From Trainer to Beast Tamer Pokémon Trainer! Reader x Twisted Wonderland

Chapter 64: Saultan of the Oasis

I own nothing.
Chapter 64: Distractions in the Desert

Ortho performed his typical scan before they landed in the next dream. "Aether signal tracking successful. We have arrived at the designated coordinates."
Vil, not used to the mode of transport, shrieked as he clung to (Y/N). "EEEEEEK! No one told me it would be like this! Hurry up and end this ride!"
"V-Vil... It's already over...!" Silver informed, flinching at the volume.
"HELP! EEEK!" The blonde stopped screaming. "...Wait, it's over?"
"Yes, so please let go." (Y/N) ordered as Silver rubbed his head.
"Vil had you so firmly ensnared in his arms, you looked completely immobilized. It reminds me of the submission holds Father used to use on me when we grappled...I doubt I'd have been able to brace for landing if it were me."
"That is some incredible lung capacity to be able to sustain that screaming at that volume for the entire trip." Sebek stated. "I feared for my own eardrums!"
Ortho shot him a look. "I'm not sure you have any room to talk about anyone else's volume or lung capacity, Sebek."
The actor swayed. "Now I know how it feels to be a frozen blueberry in a blender..."
"Um... I'm sorry it wasn't a smoother trip." Silver quickly apologized.
"Ahem! Don't get me wrong. I'm not criticizing you, Silver. I was just a bit surprised and lost my composure for a moment, that's all. ...What, Grim? Stop smirking at me. And you, (Y/N)! Did you know that dream-jumping was such a bumpy ride?"
"To be fair, we were in a rush and I am desensitized to it at this point." She explained. "It slipped my mind."
"You should have said something!"
Grim, who was laughing at this point, fluffed up his fur in defiance. "Hey, nobody mentioned anythin' to us either, and it sucked! It ain't fair if you're the only one who gets advance warning."
"Why is everyone at our school like this? Augh, my hair and makeup and dorm uniform are all a mess!"
Idia started bursting out in laughter from his tablet. "HEEE HAHAHA! Oh man, I never thought I'd hear genuine shrill screaming from Vil himself! I should count myself lucky that no one from my dorm saw me at my worst."
"Be silent, Idia. I could smash that LCD screen of yours, you know."
"Whee hee hee, be my guest! Breaking a screen isn't gonna do any damage to me. And remember, this is a world of imagination! I can basically give my tablet infinite lives."
"Okay, you two!" Ortho interjected, stepping between the pair. "Let's not start things off on the wrong foot!"
"Yeah, what Ortho said." Grim agreed. "Sheesh, can't you guys stay focused for five seconds?"
Vil clutched his head. "Being chastised by Grim is the epitome of embarrassment... But he's entirely right. We need to find the person whose dream this is and help awaken them."
Silver nodded. "You're right. Where are we? It doesn't seem to be our school."
"If we're off-campus, our dorm uniforms will stick out too much." Vil pointed out. "We should change to the simpler school uniform."
The boys used their magic to change their clothes and (Y/N)'s, making them less noticeable to any dream creations.
"Now that that's done, who's dream did we land in?" (Y/N) asked as her dormmate noticed the shape of the buildings nearby.
"What's that building over there? All those onion- shaped roofs remind me of Scarabia."
"That's a traditional Scalding Sands architectural style." Ortho stated. "They all look so shiny and new."
At the mention of the Scalding Sands, Vil seemed to deflate a bit. "The sun's rays are so intense, it's like they're boring into my skin. And what's more..."
"IT'S SO HOT!" The boys all yelled as Sebek tugged at his collar.
"Rgh, I'm sweating nonstop just standing here!"
"Uh-oh...If the tablet's internals get any hotter, it's gonna shut down. Oof, my imagination when it comes to precision electronics is too strong...! Vil! Bring out Ninetales! I need something cold!"
(Y/N), completely unaffected, glared at Idia's tablet. "Absolutely not! She's sensitive to heat!"
Grim, hopping from one paw to another, bolted for the fountain. "Mraaah! The ground's so hot, it's makin' my paw pads hurt! I can't take this! I'm gonna take a bath in that fountain! MRAH!"
"Grim, you can't do that in public!" Sebek shouted, only to be completely ignored by the cat, who jumped in.
"Aaah! Now my pads are nice 'n cool!"
Vil made a face. "Oh, for... Fountains aren't swimming pools. Get out of there this instant! (Y/N), control him!"
"At what point in time that I have known you have I ever been able to do that?"
As the two dorm leaders bickered, Silver noticed a decoration gleaming on top of the fountain.
"Hm? There's a gold statue in the middle of the fountain Grim's playing in...That old man seems familiar, somehow."
"That's the legendary Ruler of the Oasis." A familiar voice explained. "He was a very upright man. When something worried him, he'd never keep it to himself. He consulted his retainer for everything, and they solved those problems together. In fact, he even revised the law to adapt to changing times. Isn't that cool? Here at Qasr Sultanate Academy, we honor the Ruler of the Oasis's spirit of magnanimity."
Everyone turned to see a familiar, white haired boy in a splendid uniform approach them. They all shouted in unison.
"Kalim!"
The boy tilted his head. "Hm? Have we met before? Sorry, I'm not very good at remembering faces!"
Silver noted the bird crafted from his Unique Magic. "That bird... It looks like this is Kalim's dream."
Vil stepped forward. "You said this was Qasr Sultanate Academy. Are you a student here?"
"I guess reintroductions are in order. I'm Kalim Al-Asim, a sophomore at Qasr Sultanate Academy."
Sebek tilted his head. "What are you saying? You go to Night Raven College. You're the Dorm Leader of Scarabia Dorm."
"Night...? Hmm, that does sound vaguely familiar... Is that the school you're from?"
"Yup." (Y/N) answered as Ortho leaned towards her.
"He must not go to Night Raven College in this dream."
Silver joined in. "So it seems. He doesn't remember us being classmates, either. But from what I'm seeing, he's got the same cheerful, friendly personality as the Kalim I know."
"So, where is Night Ray...uh...your school?"
"It's in a place called Sage's Island, in the Land of Dawning." Ortho explained to the white haired boy.
"The Land of Dawning? Ah, then it's north across the sea. You've come a long way to visit the Scalding Sands! Allow me to welcome you. Aha. Being from the north would explain why you're dressed like that. You don't have any headwear to block the sun, and the fabric your clothes are made from doesn't seem very breathable... Ah! Now that I'm looking, you guys are seriously sweating! Except her."
Kalim pointed at (Y/N), who shrugged. "I grew up in a warmer climate. I have a high heat tolerance."
Sebek in contrast was starting to sway. "Rgh... This black fabric is absorbing the sunlight. It's like I'm in a sauna!"
"Same." Ortho agreed. "My gear's internal temperature is rising so sharply, my cooling systems can't keep up..."
"Oh gosh, are you okay? Hold on, I'll get you some cold, refreshing water!" Kalim took position. "You will? I want some! You got it. Here goes! Respite in the scalding sands, a neverending party. Dance! Sing! Oasis Maker!"
Kalim's Unique Magic called down rain, cooling off the overheating boys in an instant.
"Mmm, that truly is refreshing!" Sebek couldn't help but admire. "I can feel the water's coolness seeping into me."
Vil was less than appreciative, summoning a cup instead. "While I appreciate the gesture, you shouldn't splash water into people's faces. You'll ruin their makeup. Could you put some in this cup instead?"
Kalim's eyes became starry. "Ooh, you can summon a cup! That means you're mages, right? Is Night Raven College another school for mages?"
"Yes. Since you said "another," I take it Qasr Sultanate Academy is also an arcane academy? I never knew the Scalding Sands had one."
"Yeah, my dad made it two years ago. It's still brand new."
"Uh-huh..." Grim choked. "Wait, what? He MADE it?!"
"No, that tracks." (Y/N) said as Kalim explained what happened.
"I manifested magic back when I was...14, I think? But there weren't any arcane academies to study at nearby. So he figured, why not just make one? And he had it built real fast."
Idia's tablet practically vibrated at the audacity. "I get the whole "why not just make one?" mentality, but dude... This takes it to a whole other level."
"Ooh, say! I'm sure something brought us together. You should tell me more about your own school!"
"Ah, this presents a perfect chance to probe for weaknesses in the dream!" Ortho zeroed in.
Vil was less than convinced. "True. But...It's far too sunny out here. I don't want to get a sunburn. Would it be possible to head indoors for this discussion?"
Kalim laughed. "Ah hah hah! Why move, when we can just have shelter brought to us? There's a nice breeze going, after all. Hey, everyone! Prepare a party!"
"Yes, Mr. Kalim!" The retainers called as the all swarmed about, setting up a seating area for them to enjoy, nearly knocking Sebek over in the process.
"What in the world? There's a veritable army of people rushing in with parasols and tableware!"
His dormmate was equally baffled. "They're laying out rugs and setting out food dishes... Incredible. There's a whole party being assembled before our eyes. Who are they?"
"Retainers who came here with me from home." Kalim explained as they finished setting up.
Vil was the first to take a seat and sip the prepared drinks. "Sitting on the ground to drink tea makes this feel like a picnic. And these traditional Scalding Sands rugs and colorful cushion covers are both delightful."
"Ooh, you like them? You're welcome to keep any of them you like as a souvenir."
That caught the actor off guard. "Any of them...? Aren't they all made entirely from silk? And isn't Scalding Sands silk quite expensive?"
The white haired boy brushed it off. "Don't worry about that! We've got so much we could open a store with it. In fact, it's our business! Ah hah hah!"
"Mr. Al-Asim, the party is ready!" A retainer announced.
"All right, let's get this started. Everyone, have a seat! We've got a whole spread here and plenty more where that came from. Make yourselves at home and eat up! To our meeting today! Cheers!"
Everyone did so, raising their glasses in response. "Cheers!"
The retainers began fanning them, practically making Grim purr.
"Mrah... That breeze they're makin' with those big fans feels so good!"
"Right?" Kalim asked. "The sun's rays can be harsh in the Scalding Sands, but it's also arid, so it's pleasantly cool once you're in the shade. You should try some of these crackers with blue cheese. They're really good. Eat up!"
That made the cat immediately leap for (Y/N)'s lap. "Mrah! Moldy crackers?! Anything but that!"
"I'm still amazed at the sheer number of staff here solely to wait on you." Vil noted, taking the attention off Grim. "We have a rich boy like yourself at our school, but he only has one retainer with him."
"Ooh. His retainer must be super-duper competent! There's a lot of people at my school that have a bunch of staff."
"Super competent, grossly overworked." (Y/N) muttered as Sebek shrieked.
"What?! I'm jealous... Only those chosen by the Dark Mirror are permitted to reside within Night Raven College grounds. The only way I could serve at my liege's side was to qualify for enrollment."
"Oh, you work for someone, Sebek?"
"Mmhm. I serve none other than Briar Valley's heir apparent, the Dorm Leader of Diasomnia...The great Malleus Draconia!"
Kalim tilted his head. "Briar Valley? Dad's told me about that place! It's a land of fae famous for its silk spinning industry, right? I hear they make incredible fabrics and embroidery from special bug cocoons and plants. Their wares are so rare and prized, even Dad hardly ever gets to see them."
"Yes, Briar Valley's traditional attire has beautiful embroidery." Silver confirmed. "You're very knowledgeable."
He smiled and rubbed his head. "Heh heh, it's all stuff I picked up from Dad."
"Do you know the reason why Briar Valley's embroidery is so splendid?" Sebek asked. "It's because our artisans have passed down their craft and continued to hone it over generations. Unlike one foolish human king who was willing to sacrifice his kingdom's spinning industry just to save his daughter's life."
"What's that about?" (Y/N) asked, now curious.
"He's talking about the father from the tale of the princess who succumbed to cursed sleep."
Sebek nodded, recounting the tale. "In a faraway land, an uninvited guest barged into a party celebrating the princess's birth. That guest was a foul witch known as the mistress of all evil. She cast a curse upon the princess. On her 16th birthday, the princess would prick her finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel and fall into a long slumber. Fearing the curse, the king had every spinning wheel in the whole country burned to try and safeguard the princess."
"Whoa!" Kalim exclaimed. "So what happened to her?"
"To summarize a long story, the curse was lifted after many trials and tribulations, and she lived happily ever after."
"The tale came up briefly over the course of our magic history lessons." Vil clarified. "My takeaway was that any ruler willing to destroy an entire industry for their daughter is a hopelessly doting parent."
That made the Pokémon trainer shoot him a look. "Or a parent reacting to their kid being threatened!"
"I agree!" Kalim said, smiling at (Y/N). "Wanting to go to any lengths for your child is just what parents do, right? There's an anecdote along similar lines about how the Ruler of the Oasis changed the law for his daughter's sake. Before, there was a silly law that said princesses couldn't marry anyone who wasn't royalty. But the ruler's daughter loved a young commoner. The Ruler of the Oasis opposed their love at first, but eventually came to accept it. And he changed the law to allow the princess to marry whoever she wanted. Isn't that a great story?"
Grim's ears flattened as he looked between Vil and (Y/N). "Y'know, Kalim doesn't seem any different from usual to me."
"Agreed." The blonde dorm leader said. "The main difference so far is that he's not enrolled at Night Raven College."
Idia spoke up, his tablet in Vil's hands. "For most people, this kind of dream would produce jarring inconsistencies that expose all sorts of vulnerabilities right off the bat, but Kalim's one of the richest guys in the world. With the Asim family's wealth, they could probably easily build a school IRL."
"Honestly, it's a wonder they didn't just do that." (Y/N) a admitted as Ortho nodded.
"Yeah, Kalim's the stereotypical ultra-rich guy from manga and anime..."
The girl eyed the android boy. "And the Shroud family isn't...?"
Idia ignored the slight. "In Kalim's case, it's less that his imagination is strong...And more that even in reality, he's this ridiculously rich, in addition to having a carefree mindset and never sweating the details. That's serving to bolster the dream."
Vil pursed his lips. "This is a bit surprising, though."
"What's surprising?" Ortho asked.
"That Kalim's forgotten Night Raven College. He seemed to be enjoying life at school there more than any other student I know."
"We don't have enough data to draw a pattern from, so this is purely speculation on my part, but the fact that Kalim isn't attending Night Raven College in this dream doesn't mean that he was unhappy there. You weren't attending Night Raven College in your own dream either, right, Vil? Was that because you regretted putting your career on hold to focus on academics?"
"Hardly! That's patently..." Vil's voice trailed off. "Ah."
"There, see? People's mental circuitry—their hearts and minds—can be surprisingly complex."
"Clearly I still have much to learn, if it took you to open my eyes to that fact."
Idia interjected into his brother and Vil's conversation. "Hmm... This could fit what happened with Rook. A route that avoids a tragedy that unfolds due to attending Night Raven College."
Grim brought a paw to his head. "What kinda tragedy would Kalim goin' to Night Raven cause...? Ah!"
(Y/N) nodded, having the same exact thought. "What happened over winter break."
"What's all this commotion?" A familiar voice asked, making everyone freeze. "What's going on, Kalim? Nobody told me to expect company!"
"That voice...!" Grim said as 'Jamil' appeared.
"How many times must I tell you to always inform me ahead of time when inviting guests?! If you had...I would have arranged for an even finer banquet and a whole band!"
"JAMIL?!" The boys screamed at his uncharacteristically joyous face as (Y/B) crossed her arms.
"I don't know what's more uncanny: buff Epel, or giddy Jamil."
"Come now, Kalim! If you're holding such a fun-filled event, you should invite me." Jamil said, beaming. "After all, aren't we best friends?"
"I stand corrected: this is worse."
"Yeah, this is so wrong." Grim agreed, hugging her waist.
Kalim did not notice their discomfort. "Sorry about that! I just ran into them over by the fountain. They're here from Night...uh...something, an arcane academy in a foreign land."
"Ooh, I see! I'm Jamil Viper. Like Kalim, I'm a sophomore here at Qasr Sultanate Academy. I hope I can be just as much of a friend to you as my best friend Kalim. Nice to meetcha!"
Silver took the lead, seeing how uncomfortable (Y/N) was. "I'm Silver. It's nice to meet you."
"I'm Sebek Zigvolt of Night Raven College, Diasomnia Dorm!"
"Vil Schoenheit." Vil then leaned towards Sebek. "It's incredible how quickly you two are adapting despite not being actors."
"Hmph. We've already met Lilia from his days as the fearsome General of the Right, as well as a brawny, two-meter-tall Epel. An upbeat, vibrantly smiling version of Jamil is hardly worth batting an eye at!"
"Speak for yourself." (Y/N) hissed. "At least Epel was fundamentally himself!"
Idia sighed. "Man, the party members that have seen multiple people's dreams at this point... You guys are just built different!"
Dream Jamil laughed. "Hahaha! I'm not sure what they're talking about, but they're certainly a merry band. Hm? Hey, Kalim. I don't see your favorite ice cream in this spread. Shouldn't you serve that to our guests?"
"I figured they'd want a regular meal first." Kalim explained. "But hey, I'm getting full, so this should be a good time for it!"
"I love having that with generous helpings of chocolate sprinkles and coconut shavings."
"I know, right?! It's so good! And the best is when it's served in a silky melon."
"I couldn't agree more. In that case, You should make a run to the kitchen and fetch some for us, Kalim."
"He DEFINITELY wouldn't say that!" The Diasomnia boys yelled, catching Kalim's attention.
"Huh?! What's with the yelling all of a sudden?"
Silver appeared to have had enough of the charade. "Kalim, think long and hard. You grew up with Jamil. He's your friend. Is this really how he acts?"
"Huh? Wha? You guys know Jamil?"
The Dream Jamil got quiet as (Y/N) found an area to attack. "Of course. We butted heads over a few rounds of Mancala because I thought he was letting me win."
"Why would he do that?"
"Because that's what he was taught to do."
Kalim's expression fell as the cracks seemed to form in illusion. Even Grim wisely saw his opportunity to break through the lie.
"Yeah! And all this best friend talk...Remember over winter break when you told him you wanted to be friends? He shut that down hard with a big fat "Not on your life!""
"Not on...your life? Jamil said that?" Kalim swayed, showing that words of the Ramshackle students had struck true. "Urgh! What was that just now? Augh, my head!"
Dream Jamil went on the offensive. "Kalim! Hey, snap out of it! You people... You're assassins after Kalim, aren't you?! Guards! GUAAARDS! Seize these street rats!"
The others braced for battle as the shadows emerged. Just then, something trumpeted fiercely as a small, but fast moving blur of copper tore through them like a wrecking ball. The ink harmlessly bounced off her hide as Cufant came to a stop by her trainer's feet, her trunk raised in defiance.
"That'll teach you for trying to make me dance!"
"Cufant!" (Y/N) greeted, noting her new decorative reigns. "Where did those come from?"
She stamped her paws angrily. "I don't know! One minute, I'm trying to wake up Kalim, and then next, that creepy, smiley Jamil said I was a performing elephant!"
"...no one questioned why you could talk?"
Before she could make any other reasonable inquiries, more blot emerged to attack them. Deciding Swampert needed a break and water wouldn't be much help in the heat, (Y/N) let out Hydreigon, who blasted any stragglers with Grim after Cufant was done Rolling-out. Silver, Sebek, and Vil fought together since the blonde agreed these conditions were not good for Ninetales. Meanwhile Kalim was gripping his head due to an influx of memories.
"I'm...Jamil's best friend...urgh! The ground's all wobbly...!"
"Kalim, stay with us." Dream Jamil said. "The guards are here now. It's okay!"
Sebek gritted his teeth, swatting another blot enemy. "Rgh! No matter how many times we strike it down, the darkness just keeps welling back up. We can't get close to Kalim!"
"Oh yes I can!" Cufant declared, charging once more with Rollout.
"Hey, Jamil...You're my best friend, right?" Kalim asked. "You wouldn't betray me, right?"
"Of course I wouldn't. Why, the very idea! Such a terrible thought has never even crossed my mind! Not once!"
Just then, Cufant rammed into the shadow, sending it flying. "LIAR! Last time he asked that, you laughed in his face! You hated him so much, you told us to go to the ends of the earth!"
The steel type's wording was critical as Kalim's eyes went wide. "The ends of the earth...? Whoa! It's freezing! What's going on here?!"
Shadow Jamil tried to regain control. "Oh, poor Kalim. You must be reeling from the shock of betrayal after showing these people such hospitality. Look at me, Kalim. As long as I'm here for you, you've got nothing to worry about... Right? Kalim, trust me."
Cufant adverted her eyes as Kalim's began to dim. "Rgh... I trust you...Jamil..."
"Kalim! Close your eyes!" (Y/N) shouted. "It's Snake Whisper! He's manipulating you again!"
"Again...? Jamil? Augh!" Kalim flinched, breaking eye contact with the imposter who kept lying.
"I would never do that. Look at my sincere gaze. Do these look like the eyes of a liar?" Kalim tried to look at him again, only for Cufant to run over and cover his eyes with her trunk. "Kalim, you and I have been raised practically like brothers since we were babies."
"Yes, that's right... We were always together..."
"My parents work for your father. But you and I have always been open and honest with each other, never worrying one whit about our social status. I'm your closest companion, and you're mine... Isn't that right?"
"You're right... We're best friends that can be honest with each other... Rrgh!"
Cufant kept him from struggling. "Kalim, he's lying! Remember!? Jamil kept everything inside until his burst! He hid his true intentions and got a ton of students hurt!"
"Listen to her, Kalim!" Vil joined in. "This is a FAR cry from the Jamil I know. Underneath his composed expression, he's poised and ready to strike at the neck of those who dare get ahead of him. He has a smoldering, hungry mindset, and that mindset is the reason I put Jamil on main vocals in the NRC Tribe."
"The NRC Tribe?" Kalim repeated. "Why does that sound...familiar...?"
"Snap out of it." Shadow Jamil hissed. "Don't listen to him, Kalim!"
"Kalim, remember what it felt like when you weren't selected for the lead vocals?" (Y/N) asked. "I found you practicing out in the snow because you wanted to earn your spot!"
"Is Jamil the kind of generous soul that affirms everything about you?" Vil asked rhetorically. "You and I both know that's not true. He complains. He secretly looks down on others. He's always got a scheme or two up his sleeve, and he's hardly trustworthy. If I were in your shoes, I'd never choose him for my most trusted retainer. But you wanted to become "true" friends with the man who betrayed you so terribly. And you believed you could. It would have been easier and more constructive to drop him and find other friends. But you didn't do that. Your defiance of logic, your stubborn refusal to give up, your insensitive positivity...Those are what make you who you are—and those are what make you so fearsome, Kalim. What kind of wealthy business heir is content to remain in an impostor's clutches? Stop cowering and wake up already, Kalim Al-Asim!"
"Kalim, look at me." Dream Jamil demanded. "I'm the only one you trust!"
"Rgh... No. The one...I trust is... Aaa." Kalim screamed as it all came back to him.
Dream Jamil feigned concern. "Kalim! Are you all right? I'll have a doctor look at you right away."
Kalim placed a hand on Cufant's trunk, which was still covering his eyes. "That's right... Jamil's always worried about me more than anyone else."
"Well, of course. That's what best friends do."
Kalim rose to one knee, uncovering his eyes with a determined expression. "But...that's because I'm his boss. Not because I'm his best friend."
"Kalim?! How could you say something so sad? Don't you trust me?"
"You're not the one I trust. And you're not the one I want to be friends with, either!"
Cufant trumpeted happily. "There you are!"
Vil nodded. "Well said, Kalim."
Kalim quickly removed the decorative reins from Cufant and stood up. "Sorry, Cufant. I should've woken up sooner."
"Oh, it wasn't bad. They fed me a lot of yummy food and gave me water."
Kalim nodded. "Still, that wasn't fair. Will you still help me?"
She stamped as an answer as everyone regrouped to help. Evidently, Cufant must have done some serious damage with that previous Rollout as it didn't take much for her and Kalim to dispatch Shadow Jamil.
"Kalim... I'll always...be with you..."
With that, the fake vanished, leaving everyone in the Scarabia dorm lounge. Kalim collapsed to his knees, huffing.
"Kalim!" Silver called, running over to him. "Are you all right?"
The white haired boy didn't answer, instead letting out a loud wail that startled everyone. "How... How could I fail to realize that Jamil was a fake?! I really do want us to be true friends... The kind that can be totally open with one another! But...in the end, I chose a version of Jamil that fit my own narrative. How can I ever face Jamil again?"
"Don't let it get to you, Kalim Al-Asim." Ortho tried to encourage as Kalim hugged Cufant.
"I even treated Cufant horribly when she came to save me just because I didn't want to wake up!"
"You really didn't." The Copperderm Pokémon insisted.
Vil stepped forward. "This was a dream that Malleus crafted based on an overly broad interpretation of your wish. If anyone here should be ashamed of themselves, it's me. In my twisted dream, I bossed Neige around and treated him like my personal maid."
Kalim flinched. "Oh gosh, that DOES sound pretty shameful."
"This is exactly what I'm talking about!" Vil shouted, making Kalim scuttle back.
"Ack! Was I supposed to disagree there?! Sorry!"
Idia sighed. "Well, that's Kalim Al-Asim for you—Night Raven College's primo party guy."
"It's true." Silver said. "The Kalim I know excels at bouncing right back up even when he's feeling down."
Sebek held his head high. "You can't stand around crying forever. Otherwise you really won't be able to face Jamil again."
Cufant dried Kalim's tears as the boy nodded. "Heh heh. Yeah, you're right. Thanks a bunch, guys! Also...I'm totally lost on why I look like this and why any of this is happening. Could someone fill me in on what's going on?"
Ortho nodded, handing him the tablet. "Sure thing! Mind watching this video?"
Kalim watched the video intently, but it was clear he was still a little lost. "Ahh. So Malleus is giving everybody dreams like what I had. I still don't quite get it, but that sounds really bad!"
"Basically, he's using people's desires to trick them into staying asleep." (Y/N) explained. "And if we don't act soon, the whole world will fall under his control. We need all the help we can get, so will you join us, Kalim?"
The boy nodded determinedly. "Absolutely, (Y/N)! I'm on the case!...So, what should I do?"
She sighed, handing him a dream ball. "Firstly, take this. It'll let you carry around Cufant."
"Oh, that's great!"
"Next..." Idia said. "So, uhhh... Kalim. We could use your help with waking up Jamil, actually."
"You want me to wake Jamil up?"
Ortho nodded. "Yeah. It's safe to say that people who share lots of memories with a target have a better likelihood of helping them wake. The data I've collected in this dream supports that fact."
"Jamil's usually the one who comes to wake me up. It'll be neat getting to wake him up instead. Okay! I'm ready to head into his dream whenever you are!"
"Honestly, (Y/N) beating him up might be less of a shock to his system." Idia muttered before addressing Kalim again. "Can you use magic to swap outfits?"
Kalim tilted his head. "Swapping outfits? Hmm, I can handle my school and dorm uniforms. Though I sometimes get them backwards when I'm in a hurry."
"Okay, then would you mind switching into one of those for now?"
"Awww! But this outfit's so comfy and well-made! And I really like the flashy design. And doesn't it make me look all cool, like I'm the Ruler of the Oasis?"
"That's kinda the problem." (Y/N) said as Sebek shouted again.
"This is no time to get particular about your appearance!"
Vil, of course, gave his two cents. "To be fair, we'll be visiting Jamil's dream next. For all we know, Kalim may look right at home in that attire. And in this dream we ended up being the ones that stuck out in our school uniforms."
"You'd stick out like a sore thumb if you put on your clothes backwards when you changed." Idia retorted, "I'll install a tool for you just to be on the safe side. You can ask Silver and Sebek how to use it."
"Did you just grant me an outfit-changing spell? Ooh, that's handy. Thanks, Idia!"
Ortho's armor hummed. "I've received dummy data for Kalim from HQ. Projecting now!"
The Kalim copy of course shocked the original, who studied it.
Sebek stared at him. "Surely you jest..."
Kalim ignored the unspoken insult. "That means Malleus won't be able to tell the difference either, right?"
Ortho didn't answer that, instead handing him the invite. "Kalim Al-Asim, take this before we move on."
"What's this? An invitation?"
"Yes, that's your personal invitation to our final battle with Malleus."
"A final battle, huh...? Oh MAN, I'm getting pumped! Let's make sure we win this—to wake everyone up, and to help Malleus!"
Everyone cheered in agreement, making Idia's tablet fidget.
"Oh geez, now the group's all hyped up like some scene straight out of a shonen manga... All shall tremble at the biggest extrovert vibes in all of Night Raven College...!"
"Okay, let's move on to the next dream now." Ortho said as Silver offered his arm to the newcomer.
"Kalim, take hold of my arm."
"Ooh, you're carrying us to the next dream?"
Vil already looked queasy, taking hold of (Y/N). "Careful. Despite his placid expression, he's a very rough driver. Make sure you keep your mouth shut nice and tight so you don't bite your tongue. Ugh... I know it's a necessity, but I can't believe I'm going through that AGAIN."
"Just try not to burst my eardrums." (Y/N) pleaded as Silver spoke his spell.
"Is everyone ready? Those I've met and will someday... Meet in a Dream!"

If someone wasn't going to question the talking Pokémon, it was going to be Kalim.