Morning light spilled over Hulbury Harbor, scattering diamonds across the waves. The air smelled of sea salt and bakery bread, the usual calm before the city's bustle began. Nessa was halfway through her first cup of coffee when her phone began to buzz across the countertop.
The screen flashed Sonia in bold letters.
She sighed, bracing herself. "Here we go," she muttered, swiping to answer.
Before she could even say hello, Sonia's voice erupted from the speaker:
"Why didn't you tell me you adopted a little sister!?"
Nessa blinked. "...What?"
"Don't you 'what' me!" Sonia said, indignant and breathless all at once. "Word travels fast, you know! I check the trainer reports this morning and suddenly there's a Niyah Soleil listed under your mentorship profile, you're training her, she's staying at your apartment. And, get this, you've been spotted carrying her through the city like a wayward Skwovet!"
Nessa pinched the bridge of her nose. "Sonia. I haven't adopted anyone."
"Uh-huh. Sure. Because that definitely explains the surveillance shot of you marching down Hulbury Street with a half-asleep kid in your arms."
"That's—! She fell asleep after causing havoc all day, and I wasn't about to leave her in the street."
"So you tucked her in. Like a sister."
"I—" Nessa exhaled sharply. "I was being responsible."
Sonia laughed, bright and teasing. "Right, right, the famously responsible Nessa. Champion of patience and calm in the face of chaos."
"Don't test me this early," Nessa said, though the corners of her lips betrayed the faintest hint of amusement. "I've only had one cup of coffee."
"Well, you'll need another. Because, apparently, the League's gossip circuits are already calling her your protégé. Leon hasn't helped either. he updated her file under your oversight."
Nessa groaned. "Of course he did."
Sonia's tone softened slightly. "He trusts your judgment. So do I. But I need to know what's going on. Who is she, really?"
Nessa hesitated. Her eyes flicked toward the room where Niyah was still sleeping, bundled up in the oversized sweatshirt. The image softened something in her chest.
"She's… complicated," Nessa said finally. "Her name's Niyah Soleil. Supposedly twelve, though I'm not entirely convinced she's not younger. She has a Dynamax band, a Rotom Dex, three rare Pokémon, and the ability to teleport."
"Teleport," Sonia repeated flatly. "As in—"
"As in vanish-and-reappear teleport," Nessa confirmed. "I saw it myself."
A low whistle came through the receiver. "Okay, wow. That's… not normal. And she's how old again?"
"Claims at least twelve."
"Right. And I claim to have patience for Leon's late reports," Sonia muttered. "Tell me she at least knows how to handle herself."
"She's talented," Nessa said quietly. "More than that, she's instinctive. The kind of coordination I've only seen in seasoned trainers."
Sonia hummed thoughtfully. "And how much trouble has she caused?"
Nessa shot her a look despite the call. "Do you want the short list or the citywide impact summary?"
"That bad, huh?"
"Let's just say I've learned what the phrase 'controlled chaos' really means. But she's… different, Sonia. Behind all the pranks, there's something heavy there. Like she's running from something or toward something."
Sonia's teasing faded into something gentler. "You sound worried."
"I am," Nessa admitted. "Not because she's dangerous but because she's different. The kind of different that makes people pay attention. And that rarely ends well for kids like her."
There was a pause, filled with the faint hum of the sea outside. Sonia finally said, "You know… this reminds me of someone else."
"Don't say it."
"I'm saying it. Hop."
Nessa blinked. "Hop?"
"Yep. I've been keeping an eye on him since he started his challenge," Sonia said, tone shifting to analytical. "He's been progressing fast. Too fast. His team's evolving in record time, his energy readings spike every time he Dynamaxes, and well… there's something odd about his aura lately."
Nessa frowned. "Odd how?"
"I don't have the data confirmed yet," Sonia admitted. "But I've been cross-referencing energy patterns between him and certain artifacts. It's probably nothing… but it reminds me of the old myths about the twin heroes."
"The Hero of the Sword and the Hero of the Shield," Nessa said, leaning back. "You really think..?"
"I'm not saying anything definitive," Sonia said quickly. "But… if there's a child carrying echoes of the Shield's energy, it wouldn't surprise me if another carried the Sword's. Even if their ages aren't the exact same, I don't think it matters that much in the end."
Nessa's eyes narrowed. "So Niyah…?"
"I don't know. Not yet, I'd have to meet her in person. But it's strange, isn't it? Two prodigies appearing in the same generation. One almost confirmed to be tied to a Rusted Shields signature, and the other radiating similar, most likely Rusted Sword-type, energy fluctuations."
Nessa rubbed her temple. "And here I thought I was just dealing with a mischievous kid."
"You might be dealing with a piece of history instead," Sonia said softly.
Silence lingered between them, filled with the weight of that thought. Then Sonia's voice brightened slightly, trying to dispel the tension. "Anyway, what's she like? Besides the chaos."
Nessa's lips curved faintly. "She's a handful. Smart, sharp-tongued, stubborn. But… she's got heart. She cares about her Pokémon like they're family. And for all her tricks, she's quick to apologize when it counts."
"Sounds like someone I know," Sonia teased.
Nessa snorted. "If you're implying she's like me-"
"Oh, I'm not implying. I'm declaring it."
"Wonderful," Nessa deadpanned. "So I've accidentally acquired a mini-me."
Sonia laughed again, then said more gently, "You don't sound like you mind."
"I don't," Nessa said after a pause. "Not really. She's… good company."
"Dangerous words for someone who insists she hasn't 'adopted' anyone," Sonia said slyly.
Nessa rolled her eyes. "She's just staying with me until she's ready to move on."
"And how long until that happens?"
Nessa didn't answer immediately. She stared down into her half-finished coffee, watching the ripples shift. "I don't know," she admitted. "Part of me wants her to stay until I can figure her out. The other part knows she'll be gone the moment the wind changes."
"That's what kids like that do," Sonia said softly. "They drift. But they remember where they were safe."
For a moment, neither spoke. The sound of Wingull outside filled the gap, mingling with the distant waves.
Sonia broke the quiet first. "You're doing fine, you know."
Nessa blinked. "What?"
"I can hear it in your voice," Sonia said warmly. "You're keeping her grounded. That's something not many people could do. You always had a good balance of discipline and heart."
Nessa chuckled lightly. "You're giving me too much credit. Half the time, she's the one outsmarting me."
"Then it's working both ways," Sonia said. "You're teaching her how to stay steady, and she's teaching you how to loosen up. Sounds like a fair trade."
Nessa smiled faintly. "You think so?"
"I know so," Sonia said. "And hey, when the League eventually tries to claim credit for her progress, I'll make sure they know exactly who did the heavy lifting."
"Please don't," Nessa said dryly. "The last thing I need is Leon calling me 'Mom.'"
Sonia snickered. "Oh, he already does that when he's trying to annoy me."
"I swear I'm going to confiscate his cape one day."
"I'd pay to see that."
The laughter between them was easy, familiar, grounding. For a few moments, the weight of myth and mystery lifted, replaced by the steady rhythm of friendship.
Then Sonia's tone softened again. "Just… be careful, okay? If Niyah really is connected to that energy, things could get dangerous. Legends like that shouldn't be lightly."
Nessa nodded slowly, gaze drifting toward the guest room. "I'll watch her."
"I know you will," Sonia said. "You always do."
There was a pause, then Sonia added teasingly, "So… breakfast with your 'little sister' soon?"
"Don't start," Nessa warned, though her tone was fond. "And no, I haven't adopted anyone. She's just-"
"Someone you're looking out for," Sonia finished. "Yeah, yeah. That's how it starts."
Nessa chuckled softly. "You're insufferable."
"Love you too," Sonia said cheerfully. "Tell your 'non-sister' I said hi. And if she ever pranks you again, film it. For research."
The call ended with Sonia's laughter echoing faintly through the receiver. Nessa set her phone down, shaking her head with a rueful smile.
"Adopted a sister," she muttered to herself. "Honestly."
But as she turned toward the hallway, she caught sight of Niyah sleepily padding into the living room, hair messy, eyes half-closed, wearing the oversized sweatshirt like a cocoon. She yawned, blinking up at Nessa.
"Morning," the girl mumbled.
And in that moment, Nessa couldn't entirely deny Sonia's accusation.
"Morning, trouble," Nessa said softly, smiling despite herself. "Come on. Let's get some breakfast."
—
The Hulbury marketplace shimmered under the late morning sun, the sea breeze carrying the smell of salt and spices through rows of colorful awnings. Cries of vendors hawking pearls, silk scarves, and grilled Slowpoke tails blended with the chatter of locals and tourists alike.
Nessa walked calmly through the crowd, posture easy and elegant as always, the picture of composure. Beside her, Niyah darted from stand to stand, curiosity lighting her eyes as she poked at fabrics, jewelry, and the occasional shiny trinket. Roty floated above her shoulder, screen flickering with occasional snark.
"Btzzz, Alert: Trainer impulse control—low."
"Understatement of the year." Nessa snickered lightly.
Niyah ignored them both, tugging at a flowing blue sundress displayed near one stall. "This one's cute!" she said, holding it up against herself. It swayed around her knees, shimmering like ocean glass.
"Too long," Nessa said, glancing over a rack of athletic wear. "You'll trip trying to prank people in that."
"I can prank in anything," Niyah replied, voice smug.
The shopkeeper, a cheerful woman with a corsage of Water Lilies in her hair, laughed. "You two sound like sisters," she said kindly.
Nessa froze. "We're-"
"Yup!" Niyah said before she could finish, beaming. "She's the tall, scary one, and I'm the cute one!"
The woman giggled. Nessa just sighed. "I'm rescinding your shopping privileges."
"Too late," Niyah chirped, vanishing behind a display stand with a flash of light, teleporting three aisles away to admire another outfit.
Nessa pinched the bridge of her nose. "Arceus help me."
They moved through the marketplace for nearly an hour, Niyah trying on everything from bright tank tops with Sharpedo logos to soft oversized hoodies plastered with Eevees. Eventually, Nessa managed to convince her to pick out practical outfits for travel. Comfortable leggings, Skorts, shirts, and jackets that are easy to layer.
"See?" Nessa said, handing the clerk her credit chip. "Not so bad."
Niyah grinned. "You just wanted me to look like you."
"That's not!"
"It's okay, sis, I understand. You wanna match."
Nessa gave her a flat look while Roty snickered audibly. "Btzz, visual match ratio: 74%. Confirmed."
"Traitor," Nessa muttered to the Dex.
Once they left the boutique, arms full of shopping bags, the air along the harbor had begun to cool. The tide lapped gently against the piers, glinting under the brightening sky.
Niyah leaned over the edge of the walkway, watching Mantyke leap through the waves.
"Do you ever get used to this view?"
Nessa smiled faintly. "No. And you shouldn't. The ocean changes every day, the moment you take it for granted, it'll remind you who's in charge."
"Sounds like someone I know," Niyah said cheekily.
"That attitude's going to get you in trouble one day."
"Already has. Multiple times."
They both laughed softly, and for a fleeting second, Nessa realized just how comfortable it felt, the easy rhythm of banter, the warmth of the sun on her skin, the presence of this strange, impossible girl who had crashed into her life like a storm tide.
But then, as they passed a row of weathered coral statues near the edge of the pier, Nessa's smile faltered. The Rusted Sword inside Niyah's backpack pulsed faintly, not visibly, but felt, like a shiver in the air. The seawater around the stones rippled, almost in recognition.
Nessa's steps slowed. "...Did you feel that?"
Niyah blinked. "Feel what?"
For a moment Nessa swore the sound of faint metal, a distant clang like blade meeting blade, echoed beneath the ocean's hum. When she glanced back at Niyah, the younger girl's expression had gone slightly distant, eyes unfocused as if she were listening to something only she could hear.
But then Niyah blinked again and the moment was gone. "Nope," she said casually. "Must've been your imagination."
Nessa watched her for a long moment before nodding slowly. "Maybe."
They continued walking, the tension dissolving back into light conversation as they stopped for lunch at a seaside café.
The air smelled of fresh bread and roasted kelp. Niyah's eyes sparkled at the display of berry pastries, and Nessa ordered one before the girl could even ask.
Halfway through their meal, Nessa set her fork down and said casually, "Sonia mentioned Hop's been through recently."
Niyah tilted her head. "Hop?"
"Leon's little brother," Nessa explained. "He's one of the other young challengers. Determined, loud, a bit scatterbrained but he's got heart. Beat me a few days ago, actually."
Niyah's eyes lit up. "He beat you?"
Nessa smirked. "Don't sound so surprised. It happens. He's growing fast, too fast, maybe. Reminds me of someone."
Niyah grinned. "Let me guess. Me?"
Nessa arched an eyebrow. "You said it, not me."
They both laughed, but as they finished eating, Nessa's gaze drifted toward the horizon again. "You two would get along," she said softly. "He's as reckless as you are. Maybe more. But… he's got something special too."
"Special how?"
Nessa hesitated. "Hard to explain. Like he's connected to something bigger."
For a moment, that strange pulse of energy stirred again, deep, rhythmic, familiar. Nessa looked at Niyah, who seemed lost in thought.
Niyah's voice, quiet but certain, broke the silence. "Maybe I'll meet him someday."
Nessa smiled faintly. "Somehow, I think you will."
—
That night, the sea's lullaby echoed softly through the open window of Nessa's guest room. Niyah had fallen asleep almost instantly, her new clothes folded neatly on a chair beside the bed. Her Pokémon rested peacefully in their Poké Balls but her mind drifted far elsewhere.
She dreamed of fog.
A silver mist curled around her ankles as she walked, soft grass whispering underfoot. The world felt weightless, the air thick with silence. There was no Roty, no Mimikyu, no Litwick's, no Togetic, no Nessa, only her.
"...Hello?" she called softly. Her voice seemed to vanish, swallowed by the fog.
A faint rustle answered, footsteps. Then a figure emerged ahead: a boy about fifteen, with messy purple hair, a confident stance, and eyes that glowed faintly yellow under the mist.
He blinked at her. "Huh. Didn't expect company."
Niyah tilted her head. "Same."
They stood there for a moment, both trying to make sense of the strange familiarity between them.
"I'm Hop," the boy said finally, offering a grin. "You?"
"Niyah."
"Cool name."
"Yours sounds like you yell a lot."
He laughed. "Yeah, you got me there."
They began to walk, instinctively, side by side as if the path beneath their feet had been waiting for them both. The fog thickened, shapes stirring within it like memories half-formed.
"So… you get weird dreams like this often?" Hop asked.
"First time," Niyah admitted. "You?"
"Sorta. Started a while ago. Always ends up here." He gestured around. "Place feels alive, doesn't it?"
Niyah nodded. "Like it's watching us."
They continued on until the air began to shimmer, threads of light weaving through the mist. The faint sound of metal, a soft hum, ancient and resonant, filled the space.
And then, through the fog, two figures appeared.
One gleamed in faint blue radiance, a majestic wolf, fur flowing like blades of silver, eyes deep as starlight. The other shimmered gold and red, broader, fur shaped like a spectral shield across its face.
Zacian. Zamazenta.
Even in dream, their presence was awe.
Hop froze beside her, eyes wide. "Are those?"
"Yeah," Niyah whispered. "I think so."
The wolves stepped forward, their paws making no sound. Zacian's gaze fixed on Niyah; Zamazenta's on Hop.
A surge of light passed between them like twin heartbeats aligning.
Niyah felt something inside her stir, the Rusted Sword's energy thrumming faintly in her chest. The air around Zacian shimmered, the mist parting to reveal a single glowing petal, a fragment of its aura, drifting toward her.
Hop reached out as well, and from Zamazenta's shield fell a single spark, crimson and gold.
The two fragments met in the air, spiraling once before vanishing in a brilliant flash that left warmth lingering in Niyah's palms.
When she looked down, faint markings shimmered on her skin, one shaped like a curved fang, the other like a sliver of a sword. I'm assuming Hop has the same thing but with a shield.
Hop stared, then grinned. "Guess we're connected now, huh?"
Niyah smirked. "Looks like it."
"Then that makes us… what, battle siblings?"
"Something like that."
Hop nodded firmly. "Good. 'Cause I've got a feeling we'll meet again and when we do, I'm totally winning."
"In your dreams," Niyah teased, smirking.
He laughed bright, confident, like sunlight cutting through fog. The sound echoed as the mist began to fade, the wolves dissolving into starlight.
"See you around," Hop said with a grin. "Don't keep the world waiting."
The dream blurred, colors smearing like watercolor.
Niyah reached out toward him, but her hand met only air.
"See you around," she whispered back, just before the fog swallowed everything.
—
When she awoke, the early morning light was filtering through Nessa's window. Her palm still tingled faintly, as if something sacred had brushed against her.
And though the dream had faded, she couldn't shake the feeling that Hop and the two wolves were now somewhere just beyond the horizon, waiting.