Chapter 4: The Invitation

I woke up to the feel of something warm and furry nuzzling my face, and a pleasant plant-like smell filling my nose. I opened my eyes to the sight of Arbor's caramel-colored eyes looking into mine. He looked like a parent trying to wake up a child late for school. 

“Whatever it is, can it wait until tomorrow?" I mumbled sleepily. I closed my eyes and was close to drifting off again when a Leafeon's paw struck my forehead.

“Ow! Okay, Okay, I'm getting up!"

Arbor smiled and leapt off the bed. He sat on his haunches in front of the door, like a prison guard as if to make sure I would make good on my word. His green, leaf-like ears and tail brightening in the sunlight shining through my bedroom window. He was large for a Leafeon yet his body was thin, giving him a slightly lanky appearance, but underneath the coat of sand-colored fur was nothing but muscle.

I rubbed my forehead as I took my time getting out of bed and when changing my clothes. Sometimes Arbor would tap his paw on the floor as if trying to rush me, and I would roll my eyes and continue my slow pace. Realizing I wasn't speeding up, he took the opportunity to groom himself. He brushed his fur with his paws, paying close attention to his long ears and the large sickle-shaped crest on his forehead. I was fuming as I watched him go about his morning ritual. As a Leafeon, he received nourishment from the sun, and Arbor was as lazy as the day was long. Whatever he wanted, he didn't need me for it. It wasn't until after I finished getting dressed that Arbor was satisfied enough to step away from the door.

Ever since I had started my battle-hiatus, things had been moving horribly slow at Beacon. Cassandra always said she didn't need my help with anything, and I was avoiding Ian because I was ashamed of how I treated him at The Under. I tried picking up the search for Bryce again, but I couldn't bring myself to look at the different maps and notes I stuffed in the box under my bed. Just thinking about looking at it brought up memories of my past adventures with Neil and Patrick, memories I wasn't ready to face yet. I hadn't told anyone yet, but I had decided not to retire as a Pokémon trainer. I had agonized over the decision for what felt like the longest time. Yesterday, I made the mistake of telling my Pokémon that I had come to a decision about my trainer career. Arbor apparently didn't think I was keeping my word which was the one thing I couldn't stand about him. He was the laziest Pokémon I had, yet he got my case if he even thought I was taking my sweet time.

I wasn't stalling, I was just tired after spending half the night planning out my next move. Even after stepping down from champion, getting back into battling wasn't hard. It was the reputation I had built up over the years that was the problem. The “nurse" at the Under confirmed my worst fears. People would compare my past actions to how I was now and decide which version they liked better. I didn't care what people thought of me, but a trainer was built by his or her reputation. My reputation for being cold and ruthless attracted the wrong kind of people. I couldn't risk anyone thinking I had gone soft.

I stormed out of my room and nearly tripped over Dorian who was sleeping in the hallway. He didn't show an ounce of concern at almost being stepped on or his trainer nearly falling down the stairs. I ignored his lack of compassion and headed down the stairs with Dorian and Arbor following close behind.

The sound of the TV drew me into the living room. The news was on, but there was no one inside watching it. Arbor's sister, Aqua, was curled in one corner of the sofa, resembling a blue pillow with legs and a tail. Like her brother, Aqua was larger than most Vaporeon. Her  body was thin also, but her toned body wasn't hidden beneath a coat of fur. The Vaporeon opened her eyes when I walked in and stretched, sticking her long fin-shaped tail into the air and fanning the pectoral fins on either side of her head. Every movement sent a wave through her body like ripples moving through water. Arbor jumped onto the sofa next to her while Dorian laid down next to the sofa. I mumbled, “good morning" to Aqua and turned back to the TV.

On the TV screen was a news reporter sporting a tacky green suit and a really bad haircut. The Pokémon League building was behind him along with several trainers in the background, waving and making rude gestures. In big bright letters at the bottom were the words: New Kalos Champion Crowned.

A new Champ, huh? I wonder if it's anyone I know.

I moved closer to the TV, plucked the remote off the table, and turned up the volume.

“—And here is the new Kalos Region Champion, Sharon Harris," the reporter said.

 I let out a small sigh of disappointment and moved to turn off the TV, but Arbor saw and whined. I dropped the remote on the table and folded my arms across my chest. “What do you care anyway? We're done with that life."

Arbor didn't respond and simply turned back to the TV.

The camera panned slightly and another trainer came into view. Even on TV, she had a commanding presence like the alpha of a pack of Pokémon. The way she stood, the piercing look in her eyes, and even her business-casual outfit reminded me of those people who enjoyed bossing others around.

The trainer, Sharon Harris, took a moment to straighten her ironed, striped shirt before turning her grey eyes to the camera. It was then I noticed her other features. Her eyebrows were perfectly aligned and there wasn't a single blemish on her face. When she straightened her clothes I saw that she had a manicure and there were no scars or blisters on her fingers.

Hmph, typical. Another trainer who probably didn't spend so much as an hour in the wild. I wouldn't be surprised if someone captured her team for her. I bet she drove to each gym and did all her training in a facility. Did Diantha really lose to someone like her?

“Sharon, you are the new Kalos Region Champion, how does that feel?" the reporter asked.

Sharon sighed and looked down, her smile melting off her face. “To be honest, I feel a little disappointed. I mean, don't get me wrong, Diantha was an excellent opponent and her title of Champion was well earned, but I just don't feel I truly earned my title. And there is a certain someone who has tainted the honorable title whom I believe hasn't stepped down yet."

I rolled my eyes and sat next to Arbor. “Why are we watching this again?"

Arbor continued to stare at the TV and didn't respond. The fur on his back was on standing on end as he watched the TV. Aqua stepped around him, curled up in my lap, and nuzzled my hand so I would pet her. I chuckled at her attempt to distract me as I stroked her back. Her body felt smooth and cool almost as if running my hand across the surface of a small pool of water. Petting her had the calming effect she was looking for. Aqua sighed contentedly, but she kept throwing quick looks in Dorian's direction and her body felt slightly warmer. Dorian never looked in her direction.

The news reporter talking again drew my attention back to the news, “Disappointed?  You just proved you are the strongest trainer in the region, what is there to be disappointed about?"

“Well you see, the last Champion, Maya Martin"—there was an undertone of spite in her voice as she said my name—“decided she didn't want to be the Champion anymore and gave up her title. Diantha retook her place as champion, but she has been defeated already; beating her feels like coming in second place. The last champion wasn't defeated, so technically, I'm not the Champion."

“Don't know why you care so much. The whole thing is overrated anyway," I mumbled. Aqua yipped in agreement.

“But that's not what bothers me. What bothers me is that Maya's name is still feared by many trainers. That she was never defeated only adds to her power, and it sends a bad message to trainers. I want trainers to know that she is not someone to be feared, and that no one is invincible. You don't have to be like Maya Martin to become the best."

Dorian uttered a low growl making Aqua look at him, concerned. I patted his head and he quieted down.

That 'no one is invincible' bullshit works both ways you know, I thought.

“Oh? So you wish to be a beacon of hope for future Champions in training?" the reporter asked.

Sharon smiled, but it was a fake smile. The kind of smile that someone made when they were really enjoying the attention, but were trying to stay modest. “You said it, not me. I just want the title of Champion to mean something again. All I want is for Maya to be at her peak. It would be a shame if my victory came too easily because all of her Pokémon were out of shape."

“On their worst day, my Pokémon would destroy you," I growled.

So go down there and teach her a lesson, my mind replied. Show her what happens when you try to talk big with nothing to back it up.

“I'm a trainer, not a side-show," I said.

Aqua and Arbor gave me confused looks. Dorian shot a quick glance my way before turning back to the TV.

“Don't give me those looks. I know I'm talking to myself. Anyway, she's not worth the time. We don't have anything to prove to anyone."

My two Eeveelutions gave me skeptical looks and turned back to the TV.

The reporter was still talking, his voice full of excitement now, like a little kid waiting to hear a big secret. “Before we wrap this up, is there anything else you wish to say? In case the 'true' Champion is watching this right now?" 

Another predatory smile appeared on Sharon's face. “Yes, actually, there is—"

I'd heard enough. I snatched the remote off the table and turned off the TV. Arbor nudged my arm in irritation.

“I don't know how you even put up with that smug bastard for that long," I said, “But I'm not about to sit here while she calls me out on TV. That is exactly what I was worried about. I haven't even started changing my image and people are already coming after me. C'mon, let's go see what Cassandra and the others are up to."

Arbor sighed, and Aqua shot him a dirty look before jumping off my lap and heading for the kitchen. Arbor, Dorian, and I followed her through the kitchen and out the back door.

Cassandra was a few yards away from the main house, sitting cross-legged on the grass across from her Lucario, Lucien, my Mawile, Maude, and my Manectric, Sparks. She would glance up from the large drawing pad in her lap at the Pokémon in front of her before diving back into her sketch. Every time she did this, she had to brush the bangs of her blue hair away from her face. Lucien sat the same way as his master, cross-legged and back straight, his toned muscles easily visible beneath his blue fur and cream-furred torso. His paws were pressed together and his snout pointed at the ground making him look like a warrior praying before a major battle.. If it weren't for the subtle swaying of his tail, I'd sworn he were a statue.

Sparks sat up straight on his haunches, yellow, spiky mane of the canine Pokémon remained unmoving despite the breeze. Even as a Pokémon, his age was beginning to show. His skin was wrinkled in places underneath the coat of bright blue fur. He carried his age well, though. Like Lucien, his muscled body showed through his fur, but he was getting thinner and his body had an almost frail look to it. But even when he was lounging around, he looked like a guard on patrol. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at the proud and feral look in his red eyes as he sat up at attention.

Unlike the other two Pokémon, Maude refused to sit still. Next to the two muscled Pokémon, she looked like a bored child waiting for their parent. But she was just a powerful as the other two, and was most likely the most dangerous Pokémon sitting there. Her yellow fur and cute round face only was part of her biology. Her fur even umbrellaed around her legs making her look like a little kid wearing a pair of bell-bottoms. It was all a ruse to make her seem innocent so her prey would lower their guard around her, something she enjoyed a bit too much for my taste. Every few seconds, she stretched, reaching her claws high above her head and opening and closing the massive jaws attached to her head trying not to yawn. Seeing her like that made me uneasy; the only time she fidgeted like that was before a major battle. Or if she went too long without one.  

Hold on a little longer, Maude, I thought. Once I figure out my next move, you'll have all the battles you want.

It was odd to see the three of them together. Sparks and Lucien made sense, those two were disciplined and took everything they did seriously (sometimes too seriously). Maude, liked to pull pranks, and hit things. I didn't even want to think about what Cassandra could have told them to convince them to sit together.

As I drew closer, the tendrils on the back of Lucien's head moved and he lifted his head. He looked over his shoulder, proud red eyes staring into me from behind his black mask. The large jaws on Maude's head shifted as well, most likely because of Maude's uncanny ability to detect enemies behind her.

“Why're you three sitting around Cassandra like its story time?" I asked.

Cassandra jumped and looked up as if seeing me for the first time. “When did you get here?"

“How the hell did you not see me walking toward you? You looked up several times."

Arbor and Lucien nodded in response.

“No one asked either of you," Cassandra said. She looked at her sketch pad and sighed. “Dammit, you ruined my drawing." She started scrubbing at the pad with her eraser. “Anyway, you finally decided to join the living did you?'

 “More like an impatient Leafeon didn't want me sleeping in," I responded, throwing a dirty look in Arbor's direction. He smiled, and I aimed a half-hearted kick in his direction. He easily dodged it and continued to smile outside of reach. Aqua jumped on his back instead and the two of them began rolling around in a green and blue ball. Maude—always eager for a fight—grinned and joined them, jumping on top of Arbor and pinning him to the ground. He squeezed out from under Maude's grip and took off running. I noticed Sparks tensed up at their behavior, but he continued to give Cassandra his undivided attention.

“If I'd known that staying here all day was so boring, I'd found a new hobby," I said. “Seriously, I thought that a Pokémon sanctuary would have more to do."

Cassandra shrugged. “I try to leave the Pokémon alone unless they need medical attention. Some of them have been abused, so they don't like humans much. There's more than enough food to go around, so unless something serious is going on, this place pretty much runs itself. Besides, you've been locked in your room for the last two days. Of course you're bored."

“What? It's only been two days?"

“Yep."

I groaned and sat down on the grass next to Lucien. Something pressed against my lower back which had to be Dorian laying down behind me. Arbor came back, breathing heavily from his brief fight with Aqua, and lay in my lap (as much of him that would fit) and closed his eyes. I was still pissed at him for not letting me sleep in, so I pushed him onto the ground. Aqua and Maude came back, breathing heavily with content smiles on their faces, and sat next to me.

“It feels like months," I mumbled.

“That's only because you don't have anything to do," Cassandra answered. “For the last several years, you've been traveling, battling, and training. You can't just expect to give up your lifestyle and think you'll just adapt."

I looked up at Cassandra. Something in her voice gave me the impression she wasn't talking to me. Thinking on it, she spent a lot of time doing different things. It was always something new, a hobby or a project she just had to work on.  Maybe she was bored too and just needed a means to pass the time.

Cassandra had gone back to her drawing, staring at it and tilting her head as if trying to get an idea of what do next. Judging from the way the pencil was moving, she wasn't doing anything.

“What happened to starting the search for your brother again?"  she asked.

I thought about what you said. Maybe it's better not to go down that road again, I thought. I had no intention of admitting Cassandra was right—especially about that, so I asked, “What are you drawing?"

Cassandra's stared at her paper as if she was trying to decide how to finish it. But I knew the drawing was the last thing on her mind. “I'm gonna pretend you're not dodging and say, the clothing ideas for the fashion show."

 “Oh," I said, leaning back on Dorian and looking up as the sky. Then it dawned on me what Cassandra just said. I sat up and raised a brow at her. “Wait, clothing? And what fashion show?"

Maude started grumbling as if I should know what Cassandra was talking about. Sparks looked over his shoulder and barked.

Cassandra shook her head and said, “They're saying that we're having a Pokémon fashion show. The Pokémon are going to get dressed-up and show off the latest fashion lines created by yours truly."

I burst into laughter. All the Pokémon frowned at me, but I didn't care. The idea of Cassandra designing clothes was the funniest thing I heard all week. Cassandra always did her own thing, and so a few of her fashion decisions were a little…out there. Her hair was one example. She was naturally a brunette, but she dyed it blue and bleached the tips to match her Lucario's fur.

When I managed to stop laughing and my sides stopped hurting, I said, “You really are bored. You see a Lucario in a dress and suddenly you get an idea for a fashion show?"

Lucien stiffened. Maude started rolling across the grass, laughing hysterically. Cassandra started chewing on the end of her pencil.

“I thought you forgot about that," she said.

“No," I responded, smiling so wide, it made my cheeks hurt. “Since we're on the subject, how did this happen?"

“Lucien was watching me get dressed—"

“There are so many things wrong with what you just said."

“Don't make it weird. Anyway I asked him why didn't Pokémon wear clothes. He said he never thought about it, so we decided to have him try on a few things and see how he felt. After noticing  how good he looked in my outfits—"

“You're seriously making me question your relationship with him."

“Don't. Make. It. Weird. Anyway, after that I decided I wanted to design a fashion line specifically for Pokémon."

I leaned forward and put my face in my hands to hide that I was stifling another laugh. Images of Lucien wearing women's clothing kept flashing through my mind. When I finally managed to compose myself, I looked at her and said, “Ignoring the questionable bits, you do realize that in a Pokémon battle, their clothes will just get dirty and torn up? They would have to get dressed and undress for every battle and no one wants to go through that."

“Maya, the clothes are for casual use, not battling. Like, if you wanna take your Pokémon for a walk, or for anyone who isn't a trainer. C'mon, Maya, they already have spas and salons for Pokémon, why not make clothes, too?"

Cassandra had a point. I wasn't against the idea, I just didn't want Cassandra to invest more time and money in something that wasn't going to lead anywhere. “When you put it that way, it almost makes sense. I'll agree to it on one condition: where's the money coming from for all this? I just had to do a tournament because we were strapped for money."

Cassandra waved away my concerns. “Don't worry about that. I got it covered."

“Cassandra…"

“No, really. I have a friend who works in a boutique, and they agreed to foot the bill if they like my ideas. Plus, the Leavanny don't work for money. So long as I give them some of my special berry smoothies, they agreed to make the outfits."

I raised a brow. “You're gonna give them alcohol?"

“What? No! How many times do I have to tell you I don't put alcohol in the drinks? After what happened with Delphine, I know full well not to let any Pokémon drink. Maybe you'll change your mind when you see what I came up with." Cassandra held up the drawing pad for me to see.

It was a pretty accurate drawing of Maude wearing a sleeveless jacket with a studded bracelet on each arm. Leaning closer, I could see she had also drawn in a choker and two ribbons on the top Maude's head at the base of her large jaws.

“All right, I take back everything I said. That  looks badass, and if the fashion thing doesn't work out, you could make a killing as an artist. But I do have one question: How do you plan on creating this stuff? I've never seen you sew anything."

“Oh, that's easy. A few Leavanny moved in recently. When I told them about the fashion idea, Maya, you would not believe the way their eyes lit up. Turns out they're always making clothes for Sewaddle, and other small Pokémon. Being able to do something on this scale is something they've always dreamt of."

“Riiight," I said, fighting the urge to roll my eyes.

I had known about her ability to speak to Pokémon for almost as long as I'd known her. Patrick used to brag about it all the time. Even after all this time, I still sometimes found it hard to believe. Whether I believed it or not, I found it hard to imagine her talking fashion with a couple of Leavanny in the middle of the woods.

Cassandra whipped out an envelope the size of a postcard from her pocket. “Before you start thinking I'm gonna make you try on outfits and help make the clothes, don't. Right now, I just want you to focus on figuring out your next move."

I took the envelope and raised a brow. There was nothing on it except for my name neatly written in the center in large letters. “What's with the envelope? I start getting fan mail?"

“It's not fan mail. The old guy who dropped it off this morning said it was an invitation to the Battle Chateau."

“The Battle-what?"

“Just read it."

            I opened the envelope and found two pieces of paper inside. One was a fancy-looking letter with a golden trim and written in the neatest handwriting I had ever seen. The paper was crisp like was brand new. The other piece of paper was the size of a movie ticket.  I ignored it and read the letter first:

Miss Maya Martin,

Due to your numerous, praiseworthy accomplishments, we cordially invite you to join the elite trainers of the Pokémon society at the Battle Chateau.

In this exclusive social club and battle arena, you can enjoy the most thrilling of battles against like-minded and equally skilled trainers. Whether you seek entertainment, glory, riches, or a fierce challenge you will not be disappointed by what we have to offer.

If you wish to know more, we implore you to visit us at your earliest possible convenience. Our location is the edge of the river of Riviére Walk a half day's walk from Connecting Cave.

We thank you for your time and hope to see you among the elite rankings of Pokémon society.

I could barely contain my laughter as I read the invitation. “Are these guys serious?"

“Apparently so."

“Right. It sounds promising, but I don't really like how this 'elite trainer society' stuff sounds. How convenient I get this when I'm trying to figure out what to do to change my image as a trainer."

Cassandra shrugged and refused to make eye contact. “My parents always said to count your blessings."

“Cassandra—"

“Okay, okay, it was me. I put your name forward and asked them to invite you. They didn't want to because of your reputation, but I put in a good word for you. Maya, believe me, this place is perfect for you. Who you were doesn't matter too much there."

“Unless they're deciding whether to invite you or not."

“Come on, I know you're pissed, but do you have any better options? You're a trainer, and your Pokémon are practically trained warriors. You can't just sit around, get fat, and think you'll be happy with your life. Even if you get used to it, your Pokémon won't. Maya, you know I don't like to butt into people's business, but seriously, you should go, or at least check it out. If you still don't feel like doing it, then I'll back off. You know that Ian and I will support you—"

Lucien barked in protest, making Cassandra laugh. Whatever Lucien said, Arbor and Sparks joined in the protest as well. Aqua lifted her head and mewed in agreement. Maude looked at me and nodded, and I felt Dorian shift behind me.

“I'm sorry: Ian, me, and our Pokémon will support you, but only as long we know you've thought about it and decided it's what you want," Cassandra said. 

I turned to Maude who was giving me a pleading look. Arbor and Aqua were giving me hopeful stares as well.

“That's why woke me up isn't it? You wanted me to see Sharon Harris call me out so I would challenge her," I said to Arbor.

His ears fell and he dropped his head in shame.

It looks like I don't have much of an option. If Arbor is getting antsy, the others have to be getting restless as well. They need a challenge, and I can't give them one battling trainers in underground tourneys.

Cassandra tapped me on the shoulder. “You don't need to decide right now. Battle Chateau invites don't expire. Right now, you should focus on doing your chores."

“Wait, my what now?"

“You said you were going to help out more," Cassandra replied as if the answer were obvious. “I said this place runs itself, buuut on the rare days—like this one, you have to do some actual work.

“So first, I need you to check the areas around the edge of Beacon. There's a pack of wild Mightyena that've been trying to push into the area. They've already attack Lucien when he tried to talk to them, so I know they won't play nice. When you finish with that, I'll tell you what else needs to be done."

My jaw dropped. Beacon was several acres large—half of which was a forest. Patrolling just the borders on foot would take hours. The only Pokémon I had large enough to ride was Dust, but since a good portion of the Beacon was covered in trees, I had to walk most of the way. I wanted to argue, but as co-founder of Beacon, I needed to do my part. Also Cassandra probably wanted to make use of my experiences training in the wild with my uncle.

“Oh, come on, Cassandra," I said pleadingly. “I know you're just getting back at me for staying in my room the last two days, but seriously?"

Maude snickered into her claw.

“I don't know what you're laughing at, you're coming with me."

Maude immediately stopped laughing.

Patrolling Beacon was just as boring and tedious as I thought it was. Part of me actually wanted to run into the Mightyena so it would get a little interesting. Unfortunately, nothing happened, and there were no signs that they ever came back. If they had attacked Lucien, they learned the hard way this area is well-protected.

Maude grumbled the entire trip. Sparks and Dorian came along, too. Maude made no attempts to help out and questioned every wild Pokémon we did come across. Sparks was more helpful. He sniffed around, and spoke to the Pokémon if anything suspicious was going on, or at least, that's what I assumed he was asking them. Either way they were more pleased to speak to him than the moody Mawile. Dorian just followed behind us like a silent bodyguard. He never let me out of his sight, and growled if any wild Pokémon got too close.

            The sun was starting to set when Cassandra called me on my holo caster and said she sent her Pokémon to check out the other half of the area so I could head back to help her prepare dinner. I wasn't trying to walk back, so I found the nearest clearing and whistled for Dust to fly me back to the main house. Even with the ride, my legs and feet still hurt something horrible, and according to Cassandra, I wasn't even close to being done.

            There were no more leftovers, so Cassandra had to make dinner which meant going the greenhouse and picking berries. She planned to make some kind of berry-vegetable casserole. Cassandra had already picked the berries by the time I got back, but I still had to sit there and  separating the berries and mashing them for the meal Cassandra was planning. We talked while we prepared the food, mostly the different clothing ideas Cassandra had for the outfits and the developments of the wild Pokémon living in the sanctuary. Thankfully, Cassandra avoided talking about the Battle Chateau or my reasons for not battling anymore, and changed the subject whenever it seemed we would were going in that direction.

            I learned that the reason Ian and his Pokémon were missing was because they went to Vert Plaza in Lumiose City to train, and that's where he claimed to be spending his time whenever he wasn't with me.  

 “What about Ian's battling anxiety?" I asked. “You mention a Pokémon battle and he gets nervous."

“I don't know. Maybe he feels self-conscious around us, and doesn't want us to see him like that," Cassandra said.

“So he doesn't trust us then? Doesn't he know that we don't care about that?"

“You're one to talk. I can barely get you to tell me what day it is half the time."

I was quiet until dinner was ready.

We worked in a system to get the food outside. I prepped the bowls while Cassandra carried them outside for our Pokémon to eat. Once we were finished, I put away the leftovers for Ian's Pokémon when he brought them back and got started cleaning up.

            Cleaning the kitchen took no time at all. Strangely, after spending the whole afternoon walking around and helping Cassandra with the cooking, I wasn't the least bit tired. While I still had the energy, I went upstairs to clean my bedroom. I took my time picking up clothes and deciding which ones should go in the laundry and putting the rest away. Unfortunately, there wasn't enough to qualify as a full load so I couldn't wash them. The Pokémon toys that littered the floor, I swept into the closet with my foot. There was no point in putting them away since my Pokémon would make a mess later anyway. In less than an hour, my room was clean again. I swore, realizing I should've taken my time. I had hoped that making dinner and cleaning up would take up the rest of the day, but instead I was bored. With nothing else better to do, I headed downstairs and almost walked right into Lucien.

Before I could ask what he was doing, I heard a knock at the front door. As a Lucario, Lucien could detect the auras of living things. He most likely felt the aura of someone approaching the house and came inside to find me.

“Is it anyone we need to worry about?" I asked.

Lucien closed his eyes, and the appendages on the back of his head moved slightly as he felt out the aura on the other side of the door. When he opened his eyes and shook his head, I opened the door.

An older, and slightly taller, version of Ian was standing outside. Unlike Ian, his black hair was streaked with grey along the temple and the man had a stronger jaw. He was definitely a Pokémon trainer; the way he stood suggested he was getting into a stance to throw a Poké Ball. He looked at me with a friendly expression, but I could see the years of experience buried in his green eyes.

"Hello, Miss. I'm looking for Ian Doyle."

“You must be Ian's father," I said. It's funny how I can recognize you even though I've never once seen your face. It's even funnier how Ian's been here for a while but you never once showed up.

“Yes, I am," the man said, extending his hand to me. “My name is Vance. Pleasure to me you, Miss…?"

I looked at the man's hand but didn't shake it. “Maya," I replied tonelessly. “If you're looking for Ian, he's not here."

Vance lowered his hand, but he didn't seem put off by my rudeness. “All right. Do you know where he is? I really need to talk to him."

“Maya, who's that?" came Cassandra's voice from behind Vance. He must've had no idea she was there because he jumped the moment she spoke. His hand instinctively went to his side where I caught a glimpse of an Ultra Ball clipped to his belt.

Vance quickly recovered and lowered his hand. “Excuse me, I didn't hear you approach. My name is Vance. As Miss Martin said, I'm Ian's father."

“And he was just leaving," I said.

Vance turned to me and said, “Actually, Miss Martin, I wouldn't mind waiting until my son returns." There was a small note of irritation in his voice.

I didn't tell you my last name, old man, I thought. That means you knew who I was before I told you. Lucien would know if you were lying, so I can give you a pass on that. But why hasn't Ian mentioned you before?

“Oh! You're Ian's dad. It's a pleasure to meet you," Cassandra said. “I'm Cassandra and that's Lucien,"—she pointed to her Lucario standing next to me—“and you already met the grouchy one. Don't worry about her; she didn't have her afternoon nap."

I gave Cassandra the finger at her comment. She smiled and shook Vance's hand before gesturing for him to go inside. I clenched my jaw and stepped to the side to let him in. It was then I noticed Dorian, Sparks, and Aqua standing at the base of the stairs.

Vance pointed at the Pokémon and asked, “Those are very beautiful Pokémon. Someone put a lot of care into raising them. Are they yours?"

Aqua blushed at the compliment, Sparks straightened up, Dorian continued to stare with the same stone-faced expression, and I rolled my eyes at Vance.

“Yeah, they're mine. Now why do you want to talk to Ian?" I asked.

“I'm sorry, but that is between me and my son," Vance said, throwing me a you're-getting-on-my-nerves look. “Judging from the way you've been treating me, I guess he hasn't been saying good things about me."

“Actually, Ian hasn't mentioned you at all," Cassandra said, also throwing me a dirty look.

“Because he's obviously embarrassed to admit he knows the man," I said.

“Maya!" Cassandra admonished. She grabbed my arm and pulled me into the kitchen.  “Okay, spit it out. What the hell is your problem?"

“I don't like him," I said simply.

Cassandra tilted her head, and frowned. “But Ian's never mentioned him. How can you hate someone you don't even know?"

I glanced over Cassandra's shoulder to make sure Vance wasn't close enough to hear us. He was still by the front door, admiring my Pokémon from a distance. I still lowered my voice and said, “You're right. Ian never talked about his father. Even when he was in danger of losing his closest friend, he never once tried to contact him. That tells me plenty. Plus, how long has Ian been staying here? Why hasn't his father visited sooner?"

“ 'Losing his closest friend?' What do you mean by that?"

“Ask Ian. It's not my place to tell."

“Fair enough. But, Maya, it's pretty obvious Ian's dad is trying to repair whatever happened between them. Who are we to get in the way of that?"

“We'd be good friends by keeping our friend off the emotional roller coaster this is gonna turn into. And I'm not getting in the way of anything. If Ian wants to talk to his father, he can decide that when he comes back. We should stay out of it."

“But shouldn't we tell him so he knows he's here?"

“No. We need to stay out of it."

“But, Maya—"

“No."

“Are you sure you're not taking this too personally?"

I folded my arm across my chest and my brow rose. I hoped Cassandra was not going where it sounded like she was going with this. “Excuse me?"

“Okay, hear me out on this," Cassandra offered. “Maybe you're confusing Ian's relationship with his dad with your relationship with your—"

“Don't," I warned, my fists clenching at my sides. As a trained martial artist, Cassandra could easily take me in a fair fight, but it didn't stop my muscles from tensing up. “I let you get away with saying a lot of shit, but that is crossing the line."

Cassandra raised her hands and backed away. “Fine, but I still think you're being unfair. I know what it's like to feel like your parents don't give a Rattatta's ass about you. Believe me—they care more than you think." She spun around and went back to Vance and Lucien before I could retort.

I clenched my jaw and stormed out the back door and leaned on the porch railing. The Pokémon had finished their meals and went about their business, leaving the bowls piled in a corner and porch deserted. Arbor was laying on the porch nearby. He opened one eye when I came outside.

“Go get my Poké Balls will you?" I said without looking at him. When he disappeared inside, I grabbed the railing and squeezed it as hard as I could. I took several deep breaths to try and calm my nerves.

You know you're only angry because you know she's right, my conscience said.

Shut up. I'm not in the mood for you, I shot back.

You're never in the mood for too much of anything. Well, regardless of however you feel, Ian should make the call himself.

I'm not keeping his dad from him, I argued. If Ian really wanted to talk, he knows how to find him.

But you said it yourself: You don't want Ian to go down the road you did. Shouldn't someone go to Lumiose and let him know his dad is here. If he decides to stay away, that's his business.

Arbor coming back took me away from my thoughts. He carried the Poké Ball holster on his back and gave me a worried look. I took the holster and attached it to my belt. I could sense Aqua, Sparks, and Dorian were already inside their Poké Balls. I then thanked Arbor for his help and returned him to his Poké Ball. I hopped over the railing and whistled. Within seconds, Dust, Maude, and Sunny were in front of me. I didn't say anything as I called Sunny and Maude back to their Poké Balls. Dust caught on and turned around, holding his wings open so I could climb onto his back.

I hopped on the back of my Flygon, patted his neck and said, “Let's go to Lumiose. There's nothing else for us to do here."