Chapter 9 – Library

Aisha stood in front of a large wooden door of the grandest building in Dirthrow, still grappling with the incongruity of such a structure existing in a town so dilapidated. She knew it was among the oldest edifices in Tenera and reputedly the largest library in the world, which partially justified its immense size. Yet, she couldn't shake the feeling that it was entirely out of place. The gym, sitting right next to the library, seemed dwarfed by comparison. She had never visited the library in Canalave, but it was said to be only half the size of the one she was now entering.

The library was perpetually open, operating every hour of the day and night. Alongside the gym, only two elements seemed to keep Dirthrow thriving: the stream of tourists drawn by the library and the stone hewn from the numerous quarries encircling the town, particularly to the south. Dorothy wasn't the only quarry operator, but her quarry was the most distant from town.

The Pokémon Center marked the southernmost point of the town, which allowed Aisha, upon her arrival, to glimpse all the quarries from her room while it was still light outside. The Pokémon Center, Pokémart, and Pokécafé appeared hastily assembled on the town’s southern edge, with their metal structures clashing against the stone façades of the older buildings. At least some effort was made with the gym; it was centrally located and built of stone to blend with the town’s aesthetic, creating an intriguing focal point together with the library. Although the library bore the marks of time and was in dire need of restoration, Aisha doubted it would ever receive such attention, given the town’s apparent neglect.

As Aisha turned the heavy, weathered door of the library, she gasped at the extraordinary sight awaiting her inside. The grand structure loomed high above her, four stories tall, with the cool touch of stone walls echoing the library's timelessness. Dust motes danced in the shafts of light filtering through the few cracked windows tucked high above the entrance, illuminating row after row of forgotten tomes that beckoned her with whispered secrets.

The scent of aged paper enveloped her like a warm blanket—a bittersweet aroma of lost knowledge and fragmented memories that seemed to resonate within these ancient walls. The expansive interior was lined with bookshelves soaring to the ceiling, filled with thousands upon thousands of volumes, each one a world waiting to be explored.

Multiple spiral staircases spiraled off in various directions, intricately designed, but it was the impressive main staircase on the opposite side of the entrance that caught her gaze—it was wide and inviting, adorned with ornate carvings that hinted at secrets of its own. The promise of discovery lingered in the air as Aisha imagined herself gliding through the library, wandering among the stories nestled within the tomes.

Scattered throughout the four floors were numerous tables and chairs, inviting readers to settle in and lose themselves in pages lined with history and imagination. Each level offered a different ambiance, but there were no windows to the outside world, creating a cocoon of concentrated thought and introspection. In the hushed corners, scholars and curious minds thrived in the quiet embrace of literature.

Aisha noted the stern-looking figure of a security guard stationed just in front of the main door, an assurance that no book would ever leave this sacred space. The weight of the library's significance pressed against her chest—a labyrinth of stories beneath layers of neglect, waiting to be unfurled and shared with those willing to delve into the depths of time.

With her heart racing in anticipation, she begun to venture deeper into the monumental library, eager to uncover the secrets concealed within its pages.

The security guard ambled toward her, a white plastic basket in hand, presenting it as if it were a revered offering. "You’ll need to leave your Pokémon with me, miss. No Pokémon or firearms are permitted inside the library," he said, his tone lazily indifferent.

Her gaze flickered to the firearm holstered at his side—a clear indication that he was no trainer. He appeared young, perhaps only a few years her senior, towering at around ’” with a muscular build, neutral skin color, a neatly trimmed mustache, and a tuft of curly blond hair cropped close. Undeniably handsome, she noted, though the fatigue etched into his features dulled his appeal.

Aisha placed her four Pokéballs into the basket, watching as the guard affixed a sticker marked to it. He then handed her a card bearing the same number.

Aisha stared at him incredulously. "This is all I get? What if I misplace my card? Shouldn't this be equipped with a fingerprint scanner or something? This is downright archaic," she complained.

The guard met her gaze, seemingly unfazed by her inquiries, as if she had simply remarked on the weather in Dirthrow. He gestured toward a camera mounted above them, just above the main door. Turning to face the camera, he continued, "This very polite individual here has four Pokéballs, and her number is 512 ." He turned back to her, delivering his next words with a forced smile. "There, now in case you lose your card, we have video proof that the well-mannered girl with green and yellow hair owns the Pokémon in basket 512. Are you satisfied now?"

Aisha remained rooted in place, incredulous at the archaic system in place. Yet the presence of the camera did ease her nerves, providing at least some reassurance, though she braced herself for a lengthy process. She felt compelled to ask for his name—just in case anything went awry. It might be overreacting, but she felt uncomfortably exposed without her Pokémon, more so than when she swum in Lake Tranquility, stark naked. "What is your name, sir?" Aisha inquired.

The guard regarded her with an expression of deliberation, weighing whether or not to respond. She sensed he had little choice in the matter. "Faelan," he replied briefly.

It was Aisha's turn to lock her gaze with his. "You hate your job, don't you? How about I bring a little excitement to your day? Do you know... where I might find books about... Zygarde?" she asked him.

Faelan, for the first time, showed an expression; disbelief flickered across his face. "I have no idea where a single book is in this place. I’ve never even touched a book here," he replied, his tone laced with annoyance. Aisha noted that she had at least established he wasn’t a robot. Well, this guy is of no use to me, she thought.

"Alright, Faelan, please take good care of my Pokémon!" Aisha called to him as she began her walk toward the heart of the library.

Faelan glanced over his shoulder and replied, "You think I’m going to take your Pokémon out of their Pokéballs just to, what, pet them? Feed them? Not a chance—they stay put."

Aisha turned back to him, baffled. Was he genuinely serious, or was his stupidity boundless? His inscrutable expression made it impossible to decipher his thoughts, but she chose to dismiss it. There were more pressing matters demanding her attention.

She observed several workers assisting patrons in locating their books. The men were clad in brown suits, while the women wore brown skirts paired with matching jackets, seamlessly merging with the dark brown shelves that lined the library. Perhaps that was by design. A central desk occupied the heart of the main floor, yet Aisha hesitated to inquire about the location of books discussing Zygarde, Xerneas, Yveltal, or Dialga. She wished to keep her budding interest in those titles under wraps.

There was no way it could be that difficult to find. Somewhere within the vast expanse of the library, a table laden with books awaited—more volumes than anyone could hope to read in a single day. It would likely involve just two people at a time, while the other two rested, ready to swap in as needed, thus allowing them to keep the books indefinitely. What a ridiculous system, Aisha thought.

It didn't take long for Aisha to spot precisely what she sought on the second floor. A table housed two individuals: one, a heavyset man with dark skin, devoid of a single strand of hair atop his head, likely in his forties, was engrossed in one of the twelve books sprawled across the table. Opposite him sat a younger woman, her skin strikingly pale, perhaps in her mid-thirties, alarmingly slender, with long blonde hair cascading down to her lower back. She was in heated debate with a dark-skinned man, his hair styled in multiple cornrows that transformed into braids and extended up to his shoulders. He sported a thick bushy beard that made him seem older than his probable thirties, and he wore a white lab coat draped over jeans.

Aisha pretended not to care, picked up a random book...about the Kanto-Johto war apparently...and sat two tables away, opening the book on a random page and pretending to be reading it while she listened what was happening on the other table. Even though they were arguing, since this was a library, they were doing a good job keeping it quiet, not quiet enough for her not to discern what they were saying though.

"I was prepared to give you perhaps a day, maybe even two, with the books. I arrived just yesterday, so I thought waiting a few days would suffice. But today, one of the clerks informed me that you two, along with your other friends, have been keeping these books—let’s say, 'company,' for approximately ten weeks," the man in the lab coat said, visibly agitated.

"We're not doing anything illegal. I've already told you that, so why don't you just leave us alone?" the thin woman retorted.

"You're absolutely correct; you aren't doing anything illegal," the man in the lab coat replied as he settled into one of the chairs around the table, picked up a book from the stack, and opened to its first page.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" the thin woman demanded.

"I'm merely taking a seat at the table where these twelve books have been borrowed. There's no law against my sitting here with you. Since you aren't actively reading this book at the moment, as long as I remain at this table, I can read it," the man in the lab coat stated.

Aisha had just come to the startling realization that she genuinely liked this man. The audacity he possessed was remarkable. Yet, the looming threat persisted; if these individuals were truly aligned with the Watchers, he was treading on perilous ground. Still, that did little to diminish the fact that, at this moment, he was advancing her cause. She decided it was wiser to let the situation unfold without her interference.

The bald man finally lowered his book. He turned to the woman beside him, “Just threaten him already, Keesh. Make him go away.”

Keesh rose and moved behind the man in the lab coat, placing her hands firmly on his shoulders. The man didn’t flinch; he remained engrossed in his reading. Keesh then squeezed his shoulders, but Aisha doubted it had any effect. Lab coat or not, he seemed in excellent condition, probably just a few pounds heavier than usual, and all of it distributed evenly around his frame. While he wasn’t as tall as Faelen, Aisha guessed he was roughly the same height as Elduran. Just as she thought, he kept reading.

At last, he seemed to find the specific page he’d been searching for. "Could you shift a bit to the right with your hand? I think I’ve got a knot there. Thanks for this, by the way, Keesh. Oh, where are my manners? I know your name but haven't introduced myself. I'm Jabari Reid, pleased to meet you."

Aisha sensed that if Keesh had a gun in that moment, she would have shot him without a second thought. Fury flashed across her face. “Dan, what do you want me to do?” she asked, looking at the bald man.

Her mind sparked into action; she swiftly reached for her phone. With a quick press on the home screen, Aisha activated the recording function, a task she had mastered to do discreetly from her pocket. The phone vibrated softly, confirming it was recording.

Dan directed his gaze at Jabari this time. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table, chin cradled in his hands. "Let me be very clear, Mr. Jabari. If you don’t leave within the next minute, I, along with my three associates, will ensure you won't see another sunrise."

Jabari stood, clearly aggravated, then walked around the table to stand beside Dan, who didn’t even bother to acknowledge him. “You just threatened me, Mr. Dan. If my life were solely my own, I would still be sitting there,” he said, gesturing toward the chair he had vacated moments ago. “I don’t know who you people are, but as grim as this town may be, it’s clear you’re trouble,” he remarked, beginning his stride toward the main stairway.

Aisha longed to follow Jabari, but rising now would be suspicious. From their vantage point, they had an unobstructed view of her. The upper floors all had balconies overlooking the main level, where the spiral staircases wound their way up to the fourth floor. Sitting close to the edge, Aisha watched Jabari make his way to the exit, a surge of curiosity gripping her. She yearned to uncover his story and more importantly, his motives. If she was right—and she usually was—this man knew who these men were, or at the very least, he suspected the truth, just as she did.

She turned her gaze back to the table, feigning interest in the book, keenly observing the men out of the corner of her eye. They were either cautious or simply not as chatty. What could be so significant in those books? Aisha pondered. If these people were truly affiliated with the Watchers, what had changed now? In the past, they could summon legendary Pokémon without reliance on texts; she had no record of them obsessively poring over lore. What was it about these four legendary Pokémon that was so different?

Aisha sensed she knew the answer, yet it did little to resolve her quandary. The Watchers had truly failed in their endeavors. Many viewed them as terrorists, but Aisha understood they were not. They sought something elusive, but failure haunted their every attempt. Yet, they persisted. One thing was certain—Elduran was right about that. The league responded to threats with increasing slowness; the military followed suit. It wasn't wrong to say that freelance trainers had been carrying the weight as of late. Were the Watchers responsible for that as well? Had these freelance trainers effectively thwarted their plans?

Aisha's mind said yes. Saffron City was undeniable proof. Ho-oh attacked while Elduran was on military leave, caught in a dispute with one of his commanders; she wondered if he would ever reveal that argument, as it was absent from any file. APSO had been occupied in Cinnabar, and the league had convened a council at Indigo Plateau that could last at least a week. The first freelance trainer had arrived ten minutes after Ho-oh’s appearance, an especially tardy response for the third most populous city in the world. The tournament in Viridian, boasting a prize of twenty million Pokédollars, had drawn nearly all the trainers in Kanto away from Saffron.

Elduran likely believed he had only saved a handful of lives, that one of the trainers he so deeply respected had been a heartbeat late when he pulled the trigger. Had Elduran not taken that shot, Saffron might have smoldered to ash. The Watchers hadn’t accounted for the deadliest sniper in the world still being in Saffron and making that shot, yet terrifyingly, they had come alarmingly close this time. Whatever they sought, this time, they were within reach. All agencies were aware that the Watchers targeted cities and towns with Pokémon Storage Facilities (PSF), but even Aisha, no matter how fiercely her mind screamed that the answer was just beyond her grasp, couldn’t decipher why.

It was growing late, and Aisha could barely keep her eyes open after such a long day. The argument with Elduran felt like it had happened ages ago, though it had merely been this morning. Exhaustion hung heavily upon her, making her acutely aware that mistakes were bound to happen in her current state. Jabari had left at least ten minutes ago; departing now might seem natural. Timing her exit with the passing of a patron, she took it as her cue to rise. Keesh was barely reading, her back to Aisha, while Dan, deeply absorbed in his book, failed to notice her stand. Aisha feigned interest in finding another book, heading in the opposite direction away from the main staircase.

She descended the tight, spiral staircase, unease creeping in with each step. It was no wonder only a few ventured this way; she realized now why those near the wall opted for the longer route.

Emerging from the staircase, she almost ran into Faelan, who looked at her with the same expression he had before—utter boredom.

“You have any belongings? Can I have the card with your number?” he asked, rising from his desk.

“Seriously, you forgot me already? I’ve only been here an hour,” she replied, incredulity lacing her tone.

“So, I take it you don’t have a number. Good night, miss,” he said, plopping back into his chair.

Aisha was incredulous. This guy was a machine. “I have a number, you know,” she said, retrieving the card from her pocket.

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

“Why didn’t you say so the first time? You made me stand up twice,” he said, swiftly pulling the card from her hand. He wandered to the back of his desk, taking his time sifting through bins, then returned, guiding her as she collected her four Pokéballs.

As she gathered her Pokéballs, Aisha weighed whether her next move was wise. Perhaps waiting for the morning security guard would be better. This guy was hopeless. But for Elduran to spring into action effectively, it made sense for those four men not to be behind the library's safety net. So, she decided to take the risk with this robot.

“I need to report something, but can I do it anonymously? I don’t want my name attached,” she said.

“You can report it anonymously. What’s the problem?” he replied, still inscrutable.

Aisha approached him, pulling out her phone to play the recording. To her astonishment, Faelan’s face shifted to one of urgency and seriousness once it finished. He locked the front door, then hurried back to her, walking briskly. “Since you’re doing this anonymously, send that recording to my phone,” he instructed, giving her his number, and Aisha complied.

He ascended the spiral staircase with surprising agility, leaving Aisha to muse that this could not possibly be the same person. Unable to resist, she slipped back to the spot where the two men were, positioned just below them in the main floor to catch every word. Faelan’s footsteps grew louder—deliberately so, Aisha noted. Then he spoke.

“You are to vacate the premises immediately. I have proof you threatened a patron. These books also will be confiscated for further examination,” Faelan declared.

“You can’t be serious,” Dan protested.

“If you don’t start walking toward the exit right now, I’ll handcuff you and escort you to the police station myself. Clear?” Faelan retorted.

Way to go, Faelan, Aisha thought. By the sounds of it, both men stood and followed Faelan toward the main staircase. Aisha carefully made her way to the exit, leaning against the nearest bookcase. As Faelan, Keesh, and Dan passed, she ducked around the other side of the staircase to watch the drama unfold. Dan suddenly halted, turning back.

“You’ll lose your job for this. Let me back up there, you insolent fool,” Dan spat, yanking at Faelan’s shirt in a futile attempt to shake him.

In a fluid motion, Faelan twisted Dan’s hand behind his back and shoved him toward the exit. Maintaining his grip, he unlocked the door with his free hand, ushering Keesh out first. Dan stumbled as he was propelled outside, landing face-first on the rocky pavement. Faelan closed the door and returned to his chair, calling for a clerk to confiscate the books from the specific table on the second floor. He began writing on a piece of paper, and Aisha, suddenly aware that she still had her Pokémon with her, panicked. Shit, she thought; she might end up kicked out just like the others. Acting as if nothing had happened, she walked toward the exit.

“Miss, thank you for reporting this,” Faelan said, returning to his report, clearly aware of her presence long before she came into view.

Aisha’s heart raced, but Faelan merely let her go. She hurried outside, just in case he remembered her Pokéballs. Outside, Dan and Keesh were already gone, and blood stained the pavement. If those two were truly Watchers, Faelan had difficult days ahead of him. Yet, how had that guy transformed so quickly, evolving from a Weedle into a Beedrill, completely skipping the Kakuna stage? She raised her phone, scrolling to the messages she had sent the recording to, saving the number under Faelan.

Aisha released all four of her Pokémon simultaneously. She doubted those two had noticed her, and it seemed they were unarmed, without either guns or Pokémon, since they hadn't demanded their belongings back when Faelan kicked them out. Still, Aisha sought extra security. Clefairy let out a joyful squeal, confusing Aisha for a moment, until she lifted her gaze to the full moon above—a source of bliss for Clefairy. Distracted by this, Aisha paid her no mind. Togetic flitted about, occasionally nudging her cheek. Marill simply observed the surroundings, likely sharing Aisha’s sentiment that the place was a mess. Hatenna, as usual, tuned into her trainer's psyche, ensuring all was well. Aisha relished her achievements of the day. Hatenna would surely sense that, but Aisha had no time to spare. Her focus shifted to Togetic.

“Gale, two people left this spot five minutes ago—a bald, heavyset man and a very skinny woman. Fly up and head in that direction,” she instructed, pointing southward. “We’ll be heading to the Pokémon Center. Don’t fly off in any other direction. We’re not confronting them, just seeking them out. I’m exhausted and need rest, but if they’re heading the same way we are, it would be foolish not to discover where they’re staying. That’s all I want to know.” Aisha spoke as Hatenna conveyed the nuances to Togetic—details he might not grasp. Elduran had dedicated a great deal of time training with Vivillon in Kanto before mastering command and understanding during his journey to Tenera. Aisha felt confident Heracross would soon reach that level too. She knew she needed to pursue this kind of training herself. Her path would require more than fair battles against fellow trainers. The future promised anything but fairness, and she couldn’t rely solely on Hatenna’s presence.

Aisha arrived at the Pokémon Center in about ten minutes, yet Togetic hadn't spotted either of the two. She had suspected he wouldn't. If Aisha were in their position, she would choose to reside as close to the library as possible. The Watchers appeared to have the resources to secure any room in this dismal town. Given their creation of a Pokéball capable of capturing legendary Pokémon, embedded with coding that compelled them to attack nearby cities and towns—a feat no government, to her agency's knowledge, had been able to replicate after all these years—it was clear they had the funds to recruit top-notch talent. Aisha was certain they were located very near the library.

After entering, she handed Marill to the nurse, recalling him to his Pokéball, as he was the only one somewhat injured from the swamp trek. Securing a room and collecting her key card, she promptly headed to her room on the second floor. She contemplated skipping a shower and going straight to bed as she was, but she ultimately decided against it, valuing the feeling of cleanliness too much. After her shower, she, along with Hatenna, Clefairy, and Togetic, cuddled together in bed, where exhaustion and fatigue overwhelmed them.

Elduran had longed for even the tiniest Pokémon to aid his mission. Security had seized his bow and Pokémon, complicating his task immensely. He had hoped Vivillon might deploy Sleep Powder on any unsuspecting Watchers while he provided a diversion, allowing him to swipe their books, stow them in his duffel bag, and pretend to read random tomes at another desk, observing their reactions as they awoke. Alas, his duffel bag hadn’t been allowed. Curse these libraries. It was his first venture into such a place. His plan was flawed, as it risked revealing his face, meaning they would not escape this town alive. The Watchers must not realize he was targeting them, yet he desperately needed their information. He was convinced that had his plan succeeded, all four would eventually gather, revealing their identities and whereabouts. Luckily, his phone had been permitted, an unusual concession. A snapshot combined with Vivillon’s assistance would have ensured their tracking. If only that crafty old guard hadn’t noticed his attempt to hide Vivillon’s Pokéball. The morning had taken a sour turn. At the very least, he’d wanted to glimpse a few faces before texting Aisha to confirm he’d arrived. Besides, he still needed to head to the Pokémon Center for Heracross’s treatment.

The second part of the plan involved forcefully entering their residence, binding and torturing them until they revealed the information he needed. This, of course, was the challenging aspect, and precisely why he hesitated to involve Aisha. She would insist on confirming they were indeed Watchers before taking any such drastic action. His method, however, promised speed. Concealing his face in case they were innocent meant he could release them thereafter. But it seemed that accessing their location wouldn’t be as straightforward. Particularly since he couldn’t find a single table in the entire library accommodating even one to four people with more than seven or eight books—those specifics eluded him now. Besides, he was reluctant to inquire with any clerks, preferring no one to know of his search. A possibility crossed his mind: perhaps Aisha had achieved something the previous night. If she had managed to extricate them from here, well... that would be extraordinary. This setting was far from conducive to his work.

He conducted another thorough search of the library, but his efforts proved fruitless. Resigned, he gathered his belongings and Pokéballs. Something about the cheerful, portly guard irked him; there was just too much happiness in his constant smile. Who could enjoy their job that much? Elduran mused silently. This fellow had an array of six Pokéballs strapped to his belt—a full-fledged trainer, Elduran noted. The instant he exited, he released Vivillon.

"Sorry, Viv, things didn't go according to plan. I had to leave you behind—no Pokémon allowed," Elduran confided to her.

"Viiiii," Vivillon responded with sadness.

"In any case, it doesn't matter much. I doubt they were there, or perhaps I failed to spot them. Let's head over to the Pokémon Center and rouse Ms. Bright Spark. As much as I hate to admit it, she might have done something last night that got those bastards out of the library," Elduran said, setting off southward.

Just before reaching the Pokémon Center, he spotted a hunting store. Alas, it wouldn't open until 8:00 AM. He urgently needed to replenish his dark essence vial; though he had plenty left, he preferred to keep it full. Upon arriving at the Pokémon Center, he was struck by how incongruous the building appeared. Alongside the Pokémart and the Pokécafé, these three structures stood at the very edge of town as the sole modern edifices, fashioned entirely from metal. He found them distinctly out of place, and admittedly, he wasn’t overly concerned about the town’s state. However, these three buildings were nothing short of an eyesore.

Elduran entered, handed the nurse Heracross's Pokéball, and checked in for a room. Initially assigned to the third floor, he quickly realized it would be more prudent to have his room next to Aisha's, if possible, for security reasons should they be compromised. Deciding to call her, he discovered—based on her groggy response—that he had indeed awoken her. Aisha was on the second floor. With a reassuring word for her to return to sleep, he planned to shower and grab a bite at the PokéCafé nearby. Learning that she resided on the second floor, he promptly exchanged his room for one adjacent to hers.

Upon entering his room with Vivillon fluttering behind him, he released Cyndaquil and headed for the shower. When done he instructed his two Pokémon to accompany him, his next destination was the PokéCafé. There, he carefully purchased two sandwiches, some snacks and a few drinks, ensuring he remained within his 50 Cetis daily allowance as a first-year trainer. Then, he made his way to the Pokémart, where he spent about 95 Cetis on kibble. He took the time to let Cyndaquil sample all the options suitable for fire-type Pokémon, and they settled on a mid-priced variety. The Pokémon food should last for about a week; Cyndaquil and Vivillon didn't consume much, though Heracross was another story. Next, he visited the hunting store, which was now open, where he received an unexpected surprise. A vial cost a mere 5000 Cetis, with another option of simply refilling an existing one and only paying for what was used. Elduran selected this option since his dark essence vial was nearly full, resulting in a cost of just 450 Cetis. With this task completed, it was time to awaken Aisha once more. He returned to the Pokémon Center.

Elduran knocked on Aisha's door, which she opened promptly—clearly, she was already awake, he mused. Hatenna was once more engrossed with her beach ball, and predictably, Vivillon buzzed straight to her side. Meanwhile, Cyndaquil made a beeline for Clefairy, who was the only one of Aisha’s Pokémon still finishing his meal. Togetic quickly descended, positioning itself between Cyndaquil and Clefairy, standing guard for its friend.

"Hey! Seems you had a busy night," Elduran remarked to Aisha, then noticed Cyndaquil's actions. "Forge! I brought food for you and Viv here. Never swipe another trainer’s Pokémon’s meal," he admonished, producing two bowls with different kibble—one for Cyndaquil, one for Vivillon. Cyndaquil was atop his dish in a flash, whereas Vivillon remained enraptured by Hatenna. At least Cyndaquil would never touch Vivillon’s food; he respected her too much for that, Elduran concluded.

Aisha petted Cyndaquil, "To be fair, Forge, you shouldn’t take any Pokémon’s food, not just a trainer's."

Elduran chuckled, "Don’t listen to her, Forge. Just make sure you can handle them if you're caught," he said, winking at Cyndaquil.

Aisha approached the desk and settled into the chair, then pivoted towards Elduran. "So, what made you assume I was occupied last night?" she inquired.

"Well, I got here really early and stopped by the library, trying to gauge our suspects. The most books anyone had on a single table was three—definitely not our targets," Elduran explained.

"I managed to discreetly have two kicked out. They were intimidating a man in a lab coat," she pointed to the photo on her screen, "but he wasn’t phased, just wanted to read one of the books they had. I recorded their threats, handed it to security, and voilà. They confiscated the books, though. I think it's only temporary," Aisha said.

"Great job, 'Little Light Bulb'! Knowing two of them is plenty to work with. Awesome!" Elduran exclaimed.

Aisha looked curious, "Why are you so happy about this?"

"The library was a new environment—no Pokémon, no weapons, no violence. I was completely stumped," Elduran confessed, deciding against sharing his more aggressive plans.

"Also, neither asked for their Pokémon or weapons when expelled, which seemed odd," Aisha noted.

"Indeed, maybe the Watchers are like monks," Elduran speculated.

Aisha rolled her eyes, "Monks have Pokémon. What happened with the Drifblim?"

"Handled," Elduran replied.

"That's all I get?" Aisha asked, disappointed.

"What more do you need?" Elduran retorted.

"Nevermind. Dorothy must have been pleased," Aisha said.

"Actually, she was upset I had to kill the Drifblim, called it a waste. She stayed up that night and was gone in the morning. I couldn’t wait around," Elduran explained.

"Interesting. I criticized her for using Pokémon like slaves, yet she's saddened by a wild one's death—one that killed her worker. Maybe I misjudged her. Anyway, we have more urgent matters now," Aisha concluded.

Aisha rose and began pacing, as she often did when deep in thought—a pattern emerging clear enough for even Elduran to discern. Abruptly, she halted and fixed her gaze on him. "This mission is exceedingly delicate. We must confirm their allegiance to the Watchers before we move to apprehend them. We can't simply beat confessions out of them; what if we're wrong?" Aisha asserted.

Elduran met her eyes with a somber look. "There's an uncomfortable question I need to ask. You do understand that if they are with the Watchers, their deaths are necessary, right?"

Aisha sank onto the bed, deflated. "I've played every scenario through my mind. Suppose we manage to confirm their ties to the Watchers and, by sheer luck, gather intelligence about their organization without their notice. Even then, we can't act without proof, and my greatest concern is whether the government of Tenera will even imprison them. What if they're complicit? Moreover, if we hand them over to the authorities, the government will question us. You might escape scrutiny, but they won't take long to discover a foreign agency funded my education. They'll connect the dots. If we choose that path, my involvement must remain hidden, and those four mustn’t ever see or hear of me. Otherwise, when they're interrogated, my name will surface as the one who aided you," Aisha concluded.

"Little Light Bulb, use your head! If they're alive and imprisoned, even if only my name is revealed, I’ll be hunted like a dog. Do you think the Watchers won't find a way to communicate with them somehow? My description will be everywhere, and that's assuming the best case scenario—that the government isn't involved, as you suggested, and isn't aiding them in some way. Should we manage to gather any information by tailing them, overhearing conversations, or any other means without being detected, and if you don't want their deaths on your conscience, there’s only one solution. We leave them be and pursue the bigger fish," Elduran stated.

"Could you really do that? Just let criminals go free?" Aisha questioned.

"It would be the most strategic decision. But all of this hinges on the best case scenario where we can confirm they are with the Watchers without extracting the information through...interrogation. What if we can't? Are you prepared to escalate? You could leave that to me; you needn't know the specifics. I genuinely believe they should die, though I'd rather see them languish in prison forever. Sadly, it's either freedom for them or death. Between those two, I prefer death. Yet, if I discover they aren't with the Watchers, my mission ceases. You should be aware of that. If I learn they're innocent, I’ll turn myself in to the police. I will not take innocent lives, and if that makes me a fugitive for letting them walk, then so be it," Elduran explained.

"We're just not enough, for crying out loud! How can two people uncover the whereabouts of the most secretive organization?" Aisha exclaimed.

"You're right—we aren't enough. We must start recruiting anyone willing to join the fight against them. We can't be in just one place at a time, either. Plus, we need to make our Pokémon stronger—rushing in without that doesn't achieve much. Aisha, I understand your urgency to bring them down, but this endeavor will take time. A lot of time," Elduran explained.

"They won't notice me, that's certain, but you, Aisha? You're clever, and being here proves it. You tell yourself that all the time. You would be an invaluable asset to them. But we don’t just need trainers; we need everything. We need a network, not merely an army. We require people who can provide capital, others skilled in surveillance, hacking, and all that tech stuff I understand absolutely nothing about, spies in everyday places gathering strange bits of mundane information that only you can connect. An army is one thing; believe me, that’s the easiest part to find. Surely, there must be trainers who have battled legendary Pokémon in foreign regions residing in Tenera. But without the rest, why on earth would they join us? We need to offer them something first, an organization of our own," Elduran declared.

"You aren't mistaken, but as you mentioned, we first need something to offer them. I'll have to ponder over the logistics of how to move forward," Aisha remarked with a touch of despondency. After a moment of silence passed between them, she continued, "There's so much to consider right now, and not even a few facts to grasp. For now, let's go catch some Watchers. I'm sure at least one of the other two is already inside the library, ready to seize the books the instant the clerks return them to the shelves. And I know exactly which table they'll be at," Aisha declared.

"After you!" Elduran said, gesturing toward the door.

As they strolled through the streets in those late morning hours, the absolute squalor and destitution of this town became increasingly evident. More people donned rags than decent clothing. Beggars seemed to outnumber passersby, and nearly every shopkeeper stationed a Pokémon or two at their entrance for protection. If the whole town mirrored this section, Elduran thought it would surely be the most dismal town he’d ever visited. Fighting, Rock, and Ground type Pokémon appeared to be the popular choice among the inhabitants of this part of Tenera. The Rock and Ground types, Elduran speculated, were likely favored for their utility in quarrying, while Fighting types, often humanoid, were well-suited for labor and security. Without question, Machoke was the most prevalent Pokémon here. Its evolved form, Machamp, was an unattainable aspiration for these townsfolk. For a Machoke to evolve, it would need to achieve some notable triumph—a championship, perhaps, or the collection of all badges, and winning a local tournament was also a common path. Yet, these people seemed destined never to win such accolades. Still, Machoke remained formidable, and encountering a Machamp in the wild was nearly unheard of.

In a secluded alleyway facing the small plaza before the library, three children and a Cubone, seemingly homeless, huddled together, trying desperately to kindle a firepit with scant scraps of paper. Judging by the pot they had precariously positioned above the embers, they were likely attempting to concoct a rudimentary soup or something akin to it. Elduran retrieved Cyndaquil's Pokéball, and upon releasing it, instructed Cyndaquil to use Ember to light the fire. The children erupted with joy and swiftly began to request money. Cyndaquil, delighted to assist, radiated happiness, and Elduran summoned it back to his side.

Aisha approached the kids. "We won't give you money; that won't solve your problem. But I can offer something better. Is that Cubone your partner?" she inquired.

One of the kids, a girl no older than ten, spoke up, "Yes, he's our friend and part of our family. But please, just a few Cetis?" she pleaded.

Aisha gestured for Cubone to come to her, which it did. "Do you know what a TM is? A technical machine? I have a Flamethrower TM. Teaching it to you would be more valuable than anything else I could offer. I know Cubones can learn it. My father has a Cubone, and it knows Flamethrower," Aisha explained.

"Boney doesn't have a Pokéball. We can't afford one," one of the two boys admitted.

"Oh, I understand. None of you are older than sixteen, so it's impossible to register a Pokéball in your name. I'll catch him, teach him the TM, and then release him right away. Do we have a deal?" Aisha asked.

"Wow, you'll do that for us? Boney, please let her catch you temporarily. You'll become so strong," urged the other boy.

Cubone became excited at the prospect of growing stronger.

Aisha took out one of her empty Pokéballs, leaned down, and touched it to Cubone. Cubone transformed into a flash of red light, absorbed by the Pokéball. The ball didn't even shake. She retrieved a small pink case from her bag, revealing at least six TMs as Elduran watched. She picked up one small disk and after holding it against Cubone's Pokéball for five seconds, a ring of blue light flashed. She returned the disk to the case, then placed her thumb in the flashing ring, and after three seconds, the light dissipated.

"There, he can now start practicing Flamethrower, a high-level move. You need to be cautious with him, or they may take him away. Understand?" Aisha asked.

The little girl approached Aisha and hugged her waist. "Thank you," was all she could manage.

"You're welcome. One more thing before we go our way," Aisha said as she pressed her thumb again on the Pokéball, activated her phone's Pokéball app, and the Pokéball broke. A red light emerged, reforming into Cubone. "Boney, I've given you the knowledge of Flamethrower, but you need to practice every day. I'd suggest one of you take Boney outside town daily and have him practice. You only need a small flame. When one of you turns sixteen, you must catch him. Until then, keep it a secret that he knows Flamethrower, okay? Always have him use a weak one to light fires. When he belongs to one of you, then you can go all out with a full-powered one. Now off you go, and when the time comes, use this—it's unregistered. I always carry a few unregistered Pokéballs with me," Aisha instructed, handing one of her empty Pokéballs to the little girl. She, Elduran, and their Pokémon then began to walk away.

"Wow, that was generous, and here I thought you were heartless," Elduran remarked.

"Well... semi-heartless. I did it to recruit them. Look at where they hang out—a perfect vantage point to see who goes in and out of the library," Aisha replied.

"Utterly heartless indeed, yet I admire it! While you may place them in some peril, you've undeniably illuminated their prospects. That lad must be around fourteen, and in a couple of years, merely that TM and Pokéball could remarkably simplify their existence. Cubone, being a Ground-type Pokémon, could prove invaluable in quarry work, with that bone of his capable of shattering anything. I reckon the fire might be beneficial too. You possess an astonishing knack for accounting for every minute detail. It's worth noting that you didn't even initiate this—I did. You are both awe-inspiring and daunting. Assure me, please, that you'll never aspire to become a Champion in any region or a politician. The thought of you wielding power is truly terrifying," Elduran remarked.

"You're insufferable. How you take a compliment and twist it by the end is beyond me," Aisha retorted.

"Well, I'm glad at least something is beyond you," Elduran chuckled.

As Elduran and Aisha approached the library's entrance, Aisha glanced down.

"There's still blood on the pavement from one of those thugs," Aisha remarked. "He hit the ground face first after that security guard threw him out last night."

Elduran followed her gaze and spotted the blood. "You might have mentioned this sooner. I can make use of it. Do you know how keen Cyndaquil's sense of smell is?" Elduran queried.

"Actually, I don't. But I should have spoken up earlier. I need to remember that what seems insignificant to me might be crucial for you," Aisha replied.

"Exactly," Elduran nodded as he crouched and called Cyndaquil over. "See this blood here? Give it a sniff—we need to track its path," he instructed Cyndaquil.

"You know, I won't be much help with this. You track the blood while I head inside. Keep your phone handy, and only reply with texts. Also, assuming you value my deductive theories, I suspect they're staying very close to the library, so stay discreet."

"You found me in Asven's capital with just your theories in the dead of night, so yes, I trust them," Elduran affirmed.

Cyndaquil seemed to catch a scent, sniffing his way around the library toward the north, between the library and the gym, with Elduran in tow while Aisha slipped through the library door disappearing into the tumultuous world of books and mysteries.