FSE

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formerly SoFurry search engine

The World of Arceus

Disclaimer: I don't own Pokémon. Only the idea and OC's.

Author Notes:

-X-This will be used for scene breaks and for when the story switches to another character, but it does not mean that a new section of the story has started.

~xXx~ This will identify where each paragraph breaks.

"Human Speech" 'Character Thought' {Pokémon Speech}

The following is a side story taking place in the same world as the story "Watcher of Arceus".

~xXx~

Side Stories

Norva : Part 4

"You're telling me that Norva saw something?" Malcolm asked. "And it wasn't... whatever other kind of sight she has, however she can kind of follow hand movements or identify where a person is?"

"The optical center of her brain lit up like fireworks during that test, right after you pulled the head band off." Professor Ivy stated, pointing to that part of the image again. "This part of the brain, right here. That's a gardevoir's optical center, where their brains process visual information. For reference, theses scans here, see how little activity there is. This set was the one we just did the day after you were attacked, where I did every test I could think of her. Even when she was tracking our hand movements, there was minimal activity, but just now, when you pulled the head band off. She saw something."

"How? I mean her eyes are still messed up aren't they. They'll never really recover at this point." Malcolm asked.

"I don't know, but somehow, she saw something. We even both saw it, she caught that sensor box and practically handed it to you." Professor Ivy continued. "Whatever she is doing, whatever is driving her right now, in all my years as a pokemon researcher, I've never seen anything like this. She might be the single strongest psychic type pokemon I know of maybe even comparable to one of the legendary pokemon."

-x-

Malcolm recalled the conversation with Professor Ivy again as he sat on the bed beside Norva, only pulled out of it when he felt Norva stir slowly. It had been two days since the trip to see Professor Ivy, and Malcolm was still just as confused now as he was then.

Norva was slowly waking up now, starting to sit up in bed and glanced in Malcolm's direction for a moment before giving a small nod and starting to get out of bed. "You feeling better?" Malcolm asked, and Norva nodded. She was still tired, but her mind was no longer cloudy.

As she slowly got up, she quickly turned towards the front of the house and Malcolm quickly got up and looked towards the ruined front door. He could hear a few large engines now that he wasn't deep in thought, and sure enough he saw them pulling up in front of the house.

"Looks like Susan's crew is here. I guess its a good think you woke up just now. Let's go and say hi." Malcolm said, Norva nodding lightly as she got up and got off the bed to stand with him.

Walking out with him, a group of four trucks and two cars were now in the driveway and a crew of seven people were getting out of the cars, one heading up to the house. "Malcolm? Oh, there you are." The lady stated as walked up.

"Susan, glad you could make it out so quickly." Malcolm stated as the crew all began to call out various pokemon, the total crew comprised of twenty five pokemon and people ready to start up work.

"Sorry for being three days late. We owe Jordan some favors, so when he calls up, we try to make some time for it, but we can't do much when our mechanic leaves two of our trucks in pieces. Man this place is still a mess, hard to believe what happened. You sure you're okay?" Susan sighed.

"Trust me, its even worse then looks from out here." Malcolm sighed as Norva carefully looked in the direction of each and every mind one at a time.

"You got everything boxed up yet?" Susan asked.

"Minus the furniture and a few plates and silver ware we used for dinner last night and possibly breakfast." Malcolm replied.

"Good man. Listen, we're just going to pack up everything we can in the box truck here and if we run out of room, we'll use your shed. You can stay and help us move a few things, but I'm legally obligated to tell you to stay out of the way once construction begins and it won't take us long to do that. Jordan wants to pretty much rebuild the entirety of the front of the house, put up a small greenhouse, and he left some notes on other things he'd like us to for the other rooms. You can come over and watch the work strictly at a distance if you want, but you really shouldn't be on site until its done." Susan explained.

"Yeah, yeah I know. While I hate it, Jordan did loan us a camper until this was over, I'll just leave it parked by the shed while we're here." Malcolm replied.

"You got all boxes marked fragile very clearly marked as such right?" Susan asked.

"Yep, everything is very easily marked. Anything I don't want broken and resting on top of the other boxes is very easily marked as such. And if my corviknight shows up, there's a box marked Velin. Just give him some cheese in the box and a bag of feed, yes one whole bag. There's a bin under his post there. He's supposed to be with Jordan for now, but if shows up, don't worry about it, he'll take care of himself aside from some feed." Malcolm added, and with that Susan nodded, before turning to the group.

"Okay everyone, things are ready. Fragile boxes to the side first, and then on top of the others." Susan yelled out and the entire human part of the crew and any of the pokemon with hands quickly went inside and started to move boxes.

"Let's... go see if we can find any place away from the noise that will be started up in a bit." Malcolm stated, gently taking Norva's hand and guiding her over to the camper, opening the door and helping her up into the front seat. It was rather spacious for the gardevoir, and Malcolm helped her lean down to find the controls to adjust the seat more to her liking, Norva quickly leaning the chair back a bit. Once that was done, Malcolm reached back and pulled her remote out of his pocket to hand to her.

"Give me a few and I'll have the tablet set up for you. Won't even make you wear headphones for a bit." Malcolm smiled and Norva nodded, finally buckling herself into the seat and trying to get comfortable.

Malcolm set up the tablet rather quickly, even plugging it in for her so she could listen as much as she wanted before going over and getting into the driver's seat. At the very least, he would take them out for breakfast to stay out of the way for the moment and then he wasn't sure. Thinking about it more, he realized that he couldn't work given that his usual room for work was in the house and he didn't have access to that right now.

"There's... well no reason we have to stay here while they do the work. I mean, I can't do my job until the place is finished and Jordan's giving me a full workshop on the side of the shed." Malcolm stated slowly as he started down the drive and up to main road. "Its only just started trainer season, and by this point, most of the trainers have already moved through the island or are beginners who are taking classes still. We could see if any of the camp grounds are open, spend a few days somewhere else to get away from the noise."

Norva quickly thought it as she adjusted her seat belt, before nodding some and giving a small nod and short vocal "Gar."

"Let me just check the weather report and make sure its good weather for the next few days and then we'll see which of the campsites are least crowded." Malcolm stated, adjusting the radio.

"Un, sun, sun, all weekend. Make sure to pack some extra sun screen, or even an umbrella or two, and this goes out to everyone, doubly for all the new trainers this year, stay hydrated. Get you bottled water, canteens filled from a safe source, or even filters for a water type, but whatever you do, don't drink the ocean water, it ain't worth it. Swimming is fine, but don't drink it, not with all that salt." The weather report hard already started and Malcolm was thankful for at least catching it and not having to wait.

"The nights will be a generous chance to cool off, but remember to be careful on the coast, and never camp directly on the beaches. Its not worth the risk of a sudden wa-... hold on just a second. I'm getting a fresh update... Flash news update, we have a confirmed Sauron, the Pidgeot sighting. I repeat, we have a confirmed Sauron the Pidgeot sighting. A fishing trawler just confirmed a sighting of Sauron heading west from the Seven Grape Fruit Islands, possibly heading towards Fairchild Island at the moment." The weather forecaster had continued with the forecast before a sudden change in topic, both Norva and Malcolm cringing hard. Stopping and quickly turning back some, Malcolm rolled down the window.

"Hey, Sauron watch update. Got a confirmed sighting of the flying asshole pidgeot flying west away from the Seven Grapefruit Islands. Chances are he's ready to start harassing the western islands again! He shows up, you let Velin deal with it and stay out of the way." Malcolm yelled, getting a collective groan.

"As if we didn't have enough problems to deal with." One of the other men stated, rubbing his head in annoyance.

"Look, you be careful out there. That damned bird has a thing for berries and cheese, you keep an eye on the skies you hear me. If your corviknight shows up, I'll give him some cheese, but I ain't leaving anything out to attract the bastard bird." Susan yelled out loudly.

"We'll be fine." Malcolm called back, before actually taking off.

-x-

A slow ride into town to get a few things, and everyone seemed to already know about the attack. A lot of people were checking in on Malcolm and Norva, making sure that they were okay. There were also a lot of newer trainers who quickly took notice of Norva, but Malcolm and Norva did their best to ignore them.

There was also a lot of talk about how strange things were getting in recent days. The two of them did their best not to get caught in too much however, just enjoying a few free snacks that they had been given by some of the shops that they frequented. Norva was very happy to get a family share size bag of peanut M&Ms which was her favorite treat, and Malcolm was wasn't going to argue it at the moment even if he usually tried to limit her candy intake.

After their short trip to town and deciding to just skip breakfast, it was off to try and find a place to relax for a few days. The usual campsites were mostly filled up with trainers and others looking for a vacation themselves, but the locals knew about some less advertised ones that usually always kept a few spots open just for residents of the islands.

A few quick calls around and Malcolm found one that would hopefully be a nice place to rest for a few days. Deciding to spend some time away from Tangelo Island to avoid the increasing amount of trainers on the island with the Orange League starting up in full, Malcolm choose to spend a few days on Mandarin Island North. While New Mandarin City, or sometimes called The Big Orange was located there and easily the biggest city on all of the Orange Islands, it wasn't part of the Orange League and the island was fairly laid back about pokemon, even having very strict mandates about where battles could take place in the city or even near it.

With almost the entire southern half of the island being a well developed city, anything that Malcolm might want to buy was located there. With some spending cash on hand, he figured that any purchases he did make could stay in the camper nice and secure until the house was completed and they had time to spend anyway. Even the northern side of the island which was left natural had plenty of restrictions about pokemon battles, making it a nice place to not worry too much about trainers which was a major concern.

With the increasing amount of trainers coming to the islands, finding a place that wouldn't be swamped with active trainers looking to compete, train, trade, or harass them was the biggest thing driving Malcolm about where to go right now. It would take almost all day to get there right now, but that was fine, Norva usually loved listening to the waves and enjoying the gentle rocking of a boat most of the time.

There was some time spent waiting at the docks between ferries though and it was a nice chance to get some warm food since they finally got hungry. Still treating Norva a bit to help her kind of feel like things were a bit more stable again, he was happy to get them both a large order of spicy breaded mixed tenders for them to share, as well as a variety of sauces.

As they got on the ferry to Mandarin Island North though, they found a nice quite spot on the ferry to enjoy the waves again, and Malcolm pulled out the meal for them. "Norva, I got mixed tenders, fries, and three types of sauces. Sweet and sour, buffalo, buffalo ranch." Malcolm asked.

Norva just looked in his direction, before opening her mouth and breathing hard as if trying to pant some in front of him, as well as bringing up a hand in front of her face, fanning her mouth. "Yes there are some spicy ones in there." Malcolm smiled, and then Novra held up just one finger showing that she wanted the first sauce. Pulling out some food storage trays, Malcolm gave himself some of the spicy tenders, as well a few of the others, before giving Norva what was left of the spicy ones. He also gave her some of the fries, and then opened up one of the sweet and sour sauces to put it in the tray for her.

"Tenders in one, spicy ones in the middle. Fries in two, and sauce and napkins in three, sauce on the left." Malcolm told her, putting the tray in Norva's hands. She quickly held onto the tray with one hand, letting Malcolm put a small towel on her lap and then was eager to dig in. Already knowing what was where now, she eagerly found the spicy tenders and easily dipped them, before digging into it.

While it wasn't as spicy as she would have liked, she still enjoyed the meal. Despite being blind, the tray was one she used constantly making it easy to use. Although she felt a few people looking at her and Malcolm, she just did her best to enjoy the gentle waves of the ferry.

Even after they were done eating, the gentle ride of the ferry was great thing for them to enjoy. Norva just leaned up against Malcolm, back to back with him on the bench as they both enjoyed listening to another audio book. Thankfully for both them, only a single trainer even approached them at all, but there wasn't much of an issue as the trainer had picked poor timing. He began to approach as one of them ferry staff members coming around to check tickets and mention a reminder to everyone about the raffle for today's trip, which Malcolm and Norva had missed with all that was already going on. The trainer was thankfully smart enough to cause to any problems for Malcolm and Norva with the staff member though and the rest of the trip was easy to enjoy.

As they neared Mandarian Island North, the P.A. system began to list some news announcements. As usual, it started with reminders to all trainers about the mandates regarding limited space for pokemon battles in New Mandarin City, or even on Mandarian Island North in general. It then gave a quick weather report, a few basic announcements, and then the raffle winners were called out. A number of various prizes were handed out, some trainer gear, some gift cards, and then finally the major prize for that day.

"And the winner of this trip's grand prize, a five hundred dollar pre-paid Poke-Prime Card and chance at a free two night stay at the Sea Breeze Hotel in one of their Luxury Suites . . ." The announcer on the P.A. system started, even giving a little pre-recorded drum roll. "Ticket Holder D620-RF146-035. I repeat, the grand prize winner is Ticket Holder D620-RF146-035. Congratulations to everyone who won today. All raffle winners will receive their prizes at the dock, please hang onto your tickets to redeem at the prize tent located near the entrance to Sakura Fairy Docks. And a heart felt thanks again to passengers for using Sakura Fairy Docks."

Malcolm just looked over this ticket, even double checking numbers in the first place. Norva could feel that something was going on behind her pulling off her headphones. She tapped him on the shoulder to get his attention wondering what was up, only for him to slowly get up. "I... think we just won something." Malcolm stated.

Norva gave him a quizzical look, or as best a look as she could. "Sounds like there's some kind of raffle." Malcolm said as he got up, and made sure that Norva was good, helping her back to the camper. As the ferry approached the docks, Malcolm started the camper and waited and soon enough, the vehicles in front of him began to disembark. Keeping his eyes open, he quickly saw the prize tent with its large reminder to present tickets on a banner. Moving into the parking lot next to the prize tent after taking a few to find a spot, Malcolm and Norva quickly got out to go and check to see about this prize that Malcolm won.

Approaching the tent, there were plenty of people in line getting what they had won, several staffers make sure that things went smoothly, and there weren't any problems. A banner explaining the rules, and how people causing scenes could be turned down from getting their prizes seemed to keep people nice and pleasant, not even a single person asking to battle or trade for Norva.

As they approached the front of the line, one of the representatives called out for the next winner, and Malcolm moved up. "Hello sir, my name is Gracie. Let's get you the prize shall we. Do you remember which tier of prize you won? And can I have your ticket?" The lady asked with a smile, Malcolm offering the ticket.

"I think the grand prize it mentioned." Malcolm stated, the lady giving him a strange look. She looked at his ticket, seemed to take a minute studying it and even ran it carefully between her fingers. "Is something wrong?"

"Yes actually... but I don't think your at fault. Jamie, feel this for me." Gracie asked, holding up the ticket to another person behind her.

"Feels legit to me, no question." The lady stated, looking up. "Something wrong?"

"This man thinks he won the grand prize on ferry fourteen." Gracie explained.

"Didn't someone already claim that one from the current rotation..." The other lady asked now giving the same confused look. "Gracie, take him into the back. I think that last guy was a fraud after all."

Gracie just nodded, and moved around to the side. "This way sir, we'll get this sorted out quickly." Guiding him around the side of the tent into a second tent, she opened up the door cover and walked in. "Ethan, I have the grand prize winner here for ferry 14, ticket holder D620-RF146-035." Gracie said as she walked in with Malcolm and Norva.

Three people were already in the room, two people wearing staff clothing for the ferry service with clearly labeled name tags and clear Sakura Fairy Docks logos. The third person in the room quickly stood up, some younger biker man, possibly in his early twenties with large colorful spiky hair.

"Hey, woah woah woah, hold up there. I am ticket holder D620-RF146-035, this is my grand prize, get this fraudster outta here." The punk quickly stated with plenty of attitude.

"I believe the legitimacy of the ticket presented to us earlier should be called into question again. I thought that maybe that ticket could be legit. It was a messy ticket with a bad coffee stain and torn a little when they tried to dry it off quickly and I wasn't sure the first time but there was a chance it was real. This ticket however, I don't have any questions about being legit." Gracie stated as held up the ticket.

"Get that fraud outta here. I want my prepaid card, and the hotel room voucher, get on it. I ain't waiting here another ten minutes for you guys to come some kind of silly decision. That's my ticket, its real, you're going to pay now." The punk stated with even more attitude now.

The other two members of the ferry service looked to each other, before the computer in the room beeped a few times getting their attention. One of the two looked over the computer for a moment, before slowly looking up. "Officer Andrew, you still out there?" The man at the computer called out and very quickly another person entered the tent.

"Ya that's right, get the cops here. Yo lying ass deserves hand cuffs!" The punk yelled, even throwing up a hand and Norva had enough. The second that he tried to even partially threaten Malcolm, Norva rushed him, standing right in front of him, her glazed purple eyes open and staring right into his face, a hand raised up with a shadowball sparking and just daring him to try something.

"Norva, no no! Stop it, calm down, there's already an officer here." Malcolm quickly stated, both arms around Norva down and pulling her hand down.

Norva still attempted to glare at the man as the officer quickly moved up before the name hit him. "Wait... Norva? Norva and Malcolm Silverwinds?" The officer asked.

"That's right officer. I'm Malcolm and this is Norva." Malcolm stated.

"And our aggressive counterfeiter here is Eric Golbats, who has a warrant out for his arrest. We'll be pressing charges for fraud, trespassing, and breech of a restraining order. You really should have just stayed away and not have tried to falsely claim a prize intended for Mr. Silverwinds here." The first man behind the counter stated as the second turned the monitor at the computer around to show the face of the punk, along with his name, how he should have been banned from traveling by any Sakura Fairy ferries at all. Of course the photo on the computer showed him with a wildly different hair cut and a very poorly trimmed mustache.

"Excuse you, that ain't my name and you can't prove otherwise. Also, I demand that you arrest this bastard for trying to cheat me outta my winnings, and for his pokemon to attempting to assault me!" The punk yelled out, not dropping the act as the officer just shook his head.

"Eric... this is the tenth time I've arrested you. I know your name, you know you're violating your restraining order for even coming here with your ex-girlfriend working here, and as a wannabe trainer who pretends to be a psychic type expert, you should know better then to try and assault someone with a gardevoir who will always defend their trainer." The officer sighed shaking his head as he pulled out his handcuffs.

"You ain't got shi-" The punk tried to yell out and went to run past the officer who just easily grabbed him, pinned him flat to the table, and then easily handcuffed him.

"Have your manager put together a full list of charges that you and Sandra want to file and I'll process this fool. Sorry for the intrusion." Officer Andrew sighed, before just dragging a yelling and swearing pretend tough guy out of the tent.

"We're terribly sorry about that sir. Let's get you your pre-paid Poke-Prime card and I'll explain the chance at the hotel voucher, there's just a little bit of paperwork involved." The man at the computer stated, quickly setting things up again. Gracie and the other man left the tent, leaving Malcolm and Norva alone with just the one man, Malcolm slow to let Norva go, but still ready to grab her again.

"Well... at least somethings work themselves out quickly." Malcolm stated, finally fully releasing Norva from his grip as she seemed to calm down without the punk there to cause problems.

"Just fill this out and I'll have your card ready in a minute." The man stated, offering him a clipboard and a pen. "And the hotel room raffle is on the second page if you want to be entered. The raffle will be drawn this evening at five thirty if you're still in the city and includes a two night stay in a luxury suite to be used within the next month, another two hundred dollar entertainment voucher for shops and services partnered with the Sea Breeze Hotel when you use the voucher for the luxury suite. You will of course have access to any of the hotel entertainment with the provided luxury pass, half price on treats in the mini-bar, and full use of the hotel's pass times, baring any special private events being held." The man explained.

Quickly looking through the hotel rules since there wasn't even a point of going if Norva couldn't remain out of her pokeball, there wasn't any rules against mid to adult human sized pokemon as long as they behaved, which of course was the first requirement. "What do you think Norva? I mean it looks good and we need to spend a few days away from the house while they rebuild." Malcolm stated. "A little comfort can't hurt right?"

Norva thought about it for a few, before slowly raising up a hand, giving a slow thumb motion before turning into a thumbs up with a nod. "I guess we'll enter."

"Just fill out the second page then, and I'll set you up with a message about the draw this evening. Do you have a number you would like me to send the text to?" The man asked, Malcolm just pulling out his pokedex and handing that off while filling out the second form.

"Just link it to this if you can. It will probably be easier." Malcolm stated, reading how he would need to keep the ticket, or a copy of the ticket in order to claim the prize. And since there was already one attempt from someone trying to steal a prize today, he figured he'd might as well keep a digital copy of the ticket.

"Very well." The man stated, taking the pokedex and linking it to the system, before setting things up quickly. "And there we go, all done on my end." The man smiled handing back Malcolm's pokedex.

"Just a few more things to fill out here... and done myself." Malcolm stated, handing back the form.

The man took it, did a few more things on the computer, before nodding. "And you're entered for the hotel voucher at Sea Breeze Hotel. Hope you have a good day Malcolm, and you too Norva. Sorry about what you had to witness, really you hope you have a better day." The man said, before opening the tent for them.

Malcolm and Norva returned to the camper, and went back about there day. Finding a quite place to stop rather quickly at a convenience shop, Malcolm just sat back for a moment. "Busy day already..." He stated, just thinking about what all they could do. Sakura Fairy Ferries was known to regularly run contests when trainer season showed up. This was clearly one of their more unique prizes that they had offered though, and if they did win, it would just be better to stay in New Mandarin City. Checking the clock, it was a little after noon, so they still about five hours to spend in the city just in case they won the voucher.

"I'll be back in a few, got a preference on drinks? Juice, water, or . . . Didn't Jordan mention that that last set of canned drinks he sent over was from here on Mandarin Island. Hold on, just a second." Pulling out his pokedex, Malcolm quickly did a few searches, and sure enough the drink that Jordan had brought Norva a few weeks ago, the spicy liechi berry was made here on the island. "You want some more that spicy drink Jordan brought you just before the P.A.R.C.A. meet up?" Malcolm asked.

Norva quickly nodded, remembering the spicy drink and she like it.

"I'll go in and get us some water to get us there then. Its about an hour away, just outside of town. There's a park near there though we could hang out at until it gets closer to the raffle." Malcolm stated, getting out and quickly coming back with a few bottles of water for them.

-x-

The brewery that was selling the leichi berry drinks had plenty on hand, and even a few other spicy drinks, Malcolm of course only getting the non-alcoholic versions for them both to try. A little time spent at a nearby park just listening in to the sounds of nature for a bit and enjoying the sun for a bit.

They were happy to spend the time in the park where had a chance to enjoy the drinks all while listening to very eager coach who was teaching a large class of people about ways to meditate and get in touch with their pokemon. The coach was very good at their job, their voice almost hypnotic even and Norva found herself practicing some of the offered ideas that the coach was giving.

It was so effective that for a few brief seconds here and there, Norva's meditation brought her some strange sights, minor glimpses of a beach and the waves as Malcolm was just looking over the waves, content to just let Norva meditate and not wanting to disturb her.

Time passed far faster then they realized, and Malcolm's pokedex suddenly went off with a number of messages. Checking them, Malcolm was surprised to learn that he had indeed won the Sea Breeze Hotel luxury suite reward that day. Heading back into the city, they went to pick up their prize.

Malcolm was very happy that there wasn't much in the way of any fancy award ceremony when he went to go collect his winnings. He was just lead around to a small office space, they verified who he was and that he had the winning ticket or a proper copy of it which was on his pokedex, and then they gave him the voucher that he immediately redeemed. After that, they gave him a rather detailed list of places that the secondary entertainment voucher for partnered shops and services around the Sea Breeze Hotel.

A few immediately stood out, including something that he knew he could enjoy with Norva at his side. There was a nearby concert hall which was listed as having several special events throughout the day, the next one easily catching his attention. A greatest hits of video games were playing all through the day and the next concert that they could catch in full was for some of the greatest hits in "tropical celebration". It was listed as a collected of songs from over a dozen different games which had taken influence from the songs of the Orange Islands.

The concert was a little over an hour away though, and that left them with time for dinner. Going to get the tickets, they took a chance to get something until it was time. The tickets were a little pricey, but not seeing anything else worth doing, Malcolm just paid to get them a better seat on the balcony, private seats no less so that Norva wouldn't be bothered by anyone and they could still listen to the music in full.

The long concert was a great thing for them to enjoy together though. While there were a few songs that they didn't care for, various tropical beats of victory themes, party themes, and just some over the top background musics for the beach were all well done, Malcolm even taking notes of the some of the games just to check them out later.

Once it was over, they took a few to just sit there and let most of the major crowd leave the concert hall before leaving themselves and heading back to the hotel. The sun was already setting as they left, ignoring the few trainers who had noticed them.

Finally getting a proper view of their room at last afterwards, they were guided up to a very fancy suite. Four rooms including full size bathroom and a balcony, it was normally well outside of Malcolm's standard paycheck. Having requested a trainer's room just for the extra luxury of caring for Norva and making sure she could stay out at all times. This even extended to have a full grooming kit with plenty of items to groom most pokemon. Even the bathroom was equipped to handle various pokemon and there was even a few different types of menus on a table dedicated to treating pokemon well, but Malcolm was just to share any meal he had with Norva anyway.

The rest of the evening was perfect in the luxury room. Malcolm took the chance to look up some of the games from the concert, Norva had the chance to listen to the next book in the Sir Aaron series that they had been following. Ready to start getting ready for bed, Norva decided to use the chance to get fully and properly washed up. The attack had damaged the main waterline for the house to the hot water tank leaving them without hot water which was a small problem. While a little troublesome being in a new bathroom, she had managed to catch a small glimpse of it through Malcolm's eyes when when concentrating as he described it to her, and was looking through grooming kit to help her out.

It was a great chance for them to both slow down, enjoy a nice long bath, and Norva even had Malcolm trim her hair a little and just enjoy the space. They dried off, changed into something more comfortable, and had a snack from the mini-bar before finally heading to bed.

A fantastically soft bed, cool air, the gentle sound of a white noise machine playing a constant water fall on both sides of them. The meal that they had left them full and eager for rest as the curtains kept out the light of the evening sun letting them go to bed to early.

Both of them were nearly entirely out cold, Norva resting happily in Malcolm's embrace, only for the television to suddenly turn on a bit loudly. Both of them jolted up from the sudden noise as a police report began to play in the room. "Thanks Abigal. This is John Ferry, reporting live on the scene. In one of the most gruesome scenes of violence to befall the Orange Islands in the past hundred years, I urge viewers with weak stomachs or wills to turn away. Star recruiter for the Orange Island Mystical and Marvelous Circus Star Attractions Boreal Addams was just confirmed to have been murdered." The news reporter explained, an image quickly coming up on the side of the screen of a man, the name both one that Norva and Malcolm instantly recognized.

Malcolm's eyes were instantly glued to the screen, the scene unfolding in front of a nice looking house, but focused mostly on the garage, with dozens of flashing lights, emergency vehicles, and more, the camera quickly adjusting view though. Zooming in on the hood of the car parked in front of the garage, the rather fancy silver Bentley Flying Spur was on full display.

No longer a display of wealth and status, it was now a bloody crime scene. The usual hood ornament was gone, replaced with a human head, its eyes removed with long streaks of blood painted to its face, and a hello my name is name tag was nailed very carefully to the forehead. A very fancy elaborate calligraphy font in what looked like golden ink made a very clear statement about the phrase left in place only adding to the confusion. The message a very bizzaire and direct one none the less saying "Enjoy the Gift."

Even more the man's body was tied to the roof of the car, its clean cut neck on display for a moment as well before the camera quickly returned to John. Still, for once Malcolm was glad that Norva was blind. Boreal was by no means a well liked man by either Malcolm or Norva, not since he went out of his way to try and recruit Norva into the circus, but seeing this was too much. Worse, Malcolm couldn't help but feel that because of all the strange things going on, like the television turning on, whatever message was being sent was directed at him and Norva. Malcolm quickly tried the remote, but that didn't work as the report shifted back to John.

"An anonymous tip sent to our new station revealed the grisly scene behind me and we can only ask why. Boreal Addams, age forty-two was found decapitated and turned into a macabre message, but the question remains for who. Boreal w-" John started to continue, but Malcolm had rushed up and pulled the plug out of the wall before it continue. He knew all he needed to know. Still, there was a bad feeling in his gut now and he didn't like it as he slowly returned back to the bed.

Norva was easily tense now herself, fully awake as she tapped her bottom lip, and then pointed in the direction of where she thought that the television had been. "Its off now... and will remain off all night." Malcolm stated slowly, only for Norva to repeat the motion.

"That was him yes... that was the man who wanted you in the circus." Malcolm said after a moment, the images still stuck in his head and Malcolm was worried how long it would be like that. Norva could feel the uneasy feeling Malcolm had growing in his head, before giving him a small tug. She didn't like whatever he was wondering about and just wanted him back in bed for now, Malcolm slowly walking back to the bed.