Looker nodded when he read the paper, sliding it back.

“Of course, you are still a Ditto after all. I assume the professor uses you for your capability to breed with most Pokemon. Other than human disguises, that is. A very talented Ditto indeed. Mmm, what is your favorite genre of book? I like mysteries myself.”

“You’d better get on Freedom first. I can control him with the reigns from behind, so don’t worry about anything. Just keep your grip on the saddle handle.”

He stood and waited for the boy to get on first, making sure to keep a eye out for any police. Luckily they still seemed to be busy with his fake tip. Freedom cawed out in response to Silver, though he didn’t look at the boy. He was focused on taking on their combined weight as well as preparing himself for lift off.

Arceus’ servant nodded. There was nothing else he could possibly do to prepare, and Arceus did make him feel a little better knowing most extremities were covered.

Most.

“I’m ready when you and… Lunala are ready.” 

Helping the bat of the moon… not what he thought he would be doing on a Wednesday, but alas, not all things ever do go as planned.

Looker returned her smirk at her comment, shaking his head slightly. He followed her out through the window and on to the roof.

He released the Pokemon in the Poke Ball he held, a large Pidgeot materializing next to him. He was ready to take flight. The detective chuckled at Azzy’s comment.

“I’m a father of quite a few kiddos who act like you. I’m practically conditioned to worry! …But seriously, if you’ll be fine, I’ll be on my way. With the information you’ve given me, I have no doubts our paths will cross again. I will bring down Sunset Society, Asphodel. You’ve got my word.”

“Orders?”

That implied that they weren’t acting on their own freewill. Which would explain why reason wasn’t getting to them. But now he had a whole host of other problems: assuming his thought process was correct, who was controlling them? Looker assumed someone from Aether. Was it possible they were trying to harm him? Though Silvally was still intent on attacking Tigerclaw. Speaking of…

“Extreme Speed!”

With a bark of reply, the Arcanine bolted from his spot as to get out of the way. A safe distance from the Beast Killer, he stopped and waited for another command.

“Silvally! Who is giving you orders? Is it Aether? Answer me!”

“Yeah… it has.” Her solemn thoughts are interrupted when Azzy bumped her and she looked down, smiling slightly. At least it seemed Azzy’s spirit hadn’t been broken. 

Following the scratch on the door came Katherine’s knock. From inside the detective stirred. He was still in his hotel room, though he’d considered purchasing a house to live in. It seemed his daughter wasn’t leaving the region soon, and he wanted a place where his children could come if they wanted. His thoughts of the houses he was browsing in the paper were broken when the scratch came. He felt himself start to panic a little, a feeling of eeriness settling in his stomach. He stood up and walked over to the door, one hand in his pocket as always. From the bed, a Lucario studied the door silently. 

Looker opened it slowly, feeling relief when he saw Katherine.

 “Hey Katherine! You’re out a bit late, aren’t you? I mean–I know it’s been a year and all but–”

He opened the door further and then saw the odd cat-like creature next to her. He rose an eyebrow and glanced to it with curiosity, bending down. 

“What in the world is that? It doesn’t look like any Pokemon I’ve seen before.”

“Looker…” Katherine whispered. Her gut ached, knowing how he would react once she told him. “It’s Azzy.”

The detective froze, jerking his head up toward Katherine. That couldn’t have been right. Azzy was a girl. His daughter was a human being, not some Pokemon fusion! There had to have been a mistake! He slowly returned his gaze to Azzy, tears welling in his eyes. He didn’t want to believe it because if it were true, it meant he was too late. That he was unable to find her until they’d defiled her and put her through so much pain.

His voice got caught up in his throat, “Asphodel…?”

“Ah, well. It is what it is, I suppose. Not all Colri can be nice and funny… and charming. Erk!” She caught herself starting to blush, shaking it away and finally shaking Shivu’s hand. 

“Well, Shivu, nice to meet you. I suppose. ‘Sides startin’ trouble around here in Unova again, what are you up to? What does an ex-con like you do anyway?”

Katherine gasped, putting her hand to her mouth.

“Oh my goodness, really?! That’s incredible! Congratulations, Variance! Sooo–don’t be shy. Tell me his name! Tell me all about him!”

“Is that so?” He nodded toward his assistant, signalling for her to write it down before returning to Florie. “I’m sure the scientists will want that information to keep in mind while they work. Ah–excuse my forgetfulness, in a few minutes we’ll be going on down to the labs. They’re not here, evidently, but they’re not far away. We’ve got botanists and other berry specialists such as yourself over there. They should have started on some of the beta mixes while they wait for you. You’ll need to oversee the project with a few others like yourself and might have to get in hands on. They’re probably just going to ask you questions at most, or ask for your opinion on measurements and the like, though. If you’re up to the task, that is.” Jack chuckled.

“As far as what we’ve shown you and your answers, I think this project will be a successful one. It will also employ berry farmers in other regions, helping the worldly economy grow. I know my parents are berry farmers and they struggle sometimes. Hopefully this will give them and others similar a new outlook on life. Ah, but I almost forgot! Do you have any suggestions for products we could develop with berries? Perhaps there are things we didn’t think of that you did.”