually attuned. Yet with this girl, there was no sense of threat; perhaps she was merely intrigued by the presence of someone else at such an early hour. In a café occupied by only two souls, it's natural for one's gaze to occasionally wander toward the other.

The only notable news in Tenera lately was the river in Erim town running dry, one of the desert towns. Meanwhile, Dendra City seemed to demand special tax treatment for all the renewable forest infrastructure they were setting up to supply Tenera with lumber. Elduran had heard this story before—cities asking for tax breaks simply because they weren't as reliant on neighboring towns or cities. Just a load of Moltres droppings, if only things were that simple. There hadn’t been any legendary Pokémon assaults, and the region appeared relatively peaceful, yet Gemma insisted he come here. She wouldn't deceive him; he knew her too well for that. Clearly, something was amiss. He could spare a day or two to decide his next step.

After finishing his coffee, he stepped out, noticing the girl glancing at him again as he exited. He headed towards the end of town—the very reason he picked that specific café. He needed to train with Vivillon. He released Vivillon from her pokéball, happy to see she was awake, if only barely. She made a pitiful "Viii" sound.

"Wake up, you lazy bug! We run first, then train at the town's edge," Elduran instructed.

"Viii," Vivillon protested, but followed once Elduran began jogging.

Vivillon disliked early mornings, a stark contrast to Elduran, which often led them to butt heads. After about minutes, they reached the town’s outskirts just before the farms. They stood on the eastern side of town as the Volcano spewed red rivers in the distance—a breathtaking sight.

"Alright, work on Struggle Bug. Perfect it; I know you can," Elduran encouraged Vivillon.

"Viii," Vivillon responded with determination.

Elduran then proceeded with his workout routine—push-ups, crunches, and other exercises he did daily after leaving the army. He even found a sturdy tree branch suitable for pull-ups.

Vivillon was improving. Bits of goo launched from her body in all directions, still too slow. Elduran felt he could help but couldn't pinpoint how. She was making progress, though slowly—it’d take another two weeks to perfect the move, and that was too long. He felt more secure in Pokémon battles than training. Perhaps Vivillon was a slow learner, but it was odd her former trainer hadn't taught her this move. Struggle Bug, a move where she barely had to move but could attack everything around her, seemed invaluable. Her current attacking moves were limited to Gust and Psybeam. That needed correcting. However, her status effect moves were superb—Sleep Powder, Stun Spore, and Poison Powder were magnificent, complemented by Light Screen and Supersonic. Psybeam, a peculiar move, temporarily confused the target for a split second. That second was what Elduran intended to exploit.

After about an hour of exercising, he sat down on a rock at a safe distance from Vivillon, watching her train, still unsure how to help. Vivillon, noticing him resting, decided she needed a break too.

"Come on, just a little more. I want Struggle Bug to extend maybe an inch or two." He took a swig from his water bottle.

"Viiiii," Vivillon protested, lying on the ground, eyeing his water bottle.

"You're hopeless. Spoiled brat attitude. Too bad it's cute when you’re like this. Here," he said, tossing the water bottle her way.

"Viii," Vivillon looked at the bottle, puzzled, as she caught it.

Elduran approached with her water bowl. "Nice catch!" He poured some water into her bowl before taking back the bottle.

He then spotted a teenager approaching, a single pokéball on his belt, clad in jean shorts and a red t-shirt, topped with a red hat.

"Hello, mister," the boy greeted.

"Hey," Elduran replied. "Can I help you with something?"

The first rays of the sun started to break the horizon.

"I'm a new trainer. Got my starter Pokémon yesterday. I couldn't sleep from excitement and saw you from my bedroom window. I live in that building on the top floor," he pointed. "I was hoping you’d give me my first battle."

Elduran considered it would be his first too, unbeknownst to the boy. A good opportunity to test if his military precision and fearlessness in missions would apply to Pokémon battles.

"Sure, why not? I'm Elduran. What’s your name, lad?" Elduran asked.

"Tony. Nice to meet you. Can we just do the minimum wage, 100 cetis?" Tony suggested.

"Right, 100 cetis is fine," Elduran agreed, recalling how top trainers could demand fortunes per battle. "This is a one-on-one. Viv, you're up," Elduran indicated to Vivillon behind him.

Tony released his Pokéball, revealing a Bidoof, a small rodent like pokémon with 2 big front teeth.

"Alright, here we go," Tony struck a pose, commanding, "Tackle!"

Elduran suppressed laughter at Tony's overly dramatic stance, but maintained focus.

"Viv, poison powder in front of you and fly back."

Vivillon spread poisonous particles in the air, effortlessly flying backward. Tony issued no new commands, and Bidoof charged through the powder, heading for Vivillon. Within seconds, Bidoof appeared hurt yet kept pursuing.

"If it keeps coming, use Gust," Elduran instructed calmly.

"Bidoof, stop and use Defense Curl!" Tony shouted.

Bidoof ceased running, curling into a ball. Its skin shimmered momentarily, toughening its hide. The gust hit, but Bidoof largely resisted, staying grounded.

"Bidoof, Rollout!" Tony commanded excitedly.

Knowing Rollout's strength against Flying Pokémon, Elduran needed Vivillon to dodge. Simply flying up to wait for Bidoof to succumb to poison felt cheap; he wanted to test Vivillon’s trust in him for a more effective counterattack.

"Viv, turn toward me," Elduran directed. Vivillon hesitated as Bidoof became a rolling sphere. “Please, look at me. Turn and face me.” She hovered, staring at Elduran. “Now hold... just a little longer... now! Fly up!”

Bidoof leaped last second, but Vivillon ascended, causing Bidoof to miss.

"Psybeam and finish with Gust!" Elduran ordered.

Positioned perfectly as Bidoof rolled beneath, Vivillon had ample time to strike with Psybeam and Gust before Bidoof hit the ground as she was already facing it, causing it to faint mid-air.

"Well done, Bidoof. We'll improve," Tony reassured as he recalled his Pokémon. Approaching Elduran, he transferred cetis via a phone scan of Elduran's trainer barcode. "Thanks for the battle, mister. That was a smooth move. You and Vivillon are in sync. I hope Bidoof and I reach that level of trust. Take care!" He walked away.

Vivillon smiled, dancing around Elduran, playfully gusting him with her wings, clearly cheerful about the victory. Elduran pondered her excitement, given her past wins with Nancy against tougher foes, then decided to ask.

"Viv, that Bidoof was below your level. Why the excitement?" Elduran queried.

"Viiiv... viiv," she hummed.

"Oh, it felt good trying something new?" Elduran realized. "You know, right back at you. Felt great you trusted me to fight blind, gaining an edge."

As he gathered Vivillon's bowl and water bottle, he noticed her again—the girl from the café, now wearing a pink hat, trying to hide. Her unmistakable hair was concealed, but Elduran remembered everything: faces, clothing—his memory was sharp. He caught a glimpse of her before she disappeared behind the building where Tony lived. Elduran quickly assembled his bow, a folding one, suited for emergencies—not as accurate as a recurve or longbow, and he disliked compound bows despite their precise single shots due to poor firing rates.

Elduran signaled Vivillon to approach. "Viv, listen. A girl is tailing us, behind that building." He pointed. "You go left; I’ll take the other side. Don't harm her unless threatened. If necessary, prioritize our safety. Prevent her from releasing her Pokémon." Elduran directed, hoping Vivillon understood.

Near the building’s corner, Elduran swiftly turned, bow ready. No one was there; Vivillon approached from the opposite side.

"Viv, to the sky. Look for a pink hat. Once you spot her, stay high. Signal me with a string shot once you've found her," Elduran instructed.

For two weeks before departing Kanto, Elduran trained Vivillon in these military-like and surveillance tactics, explaining their lack of combat until now—they focused on these skills instead. His planning was paying off.

In about a minute, a string landed nearby, Vivillon moving west. Elduran followed quickly, tucking the arrow away due to curious stares from passersby. It was 6:30 AM; the streets were growing busier.

After minutes, Vivillon guided him back to the café he'd visited earlier. Through the window, he saw her at the same table. Elduran stored his bow and entered.

"Viv, stay left, be ready. Any threat and string shot her," he instructed.

His knife remained holstered and concealed. He could accurately aim for the head at a distance of 20 feet, 30 feet for the torso. The café was small enough. He entered, unfazed, directly towards her table.

Though the girl was sweating and panting, she was smiling. She posed no visible threat but Pokémon could make anyone formidable if trained well. Elduran approached, sitting across from her, Vivillon hovering above.

"Why are you following me?" Elduran demanded, a cold, intimidating stare aimed at her.

"Damn, you're good. But I'm good too. I’m impressed with both of us,” she giggled despite gasping for breath.

"Explain! Now! My patience is running thin," Elduran's voice cut like ice, yet she remained unfazed.

"Alright, listen. Let's go to the room I'm renting—right across the street. We can't afford anyone overhearing us," her tone turned serious.

"I'm not moving an inch until I know why you're tailing me. One released Pokémon could kill me instantly. I'm not stupid enough to risk that," Elduran replied firmly.

"Okay, I'll say one word, which if you're not dumb, will make you come across to my room... Gemma," she whispered.

Elduran facepalmed, realizing what might have occurred.

"Alright, let's go. You lead where I can see you," he instructed.

She led Elduran to a building across the street labeled "Luxury Rooms for Rent." After saluting the receptionist, they took a creaky elevator to the fifth floor. The poorly maintained interior didn’t live up to the ‘luxury’ name. Her room, , mirrored the dreary corridors. Spacious yet unfinished, the cement interior felt uninviting compared to his Pokémon Center accommodation.

"Can I release a Pokémon to soundproof the room?" she requested.

"Go on. Viv, if anything goes wrong... you know what to do." His hand readied at his waist knife.

From her Poké Ball emerged a round, pink creature with only its mouth visible; its vibrant blue mane concealed the rest of its face. Its tail resembled a festive party hat, and this Hatenna, when evolved into the formidable Hatterene, was a rare and powerful pokémon indeed.

"Soundproof, Candy," she ordered gently.

An imperceptible sphere enveloped the chamber, secluding everything but the furthest corners. Hatenna merrily propelled a beach ball with psychic might toward Vivillon, who retorted with playful gusts. Elduran recognized that Vivillon's lowered guard wasn't ideal, and that the Pokémon was adept at utilizing psychic, a highly advanced move, which caused him unease. Yet, the spectacle nearly coaxed a smile from him. Shifting his focus, he faced the girl.

"Are you that reckless? Using ‘Gemma’—out of all words? You might've endangered her, you foolish brat!" he lashed out angrily.

"Look who's talking—fucking commando style on me! You let absolutely nothing through, you prick!" she retorted with equal intensity.

"Screw this. Don’t tell me Gemma sent you, because if she did, you're on the next plane out," he growled.

"Gemma did send me, you ungrateful brute. Observing your training and battling, you need to be thankful. You won't last a week alone here. You're hopeless in every way except maybe hunting deer," she shot back.

Taking deep breaths, Elduran moved past her, sitting on the bed.

"Let's start again—calmly. What's your name, kiddo? I'm sure you know mine," he softened his tone.

"First off, you old codger, don’t call me kiddo. I’m Aisha... Aisha Emeralds. I work for Kanto's Intelligence Agency under Gemma. I’m on a mission here, of course more covert than the story suggests—but the Watchers are a serious threat," she clarified.

"How's a teenager in Intelligence? Last I checked, a degree took four years," he doubted.

"Moltres feathers, who said I was a teenager? I’m 20 years old . Get your eyes checked; we don’t want your arrows hitting your own pokémon," she advised, adding humor.

"At 20, with a psychic-capable Hatenna meaning a successful tour and a degree... how did you manage?" Elduran questioned, skeptical ignoring her previous comment.

"I juggled a Pokémon tour and college. My first year was online, and I managed six badges. Three years at Viridian College followed, before Gemma recruited me—a plan brewed long before graduating," she explained.

“The plan sprang into action the moment my foolish self announced that hunting season for the Watchers was open," Elduran said.

"I won't deny it; you certainly handed her a prime opportunity. She wasn't planning to start this mission yet," Aisha remarked.

"Gemma turned me into nothing more than a glorified bodyguard for her treasured new baby prodigy. I must admit, she played me like a fiddle," Elduran conceded.

"Listen, I'm quite adept at gathering intel and predicting how things will unfold. Here's an example: I was on the next flight, arriving six hours after you. I still don't know which Pokémon Center you're staying at, but I knew you'd show up at this exact café early this morning," Aisha explained.

"And just how did you know that you bright spark?" Elduran inquired.

"All Pokémon Centers are either in the town center or on the west side, so, given the jet lag, you'd fall asleep early and wake up early. You'd refuse the Pokémon Center's instant coffee—credit to Gemma for that insight. You'd look for a Pokécafé, of which there are only two in the entire city and both west. Naturally, you'd assume they were open all night like those in Kanto, not bothering to check that they weren't open in the dead of night. Upon arriving at one, you'd consult your map app to see which traditional café was open. You'd find only five: two on the east side, too distant from both Pokécafés; one to the north; one to the south; and one to the west. You'd choose the west side café without hesitation because the north has the city-bound farms, the south hosts the lake, and the east is too close to the town's outskirts before farmland reclaims the land. And Arceus forbid you miss your daily morning workout! But those outskirts are crucial, what with that poor Vivillon in your daily routine, another tidbit from Gemma. So, I booked the room across from this café before I even boarded my plane. Another tip from Gemma was not to employ anyone to tail you, as she mentioned you'd notice someone following from a mile away. By piecing together Gemma's insights, I located you without having to shadow your movements."

"Are you done worshipping yourself? What's this clue about the Watchers?" Elduran asked.

"Not yet. Tomorrow, we'll leave. I’ll battle you outside town, proving your inadequacy in training. Then, I'll divulge everything I know on the Watchers," she challenged.

"I’m not babysitting. This is serious shit; people might die, you—might die! Are you ready for that little light bulb?" he inquired maturely.

"I damn well am. The Watchers must fall, Heatran's balls be damned, I will be a part of their destruction," she vowed, serious as steel.

"Oh, for fuck's sake, Gemma turned me into a babysitter" Elduran groaned, rising. "Fine, your death's on you. Vivillon, we’re out," he ordered, glancing at Vivillon, distracted with Hatenna and a beach ball like nothing was wrong. "The supermarket visit just got more urgent," he muttered.

"And why is that?" Aisha called as Elduran exited.

"We’ll need fucking diapers."