George’s first instinct was to put his hand out. A second later, he retracted. One good look at the Empoleon and the long black cape he wore told him that might not be appropriate. He saluted moments later.

“I-it’s an honour to meet you too, your highness! Majesty! Majesty I meant!”

The king chuckled at George’s display. The worries were coming off the Oshawott like sweat down someone’s forehead. Fear the king found unnecessary.

“Let us leave the formalities for what they are, yes? I was once a king, but that was years ago. Even when I am worthy of that title, it’s quite egocentric to demand such formalities from others.”

With a bow, the Empoleon waited for a response. George looked over his shoulder to the others. At the now closed door they stood, somewhat obscured by shadows from the Prince’s side of the chamber. Skal gave George a goofy grin and a thumbs up. Terez folded her arms and nodded along, her eyes flashing blue for a moment: The words ‘ don’t worry ’ echoed in George’s head afterwards.

Blitzer on the other hand shiftily eyed the Prince, then George, then Terez and the dark chamber before returning to the Prince. George bit his lip. The Charmeleon looked just as concerned as he.

George breathed in deep. It was time to face the music. He turned back to see the King still bowing. “So, uhh…. Then what do you want me to call you? Sir?” ‘If I say one wrong thing here…’

The Empoleon pulled out of his bow, content and well. “Officially, I am known as Artanouk the Second. But I prefer Artanouk. And I vastly prefer ‘Art’. It’s a friendlier name, is it not? Far less regal, far closer to the common folk. And that is my preference. Any good king would rule for the people, not over the people.”

“Well, yeah. That makes a lot of sense. Wouldn’t a king want to be liked? Else everyone would just get rid of him when they can.” George was scratching his head. He didn’t dare menton that ‘getting rid’ would start with the head. ‘Just winging it here. What else can I say, other than compliments.’

Artanouk put his sharp, blade-like arms behind his back, and nodded. “Precisely. We are of equal minds here. But what else could I expect from the Othersider? The gods do not make foolish, rushed decisions,” he said with a muffled chuckle.

“You say that like it’s anything impressive. It’s just plain common sense though, right? Karma.” George stuck his tongue into his cheek. ‘Imagine that, a world where karma exists.’ That’s a new one for me…’

The king breathed in deep through his beak, his facial trident tilted upwards. “Many of Eravate’s rulers throughout the ages were fools, and learned it through bloodshed,” he mused. “We all thought those days were behind us. Alas, we have faltered back to that level. The temptations of Pokemon are truly unchangeable. And we all suffer for it.”

George folded his arms. “To be honest, when I was told you were a king, that’s kind of what I was expecting from you as well. But you don’t seem like that type.”

“Indeed,” Artanouk said. “People aren't always who they seem to be, George. Many before you had similar convictions about me….Eravate’s current rulers included. And many would never guess who you truly are. Which brings us to what we were here for. George. Do you know why you are here?”

George bit his tongue. He’d asked himself this question many times from that first night in Greenfield onwards, yet nothing had come of it.

“Uh… I’m not sure what you mean exactly, your majesty. Sir.” ‘I’m not sure why I keep calling him that, either.’

“Let me rephrase. Why do you believe you were sent here, George? For what purpose would you come to our world, carrying nothing but your mind with you?” Artanouk asked. His tone was serene, in a way that gave George a semblance of security. Whether he had an answer or not didn’t matter. In all likelihood, Artanouk already knew the answer himself, and was wondering if George knew it, too.

“I… I got nothing. Other than Terez and Skal telling me I was important somehow.” George’s ears perked up and jittered.

“You’re supposed to be a hero, Geor- Ow!”

A smack echoed through the room. “Quit, Blitzer,” Terez whispered. Much as he wanted to look back, George couldn’t break his gaze on the Prince.

“Complicated, isn’t it?” Artanouk asked, pacing around George slightly. “A new world, a new body, what for? There must be a great many questions you do not have the answer to. Why did the gods choose you, and how? What happened to your old life? Why this body? And why do they trust me? Among others, of course.”

George’s mouth fell open, as did his tail sink to the marble ground. ‘He’s right, I’ve been asking myself that for well over a month now! I think it’s closer to two now, even.’

Artanouk shook his head. “The truth is, none of us can truly answer them. All we can say for now is that the gods work in ways we mortals do not understand. But we can recognise what their decisions mean for us. Dialga, Palkia, Arceus and the others who shaped our world. You being here can mean only one thing, George. You are an Othersider.”

“Hnng,” George muttered under his breath. There was that word again. Othersider. Terez had first branded him with it, now this Prince had joined in on it. Part of him was indifferent - apparently there had been other humans before him, enough for the Pokemon to come up with their own term for them.

But there was a creepy underline to it, one George couldn’t shake off even after hearing it dozens of times. Something about that term felt cult-like. Obsessive reverence for someone that struggled with basic things any other Oshawott was capable of. If anything, ‘Anomaly’ described him better.

“What does that even mean? Terez called me this too, but I don’t get it.”

“It means several things, George,” Artanouk answered in a tone far more serious than before. “Our world’s history goes deep. Allow me to explain. You won’t grasp what your coming to this world entails without that context, and truthfully, it is still difficult to truly grasp with that context. I certainly find it strange, as do most others who know of your true identity.”

The Empoleon cleared his throat. “Legends speak of ancient calamities that ravaged this land. Calamities that upset the world’s order. Calamities that brought civilization to its knees on numerous occasions. As a matter of fact, there are cultures and settlements that no longer exist past paper.”

“Is that what happened in the Kronn?” George asked. The ruined homes and villages in the Spice Hills made an awful lot more sense. Ancient was an odd word to use: The foundations were still relatively stable, and the elements hadn’t eroded them too much. Aside from the grass and the abundance of ferals, one could swear their abandonment wasn’t that long ago.

Artanouk tapped his beak with the tip of one of his arms for a moment. A calm, thinking gaze appeared for a moment, before it faded back into the serious look he had beforehand.

“Yes. Once upon a time, the Kronn was a lush, populated land. An all too recent calamity has ravaged the land now, however. The wings of death scoured it of life, and mere echoes remain now. That is but one such case. Many more events like it have transpired throughout history, and no Pokemon had the strength to stop them.”

“Okay, uh…” George’s speech turned into unintelligible mumbling. It was one thing to get a history lesson out of nowhere. He didn’t see how this related to him in any way. Horrible events had happened in the past back home as well. Little of them was visible today outside of stuffy old papers. “What does this have to do with me, though? I’m nothing special.”

“Most certainly,” the Empoleon said with a nod. “By most measurements, you are entirely unexceptional. Not particularly strong, not particularly bright, not particularly brave, prone to misfortune-”

“Lies, lies!!”

“Hey- HEY! You little tyke of a Charmeleon, get back here!”

George watched on dumbfounded as Blitzer came running up to his side, tail flaring out of nowhere. Even stranger was that Terez wasn’t stopping him, nor was Skal. This didn’t bode well, however. Mouthing off to a king, knowingly at that. He fearfully turned back. Artaouk gestured for no one to intervene. If anything, he seemed amused.

“How dare you say that about George! Not brave?! He’s saved my life before! Not strong? He’s still learning, but he learns fast! And you claim he’s not bright?! He figured out how to use Ice Beam! We almost got killed by a Garchomp if it wasn’t for that, all four of us-”

Blitzer’s jaw was forced shut. George felt the psychic energies flow past him. Terez had seen enough.

“My apologies for this little scamp, Art. He’s the Othersider’s friend, and the Othersider wouldn’t come with us without him. Unfortunately, he has quite a nasty temper, as you can see. I will make sure to deal with him whenever he gets out of hand,” she said from across the room, eyes glowing blue and hair wavering as if there were a light breeze. All the while Blitzer struggled in her grasp. She had locked his limbs as well.

To this, the king simply smiled. “Young, and foolish. Two combinations that are like bread and butter, aren’t they? They’re inseparable. All youth should have the room to act foolish to an extent. And besides, he is a Charmeleon. It is entirely within reason.”

Blitzer made sounds that sounded like cursing, but his tongue was getting in the way. George twiddled his fingers as he eyed the Charmeleon struggling beside him. What a shame the interruption didn’t last longer.

“Where were we? Ah yes. Not strong, bright, brave, misfortunate… these traits aren’t uncommon in the Othersiders of the past. Krookodile Barron was a drunkard. Umbreon Terri, a cripple. And so on. But what they lacked was compensated elsewhere. Barron was inspirational, and capable of amassing a large following to do as he wished. Terri’s empathy knew no limits. Even the most objectionable Pokemon got the benefit of the doubt from her. And so on.”

Artanouk lowered his head as if deep in thought. “It is believed that these traits, and how fondly they are remembered because of them is what made the gods bring them here. It is those traits that were central to stopping the calamities of their time. Barron brought a ruined, divided people together, saving them from the eruption of Mount Tenebrous. Terri soothed a mad usurper’s grief, and her actions saved the Azzuro Islands from his destructive plots. Were it not for her, the islands would have drowned.”

George was now listening with genuine curiosity, keeping his ears perked up for every word the king said. Despite this, his knowledge still felt lacking. As if a whole novel was said, but it was written in gibberish. He shook his head.

“But what does this have to do with me? I- Look. I’m only thirteen years old. I’ve lived without my parents in sight for most of my life, and I’m struggling to get by. Why would I be like these other people, or Othersiders you’re talking about? What makes you think I’m going to be like them?” ‘God, what kind of a name is Othersider, anyway?’

“Only the gods can answer that question,” was all Artanouk replied with. George wasn’t satisfied by that answer in the slightest.

“Clearly you can answer it too. You brought me here, didn’t you? Or your people did, rather. At the end of the day, I’m standing here in front of you instead of elsewhere, and I guess I do owe you my life, but why though? If you think I’m so special, you’d be able to tell me why, right?”

A disappointed Artanouk shook his head. “I wish I could give you the answer, George. But we’re all followers of the gods. I simply connect the dots. All who have been sent to this world by them have been documented. All have accomplished great things. And you have been sent here as well. Clearly, they see something in you, George.”

“That doesn’t tell me anything.”

“I’m afraid not, no.” Artanouk fell onto his knees right before the little Oshawott. “Should you ever meet the gods, you will have your answer. All we can do is predict based on what we know. Clearly, something in you has caught their attention. Your ego, your personality, your soul. Perhaps you may find the answer on your own if you follow those threads.”

The Empoleon stood back up and proceeded to pace his side of the chamber up and down. “With this said, you can understand why we brought you here. And why the Crest is after you.”

George bit his lip. “Because me being here means something.”

“You were sent here to stop a calamity. A terrible event. And who else could be behind it, other than the new ruler of Eravate, Patrina? The fact that her troops are after you with murderous intent speaks for itself, does it not?”

“But I’ve never done anything wrong to her! Why? Why does she want to kill me?! All I did was wake up here!” George shouted. The news had struck a sore spot deep down. He defended himself as if he were talking to the one who had ordered the hit to begin with.

Artanouk bowed and took a deep breath. “Terez, my lady, could you let the Charmeleon speak?”

“As you wish.”

“Ah!” Blitzer fell to the ground gasping for air. “Uuugh…”

“Young man, let’s put the start behind us, shall we? Could you tell us your own experiences with the Vined Crest and its minions?”

Blitzer got up and dusted off his knees. A slight scent of watery iron entered George’s nose.

“S-sure,” the Charmeleon’s voice shook. “I’ve been living with my mom and dad in the same village for almost all my life. And we’ve always been afraid of the Soldiers. They’d come to the village to threaten people, beat them up, take their stuff, or take them away. We’d complain about it, only to be told there wasn’t anything that could be done, or that it was ordered.”

The Charmeleon shook his head. “It’s always been bad, but… it only got worse and worse. They’d show up more. They took our food, they’d come to our village with this enormous Garchomp, and then they… they… they came for us. For mom and dad, and George… They didn’t do anything wrong, they just kicked down the door and…”

Blitzer clenched his teeth, and didn’t say more. Artanouk came up to him and gave him a pat on the shoulder. Immediately, Blitzer leaned his head against the Prince’s chest. George looked away. As much as he wanted to be there for him, his own feelings worsened the longer he thought about it. After all, hadn’t he been there, would there have been a raid at all?

“There there,” Artanouk said as he pushed Blitzer off. “That is but a sample of the insidiousness that has spread across Eravate. There are many more like you, Blitzer. Everyone has suffered under the Crest’s reign. Everyone has stories to tell. Everyone, George.” He looked the Oshawott in the eyes. George took a step back, tugging on his scarf for comfort.

“Y-yes, I can tell, but why me-”

“Because she fears that you can put an end to this, George. This Alliance of ours… we’ve been at this ever since Patrina first overthrew me, twenty long years ago. She and a clique of my finest warriors sought power, and took that power. Ever since, she’s gotten drunker and drunker in her quest for that power. Her grip on Eravate has tightened.” Artanouk lowered his head.

“This quest of hers… may be coming to a terrible end. She’s found a wellspring of energy under the surface of Eravate, and has been using it to strengthen herself. She cannot be beaten. She cannot be killed. Not as long as she has the Seal.”

“The Seal?” George and Blitzer both asked.

“A source of divine power under Mount Stalwart, near Luminity City. The gods put it there,” Artanouk explained. “For a long time, we kept it under close guard, so that no one may abuse it. Since the Vined Crest have taken over, the false monarch has figured out how to harness its energy for her own gain. And we all suffer for it. She will do whatever it takes to preserve what is not hers.”

“Is there a way to bring her down? I’ll torch her if I have to!” Blitzer stamped his feet, teeth bared and tail sparking intensely. All the jolliness usually in him had been left at the door. Not long ago, George would’ve been shocked to see him this way. Now he frowned. Not anymore.

“There is. I believe you have laid your eyes on a piece of the puzzle. The Azure Flute.”

George scratched his chin. “The flute piece? Why- wait a minute, you mean to tell me those messages-”

“-were sent by us?” Artanouk finished in George’s stead. “Indeed they were. The Alliance has been keeping an eye on you for a while, George. But I digress.”

“What’s so special about the flute, though? It’s just a silly flute, isn’t it?” Blitzer asked. “Is it like those fairy tales about controlling serpentine ferals through flute music?”

“Not quite,” Artanouk said, softly chuckling. “The Azure Flute is an artefact from ages long past. Its creator is none other than the very shaper of this world, the almighty Arceus itself. Legends say that when a noble hearted Pokemon plays the flute, Arceus’ strength is harnessed in this world. And his strength is truly unparalleled by few. Nothing is immune to the shaper’s Judgement. Nothing.”

Artanouk eyed George with a stern gaze that pierced straight into his soul. George’s fur itched. He scratched himself all over his body, his tail jittering up and down. “You’re… you’re not saying…” he stammered, then clammed up.

“y-You’re not saying that I have to stop her, right?”

Artanouk grinned. “Not alone. You are but an Oshawott, after all. One with great potential, but nothing more.” He fell onto one knee once again. “That, dear George, is what we are here for. You will help us in putting an end to her power..”

George’s attention shifted past Artanouk. Behind him stood a simple wooden table and a large silvery chair. On the table, a single red candle flickered as if someone was blowing on it. None of the other candles on the wall were doing the same. He bit his lip, then looked back.

“”Enjoying the view?

“n-No, I-”

“Odd, isn’t it? The one candle all alone on my desk. What can I say? People aren’t always who they seem to be, George. I prefer a clean desk when having a guest over.” Artanouk tilted his head forty five degrees. George suppressed a chuckle. The trident on his head wasn’t so intimidating anymore.

“I guess so.”

The Empoleon put an arm in front of his face, suppressing his own chuckles a little. “The simple little moments in life have to be enjoyed, even in dark times. But I digress. Patrina, together with the Vined Crest at her beck and call, is far too powerful for one Pokemon to take down all on their own. We tried to force them out at our strongest four years ago. The Vined Crest’s army overwhelmed ours utterly.”

“Oh yeah, there was a huge battle near Agate Township four years ago, wasn’t there?” Blitzer asked, to which the king lowered his proud head.

“Indeed. It was a catastrophe. We lost many good lives on that day, lives that should’ve lived and sang for all eternity, but were unfortunately silenced.” Artanouk shut his eyes. No tears came out, but the sombre tone of his voice spoke for itself. “No. To break Patrina and the Vined Crest, we cannot merely win a glorious victory. We must break the Seal. We must turn Eravate against her.”

“She’s doing a fine job of turning Eravate against her,” Blitzer growled. “I want to kill her myself! And everyone back home wants to as well!”

Artanouk shook his head. “Easier said than done. Many in Eravate are unconvinced of our cause. Convincing them to join our fold will not be easy. And to make matters even less convenient, we’ve traced the remaining pieces of the Azure Flute to these factions. They keep the pieces as treasures, secure and hidden.”

“Is there no way around this?” Blitzer asked, to which the king shook his head.

“I’m afraid not. Either we win them over, or we will remain down here.”

George scratched his head. “So you want us to uh, do what exactly?”

The King smiled. “Your arrival here will work greatly in our favour, George. An Othersider is not someone to be taken lightly. You being with us will undoubtedly make them consider a future with us. You prove a great many things by simply being here, George. Your voice may be physically weak, but strong in spirit. Don’t forget that,” he said with a deep, deep bow. “I’ve said my piece now, I believe.”

“Wait wait wait,” George stammered out, frowning all the while. “You’ve said a lot about this whole group you’re controlling, Alliance, whatever you want to call it. I’ve heard a lot about you, and the Soldiers and the Queen and everything around them, but what about me? How am I supposed to help you out? I still don’t get it.’

“Hm.” Artanouk had a nondescript look on his face. “That will come in due time. As it stands right now, you aren’t ready to go out into the world. You’re still weak, and the Crest is still after you, remember. You and your friend both need training. That is all I will say for now. You require training.”

George groaned. “I guess so.”

“Besides, I’m sure you’d like to rest those legs after all you’ve been through.” Artanouk winked. The Oshawott’s groans increased in volume.

“Yeah…”

“Exactly.” The king bowed. “Farewell for now, Blitzer and George. We will meet again sometime soon, I’m sure of it. And remember well. People aren’t always who they seem to be.”

“See you later, Ferali-” Blitzer paused midway through. “Or goodbye, rather.”

“See you… farewell then, uh, Artanouk.” ‘What kind of a name is Artanouk, anyway? ’

“And you two? Thank you for bringing the Othersider here. Mission well done.”

“Thanks, Art! ‘S the first step to somethin’ great, I can feel it in my bones!”

“It was a pleasure, Art!”

Their goodbyes concluded, the four left Artanouk to himself in his marble palace, alone with his candle. George bit his cheek as he passed back through the metal doors. Stepping back outside and smelling the metal and caves, candle wax and the odours of all the Pokemon down below made for a stark contrast. Scents that had been curiously absent in the king’s chamber. It wasn’t even as if the room had been given a thorough wash. It genuinely smelled like nothing in there.

George sighed. It had been a long ten days. At least he didn’t have to fear for his life down here.