Nate, Hugh, and Bianca continued their drive toward Virbank City. The landscape rolled by in a blur of greens and grays as the road carried on. Bianca drove with a relaxed confidence, while Nate sat shotgun, peering out into the sunlight. Hugh occupied the backseat, leaning forward between the front seats.

  “So, tell me a little bit about yourselves. I'd like to get to know my team members. Let's start with you, Nate,” Bianca said, glancing over.

  “There's not much to tell, really. I am sixteen years old, same as Hugh. I grew up in Aspertia, graduated from Trainer School, and now I am here,” Nate said. He paused, realizing he had just listed the most generic facts possible.

  Wow, I sound incredibly boring.

  “How about you tell me about your mom? How does she know Professor Juniper?” Bianca prompted.

  “Oh, yeah. My mom and the Professor have known each other since they were in school. She said they were very close. Mom always mentions how smart Juniper was, and how she’d help her with assignments,” Nate explained.

  “Yup, I can believe that. She is a brilliant woman.”

  “So, why does she need a team of Trainers to help with her research?” Hugh asked from the back. “Doesn't the University have staff for that?”

  “It's... a bit of a mess, actually,” Bianca sighed, tapping her fingers on the steering wheel. “Her main focus is the origin of Pokémon, specifically species unique to Unova. But last year, we hit a brick wall. We didn't have the budget or manpower to conduct wide-scale field research. We spent months fighting with the University board about funding allocation. That's when I suggested creating a team of students.”

  “Why students?” Hugh asked.

  “Well... because we're cheaper than actual professionals,” Bianca admitted, her voice trailing off.

  “Wait, so you're telling me we only got accepted because we're cheap?” Hugh exclaimed.

  “No! Not entirely! That's just the pitch we used to get the board to sign off on it!” Bianca cried nervously, waving a hand. “And besides, Professor Juniper would much rather bring in younger Trainers who have genuine passion, rather than corporate professionals who are just in it for a paycheck.”

  “So this whole idea of the Field Research Team was yours, Bianca?” Nate asked, trying to steer the conversation away from their budget value.

  “Not me specifically, but... yeah, I played a part in it,” Bianca said, a small blush coloring her cheeks.

  “Well, I'm glad you did. Otherwise, we wouldn't be here.”

  “I assume the rest of the team are students as well?” Hugh asked, calming down.

  “Indeed they are! They're my closest friends. You'll get to meet them soon enough. The leader, Cheren, is the oldest of the group. He's about two years older than us,” Bianca said.

  “Us? So you're sixteen too?” Nate asked, surprised.

  “Just turned sixteen recently, actually,” Bianca smiled.

  Nate blinked. By the way she conducted herself, driving the van, managing paperwork, organizing logistics, he had assumed she was much older. She carried a maturity that most sixteen-year-olds lacked.

  “Wow, I never would have guessed. You are very mature for your age. How long have you been working with Professor Juniper?”

  “Since I was eleven. About five years now. The rest of the team are all sixteen as well.”

  “Five years is a long time. You must have some incredibly strong Pokémon with you,” Hugh said.

  “Actually, quite the opposite,” Bianca admitted with a sheepish laugh. “My only partner is Minccino. She's been with me since I was a little girl, but she's not much of a battler. I am strictly a research assistant, not a battle Trainer.”

  “That's where we come in, then?” Hugh asked.

  “Exactly! That is precisely where you come in,” Bianca said cheerfully, catching Hugh’s eye in the rearview mirror.

  After an hour of driving, Bianca pulled into a scenic rest area perched on a seaside cliff. Nate stepped out of the van and stretched, the salty wind hitting his face. The view was breathtaking. The ocean stretched out endlessly to the horizon, merging with the sky. It was a reminder of how vast Unova truly was.

  “Now’s a good time to get more acquainted with Oshawott, don't you think?” Bianca suggested, walking up beside him. “Virbank is only thirty minutes away, and our ferry to Castelia City doesn't leave for another two hours. We have time to relax.”

  “You're right,” Nate said. He reached for the Poké Ball on his belt. “C'mon out, Oshawott!”

  Oshawott materialized in a flash of white light. The little otter blinked, looking up at Nate for direction.

  “Hey there, Oshawott. Take a look at the view. Isn't it beautiful?” Nate said, crouching down.

  The Pokémon peered out over the cliff edge, his eyes widening at the vast expanse of blue water. He let out a gleeful cheer, clapping his paws against his scalchop.

  “Looks like Oshawott approves!” Bianca laughed.

  “Hey, let’s give everyone a chance to see this,” Hugh said, grabbing two Poké Balls. “Come out, guys!”

  Tepig and Psyduck appeared, immediately running to the railing to gaze at the ocean. They were quickly joined by Oshawott, and the three Pokémon began chattering amongst themselves.

  “Great idea, Hugh! Okay, Minccino, it's your turn,” Bianca said.

  Minccino appeared in a soft glow. Unlike the others, the gray chinchilla Pokémon looked nervous. She immediately grabbed onto Bianca's pant leg and refused to let go.

  “Minccino, this is Hugh and Nate. They're our new friends. Why don't you say hello?” Bianca coaxed gently.

  Minccino squeaked and darted behind Bianca's legs, peeking out with one fearful eye.

  “Guess she’s shy,” Hugh noted.

  “Maybe Riolu can help. Come on out, Riolu,” Nate said.

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  Riolu landed on the pavement with a quiet thud. He looked over at the trembling Minccino. Without needing an order, Riolu stepped forward slowly, his posture non-threatening. He spoke in a series of soft, rhythmic barks and grunts.

  Minccino’s ears perked up. She looked at Riolu, who offered a paw in invitation. Hesitantly, Minccino released her grip on Bianca’s pants and stepped forward. Riolu nodded encouragingly. A moment later, Minccino was standing beside Riolu, her shoulders relaxing.

  “Wow, Riolu is quite the social Butterfree! You're really good at sensing others’ auras, aren't you?” Bianca said, bending down to pet them both.

  That's right! Riolu is the aura Pokemon.

  Riolu gave a triumphant grunt, puffing out its chest.

  “I like her. I think she's a good friend.”

  “Huh? Oh yeah, me too,” Nate replied automatically.

  Bianca froze, her hand mid-pet. “Sorry, what?”

  “Oh, I was just replying to what Hugh said,” Nate said, gesturing to his friend.

  But when he turned, Hugh wasn't there. He was over by the railing, wrestling with Tepig.

  “Nate, are you okay? You sound a bit confused,” Bianca chuckled, standing up.

  “Oh. Yeah. Sorry,” Nate stammered, rubbing his temples. “I just thought I heard Hugh say something. Must be the lack of sleep. I was too excited last night.”

  Bianca smiled sympathetically. “That's okay. You can nap on the ferry to Castelia. Assuming you don't get seasick.”

  “I sure hope not.”

  As they packed up to leave, Nate’s mind raced.

  He had heard that voice before. At the ranch. Then again in the forest during the battle with Team Plasma. And now, standing right next to Bianca.

  Why am I hearing voices?

  Surely it wasn't a coincidence. Was it stress? Shearing sheep was hard work, and fighting criminals was terrifying. But standing at a rest stop talking to Bianca wasn't stressful.

  It didn't add up. There was a piece of the puzzle missing.

  The group arrived in Virbank City. Though close to Aspertia, Virbank felt like a different world. It was industrial and gritty, defined by concrete piers, cranes, and a very busy harbor. The city existed to serve the port.

  Traffic to the ferry terminal was backed up for blocks. Bianca navigated the van toward the specialized vehicle loading zone.

  “Okay, we're here. I have our tickets for the next crossing to Castelia,” she said, parking the van.

  They hopped out, leaving their luggage inside. As they approached the terminal building, Nate noticed the crowd. It wasn't a line of passengers waiting to board. It was a mob of angry people standing outside closed doors.

  “Oh no. That's not a good sign,” Bianca said, her pace slowing.

  They pushed through the crowd, catching snippets of conversation: “down for maintenance,” “indefinite delay,” “engine failure.”

  “Excuse me, sir, could you tell us what the hold up is?” Bianca asked a harried-looking staff member in a reflective vest.

  “Ferry’s canceled. All crossings are suspended for the day,” the worker grunted, barely looking at her.

  “Canceled? Is there another boat?” Bianca asked, her voice rising in pitch.

  “No. Critical flaw in the engine room. We’ve recalled the fleet for emergency maintenance. You'll have to find another way to the mainland.” The worker turned away to shout at someone trying to force the doors open.

  “Well, that's not good news,” Hugh said bluntly.

  “This is terrible! With any more delays, we won't be able to get into the dorms tonight!” Bianca cried, her cheerfulness evaporating into anxiety.

  “How much time until our ferry was supposed to depart?” Nate asked.

  “Roughly an hour,” Bianca checked her watch frantically.

  “Then let's find another way. We have time,” Nate said firmly.

  “What do you propose?”

  “Virbank is a massive port. Someone has to have a boat capable of ferrying us and the van. We just need to go down to the docks and ask.”

  “Sounds optimistic,” Hugh said skeptically.

  “It's worth a shot,” Bianca said, straightening up. “Let's move.”

  With renewed determination, Bianca took off running toward the private docks. Nate and Hugh exchanged a glance and sprinted after her.

  They spent the next fifteen minutes running down the piers, asking anyone with a vessel large enough to carry a van. Their hopes dwindled with every rejection. Most captains were too busy. Others just laughed. One offered to take them for a price that would have bankrupted them, then mocked them when they declined.

  “Well then, enjoy your night here in Virbank!” He waved them off.

  Breathless and defeated, they regrouped at the end of a pier.

  “It was worth a try,” Bianca panted, hands on her knees. “But I think we're out of luck.”

  “What now?” Nate asked.

  “I'll have to call Juniper. We’ll have to find a hotel in Virbank and try again tomorrow.” Bianca reached into her bag for her phone, sniffing back tears of frustration.

  Suddenly, a flash of white light burst from Nate’s belt. Riolu landed on the wooden planks of the dock.

  “Riolu! What—how did you get out?” Nate exclaimed.

  Riolu ignored him, his nose twitching. He pointed a paw down the pier, toward the heavy cargo loading zone.

  “Riolu, what is it?” Bianca asked, pausing with her phone in hand.

  “Follow me.”

  The voice echoed clearly in Nate’s mind.

  “He wants us to follow him,” Nate said, startled.

  Wait. Riolu?

  Before Nate could process the thought, Riolu bolted. He ran with purpose, weaving through the crowd like he was tracking a scent.

  “Riolu! Stop!” Nate yelled, sprinting after his Pokémon.

  Bianca and Hugh scrambled to keep up. Riolu was fast, darting between crates and dodging forklift trucks. He finally skidded to a halt in front of a large, grimy cargo ship where a crew was loading heavy wooden crates.

  A girl with stark white hair and electric purple leggings scooped Riolu up just as the trio arrived, gasping for air.

  “Is this Pokémon yours?” the girl shouted over the noise of the crane.

  “Y-yes! Sorry! I didn't mean for him to cause trouble!” Nate wheezed, bending over to catch his breath.

  Bianca huffed as she started to speak, “We were... looking for a ferry to Castelia... thought Riolu was helping...”

  The girl set Riolu down and crossed her arms, eyeing the group.

  “Well, your Riolu has good instincts. We are heading to Castelia for a gig. But my dad's ship isn't a water taxi. We don't take passengers,” she said coolly.

  “Please,” Bianca pleaded, catching her breath, stepping forward. “Our ferry was canceled. We have to get to the University tonight.”

  The girl rolled her eyes. “Look, I can't just take strays. If we took everyone whose ferry got canceled, we wouldn't have room for our amps. Find someone else.” She turned back to the crew.

  Riolu slumped, his ears drooping in defeat.

  “Better call Professor Juniper. Looks like we're stuck,” Hugh sighed.

  The girl froze. She spun back around, her eyes narrowing. “Did you say Professor Juniper?”

  “Yeah. Why does that matter?” Hugh asked.

  “I take it you are all Pokémon Trainers, then?”

  Nate and Hugh straightened up. “Yes. We are,” Nate said.

  The girl smirked. “I'll tell you what. I'll ask my dad to haul you to Castelia if, and only if, you can defeat me in a battle.”

  Her voice was stern, devoid of sarcasm.

  “I take it you're Riolu's trainer?” she asked, pointing her finger at Nate.

  “That’s right. My name is Nate.”

  “And I'm Roxie. Virbank City's newest Gym Leader. You'll be my first official challenger.”

  “Wait, Roxie? You can't be serious! Aren't you the bassist for Koffing and the Toxics?” Hugh exclaimed, eyes widening.

  “Yeah, so? Can't a girl be a Gym Leader and a rock star? Come on, I've been waiting weeks for a challenger. Take the offer, Nate. I promise you won't find another ride.”

  Nate hesitated, looking at Bianca.

  “Might as well, Nate. We don't have a choice,” Bianca nodded.

  Nate turned back to Roxie, “Alright. But we have a van with all our luggage. That comes too if I win.”

  Roxie grinned, unzipping a Poké Ball from her belt. “Deal.”