Chapter Text
«For nineteen days there will be celebrations all across the Nation…» says the joyful voice of a reporter. «Each day will be dedicated to a Pokémon Type, and the last one will be in honor of Everlasting Arkheon, our Deity!»
Eva turns off the TV. Even in the middle of the night, people are all busy cheering.
«It wasn’t supposed to be like this», Eva mutters angrily. «It wasn’t supposed to be like this.»
«What do we do now?» asks Nerina. She, Psiana and Folipurba are sitting on Eva’s bed, while the girl walks around her room stressed.
«I don’t know! It was just supposed to- to-! Mmghf!» Eva sits on the bed. «I don’t want to do this with cameras following us every day!»
A heavy silence falls over the room. No one knows what to say. Within a day, the entire nation has learned of Eva and Arkheon's message, but apparently the implicit “Eva will do it alone” part hasn't sunk in.
«…Can’t we join the Pokémon Rangers under special permission?» proposes Psiana. «So, they will be forced to leave us alone.»
But Eva shakes her head. «It’s almost impossible for me to enter, when the situation is… this» she makes a big sign with her arms. «Plus, you must attend a special school and no way I’m going back at school.»
«In fact we have a special permission.»
«They don’t work like that.»
«Can’t we simply run away and do our things?» says Nerina.
Everyone looks at her.
«Guys. Do we really have any other option?»
«… we don’t», mutters Eva. «But running away is… is simply wrong. That would make my parents extremely worried.» She shakes her head. «But what else can we do?»
«We can leave a note», says Folipurba. «But the clock is ticking. We don’t have much time.»
Eva hastily grabs a piece of paper and a pen and writes:
I have started my Pokémon Journey. Do not search me, I am safe and well. I have three Pokémon that can protect me. Traveling is my highest calling, not becoming the next High Priestess. Hope you all can understand.
Goodbye,
Eva Luzione
«This is more than enough», says Psiana. «I would’ve added that this is an imperious order from Arkheon Kherself!»
«Stay calm. Let’s get everything prepared.»
«For that part, I was already ready.» Eva puts on a white and gold shoulder bag. «The only problem is I don't have a Pokédex. What do we do? We can't steal one.»
«We’ll do it the old fashioned way. — Psiana lifts a notebook and a pen with his psychic powers — Something tells me we don’t have time.»
Nerina checks: «Pokédex, we have a replacement. We'll make the Poké Balls. It's nighttime. We just have to get going.»
And so, the group leaves.
It is at the very first light of dawn that they arrive at the slopes of the so-called "Skeleton of Ivoi", the mountain range also known as the Pennines. They're tired and covered in dust and sweat. Going to a Pokémon Center would be convenient, but it's not wise.
«There's a stream there», says Folipurba, taking a few steps to the right. «We can at least have a bath.»
Everyone looks at each other, then heads unanimously toward the stream. There's a sign indicating the water is safe to drink. Folipurba quickly gulps down a large amount of water, while Psiana carefully cleans his fur. Nerina drinks less eagerly than Folipurba, but it's obvious she was thirsty. Eva also takes a few sips of water. It's just a common, unnamed stream somewhere in central Lazo, but its water tastes like divine ambrosia.
«My, now I look presentable again», says Psiana satisfied. Then he gets in the water. «I've never swam at the crack of dawn», he comments, swimming around.
Soon, everyone’s taking a bath. The water is cool and there is a gentle current that is ideal for washing away any debris. The sun peeks through the treetops, illuminating the scene. Eva's few belongings — her backpack and clothes — are placed on some nearby rocks, positioned so she can grab them immediately.
«Adventure is good when you don’t have cameras pushed down your throat every second», says Nerina, swimming around Eva. «And then, setting off on an adventure in secret is much more exciting, don't you think?»
«I agree.» Psiana is swimming in circles, creating a small whirlpool of water. Folipurba is relaxing, floating around in the water with her tail tight to a fallen branch. The only one who isn’t having some sort of fun is Eva.
What should they do now? Eva's desire was to become the strongest Trainer in the nation (possibly even on the continent), but now? She's now given a mission by Arkheon Kherself: to find all the fragments, which may be the Spheres. But even then, what's the logic of throwing the Spheres of Evolution around Ivoi? They’re sacred, a source of immense power, they keep the Types in balance.
«I’ve noticed you’re a bit down. Is everything all right?» asks Psiana with care.
«Yeah, you’re not the normal joyful you», says Nerina.
Eva looks down at the water. «It’s just… what do we do now? We ran away and probably everyone’s after us.»
«For that you don’t have to worry», Folipurba smiles tenderly. «We, as Blessed Eeveelutions, have… “powers” other normal Pokémon don’t have. Exempli gratia, while I was napping, I learned this whole territory. Now I know it like my own paws. Every cave, every path… I have them all registered.»
«And don't forget that we Espeon can sense movements in the air!» adds Psiana.
«And I, as your Eevee, as the first Blessed of this century, shall protect you and help you. For every situation you will find yourself in, I will be there to help you.»
Eva may feel close to tears, but she wipes her eyes with a wet hand. «And I», she says, «will find all the Arkheon fragments and unlock a secret yet to be told.»
The group can feel more united than before.
Hours have passed, it's midday. Eva and the Pokémon walk through the forest, avoiding paths and preferring darker, quieter areas. Folipurba leads the group. «There's another stream nearby and some wild berry bushes. Maybe even a fruit tree.»
Soon, they arrive at a small clearing filled with flowers and Appipin, the Sweetbee Pokémon. A small stream flows nearby, and just as Folipurba had predicted, the clearing is dotted with bushes full of blackberries and strawberries, with a single apple tree standing in the center. A perfect place to stop and rest… which is exactly what they do.
«There's a tablecloth and some plates in my bag. We can stop for lunch», says Eva, putting down her white and golden bag. The Pokémon crowd around her, and each of them takes a plate (some with their mouths, some with their powers). The tablecloth is spread out on the lawn, in the shady space under the apple tree.
«I'd say it's time to pick some fruit», Eva says, «Someone wants—»
Nerina, Folipurba, and Psiana dart off toward the trees. Psiana and Nerina head for the blackberry bushes, while Folipurba climbs the large apple tree and begins to knock down various fruits. One of them lands on Eva's head, but she's too hungry to protest and immediately begins eating it.
Not long after, the four are gathered at the impromptu picnic. A huge basket full of blackberries and apples dominates the tablecloth. Nerina's mouth is already stained of red and purple as she declares: «Let’s begin to eat!»
The apples are juicy and crunchy, the blackberries soft and tart. The fruit is perfectly ripe, almost as if waiting to be eaten. A curious Appipin buzzes around them for a few seconds, then returns to sucking nectar from the flowers. It's a quiet moment, creating a safe bubble that protects them from the frenzy of what's really happening.
«Where are we headed?» asks Psiana, after eating a whole pile of blackberries.
«I actually don’t know», replies Folipurba with sincerity. «I really have no clue.»
«But you said you knew this forest like your own paws!» screams Nerina angry.
«I do. I was just wandering through the darkest paths of the forest, where there are few people and Pokémon, so that we wouldn't be found», she explains. And, as if to prove what she said, the sound of a helicopter gets louder and louder. They’re searching for them.
Psiana panics. «What do we do now?!»
«I don’t know-»
Eva is interrupted by something mystical: the Steel Sphere.
The Steel Sphere hovers in the air for a few seconds, buzzing, then begins to spin at great speed. A great light envelops Eva and the Pokémon, and the four find themselves in another clearing. This one is patchy with dirt and grass, with a few mountain flowers sprouting here and there.
«...Where are we?» murmurs Nerina.
The Steel Ball buzzes again, then disappears.
«That didn't answer my question.»
«It appears to be a natural reserve», says Psiana. «I feel it with my fur. The Steel Ball brought us here to help us!»
«I guess we are in Abrizza, the Region of Steel. Where else would it have taken us, otherwise?»
«Excellent point, Eva. Although it's not clear to me why the Spheres appear so often», Folipurba thinks aloud. «If they truly are the fragments we’re searching for, why do they appear in front of us at every possible occasion?»
«I agree, it would be more logical to, I don’t know, struggle», says Eva. «Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad Arkheon is helping us, but… it’s a bit suspicious.»
«Maybe it’s Kheir way of helping us», suggest Nerina. «Everyone is hunting us like we’re criminals, Arkheon instead is protecting us. I wouldn’t worry too much, to be honest.»
The group continues walking, without a clear direction. The Abrizza region is the Steel Region for a reason: even on the surface, various types of metal fragments can be seen. The Abrizza region is the country's leading exporter of precious metals, so much so that they almost lose their value here. Obviously, there aren't huge blocks of raw gold waiting to be plundered, but rather precious shards of rare metals. There's another reason why Abrizza is the Steel Region: here, since ancient times, a strong steel alloy composed of iron, carbon, and fragments of an ancient metal called "Uloghe" has been used. Uloghe is extremely rare, but incredibly durable and strong: a single drop makes a compound nearly indestructible. The Uloghe is only found in Abrizza, for reasons unknown.
«If we want to proceed safely in this region, we must find a Blessed Flareon quickly», says Eva. «Steel-Type Pokémon are everywhere in this region and most of them aren’t exactly friendly.»
«Does indeed not help the fact that we’re in their territory», Psiana adds shivering. Eva pats his head.
«Hey! I want pets too!» exclaims Nerina in Eva’s ear. «Gimme!»
Eva sweats and pets all of her Pokémon. The situation is difficult, but there is hope. One step at a time.
Some Pokémon Rangers enter the shady path where the Blessed Ones were standing a short time ago. Their green uniforms blend with the shadows of the forest as they scan the area.
«The tracks end here», says one of them. «Perhaps they used a Flying-Type Pokémon to run away.»
«The foliage is too thick for a flying Pokémon to pass through», replies another. «The girl had an Espeon, right? They probably used it.»
«Espeon doesn’t learn Teleport, not even with TMs,» says a Pokémon Ranger.
«You never know what to expect with Blessed Pokémon.»
«Enough talking!» the Chief Ranger forcefully reprimands them. «Search for the whole forest. What the girl is doing is against Divine Law. We must stop her before Arkheon gets furious.» he shakes his head. «Running away from a duty imposed by Arkheon... I just can't believe it.»
Arkheon's orders were confusing to most of the population; in fact, everyone except the Blessed. They understood that Eva had to follow a well-defined path and be guided by important figures like the High Priestess or the Chief Ranger. But the reality is different: Eva must find the fragments alone, aided by the Blessed like her. However, the situation is complicated: now no one knows where Eva is, so...
«We must search the entire nation and find the girl before it's too late», says the Chief Ranger firmly. He orders: «Call in all Rangers dealing with disappearances and protected Pokémon. Call in the military if necessary. We need to find Eva.»
Isabella sits annoyed on a fallen tree. All the Pokémon in that forest were too weak! Her Cocomi, even with a Type disadvantage, had managed to defeat them all. Isabella can’t believe it. Plus, to make matters worse, the entire nation has turned its gaze on Eva because she is Blessed or something.
Well, Isabella knows Eva was anything but a saintly girl. She always did everything her own way, without listening to advice, and complained when things went wrong because of her. Plus, she was ungrateful. The high priestess had offered to take her under her wing, and she had fled to who knows where!
«Voi?» asks something. Isabella interrupts her resentful brooding when she finds herself facing an Eevee. In other Nations, this encounter would be incredible, but in Ivoi, where Eevee is common like grass, this encounter is… disappointing.
«What do you want?» she asks.
«Vee. Voi.» Eevee pointed with its head at a Poké Ball.
«You want to be caught?»
Eevee nodded.
«You saw me fighting?»
Another nod.
Isabella sighs loudly, then she launches the Ball at Eevee. With a red flash and a click, Eevee is caught. Disappointing first catch, if you ask Isabella.
…then an idea forms into her mind. She smiles, looks at the Poké Ball and says: «You know what? I’ll make you stronger than Eva and her team.»