Laventon tossed another stack of papers into the growing pile on the sofa. Even in his harried state, he was attempting to keep some sort of tracking system so he wouldn't look over papers he had already grabbed.

  He had practically turned his office upside down in his desperate search for the paperwork he had written on the Hisuian forms of Typhlosion, Samurott, and Decidueye yet they remained elusive.

  "Where did I put them...?" Laventon gazed around his office, searching for any section that he had already rummaged through. He grabbed his beanie, pulling it off to ruffle his hair in frustration. "Bollocks, of all times..."

  Cyllene stepped up to Laventon's side, taking one of his wrists in her hand so he wouldn't pull his hair out. "Lav, calm down. You becoming a panicked mess will not help."

  "I have to find the paperwork! The council is not as forgiving as you think. If I don't have all my Duckletts in a row…and the ship..."

  "Why don't I go ask the ship's captain for a little more time?" Cyllene suggested, eager to eliminate one of Laventon's stressors. "I'm sure he would be more than understanding since you received the letter shortly before they arrived. You've had no time to prepare for the journey ahead."

  Tears gathered in Laventon's eyes and he grabbed both of Cyllene's hands, squeezing them. "You would do that?"

  "Of course." Cyllene resisted the urge to roll her eyes at Laventon's pathetic expression even as the corners of her mouth twitched. He looked like a Bonsly about to use Fake Tears. "Everything will be fine. You'll see."

  "I do hope you're right."

  "I'll be back." Cyllene looked at Abra floating nearby. "Abra, help him out."

  "Bra." Abra's eyes glowed and several pieces of paper flew towards her.

  Cyllene nodded, walking out of Laventon's office and leaving Galaxy Hall. She gave a wide berth to Beauregard as she passed him and Beauticia sleeping on his head.

  "Are you going to see the ship in Prelude Bay?" Beauregard asked as Cyllene passed him. The tone of his voice suggested he wanted to come with her to gawk at the ship.

  "Stay at your post," Cyllene responded, not sparing him a glance. She did not want to be followed by him or his disgusting flying bug.

  Already at the beach were a few curious villagers, staring at the ship docked in the bay and murmuring amongst themselves.

  Cyllene couldn't blame them for being awestruck by the boat. It was pretty impressive.

  A clipper, a boat built for speed and popular among merchants. It was supposedly a more common ship with Kalosian folk, but Unova also used them for trade. While clipper ships could carry limited bulk freight, that didn't account for the ship's crew and travelers. That made clippers even more popular if one wanted to get from one region to another in less time than another ship--like the favored galleon--took to travel the same distance.

  The figurehead of the ship was carved into the shape of an unfamiliar Pokémon. A beautiful figure resided inside a shell, a sharp horn jutting from the top.

  At the pier was a rowboat that could fit six people, including the oarsman. The oarsman appeared bored, sitting in the hull of the rowboat and leaning back against one of the seats.

  He looked to be in his mid-thirties with short white hair and striking golden eyes. A small scar crossed the bridge of his nose horizontally. Tan skin revealed hours of work under the sun.

  At Cyllene's approach, the oarsman looked up, raising an eyebrow.

  "You don't look like no Professor."

  A Western accent spoken in Hisuian was not a combination Cyllene had expected coming from the oarsman.

  "I am sorry to disappoint." Cyllene stared at the oarsman, keeping her hands behind her back. "I've come to ask the ship's captain for more time. We've had no chance to prepare."

  The oarsman sniffed, glancing back at the ship swaying in the bay. "Dunno if I want to do that. Seems like a lot of effort."

  Cyllene felt her patience start to wane. It wouldn't do to get angry at the oarsman, especially if it would reflect poorly on Laventon.

  With a sigh, Cyllene reached into her pocket and grabbed a coin, flicking it at the oarsman. "500 Pokéyen. Is that enough incentive?"

  The oarsman studied the coin in his hand before he smiled. "Give me a few minutes. I'll be back in two shakes of an Emolga's tail."

  I don't even know what that is, Cyllene thought, watching the oarsman row towards the clipper.

  She waited patiently for him to return. Even though it took only a few minutes for the oarsman to row back to the dock, it felt even longer to her.

  "Captain says a few hours, but that's as long as he'll wait," the oarsman said. "We have cargo that has time restraints. We need to leave by sunset to make it back to Galar before it spoils."

  Cyllene inclined her head at the oarsman, then for extra measure, tossed another 500 Pokéyen his way. “Thank you.”

  She'd pass on the news to Rei and Akari then help Laventon find the paperwork he was desperately searching for.

  "Oh, so that's why you were acting so weird," Akari said with a laugh.

  Rei sighed, shoulders dropping as relief flooded through him. Perhaps he had been wrong to keep the secret of Volo from her. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. I just..."

  He glanced into the bedroom where Volo and Adaman were sitting.

  Thankfully, Pikachu had hopped from Akari's shoulders to see Volo. Volo, curious as ever, held out a hand for the electric rodent to sniff. Once he got an affirmative ear flick, Volo stroked between Pikachu's ears, earning a delighted squeak.

  With Volo distracted from his questions of who Akari was, Rei could explain the entire situation to her and catch her up to speed.

  "It's all right." Akari smiled, though it had a hint of sadness in the corners. "You wanted to make sure I didn't accidentally tell Cyllene or Professor Laventon."

  "If Cyllene knew, she would tell Kamado. I don't trust him to think clearly when he learns the instigator of the Frenzies and rifts is in the village."

  Akari nodded slowly, folding her arms over her chest. "Yeah. He did react poorly during the Red Sky Event."

  "Yeah."

  The reminder of his exile always left a bitter taste on his tongue.

  Akari moved past Rei and stepped into the bedroom. She kneeled in front of Volo who looked up at her approach. "It's nice to meet you, Volo. I'm Akari, a friend of Rei's."

  "You're his friend?" Volo asked, shaking Akari's hand when she held it out. "I was beginning to think Adaman and Arezu were his only friends."

  "Now that hurts." Rei leaned against the entrance to the bedroom, crossing his arms. With five Pokémon and three humans, it was getting a little crowded. It was better if he stayed near the edge. "I have a lot more friends than you know about."

  Something in the quick smile Volo shot his way made Rei realize that he had been teasing. Something the old Volo had done the first time he had met Lian and joked that Rei was bold, making friends with the Wardens of opposing clans.

  Rei looked away, tightening the grip on his arms.

  "That's a beautiful bracelet," Volo said, staring at the black tumblestone bracelet on Akari's right wrist. "Tumblestones. Hard to craft into such small balls and bore a hole into them for string. Someone took a lot of time to do that for you."

  Akari smiled, pulling her hands against her chest, covering the bracelet with her left hand. "Rei made it for me. It's a friendship bracelet!"

  Rei pointedly ignored the smug look Adaman shot his way and pushed off the wall.

  "Anyway!" he said, desperate to get the conversation off himself. "We aren't sure what to do with Volo. The ship came sooner than expected, so Adaman hasn't had time to speak to his clan about watching him while we're away."

  "Oh, that's easy." Akari flapped a hand. "He can just come with us."

  "Come with...?" Rei released a sharp breath. "Akari, he can't just 'come with' us. You know that."

  Akari shrugged, picking Pikachu up and shoving him in Volo's face to keep the other distracted. "Why not? He has no memories, so it's not like he can be charged for crimes he doesn't remember committing."

  "What was that for?" Volo asked, prying a displeased Pikachu off his face to shoot a sour look at Akari.

  "I just wanted you to smell him!" Akari smiled sweetly. "All Pikachu have different scents! Mine smells like Pecha berries."

  "Pika." Pikachu pinned his ears back, unhappy about being used as a scapegoat to distract Volo from certain bits of conversation.

  "Really?" Volo held Pikachu up, staring at him thoughtfully. "I thought he had Pecha berries recently."

  "She is right, you know," Adaman said, lowering his voice as he moved to Rei's side.

  Rei exhaled, considering Akari's suggestion.

  Volo was healing well. He could move around, with a bit of help. Rei had seen him hobbling around the room, Adaman nearby to support him if he fell.

  Rei knew what Volo was feeling without him putting it into words.

  Volo was growing anxious. Bored, stuck in the same room for so long.

  There was no time for Adaman to try and convince the Diamond Clan Elders to allow Volo to stay in the settlement. Rei couldn't just leave Volo alone in the house and expect Adaman to visit multiple times a day to check in on him.

  Eventually, Volo would grow restless enough to leave the house and be seen by villagers who would alert Cyllene and Kamado to his presence. They wouldn't wait for evidence to prove his amnesia before passing judgment.

  The only option was to bring him.

  Professor Laventon would be the easiest to convince. He couldn't hurt a Beautifly.

  However, the departure of the village's beloved Professor would draw everyone to Prelude Beach, including Cyllene and Kamado.

  Rei frowned, steepling his fingers and resting his forehead against them.

  They were going to be the only stumbling blocks to allowing Volo aboard the ship.

  Adaman dropped a hand onto Rei's shoulder, startling him out of his thoughts. When he looked up, Adaman was grinning.

  "I'll see you guys off when you leave. There will be a lot of explaining to do, but how could they deny that it's a winning situation? He goes with you guys and that means he's not a threat to Hisui."

  Rei couldn't deny that Adaman was right. Even with the rumors, even with Cyllene and Kamado's hesitance to let Volo slip free of their judgment, this was the best solution. No one would have to fear Volo if he wasn't in Hisui.

  "I guess you're right."

  There was a sharp rap at Rei's door and everyone froze.

  Rei held up a hand, staring at the shadow standing outside. The outline looked like--

  "You have a few more hours to prepare," Cyllene said. "I've asked the captain of the ship for leniency because of the short notice. Make sure you bring everything you need."

  "All right," Rei replied. "Thanks."

  Cyllene's shadow inclined her head before turning and departing.

  Once the footsteps had receded, everyone sighed.

  Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.

  Rei chuckled, setting a hand against his forehead. Of course Cyllene would pull some strings to delay their departure.

  A few hours. That would give them plenty of time to prepare.

  "Then I'll finish getting ready." Akari stood, Pikachu perched on her shoulder. "I'll see you guys at Prelude Beach."

  "Don't overpack," Rei called as Akari went to the door. "We probably won't be there long."

  Akari stuck her tongue out at Rei before shutting the door.

  Rei sighed, shaking his head.

  "Has he had a bath since you've had him?" Adaman asked, gesturing at Volo.

  "Oh." Rei looked at Volo.

  Now that he thought about it, he hadn't let Volo have a bath. He'd only gotten his wounds and his hair clean in order to cut it.

  "I'll take that as a no," Adaman guessed, shaking his head. "I'll get him to the bathhouse while you finish packing."

  "You don't have to--"

  "Finish packing." Adaman helped Volo to his feet before releasing him. "Got it?"

  Volo nodded, following Adaman to the door, albeit at a slower pace and a slight limp in his step.

  Kai followed behind him with Thyme and his siblings at Adaman's heels.

  Once Adaman had glanced outside to make sure no one was within eyesight of Rei's house, he moved to the side to let Volo out.

  It appeared that everyone in the village had gone to Prelude Beach to gawk at the ship in the bay. If Adaman hadn't been helping Volo, he would have been doing the same thing. It wasn't every day a ship appeared in Hisui, after all.

  Even from where he stood, Adaman saw the masts of the ship towering in the distance, barren tree trunks amidst the blue sky. The ship's sails were furled. Judging from the masts, the ship had to be massive.

  All that pomp and circumstance for a Professor? Adaman wondered, squinting to get a better look at the masts.

  He couldn't be sure, but it appeared as if there were someone standing in the Murkrow's Nest.

  It was as if they were coming to pick up royalty or something, using an eye-catching ship.

  "Impressive, huh?" Ginter asked, following Adaman's gaze. "Came from Galar, I guess. Or perhaps another region altogether.”

  Adaman looked at Ginter. He hadn't even realized the merchant was there. "Not going to stare at it with the rest of the village?"

  "Nah, not my thing." Ginter shrugged before leaning back, staring at Volo. "Hello, Volo."

  "That's Ginter," Adaman explained when Volo looked at him. "He's the owner of the Gingko Merchants."

  "Gingko Merchants," Volo repeated, furrowing his eyebrows as he stared at Ginter. "Do I know you?"

  A somber expression crossed Ginter's face. He shook his head, resting his elbows on his knees. "Well, you don't know me, but I know you."

  Volo tilted his head slightly, but whatever he was about to ask turned to a gasp when he saw Chrono curled around Ginter's feet. "Is that a Luxray?"

  Chrono raised her head when Volo approached, ears perked. When offered a hand, she sniffed it politely before bumping her head against Volo's palm.

  "Did you know they have the most amazing eyesight and can even see through objects?" Volo rubbed Chrono's cheeks, earning a delighted purr. "They also sleep a lot to recover lost electricity. Electricity is vital since they live in packs, where their claws are used as means of silent communication during hunts."

  Ginter chuckled softly at Volo's rambling of Luxray. "Funny what the mind remembers..."

  "Huh?" Volo looked up at Ginter.

  "Oh, nothing. Seeing through objects, eh? Sounds pretty useful."

  "Come on, Volo," Adaman said. "We should get you bathed so you're ready to go."

  "Right." Volo stood then followed Adaman who was already making his way to Galaxy Hall. He waved at Ginter. "It was nice to meet you, Ginter."

  "You as well, Volo. Enjoy your bath."

  Thankfully, it looked like Beauregard had also followed the villagers to Prelude Beach, leaving the entrance to Galaxy Hall unguarded.

  Inside, Laventon was darting between his bookcase and his desk, far too busy to even notice Adaman as he led Volo towards the west wing.

  "So, we're going to this Galar region because the association of professors doesn't believe Laventon completed his hypothesis?" Volo asked, trailing Adaman into the bathhouse.

  Adaman nodded. "That's the short end of it."

  "Huh." Volo frowned while Adaman asked Magmar to heat up the water. "Why not just send a photograph of the results of the hypothesis? Is that not proof enough?"

  Adaman chuckled, opening a locker and pulling out a towel. "You know, I'm sure Rei asked the same thing. Unfortunately, it sounds like these association folks are sticklers for rules and if Laventon doesn't go to Galar to show them in person, they could make it so that he could never become a professor again."

  "They sound like assholes."

  A laugh bubbled up before Adaman could stop it.

  He had never heard Volo curse before and he was certain Volo had picked it up from Rei.

  Volo tilted his head at Adaman's reaction. "Did I say something strange?"

  "No, no, ignore me." Adaman waved a hand as he set the towel where it wouldn't get wet. He approached Volo. "Let me take the bandages off; I'll get some clean ones to put on after the bath."

  Volo took off his shirt then held out his arm so Adaman could take off the bandages and examine the three puckered, pink slashes.

  "They feeling all right?"

  "Just tight and itchy."

  Adaman nodded, moving to Volo's back to look at the largest injuries. "Pretty common when things heal. Just try not to scratch or pick at any scabs forming. Rei tried to limit scarring."

  "All right."

  Adaman wondered if the old Volo would have teased him about being so concerned about his health or how scars didn't bother him. A lot of scars covered Volo's chest and midsection, some more obvious than others. Marks Adaman hadn't truly noticed before. Small slashes, leathery burn patches, a laceration down the side of his chest.

  Scars were a fact of life in the world they lived in. Adaman had scars, Rei had scars. Even Laventon had a scar from a run-in with a very angry Scyther.

  Adaman shook his head quickly to clear his thoughts. He had other things to focus on.

  "Why don't you get in and I'll find some shampoo."

  "Sure." Volo stepped into the bath, leaning against the side. He sighed, closing his eyes.

  Adaman couldn't help but smile at the reaction. It must have felt amazing, having a warm bath after so long.

  He walked towards the shampoo locker to let Volo have some peace.

  Kai hovered nearby, single eye tracking Adaman's movements as if it suspected that Adaman would try something while alone with Volo.

  Tempo was already floating on his back in the water, purring in contentment.

  Thyme sat near the center of the bath, ears drooped as he soaked in the warm water.

  Eon, on the other hand, watched her siblings from the sidelines, staring at them like they were heathens as she groomed a paw.

  Adaman chuckled at the Eeveelutions reactions to the bathhouse, opening the shampoo locker. He stared at the multiple bottles lining the three shelves, picking one up to see what it said.

  Here he thought Melli had the most beauty products.

  Volo was being extremely quiet, so Adaman looked over his shoulder to make sure Volo hadn't fallen asleep from the warmth.

  Volo had slid down slightly so he could rest his head against the floor and stare at the ceiling.

  Satisfied that Volo wasn't accidentally drowning himself, Adaman went back to searching through the variety of shampoos.

  "Can I ask you something?"

  Adaman paused when he heard Volo's voice, setting down another bottle of shampoo. "Sure, go ahead."

  "Did I hurt Rei?"

  Hesitating, Adaman made a show of grabbing another bottle in case Volo was watching him for his reaction.

  Where had that question come from?

  "Why do you ask that?"

  "Sometimes, it feels like he's trying too hard to be nice to me."

  Adaman glanced at Volo to see him with both palms pressed against his eyes.

  "Maybe I'm overthinking it, but I think he knows me even though he acts like he doesn't. It feels like he's hiding something from me and you're all in on it."

  Biting his lip, Adaman stared at the shampoo bottle in his hands. It wasn't like he enjoyed lying to Volo. It was a necessary evil; a potential to prevent Volo getting the wrong idea and beating himself up over something that couldn't be changed or worse, Volo leading himself down the same path because he felt he was expected to do so as the 'villain'.

  "That's...something you'll have to ask Rei," Adaman said, making sure his voice didn't waver.

  "So, he does know me?" Volo sat up, turning to stare at Adaman expectantly.

  Crap. Maybe he should have just stayed silent.

  Adaman struggled to maintain eye contact with Volo. If he looked away, it would be admitting guilt.

  Volo stared at him a few moments longer before he looked away. "I'm sorry. I don't know why I'm even asking you this."

  "No, it's okay," Adaman said quickly, walking over to Volo. "I suppose I'd want to know if I were in your shoes."

  "Would Rei even tell me?"

  "I don't know. You'd have to ask him."

  Volo stared at the surface of the water and his reflection before he set his hand against the water, distorting it. "I'm just frustrated. Every time I think I remember something, it burns and scatters before I can hold it and I'm left with a hollow sense of loss."

  Where was Mai when you needed her? She was better at the emotions thing.

  "It's...it's probably better to not try and force yourself to remember too soon," Adaman said, hoping he sounded like he knew what he was saying. "You'll remember as time goes on, I'm sure."

  "Yeah. Thanks for letting me vent."

  "Well..." Adaman rubbed the back of his neck with one hand as he held out the bottle of shampoo to Volo. "Sometimes it's nice to just have someone listen to your grievances."

  Volo smiled then looked at the bottle in his hand. "Pecha berries and cream?"

  "You want a different one, go pick it yourself."

  The plan was simple: Rei and Akari would join Laventon and the rest of Jubilife at Prelude Beach to say their farewells. Adaman and Volo would remain in the distance, hidden from sight. Once the villagers had departed after saying their goodbyes, they would come out of hiding and Adaman would speak to Kamado and Cyllene.

  The entire village had come to see Professor Laventon off. Even the Wardens and Irida had come. Everyone wished Laventon luck on his journey. Lian stared at the ship in the bay, awestruck by its size and wondering what material its figurehead was made from.

  After a while, with all goodbyes and well wishes said, people slowly trickled back to the village to return to their duties.

  Volo, for his credit, hadn't ask once why he and Adaman had to wait until everyone left before joining Rei and the others.

  Adaman emerged from the hiding spot, Volo by his side, the moment the beach was deserted except for Laventon, Rei, Akari, Kamado, and Cyllene.

  "Ah, Clan Leader Adaman," Cyllene said when she spotted him approaching. "I was beginning to think you were--"

  The moment her eyes landed on Volo, her posture stiffened. Beside her, Abra growled quietly, sensing the change in her owner's emotions. The tip of her tail twitched in agitation.

  Kai narrowed its eye at Abra, warbling a warning against any potential attack.

  Kamado reached for his waist, where his katana normally rested. When he seemingly remembered he had left his weapon back at Galaxy Hall, Kamado settled for a steely gaze. "Clan Leader Adaman, what is the meaning of this?"

  "Just give me a second to explain it to you, all right?" Adaman raised a hand to calm the two as he looked at Volo. "Go on. I got this."

  "If you're sure." Volo glanced at Kamado and Cyllene before he walked towards Laventon and the two teens.

  Kai shot the two a scathing glare as it trailed after Volo.

  Laventon gasped at Volo's approach, staring at Kai in excitement. "Is that a Sigilyph?!"

  "This is Kai," Volo said, setting a hand on Kai's side.

  "Amazing!" Laventon circled Kai, who released a displeased trill, eye narrowing at the invasion of its space. "Sigilyph are so rare! I've heard they're more common in places with lots of ancient ruins."

  "Ancient ruins?" Akari repeated, fascinated with the beginnings of Laventon's ramble.

  "There's a theory going around that Sigilyph migrates between two sets of ruins, likely many miles apart. They're said to be connected to ancient civilizations. Possibly guardians or even missionaries."

  Connected to ancient civilizations? Rei wondered, glancing at Volo.

  He remembered Volo claiming to have Celestica blood in him. The only Celestica that Rei knew of were the Celestica Flute and the ruins in the Highlands; similar ruins were scattered throughout Hisui, but no names were tied to them. Their architectural style was similar to the Celestica Ruins, so it was highly likely they were also built by the Celestica.

  If Sigilyph were theorized to travel between ruins, then it was possible that Kai had been on a return migration to the Celestica Ruins and just happened to come across Volo by sheer luck.

  If so, then why protect Volo from the Lake Guardians? Had it sensed the Celestica blood in him? Is that why Kai also stayed by Volo's side, no Poké Ball required, as some kind of obligation to the Celestica people?

  A jab at Rei's side startled Rei out of his thoughts and the inner workings of Sigilyph.

  He glanced to his side to see Akari staring at him. She tilted her head at Laventon, who was still enamored by Kai.

  "Oh, right," Rei muttered. He had completely forgotten to ask Laventon. "Professor, is it alright if Volo comes with us?"

  "To Galar?" Laventon asked, attention breaking away from Kai as he looked at Rei. "Hm." He glanced at Volo who was staring at him expectantly. "Well, I don't see an issue with that."

  Volo smiled. "Thank you for letting me come, Professor."

  "No thanks needed, my boy. Always better with more company."

  Adaman approached with Cyllene and Kamado by his side. The latter two wore disgruntled expressions.

  "We'll see you when you return," Cyllene said, her expression softening when she looked at Laventon. "Try not to be too long."

  Laventon stepped closer to Cyllene, taking her hand in his. "I'll bring back a souvenir for you."

  Kamado ignored the two, turning his attention to Rei and Akari. "Try not to get into trouble."

  "We'll try not to," Akari replied, kicking Rei's ankle before he could say anything.

  "Good." Kamado's gaze slid to Volo and lingered for a few moments before he turned and walked away.

  Cyllene hugged Laventon before stepping back. "You should go before you keep the captain waiting any longer. I'm sure he's growing impatient."

  "I'll send you a letter with the fastest Corvisquire to let you know we arrived safely," Laventon promised. “A photo, too.”

  "I'll wait for it." Cyllene hesitated then turned and walked back to the village, leaving only Adaman as the final person seeing the group off.

  "I'll talk to the clans while you're gone," Adaman said. "Perhaps by the time you return, everything will be smoothed out."

  "Thanks for all your help, Adaman," Rei said. "We shouldn't be gone too long."

  Adaman smiled. "You know where to find me."

  "I'll race you to the boat!" Akari said, slapping Rei's back before bolting to the rowboat docked at the pier.

  "No fair!" Rei ran after her. "You got a head start!"

  Laventon chuckled, following the two at a leisurely pace.

  "Keep an eye on Rei," Adaman said. "He can be a little troublesome when left to his own devices."

  Volo nodded. "Of course. Good luck with your clan."

  "Tell me about Galar when you return. I'd like to hear about it." Adaman waved as he turned and walked away.

  Thyme, Tempo, and Eon stayed back, staring at Volo with sad expressions. One by one, they followed Adaman.

  Volo watched Adaman and his partners depart before he turned to join Laventon, Rei, and Akari at the pier.

  "Stop pushing!" Akari whined, shoving against Rei as he attempted to get into the boat before her. "I got here first!"

  "Only because you cheated!"

  The oarsman groaned, tilting his head back. He was desperate to get back to the main ship so they could set sail.

  Kai released a distressed screech.

  Rei turned at the noise to see Volo lying in the sand, clutching his neck. "Volo?!"

  He ran to Volo's side, kneeling and glancing him over.

  There wasn't anything that stood out to why Volo had collapsed. Other than the Red Chain glowing faintly, Rei couldn't figure out why Volo appeared to be in pain, breath wheezing.

  "What's wrong with him?" Akari asked, running over to Rei and Volo with Laventon right behind her.

  "I don't know. I can't see anything wrong."

  "Lea!"

  Rei looked up to see Thyme bounding over, siblings by his side and Adaman behind him.

  "What's wrong?" Adaman asked, slowing to a stop. "Thyme practically dragged me back here."

  Volo's grip on the Red Chain loosened, breaths coming out short and sharp.

  A giggle resounded around the group as Mesprit appeared nearby. Well, isn't that interesting.

  "Mesprit." Rei scowled as he got to his feet. "What are you doing here?"

  Oh, you seemed to be struggling trying to figure out why the Tarnished One is in pain. Mesprit circled around Rei, a sly smile crossing their face.

  Tarnished One and Defiler...both were terms for Volo, as if the Lake Guardians refused to say his name. Dehumanizing him by tagging him with epithets.

  Rei kept his expression neutral. Mesprit was the Being of Emotion and while they had bestowed emotion upon humanity, Rei was wholly aware that they also enjoyed trying to feed off others’ feelings.

  Oh, but this isn't something I expected when I gifted him the Red Chain. Mesprit leaned on Rei's shoulder, one tail brushing the underside of his chin. History does enjoy repeating itself.

  "Take it off."

  Take it off? Mesprit repeated, scandalized as they shot off Rei's shoulder. Why would I do that? This brings me great joy to see him on the ground like this.

  "What does the Red Chain even do?" Adaman asked, helping Volo to his feet once he had caught his breath.

  You truly haven't figured it out? Mesprit crossed their arms as they leaned back in the air. The Red Chain reacts when the Tarnished One's formed a bond with someone. If he or that person stray too far from one another, it will activate and tighten until the two are within proximity of each other.

  "It chokes him?!" Rei snarled, grabbing Wisp's Poké Ball.

  Mesprit raised a paw, surrounding Rei with a psychic energy to freeze him in place. Ah, ah. Such violent emotions.

  "Wait, you said it reacts to someone he's formed a bond with," Akari said. "Do you know who the bond is with?"

  Mesprit snickered gleefully, pointing their other paw at Adaman.