Double Bubble Disco Queen

6 - short, sorry

Shadow explored its way around the room, curling up and placing its head on its paws as it listened. Harlan could tell the conversation had piqued its interest because its ears were perked and angled towards the three Trainers.

"Basically, there's a new lab organization running around, and they took all the Gym Leaders. And Thunders." Spark kind of shrugged, even he unsure. "I think they want to make themselves the authority of Adale."

Harlan went cold, noticing Shadow had raised its head at the mention of the lab. "Like... like Aether Paradise?" she asked wearily.

"I'm not exactly sure. They basically arrested Thunders, and we all thought it was because of the team, but I sent some grunts out to investigate. They're holding them in these giant capsules," Spark said calmly, trying not to frighten Harlan. Ember had put a hand on her thigh, a subtle yet affectionate calming gesture. Harlan looked at the desk, and Shadow seemed to sense her growing dread, because it stood up and put its head on her lap.

"So they're keeping my dad hostage without anyone knowing." Harlan looked at Spark, her voice dangerously calm.

"I guess so."

"I see." She scoffed a humorless laugh and stood. "We're leaving," she told Ember.

"Huh?"

"We are leaving," she snapped. "Thank you, Spark. Come on, Shadow, Raiju," Harlan beckoned the Pokémon. Ember followed her like a lost puppy, but she ignored his advances as he held her hand while they left. She was dead silent as they walked back to the apartment.

However, when they got there, something was waiting for her. Or rather, someone. They were seated on the steps to the front door of the building, a jagged, fluffy hood obscuring their head. Harlan tipped her head, curiously, wondering why that hood looked so familiar. Raiju broke into a fit of barking and ran towards them. "Raiju, no!" Harlan called after her. "I'm so sorry, I don't know why-"

She was cut off as she came closer to the individual. They put their hood down, looking up at her kindly.

"It's quite alright, Nicole."