The Shimmer Archives is one of the premier libraries in the region of Lore. Within its halls lie countless tomes ranging from simple cookbooks to ancient world history. Normally moderately busy during midafternoon hours, it was curiously empty. For the Rattata occupying an isolated corner near the back of the building that suited him just fine. A dim desk lamp illuminated the faded text of a great tome that was long as she is tall. A paw gently rubs at tired eyes, amber colored orbs scanning the text before him. Occasionally he would scratch out a note in a journal then return to reading. There are several books stacked one on top of the other on the mouse’s left-hand side, decorated with several different kinds of book marks. He repeats the ritual of flipping through pages, scribbling down a note, then returning to the book before finally closing it. A frown crossed their face as they pushed the book away from them.

“Not this one either,” he sighed with exhaustion.

Sitting back in their chair to stretch the PA began to sound off.

“The Library will be closing in ten minutes. Please gather any and all belongings and proceed to the main exit in an orderly fashion. The library will be closed over the course of the Solstice holiday we apologize for any inconvenience.”

Ignoring the announcement, the Rattata opened another book and began the process of tracing a claw down the paragraphs to find passages she wanted. 

“The lady said it was time to go.” came a warning voice.

One ear rotated toward the noise causing Rattata to raise their head to find out where it came from. A Smeargle wearing the uniform of the security leaned against a bookcase, tapping a paw to his side. Disinterest followed as he returned to her studies.

“I still have nine minutes left, I need to get a page or two down first,” came the reply.

The beagle walks over and closes the book with a snap causing the mouse to glare up at the guard. The Smeargle returned the glare with a hard look of his own. Deciding that this was not a battle he wanted, the Rattata began collecting his journal, pencils and bookmarks. Hastily stuffing everything into his satchel he refused the offered paw to help as they wrapped their cloak around their shoulders. The guard escorted them through the nearly empty halls of the library. After having their satchel checked the Smeargle saw them out the door.

“Happy Solstice,” he said

“Yes ‘Happy’ Solstice” Rattata replied sarcastically.

Leaving the great archive behind the Rattata fastened the cloak around them properly, ignoring the blustering wing grabbing at the garment. The sky is overcast as it had been all week, the winter season making itself known in force. A light dusting of fluff dots the stairs of the library weakly trying to resist melting on the pavement. At the foot of the stairs is a Cinccino bundled in much thicker robes than the purple rodent’s. Compared to the rather shabby powder blue resting on Rattata shoulders the Ciccino's is the picture of regality and comfort.

“Not getting tossed out on your tail this time? That’s progress Lucas,” commented Cinccino.

Rolling his eyes, Lucas adjusted his satchel while walking past the Cinccino.

“Can we just get out of here? I want to get back to Sunpoint so I can start organizing what I managed to figure out today. As little as that was,” answers Lucas.

“Happy to see you too buddy. How about we get something to eat before we go back home?” suggested Cinccino.

“I can eat when we get back to the temple,” said Lucas, irritation beginning to creep into his voice.

“All in favor of Lucas reminding Lucas he needs to consume food say growl,” said Cinccino

“What are you do-”

At that moment Lucas’ stomach began growling with such ferocity, a few passerby mon began looking around for the source of the noise. Folding his ears in embarrassment, Lucas’ quietly conceded to the demands of his comrade.

“Hey don’t give me that look, I found a place I’m sure you’ll like,” said Cinncino. “Maybe it will help that grumpy look on your face,”

They retired to a nearby diner, the warm tile felt pleasant on Lucas’ feet and the aroma of warm food brought about another round of demands from his stomach. This time it was thankfully drowned out by the din of the restaurant.

“No fancy resort restaurant this time Nathan?” asks Lucas.

“I was trying to be friendly that day. You looked so uncomfortable the mood sorta became awkward,” Nathan shrugs trying not to look sheepish at the same time. “I am hoping that someplace like this is closer to what you are used to,”

“I’m used to cooking for myself back home,” Lucas responded curtly. “Can’t we just get something small to go? I’m burning daylight,”

“So you can leave your food in the dormitory fridge to rot?” Nathan leans forward, a playful grin on his face “I would think that with the Solstice Ceremony coming up you would be trying to build up your strength.”

“Strength means nothing without the know how behind it. Which is why I would like to get started studying what I lack as soon as possible.”

“Which means that if you are running on fumes, you’ll fall asleep drooling all over your notes again,” quips Nathan.

Growling under his breath Lucas finally relents completely. He wasn’t going to be getting out of this without somewhat indulging the scarf Pokemon somewhat. He just hoped that this didn’t drag on too long.

***

As much as the stubborn rodent didn’t want to admit the food was rather satisfying. Certainly, superior to the often-simple sustenance at the temple. Without the excuse of having a book or pad in front of her Lucas found that she couldn’t distract herself from enjoying the repast. Nathan on the other hand barely picked at his food, swirling around a piece of french toast in a puddle of syrup. His glass of milk is half-empty while the fleshcap bacon has long stopped sizzling. 

“So, no offers today?” asks Lucas to break the silence between them.

“Hmm what offers? Can’t a friend just take another one out to eat?” said Nathan.

Lucas folded his arms, giving the one across the table a level stare. Squirming under their gaze, Nathan allowed an exasperated sigh to escape him.

“Listen I’m just saying to think about the offer is all. I’m just worried that all the potential that you have is going to get wasted,” 

“All for the glory of the Galeo Order right? Fancy restaurants, new plush cushions filled with fleece from Alteria’s and I even think that new fountain pen is worth quite a few thousand Poké yes?” said Lucas in chilly manner.

“I agree all the ‘incentives’ the upper clergy are throwing at you is excessive. Just I really do believe that you’ll do better if you switched to studying as a Solgaleo Knight. The Lunala Order have been losing more supporters than they are getting every day. I mean it had to be hard for you growing up at your home shrine, right?”

The question earns Nathan a scathing glare causing him to flinch at the sight. For a terrible moment, Lucas considered shoving what was left of his plate into Nathan’s face. As quickly as it appeared the anger cooled leaving him feeling empty. The innocent question brought with it memories that Lucas wanted to distance himself from. If he allowed thoughts of home, the people back in his home village that were counting on him, he would break.

“I’m grateful for your concern I really am, but I won’t lie; life is difficult back home. There are not many people passing through on pilgrimage these days,” said Lucas.

“Listen I’m sure Mother Marlot would probably not have any problem transferring you over to our side of the temple. With all the books you read on the Solstice Ceremony I’m sure you wouldn’t have any trouble catching up with the rest of us,” offered Nathan.

In the few months that he had gotten to know Nathan he had always been sincere with her. It was one of the endearing qualities that got him to trust him. If only the other Galeo trainees were as open minded as he is than perhaps the offer to change schools of study would be more tempting.

“I’m sorry, just I need to do this as a maiden of the moon. I know Lunala does not have as much support lately, there have not been many people passing by my home shrine on pilgrimages either.” starts Lucas

“You can turn all that around. With what I’ve seen of you, you’ll pull something awesome from the Eidolon Well. I just know it! With that kind of recognition people will be tripping over themselves to visit your home shrine!”

“What about the people that are counting on me to bring recognition to a shrine dedicated to Lunala? Yes, I understand that becoming a member of the Galeo order would likely the smarter choice, but it would be slapping the people that are counting on me in the face,”

Nathan eyes wavered, looking back down at his unfinished food as if he would find some kind of inspiration there. Knowing he was only trying his best; Luca’s heart went out to him. It wasn’t easy shooting down Nathan’s attempts every other day. After all Nathan was risking his own reputation even associating with him let alone hanging around him. Did it really do him any favors being stubborn?

“How about we finish eating and head home? I mean the ceremony is in a few more weeks and we shouldn’t be late for our evening lessons and prayer. Brother Nikki would blow his stack if we were even a few minutes late,” said Lucas.

Figuring that his attempts at convincing Lucas was going nowhere, Nathan seemed to agree as he signaled to get their check.

While Lucas knew he had to remain firm about his decision it made him feel terrible every time  he had to turn Nathan down. The Sunpoint Temple is one of the largest in the entire region of Lore which was naturally dedicated to Solgaleo. In the past she had read that the temple had used to be a place for study, debate and worship. In her lifetime, on the other hand, it had become like any other shrine. Being a member of the Lunala half of Inviilith worship, it would be an understatement to say she felt like she wasn't welcome there. Nathan had been the first to break the ice and offer a kind word. While she still felt like she was being scrutinized for everything she did, it was manageable thanks to Nathan’s support.

Leaving the cozy diner behind the beast known as winter began growling at the pair. Shuddering against the wind, Nathan hugged his cloak tighter around himself as they walked down the road. He gave an incredulous look to the smaller Pokemon as they seemed unbothered by the cold.

“How are you not freezing your butt off? Sheesh it feels like it's nearly ten below out here,” Nathan complained.

“Maybe there are some benefits to growing up in cold weather. I’m honestly surprised you need that stuffy looking thing. You have way more fur than I could ever hope to have,” said Lucas

“Not all of us are lucky enough to be born in a mountain village. I would take a warm beach over snowy peaks any day of the week,” answered Nathan.

“I don’t know, maybe a few weeks farming the land will build up some mental discipline for you. Plus I would bet that would work off all those fancy dinners you keep trying to bribe me with,” Lucas said while patting Nathan’s belly with a paw.

“I would say the same thing about a visit to the Quarter, maybe some sun and surf will help defrost that cold shoulder you keep giving everybody half the time,” 

Lucas turned his nose up in haughty disgust “Maybe I would if everybody stops treating me like I have Bumbleborp or something equally as dangerous,”

“You got me there,” said Nathan.

The awkward moment they shared in the diner crumbles away quickly. The two trainees make small talk about daily life until they arrive at the city square. Pausing a moment to wait for the light to change, Lucia took a chance to study the area. While she had passed by the area several times on her nearly daily visits to the archives, it was the first time she had seen it. Now the square is brightly lit with stores offering sales for the Solstice, other mon walking up and down the streets, chatting, shopping or just enjoying each other’s company. Decorations hung off various buildings showing their support for the up and coming ceremony that would occur. Lucia eventually had to tear her eyes away as most of the streamers and lights were the white and gold colors that represented the Galeo Order. While Lucia had tried to mentally prepare herself about it, it made him feel how isolated he was, even with Nathan’s warm company literally at his side.

“Don’t you think they are overdoing it just a little bit?” Lucas waves a paw towards the festive nature of the city. “Is all of this really necessary?”

“You’ve never been to Shimmer during the Solstice holidays, have you?” asked Nathan.

“If I have I was probably too young to recall. Why?” inquired Lucia

As the light turned to allow them to cross the street, Nathan spread his arms out wide. “Its kind of like a big celebration. Some of the trainees at the temple haven’t seen any close friends or family since they started. It might be different for you since you only just came to the temple, but I know guys that have been at the temple since they were old enough to walk or, so they claim anyway,” explained Nathan.

“All of this just rubs me the wrong way. The anointment during the Solstice is meant to be a time of reflection, when we renew our vows to serve Lunala and Solgaleo and to promote the Inviloth faith. All this frivolity just takes away what is our true purpose,” argued Lucas.

“We are also taught to spread joy and sincerity to the people and uplift their spirits when they are weak and laid low. I can understand your reservation, however, is it not wise for a religion to adapt to new ways of celebration rather than clinging to tradition for the sake of it?” asked Nathan.

“I just don’t like it., Just feels off to me,” said Lucas

“Didn’t they make a big deal out of it when you took over your home shrine?” said Nathan.

“Of course they did!” Lucas snapped “I mean the streamers, confetti and gosh I must have gained ten pounds from all the cakes and cookies people kept shoving in my face,” Despite the exasperated tone, there is a look of fondness on the mouse’s face. “Its kind of hard to say no to all that well wishing,”

Nathan shrugs “To me it's roughly the same thing, I mean it's not like I don’t see what you’re talking about. I was uncomfortable with it when I first started training at the temple, I guess in some ways you just get used to it,”

Lucas looked back at the square as they started were about to turn the corner to leave it all behind.

“Yeah, you get used to it,” he replied under his breath.

***

The Sunpoint Temple is much closer to a cathedral in scale and design than the humble shrine that Lucas was used to. The large intimidating size always caused Lucas’ stomach to turn in apprehension. It is a very beautiful building, carved from pearly alabaster stone, stained glass windows showing important points in Lore’s history and courtyard is a loving homage to gardner’s everywhere being cared for day in and day out by an army of staff. It had admittedly taken his breath away the first time he had laid eyes on it. Maybe in another time, or another life it would have been the greatest day to behold the majesty of such an esteemed place of worship.

“Ahh home at last,” exclaimed Nathan.

“Now that I think about it, what were you even up to today?” asked Lucas

“Extra patrol duty, I’ve been drafted by Abbot Cassidy to help out a little more. Because of the Solstice holiday we’ve been getting in a lot of shipments from overseas and a few of the sailors that have been hanging in the harbor have been making trouble.”

“Has it really gotten that bad that they need an inductee to help on that? I mean there are plenty of trained combat priest and priestesses here at the temple alone, let alone the ones that live close to the harbor,” said Lucas

“What can you do? At the same time well…” Nathan paused “Never mind,”

“Oh no you were about to say something were you? You can tell me,”

“Listen it's not a big deal really, Solstice holiday, rowdy sailors everybody wants things to go smooth you know?” said Nathan.

“What about the clergy that are supposed to be arriving from the Flashpoint Temple? Won’t they need extra protection when they arrive?” inquired Lucas

Nathan didn’t answer, just giving a pleading look to his friend before turning away. “I don’t know just can we just leave this alone please?”

While he smelled blood, he didn’t want to harass Nathan any more than he needed to. “So are you going to be going out on patrol tonight as well?”

“Going to have to, most of the trained priests are going out to Lumen Village to meet the Lunala clergy and escort them the rest of the way here. I’ll be watching out at the harbor again too,” sighed Nathan.

While they were chatting a few mon stepped out of the entrance of the temple. Their robes were the white and gold of properly recognized members of the Solgaleo clergy. Many of them passed by the pair without incident, a few even being friendly with waves or quick hellos. Bringing up the rear were more trainees that were Lucas and Nathan seniors. Five of them paused in front of them, a Riolu giving a smug grin towards Lucas. The rest of the members were an assortment of hecklers that were so interchangeable that Lucas never bothered to get their names. The dog was trouble and he didn’t have it in him to deal with the mutt today.

“I’m going to go to my room before the call for dinner, may Suna’s wisdom guide you Nathan,”

“Hey hey, where is the hurry?” asked the Riolu, stepping in Lucas’ way. “Not even going to say hello? I didn’t think you were that rude Lucy,”

“I’m in a bit of a hurry, my satchel grows heavy and I’ve had a rather long day, Grif,”

The grin that Grif grew made Lucas’ skin crawl. Taking a look around he could see that the group had spread in a semi-circle. Not exactly blocking her, but it wouldn’t be easy to break through. Internally sighing the mouse prepared to play the tiresome game again.

“Guys don’t do this, we’re supposed to be better than this,” said Nathan.

“Oh hey Nate almost missed you there. We’re not supposed to meet up for another fifteen minutes. I just need to borrow your pet project for a minute okay?” Grif gives Nathan a wink before returning his attention to his target. “So how was today’s trip to the archives?”

“Productive,” stated Lucas crisply. He starts trying to walk past the blockade, but the mon allied with the bully blocked his way. Feeling his temper starting to boil Lucas took a deep breath, turned and faced Grif. “Is there something that I can specifically help you with?” 

Spreading his arms Grif walked dangerously close to Lucas’ personal space. “Come on you’ve been going to the library almost every day since you arrived at the temple. You’ve got to have figured something out by now. I mean what are you even researching up there?”

“Nothing that is dreadfully important to anyone but me, may I please go?” Lucas asked, trying to squeeze every ounce of his waning patience.

“It wouldn’t have anything to do with your rather lackluster ability to channel the Eidolon is it?” smirked Grif

The question pierced right through Lucas’ chest, his eyes snapped toward Nathan who looked away in shame. Betrayal burned in Lucas’ chest as he wrestled his emotions from exploding. He figured such a question was bait for some cruel dressing down. It took every fiber of his being from rising to it. 

“I’m just studying to maximize my potential same as you, I take my position as a shrine maiden in training rather seriously,” answered Lucas’.

“Don’t feel so bad, I mean there is no shame in going back home. Not everybody has the same amount of talent. Some of us are just chosen for this you know,” explained Grif.

“Talent? Yes I would agree, I may not be able to channel very well but I do say that I can handle myself in our mock training battles,” Lucas allowed a small smile “How is your arm by the way? I certainly didn’t mean to break it, but I think I lost myself for a moment,”

The swing hits home as Grif paw flies to his left arm out of reaction. He has such an indignant look on his face some of his own group can’t help but chuckle. He silences them with a glare before turning to Lucas, his grin returning even larger than before. That didn’t feel like a good sign, it wasn’t like him to bounce back so quickly.

“I’m not proud, a loss is a loss after all. There is more to shrine duties than physical strength after all. At the very least you can attempt to be properly trained at a proper temple,”

“It wasn’t funny or clever the first time, nor is it the eighth. Please give it up,” said Lucas flatly.

“You’ve been keeping track?,” replied Grif.

“It's something that I find rather amusing,” admitted Lucas.

“Hmph well if you are keeping such good track of things, tell me how many times have you’ve managed to contact an Involith?” asked Grif

Lucas didn’t answer knowing it would be bad if he did. Grif unfortunately didn’t give him the chance to find a way to wiggle out of it.

Grif put a paw to his ear, leaning toward Lucas “Sorry I can hardly hear you above that hissing, you haven’t done what?”

“I haven’t mastered that skill just yet,” answered Lucas. Through gritted teeth. His claws dug into the satchel strap so hard the tips were starting to pierce through the material. His tail uncurled slightly then rolled up again. Something like bile felt like it was surging up his throat. He felt torn from swinging his fist into Grif’s smug jaw or retreating back to his room.

“That really must sting, not enough resonance to even get the attention of a lowly shrine spirit from a backwoods mountain town. Then again what do you expect considering your mom got mixed up with that foreigner. Guess that snake blood in you doesn’t mix well with the Eidolon does it?”

At this point Lucas couldn’t take it anymore. His paws seized Grif’s cloak, bringing him close as he meant to finally give him a piece of her mind. “If you got something to say, dog, then spit it out now!” he hissed. The only problem is that he did hiss like a cobra. Instantly the entire group broke out into laughter. The fight swiftly drained out of her, Lucas let go and ran through the group who had stepped aside to let her through. With one last hurt glance to Nathan he dashed through the portal into the temple itself.

Not paying attention to where he was going, Lucia finally stopped to catch her breath. Placing a paw against the wall she clenched it. 

“Stupid! Stupid stupid stupid!” he screamed.

The sound of his frustration echoed slowly into nothing. His voice had been hoarse, her words coming out closer to a serpent's hiss. She touched the yellow ring of fur around her neck, one of the few clear signs of her mixed heritage. It was something that she couldn’t control, most of the time it just slipped out when she was angry. Unfortunately, when Grif had first picked up on it the jackal had seemed to make it his mission to get her to do so and every so often she fell for it. Turning to press her back against the stone, Lucas slowly slipped down to the ground.

“What am I supposed to be doing here? Mom I came out here to save the shrine, but can I really handle this?”

It was true, he could barely channel enough Eidolon to use Moves in practice let alone enough to communicate with an Involith. He didn’t know what he was doing wrong, Mom had always said that anyone could learn to channel just if they had the will to do so. Lucas surely had the will, he had to considering how much he threw himself into his studies. In spite of that he still seemed to lack the final piece of the puzzle. Standing up he started moving to his room while trying to clean up his expression. It wouldn’t do to show any kind of weakness now. Right now, he had notes to go over and books to study, a pity party can come later.