”To think the legends of Unova could be true ... is hard to imagine...” Half in thought, I rest my chin in one hand and try to recall the story of how it all came to be. But I can hardly concentrate.

  The sun’s rays fill this room with a friendly brightness and the gentle breeze wafting through the window chases Amethio’s flu away.

  Briefly, my gaze wanders to him. He is sitting up in bed, tucked under the covers, and although he could run around and ruin himself again, Ariana has given him a week of bed rest. Today is the last day of this order and so far he has complained surprisingly little. He hasn’t even protested about me visiting him every day, bringing food and making sure he drinks enough.

  “Most legends and tales have a certain amount of truth to them,” Amethio replies. One hand rests on the books he has stacked next to the pillow to pass the time when I leave him alone. “At least it’s possible that every Pokémon mentioned anywhere exists.”

  He sounds like a professor – maybe even a bit like Spinel, all of whose invitations I’ve turned down recently. The attractions I’m missing out on hurt my chest a little, but if it makes Amethio take better care of himself, I’m fine with that.

  In exchange, togetherness with him almost feels normal again. There’s still that fluttery tightness in my chest, but my hands are no longer shaking and I can think straight. Amethio still follows me into my dreams, but I can ignore those confusing scenes. Whether we’re hugging, holding hands or he simply strokes my cheek – these are fantasies I can swallow without a word. And I’m a little proud of it.

  “If all stories contain some truth ... then aren’t there any legends about ... Terapagos? Or about the black Rayquaza?”

  He taps the cover of a book with his index finger, as if he wants to tell me that this is the only reason he reads all these texts. “There are references that tell of Terapagos. However, Paldea has reserved the right to keep all stories about this Pokémon in its largest libraries. You can also find this information online. And it’s not listed in the Pokédex.”

  “The same applies to Rayquaza?”

  He shakes his head, causing his perfectly organised waves to sway. “There’s a lot of information about Rayquaza. However, only a fairytale book about one that’s also black.”

  Understanding nods overwhelm me before I comb through my own research, trying to help him with a thought or two.

  “Maybe our Rayquaza is simply a special variant,” I begin slowly. “There are Pokémon that differ from their usual colouring due to genetic defects and mutations. However, we’re not talking about creatures like ... the Rattata on Alola and the Rattata from other regions. These are different types of Rattata. But let’s take my Zoroark. It’s black and red. But when it deviates from its colour scheme and becomes what they call ‘shimmering’, it’s black-purple. It’s also referred to as ‘shiny’.”

  “You think the black Rayquaza is some kind of ... variation of the actual Pokémon?”

  I hum in agreement. “If we add that there are many more universes than ours – at least based on what I’ve seen on Alola – then there must be hundreds of Rayquazas out there. And maybe this is the one that’s different.”

  In thought, Amethio puts a hand to his chin. The idea seems to fascinate him just as much as it did me two nights ago. It’s good to see that he’s listening to me and looking at me, too. We have actual conversations in which, for a change, I don’t have to worry about whether he’s ignoring me. It’s only when I talk about Spinel that his attention wanders far away and I can no longer reach him. That’s why I haven’t spoken about him for four days. It’s better this way.

  “We should probably take a closer look at the Ultra Wormholes and these ‘Shinys’.” Amethio finally lowers his eyelids. “If there’s more than one Rayquaza out there, maybe the same goes for Terapagos.”

  “Probably...” Something I hadn’t thought of and it makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. One Terpagos already seems like it could cause a lot of trouble. A second one sounds like a desire for destruction.

  Then again, our conversations are nothing more than simple speculation. Nobody guarantees that the legendary Pokémon found in tales and sagas exist more than once. Surely there are worlds out there where certain Pokémon are unknown – just as Nihilego was for us.

  With a sigh, I push myself out of the chair and shake my head. As long as Amethio only harbours thoughts he doesn’t plan to put into action, I shouldn’t worry about things that may never happen.

  “Where are you going?” His sudden question catches me off guard all at once, and even though he probably knows I’m not going to meet up with Spinel, there seems to be everlasting suspicion in him I have to nip in the bud.

  “If we’re going to be thinking about alternative dimensions, I should make sure you eat and drink enough in between,” I say. It’s almost afternoon. If I hurry, I can still get some good things from the fruit shop around the corner. “I’ll be back here in an hour at the latest.”

  His brow twitches gently. “I can take care of myself.”

  “Like you took care of yourself when you collapsed from dragging your fever around for days?” Eyelids slightly lowered, I scrutinise Amethio from top to bottom. I’m in no position to reprimand him. He is no less careless than I am in many situations. Back on Poni, I didn’t want to stay in bed either, even though my shoulder would have thanked me for it. It may have healed in the meantime, but the memory is still frighteningly fresh.

  Amethio probably doesn’t see it any differently, but only replies with a snort before grabbing one of his books and turning to the next chapter of an old Paldean manuscript. It gives me time to separate from him and leave the room.

  In the corridor, I check everything I’m carrying. The beige belt bag sits firmly on my hip, its colour blending pleasantly with the cream-coloured, shoulder-free jumper, which is long enough to function as a short dress. The heart print looks a little childish, but it gives me that relaxed feeling of being able to go on long journeys. With the shoes that Lillie once got me, I have almost every option open to me.

  In this case, the way to the fruit shop.

  》WHISPERS《

  The temperatures are slowly cooling down. Each passing day brings autumn closer and even if you can hardly see any change here, people adapt in their everyday lives. Some women have switched to light jumpers, others are barely showing any skin – although it’s only September and it will be a while before the real cold sets in. The light tan that I carried over from Alola is now missing and despite my aversion to the unfriendly temperatures of the islands there, I miss nature a little. I didn’t see much, and I paid attention to even less, but I know it was a bit more relaxed there than here.

  If you walk around Castelia City long enough, you get used to the noise, the Pidoves, the Grimers among the rubbish bags in the dark side streets, and also the Pokémon that sometimes run off with stolen goods. The latter is probably only rarely seen here, but I once observed it from my window – at five in the morning on a sleepless night – and the scenario of a cursing baker chasing a nimble Purrloin will probably haunt my mind for a while.

  An old lady greets me when I arrive at the shop and a quick tour through the shelves and displays leads me to buy some apples and kiwis, as well as mandarins and Nanab berries, which I can use to make juice for Amethio. A bit of variety will do him good and the rustling of the paper bag awakens a kind of anticipation in me that makes me smile – as if I’m going home after shopping to prepare something for my boyfriend. It’s crazy and yet it’s a warming thought. I didn’t have any of that at home. No free time and no special requests for food.

  Pressing the bag gently to my chest, I make my way back, more elated than before. Amethio has probably already filtered out a few new clues from his books and we’ll discuss them until dinner. In the meantime, we might take a few steps towards the park so my Pokémon can get some exercise and Ceruledge and Corviknight can get some time out of their balls. It’ll be the same as the last three days, and I can’t say I would mind if all this went on a little longer.

  My gaze glides over the facades, the people, the shop windows – until I get stuck on a bakery advertising new pastries on sale. Perhaps Amethio would also be happy about something sweet.

  In the end, I let myself be drawn in by the offer and as soon as I cross the threshold, I bump into someone. Unsteadily, I stumble back two steps before taking a hasty look in my bag and exhaling with relief. Then my gaze wanders to the figure in front of me – to N’s chapped lower lip.

  “Oh ... Domino. Good to see you.” His words tumble over each other as he gives me a stiff smile. The exhaustion in his eyes settles icily on my shoulders.

  Looking for a quick distraction, I point to the small bag in his hands. “Sweets?”

  He follows my gaze before inspecting his purchase and raising his arm. The white sleeve of his shirt can’t hide the bruises on his wrist. “They keep recommending this bakery.”

  “Your friends?”

  His eyes move to me, meaningful yet wordless. After the encounter with his Zoroark, it’s hard to just greet him and move on.

  “You know ... don’t you?” Instead of answering, he steers our conversation in a different direction.

  “It was predictable. You fitted in perfectly with Plasma’s twisted image when we first met,” I reply slowly. “And after Ghetsis’ broadcast, it was an ... obvious thought. Did they do this to you? Plasma?” I nod my chin briefly towards his wrist, but he shakes his head.

  “No.” He doesn’t even bother trying to hide anything. “There was a little argument with my dad.”

  “And then he beat you up like that?”

  “It was my ... fault. I almost ruined everything he did for me ... because I wanted to run away from my duties.” He lowers his eyes. “For a moment, I was ... intrigued by your idea that you have to go travelling to understand some things. I don’t even know half of this region.”

  “Your father wasn’t thrilled that you wanted to learn more before you continued to express an opinion?”

  His lids lower. “I don’t have time to go travelling. This bakery visit ... is the last thing I’m going to do before I head off to summon the Legendary Pokémon.” He looks at me again and the hopeful gleam in his eyes captivates me for a breath. “I will meet it and then it will decide whether my path is the right or wrong one.”

  “What happens then?”

  “If my path is the right one, then this region will change and I will free the Pokémon,” replies N. “But if it’s the wrong one, then ... I won’t bother with it anymore...”

  “You’re going to give up?”

  “I won’t have any other choice.”

  At this point, I can probably count on both hands how many times I’ve been at a loss for words. Even at this moment, I don’t know what I can say. What would be the right thing to do? How can I help him? I’ve made Zoroark believe I would try, but I don’t even know how to go about it. Telling him now that his Pokémon wouldn’t be happy with this decision doesn’t work inside my head. Only the legendary Pokémon’s choice seems to give him security. A creature I don’t know much more about than what the history books tell me.

  There is nothing I can say to bridge this distance between us – his goal and my thoughts. Even apart from that, I don’t know what to say. What do I have left?

  This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

  “You look like you’re ... worried.” N, meanwhile, smiles as if there isn’t a cloud in the sky. “Should the dragons ... or at least one of them, accept me, I’ll make sure you and your team can stay together ... if that’s what they really want.”

  “Favourable treatment?” My voice is like a gasp. It should sound amused, but the noise just won’t come off my tongue properly.

  N, however, puts his free hand on my shoulder. “Father said you’ll need it.”

  He doesn’t give me time to process any of this or form a thought. Instead, he heads off and I can only watch him go. Chasing after him now is probably as futile as hoping for answers to everything that troubles me. Besides, I have to get back to Amethio. My hour is almost up.

  Sluggishly, I set off and make my way back. My legs weigh like lead, bowing to my body’s reluctance to let this go. The bakery has lost all its charm, just as the anticipation of my time with Amethio has faded. Every step is a chore. Twice I look over my shoulder, but N has already disappeared among the other people.

  It’s maybe five minutes to the headquarters. A few metres before I can take a deep breath and sit down with Amethio to talk about this encounter. He also listened to me when I raised my concerns about Ghetsis and his supposed knowledge of me for the fifth time. The hope he will show patience this time, too, hastens my steps.

  But I don’t reach the protective four walls before a ghostly dark haze lifts from the pavement and forms into thick clouds. The passers-by around me stop. Exclamations of confusion reach me. Meanwhile, the fog closes in, robbing me of my vision and the brightness of the day for a moment; until the area in front of me opens up like a curtain. Light from the outside world enters, closely followed by the footsteps of a man who makes my heart skip a beat.

  His colourful robe is bathed in shadows by the darkness, while the eyes on the fabric shimmer like burning memorials – as if he is controlling the light for his appearance. Next to him is a floating Pokémon. Barely perceptible hands dance through its surroundings, while the sarcophagus in which the creature itself rests appears like a ghost of the night due to its glowing red gaze.

  “I’m delighted to see you again, Domino.” The smile on Ghetsis’ features has a kindness that doesn’t match the atmosphere in which he holds me captive. “I apologise for this inconvenience, but I don’t want outsiders in our conversation.”

  Subliminally, my free hand moves to my bag. “Why did you come back?”

  “To bring you home, my child.” He holds his hand out to me like an offer. “I’m sure you have questions I can answer if you let me. For far too long you have wandered in the darkness your father imposed on you, ignorant and robbed of a part of yourself. I can help you reclaim what was stolen.”

  This is probably my moment. If I agree now, I’ll finally get all the information I need to fill in the gaps in my memory. I might understand my father, remember my mother better, and therefore also the reason we were on the run.

  Then again, I know I must be smarter than that. My hand closes tightly around a worn Poké Ball. No one promises me Ghetsis isn’t lying. Maybe he’s just saying all these things to lure me in; maybe he picked up the things he knows somewhere to sound believable. He’s good with words.

  I also need to be more mindful and although my hands are sticky with sweat, the next thought makes me smile. If I disappear now, it will drive Amethio out of bed. He’ll get restless because I haven’t come back and he’ll get carried away again because he thinks he’s invincible when he’s set his mind on something.

  I don’t want to make him worry – even if he would never admit to said worry. But that’s okay. First, I’ll escape this situation and then return to him, listen to his rebuke and discuss our last topic with him.

  “Sorry,” I skilfully pull out Ying’s Poké Ball, “but I think I’d rather capture and explore my memories myself.”

  Within the blink of an eye, Zoroark is standing in front of me. Her red mane stands out clearly in this unnatural darkness, and as I smile at her, it’s my gaze toward Ghetsis that freezes it on my lips.

  He has lifted his chin, his mouth twisted, and a contemptuous snort quivers through all his clothes. “Why are you children always so ... demanding? Your morbid conviction that you are in better control of your lives than an adult harbours nothing more than despicable arrogance that was driven out of your bodies far too late.” He shakes his head briefly. “Let me tell you that all my politeness ends here. You will learn to behave as a queen is expected to.”

  “The way your organisation makes N act as one would expect a king to?” I hiss back, but only receive a dismissive wave of his hand.

  “Harmonia, as my son, has been created to do what is right in life. He will give me the power to rule this region in a way that was meant for nobility.” Slowly, his Cofagrigus shifts in front of him. “He will be a good king in the hands of a true ruler. But even if he makes a passable hero, he seems to be easily dazzled ... despite all my education and dedication.”

  And the bruises he has received. Ghetsis has inflicted suffering on N – Harmonia? – to mould him to his will. I don’t know how deep this relationship is between the two of them, but I hope N hasn’t received attention like this more often.

  “I don’t want to be and won’t be a queen for Plasma,” I finally state.

  “You will,” Ghetsis counters. “Plasma will welcome you and then you and your abilities will serve as an experiment for the future of Unova – until you are no longer needed.”

  Before I can say anything back, Ghetsis snaps his fingers and the dark curtain closes. Suddenly there is only Cofagrigus, its arms no longer visible. It scrutinises Ying and me with a fixed gaze, and when a crooked smile reveals pointed teeth, all we can do is act.

  “Scratch!” I point at our opponent. “Grab it! And if it flees, pursuit!”

  Ying merely twitches an ear before raising her heavy paws and charging towards Cofagrigus in the next blink of an eye. Her red claws chase ahead, but only tear through billowing darkness as the Pokémon disappears behind its mist. Only her good hearing allows her to pursue. She plunges into the blackness, leaving me alone, but reappears a few steps away from me shortly afterwards. There is no sign of Cofagrigus.

  The hairs on the back of my neck stand on end with tension. I doubt we can just walk out through the shadows like this. My gaze wanders over our surroundings, but I can’t recognise anything.

  Only when I think I hear an unintelligible whisper do I turn my attention to a corner. The blackness seems to gather there and before I realise the circumstances, a shadow ball appears out of nowhere.

  It hurtles straight in our direction, causing me to make a lightning-fast leap to the side, which Ying copies. We both throw ourselves in different directions so the attack strikes next to us and disappears in spraying sparks of energy – a veil from which Cofagrigus rises.

  Zoroark reacts immediately, strikes with her claw and crashes into the Pokémon’s golden body. Screeches echo through the darkness as if someone has scratched fingernails across a blackboard – but Cofagrigus remains unharmed. Instead, it grabs Ying with its hands, fixes her in one spot, and gathers its energy for another attack.

  Immediately, I reach for my bag – my purchases are scattered on the ground – and dig out another ball. I can’t risk losing. So I send Trumbeak into the race.

  I don’t have to tell him anything to get him to peck his beak at Cofagrigus. The opposing Pokémon remains unharmed, but the sudden disturbance of another Pokémon causes it to let go of Ying and crawl back into the fog.

  “Coro, try to blow away the fog! Ying, pursuit!”

  I have to keep up. Losing sight of Cofagrigus could quickly prove fatal in our situation. Besides, I don’t know what Pokémon are waiting for me after this one. Ghetsis will certainly have more than one partner to watch out for.

  While Ying disappears into the mist, Trumbeak flaps his wings as hard as he can. Yet nothing changes in our surroundings. The dark, far too cold veil of mist cannot be lifted. Something that Coro also realises as his attempts slow down and he finally gives up.

  I can barely catch my breath and make a new plan before the curtain parts at one point. A purple tide creeps inside, wafting along the darkness, and when Ying appears somewhere in between, I immediately search for her opponent. But Cofagrigus is nowhere to be seen, although Zoroark slashes into the darkness with her claws and finally a metallic clang is heard. Then, all at once, Cofagrigus’ body bursts out of the darkness, reaching out for Ying, but she bites before it can grab her. Shadows stretch between her claws but don’t give way, so she lets go.

  Despite his superiority, our opponent keeps his distance. We have caused damage, I am sure, but Cofagrigus seems unimpressed.

  “It’s clear on your face you lack the knowledge for this battle.” Ghetsis’ words reach me in a muffled voice. “Ghosts are weak creatures whose purpose in life is to make themselves look better than they are. Cofagrigus‘ coffin is hard, but unfortunately, it isn’t unbreakable.” A deep, subtle laugh filters through to me. “So I had no choice but to teach this Pokémon how to keep itself alive in battle with leftovers.”

  “With ... leftovers?” The vague memory of a list of all items and abilities flickers in the back of my mind.

  “Imagine, useless creatures with no decency, class or intelligence are perfect for being eaten by Cofagrigus. At first, it only took what it needed, but after a few lessons it realised how much wiser it is to save food for later.” His voice grows louder, almost echoing in the middle of this darkness. “How many Pokémon and human remains do you think it keeps in its coffin to feed on the remaining energy of individual parts?”

  My stomach turns. Ghost-type Pokémon are different in many ways. Research assumes that they represent souls who never found peace. It’s one of countless theories that has no proven basis. They are all just theories. What has been proven, however, is that these Pokémon have a higher level of violence. Most of them sneak into human society, kidnap, eat, frighten and destroy entire lives.

  “Pokémon are fascinating, aren’t they?” Ghetsis’ snort rolls over me like an avalanche. “And people cling to the reprehensible belief that each of them has the right to control said creatures. Yet such a privilege is reserved solely for a ruler, so the power of a region can be used to expand the country and make society flourish. Don’t you think so, too?”

  The only thing that gets through to me is his desire for war. All at once it becomes clear why he is twisting things around to direct N into a suitable position. If the legend is true and N gets the power of the dragons, some Pokémon will surrender to him. And Ghetsis will use this resource to point the finger at the next region. He longs for domination of everything.

  Hands clenched into fists, I lack an option. Sending Mimikyu into this fight isn’t right. She needs more time to heal. Lum isn’t strong enough to take on Cofagrigus, which leaves me with Growlithe. Maybe her fire can do some damage.

  But before I can dig her ball out of my pocket, Coro lets out a harsh croak ringing unpleasantly in my ears. Immediately afterwards, he rushes head over heels past Ying towards our opponent. Beak first, he crashes against the gold of the sarcophagus before he hammers furiously at the metal. Like a small drill, he hacks around in a circle with such lightning speed that dents appear, and a small spark of hope lights up in my chest.

  However, this hope is short-lived. Trumbeak is so focussed on his attack that he notices too late how one of Cofagrigus’ hands rises and smashes him to the ground in a single blow.

  “Coro!” Instantly I grab his ball, jump three steps forward and call him back before anything worse happens. At the same time, I drop Raya’s ball and raise my voice. “Flamethrower!”

  She has barely materialised when she throws blazing fire at Cofagrigus with full force. Its scream sends shivers down my spine and I tense my shoulders. I can see it lashing out with its billowing hands, the flames melting the gold, and then it disappears back into its dark mist to escape Growlithe’s heated attack.

  I take a quick breath. It’s hard to believe, but Raya’s love for battle makes her my strongest Pokémon. She is my rescue – a light in this darkness that loses its glow as small fireballs float out of the fog towards us.

  “Will-O-Wisp...” A huff escapes me before I glance over my shoulder.

  The red fireballs surround us. Ying also moves closer to me and no matter how I look at it, Cofagrigus not only seems to want to corner, but also to confuse us. No one can tell where the Pokémon is and just touching a wisp can cause severe burns.

  And then it occurs to me.

  Raya’s body generates heat. Fire doesn’t bother her and I’m sure she’s unfamiliar with burns.

  “Raya,” is all I can think of, “devour the lights!”

  A brave bark escapes her before she leaps forward and approaches the wisps. With powerful leaps, she chases towards a ball, snaps at it, bursts into flames for a moment, and makes me hold my breath. Only for a blink before she bursts out of the fire as if nothing has happened. Only her fur is blazing, glowing as if it is storing all the heat inside.

  She swallows one wisp after another. All danger disappears, our chances of winning increase, and when the mist suddenly splits at one point, Ying immediately points with her heavy paw at the flickering behind it.

  “Flamethrower!” Instantly, I pass our discovery to Raya so she can throw the accumulated fire with all her might at the dark beam, which chases in our direction in the same breath.

  Almost black violet crashes into unrestrained heat, mingling with the flames and bursting in all directions. The flames reach behind the gloomy curtain and just as I hope to be victorious, something breaks through Raya’s fire.

  I have to blink several times before I realise that it’s not Cofagrigus that’s attacking. Instead, Hydreigon’s thunderous growl breaks through to us and brings his huge body to the fore. None of us knows how to react. Its three heads are tilted in different directions and even Raya doesn’t know how to retreat before one of the smaller ones snaps at her with its toothless mouth. Her sudden yelp as a powerful jaw catches her and crushes one of her legs sends a chill through my bones.

  My hands want to reach for Rotom, to see if it can name me a quick weakness, but my legs move unasked. It’s only four jumps to Growlithe. A short distance I can easily overcome – could, if it weren’t for three heads.

  Before I can even reach out to her, a dragon pulse strikes behind me. My body is thrown forward and a hasty glance over my shoulder brings Zoroark into view. She’s still standing, but one arm is bleeding and she doesn’t know what to do with herself.

  I have no choice but to stop halfway and my whole body shudders. Her ball finds its way into my hands and just as I call her back, something squeezes the air out of my lungs.

  Ying hasn’t completely disappeared into her Poké Ball when I take off and crash backwards to the ground. Hastily, I try to gasp for air but can’t find the strength to breathe in. A tremor runs through my body as I scrape my nails across the tarmac. Sweat burns on my skin. I have to breathe. Somehow. Saliva collects on my tongue. I swallow.

  And all at once, my body eagerly absorbs the oxygen from my surroundings.

  Dazed, my eyes wander over my surroundings. Ying’s ball isn’t far away from me. I can neither see nor hear Raya. I want to sit up and see how she fights our opponent, but my muscles don’t move. The taste of blood on my lips elicits a snivelling gasp, and my head throbs.

  “It’s always fascinating to see how people deal with unexpected tactics; how they fail and yet don’t admit defeat because they believe a battle between Pokémon only ends when there’s no one left to fight for them.”

  Ghetsis’ voice reaches me, moving closer until he finally leans over me.

  “What most people miss is the simple option of ending a battle early by getting rid of the trainer.” The smile on his lips mocks me. “We’re not in the middle of a childish gym, Domino. Out here, trainers always remain the weakest link in a fight.” He taps his forehead. “It’s quite simple.”

  I open my mouth, wanting to say something, but all that escapes me is a weak cough. My eyelids weigh a tonne.

  Meanwhile, Ghetsis holds an Ultra Ball in front of my nose. “I took the liberty of taking your Growlithe into my care. It was too exhausted to fight a nonsensical battle against a new home. I’m sure she’ll find time to recover alongside the rest of your team.”

  A twitch runs through my arms, but I can’t do anything. Everything is numb, exhausted, and somehow broken. Every clear thought blurs before I can think it through; and as my eyes close, I have no choice but to accept this defeat.