Looker was typing rapidly on his tablet. It was several minutes after June and Gary had both finished their long stories, the man taking down notes the entire time.

  All of their Pokemon had already had their drinks.

  Looker had let out his Lucario to drink with them as well. Unlike the other Pokemon who were standing or sitting on the floor drinking from bowls, Lucario sat beside Looker at the table and used a mug!

  Now, the cafe was louder than ever, having even more customers enjoying themselves.

  Bursting with energy, Gary and June’s Pokemon had all been playing by the long table, but it got too chaotic too often, even after their Trainers told them to cool it down, so they all were returned. Lucario was the only one who didn’t play, and thus remained with his Trainer.

  June’s Electivire had never returned after leaving earlier.

  Gary had no idea how long they had all been talking for, but so much information had been shared from him and June to Looker. June was still mortified over Gary’s revelations, frozen with her head lowered and hands over her ears, strands of her hair in her face. Gary also wasn’t moving, his eyes on June, reflecting on her words. No, he told himself. No...

  “I have no real, clear recollection of the specifics, but I can say without a doubt that I was tortured to my most imaginable breaking point,” June had told them, her hands over her face, covering her crying. Tears still got through and hit the table. “I just begged to die so many times, I lost count eventually and it was like I forgot how to even say the words. I stopped keeping track of the different ways she’d hurt me, just trying to forget it all. But there’s some things that stuck, even till now. Terrible, terrible stuff I wasn’t able to even tell the hospital or the police, but, if Gary trusts you, and I trust Gary, then I can speak on it.”

  “Again, there’s no rush or pressure,” Looker spoke gently but clear and audibly. “Take your time, but I just-” He paused, thinking about his words.

  “I understand,” June nodded, wiping her cheeks and then lowering one hand to the table. Her other hand slowly went through her hair, and soon she was fumbling with her hearing aid. “I know you’re just doing what you do best as a detective, and I want to help to stop this monster. I want to assist in any way possible.” Having said all this, June then went silent and started to weep openly, her raised hand joining the other one at the table.

  Looker kept mournful eyes on the young girl.

  Lucario held a solemn look on his face, his eyes also on June.

  Gary closed his eyes, keeping back his own tears.

  It was a little more time before June was able to calm down a bit and speak again. “I’m sorry. I’m okay.” She raised her left hand again but then grabbed it with her right hand and held them together on the table.

  “There’s nothing to be sorry about, June!” Looker insisted. “We’re here for you. Please trust in us. If you will, trust in my Lucario. My partner.”

  June looked up slowly, shakily, and moved her hair that had gotten wet and stuck to her face out of her view.

  Lucario was staring back with a smile. He let out a couple of approving grunts to June.

  Instantly, June’s face broke into emotional, sad pieces, and she covered her ears and lowered her face, crying harder than ever.

  “June?” Looker exclaimed.

  Gary’s eyes widened. What just happened? Why did she-?

  “I can’t hear them anymoooore!!” she let out in a desperate scream.

  June lost her ability to hear Pokemon language after her return from her abduction, Gary thought as he kept his eyes on June. Her hearing was damaged. And she’d been hiding it from me until now. The monster has shown interest in June before. Back in Viridian City when Team Solace had attacked...

  The monster grabbed the sleeping June by the throat. Her body flashed white quickly.

  June’s body did the same flash afterwards, and she woke up shrieking in pain! She grabbed at the creature’s wrist as she choked and tried to scream again.

  Her creepy eyes were on June like an extraterrestrial looking upon a new human to experiment on. “Speeeeeeeak...” the creature rasped in a singular, nasty voice.

  June screamed for her life.

  She wanted June to speak. The monster knows something about June’s ability, and that’s why she kidnapped June. And now that ability is just gone? Did the monster learn something about June? Was she able to get rid of June’s ability to speak to Pokemon? On purpose? Because of something she learned? That just sounds like the monster might really be- Gary stopped his thoughts, but he knew where it was going. He swallowed uncomfortably.

  Looker had tried to use Lucario to help June get her feelings out, using the Aura power the Lucario line has, something he said helped him deal with his own past after an accident many years ago. But June freaked out trying to communicate with the Pokemon.

  So she really can’t do it anymore... Gary kept his eyes on her.

  In front of June was a full glass mug of Moomoo Milk. She hadn’t taken a single sip.

  The mugs in front of Looker, Lucario, and Gary were empty. The bowls on the floor for the Pokemon were also empty.

  The man was still typing, his Lucario staring at the table.

  Gary let out a light cough and then cleared his throat, raising a fist to his mouth and then lowering it. His eyes carefully looked over what little of her face he could see. No injuries, he noted. That makeup really is impressive. You wouldn’t even know she had suffered the things she said she did at the hands of the monster. He could see the hearing aid through the strands of her hair.

  “I was tossed around the cave, dragged all over the floor; every part of - my body, was completely violated. I can’t... I - I just got lost in it all.” June was keeping her head down and refusing to look anyone in the face, not that anybody was asking her to. Her hair covered her face like vertical blinds on a window with gently separated slats. Her fingers were touching the hearing aid again.

  “Take your time with it, June,” Looker told her softly. “Take all the time you need.”

  “I put so much of it out of my head.” She moved her hand from her ear to her chest. “I can’t tell if I was being tortured or they were just trying to kill me. She slashed my chest. I thought she was trying to-” Her words stopped and she gulped loudly.

  “Did you say they?” Looker’s eyes were squinting at her. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have interrupted, but, are you confirming there are more than one of this thing alive out there?”

  June didn’t look up. “It’s impossible to say, isn’t it?” she answered lowly. “The condition I was in makes me a poor witness. I don’t recall seeing them. But I thought I heard, or sensed, them.”

  Gary watched June, and they eventually met eyes. Even through her hair, Gary could see the stress and torment in her eyes from reliving it all again.

  June was the first to look away and grab at her left ear.

  Gary lowered his own eyes afterwards. Yeah, he solemnly thought. I thought so, too.

  Gary shifted in his ill-fitting coat.

  Looker continued typing on his tablet.

  “Chiiiiiiime!” Chimecho wailed out as the door burst open and Summer, Spring and Winter rushed inside to the table of Looker, Lucario, Gary and June. “Are you all finished?” they asked collectively, their doe eyes glued to the eye-catching fellow.

  “I could use another-!” a guy from a different table called out.

  “Would you like another serving of Moomoo Milk?” Spring cooed at the older man.

  “Or would you prefer an actual meal?” Summer winked at Looker. “Today’s special is the Barbecued Baby Basculin!”

  Gary’s eyes lit up. That sounds good, he thought.

  “Or maybe an appetizer?” Winter added, her face close to Looker’s.

  Looker leaned back in surprise and then wailed out, dropping his tablet and reaching for the table before he fell off the bench.

  “Oooooooooohhhhh!!” The three maids aided Looker in a hurry.

  Chuckling, Looker sat back in place. “Thank you all. If the kids are hungry, whatever they want is on me,” he offered with a warm smile.

  Gary looked at June with wide, hopeful eyes, but she didn’t react to this offer at all. As hungry as I am, food isn’t my priority, Gary decided. He shook his head at Looker. “Thank you, but I’m fine.”

  June also shook her head.

  Looker smiled at the maids and nodded. “We’re good over here.” He went right back to typing on his tablet.

  The three of them gushed out in delight and then swiftly collected the mugs and bowls.

  “If you need anything, anything, just let us know!” Spring cried.

  “We’re here to serve!” Summer nodded rapidly.

  “Don’t hesitate to ring our bell!” Winter winked.

  The three maids took off out the door, keeping their eyes on Looker, Chimecho crying out.

  “Hey! What about us?” a lady customer complained at her table with her group.

  After that, more people were grumbling and looking around in confusion.

  Looker sure lives up to his name, huh? Gary rolled his eyes with some jealousy. How much longer is he gonna keep taking notes down? he wondered, watching him type. Neither of us have spoken in a while now. What else could he be writing? Will he let us know?

  Looker’s face was hard and unfriendly. A large bead of sweat was running down his cheek. Finally, he stopped typing and looked right to Gary.

  Gary inhaled quickly and held his breath at this sudden change.

  Looker kept eye contact, finally saying, “I’m trying to put together what different Pokemon types this monster is.”

  Gary didn’t know how to respond to this, his wide eyes glued to Looker. What did he just say?

  Looker didn’t miss a beat. As if reading Gary’s thoughts, he continued, “This being is absolutely a Pokemon. And I believe she may just be all eighteen Pokemon types, in one. That, and more.”

  Gary kept holding his breath, refusing to talk. And more? Gary thought. What does that mean?

  “Pokemon, as you are well aware, are all the types of different pieces of our reality that makes the world what it is for us all. Animal, plant, human,” Looker began. “The water we drink, the very air we breathe, the trees, fire, even life and death, are present in the typings. And I believe that this Pokemon embodies them all somehow. Every single Pokemon type, as well as an extra type. A wild card type I would label as Human type!”

  Time froze for Gary and he finally breathed out. He didn’t accept what Looker was saying. He couldn’t even think to accept what the man had just suggested.

  Looker stared at his tablet. “Psychic, Grass, Fire, Ground, Steel, Electric, Water, Rock, Flying, Ice, Normal, Bug, Ghost, Fighting, Dragon, Dark and Fairy. And don’t forget about Poison! That’s all eighteen types.”

  Gary stirred a little. Why did that sound familiar? he questioned, looking to the side for only an instant before returning to Looker.

  ()“And after hearing about all of your encounters with her, as well as the reports from others who’ve claimed to encountered her that do seem to match with a lot of what you’ve seen, I’m trying to connect it all. I admit this may not sound convincing and is full of holes, but hear me out.” He paused to take in a deep breath and let it out, keeping his eyes on his tablet. “We’ll start with Ground. You said that her body specifically reminded you of the texture of dirt, the earth; ground. Which, if we broaden that even further, would include rocks, and plants. Ground, Grass, and Rock typing could be said to exist within her, simultaneously. Like a walking Mother Earth, if you will.”

  Gary narrowed his eyebrows at the man. Excuse me? he wanted to ask, not sure he had heard what he was sure he had heard. What did you just say? Gary almost opened his mouth to speak, but instead he licked his lips, pressed them together, and then bit down.

  A smirk crossed Looker’s lips and Gary was sure the man was gonna bust out laughing and admit he was pulling a prank on him. Instead, Looker’s eyes never left his tablet as he rubbed his chin with one hand and said, “I know I don’t sound too convincing right now, but I beg you to let me finish expressing my theory first. On a stronger note now, there’s Flying type. You even said she can take on different forms to fly. You also said she is skilled in physical combat, like a Fighting type.”

  Gary released his lips and his eyebrows frowned impatiently. Okay, is this guy serious?? This is the world-famous Detective Looker?? This is what this legendary, deductive genius has come up with??

  “Not to sound judgemental but I don’t think anyone would argue she couldn’t be a Dark type. Dark, or prejudicially, Evil type, is said to be an omen, and even a representation of death to some, but we have the Ghost type to cover death. And I’m only assuming she abides by the rules of all living things must eventually die, so either of those types contrast with the Fairy type, the typing of pure, bright light; life.” He looked at Gary now. “Speaking of the dead, I thought it very telling that she mentioned in her last video how we humans don’t respect the dead. A few analysts and scientists have brought up the theory that this is an objection to essentially raising the dead through Fossil resurrection, an idea I subscribe to as highly plausible. One of the numerous things she likely learned about from her friend the Trick Master. She must find it utterly abhorrent. And honestly, who could blame her...”

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  Looker’s eyes returned to his tablet and his fingers moved across the screen continuously. “It’s no wonder she has the Infinity Energy, is it? She wants to wipe us all off the face of the planet. Free the Pokemon. Give them ‘clarity.’ She has probably heard the mythology of the Infinity Energy and plans to use it, collecting human lives to power it up enough to destroy all life on Earth.”

  “You mean like that Az guy supposedly did? In that other region?” Gary asked. “I read up on the Infinity Energy. It was used to stop a war by killing everyone, I think.”

  Looker didn’t look from his tablet, and he didn’t stop typing. “It’s a myth. A man thousands of years old who sacrificed many lives to resurrect his best friend. But if this monster is collecting lives to power up the Infinity Energy, what is she hoping to get back in return?”

  June and Gary were unable to come up with even a poor answer for Looker.

  “Arceus,” Looker answered himself. “She will fulfill her desires through the Infinity Energy to bring Arceus to Earth to unleash the ultimate attack on Earth: Judgment. I’m not sure what that move will do but it might be according to her will. Her judgment against mankind. That may very well mean the end of human life on this planet.”

  June and Gary had horrified looks on Looker.

  “But hey, that’s just a theory...” Looker’s fingers were bouncing all over the screen. “I’m sure she was trying to expedite the process with Jirachi. Something must have went wrong, though. It’s said that finding Jirachi, rare as that is by itself, isn’t the only part of the process of it granting your wish. The monster may have gotten overzealous. Something went wrong, and maybe that even answers how you and the ranger found yourselves fully recovered. Your hand and her neck. Your very lives, to be more blunt, after being tossed off the top of a mountain.”

  “But, how?” Gary demanded.

  “I can’t hope to explain it. I really wish I could, but it’s a lot to work over. I just need more time to think.” After a couple of minutes of more silent typing, “Back to the concept of the bright light of life, and the blackness associated with death, this could be being displayed in her ability to change her skin color to a drastic black and dazzling white. The whiteness could even be for the Normal type, but I really believe it may be more in tune with Fairy. But if she has any Normal-type attributes, I’m not seeing where else. It may be something so basic, so normal, that I’m overlooking it. If that makes any kind of sense.”

  Gary could have slammed his head into the table at that last point.

  “And speaking of skin,” Looker added, looking up at Gary now, “you’ve mentioned it before but I actually got to see it for myself in the latest video, her voice and attitude seems to change with her skin color. She speaks more fluidly and gentler when her skin has gone all white, but when it’s black she sounds more abstract and violent. I heard what you described as the sound of crackling fire and sparking electricity in her voice. I’m going to take those two types into account, but Electric especially seems to be one of the more dominant traits we can confirm that she’s capable of. It would seem she has used various moves using electricity in your presence.” He then looked over to June. “She reportedly was capable of using Electric moves on your Motor Drive Ability Electivire?”

  June’s eyes, wide as an open hatch, went down sharply to the table and she managed to nod shakily.

  Looker stayed quiet for a moment.

  Gary was looking at June, only because she wasn’t looking back at him.

  “And you say that she stated Electivire’s Ability. The monster said clearly the Ability Electivire has,” Looker went on, turning to Gary again. “But she’s never done something like that again.”

  Gary nodded. “Yeah. I heard it. It was like she understood what it meant, and was-” Gary paused. No, he told himself, and swallowed down a nauseating feeling. Don’t. Don’t even think it.

  “Like she was trying to prove a point,” Looker finished for Gary. “It was like she wanted you all to know that she knew Motor Drive prevents Electric damage, and then used her move anyway.

  Just to humiliate you. A calculated decision. Not the most animalistic, or Pokemon-like behavior, is it?”

  June was still as stone.

  “That doesn’t mean she’s a human in any way, okay?” Gary argued. “Nothing you’re saying even makes any real sense!” He took in a big breath, wanting to say more, but it took a few seconds before he was able to get his words right. He was thinking too many things at the same time, and a few of these ideas were contradicting others. Things he was afraid to admit, or even address. Things he didn’t believe in, but had no better resolution. “I know that none of this makes any sense, okay? But that doesn’t mean we can just start saying anything to explain it! I mean, we don’t have any kind of hair or DNA or - or - like- We don’t have her! We can’t experiment on her or make any claims about her!”

  The cafe had gone quiet. When Gary finally noticed this, he tried calming himself down. He started intently breathing harder, to regain control over himself. He made fists and then hid his arms under the table. He didn’t want Looker or June to see his trembling arms, but seeing Lucario staring at him made him believe that he knew exactly how he was feeling.

  “You’re entirely right, Gary. This is a poorly constructed theory, but I’m using my wits to put this all together based on the factual information I’ve gathered. Please, allow me to finish my ideas, and then let’s tear it apart and see what’s left.” Looker laughed hard.

  Gary and June weren’t even able to smile.

  Chattering was starting up in the cafe again.

  Looker wasn’t typing, but his eyes were moving side to side across the screen. He raised one eyebrow after looking up to Gary again. “We also have Water. You said she grew something like gills out of her throat when you and her fought underwater, and bubbles surrounded her head. And her hair wraps around her face.”

  After all the time since that impossible fight had occurred, Gary still wasn’t able to process it. He didn’t even want to look at June. He could only imagine what she was thinking. That was fucking crazy, Gary thought. I leaped out of a helicopter and - had a physical fight with her? Underwater? That’s not even possible! How?!

  Looker’s eyes returned to his tablet. “Something else you mentioned about her hair suggested to me the possibility of Bug type, which strikes me as interesting. You mentioned that sometimes when she flies off, her hair billows out like a dome and becomes full of holes. Like a bug’s nest or webbing or cocoon? I’m thinking this must serve some kind of function, like when it wraps up her head when she’s underwater.”

  “It’s a very creepy thing her hair does. I can’t really describe it properly, but, yes. Like a nest for bees or something. Kinda.” Gary twisted his neck uncomfortably at the thought.

  Humming lightly, Looker nodded, looking at his tablet again. “What’s next...? So there’s Poison. We know that the purple eye gunk that disabled Electivire and Tyranitar is some kind of poison, and thankfully not too potent,” he turned to June, “as even you were able to survive it.”

  June’s fists could barely be seen, her hair covering them on the table. She didn’t move. She didn’t speak.

  “It acts as some kind of special acid that can even burn through Protect... Utterly fascinating, albeit horrifying.” Looker kept his eyes on his tablet, not saying anything, his eyebrows furrowing.

  He opened his mouth, hesitating before speaking. “There’s also Ice type, which could reflect her cold persona? If she has an abnormally high level of iron in her body, that would cover Steel type.” Looker went silent seeing the glare Gary had for him now and chuckled nervously. “I was only kidding with those last two,” Looker responded, holding up his hands. He lowered them and said, “The truth is, I don’t yet know how those two work into any of this. I know I’m not convincing you here, but that’s why we need more research on her. I like to think of these theories as a basis on which we can build. With more time and encounters with her, we might discover that the typings of Pokemon that don’t seem to fit her so well, actually do match just fine. And when we realize how, we may come to regret what we learn. My silly ideas I’m coming up with may be a preferred luxury of thinking about her compared to the revealed truth, when that day comes. And I have no doubt that it will come.”

  Gary swallowed uncomfortably. I’ve been finding pretty much everything he’s said to be unlikely, he thought. But if his thoughts are the better end of all this horror...

  “There’s only two more left, and I’m especially interested in them. One is the Dragon type.”

  Gary kept his gaze down, fighting off the urge to roll his eyes. What crap is he gonna make up to make Dragon fit with her?

  “I know you must be wondering how Dragon fits into this,” Looker smiled.

  Gary breathed out and smirked back. “I was curious, yes.”

  “Are you familiar with the Dragon Force? The energy said to flow through the entire planet?”

  “Nnooo?! What’s that?” Where is this going? he wondered desperately. Does he really think all of this stupid theorizing is going to amount to anything in the end?

  “It’s a mythical energy of dragons said to flow within the planet itself. This energy is believed to be the foundational lifeforce of all things that make up the planet we live on. The growth of plants and fruits and vegetables. The oceans. Oxygen. The reason why this planet is fit to support life at all. The source that allows life to continue, never faltering to sustain us for millenia or longer, depending on who you ask. Some scientists believe it to be more than just mythology, but an active, verifiable force on this planet. Some of the mysteries of life are said to be explained in part by the Dragon Force!

  “But this is said to be a great power that can be used for good or evil. To help the world flourish, or utterly destroy it. Little is known about it, even among believers, but if this monster is a part of life the way I theorize, then she could be connected to the Dragon Force, and that would connect her to the Dragon type.”

  Gary just breathed out through his nose. This is... just nuts, Gary thought. Is this over now?

  “And finally, I think what may be amongst the most conclusive of her typings: she is a Psychic type, and that is proven very simply, through you, Gary.”

  Gary’s eyes closed tight and then popped open. “Excuse me?!”

  Even June raised her head up now, parting her hair to watch Gary.

  “Tell me, Gary,” Looker said without hesitation. “Why did you come to the Sinnoh region?”

  “The Sinnoh region? I-!” Gary spoke with confusion and impatience.

  Looker held up his hand, silencing him. “I want you to really think about your answer, Gary. Why did you come here?”

  Gary went silent, thinking. He ended up leering. “You know why, Looker. You know why I’m here. It’s all because of your claim about the information in the books! It was about that before I even wanted to compete in the Sinnoh League. I believed you. You said there was something out here. Something more than rumors. But it was all just about your beliefs. There were no facts about the monster that killed my sister. You used me... What was your goal? This is just like what Prof. Cozmo and the Trick Master did to me!” Gary was getting really angry now the more he spoke. He placed his fists on the table, feeling close to his limit. “This isn’t about why am I here in Sinnoh. Why did you make me come out here?!”

  Looker stared back at him and just shook his head. “No, Gary. That’s not true at all.”

  “Yes it IS! You led me here! I wasn’t going to Sinnoh except for the books, then decided to challenge the league!”

  “Gary, the conversations were a long time ago, so the site won’t have them saved, but when you joined with Pokebay, you had already decided to go to Sinnoh.” Looker’s voice was low and calm. “I suggested the books after I knew that. I didn’t mean to use you in any way, Gary; but perhaps, in hindsight, I did. I just wanted someone who would understand and could help me put it all together to finally stop and understand this monster. I never had any malicious intentions, though. I apologize if I hurt you, Gary.”

  Gary had so much to say, but nothing was coming out of his open mouth, his wide eyes holding back tears.

  “But you chose to come to Sinnoh on your own. And I would like you to stop and think about why that would have been.”

  “But that’s just it, I had no reason to,” Gary was saying more thoughtfully, and in a calmer voice. “It wasn’t long after the Indigo League attack. I wasn’t looking to travel. I only came out here for the books you told me to read.”

  Looker kept a determined stare on the boy. “Okay. Well, I don’t want to be blamed again for leading you on in your thought processes, so I can’t say what I think right now. I need you to come upon the answers on your own, if you can.”

  “But there’s nothing to that!” Gary complained. “You’re not even making any sense! You haven’t been saying anything! Just theories that make no sense! You didn’t even answer how she’s a Psychic type, or why you think I’m proof of that!”

  Looker sighed, lowering his head and closing his eyes. “I just said I wouldn’t do this, buuuut...” His hard eyes hit Gary, and he grunted. “Gary, I believe that you and the monster are telepathically connected, due to the murder of your sister.”

  Gary just stared at the man. Why does he keep bringing her up? Why does he keep pushing me like this?! Anger was pumping hard through his body. His eyes shifted over to June and widened.

  June straightened up in her seat, staring back at him curiously.

  Gary suddenly wanted to strike her! No. He wanted to rip the throat bones out of her neck and crush them right between his teeth!

  “Gary. Focus. This is exactly what I’m talking about,” Looker spoke quickly. “Right now. Why do you look so furious? What’s wrong? Focus.”

  Gary blinked. His gaze went over to Looker and he blinked again. He could feel his face relaxing, and it was in that moment he realized just how furious he had felt! “Huh?” He adjusted himself, keeping his eyes on Looker.

  June had an apprehensive look on her face, her lips slightly parted. It was like she was trying her hardest not to move to avoid being spotted by a prowling tiger.

  Looker looked serious, but somehow also calm. “This is exactly what I needed from you. This is the exact proof. You told me that while June was gone, you had nightmares that didn’t feel like nightmares, but more like memories or thoughts. You told me you saw June being abused by this creature, Claire, if you will; and that it felt like the point of view was from her perspective. As if you were the one attacking June. Tell me, Gary. From what you saw, do you see any of the scars on June, that you dreamed?”

  Gary looked over to June. He quickly went back to Looker. “Look, I know where you’re going with this, but for one thing, June has on some really good makeup and I totally understand why,” Gary said gruffly. “I’m not gonna ask her to take it off just to see if your crazy theory is-” He stopped his words. No. It’s not true at all, he thought strongly. This is insane! “I’m not gonna make her take off the makeup because of this crap you’re trying to sell us.”

  “Understandable. It’d be inconclusive as it is, anyway.” Looker took in a deep breath and let it out heavily. “Anyway, I think you came to Sinnoh because Claire came here. I only recommended the book after knowing you were coming here. It’s important that you remember that, Gary.”

  Gary shook his head. No. There’s no way. I went here because of the book! Right? Why can’t I remember? “NO!” he burst out. And then, “No, Looker,” he said more quietly. “I’ve dealt with manipulators like you already. Isaac, Ray, the Trick Master and Prof. Cozmo. You’re just one of them again. You won’t lie to me and trick me into falling for your shit. And bringing up my sister? Fuck you, Looker.” Gary then stood up. “We’re out of here. Come on, June.” He turned from the man.

  “Claire isn’t aware of your connection either, Gary,” Looker said clearly.

  Gary had taken two steps before stopping.

  “Claire is experiencing the same things you are, and I bet she’s just as confused. If she wasn’t, she would have killed you already. In fact, I bet that’s why June was returned safely. Your psychic interference. Your telepathic desires for her safe return. Claire isn’t handling this experience properly. She doesn’t know how to. Neither of you do.

  “I think that while some of your dreams have been actual visions from her, unintentionally to be clear, she herself has been unintentionally seeing your experiences on your journey through your own eyes. And when those moments happen, neither of you have any idea how to interpret those times, because it’s so new and inconceivable for you both.

  “I bet it leads to uncontrollable emotions and outbursts, particularly for you. Times when you find yourself inexplicably emotional beyond reason, or without even knowing you are right away? Irrational outbursts at friends or your Pokemon?” Looker paused for a moment before, “Leaping out of a moving helicopter over the ocean to fight a monster who could rip your head off in a single swing?”

  Gary swallowed hard, as if he were forcing down something that didn’t belong in his throat in the first place. He wasn’t able to respond at all. He opened his mouth to take in more air, because it felt like the air had just suddenly thinned out and his nose was no longer enough to fill his lungs with it. No, Gary told himself. No! No!

  “I fear that one of you will have to master this ability, in order to gain the advantage of control. And what comes of that could be detrimental. Fatal.”

  Gary didn’t respond. He was just focusing on his breathing. His mouth closed to swallow before opening again, thinking, his eyes staring at Looker sometimes, other times moving around the room, noticing the staring patrons in the cafe. There were low conversations all around them.

  “I know I’ve put a lot on your plate, Gary,” Looker acknowledged. “I’m sorry it had to come out this way. But there is still more about the Psychic part of her that I’d like to discuss with you, and I would like to hear your thoughts.”

  Gary gave Looker a weary face. What else is there? he wanted to ask, unable to get the words out.

  “This does involve your sister, and may explain the telepathic connection I believe you share with Claire.”

  “Chiiiiiiiiime!!” Chimecho cried out, making everyone turn to see Summer, Winter and Spring return.

  They split up immediately, serving orders of food and drinks with a smile in record time, but flew to Looker in another instant.

  “Is everything okay, Mr. Looker?” Spring inquired.

  “Did you enjoy your drinks?” Summer asked.

  “Any refills needed?” Winter added.

  Looker stood up, chuckling.

  His Lucario stood up right after.

  Looker gazed kindly upon Gary, keeping his smile. “No. No, thank you, ladies.” He walked past them all, Lucario following, and opened the door carefully, Chimecho singing out pleasantly.

  The entire cafe had gone as silent as a caterpillar, all eyes like a cat on Looker.

  Like the coolest guy on the planet, Looker kept his back to everyone for a couple of moments before he glanced back and, with a wink and a cheeky grin, he said, “Just put it on my tab.”