I drew in a deep breath after following Rei up the countless flights of stairs. It wasn't because I was out of shape—I wasn't, not with all the traveling I did—but because of how fast Rei was. Never have I ever seen him move so swiftly, yet there he was, zipping up the stairs like a Zigzagoon in the wild.

Looking up, I could see he was already leaning against the wall. The door was cracked slightly, so the tinies of weight against it would cause it to swing open. It was smart he decided to lean against the wall beside it. With the door already cracked, it wouldn't take much to listen in as long as we were quiet.

I didn't even need to stand next to him to hear the two we had just ran into bicker.

"...intend to do about that Kleavor, Commander Kamado‽" a masculine voice demanded. "He may have descended from the almighty Sinnoh, but look at the mess he's causing. We can't sit back and let him rage on!"

There was a heavy sigh before the commander responded, "You do get right to the point Adaman."

"Time wasted is time lost," the man from before, Adaman, stated before there was an agitated sound coming from someone else.

"Kleavor is one of our precious lords," a feminine voice shot.

"Irida does bring up a good point. What would you have us do?" Commander Kamado asked.

Before I could look at Rei to ask, he held up a hand, whispering the answer. "Lord, or Noble Pokémon, are strong Pokémon that the Diamond and Pearl clan admire and worship. They believe the Almighty Sinnoh chose those Pokémon to protect the Hisui Region," he explained.

"Yet they're attacking people?" I asked, remembering what Beni said last night.

Rei shrugged. "This has never happened before," he said before looking back at me. "We never had people fall from the sky."

I blinked, but Rei looked away from me and towards the cracked open door, hoping to listen more to what the leaders of the Diamond and Pearl clan had to say to Commander Kamado. I didn't see what was happening inside like he was, but I could only imagine it wasn't good. Not when there seemed to be different views on what to do about this protected Pokémon.

"Might as well say it, you fool. Look, we don't even know what drove Lord Kleavor into such a violent frenzy," the leader of the Pearl Clan, Irida, argued.

"I'd like to know that myself," claimed Adaman. "This is a first as far as my clan knows."

"Then maybe it is time we gain a new perspective," Commander Kamado said.

There was a pause before the door swung open. My eyes widened as Rei backed up, bumping into me. He didn't even look back to apologize, but why would he? Commander Kamado towered over us. His steel colored eyes looked at us with disdain.

Again, I couldn't blame him either. The man had caught the two of us eavesdropping on the conversation. It'd be one thing if he wanted to meet with one of us, but no. We weren't supposed to step foot into the building. Not unless the professor needed us, but we had a Pokédex to complete.

"This is perfect timing," Commander Kamado said. "Rei, I'm certain you've already met the leaders of the Diamond and Pearl clan, correct?"

Rei nodded his head as stood inside. I, on the other hand, took a better look at them. Seeing the young woman up close, she reminded me of a famous Pokémon Performer in Kalos. Her blonde hair was just shorter and her blue eyes were much more serious. Standing across from her was the blue and blonde haired man, who raised an eyebrow at her, crossing his arms.

Commander Kamado quickly formally introduced me to the Leader of the Pearl Clan, Irida, and to the Leader of the Diamond Clan, Adaman.

"I have a proposition," the commander proclaimed. "Why not send these two to study Kleavor before deciding what must be done."

"You'd send a stranger from the rift to study Lord Kleavor? A person with no experience?" Irida questioned.

You could just send Rei, but I don't think drawing a Pokémon would be very beneficial to calming it down, I wanted to say, but I bit my tongue. It was best to stay quiet and listen to what would happen rather than give into a retort.

Luckily, it was the best thing to do as Adaman was quick to say, "says the leader with no experience."

My eyes widened. Yes, they were arguing before they came here, but to see them still arguing in front of the Galaxy Team Commander was shocking. I turned to the man, but he simply stood there, watching everything happen.

"Being a good leader isn't a matter of time—it's a matter of embracing Hisui's vastness without fear! Something you would not understand," she seethed before turning to the commander. "Lord Kleavor needs to be protected at all costs, or there will be war against the Pearl Clan. That's a promise."

No one said a word as she stormed out of the room, leaving everyone speechless. Everyone, that was, except for the leader of the Diamond Clan who turned to look at me, giving me a sly smile.

"I'm sold. Let's give Everly and Rei a chance. If anything, this should be fun. I'll get to see how you Galaxy folk really are with your weird ways; putting Pokémon in strange balls and what have you," Adaman said.

I blinked, confused for a moment. "How else would you have a team of Pokémon?" I blurted out.

Adaman's smile widened. "Why don't I show you?" he challenged walking past me.

Rei nodded his head as if silently approving this whole situation and urged me to follow, but Commander Kamado cleared his throat behind me. We turned, finding him still standing in front of his desk. One of his hands grabbed the thick yellow belt that wrapped around his black kimono, while his other hand rested at his side. He seemed so at ease, but the stern look in his eyes suggested otherwise.

I swallowed, afraid of what would happen. We weren't supposed to eavesdrop on the conversation. Honestly, I feared what kind of consequences would ensue.

"Everly, Rei, I order the two of you to study Kleavor and help us find the truth of the situation. You two must work hard; work to the very bone," Commander Kamado instructed. "Anything you find, you report it back to me, understood?"

We nodded our heads, afraid to speak. Of course we'd report back to the commander first, why wouldn't we? This mission we were about to embark on wasn't one given to us by Professor Laventon; it was given to us by Commander Kamado. If I wanted to stay in the village, I would do what I was asked without question.

Survival was key to getting back home. Who knew, maybe while I was helping everyone out, I could discover how I got here.

"Good. Everly, you can go. It appears Adaman wants to test your skill before the two of you are off on your mission. Rei, I need you to speak to Professor Laventon about possible ways to tame this beast if it is causing as much havoc as it is. The last thing we would need is for you two to get injured and to anger the leaders of the Diamond and Pearl clans as well," Commander Kamado ordered.

Once again, we nodded our heads and walked out of the room. The moment the door shut, I unclasped Rowlet's Poké Ball from my belt and stared down at it. I didn't even have time to deny the challenge Adaman gave because I didn't realize what he was asking. Had the Galaxy Team Commander not said anything, I would've walked out, surprised to find Adaman ready for battle.

Then what?

"Are you not feeling well, Everly?"

I turned my head to find Rei at the top of the stairs, almost as if he was going to descend when he realized I wasn't near him. I was still standing by the doors to Commander Kamado's office.

"Is there something you're not telling me?" Rei asked.

Is there something you're not telling me? I almost asked back. He did everything to hide it, but I could see how tightly he was gripping the railing on the staircase, remembering the way he quickly dodged the subject numerous times. If anyone was hiding something, it was him, but I couldn't ask him now. Not when he clearly wasn't ready to share.

Just like how I wasn't ready to admit my battling skills with him.

"No, I'm just trying to comprehend what's going on," I claimed. It wasn't a lie, but it wasn't what was worrying me.

Luckily, it was enough to convince Rei as he nodded his head, letting go of the railing, so he could readjust his red cap.

"We all are," Rei reminded me. "This has never happened in Hisui history. After I see the professor, I'll find Maki and ask for any insight or advice she may have on the Kleavor."

"Is Kleavor a Legendary Pokémon?" I asked. "With it terrorizing so many people and with the Pearl Clan worshiping it..."

I stopped talking when Rei shook his head.

"No, Kleavor and the other four Noble Pokémon are said to be descendants of the Ancient Hero of legend, something the Diamond and Pearl clans hold to very high regards," Rei explained. "Kleavor is the Lord of the Woods and looks after the Pokémon living in Obsidian Fieldlands, mostly those living in the Heartwood. For it to be frenzied like it is, worrying both clans to the point that they're looking for us for help, it can't be good."

I nodded my head, trying to follow what Rei was saying, but honestly, it was a lot of new information. My guess was that it was one of those things I wouldn't truly understand until I ventured out to see it myself.

Rei promised to explain more, but he needed to make sure he visited the professor before it was too late, leaving me alone at the top of the staircase with Rowlet's Poké Ball.

The last battle I had, we didn't even get the chance to finish it. Something strange happened that caught Volo's attention. I'm glad it did. While the battle was going well, I wasn't sure how much more of it I could handle.

Something told me this battle against Adaman was something to be taken seriously. It wasn't just to show off how people battled outside the Galaxy Team, but rather, part of me worried he was testing me. Was it to see if I had experience? He seemed hung up on the fact that Irida didn't have as much experience as he did when it came to being a clan leader. Or was it to see if I could handle myself when facing a Noble Pokémon? Rei and I ventured out to Obsidian Fieldlands, but never had the Pokémon there seemed different than before. This Kleavor had to be hidden further in that section of Hisui.

I needed to do well in this battle. But how?

(-o-)

Adaman knelt down beside an elegant cream and green colored Pokémon that sat beside him. The Pokémon lifted his head up, but I could still see the curved leaf-like tuff on top of his head, especially when he lowered it to clean his brown paw. I immediately recognized the Pokémon, but it had been since my last contest that I ran into one.

Coincidentally, it was the same Pokémon that fainted my partner, declaring herself and her Trainer the victors of that round.

And Rowlet's a Grass-type, I thought to myself. There would be no disadvantage or advantage other than experience.

The Diamond Clan's leader looked up at that moment and gave a sly smile. My hand tightened around Rowlet's Poké Ball, knowing there was no way around it.

No matter how much I wished otherwise.

"Alright, Everly, go a round with me?" Adaman asked.

My response came in the form of a shrug, which seemed to be enough for the mostly blue haired man as he stood up. His grin grew from ear to ear.

"That's a good sport," he complimented before the Leafeon beside him leapt in front. There were no words exchanged, just a silent understanding that this was it. This was what needed to be done.

Trainers like that were always stronger than they let on.

"Okay Rowlet," I said, taking a deep breath. "Spotlight!"

Light escaped the red and white wooden capsule before the brown feathered Pokémon emerged, flapping his wings.

Seeing that he was silent when starting the battle, I had a feeling he wasn't going to take the first move, meaning it'd be up to me to start this thing. Part of me wanted to start off with Peck being that it was the only move that would be super effective against Leafeon, but seeing Leafeon stand there, he looked quite agile. What if he was swifter than Rowlet?

That meant only one thing: distract.

"Rowlet, use Leafage!" I yelled.

My partner flapped his wing, sending a strong wind filled with razor sharp leaves towards Leafeon.

Adaman said nothing, didn't even look or make any gestures, yet his Leafeon leapt into action. The Pokémon dodged the attacks as his body was etched in white, signaling a Quick Attack. My eyes widened as he maneuvered around the leaves like a prima ballerina would as she would twirl around the corps de ballet.

"Peck!" I yelled, as he inched closer. "Use Peck!"

We were too slow as I wasn't even finished saying my words when Leafeon slammed Rowlet into the ground. The winged Pokémon picked himself up, glaring at his opponent before his beak elongated and flew back for the attack.

This time, Leafeon didn't even try to dodge. He stood there, anticipating Rowlet's attack. I glanced up at Adaman, but he didn't look too concerned. Like Leafeon, he just stood there, his hands on his hips, awaiting to see what would happen. He didn't give his partner any guidance, which made no sense. Adaman just stood there, while the leaves that sprouted from Leafeon's legs sharpened before he slashed Rowlet head on.

I drew in a sharp breath. The two Pokémon were still, putting everything they had in that first attack that made contact with one another. In the end, there was only one that was more effective, taking control as Leafeon seemed to realize his attempts were for nothing and leapt back. When the blades along his legs subsided, scratches were seen etched on them. There were more than the wounds that were on Rowlet, but that didn't mean the fight was over.

If anything, it meant I couldn't let my guard down.

To my surprise, Leafeon didn't pause long. Pink rings of light rippled towards Leafeon as he closed his eyes and disappeared when he opened them. It was a move I recognized as Calm Mind, but what it did, I wasn't sure. What I did know was that he didn't take a break for his next move as brightly shining leaves flew from the leaf tuff from his head as he swung it towards Rowlet.

"Counter with Leafage!" I cried.

But it wasn't enough. The leaves cut through Rowlet's attack and hit my Pokémon before I could even notice. I was lucky that some of his attacks still hit his opponent, but not enough to do any damage.

At least, not the type of damage Leafeon's attack did to Rowlet.

My Pokémon was thrown to the ground and skidded across the hard soil. I didn't care if we were in the middle of a battle or not; I ran to his side to check on him, making sure Rowlet didn't get too injured from the attack. The Grass-type starter blinked a few times before pushing himself upright.

He was ready to continue.

If we were going to continue, we needed to end it fast.

"Rowlet, use Quick Attack into Peck!" I yelled.

White light wrapped around Rowlet's body as he flew towards Leafeon. The opponent decided to use the same tactic, being encompassed by the same white light. I closed my eyes, trying to think positively.

"You can do it," I whispered. "Turn and hit him head on."

Whether Rowlet heard me or not, I wasn't sure. All I knew was I heard a huge thud as the two must've collided. I peeled my eyes open, finding the dust from the soil we were on rose, covering both Grass-type Pokémon. From where I was standing, I didn't even see Adaman standing across from me. Only the few villagers that decided to spectate the battle.

When the dust let up, I found Rowlet standing there.

Leafeon wasn't.

Adaman walked over towards Leafeon, handing the fainted Pokémon a berry to revive his health. Once up, he nodded his head and petted his head. Leafeon gave a small smile before walking away, leaving town.

"Aren't you going to put him away in his Poké Ball?" I asked.

The Leader of the Diamond Clan shook his head. "We do not need to use Poké Balls as we coexist with Pokémon. There are only very few members of both my clan and the Pearl clan that use them," he explained. "You and Rowlet did a nice job. If anyone is going to be able to get close to calming down Lord Kleavor's frenzy, I'm certain it'll be you."

As much as I wanted to deny the compliment, I couldn't. Our battle was so close. Looking over at Rowlet, one more hit, and he would've suffered the same fate as Leafeon. I was certain of it.

Yet, he was still standing.

"Thank you," I said. "I appreciate it. I take it, you know where this Pokémon lives?"

He was about to open his mouth when something swooped down and clawed my hand. I jumped, dropping Rowlet's Poké Ball as I realized I was about ready to return him inside of it. I never had the chance. Nor would I as the capsule was snatched from my hand. Adaman, Rowlet, and I snapped our heads towards the direction it flew, finding a Starly flying out of the Village.

Not just any Starly, but the same Starly that brought me here.

"We need to follow that Pokémon!" I shouted as I took off running after it. I could feel Rowlet's presence close behind me, but as for Adaman, I didn't bother to look. I didn't bother to see if anyone followed me. My mind was focused on one thing, and one thing only.

Catching that Starly and maybe finding a way back home.

Author's Note:

Who knew we'd see Starly show up so quickly? And what is it up to? Only time will tell.

Thank you all for being patient with me as these chapters roll out. It has been a crazy past couple of months trying to balance everything, but now, I've got the summer off that I can finally get some writing done! In the meantime, I'll leave you all off to the chapter question...

Chapter Question:
Where do you think Starly is taking Everly and the gang?

Pokédex Entry: Leafeon | The Verdant Pokémon
Type: Grass
Location: Obsidian Fieldlands

Picture of Leafeon found on Pinterest.