"Uh, do we really have to go to Pokétopia?" Esther groaned. The group were at Everend's gondola station.

"Well, yeah. It's an order from the agents." Sophitia shrugged her feelers.

"But that's- uh, y'know, wouldn't it be cooler to just focus on Naivie's quest? Like she said, this is all with the world at stake, after all." Esther raised a fist.

"I'm in agreement," the Carbink squeaked.

"If that Eevee is waiting for us inside or near the temple, then we can't just throw ourselves at it. We know that we can't beat them. So at the very least, we should aim to get more information and maybe train ourselves up a bit. That was our first time fighting together as a whole team, after all," Sophitia reasoned. She frowned, and rubbed her chin with a feeler. "And with this free time, disobeying the agents is pointless. Don't you want to go?"

"Argh. I don't mind but... uh, Fluffy Cheeks, help me out here," Esther groaned and slumped into him.

"You are not officially an agent. You do not have to come with us," the Fennekin said.

"Aww what? C'mon, we should do stuff together now. Plus, didn't you say I'm in your custody or something? Would be pretty bad if you were seen without me." She winked.

"Then come with us." He walked around her; eyes shut.

Esther's face fell flat. "Gee, thanks. I'll remember that."

"Don't you want to go to Pokétopia, Esther?" Infia asked as they walked into the station. "I've never been that far away from Everend before. It's kind of exciting."

"Oh alright, I'll level with ya," Esther grumbled and folded her arms. "I'm a pop star, ya'know? It's sorta impossible to walk around a big place like that. Pokétopia's always overflowing with crowds. Every time I go there, I get followed or whistled out by an asshole pervert or something. It's really uncomfortable."

"That's a good call, actually," Sophitia said, about to scan her ticket into the barrier. "What do you normally do to deal with that?"

"Brayen or Fluffy Cheeks sorts it out for me. I just thought if we were doing Naivie's journey, we wouldn't go anywhere that populated." Esther turned away. "I'm... not ready to deal with the fans yet. That's it! Infia, swap clothes with me."

"Wha-huh?" Infia gasped.

"Yeah! If we swap clothes, they'll never know it's me. C'mon, you get to wear the real costume for a day! That's gotta be a fangirl's dream come true, right?" Esther bounced eagerly..

Infia took one look at Esther from top to bottom and went bright red. "Y-you'll never fit, though."

"Oh what, 'cos I eat more than you?" Esther went half-lidded.

"N-no! I'm smaller. A-and... well... I er, the underwear," she said, going quieter at every word.

"That's the least important part! C'mon, for me? I'll wear it instead if you don't wanna throw it away," Esther said.

"Oh-kay, that's enough out of that one. I'm getting awkward just listening to this," Sophitia pushed them apart with her feelers. "If hiding your identity is to do with your clothes, why don't you just take them off? Unlike Infia, you don't have anything to hide."

"Sophitia!" Lute said.

"Ah, that's- actually a good idea. But wait, Infia has something to hide?" Esther said. Sophitia's eyes widened.

"No, but there's no point in swapping clothes. Take yours off, stay or home, or deal with your fans yourself," Sophitia ordered.

"It is actually the mark on your tail that gives you away," Phoenix stated as he went through the ticket barrier. "Gondola leaves in two minutes. We need to move."

"My tail—" Esther twisted to look at it. "Oh yeah. I forgot I had that on there. Well shit."

Lute watched her grumble and march off, unable to help sneak a look himself. Her tail had the heart-shaped tip that all female Pikachu had, but for her, the tip also had a black mark on it. To him, the mark almost looked like the number five. It probably had something to do with her motif or something he didn't understand.

"Pokétopia is in the very centre of Aseria. It's the largest city in the world, and its inside a dome. It's like, the most urban place the world has," Esther explained. By now they had boarded the gondola and set off, and they were the only ones aboard the carriage. "You guys have all been to the Ministry of Science, right? If you've seen the kind of tech they have there, then you won't be surprised to see the dome."

"I've read about it. It's also the centre of energy circulation throughout the world, right? It's where all the gondolas go, and all the electricity the world uses is generated." Lute looked up to recall it. "Supposedly the city's always awake because it's visited year-round by Pokémon constantly. Pokémon switch between daytime and nocturnal workers. It's also expensive to visit, so Pokémon from Everend rarely go there, even though we have gondolas travelling directly to it."

"Ahaha, you do your research! You're so impressive, Lute," Esther praised with gleaming eyes. "I've played more shows there than I can count, all at the different venues and landmarks. While it's pretty flashy and I get to go all-out, it's impossible to sleep there. Sure there's hotels and stuff, but there's lots of light and stuff. Can we not stay there longer than we need to?"

"U-understandable. I'm not one for all the tech stuff, either," Sophitia whimpered. She was crouched by one of the handlebars and clutched it with both paws and feelers as if her life depended on it.

"It depends on what King's Shield want with us," Phoenix said.

"I er, was hoping I could sightsee a little when we were free. It'll be my first time there," Lute admitted.

"Oh, why didn't ya say so? Sure, I'll show you around, my treat." Esther winked at him. Infia tilted her head.

"That was a change of heart," Phoenix said.

"Do you want me to be enthusiastic or do you want me to be edgy? 'Cos you're bein' pretty fucking edgy right now, Fluffy Cheeks." She went half-lidded.

"If you are not a pop star, then you're not my boss anymore," he replied

"Oh. Sassy now, are we? Why don't you say to my face?" she stomped her way over to him. "Do go on. I couldn't hear you earlier."

"I do not understand your sentiment." He looked away.

"Exactly. Next time, don't forget your dog collar," she said, and tapped him on the nose.

Lute rolled his eyes and turned to the scenery. The gondola sped across a rail so high in the sky that much of the distant land was patterns of fields and mountain, while the sea below them looked like a clay model. He was used to this view from his trip to the Ministry of Science, but this time, he wasn't as happy to see it. The clouds above blanketed the sky as far as the eye could see, and every speck of them was exactly the same colour and tone of grey.

If he hadn't met Naivie and seen the foggy temple for himself, he would have thought that this was normal. This stale scenery brought on a heartfelt dread that made him shiver. The world was truly devoid of seasons and was only going to look bleaker if he didn't get stronger.

"Hey, Sophitia," he said quietly, but stopped when he saw her weakened state. She was sprawled out at the foot of the handlebar and had gone completely pale. "You're never going to get used to gondola travel, are you?"

"No! I'd rather do anything else!" she squealed.

...

Over an hour later, their destination finally came into view with their arrival imminent. Pokétopia was exactly what it was made out to be: an enormous dome of tinted glass situated in the middle of barren fields on all sides. Protected by this land of empty plains and distant mountains, the dome was allowed to occupy a huge amount of space. Even from miles up in the sky, the whole dome couldn't fit into Lute's view.

Their gondola slipped inside via a small gap in the glass, where it slowed down to let them get a good view of the city. The sound of active crowds passed through the walls of the gondola, while neon shop signs and waves of show lights blurred the scenery. Lute pressed his face against the window in awe at all the colours, most surprised by the sheer number of Pokémon in the streets. There wasn't a single space where the ground was visible.

"Wow, there's so many different shops," Infia said, doing the same.

Inside the dome was dark, as if they had just stepped somewhere that was perpetually night time. That enabled the lighting to really shine with an urban vibe. Even as they stepped off the gondola and out into the open of the station, it was impossible to see the sky.

"We er, better stay together. It's kinda easy to get lost when you're not surrounded by chauffeurs," Esther said. "I call dibs on Lute!"

"Call dibs? Oof," Lute coughed as she jumped on him. He struggled to stand with her on his back, but just about managed. "E-Esther, you're kinda heavy."

"Aww c'mon. It's training, right? Fluffy Cheeks doesn't have any trouble carryin' me." She giggled.

"That's because he's Phoenix," he growled.

"E-Esther, please." Sophitia rolled her eyes when Lute finally collapsed. That set off the Pikachu's laughter though, as well as weird looks from Phoenix and Infia. She ignored them all to review their directions. "Oh, wait. There's no need. They're meeting us at the station."

"Are they? See, you don't even have to walk far. You can do it lil' champion!" Esther cheered.

"Why did I sign up for this?" Lute groaned.

"Now where would," Sophitia habitually nibbled a feeler as she scanned the area.

Similar to the gondola stations she had been to before, this one overlooked a central street from a few floors up. It was far bigger than those other stations though, with many signs plastered on the walls to direct to platforms counting to the double digits. There were electronic screens detailing schedules and a constant flow of chatter, making her feel like she was in the way.

"By the platform thirteen lounge. Man this place is huge," Sophitia mumbled.

"That would be this way." Phoenix walked off.

It didn't take long to find, especially since said lounge was noticeably cleaner than the rest of the station. It looked more like a bar had been set up rather than a typical waiting room, complete with an Audino bartender and Slurpuff in butler suits.

"It's about time you showed up. Did you all have trouble finding the place?" someone said soon after they wandered in. They turned to see Lassic sat on a couch with a wine glass, one leg crossed over the other. The Delphox had his familiar eyepiece.

"It's Lassic," Lute said. Esther stopped teasing him to gawk at the famous figure.

"So who're you meant to be, mister important? You better have called us out here for something important, because if it's a waste of our time, you're going to pay for it," Naivie said as she fluttered out in front of him.

"Naivie!" everyone screamed.

"Please excuse her, she's sorta outta the loop of stuff, haha," Sophitia said, managing to push her away.

"No worries. It's just a trait of the young. Besides, I've seen reports of your recent activities. I know who she is. You've all been far busier than I ever intended," Lassic stated. He slowly sipped the rest of his drink and then stood up. "Follow me, please. I am a busy Pokémon, as you know. And we are already behind schedule."

He left his glass with the bartender and led the way with his paws tucked behind his back. Everyone followed as closely as they could, although Lute couldn't help but admire the surroundings he passed. The Pokémon all around them looked like they were having fun, though some also looked stressed as they dashed to and from the station.

"Wait, what's that? There are more vehicles?" Sophitia cried. It looked like a gondola except that it was connected directly to the ground and there weren't any doors.

"Oh, that's just a bus. Haven't you seen one before?" Lassic informed.

"No!" she cried.

Lute didn't get her panic. The bus carriage was majestic in its colourful design and had rows of lights on its front and back. After a Monferno boarded it, the bus sped off with an engine noisier than surrounding conversations. He thought it looked fun to ride on one.

He couldn't help but laugh a little. There were a few of these buses around, and each one went in different directions. This was on top of gondolas that glided on a web of rails lining the city heights. Pokémon flew amongst those to deliver what looked like boxes and food to Pokémon that accepted them from open windows. One of those delivery Pokémon, a Farfetched, dropped its food onto a group of Pokémon below, a Lickilicky in a wheelchair. That family of Pokémon were surprised, but after slurping up the food, broke into laughter.

"This place is so alive. It looks like it's night time, but everyone and everything's so active and colourful. I've never seen anything like this," Lute remarked.

"Yeah, it's pretty fun. It's hard to be upset about anything while you're here. It's so much fun sometimes that you forget to sleep, or you kinda stop caring about the outside world. It's a real, er, what's that word?" Esther agreed.

"Utopia?" Lute guessed.

"Yeah, I guess so," she said. "You're really good with words, too."

"Look around you well, Lute and friends. See the marvel of the world of Aseria," Lassic said. As they walked, Aegislash and Doublade surrounded their group to block the crowds from them. "Public transport. Disability services. Convenient technology ranging from the mighty aircraft to the simplicity of the automatic door. Such fidelity of simple life services is only possible thanks to Aseria's reliance on V Waves."

"All of this stuff is V Wave powered?" Sophitia gasped.

"Yes. But that convenience is being threatened by none other than you and your friends," Lassic stated.

"Wait, what? What did I do?" Lute gasped.

"Be too cute, that's what," Esther said as she tickled his cheek. "But seriously, that's one hell of a bold statement."

Lassic stopped to face them. "You've all recently been to Moand Dia again, haven't you?"

"We... yes we have. We went there once as per Silver's orders, but we ended up there again thanks to the quest," Lute said.

"We know because of the computers you put down last time. They allow us to monitor Moand Dia deeper than ever before," he said. He resumed the walk, and a paw went to his chin. "But your second trip there was unauthorised. Following that, the Radial Castle has activated and left the atmosphere. It's all according to the legends left behind by the ancients. The place you found was a temple, wasn't it?"

"Well you're well informed. So why the negative tone?" Naivie commented.

"We've arrived," Lassic said as he walked straight in. Everyone stopped to see where they were, a shopping centre titled 'The Arcade' in letters drawn out of light bulbs.

"I don't like this," Sophitia brought a feeler over to Lute. Esther slapped it with a little shock. "Hey- what the, why are you still on his back?"

"It's comfy. And he's handling just fine," Esther said smugly.

Lute sighed. "Not now. Please."

They followed Lassic into an elevator, where he inserted a unique key into the one key slot amongst the buttons for each floor. Once twisted, the doors shut and the lift descended and soon opened out into the familiar, computer-filled room of an agent base. This one was much better organized and spacious, but also had a lot more Pokémon at work.

"The legends in Aseria's history are outdated fantasies of the past that should stay there. Do not attempt to revive them." Lassic finally addressed them with an angered look.

"Hold on, I only agreed to do it because I wanted to be- why shouldn't I?" Lute said.

"You have seen the way the Pokémon live here, and in the Ministry of Silence. Computers enhance our lives. Stabilise our society. Some Pokémon our born with disabilities where they need this technology to even function and have close to a normal life. But all of it requires V waves," Lassic stated. "The legend you have followed, the legend that requires you to enter the temple below the Radial Castle, it is the one with the legendary flowers, is it not?"

Lute gulped. "That's the one. Naivie said she can plant a seed and that our prayers can grow it."

"I don't think you should tell him that, Lute," Naivie said.

"Those flowers will destroy our world. The infrastructure I have spent such a long time creating and maintaining, it would be forced to reset to that of the ancient past. Could you imagine living in a world without the everyday miracles you saw just now?"

"I don't get what you're talking about, though. I'm only doing this because the weather of Aseria has gone stagnant. If we grow the flowers, won't the seasons return?" Lute said. He gradually sounded more and more fearful.

"There are Pokémon who cling desperately to the ways of the past. Refuse to try and use technology despite how much easier it makes things. Despite how it enables we Pokémon to act far beyond the feral instincts our species are based upon. The purpose of the ancients and their religious following of those flowers and the Shaymin, was to prevent our advancement as a society," Lassic said, closing a fist. He looked as though he wanted to smash something. "If those flowers are reborn, the V waves will be controlled and our technology will cease to function. The world will be brought to a drastic standstill!"

"So what, we should just leave the world to get destroyed by lack of weather? You sound smart enough to know exactly why the lack of seasons is a problem, or maybe you're choosing to be wilfully ignorant to push your own agenda," Naivie argued. "It's what you leader types always try to do."

"Naivie—" Sophitia said.

"I have researched far more than you could ever imagine. That is why I was able to create the world we have today! If I didn't understand V waves the way I do, we would never have moved forward as a society!" Lassic raised his voice. He took in a breath and shut his eyes. "Take this as a direct order from the president of Aseria: you are not to engage in this history any more. Continuation will result in arrest and trial."

"That's not going to stop me. Or any of them," Naivie said as she floated over to Lute and the others.

"Naivie please, this isn't the place to—" Sophitia tried to hush her.

"Listen here, Mister Lassic. These five are the heroes of Aseria. And as long as they follow their hearts, they will stop at nothing to make the world what they want it to be. I can't make them decide on what's best, and neither can you. That's just who they are."

Silence fell, and Esther slowly got off Lute's back. "W-wow. Naivie, I didn't know you felt that way? You never sound like it."

"Shut up. I'm not trying to give you kids swell heads," Naivie replied.

"Well that was uncalled for," Sophitia rolled her eyes. "Arguments aside, that recent activity can't really be why you called us out here like this."

"You are sharp, Sophitia. No, it wasn't. That was simply an urgent matter I had to speak about. Over here." Lassic directed them deeper into the base. Lute couldn't help but hang his head, and didn't realise that everyone was moving until Infia tapped him.

"We have been monitoring Spirle's movements recently and have finally seen a pattern in where their High Points are attacking. The other agents have already been notified of our findings," Lassic informed, allowing them to go into the next room first. It looked like a laboratory for secret experiments, lined by computer screens on the walls. A large stasis chamber sat in the centre surrounded by even more intricate screens and keyboards. A male Meowstic turned and left his work to greet them.

"It's you. The prosecutor," Sophitia said.

"Please, call me Athens. I'm guessing Lassic is giving me the task of delivering the news?" Meowstic wondered with paws tucked behind his back.

"You are very good at it, sir." Lassic snickered.

"Yes. Of course." Athens cleared his throat. "Two major things. The first is that Spirle's High Points have been very active around areas related to Moand Dia. Specifically, areas where information on Aseria's history can be deciphered. This includes areas like the Ministry of Science's nature reserve, or the ruins of Angard, an uncharted country on Eastern Aseria."

Angard? Where Gen lives. Don't they know that we've been there? Sophitia thought.

"This is the most active Spirle have ever been, so we need to strike them hard while we have the chance. We would like you agents to search these locations and apprehend anyone you can find," Athens ordered.

"We need to go to those places anyway. So we're sorta killing two birds with one stone, right?" Esther added.

"We were heading to those places, but not anymore. This is our new mission objective," Phoenix said.

"Er-erm, as happy as I am about hitting the bad guys where they deserve it, how're we going to manage?" Sophitia came forward. "We've battled High Points before. Not to downplay you guys, but I don't think we can stand up to them."

"It won't be a problem, not if we use their own weaponry against them. For you see, the data we got from Infia recently has also revealed that you have a trump card. This brings me to the second piece of information I wish to share with you," Athens said. "Infia, if you please?"

"Me?" the Minun scrunched up.

Athens nodded and directed her to a small set of steps by the stasis chamber. She wandered along, unsure about stepping into the middle. She stepped far enough for a glass cylinder to trap her in, however.

"Hey wait, what's going on? What're you doing?" Lute said, about to jump after her. The others crowded around in concern as well, but Athens ignored them all to work on the computer.

"Don't worry. I'm going to show you something, something that Spirle are highly responsible for," Athens said as he tapped away.

"Well this doesn't look worrisome at all," Esther said. A moment later, the chamber filled with orange liquid, throwing everyone into a panic. Infia cried out but held her breath as she was submerged.

"Infia!" Lute gasped.

"Whoa whoa whoa hey, what do you think you're doing? Get her outta there," Sophitia cried.

"Don't panic, she will be fine. She doesn't need to breathe," Athens said, continuing to work on the computer.

"She's doesn't need to- what the fuck?" Esther shouted.

"This liquid helps to compress V waves. Once I increase the density of it, you will see what I mean, and the remarkable truth about Infia will be revealed." He continued to ignore them.

"But she's gonna drown!" Lute cried.

"Easy. Trust this Pokémon. He isn't going to hurt her," Lassic said, and laid a paw on Lute and Sophitia. They barely contained themselves though, one foot shifted ahead while their eyes locked on Infia's anxious face. Even Phoenix growled with fangs gritted and embers leaking from his mouth.

"You see, Spirle's operations appear to utilise some of the most advanced V wave technology ever seen. Their results are imperfect, but through their efforts, they have been able to create living entities. Pokémon with digital bodies so real that they blend right in with real Pokémon," Athens explained.

A heavy spark of electricity made them all jump, and before anyone could turn around, Esther's ribbon snapped at the glass. Infia cowered away just in time as the strike smashed the glass to bits, flooding the room and the surrounding machinery in the liquid. The stasis chamber itself shorted, while everyone else was soaked.

"Esther?" Lute gasped. She was slumped over with her ribbon in hand, but her whole body crackled with bolts.

"What is wrong with you? Do you have any idea what you've done?" Athens shouted. He retracted when Esther looked up at him with a gaze fiercer than a protective Pyroar.

"I knew it was a bad idea coming here," Esther shuddered. "What's wrong with me? Are you seriously asking that?"

"This machine was tens of thousands worth of pokegold. Lives were risked stealing it from Spirle, and you just broke it like that?" Athens said.

"Oh shut the fuck up!" Esther roared into the air. "You drown a living Pokémon while you talk about some crap about digital creations. This is the same shit as before with Phoenix. You haven't changed a bit!"

"Esther," Infia mouthed.

"So what, you gonna tell these guys that she's just some programmed creation from Spirle? That she's our 'weapon' we can use to help us against the High Points? And then just send her every which way to do your dirty work like she's some expendable resource?" Esther ranted.

"Esther, it's okay," Infia squeaked.

"No it's not okay, Infia! You dunno what you're getting yourself into," the Pikachu ranted. Her volume rose with every word. "You don't have to say you're okay with it just 'cos they're adults. You don't know the fucked-up stuff you're agreeing to."

"You already know about it? About Infia?" Athens approached Esther. "Then you know that she's a V Pocket. A pre-programmed bundle of waves that behaves as a self-dependant android Pokémon."

"What?" Lute whispered.

"Shut up, shut up, shut up, shut the fucking hell up! You guys always talk and treat them like they're just your slaves. You can't even think about what they want or what they feel!" Esther screamed.

"They're V Pockets, Esther. They can't want anything," Athens stated.

"Yes. They. Can!" Esther shouted at the top of her voice. She released a violent spray of electricity all around, but Athens stopped her immediately with Light Screen attack directly in front of her.

"Damage one more thing and you can kiss your freedom goodbye. We've been lenient enough with you and your group," Lassic threatened. Esther grabbed her head and roared upward, and then took off before anything more could be said.