Chapter 3
Blur of Blue
At the Kanto Intelligence Agency headquarters in Saffron City, a man in his sixties sat immersed in work. Clad in a dark gray suit, completely bald with a white mustache, and of a portly build, he was both reviewing various folders and files and diligently typing notes on his computeré. His desk was a vast expanse of mahogany, and the office was meticulously organized, offering ample space with two small couches to the side. This was, after all, the department's head office. The entire wall behind his chair was a vast pane of clear glass, revealing the distant aftermath of Ho-oh's devastation in the heart of Saffron just over a month ago. Many buildings lay completely destroyed.
A knock sounded at the door.
"Come in," said the man.
A woman in her late thirties entered the room. She had olive skin, straight black hair just grazing her shoulders, hazel eyes, a tall and attractive figure. She was dressed in a light gray skirt and jacket, a white button-down shirt, and long black heels. Clear frameless glasses also adorned her face.
"Hello," bowed the woman with just the slightest nod of her head. "You wished to see me, Mr. Jacobs?"
"Ah, Gemma Hawthorne, the prodigious agent who refuses to settle for mere competence, always striving for excellence. Naturally, I wanted to see you. I've mentioned countless times for everyone to address me by my first name. Henry suffices. I need to discuss your field agents with you," Henry replied.
"What about my field agents, Henry?" she inquired.
"Well, I'm not the head of the agency without knowing at least approximately what my agents are up to; I got this position somehow, you know," he responded.
"You need to be more specific, Henry. I have numerous field agents," Gemma replied.
"I'm referring to the agents you dispatched to Tenera, despite our explicit instructions not to," Henry stated.
"To begin with, there's just a single agent involved. The other individual is someone the agent intends to seek assistance from. Let's refer to this individual as... a bodyguard," Gemma clarified.
"Why did you go against my orders?" Henry inquired.
"I truly believe the Watchers are there, Henry, and you know precisely why. What did you say just a little while ago? I always strive for excellence," Gemma replied.
"Good...very good" Henry said
"Um...excuse me?" Gemma inquired.
"I reckon the Watchers are stationed in Tenera too. Once upon a time, I employed the same tactics you just used to land this position" Henry chuckled.
"I see...the President ordered you to avoid wasting resources on Tenera because we have not managed to get a single lead connecting the Watchers there. Also, Tenera not being a victim of a single legendary Pokémon attack does not help our cause" Gemma said
"Except it does, it is an anomaly, and it should have been enough to convince everyone, but alas..." Henry said.
"You were hoping one of your agents disobeyed your order" Gemma said
"Indeed, I did, but rest assured, your secret remains with me. Choosing to disobey orders by entrusting select, reliable agents with this knowledge could have gone disastrously wrong if any of those so-called trustworthy individuals proved otherwise," he spoke, his words measured and calm.
"I truly believe these two can confirm their presence in Tenera, allowing us to fully focus our resources on their capture," Gemma declared.
"You're ruthless, which is quite a commendable trait for an intelligence officer, but Gemma...you dispatched a young woman of twenty and your former lover on what could prove a fatal mission. Will you be able to bear the consequences of this decision when the moment arrives?" Henry inquired.
With a sigh, Gemma settled into one of the two chairs opposite Henry Jacobs' desk.
"You're aware of both of them? I won't probe into how you gained that knowledge—it's evident you won't divulge. However, the ease with which you've unearthed this is disturbing. Should their discovery occur without a plausible fault, you would be the immediate suspect in my mind, Henry. Your skill in this is alarmingly proficient. But to respond to your inquiry, acceptance is necessary. The lives spared in this process will both validate and ease the weight on my conscience, just look at that crater of destruction behind you" Gemma stated.
"Honestly, it was remarkably simple to deduce. Did you really expect me to believe that Elduran, after his near-fatal encounter with Ho-oh, would venture to Tenera without prior intelligence? Leaving APSO and entering a region untouched by these Monstrous Pokémon?" Henry inquired, his tone remaining unruffled.
"You raise a valid point. I simply did not anticipate that he would be on the agency's radar. Yet, once you associated him with me, all you needed was to track any agents of mine headed to Tenera. In hindsight, it seems quite evident," Gemma acknowledged.
"Gemma, I believe you're quite clever, and you do have a knack for outside-the-box thinking. I see Aisha fitting into this scenario, but Elduran—a soldier forbidden from using firearms—turning into a Pokémon trainer at his advanced age? I suspect your judgment may be clouded on that point." Henry remarked
"Elduran simply doesn't know when to quit, and that tenacity makes him ideal for this mission. However, I doubt he'll survive, not due to a lack of ability, but because the moment he encounters anyone linked to the Watchers, he'll attack them with everything he's got. I've given Aisha clear instructions to heed Elduran's command when that happens. He will undoubtedly instruct her to retreat to a safe distance before he launches his assault, and then to return and report their findings to us. Our main objective is to gather sufficient evidence of the Watchers' presence at that location. I'm confident the Tenera government will welcome international assistance once we provide such proof." Gemma asserted.
"He might have been your lover, but I doubt you know him as well as you think. You're mistaken. With access to all his missions, when did he ever launch an attack unprovoked? Your judgment is clouded by how he behaves in everyday life, yet his file tells a different story: almost always level-headed, the most hesitant to strike, and he consistently chose options to minimize fatalities in his squad. He only took risks when they were cornered. An acquaintance of mine in APSO once remarked that he had never seen someone appear so foolish yet act so shrewdly," Henry remarked.
"If you believe that, then why did you think he was a poor choice?" Gemma inquired.
"Because, my dear, you and I both know the attack the Watchers weren't behind was the Kyogre incident in Cianwood, which obliterated his entire childhood. I’m certain you never disclosed that to him, understandably, since it was the governments of Kanto and Johto that were at fault. We were merely trying to uncover the Watchers' methods; we learned nothing and only managed to awaken it. But he won't see it that way," Henry explained.
"I still don't grasp how this revelation changes anything, apart from angering him. They carried out all those other attacks," Gemma countered.
"We don't understand their agenda, Gemma, or their recruitment process. What we do know is that each attack targeted towns and cities with Pokémon Storage Facilities (PSF). Every Pokémon resides in digital form in one of these facilities when not part of a trainer's active six. If their goal were merely to acquire more Pokémon, it would be simpler to capture them in the wild. If their intentions are sinister toward Pokémon..." Henry trailed off.
"What exactly are you implying, Henry? Get to the point," Gemma pressed.
"Quite simply... there’s a significant possibility... that Elduran will join them," Henry Jacobs stated with a grave tone.
- - - -
Back in Tenera
Having just purchased some basic travel necessities, Elduran emerged from the supermarket. The morning was still young. Aisha waited outside near the entrance, seated on a bench she had found. It appeared she had just finished feeding Hatenna some treats. Three more Pokémon were on the ground in front of her, each partaking of kibble from their own bowls: a Marill, a Clefairy, and a Togetic. Elduran walked past her without even a sideways glance and took a seat on the nearby bench, mirroring her actions. He retrieved a bowl and placed some kibble in it for Vivillon. As he released Vivillon from its Pokéball, she remained asleep, unsurprisingly.
"Viv, I know that was too brief a morning nap, but you can't slumber all day. Come on, eat your breakfast!" he urged, gently shaking Vivillon to rouse her.
Vivillon awoke with painstaking slowness and considerable effort, emitting a prolonged and deliberate "Viiiiiiiiiiiii." Yet, she eventually began to nibble on her meal, too drowsy to notice the quartet of Pokémon on the neighboring bench.
Several minutes must have slipped by in silence before Aisha chose to break it. "Do you have more stops to make? Anything else you need to buy?"
"I need to visit a hunting store and, naturally, a coffee shop," Elduran replied, doing his utmost to mask his irritation.
"I can see why you'd need the hunting store, but a coffee shop? Didn't they have coffee in there?" Aisha inquired.
"Not the kind I prefer," Elduran responded coolly, striving to keep his answers brief to halt her questioning.
"We don't have to leave today, you know. If you need more time to settle in, we can delay a day or two," she suggested.
"I don't need to settle in. Once I'm finished with both stores, we're heading from the Pokémon Center to grab my duffel bag and check out," he stated, his annoyance now barely restrained.
"Alright, alright. Once you're done, we'll head onto Route 111, right by where your battle took place earlier today," she said quickly.
After finishing her meal, Vivillon flew straight to Hatenna. Elduran watched as Hatenna seemed to introduce her to the others. Though their exchange was a series of indecipherable noises, Elduran recognized the sound Vivillon made—an expression akin to a "hello," lending the encounter a surprisingly human-like quality. It unsettled him slightly.
Elduran grabbed his backpack and bowl, setting off towards the hunting store he had located using his navigation app. Aisha hurriedly gathered her three bowls, swiftly stowing them in her backpack. She wore a knee-length, high-waisted black pleated skirt with a large black belt, a white v-neck short-sleeve shirt, and black sneakers—a stark contrast to Elduran, who donned dark green tactical pants, dark gray tactical boots, a black t-shirt and a dark gray lightweight military jacket.
"You know, we don’t always have to walk everywhere. Trams are a thing," Aisha remarked to Elduran.
"You could use the exercise. When I was chasing you earlier, you looked like a Grimer," Elduran teased.
"Do you always talk to women like that? Such a charmer," Aisha retorted with a hint of sarcasm.
"No... only to little girls, and little boys too. Your gender doesn't matter; kids these days think they own the world," Elduran replied as they crossed a street.
"Our age gap is merely ten years; my birthday is approaching on September 18. Technically, we belong to the same generation, yet I regret to inform you that I seem to be the adult in this scenario, as your behavior remains utterly childish," she remarked, aiming to provoke him.
Elduran ignored her attempts to provoke him and continued on his way until he stopped before a hunting shop, far more expansive than he anticipated. The structure loomed, a stark and unsightly edifice of concrete.
"Remain outside with the Pokémon," he advised. "This isn't your environment—you might accidentally injure yourself...on something."
Upon stepping inside, Elduran was met with a meticulously arranged space; polished wooden floors complemented by the earthy scents of leather and metal. To his left, glass cabinets curated an array of firearms and blades, while racks paraded an assortment of bows and hunting paraphernalia. Mounted trophies, such as a taxidermied Ursaring, imparted a rustic charm. The softly utilitarian lighting accentuated the tactical apparel and accessories adorning the walls. Toward the back stood a counter brimming with ammunition and supplies, presided over by an affable clerk, embodying the store's ethos of rugged preparedness.
“Hello, can I assist you with anything?” inquired the clerk, a sturdily built man sporting a buzz cut and stubble.
The door swung open, admitting Aisha and Vivillon. Elduran looked back at them, just as Vivillon nearly collided with a glass case housing rifles. He quickly returned her to her Pokéball.
“What are you doing in here?” Elduran demanded.
“I was merely curious to see the place. It feels very somber, as if death pervades,” she replied.
“Everything here is designed for hunting, what did you expect—stuffed animals?” he retorted, teasing her.
"That would have been nice, but I'm inside because I actually need a knife with a thigh strap for skirts and a belt strap for pants," he remarked to Elduran. "Kind sir, could you assist me?" she requested, turning her attention to the clerk.
"Certainly, miss. I have this four-inch blade—" the clerk began, but Elduran interrupted.
"A four-inch blade is a toy. Give her the six-inch one over there with the leather handle; it might help her maintain her grip if she ever needs to stab something more formidable than a mouse," Elduran advised.
"Ah, of course. You seem knowledgeable," the clerk acknowledged. He retrieved the knife from the glass display and collected two straps from behind him, one for the thigh and one for the waist. "Here you go, miss. That will be 850 cetis in total."
"Certainly, here you are," Aisha replied, tapping her phone on the payment station. "Thank you very much," she said to the clerk.
"You're welcome, my pleasure," the clerk responded.
"I need 12 aluminum arrows, each with a total mass 700 grains, featuring 200 grain, two-blade fixed broadheads. Additionally, I would like six carbon ones of identical specifications. All of them 29.25 inches long. Lastly, I need one of those new flat, wide quivers, designed to sit comfortably between my back and my large duffel bag. A 24 arrow capacity quiver with three compartments: one holding 12 arrows and the other two holding 6," Elduran instructed.
"Certainly, sir. Could you allow me thirty minutes to prepare everything?" the clerk asked.
"Of course... let me pay now, and I'll return shortly," Elduran replied.
"That will be 1250 cetis," the clerk informed.
"Alright, here you go," Elduran said, pressing his phone to the pay station, still surprised by the affordability of things in Tenera.
"Let me guess, coffee shop?" Aisha queried.
"Indeed, you're quite the genius. Now I understand why she sent you my way," Elduran replied, laced with a hint of sarcasm.
"If you’re after good coffee, take the tram to Coffee Bliss. It’s just a ten-minute ride and far superior to the one nearby. They have beans from Kalos," the clerk suggested.
"Now here’s a man who knows his coffee. I appreciate this more than you know. Alright, lets take the tram!" Elduran exclaimed.
"And I thought I needed exercise," Aisha quipped.
"You move too slow,!" Elduran urged.
Minutes later, they stepped off the tram and into an all-glass building that seemed to sit serenely in the heart of a sprawling plaza. The sight was breathtaking. It wasn't merely a coffee shop; it was a café bustling with life, with people relaxing outside at elegantly appointed dark brown tables and chairs.
"This looks just like the cafés in Lumiose City," Aisha commented, her excitement evident.
"You've been to Lumiose?" Elduran inquired, his curiosity piqued.
"Naturally. I hail from Kalos. Born and bred in Snowbelle City," she replied with pride.
"No wonder you’re so fair-skinned. Honestly, I thought you might be from Sinnoh, given the pale complexions there. But Snowbelle City fits, especially with that hair of yours. The hair fashion is wild there. Everything falls into place now. When we leave town, you’ll need to explain why you're working for another region. It doesn’t quite make sense," Elduran remarked.
"Of course, of course, no worries—do you also interrogate your reflection, or does it escape scrutiny?" Aisha quipped.
Elduran just ignored her.
As they strolled inside, they noted two counters: one on the left for ordering coffee, and another on the right for purchasing coffee beans, either whole or ground. They headed to the right.
Elduran scanned the shelves, his expression brightening when he spotted his favorite coffee.
"Hello, could I get five pounds of Pomace Dark Roast, extra—" Elduran began, but Aisha interjected.
"Extra fine for him, and the same for me, but just one pound and coarse ground," Aisha added.
"Let me guess, our mutual acquaintance again..." Elduran muttered.
"In fact, all she mentioned was your preference for stovetop coffee, which calls for extra fine. But we do share a common taste; Pomace Dark Roast is the finest coffee there is. I’m from Kalos—I know coffee. And please, stop looking at me like that," Aisha said.
"Like what?" Elduran asked.
"Like a normal human being, as if, for once, you don’t want to kill me. It’s unnerving," Aisha joked, swiftly paying for their order.
"You didn’t have to do that, but... thanks," Elduran said.
"Only because you ordered Pomace," she replied with a smile.
They stepped outside and boarded the tram.
"You know, the Pokémon Center is pretty close to the hunting grounds. I'll hop off here to gather my arrows and gear. Let's meet at 11 AM, outside by Route 111 . You go ahead and pack so we don't waste any time; there's still enough daylight to travel a fair distance today," Elduran said.
Aisha eyed him with suspicion.
"Please, don’t flee. I'm placing my trust in you. I do have a clue as to where we should head. I realize you may not be fond of me, and honestly, the sentiment is shared, though you're starting to grow on me. Also..." Aisha started, but Elduran cut her off.
"I'll be there. I honestly have no leads. What you need to figure out is how you're going to convince me why I still need you after you've handed over your information," Elduran replied.
"Oh, that's easy. I told you, I'm not saying anything until we have that Pokémon battle," Aisha said.
"You think that beating me in a battle is going to make me want you to come along? Are you out of your mind? Do you really believe I care about getting revenge for losing a Pokémon battle?" Elduran asked incredulously.
"I'll let you decide on that. This is your stop. See you soon, Smiley!" Aisha said.
Elduran stepped off the tram, feeling the weight of uncertainty latching onto him. He had no concrete leads and had to bear her presence a while longer. He mused to himself, pondering if this was what parenting felt like—though perhaps this girl was in a category all her own. With a resigned shrug, he collected his arrows and quiver from the hunting spot, expressing gratitude again for the tip about the coffee shop’s location. He then made his way to the Pokémon Center, only to find Brie still absent. He sincerely wanted to apologize to her, but as things stood, he accepted it as such. Upon entering his room, he released Vivillon, granting her the freedom to entertain herself with string shot as he prepared for a shower, noticing he still had thirty minutes to spare. Vivillon delighted in crafting intricate designs on the walls, showcasing remarkable skill. Her ability to clear her own string art from the wall with a simple gust was the reason Elduran permitted her creative indulgences.
A short while later, Elduran reached the eastern outskirts of Asven, returning to the spot where he had his first Pokémon battle earlier that morning. The journey there was quite the spectacle. Outfitted with a quiver holding eighteen arrows, a duffel bag, a bow secured to his belt, he drew wary gazes from passersby both on the street and aboard the Tram. Although he engaged in nothing unlawful, onlookers might have suspected he was preparing to confront a Salamence or something similarly formidable. At five foot eleven and not overly muscular, yet impressively toned, Elduran's load seemed hefty enough to surpass his carrying capacity.
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Aisha was waiting ahead, now dressed in jeans and a white t-shirt. She wore a white hat, and a tan leather jacket left unzipped, paired with matching hiking boots, effortlessly blending fashion with function. A white hiking backpack rested on the ground beside her. All four of her Pokémon were out of their Pokéballs, that beach ball was there too . Hatenna stood with eyes closed, an aura emanating around her as she used calm mind—just how advanced was this Pokémon, Elduran wondered. Marill and Togetic practiced together; Marill aimed water guns at Togetic, who dodged elegantly. Meanwhile, Clefairy was off in the distance, using dazzling gleam away from the others. Aisha stood among them, issuing instructions that her Pokémon followed intently. Elduran couldn't shake the feeling that she was like the fifth Pokémon among them.
Vivillon fluttered alongside Elduran, her expression sour because he refused to let her hitch a ride on the back of his duffel bag. "You need to exercise and fly as much as you can when you're out of your Pokéball. It'll make you stronger," Elduran said, perhaps for the tenth time since they departed from the Pokémon Center. In truth, the burden he bore was becoming ever so slightly uncomfortable. The instant Vivillon spotted the other Pokémon, she darted straight for Hatenna and her beach ball. It was Gust versus Psychic once more, both taking turns tagging the ball. Each encounter seemed to bring these two a little closer, their friendship blossoming with every meeting. Aisha noticed Elduran and made her way over to him.
"I always thought men packed less clothes than us, yet here you are, carrying your whole household on your back," Aisha quipped.
"I have just four sets of clothes—two for cold weather, two for hot. Most of this is supplies, and mind your own business," Elduran replied, clearly irritated at having to explain the basics.
"Oh, touchy, aren't we? I'm just saying, with that quiver and oversized pack, you look like a walking armory. You could easily be mistaken for a Pokéseeker hunter. Don't be surprised if someone stops you and asks the rate for catching a Pokémon. Some of them carry bows, too—makes catching easier and faster if it's seven-on-one and the trainer steps in," Aisha commented.
"Outside of Trainer Pokémon battles, I'll stand my ground if there's any hint of danger to me or Viv's life," Elduran declared.
"Duly noted. Now, are you ready for our battle?" Aisha asked.
"Sure, show me how amazing you are," Elduran mocked her, "just let me place my bag under that tree."
"Guys, take your time and rest in your Pokéballs. You did amazing today," she said, recalling all of them except her Clefairy. "Luna, you're up," she addressed her Pokémon.
Elduran backed away until they were about thirty feet apart.
"Are you seriously keeping the quiver and bow for a Pokémon trainer battle? " She joked.
"Never hurts to be prepared. You never know when you might be attacked," he replied. "Viv, you have a Clefairy to beat. Let's smash her," he instructed his Vivillon.
"Alright, let's start. You go first, 'smiley'," she teased.
"Don't mind if I do. Viv, String Shot!" he commanded.
"Luna, Defense Curl," Aisha responded.
Vivillon's String Shot enveloped Clefairy, but its fur shone as it curled up into a ball.
"Alright, it won't be able to move. Use Gust, Viv!" Elduran ordered.
"Charm," Aisha said confidently.
Clefairy winked at Vivillon, and a glare from its eye made Vivillon hesitate, releasing a very weak gust.
"Now, Thunderbolt, Luna!" Aisha called as the weak gust hit Clefairy, barely causing any damage.
"Vivillon, dodge sideways and start angling toward her," Elduran instructed, realizing a Thunderbolt hit could be decisive.
The Thunderbolt missed as Vivillon expertly dodged to the left, then another Thunderbolt came, but Vivillon managed to dodge again.
"Vivillon, that's great! You're almost there! Use Sleep Powder and fly over her," Elduran said, feeling genuinely excited.
"Luna, they fell into your trap. Dazzling Gleam!" Aisha said calmly.
Elduran realized he had been played. The Dazzling Gleam from that range couldn't miss. Clefairy hadn’t moved at all, covered in string, while Vivillon was excreting more energy. A pink blast of light erupted from Clefairy, barraging Vivillon.
"Get away from her, Viv!" Elduran yelled.
Vivillon retreated but was already panting.
"Alright, Viv, one more time. Fly fast towards her," Elduran urged.
"Just hold your ground again, Luna," Aisha said, even calmer than before.
"Now Viv, use Supersonic and dash faster. Then use Stun Spore," Elduran directed.
A thin Supersonic wave escaped Vivillon's mouth, aiming directly at Clefairy.
"Luna, pound the floor... now," Aisha commanded.
Clefairy’s tail flashed, hitting the ground with force, propelling it off the floor as the Supersonic sailed past.
"You got her, Dazzling Gleam!" Aisha exclaimed.
Clefairy lit up again, even closer this time. Vivillon was pushed back, unable to use Stun Spore. The string around Clefairy seemed to dissolve from the pound and the air as it propelled up.
"Finish her, Luna: Thunderbolt!" Aisha ordered.
"Viv, dodge and fly behind the tree. Put the tree between you," Elduran said, noticing Vivillon's exhaustion.
"Oh no you don’t. Luna, burn that tree—Thunderbolt!" Aisha shouted.
Elduran realized he was entirely outclassed by this girl, and he knew this Clefairy wasn’t even her strongest Pokémon. He felt utterly inadequate; when he had that rifle aimed at Ho-oh, he had been confident—certainly more than now. Maybe the trainer path was a mistake, and he should have stuck to firearms. But... Vivillon—he couldn’t abandon her. She would have lost her second trainer in weeks. No, this Pokémon, the only one he cared about, had locked him into this path.
The Thunderbolt struck the tree just as Vivillon flew past, causing it to immediately catch fire. Too close to the trunk, Vivillon was singed by the heat, but managed to push through.
A blur of blue descended from the trees and struck Clefairy with such force that it sent her hurtling towards Aisha. Risking injury, Aisha dove to catch her, but the velocity of Clefairy's flight sent them both sprawling. The blue figure halted momentarily, allowing Elduran to discern that it was a Heracross, and, judging by its strength, not a feeble one. Heracross seemed to have targeted Clefairy specifically as it swooped down again, performing an aerial ace that struck them both. Instincts sharp, Elduran unclipped his bow with one hand and drew an aluminum arrow with the other in a single fluid motion. He aimed and loosed the arrow just as Heracross prepared to launch another attack. The arrow pierced its arm just as it readied an arm thrust. Heracross turned, locking eyes with Elduran, malice burning in its gaze. In a split second, it was charging for him, but at least Clefairy and Aisha were safe—for the moment.
"Viv, no time to rest, hit it with Psybeam!" Elduran commanded.
Vivillon's purple energy beam hit Heracross squarely in the face, causing just the disorientation Elduran needed to let another arrow fly. However, Heracross's wild flailing in that brief confusion caused the arrow to embed itself in its side rather than striking the center mass Elduran had targeted. Rising to its feet with eyes blazing with fury, Heracross vanished into the cornfield.
"Oh no, you don’t. You just hurt a human, you piece of bug filth; how far do you think you’ll get with that arrow in you? Viv, let's give chase!" Elduran exclaimed.
Elduran plunged into the cornfield, Vivillon hovering above.
"Go up, find it, and start string shooting. I'll follow the direction you shoot," Elduran instructed.
Visibility was low as the stalks towered above him; he glanced up at Vivillon, puzzled by her hesitance. The field was dense, but Heracross was large, the vegetation wasn't impenetrable. She looked right at him with fear, or rather, past him. Startled by a noise to his right, Elduran leaped left without looking, trusting Vivillon to seize the opportunity. Heracross's arm thrust barely missed him, and Vivillon's string shot hit its mark. However, Heracross moved swiftly amidst the corn, rendering the string shot less effective. Elduran thought a gust from Vivillon would do massive damage given Heracross's dual Bug and Fighting type. As Heracross prepared to take flight, Elduran anticipated it and fired another arrow into its left wing. Heracross growled in frustration; unable to fly and retaliate against Vivillon, it charged at Elduran.
"Shit! It knows Horn Attack, Viv!" Elduran shouted, ducking into the field.
"I've faced legendary Pokémon and lived to tell the tale; I'm not going to be done in by a cursed blue beetle," Elduran murmured, a wry smile touching his lips at the absurdity of the situation.
Vivillon continued entangling it with string shot. Pride swelled in Elduran—his Vivillon might not excel in traditional Pokémon battles with Elduran as her trainer, but she was invaluable now, needing no orders. With no time to spare, Elduran rolled away as Heracross attempted another horn attack. The resulting dust cloud was monumental. Seizing his knife, he stabbed Heracross’s back before sprinting away, nocking another arrow as he ran. Heracross pursued relentlessly. He needed to stun it for Vivillon to land a powerful gust.
"That's it," he realized mid-sprint.
"Viv, fly ahead in my direction!" he called, zigzagging through the field. Heracross's attempts to tackle were hindered by string shot residue, and blood loss from its side wound was slowing it down. Vivillon moved into place.
Not quite a stun, yet it will suffice, he mused.
"Viv, unleash your strongest gust right at me! If you hesitate, I'm as good as dead—trust me!" Elduran encouraged, hoping she'd comply.
Vivillon charged it for three seconds before unleashing a gust that nearly transformed into a mini-tornado. Elduran smiled as it barreled toward him.
"Atta girl," he whispered.
Just before impact, Elduran decelerated, letting Heracross come closer for a tackle before deftly sidestepping. The gust ripped into Heracross, stripping away portions of its shell. Elduran stood poised, bow in hand, awaiting Heracross's downfall. The once-mighty creature lay on its back , its form mangled yet astonishingly alive. Barely drawing breath, it glared defiantly at Elduran. He took aim, ready to shoot an arrow between its eyes, stunned by the destructive might of Vivillon's gust. Vivillon hovered nearby, glaring at Heracross. The formidable prowess of his Pokémon amazed him—Vivillon had the power to rend him asunder if she wished, yet he trusted her utterly, certain she would never harm him. He mused about why these powerful entities chose to battle on behalf of humans.
He needed to finish this and check if Aisha was alright—he'd almost forgotten her. His fingers were poised to release the arrow when a weak voice shouted from behind.
"Stop!" Aisha called, limping toward him. Upon reaching Heracross, she broke into tears, frantically searching her belt.
"Please, give me one of your empty Pokéballs," she pleaded.
"Are you crazy? It tried to kill us," Elduran responded.
"Please, capturing it will stabilize it until we reach a Pokémon Center," she entreated, tears flowing.
"Aisha, you're not thinking clearly—" he began, but she interrupted.
"Elduran, do it for me. It's my fault. I burned its home... this is my fault," she said, tears streaming.
"I don't want this thing," he retorted.
"We can release it later. I promise to reimburse the Pokéball. Elduran, what would you do if two Pokémon attacked your home during a fight?" she reasoned.
Elduran understood that Aisha's words had hit home. With a heavy sigh, he adjusted his perspective. As he neared Heracross, his gaze, once filled with contempt, shifted to a grudging respect. Kneeling beside the injured creature, he placed a gentle hand on its bloodied chest.
'We fucked up your home, I get it. I'd probably do the same thing in your shoes. But you tried to kill me, so I don't regret turning you into a bug-mangled mess. I saw it in your eyes when I was about to fire that arrow - you accepted defeat. Nothing unfair about that. Only weaklings whine about it. For that, you've earned my respect," he whispered softly. With a gentle touch, he pressed the Pokéball against Heracross. A crimson glow enveloped the Pokémon, its energy flowing smoothly into the device. The Pokéball clicked shut, signifying the successful capture of Heracross."
"Thank you, Elduran. I truly appreciate this. But we need to get to a Pokémon Center as soon as possible," she said, rising to her feet. "Luna's in dire need of care too. We were fortunate she used Defense Curl when fighting Viv. She took those hits head-on. If that Heracross had landed a blow on me, I likely wouldn't be speaking to you now," she added, walking back toward the tree where her Marill was dousing the flames with Water Gun. He was nearly finished.
"Alright, let me gather my things," he replied to Aisha. "Viv, you were incredible today in both fights. You really saved my skin against that Heracross," he said to Vivillon.
"Viiiii," Vivillon chirped happily, though she struggled to stay airborne.
"Damn, you need rest. I'm terrible at managing this. Thank you, Viv!" Elduran said, recalling her into her Pokéball.
Elduran retrieved the two arrows left behind when Heracross was recalled into its Pokéball, then found another that had pierced Heracross's hand at the beginning of their encounter. With his bag in hand, Marill was already finished and safely back in his Pokéball. Elduran set off toward Asven with Aisha following silently beside him.
A Pokémon Center was located much closer than the one Elduran had previously stayed at, southwest of town near the lake, just minutes from where they were. As they entered, Elduran noted how much more vibrant this Center appeared compared to the last one. This time, instead of heading to the housing accommodations desk, they approached the main desk in the center, marked by a red cross. Elduran unclipped Heracross's Pokéball from his belt and handed it to the nurse.
She wore the standard white dress with pink accents, her hat matching with a Pokéball emblem. Her name tag read Jennifer. She had short blond hair and appeared to be in her forties.
"Please, this Heracross is in critical condition, it is also wild, so handle it with care," Aisha advised as the Nurse took the Pokéball from Elduran.
"And please heal my other Pokémon as well," Elduran added, handing over Vivillon's Pokéball.
"I have one too," Aisha said, passing Clefairy's Pokéball to the nurse.
"Of course," the nurse replied. "Chansey, start with the severely injured one, I'll be there shortly," she instructed the Chansey. "May I see your Trainer IDs, please?" she requested of Elduran and Aisha.
She scanned their cards. "All set," she confirmed.
"Wait, every Pokémon trainer has free Pokémon health insurance, not just first years?" Elduran asked.
"Yes, indeed, sir," the nurse responded.
"You really didn’t read up on the regional differences before coming here, did you?" Aisha teased.
"I only read what's necessary for a first-year, since that's what I am," Elduran replied.
The nurse departed to the patient room.
"Our Pokémon will be ready in about two hours, if I had to guess. Let's get a room; a promise is a promise. I'll share what I know about them," she whispered conspiratorially.
"Allow me," Elduran smirked, "first-year trainer, after all."
Once Elduran secured the keycard to a room on the second floor, they ascended the stairs. Upon entering, Aisha released Hatenna and soundproofed the space.
"Dirthrow," she began, pausing for effect. "For months, four individuals have been reportedly devouring the contents of the old Pokémon library there, which specializes in Pokémon myths."
"Please tell me you've got more than just that," Elduran pressed.
"A library worker's been stirring up forums with secret posts, claiming these individuals only seek books featuring Yveltal, Xerneas, Zygarde, and Dialga. He's even dubbed them the 'Crazy Four,'" Aisha explained.
"Connected any dots between those four yet?" Elduran inquired.
"Of the four, Yveltal is notably tied to destruction. Xerneas embodies creation, while Zygarde maintains a balance between them. Dialga can manipulate time—other than Yveltal, the others are neither purely good nor evil. I can't piece it all together yet; the Watchers' aim remains unclear," Aisha admitted.
"I was hoping for deeper insight. They might just be obsessed fans," Elduran mused.
"Trust isn't required, but I'm adept at uncovering anomalies hidden in the mundane. If they're fixated on Pokémon, obsession with the Aura trio—Yveltal, Xerneas, and Zygarde—makes sense. But why Dialga? Why exclude Palkia and Giratina from the Creation Trio? While they seem like mere fanatics to you, I sense a scheme that could exploit Dialga's time-altering abilities to disrupt Yveltal, Xerneas, and Zygarde's balance," Aisha argued.
"The worker could be lying," Elduran cautioned.
"He's genuine. His posts have led locals to identify these four. They're practically a town joke now," Aisha asserted.
"All this from forum reading?" Elduran was incredulous.
"It's surprisingly effective. By the time people realize they're exposed, it's too late," Aisha replied.
"Right now, Dirthrow seems like our best option," he conceded.
"Another thing—I won't force you to travel with me, but after our battle, even you must see you need my help to improve as a trainer. I'll head to Dirthrow, with or without you. Walking's the best option to grow, unlike just riding the monorail. If you refuse, I'll mix rail and routes myself. I need two more Pokémon and aim to evolve mine further. Unlike you, I lack a bow when my Pokémon falter," Aisha reasoned.
"Fine, you're right. You can come but not...not another word. That smile—I see it; stop," Elduran huffed as he stormed out. Yet he felt relief. After today's brush with death, he feared Aisha might leave, weary of near-fatal adventures. She was right; he needed her expertise and would welcome it. He decided to grab coffee at the nearest Pokécafé.
Returning to the Pokémon Center, he overheard Aisha speaking with Nurse Jennifer.
"An entire day? I've seen Pokémon on death’s doorstep, but a whole day to recover?" Aisha asked, troubled.
"Death's door? This Heracross was beyond it, mere moments from the door shutting permanently," Jennifer clarified.
They couldn’t afford to wait any longer for this Heracross.
"Could I have its Pokéball? I'll release it now. Once healed, could you guide it to the city outskirts?" Elduran requested.
"Truly heartless! She recounted your adventures to me," Jennifer pointed at Aisha. "You destroyed its home, shot arrows at it, and nearly killed it. Now you abandon it? Release it yourself; otherwise, it'll cost you 1000 crimson cetis," Jennifer retorted, livid.
"Alright, nurse...point taken," Elduran remarked to Nurse Jennifer. "Aisha, I suppose you'll need to arrange for a room tonight," he added with a sigh.
- - - -
The following day, after retrieving all of their Pokémon from the Pokémon Center, they found themselves once more at the exact spot they had been a day prior, beside the scorched tree—Heracross's former home. Vivillon and all of Aisha's Pokémon were free from their Pokéballs.
"Before you release it, Elduran, take it out of its Pokéball. If it attacks on sight, you can always recall it. I hate to say it, but we can’t afford another day fighting," Aisha advised.
Elduran raised Heracross's Pokéball high and released it, the beam shooting as far as it could.
Heracross glanced around, repeatedly touching itself as if doubting its own survival. To Elduran, Pokémon regeneration always seemed like a heap of Tauros shit. It gazed at its tree home, a sorrowful expression crossing its face.
"Heracross, I’m really sorry for burning your home. It was entirely my fault," Aisha confessed.
"She’s also the reason you’re alive. If it were up to me, you wouldn’t be breathing now," Elduran added, his face impassive.
Aisha punched him in the arm.
"Are you a total idiot? Are you trying to make this harder or do you actually want another fight?" she snapped at Elduran. "Heracross, don’t listen to him. He’s a complete moron," she reassured the Bug Pokémon.
Heracross eyed them in disbelief.
"Anyway, let’s settle this between us. I can tell you’re male, so let’s handle this man-to-man, ‘Blue’. Unfortunately for you, I’m the one who caught you, simply because Aisha begged me to save you. I’ll release you and break your link with the Pokéball, but promise us you won’t attack. You go your way, we’ll go ours. Do we have an understanding?" Elduran inquired.
Heracross shook his head, pointed to his chest, gestured toward his Pokéball, and then punched his fists together.
"I think he wants to travel with us and get stronger. He respects our strength," Aisha interpreted.
"Are you sure about this?" Elduran questioned.
"Heraaa," Heracross nodded.
"If you want to become stronger, you know who the stronger trainer is while watching from your tree. I’ll transfer you to Aisha here. She’ll look after you," Elduran decided.
"If I take you, Heracross, there’s a condition. I’m pursuing a dream to become a Fairy Pokémon specialist. I’ll keep you until I have six Pokémon, you will get a lot stronger and then I’ll release you. Does that sound good to you?" Aisha proposed.
"Heeeeerrraaaa!" Heracross exclaimed, punching his fists and smiling at Elduran. "We both got the wrong idea about him," Aisha told Elduran. "He’s interested in you, likely because he recognizes your strength as a fighter more than as a Pokémon trainer. Oh dear, we've got another nut job joining our group." Aisha exclaimed. "But this is definitely a positive change; I'd have felt guilty about letting him go later," she chuckled. "I really pity you, Viv. How on earth are you going to manage with these two knuckleheads?" she began to laugh, and Vivillon joined in with her.
"You two are absolutely hilarious," Elduran exclaimed. "Blue, you’re welcome to stay, but I must be honest about my reservations with Pokémon. Trust does not come easily when it comes to your kind. Give me time, it's nothing personal. And as Aisha mentioned, I am indeed a terrible trainer," Elduran admitted, unabashedly. "Now off to Dirthrow we go; we've got an appointment with some folks who are positively book-mad," Elduran declared.