Rosa never thought she'd find a city beautiful, but after traveling on the ferry for five long days, the sight of Castelia City's lights twinkling across the bay nearly brought her to tears. From her place on the bow of the boat, Rosa could see endless skyscrapers stretching towards the clouds, reflecting sunlight off their windowed surfaces. It was incredible, the number of people that could fit in one place.

They'd reach the harbor any moment, and the crew was bustling about preparing for the passengers to unload. Beside her, Hugh tapped his foot impatiently and fingered his black leather gloves. He'd been nearly insufferable the past few days, despite their conversation the other night, but knowing they'd soon be at the port had brightened his mood from stormy to restive.

An intercom sounded overhead, and a deep voice droned, "We've arrived in Castelia City. All exiting passengers, please collect your things and go to deck three. We thank you for traveling with us, we hope you enjoy your day."

It disconnected, and Hugh snatched Rosa's arm and nearly sprinted for the exit. "Hold on a second," she cried, adjusting her bag on her shoulder before it could drop. "We'll get off regardless of how fast we go. Relax!"

They merged with the swell of people flooding the boarding area, and one by one, the travelers filed through the exit and descended the steel ramp onto the dock. Hugh's brooding eyes never left the city's skyline as they disembarked, and when they stepped onto the harbor, she heard him heave a heavy sigh of relief.

"You seem a bit stressed," she joked as they walked down the dock to the outer street that drew a circle around the city. Around them, other passengers prattled enthusiastically to their companions, no doubt enjoying being off the boat just as much as she was. The air still smelled strongly of salt, but she could detect a slight tang of city smog mixed in as well. "Are you wanting to get back on the ferry?"

"Shut up," Hugh grumbled as he shed his jacket to allow the sun to touch his bare skin. The navy t-shirt he'd worn underneath was slightly wrinkled, but she doubted he cared. "After I find the HM Fly, I'm never traveling by boat again. Ever."

"But we had such a good time together."

"Ever."

She had to tilt her head towards the concrete to hide her grin. Rosa knew she was acting giddy, but she was so grateful to be back on land she couldn't help it.

They stepped onto the black asphalt of Castelia's wharf and stopped to survey their surroundings. If she'd thought Aspertia's population too much, Rosa knew she'd have never survived Castelia. There were people everywhere. Masses of them hurried down the roadways, all preoccupied in one way or another as they moved about. Vendors yelled at passersby to draw attention to their wares, tourists puzzled over their maps and argued over sites to visit, and Rosa overheard a group of trainers ask where the gym was located. The insane busyness of it all was overwhelming. She refused to be intimidated.

Squaring her shoulders, she faced Hugh. "I'm assuming you're off to do your own thing?"

He nodded. "I'm going to the gym. There's certain to be a crowd there tomorrow, since it'll be the weekend, so I want to get it out of the way before I search for Plasma. You'll let me know if you hear anything about them, right?"

"Of course."

"Good." Hugh tucked his jacket over his arm and nodded in farewell. "See you later, Rosa."

"Bye."

Within seconds he was swept into the crowd. Saying goodbye felt bittersweet, but if she was being honest with herself, she was glad to be on her own again. Hugh's crabbier side could only be handled in small doses, and the handful of conversations she'd shared with Curtis on the boat had been little reprieve from Hugh's brewing storm clouds.

"I'm available for a daring rescue. Need me to fly there to save you?"

"Trust me, my friend would shove me off your bird to climb on himself."

Inhaling deeply, Rosa started walking. She was unsure where to even begin looking for Plasma, but if there was suspicious activity happening in Castelia, the locals would likely know more than anyone else.

Her feet crunched noisily against the pavement as Rosa chose a street at random and followed it into the main section of the city. Shop windows lined the road she'd chosen, beckoning tourists to purchase glitzy clothes and overpriced food. In Aspertia, only travelers visited the shopping centers, so Rosa avoided those and continued walking. As she went, she overheard strings of conversation from those passing by.

"The Central Business District is the heart of Unova's economy, but you can't even find a place that sells Casteliacones?"

"They can't close the Skyarrow Bridge, Mom! Make them open it so I can go!"

"Well she graduated top of her class, so it shouldn't be a problem-"

"Take that poor Pokemon to the Name Rater and give it a name that's actually decent. The old man has lived in Castelia for over forty years – surely if you can't think of something less stupid, he can."

Forty years?

Rosa's attention turned to the set of middle-aged men in business suits heading the opposite way. They both carried briefcases, and as one with a bald spot twisted his arm to check his watch, she saw a gold-printed logo reading Game Freak etched on the side of his case.

"Excuse me!" She called, tightening the grip she had on her travel bag as she chased after the men. They didn't hear her through the crowds of other people, but Rosa picked up her pace and followed the men around the street corner.

The balding man scratched his nose. "I still think Pickles is a cute name."

"For a Tyranitar?"

"He likes pickles, okay?!"

"Excuse me," Rosa huffed, poking the younger of the two men on the shoulder with more force than necessary. He turned at her touch and extended his arm back like he was going to smack her with his bag, but the agitated expression he wore melted as quickly as it had appeared.

"What is it, Miss? Can I help you?"

She pulled the map from her bag. "I'm sorry to bother you, but I overheard you guys talking about the Name Rater. Could you possibly tell me where I could find him?"

They exchanged relieved looks, though she wasn't sure what they'd been nervous about, and the balding one nodded. "If you go to the Central Plaza on the west side, there's a building near Route 4 where the Name Rater works. You can usually find him on the ground floor, sitting in the reception area. He's an older gentleman with massive eyebrows like Zigzagoon tails – honestly, you can't miss him."

"Unless you're an idiot who's too stubborn to change his Pokémon's name and relieve its suffering."

"You leave Pickles out of this!"

"Thank you." Rosa said, tucking the map into the pocket of her jeans. Hopefully the map's programming would help her find the building they'd indicated, but Castelia was large enough she was still worried she'd get lost. "By the way, you guys haven't heard anything about a group named Team Plasma, have you?"

Again, they exchanged looks, but this time their expressions were confused.

"I'm sorry Miss," The younger man said, adjusting his Christmas-colored tie even though it wasn't crooked. "I've never heard of them. Have you, Brian?"

Balding's eyebrows drew together. "Afraid not. Sorry, Kid."

"That's alright, you've been very helpful. Thank you both for your time. And by the way – I think Pickles is a perfectly charming nickname." She bowed her head respectfully, then turned the other way and started down the street for the Central Plaza.

As she started back down the street, Rosa pulled the map from her pocket and used it to navigate her way through the city. Claustrophobic tension strained her shoulders, but she did her best to keep her expression serene. The roads leading to the Central Plaza were far lengthier than any of the paths in Aspertia, and every so often, she would have to stop and ask a passerby the way. Some of them were helpful, but most stomped past her without so much as a sideways glance.

She really hated cities.

The Central Plaza was a welcome sight. Unlike the rest of Castelia, which was dominated by towering skyscrapers and bustling businesses, the Plaza offered a serene retreat filled with lush vegetation. A variety of trees expanded across the circular area, shielding it from the city noise. Forest Pokémon lounged lazily in the branches and scurried across the grassy grounds, seemingly unbothered by the humans around them. Rosa felt a sense of calm wash over her until she spotted a wooden sign reading, "No Catching."

Stepping onto the grass, she sighed and let the waves of anxiety pulsing through her subside. Once she defeated the gym and cleared the low-life Plasma scavengers from Castelia, she'd be on the first boat out of here.

The tranquil atmosphere made it easier to find the Name Rater's building. On the west side of the plaza, a few cafes and a quaint bookshop lined the street, but her eyes were drawn to the towering structure looming ahead. She paused at the bookshop window, admiring the printed treasures lined on the wooden shelves, but forced herself to move on and enter the tower.

The reception area was quiet, a welcome contrast to the hustle outside. The shiny granite floors gleamed under fluorescent lights, and she could hear the soft clacking of the administrator typing behind his desk. To the right was a sitting area furnished with stiff-looking couches, a gray-patterned rug, and several large armchairs.

Only one of those chairs was occupied, but Rosa's heart jumped when she recognized the elderly man sitting there. He had a warm expression and caterpillar-like eyebrows that twitched with every movement, making him seem both kind and slightly comical.

When he caught her watching him, the man straightened and smiled. "Why hello there, young lady! Come to rate the names of your Pokémon, have you? Well, I can certainly help with that. Come here, come here. Keep an old man company for a moment."

His voice was earnest and gentle, and it washed over her like warm water. She hesitated at the question pulling at her. How often did he get visitors? "Well actually, I-"

Abruptly, the Name Rater sprang from his chair and swiped the first Poké Ball from her belt. "Hey!" Rosa exclaimed, a mix of surprise and protest in her voice. But the gentleman was already rolling the Poké Ball between his fingers, humming thoughtfully as he examined it.

"So, this Pokémon's name is Zaveid, hmm? That is quite the name, but I think we can do a little better, don't you?"

He pressed the center button, and the capsule poured scarlet-colored light into the room as it opened. Zaveid stretched lazily and opened his wide jaws in a carefree yawn, but when he realized the person who'd released him was not his trainer, his back arched and he ripped the razor shells from his hips.

"Whoa Zaveid, no!"

She darted forward and snatched her agitated otter around the waist. He squirmed in her embrace and attempted to bring his shell down on her arm, but then drooped like a ragdoll.

"My, he really does have spirit, doesn't he? I can tell you've raised your Pokémon with love and care, just by the way you two treat each other. Such bonds bring joy to my heart!"

Rosa swallowed a sarcastic remark. If only he knew.

With a beaming smile, the Name Rater scrunched his fuzzy eyebrows together and said, "For a wonderful Dewott such as this, I have the perfect nickname. Little one, your new name shall be Dewey!"

Pickles would be better off not getting his name rated.

Revulsion twisted Zaveid's expression. Rosa felt his anger as he writhed in her embrace and used his paws to try and pry her arms open, and she had to collapse on the ground and trap him with her legs to prevent him from breaking free.

"That is a very kind offer," Rosa panted, pulling her Pokémon back as he chattered furiously at the man. "But I think we'll stick with Zaveid for now. I didn't actually come here to change my team's nicknames—Zaveid, stop being a punk!—I just needed to ask you a question."

Genuine surprise flashed across the gentleman's face, but a caring smile quickly stretched his mouth and warmed his eyes. "Oh, is that so? Well then, I'm happy to help a young trainer if I can. What is it you wanted to ask me?"

"Have you," she locked both arms around Zaveid's thin belly and pinned him firmly against her stomach, "heard of a group of people that go by the name of Team Plasma?"

She puffed and used her wrist to brush a stray strand of hair from her face.

A humming sound buzzed in the man's throat as he returned to the chair he'd been sitting in. His eyebrows scrunched as he twisted his head this way and that, and she felt her heart flutter painfully.

Was this a dead end?

"Well, I don't personally know anything about them," he said, his tone light. "It's funny you ask, because I only heard the name once, and it came from a young woman who was here just a few hours ago. She was asking if I'd rated names for trainers using any of the three Unova starter Pokémon, like your Dewey there. So I told her, 'Of course! I get people coming in all the time!'

"Well, she looked sort of panicked and asked if any of them were wearing blue outfits with the letter 'P' on the front. I told her no, I hadn't seen anyone like that here. But she urged me to keep an eye out for folks calling themselves Team Plasma before she left in a mighty hurry. Nice girl, very nice. A bit ditzy, perhaps."

Rosa chewed on her bottom lip thoughtfully, momentarily forgetting the unhappy Pokémon in her arms. Ditzy, huh? There was only one girl she knew that was like that, but it couldn't possibly be the same person.

"Sir, do you happen to remember what that girl looked like?"

He laughed. "Certainly! I may be old, but I can remember a face from a few hours ago. Now let's see here; she was short, kind of like how you'd imagine a pixie to be, with blonde hair. Her jacket was bright orange, and on her head, she wore this humongous hat that reminded me of a delicious mushroom!"

A groan built in her throat, but Rosa smothered it before it could escape.

Bianca.

***

Rosa tapped her fingers rhythmically against the café table's wooden surface, doing her best to suppress the anxious energy bubbling inside her as she awaited Bianca's arrival. The Spinda Café had been sweltering hot, so she had chosen a table on the cobblestone patio outside. Thankfully, the late afternoon sun had left the restaurant nearly empty, though she could still catch snippets of chatter from passersby on the street.

Her legs bounced restlessly underneath the table, while Anna maintained a serene expression, nestled comfortably in her lap with her head resting against Rosa's chest. Despite the intensity of the emotions Rosa knew she was giving off, Riolu had insisted on sitting with her.

There was no logical reason for the stress gnawing at her, but pushing it aside only intensified the feeling that something was amiss. Anna's gentle grip on Rosa's fingers was comforting, a small anchor amid the rising tide of worry.

Every now and then, the one or two other customers at nearby tables shot her curious glances, but she kept her head down, determined to ignore their prying eyes. Bianca would be arriving any minute, and she didn't want to appear any more rattled than she already felt.

"Rosa?"

She drew a deep breath at the voice and lifted her head. Bianca was standing in the patio entryway, her mushroom hat tilted sideways as she observed. When their eyes met, the assistant let out a happy squeal and wove through the tables.

"I've missed you!"

Anna didn't move to allow Rosa to stand, but Bianca plowed into her chair and clumsily threw her arms around her neck. The young woman's grip was strong despite the thinness of her arms, and Rosa had to force herself not to squirm when her air supply was temporarily cut off.

"I've missed you too," she lied, twisting her head away from Bianca's blonde curls. She felt Anna's weight shift as well. It had been almost two months since she'd last seen the spunky assistant, but she would have been happy to keep their record going. Not that she'd ever tell Bianca that.

At last Bianca pulled away, but she snatched the nearest chair and scooted it as close to Rosa's as possible. The scraping of metal against rock made her cringe, but Bianca didn't seem to notice as she asked, "So how have you been? It's been so long since I last saw you, I almost didn't recognize you. You look amazing – just like a trainer. I think traveling helped you lose the last of your baby fat!"

"Erm, thank you." Pressure built between Rosa's brows, and she had to squeeze Anna's paw to prevent herself from massaging her forehead. Riolu's jaded eyes flashed up to stare at her in concern, but Rosa just patted her. One conversation would not kill her.

"And you've caught such a cute little Riolu!" Bianca's smile stretched all the way to her ears as she leaned over to stroke Anna's ears. Rosa felt her Pokémon cringe, but Anna didn't pull away as Bianca's fingers smoothed her dark fur. "You're so lucky, Rosa! Professor Juniper says female Riolu are extremely rare, with the ratio of male to female being around twelve and a half percent. That's amazing!"

Like a mother talking to a newborn child, Bianca cooed, "Isn't that right, little one? You're one of a kind. Would you like to come sit with Auntie Bianca?"

Eagerly, Bianca reached out to snatch Anna up. Sharp streaks of pain laced through Rosa's fingers as Riolu's claws dug into her skin, but Anna didn't fight as she was transferred onto Bianca's lap.

"Anyway," Rosa said, snubbing her guilt at Anna's alarmed expression, "It's nice to see you and everything, but I'm afraid I don't have a lot of time for catching up. I called you here because I needed to ask you something."

"And what would that be?" Bianca was too busy making faces at Anna to glance up.

"Someone told me you're searching for Team Plasma. I want to know why."

The assistant froze, her face paling to a ghostly white. When Rosa tried to catch her gaze, the assistant's wide forest-green eyes fell toward the table, avoiding contact. Seizing the moment, Anna leaped from Bianca's lap and nestled her head against Rosa's stomach, seeking comfort.

"You know about them?" Bianca whispered.

Rosa nodded.

"How?"

She shrugged and wrapped her arms around Anna's waist. "I ran into them a few times back on the island. They're trouble. Worse than trouble: they're dangerous. I'm sure you know what they tried to pull a few years back – about their plan to take over Unova?"

Rosa felt stupid that Hugh had had to tell her. The story should have been all over the news, but it seemed the media was actively trying to keep citizens in the dark.

"Why do you look so scared?" she murmured to Bianca. "Did something happen?"

Bianca looked away. "I'm not supposed to say anything. Professor Juniper told me not to."

That didn't sound good. "Not to anyone?"

She shook her head.

"Why not?"

Bianca rested her elbow on the table and placed her hand on her cheek. "I just can't."

This conversation was going nowhere. Rosa wished she could let the assistant have her silence, but Bianca was her only lead. Even if she didn't know where to find Team Plasma, maybe Bianca could shed some light on what motivated them—she wasn't buying the whole Pokémon liberation gimmick. Without that information, she'd be right back to square one.

"Please," Rosa begged, "I don't want to get you in trouble, but this is important. They're stealing Pokémon and threatening trainers, and I need to know why."

Again, Bianca shook her head.

"Hugh and I had to stop Plasma grunts from attacking innocent people back in Virbank. One of their Watchogs tried to make a chew toy out of a woman's arm. They're not messing around, Bianca. Please."

Rosa watched a wave of conflicting emotions dance in the assistant's eyes. It was clear she wanted to share what she knew, but Bianca respected Professor Juniper's opinion above all else. Getting her to go against her idol's wishes might be impossible.

Bianca chewed on her bottom lip, staring at the cracks in the table for what felt like an eternity. Though her hands were in her lap, Rosa noticed her fidgeting with the silver ring on her finger.

Come on, Bianca. Please.

Finally, with a heavy exhale, Bianca lifted her gaze to meet Rosa's. Her hands trembled, but she clenched them into fists. "If I tell you, will you promise not to tell anyone else? Not even Hugh?"

Rosa frowned, but nodded curtly.

"I mean it. No one else."

"I promise."

Bianca closed her eyes. "Team Plasma attacked Professor Juniper's lab last night. All the registration records of first-year trainers are gone."