Nuevma town glowed brightly under the glaring noonday sun. It was a short trip from the sea stacks to route 17, and Adriano had decided to walk the last leg of the journey. Ignoring the shouts of trainers from the side of the path desperate for battle, he glanced at the signboard and then at the modest collection of houses facing the sea. ‘I guess this is it.’

After the storm had wrecked Golden Island, Adriano had retuned to his previous hideout among the sea stacks. While deciding his next move, he remembered about the offer Cedric had given him when they had met. ‘Not really anything I’ve got going on right now, might as well see what he wants.’ Decision made, he had spent a few days traveling inland to the Pokemon research lab.

Wandering through the single lane, he completed a whole lap of the town in about five minutes before he found himself standing in front of a shiny metal building. ‘They weren’t kidding when they said this town was small.’

Knocking on the door, Adriano waited for a response. There was a rustling and a few thumps from inside the lab, and then the door swung inward seemingly by itself. Wondering if the door was an automatic one, Adriano heard a squeak and looked down to find a fluffy Minccino waving its tail at him. Gesturing for him to enter, it closed the door before leading Adriano into a side room where a familiar face was waiting.

“Alexandre! I’ve been anticipating your arrival!”

Adriano shook the sitting mans hand with a strained smile and took a seat at the table opposite.

“It’s been a while Cedric.”

Cedric gripped his hand almost uncomfortably tight and leaned in, directing his sharp gaze at Adriano.

“It was good to hear that you left promptly. I would not have liked to have had to track you down.”

Releasing his hold and leaning back, Cedric returned to his calm state.

“That being said, I think now that we’ve met a few times and you’re presumably here to look for work, it’s time to start being more honest with each other.”

The scary look was back.

“Starting with who you really are and what you want with my godson.”

Adriano sighed, and thought about how much information he should reveal. On the one hand, the whole point of his exit from the league circuit was to leave that part of his past behind. On the other hand, of course, was the possibility of a comfy research position if he could gain Cedric’s trust.

“My name is Adriano, I was born in Castellia city, and I used to be a professional league challenger. After I retired, I moved to Golden Island for some peace and quiet.”

Cedric nodded thoughtfully.

“Yes, that would explain how you had the skills to defeat me in a battle. But why did you get close to Edward?”

Adriano shifted uncomfortably.

“I met Edward when I was out catching Pokemon. I didn’t know who he was aside from just being a kid, and I guess I just wanted to impress him.”

Cedric motioned for him to continue.

“As you might have seen, I don’t have many friends on Golden Island. It was nice to have someone who looked up to me instead of down.”

Cedric nodded and stood up, circling the small room while stroking his chin contemplatively.

“And then I offered you a job and here we are.”

Adriano straightened up again. Cedric paused his pacing and scanned Adriano discerningly.

“I have two jobs you can choose from. The first is to redo the league circuit and gather advanced Pokemon data for me from an adult perspective.”

“No thanks.” Adriano shook his head vigorously. “I’ve had enough bad experiences with the league. I wouldn’t be surprised if they blacklisted me.”

Cedric gave him another appraising look and resumed his stride.

“I’m certain there’s an interesting story there, but let’s put that aside. The other job might be more to your liking. Edward started his own Pokemon journey recently but got stuck in Accumula town. Apparently, some group calling themselves Team Plasma have been blocking the gate and preaching to anyone they’ve stopped.”

“Well why don’t you just go take care of it? If it’s just some thugs, Fraxure should mop them up no problem, right?”

Cedric showed a slightly strained smile, “Edward told me to, and I quote, “Stop following me, I don’t need your help!” He threw his hands up in resignation. “How am I supposed to argue with that? Last time I tried, he refused to talk to me for two weeks.”

Adriano nodded sagely.

“That certainly sounds like a problem.”

“Exactly.”

Cedric pointed at Adriano.

“And that’s why you’ll go and help him out.”

“Okay, I have a few questions.”

Cedric gestured to go ahead.

“First of all, how are you paying me? And am I just busting this Team Plasmid group or whatever or actually travelling with Edward?”

“Well, I’ll give you ¥5,000 to just go to Accumula town. If you do decide to travel with my godson, I’ll give you ¥1,000 a day to cover daily expenses and another ¥5,000 everytime you have to battle on Edward’s behalf. Only if you win, of course.”

Adriano nodded.

“That sounds fair. I’ll take it.”

Cedric handed him a map and ushered Adriano out the door.

“Have Edward contact me when you reach Striaton City. I’ll wire the money to your trainer account then.”

Cedric and Minccino waved goodbye before closing the door firmly. Taking a last look out at the sea and sighing, Adriano firmed his resolve and began his journey. Next stop, Accumula town!