Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

An alarm went off, reading 7:00 a.m., and I reached out to tap it off. After a tired groan, I sat up. I stretched my arms before standing and heading to the bathroom. Today was my first day at Naranja Academy. I had only just moved to the Paldea Region a couple days ago. Now, I have to start over, make new friends, and learn new things.

I flipped the lights on and stood in front of the mirror. I looked at myself in the reflection for a moment. My black hair was a mess, sticking up in certain places. One side of my cheek was a bit red—probably from sleeping on it. But that doesn’t matter. I need to get ready for the day.

After brushing my teeth, washing my face, and taming my hair into something decent, I stepped back into my room. The bed was a complete mess, but I didn’t have time to deal with it. I opened my closet and grabbed my school outfit, already picked out and waiting. Downstairs was where my parents were, my Mother was in busy in the kitchen while my Father was sitting at the table sipping his coffee.

"Well, I'm off to the Academy!" I tried to get out the door quickly but I wasn't quick enough.

"Leaving so soon, Tessa?" Why not stay and have some breakfast?"

I sighed. Of course my Mother would want me to stay and eat so I can get all my daily nutrients and what not.

"Look, Mom, I can't. I need to get to the Academy. First day and all," I said, already reaching for the doorknob

My Father then looked up from his coffee, "Alright, Tess. If you need to get to your classes early then I won't let your Mother keep you."

I breathed a breath of relief. My Father was a bit more understanding and what's the word.... Wait! I need to get going!

Bless him.

I exhaled with relief. "Thanks! Uh... love you, bye!"

The door shut behind me, and I was finally outside. I pulled out my Rokom and tapped the screen. "Okay, so Naranja Academy is about twenty minutes away if I don’t make any stops." I slipped it back into my bag. "Shouldn’t be too hard."

The air was crisp, and the sun hadn’t fully risen yet, casting soft light across the quiet neighborhood. Halfway down the road, I passed a group of Hoppip lazily drifting through the air, riding the breeze like they had no care in the world. I couldn’t help but smile a little.

As I continued my walk, I wandered into a quiet little neighborhood called Cabo Poco. Not far ahead, I spotted a small stand with a cheerful-looking lady behind it. She was selling ice cream cones, and honestly… who could say no to that? I walked up to the stand and asked for one. She gave me a warm smile before handing me a cone with a scoop of strawberry ice cream on top. As I stared at the sweet, cold treat in my hand, I could practically see my mother’s face in my head, eyebrow raised, arms crossed, disapproving of the very idea of dessert for breakfast.

I took a bite anyway. Totally worth it.

But as I stood there, enjoying the ice cream, I started to notice the people around me. Other trainers, most of them looked around my age, gathered in small groups of two, three, sometimes four. They laughed with each other, sharing jokes and stories, trading bites of their own treats. I glanced back down at my ice cream. Suddenly, it didn’t taste quite as sweet. I wasn’t really in the mood for it anymore.

I took a deep breath. "Okay. Get it together, Tess." Pulling out my Rotom again, I checked the time before sliding it back into my pocket. I may not have any friends yet… but that can change, right? I just need to get through the day. With that thought in mind, I tossed the rest of my ice cream into the nearest bin and turned toward the Academy.

When I step into the Academy I'm met with a bunch of other trainers and the teachers all getting ready for the day. Today was the first day of the school year so we all have to meet in the yard this morning which is in... OH! It starts in less than 5 minutes! Panic kicked in. I ran to the back of the school dodging and weaving through the crowd of students, trying to make it on time.

Phew! Just barely made it. I walked up to where the Director was getting ready to talk to all of us.

"Ahem, can I please have everyone's attention!"

The students began quieting down and turning to face the Director.

"Thank you. We want to welcome all of you to Naranja Academy." He cleared his throat. "Pladea is a sprawling region bursting with lush nature and magnificent landscapes. It is also, of course, home to the mysterious creatures known to us as Pokemon." The Director held up a Pokeball in his palm. "As you know, they reside here in great numbers, in fact." He tossed the Pokeball into the air, a Pawmi coming out and landing on the ground. It was one of the cutest little things I have ever seen but I need to focus on the Director's words. The Pawmi then jumped on the Director's shoulders. So cute!

"Pokemon can be found living all over; in the seas, in the skies, even in our cities and towns. We humans coexist with Pokemon, as we both help one another to live and thrive. Naranja Academy is here to help you learn even more about these precious partners. Within our halls, people from all regions gather to study together. And as Pokemon Trainers, they have their Pokemon do battle, growing alongside them while our robust curriculum of coursework helps our students draw forth their fullest potential. It is within these halls that you will find your friends, your Pokemon, and your true self. We, the faculty and staff at Narnaja Academy, can't wait to welcome you with open arms."

Friends... Pokemon...

I was pulled out of my thoughts when the Director began speaking again, this time about getting our first Pokemon. "The time has come," he announced. "Each of you will now receive a PokéBall containing your first partner Pokémon. Please come forward and select one at random." That was all it took. The crowd of students rushed forward in a blur of movement and excitement, eager to grab their new partner. I tried to push through, but by the time I reached the front, there was only one PokéBall left. I paused for a second, staring down at it. Then, carefully, I picked it up, cradling it gently in my hand. My heart was racing a little. I wonder what Pokémon I got. I pressed the small white button at the center, and with a soft click, the Poké Ball popped open. A beam of red light burst out and hit the ground… and from it, a Quaxly appeared.

"Uhm… hi…? Quaxly…?"

I reached out slowly, fingers hovering near its blue hair, but the moment I got too close, Quaxly darted back a little, a surprised look in its bright eyes. "Oh—!" I quickly pulled my hand back, suddenly feeling awkward. "Right. Trust. I learned about this..." I stood there for a moment, trying to figure out how to approach this. Quaxly was eyeing me cautiously, but there was something... a little endearing about its shy retreat. Maybe it was a little nervous, too.

The day went by quicker than I expected. I went to a few different classes, met some of the teachers, and before I knew it, the final bell rang—end of the day already. I started gathering my things, slipping my books into my bag, when I fumbled and accidentally dropped my Poké Ball.

"Uh oh-"

It hit the ground with a soft clack, and in a flash of red light, Quaxly popped out. "S-sorry about that, Quaxly," I said, flashing a nervous smile. He just stared at me. Can he read my feelings? I have no idea. He tilted his head slightly, feathers perfectly styled, eyes locked on me with this... unreadable little expression. Why am I intimidated by this cute, smug duck?

"Uhm.." I tried reaching out to pet his blue hair again, moving slow and careful—but nope. He leaned just out of reach, still not letting me touch him. I sighed and pulled my hand back. "Okay... fair enough." Squatting down, I picked up the Poké Ball. "Uhm, return?" A red beam shot out, and Quaxly disappeared back inside. Huh… he listens to me, but he still won’t let me pet him. Guess that counts as progress? I tucked the Poké Ball into my bag and headed toward the dorms.

"128… 128…" I kept repeating the number under my breath, scanning the doors as I passed. Finally, I found it. Room 128. I opened the door and stepped inside. The first thing I noticed: two beds. Okay… cool. Two beds. That’s fine. Wait. Two beds?

Before I could process that fully, I heard a door open. I turned around and there she was. Another girl. We locked eyes for the briefest second before I immediately looked away, pretending to suddenly find my shoelaces very interesting. Oh no. I didn’t know I was going to have a roommate. Am I in the wrong room?

"Uhm, is this room 128?" I asked, trying not to sound completely panicked. She nodded casually. "Mhm. I think you’re my new roommate." Her voice was so calm. So chill. Like this was nothing. Meanwhile, I was internally spiraling. She just confirmed it. I’m her new roommate. Oh my gosh, what am I going to do?! Okay, okay… don’t panic. Everything will be fine… right?

A Treecko's head peeked out from behind the girl's leg. Its big yellow eyes blinked at me curiously. "The name's Reye." Oh? She told me her name. I should probably tell her mine. Okay, don't mess this up. Its easy. Just say your name, okay? Okay. "I'm Tessa."

Nailed it.

"Cool." Reye glanced down at her Treecko. "This is my partner Pokemon, Treecko." The Treecko let out a little noise. Adorable.... Oh- wait. She might want to see my partner Pokemon. Okay. Okay, don't panic. "Uhm, yeah- c-cool, I have a partner Pokemon too." I pulled out my PokeBall, "Come on out, Quaxly."

. . .

Uhhh, why isn't he coming out? "Sorry." I give Reye a nervous laugh. "Quaxly, come out."

. . .

Silence

This is so embarrasing.

Reye raised an eyebrow, "You sure he likes you?" Ughh, so embarrassing. "I think so? I mean... he listens. Just not when it matters." Reye smirked, walking over casually. "Maybe he’s just dramatic. Some Pokémon are like that." Treecko nodded beside her, like it agreed with the theory.

"Well,, he is a little smug sometimes," I mumbled, staring at the Pokeball like it had betrayed me.vReye leaned against the bedframe, arms crossed. "Try again. Like, with more confidence."

"Confidence?"

"Yeah. Show him who's boss."

I blinked. That felt… kind of intimidating. But I took a breath, stood a little straighter, and held up the Pokebal again. "Alright, Quaxly, come out!"

With a clock and a flash of red light, Quaxly finally appeared. He gave me a long, silent stare... then flipped his blue hair and turned his head like I wasn't worth his time. "Oh."

I watched as he casually hopped onto my new bed and sat down like he owned it.

Rey chuckled. "He's got attitude. I like him."

I gave her a half-smile, still unsure if this counted as a win. "Yeah, well. I wish he would let me touch him."

Treecko climbed up onto Reye’s shoulder, and she scratched under its chin. "Don’t worry. Sometimes it takes a bit to bond. Treecko didn’t even look at me for the first three days."

"Really?"

She nodded. "Totally gave me the cold shoulder. But now we’re tight." She bumped her shoulder lightly with mine. "You and Quaxly will get there."

That actually made me feel a little better. I sat down at the edge of the bed, watching as Quaxly fluffed up his feathers and laid down on my pillow.

"How long have you had Treecck?" I asked cautiously hoping not to overstep my questions. But Reye didn't seem to mind.

"Only a year. Haven't really done any training yet, but I think that'll start soon."

Oh yeah, the "Treasure Hunt" begins soon. Where Trainers go out and find their 'Treasure,' which can be anything. Collecting the Gym Badges, maybe helping others, catching a legendary - Oh! I'm rambling in my head again.

"Oh yeah, the 'Treasure Hunt'... I said aloud, mostly to myself but a part of me wanted Reye to hear.

She tilted her head a little. "You thinking about doing it?"

I hesitated, kicking my legs lightly over the edge of the bed. "Maybe. I mean, I don’t even know what my 'treasure' would be yet. I just moved here."

"Fair." She leaned back on her hands, Treecko now lounging beside her. "Could be anything though, right? You can explore. Some people just wanna cook. Or heck, you could become the next Paldea Champion."

I let out a soft laugh. "The next Champion? That sounds… kinda huge."

Reye shrugged with a small grin.

I glanced down at my hands, thinking. Could I really be something like that? I barely managed to get Quaxly to listen to me. But still… something about the idea stuck. Not necessarily being the Champion, but going out and figuring out what I’m really good at. What makes me me. "Maybe I'll figure it out along the way."

"That’s the spirit," Reye replied, stretching her arms overhead. "First step’s just showing up."

I looked over at Quaxly, still asleep on my bed like he owned it. I wasn’t sure what our future looked like, but… maybe we’d get there together.

Guess I should start unpacking my bag. I stood up and began taking my stuff out, clothes, pens, and other random things. But when I took out a book, I noticed a look from Reye.

She tilted her head slightly, raising an eyebrow. "What’s that?"

I looked down at the book in my hands. It had a worn leather cover, the title barely visible from how many times I’d read it. "The Legendary Myths of the Regions"

"My Granddad gave it to me when I was younger." I felt my cheeks warm a little. "I keep it in my bag at all times."

Reye sat up a bit straighter, curious now. "What does the book say?"

I smiled a little, flipping the book open to a bookmarked page. "Well, this part talks about Krystas. An ancient crystal. Its like Mega Stones and Z-Crystals but 10x more powerful. I run my fingers over the page.

"Its all just myths but... my Granddad always believed they were real." I pause. "My Granddad used to be an adventurer, travelling the regions and stuff."

Reye leaned forward slightly, her eyes flicking between the book and me. "That’s kinda awesome, actually."

I nodded, my smile growing just a bit. "He always had stories about strange caves, hidden temples, ancient crystals... I used to think he was making it all up. I let out a soft laugh. "But he always said that even if it was just a story, there's always truth hidden somewhere in it."

"You ever think about following in his footsteps?" Reye said, reclining back again, her Treecko watching us lazily with one eye open.

I paused, the question landing heavier than I expected. I glanced back down at the old book. I have... but I don't think I could ever be like him.... but I can't tell her that- just spit out an answer Tessa! "Yeah. I do." My cheeks were definitely red.

For a moment, neither of us said anything.

"Then maybe that's your treasure. Finding out if what he believed in was real."

I blinked at her, surprised by how simply she put it. "Maybe," I said, tucking the book carefully under my pillow. "Guess I’ll find out."

Reye stretched, a soft, contented sigh escaping her lips. "Well, I'm beat. I'm gonna crash." She patted Treecko's head, the little Pokémon responding with a sleepy chirp before curling up at the foot of her bed.

A million thoughts raced through my mind, a chaotic jumble of questions and possibilities. Could I really embark on a journey like my grandfather’s? Could I uncover the secrets hidden within those ancient legends? And most importantly… could I do it with Quaxly, who seemed to view me as little more than a slightly annoying roommate?

I glanced over at the blue-haired duck, now fast asleep on my pillow, his perfectly styled feathers ruffled. He looked almost… peaceful. I couldn’t help but smile a little.

The next morning. 6:22 am.

The sun began to shine into the dorm room. I slowly wake up and open my eyes. I sit up and let out a yawn. "Morning, Quaxly." I looked over at where he was last night.... Wait- I look again. Where's Quaxly?

"Quaxly?" I stood out of bed in my sleepwear.

"Quaxly?" I moved my blanket and pillow, looking for the smug Pokemon.

No no no no! I did not lose my Pokemon during the first night I got him.

"Quaxly?!" I check the bathroom. Under my bed, under Reye's bed. But nothing. I look over at Reye. She was still sleeping. And so was her Treecko.

I quickly went over to my dresser and took out my school uniform before putting it on. I'll make my bed and fold my sleepwear later. I need to find Quaxly. I open the door and rush out into the halls.

"Quaxly!"

"This is ridiculous," I muttered, running a hand through my sleep-tousled hair. "He can't just vanish."

A wave of panic washed over me. What if he'd left the dorm building entirely? What if he'd gotten lost in the academy? I couldn't lose him. Not now. Now when we were just starting to... well, not really bond, but exist in the same room without him completely ignoring me.

As I was running down the hall though, I bumped into somebody. Ah, stupid me. I really need to pay attention to my surroundings.

"Oh my gosh- I'm so sorry."

I quickly helped the guy up. He was dressed quite nicely, a fedora and a nice casual suit.

"No worries, little girl. In fact I was looking for someone. I got a question."

I looked up at him curiously. "What is it?"

"Well you see, I'm a book salesman. I buy books, sell books, and collect books. And there's one book that I would like to have in my collection... titled 'The Legendary Myths of the Regions'"

The Legendary Myths of the Regions? The book my Granddad gave to me? Uhh, why does he want it. "Oh- uhm.. no sir, I don't have that book, I've never seen it in my life." Ugh... why did I have to be such a terrible lier.

The guy looked at me suspiciously. "I never asked if you had it... that tells me maybe you do know what I'm talking about." He leaned closer to me.

He was right. He never asked. Why am I so bad at talking?! "I… I just assumed," I stammered, my cheeks burning.

"Is it now? I've been searching for years, and you're the first person who seems to know it." He straightened up. "Tell me, little girl, why are you lying?"

"I'm not lying." I was, and I was so bad at it.

He chuckled. "Don't play coy with me. I have my ways of knowing things. And I know you have that book."

"I... I don't know what you want. I don't have your book."

"Oh but you do. And I'm willing to pay a handsome price for it." He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small box. He opened it, revealing a bright, shining, beautiful gem. "This," he said, "is just a taste of what I can offer."

"I don't want your… your gem," I said, my voice firm despite my hands were shaky and sweaty. "I just want to find my Pokemon."

The man's smile faded. "Your Pokemon? A Quaxly, I believe? Blue hair, a rather... smug demeanor?"

My eyes widened. He knew about Quaxly. "How… how do you know that?"

He shrugged. "As I said, I have my ways. Cute little guy. Easy to catch too."

My stomach dropped. He had Quaxly. "You… you took him?"

"Let's just say he's… in a safe place," the man said, his eyes glinting. "A place where he'll stay until I have what I want." He closed the box, the gem's light disappearing. "The book, little girl. Bring me the book, and you'll get your Pokémon back." He turned and began to walk away.

What do I do? What do I do? He has Quaxly and he wants my Granddad's book? Why me..?

I ran back to my dorm room. Reye was awake.

"Hey, where were you?" She asked but I immediately ran to my bed and grabbed the book, stuffing it into my bag.

She looked at me curiously, "What are you doing? Where's your Pokemon?"

"Someone took him and they want my Granddad's book." I spit out quickly; she can probably sense my panic in my voice.

"What?" She stood up, her Treecko also looking at me. "We need to tell the Director-"

"No!" I interrupted her. "I can't let anyone know. I just became a trainer and I already lost my Pokemon." I put my bag over my shoulder. "And I'm going to get him back."

"But Tessa-"

I already left. I need to find Quaxly. And I need to find this mysterious book salesman, before he got away. I had to think. What was his play? He wanted the book. He had Quaxly. He needed a buyer. So, where would he go? ...The library. It made perfect sense.

I sprinted towards the library. When I got there, my eyes scanned the room. The library was mostly empty, just a few students studying at tables, a librarian typing at her computer.

And then I saw him.

He was standing at the far end of the library. As I cept closer, I noticed him taking and inspecting books from off the shelf. But what caught my eye was his bag on the ground. He probably kept his Pokeballs in there so that's where he must have Quaxly.

I hid behind a bookshelf. I looked around the library, trying to find anything that could help me. A stack of heavy books caught my attention. They were heavy, and they could make a loud noise if they fell.

I slowly and cautiously walked over to the stack of books. Okay. Let's do this. I pushed the stack of books over before darting behind another bookshelf. The loud bang seemed to catch the attention of the man and he went over to the books. Now's my chance.

I ran over to his bag, opening it immediately. Which Pokeball was Quaxly though? I pulled out each one, saying "Quaxly" to see if he'll come out. After a few attempts, I grab another Pokeball.

"Quaxly?"

A bright red beam shot out, Quaxly appearing from it. My eyes widened and my smile grew. "Quaxly! I found you!" I reached out and hugged it tightly before it pushed it away out my arms, hopping back onto the ground. Right. You still don't like being touched.

Quaxly gave me a disapproving look, then turned his head away with a dramatic hair flip, like I had just embarrassed him in front of the whole Academy. Typical. But he was safe. That’s all that mattered.

"You little sneak."

I froze.

I turned around slowly, heart pounding, and there he was. The book salesman. His eyes were cold now—none of that fake charm from before. He took a step toward me. "You think you can just steal from me?"

"He's my Pokemon. You stole him first!"

"I borrowed him as leverage," he said with a shrug, like this was some kind of business negotiation and not, y’know, kidnapping.

"I'm not giving you the book," I said firmly, even though my hands were shaking again.

He scoffed, pulling something out from his coat. Not another gem, this time—it was a Pokéball. "You’re going to regret that, little girl."

My stomach dropped. He was going to battle me?

Before I could react, a buzz came from him. He was wearing an ear piece.

He stopped, listening to what the ear piece was telling him. "Oh, cmon! Just let me battle the kid!"

A pause.

The man groaned before putting his Pokeball up. "Consider yourself lucky, little girl." The charm and smoothness of his voice were completely gone.

As he turned to leave, he stopped. "This isn't over. We will get our hands on that book." He then continued walking.

Why did he want the book so badly?

I looked down at Quaxly.

Quaxly was brushing imaginary dust off his feathers, acting like he hadn’t just been kidnapped and used as leverage in some shady villain's plot. He finally glanced up at me, and for the first time… his expression softened. Just a little.

"You okay?" I asked quietly.

He didn’t answer, obviously, but instead waddled over and lightly bumped his head against my leg before quickly turning away with another dramatic hair flip, like, ugh, fine, I guess you're alright too.

"I smiled. "Thanks for not totally hating me."

Still no answer, but he stuck close as I left the library.

Why that book? It was just stories. Myths. Old tales. At least, I thought it was. But now… someone was willing to steal a Pokémon over it.

I reached into my bag and gently pulled the book out again. “The Legendary Myths of the Regions.”

I flipped through the pages as I walked slowly through the halls, eyes scanning every word. Krystas. Crystals, stronger than Mega Stones or Z-Crystals. My Granddad always said they were real. Everyone else thought they were fairy tales. But what if they weren’t? What if someone else believed him too? And what if that’s why they wanted the book?

I quickly put the book back in my bag, not wanting anyone to know I had it. Great, now I'm socially awkward and paranoid.

Unlike yesterday, today went by painfully slow. I wasn't able to pay attention in class. I always felt like someone was watching me, wanting that book or Pokemon. Heck, I didn't even eat lunch.

It was late. I was in my dorm lying on my back on my bed. I don't know where Reye was, probably hanging out with friends- Oh- Yeah. I forgot I wanted to make friends here. I sighed and sat up. Quaxly was looking out the window. Did he want to go outside?

"Quaxly? Do you want to go outside?"

He looked at me for a moment before letting out a "Quax."

"Okay." I nodded. "Let's go outside." Hm, maybe going on a walk will clear my head.

I stood up from my bed and grabbed my bag. "Let's go, Quaxly."

Quaxly jumped down onto the floor and followed me out.

This is nice, actually. The nice breeze, the crickets chirping, and the pretty nice sky. And it looks like Quaxly is enjoying it as well.

He waddled just ahead of me, puffing his chest out proudly every now and then, probably pretending he was leading some epic mission. I let him have that.

My head felt a little less cloudy out here. The cool air, the rhythm of our steps, the way Quaxly occasionally turned back to make sure I was still following, it helped. I wasn't completely okay, but I was better.

I stopped at the edge of the garden trail, staring up at the stars. "Do you think I’m in way over my head?" I asked, not expecting an answer.

"Quax," he said, but it wasn’t in that smug, dismissive tone he usually used. It sounded... softer. Almost like a no.

I smiled. "Thanks. I think."

We sat there for a while for a bit before hearing a noise.

"Did you hear that, Quaxly?"

Quaxly's head tilted slightly, "Quaax.." He turned towards the tree at the edge of the path.

I stood up slowly, brushing off my skirt and tightening my grip on my bag. "Okay, that wasn't my imagination..."

Quaxly stepped protectively in front of me, wings slightly outstretched, like a tiny, blue-feathered knight.

"Hello?"

No answer.

Then—

A figure stepped out from behind the trees. Not the book guy from earlier.

"You're Tessa," she said. "The girl with the book."

I froze. "Who are you?"

The girl didn't answer. Instead, she tossed a Pokeball out into the air, a Krookodile appearing out of it.

She wants to battle? Oh no..

Quaxly stood his ground, ready to protect me at all costs.

"Quaxly?"

He looked back up at me and gave me a reassuring nod. I nodded back. "Okay, let's do this."

Krookodile growled, baring its jagged teeth as it stomped forward, the ground beneath it shaking slightly. The girl didn’t say a word, just pointed forward. A silent command.

I took a shaky breath, my first real battle, and against that thing?

"Quaxly, use Water Gun!"

Quaxly jumped into action, spinning elegantly before blasting a stream of water toward Krookodile. The jet of water smacked it right in the face, causing it to stagger back a step, hissing in surprise.

But the girl didn't even flinch. "Dig."

Krookodile dove into the ground in a flash, disappearing into the dirt.

My eyes widened. "Quaxly, dodge-!"

Too late.

Krookodile burst from beneath Quaxly, slamming into him and sending him tumbling backward with a cry. He got back up, shakily, but he was still standing. Still ready.

"You okay, buddy?"

He gave me a determined "Quaaax!"

That's my knight.

"Alright. Let's try it again, use Water Gun!"

Quaxly charged forward, jumping into the air before blasting water toward Krookodile.

"Dodge." The girl casually said and the Krookodile listened and easily dodged Quaxly's attack.

The girl narrowed her eyes. "Earthquake."

What?!

Krookodile roared, slamming itself into the ground.

"Quaxly, dodge it! Quick!"

Quaxly barely hopped into the air, avoiding the Krookodile's Earthquake.

"I don't know if we can do this, Quaxly."

The Krookodile roared again, and the ground trembled beneath us.

"Quaxly, we need to get out of here. Now!" I grabbed Quaxly and turned on my heels. I know he didn't like being touched, but we needed to get out of here.

As I kept running, holding Quaxly in my arms, we got stopped by two others. The guy looked a little familiar, but the girl next to him did not.

"We meet again, little girl. The guy spoke.

The book Salesman.

"What do you want?"

The girl laughed before putting her arm on her hip, sticking her body out one way. "We want the book, silly."

I looked behind me to search for an escape, but the other girl and Krookodile were blocking the path, leaving me and Quaxly trapped.

"We’ve been looking for that book for a long time, Tessa," the salesman said, his voice smooth but threatening. "It’s time you handed it over."

I tightened my grip on Quaxly. "I’m not giving it to you. You don’t know what you’re messing with."

The girl scoffed, her arms crossed. "Oh please, we know exactly what we’re messing with. That book has something we need. So, hand it over!"

I took a step back, trying to put some distance between us. "I’m not giving it to you."

"Smart girl," the salesman said with a twisted smile. "You know, I was hoping we wouldn’t have to get rough, but it seems like you're forcing our hand."

I could feel Quaxly stiffening in my arms, his tiny body tense as he prepared to fight. But there was no way we could win this. Not against two of them- no. Three of them. One of them with a Krookodile that could probably crush us in seconds.

I had to think fast.

"Quaxly, use your Water Gun again, but not at them!" I said, my mind racing Without waiting for a response, I pointed toward a nearby tree and shouted, "Water Gun! Aim for the tree!"

Quaxly squawked in agreement and blasted a stream of water toward the tree. The force caused a bunch of branches, twigs, and leaves to fall down onto the girl and the salesman.

"Ew! Ew! Ew! I'm all dirty and nasty!" The girl whined.

I didn't waste a second.

I darted passed the two, still holding onto Quaxly. I could hear the other girl shout in frustration behind us.

"Get them!"

The Krookodile roared and I heard its loud footsteps chasing us.

As I ran, I saw something flying in the night sky. It was big and wait? Was there a person riding it? And is it coming closer?"

Suddenly, a large Pokemon landed in front of her, a guy seated on its back. He had brown hair, a middle part, his hair hanging over his forehead and in his glasses. A ponytail at the right side of his head. He wore black pants with yellow designs on them, a yellow shirt covered by a cropped black hoodie.

"Uh- uhm." Was the only thing I could stammer out.

"Tessa, right?"

I nodded.

"Hop on. I'm getting you out of here."

Out of here? Why should I trust him? What if he's after the book as well?

I looked behind me, seeing the Krookodile getting closer. What other choice do I have?

I turned back towards him and nodded.

He nodded back before patting the spot behind him.

I struggled to hop on, so he had to help pull me up. How embarrassing.

And right before the Krookodile caught up, his Pokemon took off, sending us flying into the air.

Who is this man?! Where is he taking me?! I have so many questions!