"Wait a second, what do you mean, 'We're flying?'" Hilbert gave my brother a disconcerted look.

Nate's eyes narrowed. "It's what it sounds like. We're flying to Lentimas Town."

About an hour after Nate had gone to challenge the Gym Leader, he came back with not only the Jet Badge but Skyla herself and the news that we could catch a flight across Unova. I hadn't been on a plane in years, and the offer of flying in one again was something I wouldn't turn down. Nate was excited, and Hugh didn't seem to mind the idea too much, but Hilbert was nearly beside himself when he heard the news.

"Why are you so worried about flying? You were flying on Voir when we met you in Castelia, and you were just fine," I asked.

"First off, we weren't flying high enough to encounter any turbulence. Two, while my mind loves flying to no end, my stomach sure doesn't. If you've ever been airsick you know it's not fun in the slightest. And three, planes are enclosed metal tubes of death," Hilbert replied. "I only use Voir to fly in a pinch. Most of the time, I walk."

"Well, you don't really have a choice in the matter. Twist Mountain is blocked, so it's either fly or go backtrack around the other side of the region," Skyla chimed in as she walked up to our group.

The thought of going back through Chargestone Cave made Hilbert visibly flinch. I looked up at him and I briefly saw fear flash in his eyes. It was strange seeing someone his age look so afraid of walking through a cave. I had no idea what had happened to him in the past, though whatever it was must've been pretty traumatizing. He took a deep breath, then let it out in a shaky sigh.

"Is there any other way we can get through Twist Mountain?" he asked.

"Nope!" Skyla said cheerfully.

"Alright, fine. Flying it is," he replied with great reluctance.

"Great, the plane leaves in half an hour and I'll accept payment up front." Skyla held out her hand. We paid her and she combed through the bills we handed her, checking to make sure we hadn't given her the wrong amount. "Sorry if I'm so strict when it comes to money. Business is business, and defeating challengers isn't the best source of income."

Half an hour later we boarded the plane. It was a small passenger plane, able to hold a dozen people at the most. It was nothing like the massive commercial plane I had taken all those years ago with Nate and Mom.

When I entered the passenger cabin, I saw that there was already someone on board. They were sitting in the far right corner window seat. Their brightly colored coat was bundled up around them and their hood was up, blocking their face from view. Though from how they slumped against the wall, it looked like they were asleep.

I chose a seat a few rows down from them, a window seat of course. Missing the view wasn't an option. Nate and Hugh sat next to each other, immediately striking up a conversation concerning their badges and Pokémon. Hilbert took my row's aisle seat, Illie jumping up on the spot next to him.

A loud crackle of static emitted from the plane's PA system. "This is your captain speaking!" Skyla chirped happily. "The flight to Lentimas Town is now departing. ETA is around six forty-five in the evening. Weather is expected to be clear with more clouds gathering near our destination. Please fasten your seatbelts, and enjoy the flight!"

The plane's engines started and it began moving to the runway. We passed by other planes, mostly huge cargo carriers and one or two commercial planes. Mistralton had one of the only airports in Unova, the others being Black City and I guess Lentimas Town. Because of that, Black City focused more on commercial flights while Mistralton focused on air-shipping. Then there the few exceptions, like this plane and the few others I saw.

Finally, we made it to the runway. Within seconds the plane had gone from around twenty to what felt like over a hundred miles an hour, and the aircraft lifted off the ground. I was practically glued to the window, watching in amazement as the ground seemed to blur before vanishing altogether, being replaced with the slate-gray sky.

Aww, I wish I could see what was happening! Bow complained from inside my bag. I gave a quick description of what was happening and she listened intently, clinging onto every word. Why humans would want to fly is understandable, but to actually go out and make machines to fly is awesome! Bow paused. Humans are kind of... crazy, she then said.

Yeah, tell me about it, I replied.

As we continued to ascend, I saw something odd. I had to squint to even make out any features. It looked like a huge white Pokémon. What was even stranger was that it didn't seem to have wings, not only that, it didn't even look like a Flying-type! I wished I could've been able to use my Pokédex right then, because it looked like nothing I'd ever seen. The Pokémon then dove down into the clouds, vanishing from sight. From beside me, I heard Hilbert gasp. I turned and saw him frozen stiff in his seat, eyes opened wide and mouth slightly agape.

"Dream?!" he muttered in disbelief.

"Dream?" I echoed, utterly confused. "Who's Dream?"

Hilbert flinched at my words. He looked at me with surprise. "N-no one. I thought I heard something, that's all," he stammered. Illie yipped, catching Hilbert's attention. "It's okay, don't worry."

I tried to dismiss what had happened. I actually shook my head, as if the physical action would clear my mind. It was probably just a weird Flying-type or something.

Soon the sky's grayness was exchanged for a pure blue sky with not a single cloud around us. Although it was pretty, it was a tad boring to look at after a while. I looked back to Hilbert and tried talking with him again. "Are you feeling okay? After we hit that rough patch of air you wouldn't even talk to Illie."

"I'm holding up surprisingly well." He sat back in his chair and crossed his arms. "Now I feel kinda bad for complaining earlier. If it wasn't going to be this bad, I would've kept my mouth shut!"

I smiled. "Famous last words..." I said in a singsong tone. Hilbert chuckled and lightly rapped his fist on the seat's wooden armrest. Knock on wood, huh?

"We'll see." He smirked.

~*~*~*~

"We are now landing at Lentimas Airways. Temperature is forty-five degrees Fahrenheit with a moderate sandstorm. Fasten your seatbelts and prepare for a bumpy landing!"

I glanced up from my Pokédex and glanced at the window. The view outside had darkened, both from the sun beginning to set and from a yellow-tinted cloud that had obscured the window. The cloud seemed to be made from swirling yellow particles that sometimes clung to the glass. Taking a closer look revealed that the particles were made of sand.

"Lentimas always seems to be enveloped in a perpetual sandstorm," Hilbert told me. "How hard the storm rages depends on the weather in the surrounding areas."

"Oh really? Interesting," I muttered, trying to see if I could make out anything beyond the blowing sand. After this exchange, the plane landed, though it didn't seem like it. The flow of sand didn't change. We left the craft and entered Lentimas' tiny airport.

"That was cool," Nate said. "Too bad the sand blocked the view later on."

"It would have been cooler if you didn't block the view," Hugh said. Nate frowned and elbowed him in the arm.

"Once we leave the airport, we're going to make a run for the Pokémon Center. Unless you want to get covered in sand," Hilbert instructed us. He glanced towards the door we entered the building from and froze. I followed his gaze and saw the person who was asleep on the plane earlier. They pulled down their hood to reveal a bright green hat and short blond hair. I recognized her in an instant. Bianca? Even though I hadn't seen the professor's assistant in months, there was no denying that this girl was the one who gave me Ivy.

"Bianca?" Hilbert gasped. Did he know her as well? Bianca looked at Hilbert, a puzzled expression on her face.

"Yes? Do I know you?" she asked. Nate, Hugh and I quickly glanced at each other, our faces reflecting the others' confusion

I glanced from Bianca back to Hilbert, who looked hurt. "You don't remember me?" he said somewhat sadly.

"No, am I supposed to?"

Hilbert stepped away from us and walked over to Bianca, Illie following close behind. He was easily a head taller than her, making her look much shorter. He looked down at the young woman, smiling. "You really don't remember?" he said faintly. I could barely hear him over the noise going on around us.

"Stop messing around! Who are you?!" Bianca said, growing agitated.

"Bianca." Hilbert gently took her hands. She flinched but didn't pull away. "I've missed you so much." Hilbert's image began flickering, almost like he was a projection. Once the flickering stopped, his disguise had worn off. He was himself, brown hair, piercing blue eyes and all. "It's me... it's Hilbert."

Bianca's eyes widened in recognition, her mouth falling open. "H-Hilbert! It's actually you! I can't believe it, it's really you!" She embraced him, burying her head in his chest. "It's been two years a-and... Arceus, I thought you were dead!" she sobbed.

"It's okay Bianca. It'll be okay." He returned her embrace.

I actually was beginning to tear up myself. It was obvious Bianca and Hilbert had known each other previously, maybe they were best friends at one point? Whatever it was, it was sweet to see them reunite. Long lost friends, meeting again. These thoughts filled my mind... that was, until she kissed him.

I stared at Hilbert and Bianca in utter shock. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. He and Bianca were kissing, right in the middle of the airport. Not gonna lie, it was weirder than anything else I had seen (And yes, this was weirder than seeing the Plasma Frigate for the first time). I knew better than to interrupt. I may have been clueless when it came to romance, but ruining the moment was a huge no-no.

After what felt like an eternity, Hilbert and Bianca broke away. I looked at Rosa, and she was trying to cover a stupidly huge smile with her hands. I gave her a "really?" look, and she rolled her eyes, not losing her smile.

"Um, did you forget we were here?" Hugh chimed in. It almost seemed like the pair flew away from each other, now standing a foot or two apart, both their faces flushed bright red.

"Wow, way to kill the mood," I said to Hugh with a smirk.

He shrugged. "It's what I do best."

"Sorry about that. It's just..." Hilbert seemed at a loss for words.

"Hey, you said we only got one question. We won't ask any more," I said, raising my hands in mock defense. "Now, are we going to the Center or what?" It didn't matter what their history was, if they didn't want to tell us they didn't have to. Even though my curiosity will eat me alive if I don't find out eventually, I thought sheepishly.

"Oh, it's you three!" Bianca just seemed to have noticed us right then. "You're traveling with Hilbert? I guess I need to be caught up on a few things!"

"More like two years worth of things," Hilbert added.

"But let's focus on the here and now," Rosa said. "Why are you here, Bianca?"

"The Professor wanted me to investigate Reversal Mountain. There's supposed to be a bunch of Pokémon there that are unique to that area only. Also, Rosa, the Professor is very pleased with all of your contributions to her studies. We've never been able to catch a Klink before, and this information is invaluable!"

My sister blushed slightly and shook her head. "You don't need to thank me. I said I would complete the Pokédex and I will."

"But you said you're traversing the mountain. How about you tag along with us?" Hilbert asked hopefully.

Bianca smiled and latched onto Hilbert's arm. "Of course I will! We haven't been together for such a long time... I'm taking advantage of this, and I'm never gonna let you go again!" She put on a fake evil grin, then frowned at his frightened expression. "Are you kidding me, Hilbert? You know I wouldn't do that! You're just as paranoid as ever, I swear."

Hilbert sighed. "You're right when it comes to that..." Illie yapped and Hilbert nodded. A second later, his appearance changed and he became Aaron once again. Luckily, it didn't look like anyone had noticed the illusion taking effect.

"Still at it with the disguises huh?" Bianca commented, letting him go. "For a second I mistook that Zorua beside you for Luna. But I—"

"Yeah, I know. This is Nate's Zorua, Illusion. Or Illie for short." Hilbert seemed deeply troubled when Bianca said that.

"Can we get going? It's getting really dark out," Hugh said, picking up on Hilbert's reaction.

"Yeah, we can. Bianca, are you coming with us?"

"Didn't I say I was? Let's go!" Bianca said cheerily although it seemed as if she was trying to hide something. Maybe... sadness?

In anticipation of going outside, everyone— except Hugh, his jacket didn't have one —pulled up their hoods, ready to brave the storm outside. As soon as we left the airport, we were hit with a wall of blowing sand. I could see the red glow of the town's Pokémon Center in the distance, and without hesitation we all ran towards it. The wind howled in my ears and sand tore at my clothes, some managing to make its way under my hood. I tried my best to ignore it and kept running.

We finally made it to the Center, bursting through the doors like Zubat out of the Distortion World. The Center itself was empty with only a single nurse sitting behind the counter. She seemed surprised by our appearance but quickly shook it off.

"Welcome to the Pokémon Center, how may I help you?" She gave us a cute smile.

"Do you have any rooms available?" Hilbert asked breathlessly.

Please let there be open rooms! I don't wanna spend the night out there! I thought desperately. Forget the cold, I wasn't in the mood to be buried alive tonight!

"Yes we do, we have five rooms available," the nurse responded.

Hilbert let out a relieved sigh. "Great! Could we have two rooms, please? Oh, and can I have an extra key for the second room?" The nurse handed him three room keys and he gave one to Bianca. "You and Rosa can have your own room, okay?"

"Okay." Bianca looked a little disappointed. She and Rosa left the lobby to find their room. Hilbert handed me the second key.

"If we're going to be traversing Reversal Mountain, we'll need a mountain guide. Someone who knows these peaks like the back of their hand. I'll meet you two later, wish me luck!" He pulled up his hood again and headed out into the storm, Illie following him like always.

"Ugh! Why doesn't this freaking jacket have a hood?!" Hugh growled. We were in the room and were settling down for the night.

"Don't ask me, Lily got you that," I replied, stripping off my coat and sitting down on one of the beds. Hugh sighed in frustration and tore off his jacket and tossed it to the ground, leaving him in his black t-shirt. He furiously ran his hands through his hair, resulting in sand flying everywhere. I recoiled, raising my arm over my face in an attempt to shield myself from the mini dust cloud. "Hey! Don't do that right here!"

"It's not my fault that I got sand in my hair! Blame it on the jacket!" Hugh retaliated. "I'm gonna go take a shower. Freaking sand..." He went into the room's bathroom, slamming and locking the door behind him. I sighed and flopped down on the scratchy comforter.

I stared at Illie's Poké Ball pensively, frowning. Why did I even have this anymore? It was obvious that Illie preferred Hilbert over me. I might as well give her to him. I felt bad for thinking that but it was true. Illie was better off with someone she actually liked. When he gets back... I'll give Illie's ball to him. My heart sank. I really wanted to keep Illie, but it wasn't exactly my choice though. I wasn't going to force her to be my Pokémon if she didn't want to.

The room's door opened, and what looked like a six-foot mound of sand walked in. It took off its hood and coat, revealing a sand-covered Hilbert.

"After walking around in that Arceus-forsaken storm for an hour, I found us a guide!" he said triumphantly.

"Oh really?" I said easily, not really listening to what he was saying

"Her name is Suri and she's willing to take us through the mountain first thing tomorrow morning. So we gotta be out of here by six in the morning."

"Wait, what?!" I bolted up, wincing at the slight pain in my gut. "Why six?"

Hilbert cast me a sideways glance. "Because it's early, and it'll take us at least a day or two to get through. We're gonna have to sleep out there regardless so we might as well cover as much ground as we can."

"Joy..." I muttered, falling back down. Was he joking, getting up that early to climb a mountain? Knowing Hilbert, he wasn't kidding. If that was the case, I could give Illie to him tomorrow. I needed to get as much sleep as I could.