Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: Infrared

        Sada calmed down after an hour and removed the pillow from her head. She sat up and reached into her lab coat, where she pulled out the Violet Book. Sada flipped through it and occasionally showed it to Miraidon, who rested his head on her lap. “And you’re sure you haven’t seen any more space-time rifts?” she asked.

        “I’m sure,” Miraidon replied with a quick nod.

        “Do you think we’re safe for now?”

        “Hopefully, at least until you gain better control of your power.” Miraidon removed his head and bopped Sada on the head with his chin.

        Scarlet met up with Mabosstiff at the back door. They went outside to the yard—Sada assumed to check on Arven—and Nemona left to gather some Sitrus Berries for Meowscarada. It was now just her and Penny in the cabin.

        “Um… AI Sada?”

        Sada looked up from the book when she heard Penny.

        She rubbed her sweaty hands together and approached her bed. Penny sat next to her.

        “What’s up, Penny?” Sada closed the book and placed it on the dresser next to her.

        Penny’s mouth gaped, but she inhaled. “I need boy advice.”

        “Oh… Oh?” Sada grinned. She pinched Penny’s cheek and shook it. “Does little Penny have a crush on Arven?”

        Penny removed Sada’s hand and blushed again. “No-No. I just need to find a way to help him understand the original professor’s fate better. AI—excuse me—Sada, I’m scared for him. I barely touched him when I gave him the Scarlet Book. I’m afraid he has Broken Heart Syndrome, and he’s going to succumb to it at any moment.”

        Sada straightened her posture. “Broken Heart Syndrome,” she explained, “a heart condition caused by stressful events, such as the death of a loved one, an accident, etc. Though mostly prevalent in women, it can also affect children and young adults.”

        “I didn’t ask for you to give me a definition of it,” Penny said. “I know what it is. I’m wondering if you can give me advice on how to improve my people skills. There’s too much strain on Arven’s heart right now, and I’m only making it worse.”

        Sada gestured for Penny to come closer. She whispered into her ear, “Well, the first thing you can do is tell him how you feel.”

        “Are you kidding?” Penny drew back. “I could never do that.”

        “Boys are needy, Penny,” Sada continued. “They act big and tough, but they really just want someone who understands them. Lots of boys find that comfort in women because they’re sometimes easier to talk to—hence why Arven and Miraidon cling to me.” She scratched Miraidon under his chin. “I didn’t need Professor Sada’s memories to figure that out. Tell Arven how you feel. I’m sure he’ll understand.”

        Penny beamed. “You know, you’re incredible, Sada. You’re an AI, but you don’t act like one.”

        “Well, that’s because I want to be human one day,” Sada said, shrugging. “I’ve been trying to practice since I left Area Zero. I hope to be the mom Arven never had, but…” She sighed.

        Penny picked up her right hand and patted it. “Infrared’s making it difficult. That’s why you’re Terastallizing. Arven’s dad is trying to steal your humanity. Don’t worry, Sada, we’re gonna help you learn surprise, and you’re going to use your newfound emotions to take down that big, fat bully.”

        “It’s not just that, Penny,” Sada tried to say. “To defeat Infrared, one must—”

        The back door opening cut her off.

        Arven and Scarlet, followed closely by Mabosstiff, entered the cabin, and Penny quickly released Sada’s hand.

        Nemona came in soon after them, carrying a handful of yellow, pear-shaped berries that had brown spots on them.

        Arven and Penny stared at one another, but Arven broke the awkward silence. “Is Mom okay, Penny?”

        “She’s fine,” Penny said, setting her hand down on Sada’s shoulder. “We were just talking.”

***

        The night was quiet. Arven, Nemona, Scarlet, and Penny lay sprawled out in their sleeping bags.

        A few cricket-like Pokémon, called Nymble, hopped onto the frame of one of the cabin’s open windows and chirped. The sound was melodic, but Arven was too upset to let them lull him to sleep.

        His tummy rumbled, and he constantly shuffled in his sleeping bag. He could not remember the last thing he ate, but whatever it was, it was three days ago. He started to lose his appetite after he and his friends went to Area Zero, but he was hungry now.

        Arven gently pushed Mabosstiff’s head off him and slid out of his sleeping bag. He stepped over Celebi and tiptoed into Sada’s kitchen. He slid a little with his socks.

        Arven rummaged around. Smacking his dry lips, he opened cabinets and dug through the sink like a prowler. Did Sada have anything else besides sandwich ingredients? He was getting sick of them. After all, they were mostly the only thing Naranja served in the cafeteria.

        He jumped when Sada suddenly screamed from her bed. “What the—?” he said. Dang, that lady could yell. She instantly woke his friends and the Pokémon.

        Arven shoved his cravings to the back of his head and quickly left the kitchen to check on her.

        Sada was still asleep, but she flailed like a child. She kicked her legs, pumped her arms, and knocked down the dresser with the Violet Book on it. “Stop! Stop! Stop!” she shouted.

        Nemona covered her ears. “What’s going on with her? This beautiful girl needs her beauty sleep!”

        “Stop! Stop! Stop!” Sada repeated. She tossed her covers over her and tripped over Miraidon while she got out of bed. Sada hustled to the corner of the cabin and protected her neck. “I can’t watch innocent Pokémon die like this!”

        “Mom, wake up!” Arven begged. He started for her, but Sada picked up a chair and chucked it at him.

        Arven moved out of the way. The chair splintered when it hit the ground. “Mom, there’s no earthquake,” he said. “Dad, stop replaying that memory!”

        Miraidon stopped Sada before she could cause any more destruction. He pushed her into the wall.

        Celebi approached them and yelled, “Bi!” at Sada.

        Arven took the opportunity to try to calm her again. He slid past Miraidon and grabbed her arms. “Wake up! You’re safe.”

        Eventually, Sada’s eyes fluttered open.

        Hyperventilating, she looked around and asked, “What happened? Why am I out of bed? What did I do this time?”

        Arven’s lips quivered. “Mom, we need to get you some help.”

        Her eyes widened. “Did I hurt you? Oh my gosh, if I did—”

        “No, you didn’t,” Arven calmly stated. “I mean… you did throw a chair at me, but that was it.”

        “Oh my gosh! I’m so sorry! Why can’t I remember anything, though?”

        “Because it was a night terror. Here, I’ve got you.” Arven helped Sada stand. He steadied her by pressing up against her chest. “Deep breaths. Stiff, relaxed. Stiff, relaxed. Listen to the Nymble.”

        Sada hiccupped. She tightly hugged Arven and whimpered, “I’m so scared, Arven. I can’t believe I did that.”

        He patted her head. “I know you are, but we’re going to help you: Miraidon, Celebi, and me. I promise that we are going to stop your Infrared.”