"Are you sure you two will be okay traveling on your own? I know the house needs to be looked after, but Rood would be okay running the place by himself for a few weeks. It really wouldn't be any trouble, and it could be fun having someone else to talk to. We'd all keep each other company."

Oblivious to the scornful looks thrown at her from townsfolk passing by, Rosa immediately shook her head, trying her best not to let the motion look too frantic. She'd already been followed clear to Mistralton, and although she didn't mind having Curtis by her side, she was not about to let an entourage trail her all the way to the Pokémon League.

At least the town was quiet. Mistralton was a tiny, well maintained place populated mostly by rich folks looking for a mountainside escape. She could certainly understand the appeal- a dense layer of pine trees surrounded the town, effectively blocking out the outside world. From her place near the airport, Rosa could see the small collection of waterfalls descending from the mountainside, their silvery water breaking through the layers of ice trying to build around the edges at the bottom. Every now and again, the low-hanging branches of trees would rattle, signaling another wild Pokémon coming down from the mountain to drink. It was peaceful, this oasis in the mountains. She wouldn't have minded looking around more if she weren't so desperate to get out of there.

"You know I love you, Ella, but we'll be fine." Rosa glanced at Curtis, who stood with his hands in his pockets, watching the exchange with quiet amusement. "Honestly, I feel a million times better." She'd been constantly tired the past few days, but nobody needed to know that. "And I've got my team with me, so really, there's no need to worry—"

"Elliot and I could go with them." Sal interrupted, crossing his arms across his bare chest so the muscles around his shoulders bulged. The expression he wore was impassive, like he didn't care either way whether he came along or not, but Rosa knew better. He'd been exasperatingly protective throughout her recovery. ("She's tough as nails, this one, but she'll push herself right out of recovery if we let her!") He had insisted on accompanying her to Mistralton "just in case."

Rosa felt a familiar mixture of gratitude and frustration. She'd protested their concern, of course—it wasn't like they needed babysitting—but Ella, Elliot, and Sal had escorted them through Chargestone Cave to the town on the other side, their watchful eyes hovering over her like she might drop dead at any moment.

It was ridiculous.

Ella shot down Sal's suggestion before she could. "Absolutely not," the girl huffed, her eyes flashing crossly. "Rosa needs a healer with her, not a pair of rough-and-tumble imbeciles who'd spit on her cuts rather than clean them."

"We would not-"

"Don't even try denying it."

Rosa shot Curtis a silent plea for help as she edged further toward the Mistralton cargo service, putting as much space as possible between herself and her self-appointed guardians. His gaze flicked to hers, and a faint, knowing smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

"That's not necessary," Rosa said, her voice firm despite the tiredness tugging at her. She loved and appreciated them all, but they were not coming. "It means a lot that you're all worried about me, but I am perfectly capable of boarding a flight to Lentimas Town."

And of figuring out what Ghetsis was planning. And, if he'd ever bother to answer his stupid Xtransceiver, of finding Hugh. She'd been near frantic trying to get a hold of him these past few weeks, but that was a problem for later.

Curtis finally spoke up, his voice steady and his expression firm as he gave Sal a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "I'll make sure she's safe."

Ella's full lips curled into an unhappy frown, but after a moment, she relented. She stepped forward and pulled Rosa into a tight hug. "Then promise me you'll be careful. You're a good friend to me, and I don't want to lose you." Her voice dropped to a whisper. "And if you need help kicking Ghetsis' butt, let me know. I want my brother back."

Her muted despair burned through Rosa like a brand, and her eyes tightened. For Ella, she wanted him back, too.

Ella pulled back and rounded on Curtis, her eyes narrowing slightly, a silent challenge passing between them. "You better keep your promise: keep her safe. And keep your hands to yourself."

"Yes ma'am," he replied seriously.

After a bear hug from Elliot and a few more threats from Sal, Rosa snatched up her travel bag and they descended the dirt pathway to board Skyla's plane.

It was mid-afternoon by the time they took off for Lentimas town. The plane was small and compact, but comfortable. Rosa rested against her cushioned seat, absently listening to Skyla recount stories of past gym battles. Curtis sat beside her, his posture relaxed, though his eyes scanned the scenery outside. He didn't try to touch her or hold her hand like he had on the Ferris Wheel, but she guessed that was due to the still-healing rub marks on her wrists. When his gaze suddenly shifted from the window to catch hers, she flushed and quickly looked away, embarrassed to have been caught staring.

She wasn't sure how long they'd have to travel together. When she'd tried to bring up the terms of his work release at Rood's, he'd brushed it off, telling her not to worry about it. He'd also been reluctant to take his Xtransceiver back, hinting that he preferred she always have an excuse to contact him. It struck her as strange, especially considering the flashy new Xtransceiver she'd noticed him wearing.

It was hard to question his sincerity, though. He'd respected her privacy at Rood's but never strayed far, not even to travel back to Driftveil for supplies. The house was large, so he'd been bunking with some of the ex-Plasma members who lived there.

Once, however, she'd woken in the night in a cold sweat, certain she'd felt something warm and soft press against her temple.

What role would he play now that they were traveling together? Would he challenge the League, too?

Rosa decided probably not. He likely wouldn't stick around long enough for that, though the thought made her throat tighten.

She herself had considered giving up on gyms completely and pursuing Plasma full-time when she'd been bedridden. Badges didn't seem to matter much when the entire region was in peril. Worse still, she didn't even know what Ghetsis was planning. Something big, she was sure, but what? Archer had mentioned ruling the world, but was that really the goal? She wasn't even sure if that was possible.

Maybe her best option was to ditch Plasma altogether and find Arceus's guardian before they could, as that seemed to be what Ghetsis was currently after. If the guardian was safe, it would still be around to stop whatever calamity they had in mind.

It wasn't a perfect plan, but if it was more effective than blindly chasing Plasma members across the region, maybe it would be worth it.

Rosa sighed and leaned back in her stiff chair. If she was being honest with herself, she didn't even know where to start looking for the guardian Pokémon. Hugh always seemed to be the one finding Team Plasma, but she didn't have the faintest idea where he could be, either.

Her uncertainty about him somehow felt worse than not knowing Ghetsis's plans.

For the umpteenth time, Rosa checked her Xtransceiver. She didn't expect a message or call, but still felt a pang of disappointment when there was nothing. Colress had sworn he was safe, so where was he? Surely, he was worried about her, too.

"You're fidgeting," Curtis said, touching his chin with his forefinger and thumb as he watched her. "What's in that head of yours?"

"Just the usual," she admitted. "It's hard not to think about."

His eyes darkened. "We'll make them pay. Mark my words."

Their flight felt like forever, though it only lasted a few hours. Skyla was soon grinning maniacally and shouting, "Here we go!" as she dive-bombed the plane. Rosa's arms tightened around the armrests as her stomach dropped into her thighs.

Curtis—the traitor—lifted his arms enthusiastically in the air. "If you need someone to hold your hand, I'm right here!" he shouted, his laughter blending with Skyla's as it filled the cabin. Rosa's growing sense of impending doom only intensified.

He didn't reach for her hand.

Her head was still spinning by the time they touched down, but she managed to mumble a "thank you, Skyla" as she exited the plane. Skyla just threw her head back, laughing, her eyes bright with what Rosa thought was unnecessary enthusiasm. Curtis followed close behind her, hands shoved into his pockets as he looked around with a grin.

"Welcome to Lentimas," he said, his tone teasing. "Hope you're ready for the heat."

Walking out of the plane and into Lentimas town was like stepping from a winter snow globe into the real world. The first thing she noticed was that it was warm. Not slightly above freezing, or tolerable because the wind had died down, but warm. The glistening red-powered rock seemed to emanate heat from the inside, enveloping the town in a bubble untouched by winter's porcelain fingertips.

"I might have to settle in Alola when this is all over," Rosa replied, tilting her head back so the sun could shine on her skin. "Zavied and I will grow old as we drink from coconuts."

Lentimas was tiny, even smaller than Floccesy had been. She noted the Pokémon center tucked near the red mountainside, and a few houses made from clay and stone, but that was all.

They stopped to pick up supplies before having their teams examined. Curiosity stirred in Rosa as Curtis handed over three Poké Balls for the nurse to inspect, wondering about the Pokémon inside. Were they built for strength and endurance, like her team? Or were they meant for beauty and grace in contests? He'd never mentioned using Pokémon at work. Perhaps they were companions.

She was still puzzling as they gathered their things and set off into the desert.

The volcanic landscape wasn't as hot as the desert leading to Nimbasa. Overhead, the sun shined brilliantly, but its rays weren't harsh or unwelcome. They fell like gentle waves over the rocks and vegetation, sailing across the scenery like a golden sea. Rosa shed her jacket, hoping her pale skin would catch some of the color.

It shouldn't take long to get through Reversal Mountain, if we don't stop to train much. Undella Town is just on the other side - maybe Hugh ended up there?

She and Curtis walked in silence for a long time, the only sound the rhythmic crunch of red rock beneath their sneakers. Her eyes followed wild Pokémon darting in and out of the dry crabgrass, but Curtis subtly traded spots with her whenever one of them came too close. He never reached for the Poké Balls hanging within easy reach on his belt, yet remained tense as they walked.

Powdered red dust clung to her skin and clothes, coating her body in a thin layer of dirt, and soon Rosa resembled the lightly trodden path she followed. She didn't really mind – it wasn't snow, after all – but the dirt beneath her eyes was starting to make them itch. Rosa swiped at them with weary fingers, but it didn't do much to soothe the sting.

It was after hours of walking that she saw it.

"Curtis," she murmured, coming to a stop as she squinted at the smudge in the distance. "Do you see that? Up ahead."

Maybe the vastness of the desert was playing tricks on her, but as she fixed her gaze on the copper-colored stone mountains ahead, she swore she saw another shape. It was the same color as the surrounding rock, but more . . . square. Structured is what came to mind. Like the clay houses back in Lentimas town.

Curtis tilted his head, squinting as he took in the distant shape. "It looks like a house," he said. "Who would live all the way out here?"

"I don't know." She stepped closer, stumbling as her foot caught on a rock. Curtis was quick to react, snatching her arm to steady her. Rosa turned to shoot him a grateful look, but winced when his hand brushed against a bruise, prompting him to immediately step back.

"Maybe it's an abandoned house or a historic site of some kind. It's sitting at the base of a dormant volcano, after all."

"Or maybe it's haunted," Curtis said as he waggled his eyebrows.

"I don't believe in ghosts."

"You didn't believe in traveling with human companions either, but look how quickly I changed your mind. We're having a lovely time together."

She snorted. "You're insufferable."

"You're sweet."

Rosa brushed past him and marched towards the building, her eyes set on its wooden double doors and hand-carved windows. As she moved, she tapped Gaston's Poké Ball, and Zoroark materialized at her side.

The closer she got, the more obvious it became that the place was abandoned. Some of the windows were cracked or shattered, and when she tried the door, it swung open with a spine-chilling shriek. Gaston cringed and wedged himself between her and the opening, grumbling unhappily, but she just sighed and moved past him.

Inside was far cooler than the volcanic desert. It took her eyes a second to adjust to the darkness, but she was startled by the sight that awaited her when they did.

The inside was huge. Dusty cedar-colored wood covered the first floor, trailing around the grand triple staircases that led to the second floor. There were a few pieces of old fashioned furniture scattered here and there; lamps and couches, dead potted plants and decorative rugs. All were dirty and coated in cobwebs. The eerie stillness of the room sent a shiver down her spine.

"Well," she whispered, even though it wasn't likely necessary, "guess we can explore a bit."

Curtis and Gaston shared a weary expression as they surveyed the rotting walls and dust-coated chandelier hanging above them. With a subtle shift, Curtis moved a bit closer to Rosa. "Just don't shout when the spirits come after you," he said, his light tone contrasting with the tightness in his eyes. "The whole place might come crashing down on us."

She shivered and shot him a fierce look. "Shut up and help me look around."

Except there was really no way to get into any of the rooms. They tried every door they could find, but most were either locked or had something blocking the door on the other side. Gaston volunteered to blast them open, but she felt weird vandalizing such an old house.

She chewed her lip as she crossed the first-floor foyer again, unsure why she felt heavy with disappointment. It wasn't like she'd expected to find anything interesting there – it was just a side stop to stick it to Curtis and his ghost stories – but she was still bummed.

But there was still one staircase they hadn't checked. It was on the left side of the house and seemed to lead to a basement, which was exactly why she had avoided it. Crossing the grimy room, she eyed the weathered door frame at the bottom with doubt. Knowing her luck, it was either locked or crawling with Plasma members waiting to ambush them.

You're getting paranoid, she chided herself.

Sensing her hesitation, Curtis leaned closer and asked, "Want me to go first?"

"No," she replied hurriedly as she felt his breath tickle her ear. "I'm fine."

Bracing herself, Rosa carefully stepped down the staircase and tried the door. She jolted, nearly stepping on Curtis's foot with her heel when it swung open easily. He steadied her with a gentle touch on her back, and she relaxed beneath his fingers, peering into the darkness that swallowed everything but the first few steps.

The air felt stuffy and stale. It appeared no one had opened the basement for some time.

Curtis murmured reassurance in her ear and swiftly swept his hand down her arm from elbow to wrist to press a pocket-sized flashlight into her palm. The metal felt cool against her skin, and as her clumsy fingers fumbled for the buttons, he grasped her hand, turning on the light with a reassuring click.

Together, they descended the creaky staircase to reveal a library.

A thick layer of dust and cobwebs coated the shelves, clinging to every battered book, stand, and chair in the room. Busted lamps hung from the once-elegant ceiling, their frayed wires still embedded in the cracked plaster. As Rosa stepped further inside, a jagged piece of glass crunched under her foot, startling her. She jumped back, colliding with a nearby shelf that teetered precariously under her weight.

"Watch out!" Curtis cried, lunging to grab the bookcase and shoving it back before it could topple over. The wood was heavy, but Gaston darted around to push from the other side. She heard a few books clatter to the floor, but thankfully, that was all.

The shelf finally settled, and Rosa let out a relieved breath, grateful they hadn't triggered a domino effect that could take down every bookshelf in the massive room.

Curtis turned back and anxiously traced his fingers over her face. "You're okay?"

Butterflies erupted in her stomach at the touch, and she nodded. "Yes, thank you."

She dropped to her knees and started picking up the dusty books, unconsciously noting the titles as she gathered them into her arms. The Secret of Cresselia. Bad Dreams. Psychic Partners and Their Rare Abilities. The Original One.

Rosa paused, fumbling with the books she'd already gathered. They scattered back to the floor, but she was too busy picking up The Original One to care. It was lightweight and hard-backed, but thin enough she suspected it was only a children's novel. A faded sketch of Arceus lined the cover. It must have been well-loved, before the house was deserted.

She quickly flipped it open and scanned the first page.

"Look up at the sky, and see the sun. Did you know it was made by the Original One?

He made the planets, the stars, the wind, the air. And when he made Earth, he wanted you there."

Her eyebrows drew together as she scanned the worn sketches of Arceus. Pictures accompanied each passage, depicting the legendary forming each listed object. The illustrator had the intended audience in mind - the pictures showed Arceus smiling.

"He gave you hands with fingers and feet with toes, and a smile to wear beneath your nose.

With eyes that blink, and a mind to think, you were perfectly perfect – his creation complete!

He gifted you with parents dear, to live and laugh and cry and cheer.

With a guardian true to keep us safe, He returned to Sinnoh to watch and wait.

For though you are perfect in every way, we all make decisions day to day,

That ruin peace, and bring pain and fear,

But the guardian watches, and will always be here."

"What is it?" Curtis asked near her shoulder.

She didn't answer. Instead she reread the story a couple times, heaving a troubled breath when she finally caught the word that had been bothering her.

"Sinnoh," she murmured to herself.

Arceus was rumored to have originated in the Sinnoh region. If anyone had knowledge of him and his guardian, it would be the researchers there. Although she couldn't travel to that region herself to conduct her research, she knew someone who could move between regions with ease.

Rosa turned her head to look up at Curtis's furrowed expression. He seemed on the verge of saying something but hesitated, sensing her indecision. As she studied his lovely cheekbones and sharp jawline, a pang of sadness rolled through her.

She didn't want him to leave; she wanted him right here with her, where she could hear his stupid jokes and feel the warmth of his fingers on her face.

He'd taken leave from work to help her here, and the thought of sending him away felt like a betrayal.

But they didn't have the luxury of time. If Ghetsis got his hands on the legendary guardian before she did, it could spell disaster. She didn't need to know his plans to understand that it would mean ruin for every Pokémon and person living in Unova.

It was worth a shot. Arceus had originated from Sinnoh, so the guardian's location might be there as well.

"Rosa," Curtis said as he crouched down to meet her gaze. "I don't mind you staring at me, but it feels like you're looking through me." He brushed a cobweb from her hair and added, "What did you find?"

"I need you to travel to the Sinnoh region," she said, the words tasting bitter as they left her mouth, "and find as much information as you can about Arceus and the pokemon guardian of the world."