Pokemon: A New World

Chapter Twenty-One- He Who Desires Power​

"Gah!?" A panicked trainer shrieked as he bumped into Niles. "D-dude! There's this strong chick kicking anyone who approaches' ass! Don't even bother, man!" He cried, stumbling down the mountain path.

Niles continued to scale the mountain, numerous trainers fleeing from the same direction. Eventually, he approached... Fiorella!? He gasped, a green haired girl with a Larvitar, facing away from him, shooing away a defeated opponent. He swiftly ran over to her, stopping as she turned to face him. Rather than Fiorella, it was another girl about his height with messy green hair and grey eyes. She donned an open, short sleeved, light green long coat, black spikes at the bottom. She also wore a silver necklace with a Keystone. Along her arms, she wore black arm sleeves that disappeared into green gloves. Underneath, she had a black v-neck, and a green vest that parted at her breasts. It seemed to be overalls, rather than a vest, because it appeared connected, past a cloth belt, to her shorts of the same color. After that she wore what appeared to be two sets of leggings, one black, only visible on the top of her thighs, and a spiked green pair that covered the other. Lastly, she donned green boots with a black trim that stopped below her knees.

"Ohoho!?" She chuckled, giving a twisted grin. He kept a serious expression as she began to size him up. "Tell me, are you any better than these weaklings!?"

"Considering that I'm pretty sure most of them think that 'Hyper Beam everything' is the ultimate strategy... I'd say yes." Niles asserted, reaching for Blaziken's Pokéball.

"Perfect." She continued to grin, reaching for a Pokéball. "I'll only use one Pokémon in our battle, understood?"

"Fine then, so will I." Niles grinned back. "And judging from your Keystone, it's a Mega isn't it?"

"Aw! You discovered my little secret!" She sulked. "Are you too terrified to battle?"

"Don't worry about that." Niles shook his head, revealing his Mega Ring to her. "I only hope that you can keep up!"

"Alright! On the count of three!" She directed, preparing her Pokéball. She slowly counted up, before sending out a Tyranitar, while Niles sent out Blaziken. They simultaneously held out their Keystones out, Mega Evolving their battlers. The two Pokémon let out powerful cries, eager for battle as a sandstorm whipped up.

"High Jump Kick!" Niles commanded. Blaziken charged Tyranitar and rammed her knee into the behemoth. It reeled back and launched a volley of stones a Blaziken, launching her back. She ran along the battlefield, avoiding Tyranitar's relentless assault. "Earthquake!" He directed, prompting her to slam the ground below Tyranitar, knocking it upward. She swiftly leapt above it as the sandstorm faded, and kicked it downward.

"Heh..." The girl chuckled, before breaking into a full blown laugh. "That was freaking great! This rush is amazing! Isn't that right Tyranitar!?" She interrogated her defeated ally, face down in the dirt. It slowly raised its right hand, giving a weary thumbs up. "Yeah!"

"Alright, well, this was an interesting distraction..." Niles stated, returning Blaziken and walking away. She returned her Tyranitar and caught up to him, holding out prize money.

"For defeating me." She elaborated, paying him. "This is all the money I got from beating trainers up here."

"Thanks... Uh..." He paused, unsure of her name.

"Nero." She introduced, holding out her hand. He firmly shook it, before introducing himself.

"Niles Fang." He smiled. "Nice to meet you."

"So, what brings you here, Niles?" She asked, giving a natural grin.

"I was training." He explained. "I'm preparing to challenge the Dark Gym Leader."

"So, you're a trainer?" She inquired. "Cool."

"What about you?" Niles asked in interest.

"I heard there was strong trainers here. I was almost wrong." She complimented. "How strong is that leader if you're training in the Tesla Mountains?"

"To be fair, we aren't very far in." He argued. "If I really wanted to charge to my death, I'd look for Zapdos."

"True." She accepted, leaning back. "Wanna travel together?"

"Why?" Niles interrogated. "Are you challenging the League as well?"

"Nah. I just like fighting. You seem to be strong." She elaborated, her Larvitar approaching him. It sniffed him briefly before cried, needily. "Well, damn. Looks like she wants to join you."

"Excuse me?" He inquired, petting Larvitar. "Isn't it yours?"

"Yeah, but she never listens." She explained. "Plus, I was only holding on to her for safety reasons. I kinda stole her."

"W-what!?" Niles panicked, standing up. "Why!?"

"Relax. Her original owner didn't deserve her." She excused. "And she's rightfully my brother's."

"Alright..." Niles evaded, turning back to Larvitar. "So, you wanna join me?"

"Lar!" She cried in response. Nero pulled out a Pokéball and handed it to him.

"Looks like I have a another reason to join you." She smirked, patting him on the back. "I need to see if you'll give Larvitar a proper home!"

"Fine." He agreed, returning Larvitar to her Pokéball. "Let's go."

"Alright." She celebrated, following Niles down the mountain path. "Actually, let me show you something!" She paused, dragging him away for a few minutes. Eventually, they arrived a steep fall. He peered down it, noticing a body of water at the base. She continued to pull him onto a jutting out rock next to them. "Tada!"

"What's this?" Niles questioned, watching his step.

"We're gonna jump!" She announced.

"W-what!?" Niles gasped, stepping away from her. "No way. Are you insane!?"

"Sanity is like a white suit." Nero argued. "It's clean, formal, and very fun to mess up!"

"Yeah, no!" Niles denied, turning to face the drop. Nero began to slowly back away from him. "This is like a two hundred foot drop!"

"One hundred and two." She corrected. "Plus, terminal velocity is reached reached around one thousand and five hundred."

"Either way, it's just plain-" Niles continued, being interrupted by Nero tackling him off the cliff. She screamed in excitement, while Niles panicked in fear, as they fell. They hit the water with a large splash, prompting Nero to send out a Kabutops. It wrapped its scythes around them, carrying them to the surface.

"What the hell is wrong with you!?" Niles insulted as Nero laughed, merrily.

"C'mon, loosen up!" She giggled. "It wasn't that bad."

"I... I beg to differ! You could've been injured, Fiorella!" He blurted out. "Er, Nero."

"Oh, whatever." She teased, splashing water at him. "Enjoy my personal hot spring!"

"Was gonna ask about that..." He mumbled. "You're insane..."

"'The human mind is not a terribly logical or consistent place.'" She quoted. "Just have fun." She began to swim backward to the shore. Kabutops disappeared after her.

"Fun...?" Niles mumbled to himself. He shook his head, beginning to swim to shore. Once there, he changed into a pair of swimming trunks, leaving everything else out to dry. Nero also shifted into a green swimsuit, leaving her attire out to dry.

"Alright! Have fun guys!" She shouted, letting her Pokémon loose. Her team consisted of the Tyranitar and Kabutops from before, a Rhyperior, Cradily and an Aerodactyl. Niles sent out his team: Dragalge, Staraptor, Blaziken, Metagross, Lilligant, and his newly obtained Larvitar.

"Alright, I want thirty laps around the perimeter, Staraptor." Niles commanded, prompting Nero to interrupt.

"Sorry, what?" She interrogated. "How do you expect your team to do their best when you make them work all the time?"

"Because, we need to get-"

"Stronger, yeah." She sighed. "Alright guys, have fun!" She directed his team, allowing them to run free. "Honestly, you're too serious!"

"What point is there in 'fun' when I fail to protect what I love?" He questioned under his breath as she ran off. He wandered around, watching his team relax. Staraptor and Aerodactyl spread their wings out, comparing their sizes. Metagross laid in the shallow water, relaxing with Rhyperior. Lilligant and Cradily sat along the shore, soaking in the sun's rays. Dragalge and Kabutops chased each other in the water. Blaziken watched Larvitar as she playfully attacked Tyranitar's tail. It rolled over, pretending to be defeated.

"See, isn't this relaxing?" Nero pondered as Niles sat next to her in the shallow water.

"I guess..." Niles muttered. "So, why aren't more people here?"

"Well, aside from being in the Tesla Mountains..." She explained. "I kinda let a red Gyarados loose in here."

"What?" He interrogated as a the Gyarados emerged from the water. It looked at him lazily, returning to the water. "O-okay...?"

"Don't worry~" She reassured, tapping his arm. "He isn't as mean as he looks. He only wants hugs~"

"So," Niles averted the subject. "When can we go to Shade?"

"After our stuff dries!" She confirmed, running into the water. "C'mon, already!"

 

Chapter Twenty-Two- Terra Prospecting​

Anri's Report- Three

Subject: Lux

The subject started the day in Oasis, preparing to battle the Gym Leader. However, the Gym Leader had failed to return, most likely taken by the Liberators. Due to this, Lux and co decided to explore the Dutchman, a 'haunted ghost ship'. There, the group battled, and defeated, a Corrupted Chandelure. I noticed that the subject did not react to the Chandelure in his usual manner. What was most interesting was that it disguised itself as Darkrai.

After the battle, the group rested for the day, preparing for a journey to Terra. While passing through the Badlands, the subject was separated from the rest of the group, moving to Terra alongside Albert Eld.

......

"So, you guys are at Titan?" Lux asked Luna over the phone. Him and Albert loitered outside of Terra.

"Yeah, Gena wants to challenge the Steel Gym Leader." She explained. "Sorry..."

"It's alright. We'll catch up later." Lux stated. "See you."

"Bye." Luna dismissed, hanging up.

"They're in Titan." Lux elaborated. "For now, let's explore Terra."

"Alright." Albert agreed, gesturing to the town

"Why hello there, travelers!" An accented girl, about Albert's age, dressed like a cowgirl greeted the duo as they entered the town. She beamed as she approached them. "What brings y'all to these parts?"

"He wants to challenge the gym." Albert explained, gesturing to Lux. "Do you know where is it?"

"Y'all want to see Papa?" She tilted her head, before extending her hand. "Why, I'll show ya there! My name's Sierra!"

"Lux." Lux confirmed, taking her hand. "Nice to meet you."

"Albert." Albert stated as she held out her free hand to him. He took her hand, wincing at her tight grip.

"Fantastic!" She squealed, dragging them along. "I'll show ya to Papa!"

"Hey! Ow!" Albert complained as she tugged on his arm. Lux followed along, an amused grin across his face.

"So, what's the deal with Terra?" Lux inquired, causing Albert to groan. He began to mumble in a foreign language under his breath.

"Well..." Sierra began, an unsure expression on her face. "Terra was built when coal was discovered underground, and, uh..." She paused, thinking to herself. "They discovered fossils or something? S-so, they... expanded the town... to, uh, help the archaeologists?"

"Terra was built when gold was discovered underground." Albert interrupted. "It was expanded when archaeologists began to discover ancient fossils around the vicinity. That eventually led to the discovery of the Badland Ruins, where we came from. To his day, many archaeologists still use this town to explore the Badlands."

"Right... that." Sierra shifted. "Anyway, Papa's usual place is just around this corner!" She added, turning to a large wooden warehouse. "He should be inside, good luck!"

"Thanks." Lux smiled as she left.

"I'm going to explore the mines." Albert stated, walking away. "I'm losing brain cells here."

"See ya..." Lux groaned as he left. He shook his head before entering the warehouse. Inside, a sturdy man in mining gear managed numerous large cases. "Hey, are you the Gym Leader?"

"Huh?" He paused, turning to face him. "Yeah, I'm the Gym Leader, Carson Wild. What brings you here, boy?"

"I'd like to challenge you." Lux confirmed. "Are you free right now?"

"Certainly." He grinned. "I was checkin' up on my stock." He elaborated, pointing to the crates. "Fossils and whatnot."

"Cool." Lux grinned. "I think my father had a Tyrantrum."

"Who's your pa?" Wild inquired.

"Siegfried Amity." He answered, truthfully. "I'm Lux Amity."

"Oh, really?" He chuckled. "Well Lux, I revived your pa's Tyrantrum alright. I'll take you to the gym."

"Great!" Lux smiled, following Wild through the town. He led him to a large arena, making his way to one end.

"Alright Amity, are you as good as your pa and ma?" He interrogated, preparing three Pokeballs. "I'll be using these three, alright?"

"Right." Lux agreed, prompting Wild to send out a Diglett. Lux sent out Budew in response. "Use Mega Drain!"

"Dig." Wild countered. Diglett scurried into the earth, avoiding Budew's attack. It appeared under her, striking fiercely. Budew took the opportunity to defeat it with Mega Drain. Lux snapped in celebration.

"Alright! Great job, Budew!"

"Congrats, Amity." Wild grinned, sending out a Rhyhorn. "Stomp!" It charged Budew and crushed her beneath its foot.

"Budew, return!" Lux panicked, switching to Axew. "Dual Chop!"

"Ice Fang." Wild smirked. Axew struck at Rhyhorn twice, before getting bitten by a frozen chomp. Axew struck at Rhyhorn again, making his escape, shuddering in pain. Lux noticed bits of ice forming on Axew. "Again." Wild commanded, Rhyhorn defeating Axew.

"Return!" Lux gasped, sending out Espurr. "Psybeam!" Espurr's eyes glowed brightly as she blasted Rhyhorn with a psychic beam. It was launched back, prompting laughter from Wild.

"Wonderful. But, at this rate, you'll lose." He smiled, sending out a Golett. It fired a shadowy punch at Espurr, defeating her.

"What!?" Lux gasped, nervously reaching for Litwick's Pokéball.

"Judging from your reaction." Wild guessed. "I'd say that your last 'Mon is a fire or bug type? I mean, if it were anything else, you'd have used it already."

"I'm counting on you, Litwick!" Lux announced, sending out his last Pokémon. "Energy Ball!" He commanded, the candle smiling in response. She launched a ball of green energy at Golett, knocking it back. It launched another Shadow Punch at Litwick, launching her back. She recollected herself and used Energy Ball again, defeating Golett. "Yeah!" Lux celebrated, grabbing Litwick. "You did it!"

"Huh?" Wild paused, bewildered. "I... I don't know how to respond to that... Well, damn. I lost." He stated, handing out a badge. "Here's the Prospector Badge."

"Thank you." Lux beamed, accepting the badge.

"Great job, boy." A woman's voice interrupted them from behind.

"Vee!" Eevee celebrated, hopping off of his shoulder. Lux turned to face the speaker, noticing familiar pink hair.

"Mom!?" Lux gasped, staring at his mother. She pet Eevee gently, simpering at him.

"I'm sorry young man," She teased, spreading her arms out. "I believe my son was a bit more wimpy."

"I-I wasn't wimpy." Lux argued, a smile overtaking his face. "I just didn't know how to battle properly!"

"Is that so?" She continued. "How is your Axew by the way? Does it listen to you yet?"

"Kinda..." Lux elaborated. "We're working on it."

"Adorable." She smirked. "When did my little boy become strong?"

"I wanted to get stronger..." Lux confessed. "I felt that I needed to, for you and Dad."

"Aw!" His mother laughed, pinching his cheek. "You really are adorable!"

"Please stop..." Lux blushed. "C-can I just heal my team?"

"Oh, okay." She agreed, leading him out.

"So, he was an Amity." Wild mumbled to himself. "Explains how he won our battle. I'll never defeat an Amity, will I?"

......

After healing his team, a familiar man greeted them as they exited the Pokémon Center. "Yo! Cha-"

"Gardevoir, Psyshock!" Airi commanded, sending out her Gardevoir.

"Gah! A-Aron use Meat Shield!" Samuel panicked, blocking her attack with his Aron. It squirmed as it was pelted by the numerous psychic blasts. After the onslaught, Samuel exhaled and placed Aron on the ground, who quaked in shock. "Can I talk now!?"

"Why are you here, Berk?" Airi interrogated.

"Well, I was sent to watch your son." He elaborated, holding his hands out.

"Do you really think I'll just let you?" She retorted, coldly.

"H-hey, all I have is an Aron! It's not even strong!" He argued, pointing to Aron. "Watch, Aron use Paperweight!" Aron rested its body, unmoving. "Good boy! Use Roll Over!" Aron pushed itself over, first landing on its, before pushing itself onto its back. It flailed its legs around, before giving up and laying on its back. Samuel gently tapped it with his foot, knocking it onto its side, allowing it to roll over. "We're working on it."

"Alright." She sighed. "You're too dumb to actually be a threat."

"Mom!?" Lux questioned, glaring at his mother. "He destroyed the-"

"Let your mother handle it." Airi smiled to her son. "Okay?"

"...Fine."

"Don't worry about me!" Samuel grinned. "This idiot will always keep his hands out for you!"

"Alright..." Lux agreed, reluctant.

"I should probably mention that Eld will be joining me." He awkwardly added.

"Fire types, eh?" Airi grinned, mischievously. "Azumarill can handle her no problem!"

"Oh, no..." Lux panicked. "Aine Eld, right? This can't end well..."

......

"And so, I wrangled the Tauros no problem!" Sierra boasted. Albert sighed in annoyance. He had been asking about fossils when Sierra approached him. She was covered in dirt, and donned a mining cap instead of her cowgirl one.

"So," He interrupted. "Can I go? You're way of speaking physically hurts..."

"Beg pardon?" She gasped. "I-I apologize for my lack of articulation." She shifted her tone, as if to please him. Albert sighed once again.

"Don't worry about him." A familiar voice interrupted. Albert twisted to face his sister."He's spent all his time trapped in his room, reading perfectly formed sentences."

"Aine!?" He gasped, his jaw ajar. "Why are you here!?"

"I'm here to watch your friend." She explained. "Good to see that even after you failed to protect Amber, you're still an antisocial child."

"W-what!?" Albert sulked, averting his gaze. "I'm... not a child."

"Then why haven't you evolved Quilava?" She smirked. "Me and Agni evolved past our limitations as Gym Leader." She stated, sending out her Infernape. "If we were still at Amber, I wouldn't have been able to become this strong."

"What do you mean, 'the limitations as Gym Leader'?" Albert interrogated. "How are you any different than you were before!?"

"I caught Articuno." She retorted. "As Gym Leader, I couldn't leave Amber to do something like that!"

"A-Articuno!? How!?"

"I kicked its ass, how else?" She gloated. Albert lowered his head, unsure of what to say.

"Why...?"

"Because, I was told to." She elaborated. "But, now I have to go. It's not my job to watch you."

"Wait!" Albert shouted, sending out Quilava. "I-I challenge you to a battle!"

 

Chapter Twenty-Three- The Two Flames​

"Rain!?" She gasped, looking out her window. She quickly put on her shoes, running outside. She jumped into the forming puddles around their home, immediately getting drenched in water. She giggled childishly, her mother gazing at her smile.

"Ironic, isn't it?" Her mother asked, chuckling. "That you would like the rain."

"Ironic?" She repeated, curious. "I don't get it."

"Never mind." Her mother dismissed, walking into the rain. "I'm gonna get you!" Her mother announced, chasing her in the rain. They two laughed, merrily.

......

"What?" Aine questioned her brother, turning to face him. He stood awkwardly beside his Quilava. "Did you really just challenge me?"

"Yes!" He confirmed, his legs trembling. "I-I challenge you!"

"I... should probably leave..." The accented girl announced, slithering away.

"Fine." Aine accepted, Infernape preparing for battle. "On the count of three." She stated, counting down.

"Flame Wheel!" Albert commanded as she reached one. Quilava charged his opponent, immediately getting launched back by Infernape's Flare Blitz. "Quick Attack!" He announced, Infernape countering with Mach Punch. Quilava was knocked back, once again, in defeat.

"See." Aine frowned, irritated. "Maybe if you hadn't shirked your duties, you might've stood a chance. I have to go." She began to walk away again. Lux, Sam, and Airi had ran over prior to his defeat.

"If anyone 'shirked their duties', it was you!" Albert cried as she left. She paused, turning her head slightly.

"Which one of us actually did their job when they had to?" She snapped, stoically. Albert averted his gaze as she left, pausing by Sam. "I won't be by your side every five seconds. I'll remain a day or so behind."

"Alright..." Sam accepted as she left. Lux quickly ran over to his friend, checking on him.

"You alright?" He sympathized. Albert shook his head, returning to his usual tone.

"I'm fine." He denied, turning to leave. "So, did you get your badge?"

"Yeah." He confirmed, revealing a pickaxe shaped badge.

"Then, should we wait for Rina, Luna and Gena?" He asked. "Or do you want to keep going on?"

"Where should we go?" Lux inquired.

"Probably Agate or Ether." His mother interrupted. "Stay far away from Titan."

"Yeah, I can vouch for that!" Sam chuckled. "The Gym Leader be crazy, yo!"

"And that would be?" Lux inquired.

"Rika... something..." Sam elaborated. "Never got her last name. She's some crazy knight templar that took my job."

"That never happened." Airi denied. "After you were defeated, she placed herself as ruler of Titan. We never gave her your job."

"Yeah, yeah." He sulked. "So, just go wherever, as long as it isn't Titan." He stated, before mumbling beneath his breath. "Or Agate..."

"Judging from this map..." Lux assumed, looking at his phone. "We can meet up with the girls in Ether!"

"To Ether then." His mother agreed. Carson Wild and his daughter approached them before they left.

"Hey!" Wild interrupted. "I want to give you somethin'!"

"Is it a fossil?" Airi pondered. Wild chuckled in disappointment. "Seriously, don't you give people anything else?"

"I'll take a fossil." Lux grinned, unselfishly.

"Oh, Lux sweetie..." She sighed. "You need to learn to be more selfish."

"Alright." Wild frowned, pulling out a purple stone. "If you don't want a fossil, you can have this Dusk Stone."

"Thank you." Lux accepted, kindly.

"Then, for Albert." Sierra smiled, pulling out a fossil. "You can have this."

"Thanks." Albert groaned, accepting the gift.

"I hear that they got a restoration facility up in Julian!" She added.

"I thought you revived Tyrantrum?" Lux questioned Wild.

"I did!" He argued. "I traveled around with your pa back in the day."

"For about a week." Airi smirked. "And you didn't do very much."

"Ah, never change Airi" Wild chuckled. "So, how is that Tyrantrum?"

"It tries to eat the house servants..." Lux sighed, irked.

"So, it hasn't changed either. How about your pa?"

"He's..." Lux began before his mother interrupted him.

"Busy with work." She confirmed. "How inconsiderate of him... Am I not beautiful enough for him to stay home!?"

"Airi, never change." Wild repeated. "I'll take my leave now. Enjoy your journey."

"Bye." Lux waved as the two left. He turned to face his mother and Albert. "So, should I call the girls?"

"That'd be best." Albert agreed.

"Can't wait to meet them!" Airi beamed. "I might even ship you with one!"

"W-what!?" Lux blushed. "No! That'd be weird!"

"But, it'll be fun!" Airi laughed, continuing to tease her son.

"Yeah, I'll just wait in the Pokémon Center." Albert groaned, taking his leave.

"Same." Sam chuckled. "Have fun bonding."

"So, how have you been Lux?" Airi shifted.

"Fine." Lux responded. "I've made a few friends on this journey."

"I can tell. It's good. You've always been so shy and introverted."

"I even met the Fangs-" Lux paused. "Wait, why didn't you tell me dad was being replaced!?"

"That's why." She bluntly stated. "You would've overreacted."

"I- Fine..." Lux conceded. "Actually, why did you go to New Fang anyway? They were sent a letter about their promotion. What was the news you wanted to deliver?"

"Oh? Must've been a mix up..." She dismissed. "These things happen."

"Wait, you were captured because of this!" He argued. "And all you have to say is 'these things happen'?"

"Yeah...?" She scratched her head. "I mean, I'm here now."

"Really?" He glared at her. "That's all?"

"Aw! You're just like your father. He always gave me that look when he was worried." She laughed. "Except, I think he was silently undressing me-"

"Ew! What the hell, Mom!?" Lux growled, pulling out his phone. "I'll just call Luna."

"Actually, let's battle!" Airi grinned, sending out a Granbull.

"R-really!?" Lux panicked, Espurr jumping from his shoulder. "I-I don't think I could win..."

"Don't worry." She reassured. "How about Espurr vs Granbull? A one on one."

"Alright..." Lux collected himself. "Go, use Psybeam!"

"Bite!" She countered. Espurr fired a beam of psychic energy at Granbull, grimacing in pain. Granbull brushed off the attack, before biting down of Espurr. She was tossed to the side, defeated.

"No..." Lux sulked as Espurr forced herself up. She grimaced in pain, shining brightly. Lux gasped as she fired another Psybeam at Granbull, knocking it back.

"Meowstic?" His mother gasped, bewildered. "Excellent! She evolved!"

"Evolved?" Lux pondered, staring at the newly evolved Meowstic. She turned back to him, nodding eagerly. "Alright, Psybeam!" Meowstic's eyes glowed brightly as she fired another beam at Granbull, knocking it down.

"Bite!" Airi commanded, her Granbull charging Meowstic. She expertly leapt over it, defeating it with another Psybeam.

"Y-yeah!" Lux celebrated, running over to hug Meowstic. "We won!"

"Congrats, Champion." His mother teased. "Kidding of course. But, good work."

"Thank you." He smiled. "I know you went easy on me..."

"Damn, you saw through my plan." She chuckled. "Let's just call your friends."

......

MESSAGE TO DRACO FANG, LINDA FANG:

FROM: AIRI AMITY

A LIBERATOR IS IN OUR RANKS. I'VE HAD A SUSPICION FOR SEVERAL MONTHS NOW. I WANT YOU TO FIND OUT WHO. I'M COUNTING ON YOU TWO, DRACO AND LINDA. SUSPECTS: GUNTHER FIEDLER, ARES STARK, ERIS BONNAIRE.

 

Chapter Twenty-Four- A Steel Heart​

"Where are you going!?" Rika interrogated her allies. They ignored her, continuing to flee from the green dragon. "Cowards! All of you!" She sent out her Onix, preparing for battle.

"Cowards they may be..." An extravagantly dressed man approached her. "But, they're smarter than the fool who challenges me."

"I am no fool!" She argued. Onix roared in agreement. "I will protect the ones I love, no matter what!"

"Die, wench."

......

"Okay, Gena..." Rina questioned her on the outskirts of town. "Time to spill the beans. Are you trying to steal my man!?"

"Oh my god..." Gena groaned, entering the town. "You're such an annoyance... Freaking psycho stalker."

"Hey, I am neither psycho, nor a stalker!" Rina wailed. "Then at least tell me what kind of guy you like!"

"Fine. If you leave me alone." Gena sighed, halting to face Rina. "Strong, talented, and kind, I guess."

"Hair color?" Rina grimaced. "Age? Eye color?"

"My age." She confirmed, annoyed. "And I don't care about hair or eye color."

"Does he have to be taller than you?"

"Don't care."

"You're trying to steal Lux!"

"God... Damn it." Gena frowned, returning to her walk. Rina trailed behind her, watching her carefully. She made her way to a large chapel building where Luna awaited them.

"No one's here..." Luna informed, disappointed. "What now?"

"Great..." Gena growled. "Guess we go to Terra."

"But, I'm tired!" Rina cried, falling to the ground. "It's late. And we just walked through ancient ruins!"

"Fine. We'll stay at that hotel we passed earlier." Gena proposed, pointing in their previous direction. The three began to make their way to the hotel.

"Hey," Luna interrupted, sticking close to her sister. "Did either of you see anyone around here?"

"Now that you mention it..." Rina paused, checking her surroundings. "You're right. Where is everyone? I know I saw people before we entered..."

"Wait here..." Gena commanded as she approached the hotel. She casually entered the building, noticing that the lights were on. She glanced around the lobby. Completely vacant... "Hello? Anyone here?"

"P-please go away..." A timid voice commanded. Gena went around the counter, a shivering man hiding under it. "Lady Rika will be upset..."

"Who's Lady Rika?" She interrogated, kneeling down. "Why would she be upset?"

"She doesn't want the people of Titan to be corrupted by the filth of outsiders..." He elaborated. "S-so, please leave!"

"Who is Rika? Tell me."

"She defeated the Samuel Berk and took over the town! If you don't leave..."

"Are you trapped here?"

"Yes... Those who tried to run..."

"I get it." Gena cut him off, standing up. "Thanks." She stated, before leaving the building. Rina and Luna were still outside, however, Luna was holding a Bulbasaur. It playfully battered Rina with its vines.

"Hey Sis, look what we found!" Luna beamed, the Bulbasaur facing Gena.

"Bulba!" It cried, waving its paw and a vine at her.

"Cute. What are you going to do with it?"

"Rina. You should take it!" Luna smiled, extending Bulbasaur to Rina.

"But, I already have a Golbat..." Rina argued. "Bulbasaur is Grass/Poison."

"I have a Char. Gena has Wartortle. You should take Bulbasaur!" Luna laughed. "We can be a true trio!"

"Alright then..." Rina accepted, averting her gaze. "Hi, Bulbasaur."

"Saur!" It cried, happily. Rina took a Pokéball and caught it.

"Huzzah! From this day forth, we are the Three Amigos!" Luna jumped in excitement.

"Actually," Gena interrupted. "The Three Amigos are a group of two to one gender ratio. If anything we are the Three Faces. I'm calm. Rina is flirty. And you're innocent."

"I wouldn't say we're that..." Rina asserted. "But yes, we're a trio now."

"So, what did you learn?" Luna smiled at her sister.

"Apparently, some chick called Lady Rika doesn't want the inhabitants of Titan to 'be corrupted by outsiders.'"

"Rika!?" Rina gasped, her tone shifting. "We need to leave. Now!"

"W-why!?" Luna panicked as Rina dragged them out of the town.

"She's a Liberator. Highly dangerous." Rina explained. An Excadrill tore through the street, cutting them off. A group of Magnemite led by a Magnezone circled around them. A fully armored woman swooped down on a Skarmory.

"Hello, visitors." She greeted. "What brings you to Titan?"

"We're here to challenge the Gym." Gena elaborated, watching the woman carefully.

"So, you're trainers?" She frowned, pulling out a badge. "You force your Pokémon to fight for these? Pathetic." She scoffed, flicking the badge at the group.

"So what?" Rina argued. "Are you saying that corrupting them is any better?"

"Corrupt?" She groaned. "If 'corruption' means releasing their inner desires... then yes. Deep down, no Pokémon wants to live amongst humans. We just force them to because, well, we're humans and they're not."

"That's not true!" Luna cried, sending out Char. "Me and Char are as close as we can be!"

"And how close is that?" She smirked. "You're nothing more than master and slave."

"Ember!" Luna commanded. Char fired numerous flames at the woman, who blocked them with a shield, only to be attacked by the Magnemite.

"Foolish child." She insulted. She jumped back as Rina sent out her Mawile, who attacked fiercely.

"Scatter!" She directed, running into the alleyway with Mawile. Luna ducked into another with Char, while Gena fled down the road, jumping over Excadrill.

Gena called out Larvesta, tossing it on her shoulder. "Fire Blast!" She commanded as numerous Magnemite approached. Larvesta launched a large flame at the opponents, scattering them. She kept running until she reached an exit. She noticed Rina arriving soon after.

"Where's Luna?" Gena interrogated.

"Don't know." Rina informed.

......

"Ember!" Luna shouted as she was surrounded by Magnemite. Char attempted to defeat the enemy, only to be knocked back by their attacks. She sent out Deino, who was quickly shocked by the opponents.

"It's no use." The woman asserted as she landed. "You'll be-" She gasped, narrowly dodging a large dragon emerging from the ground.

"Why hello there, Luna." Galen greeted as he approached her, his Garchomp returning to his side.

"Mr. Galen!?" She gasped. "Why are you here?"

"You went into Titan." He explained. "What else was I going to do?"

"Wilson." The woman growled. "What reason do you have to save this girl?"

"I felt like it." He calmly stated. "I owe her father this much."

"How noble..."

"I try." He grinned. "Dragon Claw!"

"Ice Fang!" She commanded a Steelix she sent out. The two beasts charged each other, Garchomp outspeeding and injuring the Steelix. It countered by biting Garchomp with frozen fangs, tossing it into the air.

"Fire Fang!" Galen shouted. Garchomp glided across the sky, before biting into Steelix with a blazing chomp, tackling it into the ground. It opened its mouth, draconic energy forming inside, when the woman called back her Steelix. Garchomp swiftly returned to Galen's side, snarling at the woman. Galen calmly stroked along its head. "Good girl."

"Fine. You may leave." The woman allowed, leaving on her Skarmory. "But, next time won't be the same."

"That was so cool!" Luna admired. Galen grinned, affably. "You and your Garchomp are so awesome!"

"Thank you." He chuckled. Garchomp sniffed Luna, nestling against her face. "Garchomp's only done that to one other person. You're lucky."

"Who's brave and strong?" Luna playfully scratched its rough scales. It let out a pleased cry. "You are! Yes, you are!"

"Well, I must go." Galen sighed, Garchomp quickly following him. "Take care of yourself."

"Thank you!" Luna beamed, waving farewell. She fled to the exit, noticing Gena and Rina. She waved eagerly, calling out to them.

"There she is." Rina stated. "Hey, you alright?"

"Just fine!" Luna giggled. "I was saved by one of my dad's friends."

"Dad has friends? Aside from the Sprouts?" Gena teased.

"Yeah, Mr. Galen Wilson!" She beamed. "He's the one who gave dad Squirtle and your Blastoisinite!"

"Why was he here?" Rina interrogated.

"He was investigating the ruins I believe." Luna nodded. "He probably knew that Titan was dangerous..."

"Let's just go." Gena asserted, dragging Luna away. "Come on, Rina!"

"Yeah, plus I learned something great from all this!" Rina smirked, mischievously.

"What's that?" Luna asked, not struggling against her sister.

"I am the bustiest!" Rina announced, throwing her hands up.

"What?" Gena paused, staring at Rina.

"The order of bustiness goes from me, Luna, then you Gena!" She laughed, haughtily. "Large, medium, and small! I have no competition!"

"Whatever shuts you up..." Gena sighed, continuing to leave as Luna's phone rang. Luna reached for it as Gena let her go.

"Hello?" Luna answered.

"Hey, its Lux." Lux responded. "Are you guys alright?"

"We're fine." She cheerfully stated. "Where are we going next?"

"We were thinking of meeting up at Ether." He explained. "How does that sound?"

"Alright. See you." She bid farewell.

"Bye." Lux responded, hanging up.

"So, we're going to Ether." Luna repeated.

"Okay." Rina nodded, turning around. "We need to retrace through the city to get on the proper route."

"We should be fine!" Luna smiled. "That woman said that we may leave. If she lied, then Mr. Galen should handle it!"

"Once again, let's go." Gena announced, reentering the town.

......

Rika watched as the trio wandered through the town. She sighed, sending out a Magnemite. "Magnemite go show them the exit." It nodded its body, floating out the window.

"So, is this all your library has to offer?" Wilson questioned, exploring the lower levels. His Garchomp observed her carefully.

"Most of it was burned down, so yes." Rika glared. "Just take your damn books and leave!"

"Will do." Wilson agreed, holding a small stack under his arm. "Farewell, Lady Rika."

"Get out." She hissed. "To suffer such humiliation..."

 

Chapter Twenty-Five- Pleading for Peace​

Ford carefully skimmed through her reports. They had lost both the Amber and Badlands outposts to the Liberators. The Psychic experiments in Amber. Nox in the Badlands. What next?

Lost:

One Espurr

Three Abra

Five Ralts

One Solosis

One Alakazam- Mega

One Gardevoir- Mega

One Gallade- Mega

"Feh..." She snorted, drinking from her mug. It was a small facility anyway. Most of the Pokémon probably either ran off or died in the lava. She continued through the reports, switching to Nox's prison.

MIA/KIA:

Leonti Simen

Saibh Holst

Alex Baar

Rustam De La Cruz

Aloisio Crawford

Ford leaned back, noticing that approximately seventy more names following them. She continued to sort through the files, unable to find a single mistake. She rubbed her eyes, forwarding the list to the Medical team. People die. Get over it, Cassandra... Don't pretend you care.

......

Lux began to travel through the town in the morning. Sam, Albert, and his mother agreed to meet on the outskirts of town. Without warning, he was dragged behind the Pokémon Center, getting held against the wall. Lux looked at his attacker, gasping at the the blonde woman from Amber. "Y-you're-!"

"Lux..." She grimaced, facing down. "Will you join us!?"

"What!?" He questioned, bewildered. "Why would I do that!? You destroyed Amber!"

She paused, looking him in the eyes. She appeared to be on the verge of tears. "You won't join us? Even though...?"

"No, not after Amber." Lux growled, grabbing her wrist.

"I thought we saved you!?" She gasped. "I don't understand! I..."

"Let go of me." Lux glared at her, pushing her arm away. She backed away, shocked. She paused for a moment, her expression turning sour.

"Fine." She groaned. "If you won't join us... Then I can't keep crying. Goodbye Lux Amity."

"Why do you want me to join you?" Lux interrogated, causing her to halt.

"Because he told me to. Because I thought you'd understand. I now know that you won't." She sighed, slipping into the shadows. Lux shook his head and began to make his way to the exit. He approached his mother, Albert and Sam as expected.

"Alright, he's here." Albert stated, leading the group away. "Let's go."

"What's wrong, sweetie?" His mother interrogated, resting her hand on his shoulder. "You look surprised."

"I was interrogated by a Liberator." Lux whispered. "She wanted me to join them."

"Hmm. Don't worry about it." She smiled. "Mother will always protect you."

"Even from you?" He teased.

"Of course." She laughed. "I won't hesitate to drop kick myself for you!"

"Thanks Mom." Lux grinned. "Let's go to Ether."

"Want me to tell you about it?" Sam interrupted. "Least I can do."

"No." Lux glared. His mother slapped the back of his head.

"Go ahead, Sam." She grinned, turning back to Lux. "You need to learn to play nice."

"He's our enemy."

"No. He's an asset right now. Until he betrays us, I won't interrogate him every second."

"So, anyway." Sam coughed. "Ether was built along the cliffs of the Eclipse Mountains to connect to flying Pokémon many years ago. Eventually, they created entire airliners there to travel all of Spes, along with a little Pelipper delivery system. But, you probably care about the Gym Leader, right? Well, her name is Amelia Sky, half sister of the Bug Gym Leader Amanda Sky."

"Didn't you grow up with her?" Lux recalled, causing Sam to wince.

"Yep, she's much smarter than me, to be honest. But, she doesn't really give off the Gym Leader vibe. But, her sister whipped her into shape alright. She's much stronger than dumb old Samuel Berk."

"How strong?" Lux inquired.

"Like, fifth Gym Leader strong-" Sam joked, pausing in realization. "Crap! This is your fifth Gym battle!"

"Less talk, more walk." Albert ordered, marching on ahead. The three shrugged, following after. Albert halted after about twenty minutes, pointing to a blue and white Pokémon. "Look. An Oshawott."

"So?" Sam inquired. "What, are you gonna catch it?"

"Lux?" Albert questioned, looking to him expectantly. "It'd make a good addition to your team."

"I'm good." Lux opted. "I can already tell that it won't like me. Why don't you catch it?"

"Why do you say that?" Albert interrogated.

"Well, that's my fault." Airi interrupted. "I've held a firm belief that every trainer has an affinity for certain Pokémon."

"So? That's natural."

"Well, for every trainer, there's a perfect bond to be discovered with one Pokémon. Lux has had trouble with finding Pokémon that bond with him."

"He already has five Pokémon that like him." Albert argued.

"Out of all the ones I've caught?" Lux sighed. "That's only a drop in the bucket."

"Oh." Albert realized. "Well, either way, I'm the Fire Gym Leader. Not the Water."

"And? It's a great learning opportunity." Airi argued.

"Fine." Albert sighed, sending out Quilava. The Oshawott turned to him, preparing to battle. "Quick Attack!" He commanded, prompting Quilava to slam into the opponent. It reeled back, blasting a stream of water at Quilava. "Again!" He directed. Quilava struck the Oshawott again, knocking it down. Albert pulled out a Pokéball, tossing it at the Pokémon, catching it.

"Great job!" Sam celebrated. "You're a natural!"

"Hm." Albert groaned, continuing to walk. "We're almost at Ether, let's go."

......

"Anri." Aine called out. Anri stealthily appeared before her.

"What is it?"

"Why are you here?"

"I was sent to spy? Why are you here?"

"I was sent to spy." Aine nodded. "Why are there three of us?"

"Something's off..." Anri agreed.

"Cover my reports. You're good at forging things." Aine commanded, walking away. "I'm gonna to do a bit of investigating."

"Wait-" Anri argued as Aine ran off. "Fine." She sighed, pulling out her laptop. Eld's Repor- Shit! She grimaced, deleting the text. Aine's- Goddamn it! She growled, deleting the text again. Yo, its Aine- "Forget it!" She shouted, slamming her laptop closed. She'll figure it out later.

 

Chapter Twenty-Six- Friendly Fighters​

"Get the hell back here!" A man dressed in black shouted as they continued along the mountain path. He was joined by five others, dressed the same way. They surrounded a Lucario and a Scrafty that protected two eggs.

"What are you doing!?" Lux wailed as he charged the men, sending out Meowstic and Axew. His mother jumped after him, sending out Gardevoir. Sam paused, grimacing, while Albert watched carefully.

"We've been ordered to capture this Lucario for New Order." The man explained, noticing Sam. "Berk, a little aid, if you will."

"Sam?" Airi interrogated, glaring at Sam. "Are these your friends?"

"No..." He sighed, causing his allies to wince. "I'm an Agent. They're field grunts."

"What are you doing!?" The man wailed. "You're supposed to help us!"

"Yeah, well you see, my job is to watch the greened eyed boy there." He explained, pointing to Lux. "I have to make sure he gets stronger... So, sorry?"

The man paused for a moment, reacting after a minute. "Crap!" He gasped, reaching for a Pokéball. Before he could toss it out, the Lucario kneed him from behind. As he fell to the ground, it and the Scrafty fled up the mountains, prompting two of the grunts to chase after. Two of the remaining grunts sent out a Nidoking and Nidoqueen, while the other helped the man up, sending out a Golbat. The man retreated after the Lucario, swearing beneath his breath.

"Psyshock!" Airi shouted. Gardevoir eyes glowed as she fired numerous psychic blasts at the Nidoking, defeating it. The Nidoqueen took the opportunity to fire a poisonous sludge at Gardevoir, injuring her.

"Psybeam!" Lux commanded Meowstic. Her eyes shone brightly as she countered the Nidoqueen with a psychic beam. "Slash!" He directed Axew. He pounced the Golbat, knocking it to the ground. Gardevoir took the opportunity to let out an echoing scream, defeating the Golbat and Nidoqueen. The three grunts returned their Pokémon, fleeing in defeat.

"Let's go!" Airi commanded, running ahead with Gardevoir. Lux, Albert and Sam quickly followed behind.

They caught up to the remaining three grunts, battling the Lucario and Scrafty with a Escavalier, Trevenant, and Xatu. The Lucario's fists shone brightly as it jabbed the Xatu fiercely, switching to strike Escavalier with a flaming fist, before finally punching the Trevenant with a frozen strike. It cried in victory, before noticing the group.

"Damn it!" The man grimaced, fleeing alongside his allies. "I'll get you for this!"

"Hey, are you alright?" Airi approached the Lucario. It jumped back, clenching its side. She slowly approached it, Gardevoir soothing it. "It's alright. They're gone now."

"Car..." It groaned, returning to the Scrafty, who held their eggs.

Scrafty quickly placed them down as one began to shake. It observed the group, before smiling warmly. They approached steadily, Lucario watching them carefully. The first egg cracked open, revealing a Scraggy. It blinked awkwardly, stumbling out of its shell. The group turned to the second egg, which didn't move. The Scrafty slowly stood up, jumping down as the egg shook. The side of the egg fell off, causing a small golden Riolu to fall out. It looked around, picking itself up, hastily.

"Cute..." Airi chuckled, turning to leave. "Let's leave them be."

"Yeah." Lux beamed, pausing as the Riolu approached him. The rest of its family paused to call it back, prompting it to run after them. He shook his head, returning to the walk.

"So, do you know what that was about?" Albert asked Sam. He shrugged in response.

"Sorry, don't know everything that goes on in our organization." He chuckled. "Honesty, I'd tell you if I did know. My guess is that the Lucario is special or something."

"Hmm." Lux averted his gazed, jogging ahead. "We're almost at Ether, come on!"

......

"Look at those Pelipper!" Luna squealed as numerous messenger birds flew overhead when they entered the city. Gena sighed, patting her back.

"They're just Pelipper..." She rolled her eyes. "Nothing special."

"I know." Luna smiled. "But, I've never seen one before."

"So, what did you catch on the way here?" Gena grinned. "I'm actually curious."

"Um." Luna recalled. "A Teddiursa, Caterpie, Weedle, Wurmple, Starly, Pidgey, Taillow... and a few of their evolved forms."

"Good for you." Gena nodded. "Keep at it."

"Did you not catch anything?"

"No."

"Hey guys, I'm back~!" Rina announced, entering the city. "What did I miss~?"

"Nothing much." Gena confirmed. "What've you been up to?"

"Just catching some new friends~" She grinned, scratching her head. "But, nothing I feel like using..."

"Oh, that's too bad..." Luna sulked. "So, where's the gym?"

"Airport, I believe..." Gena thought out loud. "Let's go."

"You two go on ahead." Rina smiled. "I want to explore the city first."

"Got it! See you!" Luna waved as Rina left, turning to look for the airport. They passed numerous buildings, finally reaching a large clearing. A large gym with a round roof stood at the edge of it. A familiar bee dressed queen sat in a chair outside of a home next to it. Luna ran over to her, waving eagerly. "Amanda!"

"Hmm?" Amanda looked up, noticing Luna and Gena. "Hey, Luna. How are you?"

"Just great!" She beamed, approaching her. "How about you?"

"Eh, been better." She frowned. "Amelia's locked up in her room." She gestured to the house behind her. "I might've been too blunt..."

"What do you mean?" Gena questioned, catching up.

"Well, there are probably better ways to tell someone that their role model is a 'dirty stinking traitor'..." She chuckled, putting her face in her hands. "Helix, I'm an idiot..."

"Wow, that's some anger..." Gena sighed, amused. "Either way, she needs to accept... whatever this is about..."

"Oh right, you weren't there." Luna pondered. "Their friend is a member of New Order."

"That sucks." Gena grinned. "Well, she'll get over it."

"So, are you here to challenge her?" Amanda questioned, standing up. The two nodded in affirmation. "...Give me a minute." She groaned, sending out Beedrill. She flicked to the window on the second floor. Beedrill flew to the window, forcing it open.

"Ow! Ow! Ow! Stop it!" A loud shriek rang out. After a moment, Beedrill flew back down, a loud stomping coming from the house. The door swung open, a visibly irritated girl emerging. "What the hell, Sis!?"

"Do your job." Amanda ordered, pointing to the girls. "You've got challengers."

"I'm in the middle of something..." She grimaced. "Can we-"

"Now."

"Fine." She groaned, heading into the gym next to her. Luna and Gena followed. Inside, the building was completely empty, a catwalk along the perimeter. "Let's just get this over with... two v. two Double Battle." She sighed, sending out a Gligar and Yanma.

"Alright!" Luna jumped, Gena nodding in agreement. They sent out Char and Wartortle. "Ember!" Luna directed. Char fired a volley of flames at the Yanma, knocking it back. Wartortle followed up with a blast of water, striking Gligar fiercely.

"Uproar! Slash!" Amelia commanded. Gligar rushed Char, slashing at her swiftly. At the same time, Yanma fired a large sound wave at Wartortle, sending her flying.

"Now!" Gena shouted, Wartortle flipping in the air. She spun rapidly, slamming into the Gligar, defeating it.

"Go!" Luna followed up. Char slashed at Yanma before it could react, defeating it as well. The duo celebrated simultaneously.

"Good job..." Amelia stretched, holding out two crescent shaped badges. "I present to you, the Soaring Badge."

"Victory! Victory!" Luna chanted, accepting the badge. Gena subtly smiled, before accepting her badge with a frown.

"Well, I'm going home." Amelia exhaled, returning to her home. The two exited the building after, running into Amanda outside.

"I take it you won?" Amanda smiled, depressingly. "I guess you'll be leaving now?"

"No, we're going to find Lux first." Luna elaborated. "We've been traveling together."

"Okay-" Amanda agreed as a man's scream pierced the atmosphere. "The hell?"

 

Chapter Twenty-Seven- A Golden Prodigy​

"Hey, Amie!" Sam greeted, approaching his friend. "Guess what just happened!"

"What?" She inquired, taken aback.

"I'm the new Steel Type Gym Leader!" He announced.

"Really? That's amazing!"

"Thanks." He smirked. "What have you been up to?"

"Actually, I caught this!" She beamed, sending out a Skarmory. "Maybe I can become a Gym Leader one day too!"

"I can only hope!" He laughed.

......

"Get this thing off of me!" Sam cried, holding a Beedrill off of him. "Anyone? Help!"

"So, this is a thing again." Lux tilted his head. Eevee and Meowstic stared blankly along with him. Albert scratched his head in disappointment. Airi chuckled, reaching for a Pokéball.

"Um, what?" Rina interrupted, approaching the group. "Why is he being attacked by a Beedrill?"

"Guess I'm just some sweet honey!" Sam joked, narrowly dodging the Beedrill's stinger. "Okay was a bad joke! I admit it!"

"Hey Rina, what's up with you?" Lux inquired, ignoring Sam.

"I was just exploring, I'm curious, takes a while, I hear a scream, and you're watching someone get mauled by a Beedrill... What's up?" She joked.

"Aron!" Sam's Aron cried as it attempted to tackle the Beedrill, only to be slapped away. It landed on its back, struggling to get up. Albert casually tipped it over, prompting it to charge Beedrill again, resulting the same way.

"Wow... That thing is persistent." Rina commented, flipping it over. As it prepared to charge again, a woman called off the Beedrill.

"Beedrill, that's enough!" The Vespiquen dressed woman shouted. Beedrill jumped back, glaring at Sam.

"Thanks, Am..." He grinned wearily, standing up. "Your-"

"Why are you here Berk?" She interrogated. "I don't think Amelia will be pleased to see you."

"Ouch, you referred to me by that name, again..." He smirked, depressingly. "Am, could you just call me-"

"I'll call you what I please, Berk." She asserted. "Even if you complain."

"Fine, whatever." He agreed, the same smile on his face. "So, I take it you want me out?"

"Yes." She confirmed. "Never come near Amelia."

"...There's a problem with that." He sighed, his tone shifting. "You see, I have to follow Lux here no matter what. Those are my orders."

"Very well." She glared, gesturing from Beedrill to Sam. It nodded, before charging at Sam. He flinched as Aron took the blow for him, getting knocked to the side. Beedrill reeled back to strike Sam, getting blocked by a Mawile.

"That's enough!" Rina shouted. "Lux is here for a badge. Stop fighting and take him to the Gym Leader!"

"...Okay." Amanda grimaced, returning Beedrill. She gestured for Lux to follow, before turning to Sam. "Stay."

"Got it." He sighed, walking away. "Just tell me when we're leaving..."

"So, who is this?" His mother questioned, inspecting Rina. "Is she your significant other?"

"Yep." Rina nodded.

"No..." Lux sighed. "She's just a friend."

"A lady friend if you will." Rina teased. "But seriously, let's get your badge."

......

"Hey, Lux!" Luna smiled, waving to Lux, Rina, Albert, Amanda and a pink haired woman.

"Ah?" The pink haired woman smirked. "Is this your lady friend, Lux sweetie?"

"No." Lux calmly retorted. "This is Luna. She's been traveling with us." He explained.

"What about her?" The woman continued, pointing to Gena.

"No." He stated. "That's Gena. Luna's sister."

"Damn..." She sighed. "Well, I'm Airi Amity. I'm Lux's mother."

"M-Mrs. Amity!?" Luna panicked. "I-it's wonderful to meet you!"

"So, your Mrs. Amity?" Gena questioned, Zorua jumping from her shoulder. "I would like to battle you."

"...Nah." Airi shrugged. "See, I don't battle just any-"

"S-Scra..." An injured Scrafty cried as it approached the group. They swiftly checked up on it.

"Hey, this is the Scrafty from before!" Lux realized, running into the distance. Rina quickly trailed behind him.

"One of you take Scrafty to the Pokémon Center!" Airi ordered, running after the duo.

"Albert, Luna, take care of it!" Gena commanded, following the others. Amanda quickly joined her, leaving the duo.

"Come on!" Luna announced, helping the Scrafty.

"Got it." Albert nodded, assisting Luna.

......

"Hah!" The man from before laughed. He had a Galvantula at his side. The Lucario was on the ground, covered in an electric web. "Not so tough now!"

"Captain!" A woman from before cried, noticing the group. "They're here!"

"Excellent!" He smirked. "We received a new weapon! Time to test it!" He announced. Another man placed a small black stone next to Lucario. The stone released a menacing aura that enveloped Lucario. Meanwhile, the secondary man and woman tossed out a Solrock and Lunatone.

"Azumarill!" Airi announced, sending out her Water Type. Lux followed up by sending out Budew. "Aqua Jet!" She commanded. Azumarill shrouded herself in water, slamming into the Lunatone, defeating it.

"Mega Drain!" Lux imitated. Budew began to drain the Solrock's energy, before it countered with Rock Slide. Azumarill attempted to assist, pausing as Budew shone brightly. Her bud formed rose hands, holding them out to defeat the Solrock with Mega Drain. She spun around in victory.

"Great job, Roselia!" Airi praised, turning to her son. He smiled, before clenching his head and turning to the man and Lucario. It took a Mega Evolved shape, giving off a dark aura.

"Too bad." The man chuckled. "This is Shadow Mega Lucario." He elaborated. "Now, destroy the-" He commanded, getting knocked to the side by the Lucario, who turned its attention to the group.

"Well, that lasted real long..." Rina shrugged, sending out her Mawile. "But, looks like we have to deal with that..."

"Vespiquen..." Amanda sulked, sending out Beedrill. "Drill Run!"

"Play Rough!" Rina followed. Lucario's leg became shrouded in a fierce flame as it kicked Mawile into Beedrill, defeating them. "W-what!?"

"Aqua Jet!" Airi directed. Before Azumarill could move, the Lucario jabbed her repeatedly, defeating her. "How!?" She questioned, sending out Gardevoir, with the same results.

"Car!" It cried fiercely, turning to Lux. He grimaced, approaching the Lucario.

"Lucario..." He began, a somber expression on his face, prompting it to pause. "You're scared. Scared, angry, sad, and panicked. I understand. But, you're a parent. Do you want to hurt your children? Then stop. Trust me, it hurts when your parent doesn't come home."

"Lux...?" Airi mumbled, baffled. Rina and Amanda stared in disbelief.

The Lucario stepped back, before growling in anger. It reeled back to strike Lux, stumbling as a Riolu kneed it. It backflipped off of the Lucario, landing with its hands up. A Scraggy trailed behind, jabbing the Lucario with a glowing fist. It paused, staring at its children, clenching its head and backing away. It stared at its hands, before striking itself in the stomach, collapsing to the ground. Its body began to crumble, prompting the group to approach it.

"Impossible..." The man mumbled as he and his allies slipped away.

"Lucario!?" Lux cried, holding the Pokémon. Its children followed, allowing it to wrap its arms around them. A large smile ran across its face, holding them tightly. It let out one last peaceful cry as its body completely faded. The group sat there for a while, before carrying the Riolu and Scraggy to the Pokémon Center.

......

Luna and Albert sat patiently as the nurse healed Scrafty. "So, what do we do now?" Luna asked.

"Wait, I guess." Albert stated, watching his Oshawott train in the corner. "Should I catch more Pokémon?"

"Yeah, if you want to." Luna nodded. "I can give you one if you'd like."

"What do you have?" Albert inquired. Luna gestured to the PC. Luna opened her storage as Albert approached, looking through it.

"Hey, a Lillipup!" She realized.

"A very loyal Pokémon." Albert commented, scanning her storage. "What do you want for it?"

"Hmm." Luna thought. "Nothing, as long as you use it!"

"Alright." Albert accepted as she withdrew her Pokémon, handing its Pokéball to him. At that moment, Lux and the others entered the building, holding a Riolu and Scraggy.

"Hey!" Luna waved, checking on the group.

"Hold on." Lux stated, carrying the Riolu to the nurse. Rina followed with the Scraggy. "Can you check up on these?"

"Of course." The nurse bowed, taking the Pokémon away.

"So, what happened?" Albert asked Lux.

"New Order messed with the Lucario from earlier." Lux elaborated. "It died for those little guys."

"Oh..." Luna frowned.

"Well, at least they have Scrafty." Albert nodded.

"Speaking of which." Gena interrupted, pointing to the Scrafty as the nurse helped it out.

"This Scrafty made a full recovery, no problem." She smiled, the Riolu and Scraggy running out. "And these little ones seem to be just fine."

"Scra!" The Scrafty cried, gesturing to Lux. The golden Riolu ran over, standing proudly in front of him. Lux hesitantly pet it, prompting it to gesture in the air.

"Ri!" It cried, pointing to Lux. "O!" It pointed to itself. "Lu!" It ended, slamming its fists together.

"I don't follow..." Lux chuckled, awkwardly. The Riolu growled, pointing to his Pokéball belt. "Oh? You... want to join me?" It nodded in response. Lux looked up to the Scrafty, who seemed approving. "Alright, come on." He smiled, pulling out a Pokéball. It eagerly hopped into it, jumping back out once it was registered.

"Good for you. Hmm?" Rina paused as the Scraggy clung to her leg. She turned to Scrafty who gave her the same approving look. "Really? I didn't do much. You sure you don't want Luna?" She argued, causing the Scraggy to cling tighter. "Fine." She laughed, catching it with a Pokéball.

"Scraft!" Scrafty cried as it left its children in their care. It quickly ran off into the distance.

"Alright!" Rina smirked. "Time to get your badge, Lux!"

 

Chapter Twenty-Eight- Forgive and Never Forget​

"How are your scores today?" Galen questioned his daughter.

"Perfect." She announced. "A perfect score in science, history, math, gymnastics, and battling."

"Good." He nodded, petting Garchomp. "So, would like me to get you anything."

"I'm fine." She shook her head. "If that is all-"

"How about a Gible?" He inquired, holding out a Pokéball.

"...I'm... fine." She sighed, leaving the room. "Farewell."

......

"S-Sam!?" Amelia gasped, running up to Sam, who had been drinking coffee.

"Crap..." He sighed.

"It isn't true, is it?" She panicked. "You didn't join New Order!?"

"I did."

"W-why!?"

"...'Cuz I'm an idiot?" He groaned. "I needed to do something after I lost my job."

"Is that really it?" She sulked.

"Yep."

"Quit lying." She growled. "I know you better than that. That's why Amanda wants to forgive you."

"She wants to forgive me?" Sam chuckled.

"Yes. She cried a lot." Amelia explained. "You're like family to us. So, what's your other reason?"

"My other option is to face my dad." He smiled, depressingly. "And I'd rather not have him lord my failure over me."

"I see..." She nodded, before shifting into a smile. "Okay then. Until you do something wrong. I'll put my trust in you."

"What?" He asked in confusion.

"Yeah." She continued. "You're your own person. I'm mature enough to accept that. I trust you to keep yourself in check."

"Alright..."

"Well, I better get back to work. I'm still a Gym Leader, y'know."

"Yeah, list-"

"Berk!" Amanda shouted, approaching the duo. The group hastily followed from behind. "I told you to stay away from Amelia!"

"Wait Sis, I approached him!" Amelia defended. "And I'm okay now!"

"That doesn't excuse what he's done!"

"I forgave him! I trust him! Why can't you!?"

"Quit being so naive!" Amanda snapped. Airi approached the two, resting her hand on Amanda's shoulder.

"Forgive, but don't forget." She stated. "Accept that what's done is done. But, don't let them make the same mistake. Help them grow."

"Yeah!" Amelia agreed. "Forgive Sam already!"

"...Prove that you're still the Sam we know first, Berk." She sighed, averting her gazed. "Then I'll forgive you..."

"You asked Furret! I'll try to Steel the spotlight!" He grinned, holding Aron up. The rest of the group stared awkwardly, before Amanda began to chuckle.

"Hahaha!" She beamed. "Fine, fine! I'll let you keep telling those stupid ass puns!"

"That was easy..." Rina commented.

"So... I wanted to challenge the Gym Leader..." Lux interrupted, prompting Amelia to step forth.

"Of course, let's go to my gym!" She announced, running ahead. Lux and the others quickly followed behind, leaving Sam and Amanda behind.

"So, you cried?" He teased. "What, am I that important to you?"

"I didn't cry." She argued. "But, yes. You're very important to me and Amelia."

"...Hey, when this is all over." Sam gazed into the distance. "When New Order either wins, or let's me go scot free... Do you want to go out to eat? Me, you, and Amelia?"

"I'll think about it. Just don't screw up."

......

"Okay! Go Yanma!" Amelia shouted as the roof of her gym parted, revealing the sky overhead. "My entire battle style revolves around speed! I hope you're ready!"

"Litwick!" Lux commanded, sending out his candle Pokémon. She smirked, mischievously. "Fire Blast!"

"Aerial Ace!" Amelia countered. Yanma sped ahead, striking Litwick. She recollected herself, before lobbing a large flame at Yamna, defeating it. Amelia laughed, replacing Yanma with Gligar. "Feint Attack!" She directed. Gligar flew around Litwick, striking her from behind.

"Return!" Lux commanded, retrieving his defeated Pokémon. "Meowstic!" She jumped onto the battlefield from his shoulder. "Psybeam!"

"Feint Attack!" She repeated. Gligar swiftly struck Meowstic from behind. She hastily blasted it with a psychic blast, knocking it back. "Aerial Ace!"

"Another Psybeam!" Lux shouted. The two struck each other simultaneously, defeating each other. Amelia smiled, reaching for a third Pokéball.

"Not done yet! Fletchinder!" She tossed out a red bird. Lux quickly sent out Axew in response.

"Xew!" He cried eagerly.

"Slash!"

"Aerial Ace!" She countered. Fletchinder struck Axew with blinding speed. He let out a roar, slashing at the bird.

"Don't let up!" Lux motivated. Axew let out a cry of agreement, slashing at the opponent.

"Roost!" She laughed. Fletchinder hastily landed, treating its wounds. Axew fired a large blast at it, knocking it to the side. "Aerial Ace!"

"Axew!" Lux shouted. Axew took the attack, grabbing the bird and blasting it.

"One more!" Amelia informed, retrieving her Pokémon and sending out a Skarmory. "Iron Head!"

"Okay! Let's go!" Lux shouted. Axew struck the metal bird twice, before getting headbutted. Axew stumbled around, before falling in defeat. "Alright... Riolu!"

"Ri-O-Lu!" She stood proudly.

"Fire Punch!" He ordered. Riolu charged the opponent, striking it with a flaming fist. It reeled back, before countering with Aerial Ace.

"It's too fast." Albert frowned. "But, this is Lux..."

"Let's see how he pulls this one out." Gena smirked.

"End it!" Lux commanded. The two collided, Riolu crying fiercely. She took the attack, pummeling the Skarmory fiercely. She let out a cry twice as strong as Axew's, celebrating her victory.

"Haha!" Amelia beamed, pulling out a badge. "For such a great victory, here's the Soaring Badge! Soar high, little Bagon!"

"Thank you." Lux smiled, accepting the badge.

"No problem!"

"So, where to next?" Sam inquired. "Pretty sure you can take a flight anywhere from here..."

"Ah!" His mother smiled, turning to him. "Let's go home real quick! From there you can visit Simpleton, home of the Normal Gym Leader."

"Simpletown..." Albert sighed.

"Potato, Potahto."

"Who says potahto?"

"Anyway, we do need to check up on the servants. Make sure their still alive and all." She explained, leading them out the door.

"Goodbye!" Amelia waved as they left. Amanda joined her, smiling peacefully. Amelia shifted her gaze to her sister, smirking slyly. "Ohoho? What's this? Is the stoic queen finally showing her nice side?"

"Not a queen. And I don't exactly hide this side." Amanda denied. "I'm just happy to see how much you've grown."

"Wha!? N-No fair!" She cried, blushing. "I still have a long way to go!"

"I know."

......

After finishing Eld's report, Anri leaned back, checking her PC. Aside from the numerous Pokémon she had bred... Seriously, how did her father do it? She noticed nothing new... except for a Gible in the corner. Idiotic old man...

 

Chapter Twenty-Nine- Lady of Shadow​

"Bring her up!" A man shouted, causing the crane to pull a large stone from the water. The rainbow color stood out immensely against the night sky. A smirk ran across his boss's face. Suddenly, the stone let out a large wave, causing the crane to slam the stone into the boat. "Be careful!"

"Sorry!" The crane operator apologized. He slowly moved the stone onto the deck, revealing a large crack. Numerous scientists, shining flashlights, ran up to the stone as it split open. A small, black haired child fell from inside.

"Make sure no one hears about this." The boss whispered to a nearby woman.

......

Nox arose from her sleep, closing her eyes briefly. She saw Lux and his allies on a plane, flying to his home. She shifted her vision to Sotiria, who appeared to be reading religious text on top of Zapdos.

"Lady Nox." Rika spoke from outside her chambers. "I wish to speak."

"Enter." Nox allowed, brushing her hair out of her face. She materialized her armor and helmet as Rika entered. "What is it?"

"I've come to apologize." Rika bowed. "Wilson was too powerful for me..."

"Did you expect anything else?" Nox insulted. "Slaves or not, his Pokémon are quite powerful. Garchomp, Charizard, Blastoise, Venusaur, Metagross, and Kyurem..."

"K-Kyurem!?"

"Yes." Nox confirmed. "He managed to enslave Kyurem many years ago."

"So, even if I defeated Garchomp..." Rika sulked.

"You would've been defeated, yes."

"...Any new orders?" Rika sighed.

"Go find Agni." She commanded. "He'll tell you what to do."

"Understood." Rika bowed, before leaving the room. Nox closed her eyes, watching Lux again. He appeared to have fallen asleep, a Meowstic and Eevee on his lap. She felt something tug at her lip. She shook her head, before peering out of her balcony. She watched over the fools who worked tirelessly to build her tower. It was nearly complete, reaching above the clouds.

 

Chapter Thirty- Servants: Civil War​

Anri's Report- Four

Subject: Lux

After entering Terra, the subject challenged the Gym Leader, winning flawlessly as expected. Lux then met with Airi Amity, his mother, and began a journey to Ether. There he met up with his allies and stopped one of our grunts. I would like to request confirmation on the logistics of that operation. After obtaining an odd Riolu, the subject challenged the Gym Leader and once again obtained victory. The group has then begun a journey to the Amity household.

Lastly, I would like confirmation on Agents Eld and Berk. Simply put, I can handle this myself.

......

"So, this is your home?" Luna inquired as they landed near a large mansion.

"Yeah..." Lux sighed, continuing forward, pausing to stare at a large Haxorus statue. "Dad never was modest, was he?"

"Part of the reason I love him, Luxie." Airi laughed. Without warning, a Staraptor tackled a Pidgeot to the ground, fainting on impact. A small radio fell from its satchel.

"Smogon Bird, you better not get cocky with this victory!" A voice rang through.

"Oh god! They released the Ralts!" Another voice echoed, followed by an explosion from the home.

"That's bad!" Airi panicked, running ahead. She forced her way into the entrance, noticing Reginald, Walter and Ashley barricading the hallway.

"M-Mrs. Airi!?" Ashley panicked, waving a Pokéball awkwardly. She was a short, freckled, brunette with pigtails. She wore the standard staff uniform. "W-we can explain!"

"Do go on..." Airi allowed, staring blankly at Walter's maid outfit. He was an average sized man with dark brown hair and eyes. "I expect to hear about that as well..."

"Hahaha..." Walter chuckled. "Lost a bet."

"Oh, okay."

"Honestly, it's not that bad." Walter grinned. "Lots of breathing room."

"Ahem." Reginald coughed. He was a tall blonde man with glasses, and donned the standard uniform. "So, what happened was, we got into a little argument with one another."

"Claire and Geoffrey got into an argument about stealing her wish on a date..." Walter tilted his head with a grin. "Then everything just spiraled out of control, with everyone taking different sides on different topics. There's five factions right now..."

"What faction are you?" Airi inquired.

"Team Amity! Defenders of the Amity household!" They announced simultaneously in different tones.

"Uh...huh..." Airi nodded, emotionless. At that moment Lux and his friends barged in.

"Damn it, you're fast Mom!" Lux cried. He looked up, noticing Walter. "Not gonna ask..."

"So, new plan." Airi smiled at her little army. "We're gonna split up and conquer each faction for Team Amity!"

"What...?" Albert questioned, a confused look on his face. "Care to explain?"

"Five factions." Reginald began. "Team Munchlax took over the dining room."

"Team Winged Snow Hunter and Team Smogon Bird are currently battling on the roof for that territory..." Walter added.

"And lastly, Team Dome took the garden." Ashley ended.

"So, who wants which?" Airi asked, turning to the group.

......

"Fire Blast!" Walter commanded his Arcanine as he charged into the dining room alongside Albert. Arcanine launched a large flame at Jasper's Snorlax, which rested as a wall. He was a large man who frequently raided the refrigerator. Despite this, he was a very efficient worker. Snorlax rose wearily, its body burned. "Critical Hit!"

"Razor Shell!" Albert directed Oshawott. Its body began to glow before evolving into Dewott and striking Gordon's Rotom- Heat. He was a stern man, dressed in a chef's uniform "Take Down!" He shifted to Lillipup, who also began to glow. It changed into a Herdier and slammed its body into Helena's Slurpuff. She was a fashionable and showy woman, who most likely broke numerous dress codes.

"Body Slam!" Jasper ordered. "...Then we can go back to eating!"

"Heat Wave!" Gordon assisted. "Cook him to perfection!"

"Drain Punch!" Helena joined. "Suck 'em dry!"

"Protect!" Walter countered. Arcanine jumped in front of Dewott and Herdier, defending the attacks with a barrier. "Go!"

"Helping Hand!" Albert directed Herdier. It howled, causing an aura to shroud Dewott. "Razor Shell!" Dewott charged the opponents, slashing them one after another. The opponents fell in defeat, before getting recalled by their trainers.

"This land now belongs to Team Amity!" Walter celebrated, pointing at the trio. He began to reach for a radio on his person. "How's your mission coming along?"

......

"Just splendidly." Reginald boasted, sending out his Alakazam and entering the garden with Rina. "Shadow Ball!" He commanded. Alakazam began fired a dark orb at Eleanore's Medicham, defeating it. She was a tall woman who regularly challenged Reginald's intelligence.

"Vine Whip!" Rina shouted. Bulbasaur began to glow, evolving into Ivysaur and restraining Clarissa's Whimsicott, before slamming it into a tree. She was a short girl who frequently pranked others.

"Shadow Ball..." Alexandra mumbled. Her Gengar blasted Alakazam with a similar orb, fainting it. She was a quiet, black haired girl who kept to herself.

"Solarbeam!" Rina commanded, noticing the skylight overhead. Ivysaur began to charge energy, before firing a green ray at Gengar, injuring it.

"Psychic!" Reginald ordered as he sent out a Reuniclus. Its eyes shone brightly as it fired a large blast of psychic energy at the Gengar, finishing it. He fixed his collar in satisfaction. "This area is now under Mrs. Amity's control. How are you faring?"

......

"We're okay!" Ashley confirmed as she sent out Golem and entered the roof alongside Gena.

"SB, go!" Geoffrey commanded as they entered. He as a cocky man who frequently gambled, as well as Walter's younger brother. His Talonflame began to shine brightly, tackling Golem fiercely.

"We can do it! Smack Down!" Ashley squeaked. Golem hastily grabbed Talonflame and slammed it to the ground with its body, defeating it.

"Greninja!" Pierce shouted. He was an eager man who was always active. "No way we'll lose!" His Greninja circled around Wartortle, striking her from behind.

"Aura Sphere!" Gena countered. Wartortle held her hands together, launching a blue orb at Greninja, defeating it.

"Aegislash!" Laurence joined. He was a short man with an awkward appearance. "We can do this! I think." Aegislash changed its form, spinning to slash at Golem. Gena quickly changed to Larvesta.

"Fire Blast!" She interrupted. Larvesta fired a large flame at Aegislash, defeating it.

"Phew..." Ashley sighed, reaching for her radio. "Hey Mrs. Airi, are you okay?"

......

"Wonderful!" Airi smirked, approaching her servants on the roof with Luna. "Gardevoir, Psyshock!"

"Milotic!" Wallace countered. He was a flamboyant man who frequently flirted with women. He could probably give Airi's brother a run for his money. "Our beauty can burn you, milady!" Milotic blasted Gardevoir with a jet of boiling water, only to be defeated by her Psyshock.

"Char! Use Fire Fang!" Luna directed. Char bit into Diana's Breloom, defeating it instantly. She was an arrogant woman who enjoyed fighting.

"Hyper Voice!" Airi finished. Gardevoir let out a large scream, defeating Claire's Noivern. She was a tsundere. Simple as that. Airi reached for her radio, laughing in victory. "How's my Luxie-Poo?"

......

"Fine." Lux answered, entering the Pokémon playground. Tyrantrum was on the ground, being crawled on by numerous Ralts. It cried in terror of the adorable fairies. "Roselia! Litwick!" Lux announced, sending out his Pokémon.

"Ralts!" One of the fairies cried, shifting the horde's attention to him. They let out a high pitched scream that echoed throughout the room, causing Lux to wince. He turned his head to notice the Ralts' shelves had been smashed, before noticing his father's. "Hold them off!" Lux commanded his team, running to the shelf. He quickly opened it, releasing a horde of Axew. At that moment, his Axew jumped out of his Pokéball and stared at the horde. They stared at each other before his Axew slashed at one of them, causing an all out brawl. "Hey, stop it!"

"Trum!" Tyrantrum cried in the distance, getting the attention of the Axew. They noticed the Ralts and begun to charge the horde. Lux took the opportunity to gather the Pokeballs, preparing to recapture all the Ralts. The Ralts bombarded the Axew with a wave of Hyper Voices, while numerous Axew broke the lines with Iron Tails and Poison Jabs. His Axew took the moment to teach itself Poison Jab via observation, joining the assault. Tyrantrum fell as the Ralts continued to climb him, attacking him playfully.

Lux hastily carved through waves, catching one Ralts after another, possibly going deaf from the Hyper Voice spam. Why did they know Hyper Voice!? After finally catching the last one, he let out a weary sigh, gathered the Ralts' Pokeballs, placing them in the shelf carefully. He turned to Tyrantrum who was frozen in shock, and tapped it on the snout. It slowly rose, before retreating to its cave. Axew rose atop his siblings, raising his arms in superiority. One of his siblings hastily ran behind him, kicking him down, mimicking Axew's pose. Lux chuckled, gesturing to the shelf. "Alright, back into your Pokeballs." The Axew glanced to each other, before making their way to the shelf.

......

"I am disappointed in every single one of you! I was only gone for a few weeks!" Airi lectured her servants in the entrance. "I demand a proper explanation from all of you!"

"S/He started it!" They all responded simultaneously, pointing at one another.

"Are these really your servants?" Rina pondered. "They seem rather... unprofessional..."

"Eh..." Lux shrugged. "They have redeeming qualities..."

"Nonetheless..." Airi continued. "Only three of you have displayed actions worthy of praise. Reginald, Walter, Ashley, come here."

"Ma'am." Reginald greeted as they stepped forward.

"For Reginald, I present you this." She smiled, holding out a rock.

"A wondrous specimen, thank you." He accepted, stepping back.

"And for Ashley." She began, walking to Ashley. "A new bow for your Pokémon."

"Thank you!" She beamed, accepting the rainbow bow and stepping back.

"And Walter..." She sighed, holding out folded clothing. "Here's some pants..."

"Thank you." He laughed, stepping back.

"Now, the rest of you, get to work fixing my house!" She ordered, leaving the room. The servants began to scatter and resume their duties. Lux sighed and left as well.

"Baby, I'm so sorry!" Geoffrey apologized to Claire, holding her hands. "I'll do anything for you!"

"Why would I forgive you, jerk!?" She argued, running away.

"Baby, I'm on my knees here!"

"No you're not, idiot!"

"It's an idiom! I would get on my knees if you stopped walking!" He continued, fading into the distance.

"Well, feel free to explore the house." Reginald allowed, taking his leave as well. The group decided to spread out and explore the Amity household.

 

Chapter Thirty-One- An Amity Relationship​

Aine Eld here.

Subject- My report thing.

So, Anri shared her data with me and I noticed that there isn't much to add. I really want to know what you expect me to write, boss. Anyway, I'll just repeat what Anri said. Lux went to Terra, got a Gym Badge, went to Ether, got another badge, got a Riolu, and is now on a plane. The end

......

"Gardevoir, what's wrong!?" Airi interrogated her partner, who clenched her head. Her opponent laughed in amusement.

"Is your Pokémon really that weak?" He insulted. "This won't take long at all!"

"Grr! Hyper Beam!" She commanded, recklessly. Gardevoir shrieked in pain as she fired numerous large beams, destroying the nearby buildings. Airi quickly grabbed her Pokémon. "W-wait! Stop! Stop!" She struggled, continuing to destroy the surroundings. Why was this happening!?

......

"What are you doing?" Eleanore interrogated a silver haired man on the porch. "Are you one of Lady Amity's friends?"

"I guess." He chuckled. "I'm Samuel Berk. I've been tasked with watching Lux Amity by New Order."

"You're a special kind of idiotic." Eleanore stated, slack-jawed. "I recommend you either leave or go inside."

"Alright..." Sam sighed, following her inside.

......

"Who's that?" Gena asked Helen about a large painting of Lux, Mrs. Amity, and a black haired man in the library. "Is that Lux's father?"

"Yeah." She answered, continuing to clean up their mess. "He was a pretty strong man. And handsome. And married... And rich. Very rich."

"I see where he gets his talent from." Gena smirked, turning her gaze to another picture on the fireplace. Lux's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Fang, a woman, and a man stood proudly together. "What about this? I see the Fangs and Lux's parents."

"That?" Helen paused, leaving the room. "Hold on." She reemerged with Walter. "She has a question."

"About what?" Walter inquired.

"Who's in this picture?" Gena questioned, holding out the photo.

"Ah, that's Mr. and Mrs. Amity. Next are Draco and Linda Fang, the blue haired ones. Lastly, I believe that's Mailys and Gabriel Wilson." Walter grinned, leaning back. "Want to know anything else?"

"No." Gena shook her head. "Thanks."

"No prob." Walter turned to Helen. "Let's get back to work."

......

Luna wandered around the building, stumbling upon a large room with numerous display cases filled with fossils to stones to artifacts. Reginald was carefully tending to them, pausing as he noticed Luna. "Ah, welcome to our little collection."

"Little?" Luna gawked, surveying the room. "This could easily be a museum."

"I guess." Reginald agreed. "It's honestly not much."

"Are those Mega Stones?" Luna pondered, noticing a large shelf of marble spheres.

"Yes." Reginald nodded, revealing a Mega Stickpin. "All of the servants have a Mega Pokémon. But, that is Mr. Amity's personal collection."

"Two are missing." Luna pointed out two empty stands. "Where are they?"

"Those two were lost when Mr. Amity rescued Lux when he was a babe." He explained.

"What?" Luna panicked. "What happened?"

"The doctor who delivered Lux was apparently a member of a criminal organization. When Lux was born, Mrs. Amity was drugged, leaving Mr. Amity to chase down the child thief. He was forced to trade those for Lux's safety." He sighed. "The inhumanity of threatening a child for some Mega Stones. Honestly, they can be found anywhere."

"Mr. Amity didn't just defeat the crooks?"

"No. He may have been strong, but he wouldn't risk his child's safety." Reginald explained as Sam entered the room. "Ah, welcome."

"Rocks..." Sam groaned, noticing the rock collection in the corner. "I just love rocks..."

"I know." Reginald laughed. "Not the most interesting collection, but I enjoy it."

"Sorry, I just don't like rocks." Sam apologized, Aron sulking next to him. He wandered over to a glowing stone in the center of the room. "What's with the glowing one?"

"That?" Reginald inquired, approaching him. Luna joined the duo, admiring the jewel. It was a green stone that shone brightly. "That, I don't know. Mr. Amity gave it to me many years ago. He told me to guard it with my life."

"Weird..." Sam backed away. "I'll just keep it a secret..."

"Your life?" Luna gasped. "What could be worth a person's life?"

"I don't know." Reginald sighed, dusting the display. "But, I am loyal to Mr. Amity, and will do as he says."

"Loyalty, huh?" Sam pondered. He turned and gazed into the distance. "...Wonder how she's doing?"

......

"Woah." Rina gazed at the garden from the balcony. She wasn't able to look at it from inside early. She leaned back into her chair as Ashley and a Lopunny approached her.

"Your meal!" She beamed, almost dropping the dish. "Gah! Um, you'll really like Gordon's cooking. He may be mean, but he does cook well."

"This isn't necessary..." Rina asserted.

"Please, your Lux's guest!" Ashley denied. "Just ask for anything! And... thank you..."

"For what?" She pondered at Ashley's timid gratitude. Ashley smiled warmly as Lopunny placed down the rest of her meal.

"For being Lux's friend..." She elaborated. "He's always been really shy..."

"Lux, shy?" Rina doubted. "Since when has he been shy?"

"He's a shy extrovert. In fact, that's why Mrs. Airi hired half of us!" Ashley chuckled. "Ever since his first Pokémon rejected him, he's doubted his own ability."

"Again, he seems really confident in battle."

"We've noticed." Ashley continued. "Thanks to you and your friends, Lux is shining brighter than ever before. Enjoy your meal."

"Thanks." Rina watched as the servant left. She decided to take a bite of her steak. The steak itself was cooked to perfection, and the spices blended well together, creating an unimaginable flavor. What!? What kind of man is this Gordon!? She couldn't stop herself from eating as she made her way into the sides, consisting of potatoes and numerous vegetables, practically inhaling them. Did Lux always eat like this!? She finally finished her meal, before blushing in embarrassment as Jasper walked by, or rather rode by on a Machamp.

"Haha!" He laughed in amusement. "Gordon does make the best meals!"

"S-shouldn't you be getting to work!?" Rina argued.

"Eh... Not for another hour..." He yawned, turning to Ashley. "By the way, you've got another one."

"Okay." Ashley and Lopunny nodded their heads. "I'll head over after I finish cleaning."

"Goodbye." Jasper parted, making his way to the kitchen. "Time for another break..."

"What are you doing, you fat bastard!?" Gordon swore a few moments later. Jasper and his Machamp hustled out of the kitchen, carrying a cake, and escaping the room. Ashley and Lopunny shook their heads with a smile, before returning to work. Gordon ran out, before tossing a rag and returning to his kitchen. "What the fuck...? Fat piece of shit!"

"One big happy family..." Rina smirked, turning to face the garden again.

......

Lux carefully explored the library with Clarissa, who had the current shift of watching him, before noticing the door to his father's study. He attempted to turn the knob, only to find it was locked. Clarissa hastily made her way to him. "Do you need help, Luxie?"

"Yeah." Lux confirmed, turning to the brown haired girl. "Can you help me into Dad's study?"

"Sure." She grinned, walking over to a desk. She reached under it, producing a clicking sound, followed by a bookcase moving. "That door's a decoy."

"Dad's a weird man..." Lux sighed, making his way into the study. Clarissa followed closely behind. The room was still somewhat large, with books strewn about. There was a desk in the center, covered in old files and objects, along with a picture of Lux and his parents. He awkwardly sat at his father's desk, causing Clarissa to grin, mischievously.

"Would you like me to assist you, Mr. Amity~?" She teased. Lux chuckled in amusement.

"No, thank you, Ms. Blythe." He retorted. He began rummaging through the desk, pausing at a locked drawer. He ran his finger along the odd lock, before pulling his hand away. "Actually, can you unlock this?"

"Hmm?" Clarissa tilted to face the lock. "No, we weren't allowed to open anything here..."

"I see. Thank you." Lux stated as he got out of the chair. He wandered around the room, before deciding to leave, closing the bookcase behind him.

......

Airi hastily entered her husband's study as Lux left. She knelt down behind the desk, noticing an odd lock. She slowly began to reach for it. She could just break it... Find out what's inside... Did she really want to know? She hesitated, slowly pulling her hand back. Did she really want to know? Did she want to risk what was inside? She turned to the photo of her family. She wanted to live in ignorance... Didn't she? She paused, swiftly kicking the lock into the drawer and opening it.

......

Gardevoir played with her numerous children while Albert watched. Is this how a parent was supposed to act? He thought to himself. He took a closer look at Gardevoir, noticing that she had an odd circlet. He lowered his gazed, noticing that she had her Mega Stone in a necklace. What was that circlet for? He was probably just thinking too much into it... He let out a long sigh, and took his leave, before noticing Pierce approaching him.

"Mrs. Airi wants me to show you to the guest room." He elaborated. "Apparently she plans to leave to Shade instead of Simpletown."

"I see." Albert nodded, following the young man.

......

Aine slowly made her way through the hallways, avoiding every camera. She paused outside of Ford's lab, waiting for her to leave. She was clearly behind this 'mix up'. After she left, she hastily ran inside, before hopping onto her computer. She skimmed through numerous files, pausing at one. Anri's Report... Why would she have these? Only Wilson-

"Spore." A girl's voice commanded from behind her. Aine fell out of the chair as she was surrounded in pollen. Her eyes felt heavy as she tried to face...

"Can't have you pulling the thread, Aine Eld." She informed Aine's unconscious body.

 

Chapter Thirty-Two- Inferiority​

Lux and his friends waited patiently for his mother in his family's private plane. Luna gawked as usual while Eleanore prepared in the pilot's seat. Claire, who most likely got into another fight with Geoffrey, joined them as well. Eventually, his mother boarded the plane, a familiar man shouting from behind.

"Baby, why!?" Geoffrey cried as Claire closed the door.

"Ahem." His mother coughed. "I've left Reginald in charge of the house while we go to Shade."

"Why Shade?" Gena inquired. "I still need my Ground Gym Badge."

"Because, I felt that you jerks needed a challenge!" She announced, stomping her foot on the ground. "You jokers have been making a fool out of my League! This isn't the Kanto or the Kalos League! This is the Spes League! I want to show you true despair! I want to make you squirm for your victory! Mwahahahaha!"

"Seriously...?" Gena gawked.

"Yes." She confirmed. "That's why I hired some of my staff. Some of them are Gym Leaders."

"What?" Luna beamed, looking at the duo.

"Reginald is one." Lux added. "They're all a part of my training..."

"Yes!" His mother confirmed. "Training to the best! Clarissa teaches him counters to status ailments, Walter teaches him to deal with a variety of Pokémon, and Claire gives him a dragon trainer to beat up!"

"You could've phrased that better!" Claire argued from her seat.

"Not the point!" She ignored, pointing to Eleanore. "Take her away, Ms. Curie!"

......

Niles grimaced as Blaziken was launched backwards, reverting to her normal form. He fell to his knees, staring at the Dark Gym Leader, Cooper. He donned a black long coat and top hat that matched his black hair and eyes. He also carried around a deck of cards, a pair of dice, and a black scepter. He returned his Greninja with a sly grin. "Oof, that was more than just a bad hand, friend. Care to draw again?"

"Shut up!" Niles shouted as Nero watched in dismay. He slammed his fist into the ground, forcing himself out of the Gym. Seven times! He lost seven times!

"Hey, maybe you should think of a strategy-" Nero comforted,

"What do you think I'm doing!?" Niles snapped, halting outside the building. "Feh. I've no doubt that he's caught up by now..."

"You keep mentioning 'him'. Who is he?" She pondered, causing him to calm down.

"A guy I could never beat..." He sighed, pulling out his badges. Fire, Poison, Fairy, Ice, Normal, Fighting, Electric, and Grass. "I've torn through gym after gym, until now..."

"Eh, don't sweat it." Nero smiled. "Hit your head against a wall enough times, and eventually you'll see a crack."

"After a lot of blood loss..." He joked. "A little help?"

"Sure, Tyranitar will play punching bag again~" She grinned, eagerly. She sent out Tyranitar, who attempted to flee in fear, only to be tackled by Rhyperior. Niles healed his team, sending out Larvitar, who tackled Tyranitar immediately. She bounced off instantly, flying into the distance.

"And there she goes..." Niles sighed, amused. He reached for his Pokéball and sent out Blaziken, who quickly prepared for battle. "High Jump Kick!"

"Stone Edge!" Nero commanded. Tyranitar hastily launched a volley of stones at Blaziken, who dodged them deftly. She pushed off of a nearby building and kneed Tyranitar, defeating him. Niles paused to think.

"If power and speed isn't the problem..." He thought out loud. "Shadow Sneak... Water Shuriken... and Protean?"

"What would your friend do?" Nero inquired, warily.

"Well," Niles groaned. "He'd probably just win."

"Anything else?" She sighed.

"Plot armor?" He continued. "Main Character status? Because that's what it feels like."

"Let's just go eat something." Nero shifted, leaving for a nearby pub. The town of Shade was a sketchy area where one would need to watch their wallet. Nero wandered around with relative ease. Granted, she did steal her Larvitar... He really should get to know more about her.

"So, have you been here before?" Niles inquired.

"Yeah." She confirmed. "When I ran away from home many years ago..."

"You ran away?"

"Me and my brother couldn't handle the stress of being a Gym Leader's kid..." She stared into the distance. "One day... My brother just up and left. All of my father's expectations of me doubled from that day on, scolding me every time I got into a fight. So, I took off after I got in one fight too many. Nothing breathes disappointment more than a dad who just shakes his head and leaves you alone..."

"I'm a Gym Leader's kid too." Niles empathized. He paused to look at Dragalge's Pokéball. "And now I'm the child of two Elite Four members."

"Oh..." Nero sulked, before laughing. "Guess I'm not that special then?"

Special? Niles thought to himself. Is that what he wanted? To be special? "And neither am I..." He grimaced, turning back to the gym. "I won't lose again."

......

"Um..." Luna cowered at the sound of a car alarm in the city. "S-should we really be here?"

"What worried at all the tagging?" Airi teased. "And all the break ins? And all the pollution? And the gratuitous amount of-"

"She gets it." Lux interrupted, as Luna hid behind him. "Why build a gym here?"

"What better place for a Dark Gym, than a place with literally no sunlight?" Airi beamed. "It scares away all the rookies!"

"That's really questionable..." Albert sighed.

"Don't worry." Claire reassured. "All the powerful people are kept in check by D.B. Cooper. He's actually loyal to Mrs. Airi."

"How?"

"Easy." Airi elaborated. "I helped him a while back. Don't worry, it was legal."

"L-let's just go the gym!" Luna asserted, pushing them ahead. Airi grinned as she lead them to a warehouse like building, pointing inside.

"That's the gym! Have fun!" She exclaimed as she ran off, followed by Claire.

Lux attempted to stop her, before shaking his head and going inside with the others. Inside, a young blue haired man-Niles!? Lux gasped. Sam panicked at a green haired girl in the sidelines, hastily fleeing the warehouse.

"Now!" Niles shouted. Blaziken prepared to use High Jump Kick, causing Cooper to smirk.

"Again?" He inquired. "Shadow Sneak!" He commanded, prompting his Greninja to attack with its shadow. Blaziken jet forward, slashing at Greninja with purple claws. Cooper gasped as his Pokémon was launched back in defeat. Cooper chuckled in amazement, pulling out a card shaped badge. "You finally wised up!? Congrats!"

"Thank you." Niles smirked, accepting his badge.

"You even learned to work with your Pokémon!" Cooper continued. "You know, instead of just spouting orders!"

"Good job!" Lux shouted. Niles twisted to face him. Niles dressed differently than before. Rather than a light coat, he donned a blue collar long coat, a grey undershirt, matching pants, and what resembled a blue conductor's hat.

"Lux..." He paused, glaring at him. "How many badges do you have?"

"Five." Lux paused, noticing Niles' tone. "And you?"

"This makes nine." He boasted. "I'm halfway there."

"And I have a lot of catching up to do." Lux smiled. He shifted his gaze to Cooper. "I challenge you to a battle!"

"Oh?" Cooper smirked. "Are you sure about that? With only five badges?"

"Yes." Lux confirmed, sending out Riolu. She noticed Niles' Blaziken and asserted herself over her. Niles sighed in disappointment.

"Great... Now I get to watch you win. Somehow."

"Arrogant child." Cooper insulted. "Greninja!" He commanded a ninja frog Pokémon. "Shadow Sneak!"

"High Jump Kick!" Lux commanded. Greninja extended its shadow to attack Riolu. She countered with a rising knee, flying straight through Greninja, and hitting the ground. "W-What? Greninja is Water/Dark!"

"Protean allows Greninja to change its type at will." Cooper informed. "Water Shuriken!" Greninja launched two Water Shurikens at Riolu, causing her to growl. She let out a fierce cry, covering her fist in lightning. Before the Greninja could react, she struck it with a rising uppercut and followed up with a downward strike.

"Alright, let's keep calm, Riolu!" Lux asserted, causing Riolu to cry in defiance. "Just wait for my signal, okay!"

"Oh, cute. Shadow Sneak!"

"Bullet Punch!" He countered. As Greninja extended its shadow, Riolu jabbed it fiercely, launching it backwards. "Don't let up!" Lux motivated, causing Riolu to strike even faster.

"I-I don't!?" Cooper panicked at Greninja's constant wincing. "What!?"

"Actually, I can't explain that one..." Lux sighed. "Guess Riolu's really good at flinching."

"Am I being pushed?" Cooper paused. "Impossible. Greninja, Water Shuriken!"

"High Jump Kick!" Lux directed. Riolu let out a fierce cry, her aura shrouding the battlefield, and kneeing the frog. It was launched back, crashing into the stands, defeated.

"What is that Riolu!?" Cooper panicked. He quickly sent out a Spiritomb. "Sucker Punch!"

"Bullet Punch!" Lux ordered Riolu. She charged the ghost before it could react, causing unable to find an opening. "Blaze Kick!"

"Pursuit!" Cooper commanded. Riolu struck Spiritomb, burning its body, weakening its attack. She hastily followed up with another strike, defeating Spiritomb. "Raw power!? How!?"

"Of course..." Niles groaned. "Of course it works when he does it!"

"Don't get arrogant, brat!" Cooper snapped. He hastily sent out a Houndoom and waved his scepter. "Mega Evolve!"

"High Jump Kick!" Lux commanded. Riolu slammed into the the Houndoom, launching it to the side. She let out a fierce cry in victory. "Yes! I knew we'd win!"

"...He's getting arrogant..." Rina mumbled beneath her breath.

"Great job, Lux!" Luna celebrated.

"Of course, you'd win." Gena smirked. "It was the only natural outcome."

"Are you all here to challenge me!?" Cooper interrogated after rewarding Lux his badge. Luna nodded eagerly, while Gena did so calmly. "Gah! Fine! You two fight me in a double battle!"

"Hey, where are you going?" Lux followed Niles as he left the building.

......

Why was she here!? Sam panicked as his phone rang. He hastily answered. "H-hello?"

"Berk." Ford sighed. "We realized that sending you and Eld to assist Wilson was a bit redundant. So, we're calling you back for another assignment. I also plan on recalling Anri soon. We're almost ready to put our next plan to action."

"Okay." Sam affirmed in relief. "I'll head back immediately."

......

"Dad!?" Edy panicked, looking through the rubble. What happened!? Where did that attack come from!? She kept searching as a group of men and women in black approached her.

"Edy Tesla?" The leader interrogated.

"Y-yes?"

"You're coming with us." The leader stated, grabbing her by the arm.

"N-no!" She gasped, causing her Pokémon to attack the captures. They calmly swatted it away, dragging her into a van. "Help!"

......

"Where are you going?" Lux interrogated his friend.

"Eight tries!" Niles snapped. "It took me eight tries to beat him, and you beat him in one!"

"W-well..."

"Never mind..." Niles sulked. "What's up?"

"Well, we were going to go to Terra to get Luna and Gena the Ground Badge." He elaborated. "Would you like to tag along?"

"...Hmm." Niles paused, thinking to himself. "...Fine."

"Really?" Lux smiled.

"Yeah. I might as well learn something from your success." Niles smirked. "After all, we aren't enemies."

"You're still my friend." Lux added. Niles sighed in annoyance.

"Whatever." He groaned. "So, what's your team now?"

"Oh. I have Meowstic." Lux began, pointing to Meowstic on his shoulder. "Axew, Riolu, Roselia, and Litwick."

"Some nice potential." Niles nodded. "I hope you actually achieve it."

"Seriously?"

"Yeah. I don't want you to lose to just anybody. I want to beat you in the end. To kick you down when you reach the top." He smirked. "And I'll do just that."

"Welcome back, Niles." He smirked, shaking his rival's hand. "I promise to give you my all."

"Likewise, you invincible jackass." Niles teased. "So, how do you train?"

"Train?"

"Oh Bird Jesus, seriously?"

 

Chapter Thirty-Three- An Empty Childhood​

"How dare you!" Lux's mother scolded them as they boarded her jet. "Also, welcome back, Fang."

"Yo." Niles greeted.

"But, how dare you not lose!" She continued, stomping her foot on the ground. "The Spes League is supposed to be more challenging than this! I can't even remember the last time I was challenged!"

"Guess we're better than you thought." Gena asserted. "Let's go to Terra."

"...Fine." Airi sulked, signalling Eleanore to start the jet. "You had one job, Cooper..."

"Hey, aren't we missing someone?" Albert stated. The group looked around briefly. "Mr. New Order?"

"Where is Berk?" Airi pondered briefly. "Well, if he took off, then too bad."

"That'd be best." Lux confirmed as Eleanore started the jet. They flew above the Tesla mountains, eventually passing by Mt. Eclipse. Luna peered out the window to observe it.

"That's where the Elite Four waits, right?"

"Yeah." Airi confirmed. "Once you've proven strong enough to defeat any type, you must scale Mt. Eclipse and challenge my four minions!"

"Five now." Niles smirked. "A nice tag team if I'm correct."

"Yes." Airi nodded, surveying the four. "I don't think I've been this excited for a challenger in a while!"

"Which you can't remember..." Lux recalled. He shifted to Nero. "By the way, you haven't been introduced."

"Nero." She introduced. "I'm just a traveling fighter."

"And, she's good." Niles complimented.

"I try." Nero grinned, before glancing from Lux, to Airi, to Rina, and then Albert. "By the way, can you guys see out of your covered eyes?"

"Huh?" Albert tilted his head. "Why...?"

"Because they're so well covered!"

"Yeah..." Lux stated, brushing his hair from his face.

"It's where I hide all my ugliness!" Airi joked. "You can't be this beautiful without a little black magic!"

"Same~!" Rina giggled. "I also store all of my power there!"

"I... just feel like it..." Albert sighed.

"And Lux likes to mimic his mommy!" Airi teased, poking Lux. "Isn't that right?"

"N-no..." He blushed.

"Actually, I want to battle you." Gena interrupted, pointing to Nero.

"Nope." Nero gleefully denied.

"What!?" Gena snapped. "Do you think you're better than me!?"

"Nope." Nero continued. "Strength wise, yes. Strategy wise, everyone is better than me."

"You, me. When we land." Gena growled.

"Just in time." Claire announced as the jet began to descend in the outskirts of Terra.

"Now." Gena glared at Nero, leaving the vehicle. The group hastily followed to see Gena sending out Zorua.

"Oh, fine." Nero accepted, sending out Kabutops. "Swords Dance!"

"Foul Play!" Gena countered. Zorua charged Kabutops and used its own strength against it.

"Aqua Jet!" Nero ordered. Kabutops covered itself in water and struck Zorua with blinding speed. Zorua was launched back in defeat, prompting Gena to reach for a second Pokéball. Nero called back Kabutops in response. "I won."

"I still have more Pokémon!" Gena argued, sending out Honedge.

"But, I managed to set up a Swords Dance, plus I had Aqua Jet." Nero stated. "You lost."

"I haven't lost yet!" Gena continued. Nero shook her head and sent out Tyranitar. She swiftly tore through the remainder of Gena's team, before turning to the town. Gena fell to her knees in shock.

"I'm hungry." Nero laughed, leaving for the nearest restaurant. Niles began to follow her to town. "Look, don't let it get you down!"

"I-I'll just go to the gym..." Luna mumbled, wandering through the town.

"I'll show you the way..." Albert offered, walking behind her.

"Food!" Rina celebrated, running away. Lux's mother joined her, while Claire and Eleanore tended to the jet.

"Hey, don't let it get to you." Lux comforted, sitting beside her. "You're really strong. Stronger than me."

"I doubt that." She groaned. "You're the son of the Champion. I'm just some scientist's neglected daughter..."

"I'm listening." Lux urged. "Go on."

"It's not..." Gena sighed. "Okay. I was bullied growing up."

"Seriously? Why?"

"My hair." She groaned, pointing to her white hair.

"Huh? I think it's nice. Granted, I did grow up surrounded by weirdos..."

"Well, kids are cruel." She continued. "No one cared about me. I was alone. The only person who cared about me was my mother and Luna. But, everyone loved Luna. I hated her."

"Because she was a social butterfly?"

"And her pink hair. She's dyes it." Gena answered on cue. "The only people who approached me were the ones who wanted me to introduce them to Luna. Luna this, Luna that... I was sick of it... The only person I could truly connect to was my mother... Then she died."

"I see..."

"She was a scientist like my dad. One day she went on an expedition to some islands, only to have her ship caught in a storm. And then she drowned. My father became even more obsessed with his work, pulling all nighters every day, ignoring his own child."

"I know what that's like." Lux chuckled. "As loving as my parents are, they're very busy. My mother is doing a lot by just tagging along on my adventure, ignoring her job as Champion."

"Must be nice." Gena frowned. "Growing up in such an active home."

"You're smiling." Lux stated, staring at her. "Luna told me that's what you look like when you hide a smile."

"I... not." Gena frowned even more. "I'm talking about some pretty heavy stuff, alright."

"I'm sorry." Lux shook his head. "But yeah. It was pretty nice. Walter always makes a fool of himself. Geoffrey and Claire always argue. Clarissa pranks everyone. Ashley trips over herself. Jasper pisses off Gordon. Helen flirts with all the guys. Wallace flirts with all the girls. Laurence fumbles on his words. Pierce is always active and hardworking. Alexandra scares people with her quiet nature. Diana breaks something in her constant training. Mommy Eleanore and Daddy Reginald keep everything together. And they all revolve around me and my parents."

"I would love that kind of place." She smiled, authentically. "I probably wouldn't fit in..."

"I'd be happy share it." Lux offered, innocuously.

"...Better not let Rina hear that." Gena smirked, amused. "But, you should probably save that offer for Luna or Rina, as annoying as she is." She stated, standing up. She extended her arm to assist him. "Come on. I have a badge to win."

"Right." He nodded. "And, I'm sorry about the implication. I didn't mean anything by it."

"I know." She affirmed. "Thank you. I owe you... Friend." She smirked, running ahead.

"Hold on! I'll show you to the gym!" Lux shouted from behind her. He hastily ran ahead to show her the way to the gym after healing her team. They arrived to see Luna celebrating her victory. She noticed the duo and showed off her new badge.

"Look! I won!" She beamed.

"Good for you!" Gena smiled, subconsciously. She turned her gaze to Wild with confidence. "I'll be challenging you next."

"Well, alrighty." He grinned, noticing Lux. "This ought to be fun."

"You can do it!" Lux cheered from the sideline as they entered the gym. Luna turned to him in joy.

"You helped Gena." She assumed. "Thank you."

"No problem." Lux grinned back. They turned back to watch Gena's battle with anticipation.

"Go, Wartortle!" She announced, sending out her Water Type. Wild grinned, sending out a Diggersby. "Water Pulse!"

"Hammer Arm!" Wild commanded. Diggersby slammed Wartortle into the dirt with its massive ear. Wartortle quickly countered with an orb of water, launching her opponent away. "Quick Attack!"

"Protect!" She directed Wartortle. She created a barrier around herself, deflecting Diggersby's attack. Wartortle quickly struck her opponent when the barrier fell, defeating it.

"Confident. I like it!" Wild chuckled, sending out a Dugtrio. "Sucker Punch."

"Water Pulse!" Gena continued. As Wartortle prepared her attack, Dugtrio struck her from beneath the ground. She quickly countered by launching water into Dugtrio's hole, defeating it.

"Wahaha!" Wild cackled in excitement. "Good. Go, Krokorok! Use Crunch!" He announced, sending out a brown crocodile. It opened its jaw to bite Wartortle, who quickly countered with Aura Sphere. The croc was quickly replaced with Golett, who defeated Wartortle with Mega Punch.

"Good job, Wartortle." Gena praised, switching to Zorua. "Foul Play!" She ordered. Zorua hastily defeated her opponent with its own strength, grinning mischievously.

"Congrats, you made it to my last Pokémon." Wild congratulated, sending out Rhyhorn. "Rock Blast!" Rhyhorn fired numerous rocks at Zorua, sending her flying.

"No! Not yet!" Gena shouted. Zorua hastily landed, awaiting her new orders. "Swagger!" Zorua stuck her tongue out to infuriate her opponent. Rhyhorn let out a furious roar, before stumbling around in confusion. "Foul Play!" She smirked, causing Zorua to shine, before evolving into Zoroark. She proceeded to use the Rhyhorn's newfound anger against it, slamming it into a wall, resulting in victory. "I won!"

"Haha! A great trainer!" Wild celebrated, pulling out Gena's badge. "Here you go."

"Thank you." Gena smiled, taking her badge. She turned to Lux and Luna on the sidelines, before leaving ahead of them.

"See ya, Wild!" Lux waved as he followed behind.

"Good luck, kiddo!" He laughed, returning to his work.

"I challenge you!" Gena stopped outside the gym, pointing to Lux. "I have to see if you really are weaker than me!"

"Alright!" He agreed, causing Meowstic to jump forward. "First, let's heal your team."

"Already done." She smirked, sending out Honedge. "Go!"

"Psyshock!" Lux commanded. Meowstic hastily launched numerous orbs at Honedge, to no effect.

"Night Slash!" Gena countered as Honedge changed to Zoroark. She quickly defeated Meowstic, causing Lux to switch to Riolu.

"High Jump Kick!"

"Extrasensory!" Gena counter again. Zoroark fired a beam of psychic energy at Riolu, launching her back. She let out her usual stubborn cry.

"Thunderpunch!" Lux directed. Riolu began to glow, her aura covering the field, before rushing Zoroark. The two exchanged blows, one after another, with Riolu alternating between Fire, Ice, and Thunderpunch.

"So those are your moves?" Gena inquired. Riolu let out a fierce cry, before following up with Bullet Punch and Blaze Kick. "Wait, what!?"

"Yeah, I noticed that too." Lux sighed. "I think Riolu is so stubborn that her punches can be alternated as she pleases."

"Interesting." Gena smirked. "Go all out!"

"Riolu!" Lux joined. The two fighters began to counter each other once again, before finally knocking each other out. Lux began to reach for another Pokéball, only to be interrupted by Gena's laughter.

"You win." She smirked. "I see which one of us has the special Pokémon. And I'm not even mad."

"Maybe we should show Dad!" Luna smiled, innocently. "He'd probably go crazy!"

"Probably." Gena frowned, leaving. "Let's go find the others."

 

Chapter Thirty-Four- Lonely Stone Mason​

"I'm done." Nero's father sighed. "I'm done trying to help you. Go do your own thing, I don't care anymore."

"What do you mean?" She groaned, tending to her bruises. "I never even wanted your help to begin with!"

"I know." He sighed. "I just wanted to make you into a proper person was all."

"I don't need you to tell me how to be a 'proper person!'" She shouted, leaving the room. She grabbed two Pokeballs from the counter. "I'm taking these, and I'm going to do what I want! I hate you!" She cried, running out of the building. He simply shook his head, watching as she ran away.

......

After Niles acquired his badge as well, the group had begun a path up the Forgotten Heights, a mountain chain opposite of Ether. Lux's mother had kicked them out of the jet, flying ahead without them.

"So, your mom's a bit off..." Nero joked.

"A bit?" Albert corrected. "Try a lot."

"I honestly can't deny that." Lux laughed. "So, does anyone know about this place?"

"Yeah." Nero confirmed. "The base starts off covered in lush greenery, before shifting into perilous crags and stone. Speaking of which." Nero grinned, pointing to a Cottonee. "Anyone game?"

"I've got Lilligant." Niles declined. "Lux has Roselia."

"Bulba! Bulba!" Rina chanted. "Gena?"

"I'll pass. Fairies aren't my thing." She asserted. "Luna?"

"Um..." She mumbled. "I don't have a Grass Type, no..."

"Then go get it!" Rina shoved. Luna fell forward, before sending out Char. She recomposed herself as the Cottonee turned and used Poison Powder.

"Fire Fang!" She countered. Char avoided the poison and clamped down on the Pokémon, burning it. Luna pulled out a Pokéball as Char launched the opponent into the air. She tossed the ball, catching the Cottonee instantly. "Yes."

"Alright, anyone want a Ferroseed?" Nero added.

"This leaves Gena." Luna smiled, waving around her new Pokémon. "How about it?"

"I guess..." She sighed.

"Great." Nero laughed, running ahead. "Follow me!" She left the forest behind, expertly maneuvering through the rugged mountain path. The path was littered with old statues and sculptures, lost to time. She led them to a cave with lined with mirror like gems. She stood next to a pillar, staring at the ceiling. She slammed on the pillar, causing a metal creature to fall down. "Go!"

"Right!" Gena nodded, sending out Honedge. "Shadow Sneak!" She commanded. Honedge extended her shadow to strike the Ferroseed, getting damaged on its thorns. The Ferroseed created small roots, healing itself from the ground. "Aerial Ace!" She continued. Honedge slashed the Ferroseed once again, allowing Gena to toss a Pokéball at it. After a few shakes, it let out a satisfying click.

"Sweet." Nero celebrated. "We should reach the top through this cave."

"So, what's with all the statues?" Niles inquired as they continued through the cave, passing numerous sculptures. They ranged from Pokémon to people. Lux inspected a broken Luvdisc.

"The entire town of Agate was abandoned years ago. People just started to leave one by one." She elaborated. "Everyone except the Gym Leader. A poor, pathetic, lonely stone mason."

"Oh..." Luna sulked. "Why didn't he leave?"

"Guess he didn't feel like it." Nero sighed, continuing through the cave. The rest of the group followed behind, entering a small town. It was completely made of stone, from the houses, to the trees, to the people and Pokémon. The statue of a man greeted them at the entrance, a woman walked her Growlithe, and numerous children played. They all seemed so lifelike. Lux's mother inspected them carefully.

"Mom!" Lux greeted, approaching her. "Is this Agate?"

"Yes." She confirmed. "Now, where is old Mason?" She pondered, looking around. "He wasn't at his gym or his house."

"Let's split up and look." Niles proposed. "I'll look in the east."

"I'll check his house again." Airi nodded, leaving with Lux behind her.

"I've got west." Gena stated, leaving.

"North it is!" Luna smiled, running to the distance.

"I'll look around here." Albert opted, inspecting the statues.

Nero frowned as she began to explore the stone town. She saw the old statue of her grandmother. She had her wrinkles sculpted to perfection, as if Yveltal had made the statue itself. She brushed it from her mind, continuing along the path. A statue of her father's Rhyperior rested next to stone flowers. She sent out Rhyperior, who inspected the statue briefly, before returning to its Pokéball. Luna gawked at the stone fountain, which had stone water, on the edge of town. She steadily entered the only hollow home in the entire town, noticing Airi and Lux inside. Next to them, was the statue of a man and a woman, holding a newborn child, with their young son beside them.

"Amazing." Lux admired. "The amount of time that must've went into all of this."

"That's old Mason's specialty." Airi complimented. "He made all the statues at our house, Lux."

"Hey Nero, find anything?" Lux questioned, turning to her.

"No." She shrugged. "I'll keep looking." She confirmed, leaving the home. She walked along the path, pausing at a graveyard, noticing Niles and an elderly woman. The woman tended to a grave, turning to face them.

"Ah, welcome." She smiled. "I am Kiyoko."

"Nice to meet you, Kiyoko." Niles greeted. "Do you know where the Gym Leader is?"

"Old Mason?" She chuckled. "I'm afraid you've come a little late."

"Pardon?" Nero inquired as she entered the grave.

"He died about a year ago." She frowned, pointing to the grave she had been tending.

"D-dead...?" Nero stared in shock. "He's... dead?"

"'Fraid so." She shook her head. "After his kids left, he just gave up, eventually succumbing to his age and illness. The last thing he said was how proud he was of his son. He also mentioned the shame of driving both his daughter and said son away."

"Now what?" Niles frowned. "Who's the new Gym Leader?"

"I don't know." She chuckled. "Be best to ask the Spes League." She informed, leaving the grave.

"Dead...?" Nero repeated as Airi approached.

"Hey, find anything?" She interrogated.

"Leader's dead." Niles informed. "He's been dead for about a year."

"...Damn." Airi smiled, depressingly. "Why didn't anyone tell us?"

"Well, we are on the top of a mountain." Niles joked, causing Nero to wince.

"Why wasn't I here?" She whimpered.

"I'll just have to find a new Leader." Airi sighed. "Which is tough, since we couldn't find a proper reserve leader."

"The child of a Gym Leader would be the next best thing, right?" Nero inquired.

"Yeah, usually." Airi nodded. "But, Berk is already the Steel Gym Leader, and his daughter ran away years ago..."

"...Just once." Nero groaned. The duo turned to her in confusion. "I'm Mason Berk's daughter. I'll be Gym Leader just this once."

"Nero..." Niles frowned. "You don't have to do-"

"I'm doing this for my own reasons." She asserted. "Do you have any spare Gym Badges?"

"I found an old trunk of them in Mason's house." Airi confirmed. "I'll go get them."

"Do so." Nero commanded, causing Airi to leave. "Now, Niles. We battle seriously." She stated, sending out Cradily.

"Here?" Niles asked, surveying the graveyard.

"Yes." She confirmed, boldly. Niles shrugged, sending out Metagross. "Stealth Rocks!" She shouted, causing Cradily to launch out a layer of jagged rocks.

"Meteor Mash!" Niles countered. Metagross slammed into Cradily with one of its arms, nearly defeating it. "Bullet Punch!" Metagross struck Cradily numerous times with blinding speed, defeating it.

"Good." Nero nodded, sending out Tyranitar. The battlefield became entrenched in a powerful sandstorm. "Earthquake!"

"Meteor Mash!" Niles countered. Tyranitar instinctively dodged the strike, slamming his fist into the ground, launching Metagross back. "Hammer Arm!" He continued. Tyranitar dodged again, defeating Metagross with another Earthquake. "Staraptor!" Niles switched to his flyer, pointed stones digging into him.

"Aerodactyl." She imitated, sending out her own flyer. "Stone Edge."

"Brave Bird!" He commanded. Staraptor narrowly evaded the volley of stones, following up with a shining strike. Aerodactyl fell down in defeat, while Staraptor grimaced in pain.

"Rhyperior!" She swapped to her net Pokémon. "Rock Polish!"

"Close Combat!" He directed. Staraptor began to attack Rhyperior with a flurry of kicks and strikes. An odd item shrouded Rhyperior in power.

"Good! Now, Stone Edge!" She smirked. Before Staraptor could react, Rhyperior defeated him with a volley of stones.

"Blaziken!" Niles swapped, immediately Mega Evolving her. "High Jump Kick!"

"Earthquake!" Rhyperior slammed its fist into the ground, launching Blaziken into the sky. She used the momentum of gravity to strike downward on Rhyperior, defeating it. "Kabutops!"

"Again!" Niles continued. Before Blaziken could move, Kabutops defeated her with Aqua Jet. "Lilligant!" He continued, the sandstorm finally fading. "Giga Drain!"

"Stone Edge!" She directed. Lilligant outsped Kabutops, and defeated it by draining its energy. "Tyranitar!" She ended, a sandstorm whipping up again. "Mega Evolve!"

"Giga Drain!" Niles countered. Lilligant hastily drained Tyranitar's energy, only to be defeated by his Stone Edge.

"Dragalge!" Niles struggled, sending out his last Pokémon. "Hydro Pump!" Dragalge quickly launched a stream of water at Tyranitar, nearly defeating him. He slammed the ground again, defeating Dragalge. Niles paused briefly, before Larvitar jumped onto the field. "Fine. Earthquake!"

"Don't let it." Nero interrupted. Tyranitar slammed into Larvitar, launching her backwards. She shrugged off the pain and began to glow. She evolved into Pupitar, and slammed the ground, defeating Tyranitar. Nero smiled in amusement. "Good job."

"Bravo!" Airi and the others clapped from the sidelines. She reeled back and tossed a Gym Badge to Niles. It was shaped like a Pokéball with a chisel next to it, completely made from stone.

"I present to you, the Sculpting Badge." Nero chuckled. She turned to the remainder of the group. "I'm not going to battle all of you! So, just take a badge and let's get out of here!"

"I'll just put up a sign saying, 'take one' for now." Airi stated, handing out badges to the others.

"Is this really okay?" Luna pondered.

"If you want to battle later, fine." Nero dismissed. "I'm tired right now, let's go."

"So, where to next?" Lux inquired as they began their walk to the jet.

"I've been waiting for this!" Airi laughed. "Time to fight Alexandra!"

"Really!?" Lux gasped. "Have we really reached that point?"

"Yes." She praised. "All of you have. If you win, then we'll face Reginald or Oberon!"

"Haha!" Lux smiled to himself, proudly.

......

"Ah, a fine daughter you have Mason." Kiyoko chuckled, watering the plants she attempted to plant on his grave. "I hope your son figures things out as well."

"Yes..." His voice rang out. "Thank you, Kiyoko..."

"The least I can do." She chuckled. "Now, git. You're hogging the spiritual energy!"

 

Chapter Thirty-Five- A Haunting Experience... Part Deux​

"Welcome..." Alexandra whispered at the entrance of the Secluded Isles. It was an island chain south of Oasis, home of the Psychic and Ghost Gym Leaders. Reginald stood beside her, smiling as they landed.

"Yes, welcome." He repeated. "Who would you like to challenge first?"

"Jumping right into it, eh?" Lux grinned. "What do you guys say?"

"Let's get the gyms out of the way first." Niles proposed. "What do you guys say?"

"That's fine with me." Gena agreed.

"As long as we explore later!" Luna smiled.

"Alexandra, go prepare." Reginald commanded. She nodded her head, disappearing into the shadows.

"If only Clarissa was here..." Lux's mother laughed. "She'd love this."

"Alright, let's be off." Reginald asserted, showing them to a speedboat.

"Have fun!" Lux's mother laughed as she forced the group onto it.

"I'll pass." Nero stated, jumping off.

"Same." Albert sighed. "Ghosts aren't my specialty."

"Oh, really?" Rina smirked. "You're going." She stated, forcing him onto the boat. "Or are you scared?"

"I-I am not!" He denied.

"Then go with." She continued. He growled, sitting in a seat.

"Kinda cramped..." Gena groaned, getting off. "I'll go next time."

"You're right." Luna nodded, stepping off after. "Good luck!"

......

"Welcome to my gym..." Alexandra greeted on the opposite side of the island. She stood in front of a rundown mansion, surrounded by a dead forest.

"Bonus for ambiance..." Niles gawked. "But, this'll be a cakewalk!"

"Oh, really...?" Alexandra smirked, fading into the shadows again. "...Good luck..."

"That's creepy..." Albert sighed. He approached the entrance, slowly opening it.

"Too slow!" Rina squealed, running inside.

"Rina, no!" Lux shouted, running after her. He felt an odd chill down his spine as he entered.

"What's so bad!? It's just a gym!" She spun in a circle at the grand entrance. The room was adorned with numerous empty knight armor sets along the walls, and three chandeliers on the ceiling. The one above Rina swayed awkwardly, before-

"Watch out!" Lux cried, tackling Rina out of the way of the falling ornament. A large shattering boom echoed through the room, followed my mischievous laughter.

"What the hell, man!?" Albert gasped. "How is that okay!?"

"You alright?" Lux checked on Rina, helping her up.

"F-fine..." She mumbled. "I-I got a little carried away..."

"Just a loose screw..." Niles rationalized, approaching a door. "Let's try through-" He began, before getting dragged into a dark void by large hands. "Gah!"

"Niles!?" Lux panicked, checking the walls. He quickly opened the door Niles had been standing beside, revealing a long corridor. "Are you in here?"

"Let's move on." Rina suggested, taking the lead. "I'll be careful."

"Y-yeah..." Albert lamented. As they continued down the path, a group of Zubat broke through the window, causing Albert to scream. He quickly swept them off, running ahead. "I-I hate this-" He cried, getting swallowed by darkness.

"Albert!?" Lux searched the ground, finding nothing.

"Oh...no..." Rina gasped, searching ahead. She carefully approached a door. She opened it, quickly jumping back. Nothing happened, allowing her to continue. It was a large room with a full length mirror, a queen sized bed, a wardrobe, and a small nightstand.

"Master!" Litwick cheered as she exited her Pokéball.

"Ah!" Lux screamed. "Forgot you could do that..."

"Duh!" She boasted. "With this large of spiritual energy, how could I not?"

"Right..." He sighed. "So, a little help?"

"Sure!" She cheered, exploring the room. Lux noticed a small journal on the nightstand. He opened it and begun to read it out loud.

8/10 So, after the Dutchman went to hell, I managed to escape to the Secluded Isles. The Captain's family decided to make me one of their servants. I have food and a place to stay, so I guess it isn't all that bad. Wonder if that shrimp of a recruit made it out. Probably not.

8/12 The Captain's kid is obviously depressed. I mean, her dad is dead. She has a tendency to disappear without warning. Oh well, not that big of a deal since she always comes back. I still wonder what happened to the shrimp. I hear he had a little sister. She apparently loved ghost stuff.

8/17 Okay, so... The staff is dead. That's actually quite a shocker. They just croaked in the middle of the night. And to make things worse, a weirdo showed up from out of nowhere and offered to let his daughter work here. She isn't that bad... But, her green horned nature is slowing everything down. Granted, one more set of hands is better than none...

8/20 So, the kid started smiling again. She apparently became fast friends with the new girl. My only problem is how often she pranks me now. It's all fun and games I guess. However, the new girl told me about a terrible spirit haunting us. To be honest, I almost believe her at this point.

8/26 Well, the kid's mother is dead. And I'm out of a job. The girls were recruited by some hot shot as servants. Well, looks like my diary ends here-

It trailed off, sharply.

"I think I might know where to look. But, for now..." Lux shook his head, turning to explore the rest of the room. He began to approach the mirror on leaned against the wall. It reflect an odd technicolor void, before- "Gah!" He shrieked as a Dusknoir knocked him back, before grabbing him and dragging him into the mirror.

"Lux!" Rina cried, running to the mirror. Nothing. She groaned, backing away from it. Litwick jumped onto her shoulder.

"Don't worry!" She beamed. "We'll find Master and friends!"

"Yeah. You're right." Rina nodded, almost shifting her tone. She exited the room, continuing down the long hallway from before. She eventually paused, noticing a white woman walk through the walls. "Litwick?"

"Yep. That's a ghost." Litwick answered instinctively. Rina nodded, continuing down the path. "So, what's your opinion of Master?" Litwick spoke up.

"What do you mean?" Rina smiled. "He's perfect."

"No, what's your real opinion?" She interrogated.

"He's perfect." She repeated. "What other opinion could I have?"

"Hmm." Litwick growled. "Okay. I wasn't going to tell him..."

"Don't know what you're talking about." She continued to deny. "But, can't you find them spiritually or something?"

"Sure. Give me a minute." Litwick replied, staring off into space. Rina continued to move onward, pausing at a backdoor. It lead to a small enclosure with three stone coffins aligned in a vague triangular shape. "Found them!" Litwick chanted, moving to the coffins.

"They're in here?"

"Yep."

"Okay." Rina shrugged, pushing the lid off of the first coffin. Niles jumped out in a hurry.

"I'm good!" He announced, trembling. "All good!" Rina smiled in amusement, opening the second one.

"Ah!" Albert cried as he hopped out. "I-I'm fine..." Rina stared blankly, before opening the last coffin. Lux carefully pulled himself out of it.

"God, I have the worst crick in my neck!" He stretched, popping his neck. Litwick quickly returned to his side. "So, did you find Alexandra?"

"Not yet..." Rina sighed, walking back to the house. "You said you had an idea?"

"Yes. The main bedroom." He confirmed.

"Oh! I know where that is!" Litwick announced, moving ahead.

"Yeah." Niles motivated. "I'm fired up!"

"Alright!" Lux laughed, eagerly. "Let's do this!"

"Can I just stay here...?" Albert groaned, slowly following behind.

"Don't be a baby!" Rina teased, maneuvering the hallways. They quickly ran through back to the entrance, going up the main stairs. Two large doors loomed overhead, obviously leading to the master bedroom. She opened it to reveal Alexandra sitting on the king sized bed.

"Welcome..." She whispered. "Took your time..."

"I challenge you, Alexandra Serenity!" Lux announced, sending out Litwick.

"Double Battle!" Niles challenged, sending out Pupitar.

"Fine..." She accepted. She stepped off of the bed, sending out a Gengar and "Dusknoir. "Ice Punch. Shadow Ball."

"Fire Blast!" Lux commanded. Litwick giggled in mischief, before launching a large flame at Dusknoir, burning it. Gengar attempted to defeat her with a dark orb, missing as she deftly dodged.

"Stone Edge!" Niles assisted. Pupitar launched a volley of stones at Gengar, launching it back. Dusknoir struck Pupitar with a weakened Ice Punch, merely injuring her. "Keep up the pressure!"

"Let's go, Litwick!" Lux smirked. She laughed as she begun to shine, evolving into Lampent.

"I've evolved! Mwahaha!" She cackled, launching another Fire Blast at Dusknoir, defeating it. "Go, Pupitar!"

"Tar!" She cried in response, defeating Gengar with another Stone Edge.

"...Good." Alexandra smirked. She reeled back and tossed out a Sableye and Banette. "Banette... Mega Evolve..." She announced, shining her Mega Hairpin. Banette's body began to morph in its Mega Form. "Will-O-Wisp. Thunder Wave." She commanded. Sableye launched small flames at Pupitar, burning her, while Banette paralyzed Litwick.

"Don't give up!" Lux motivated his partner.

"Of course!" She grimaced, shaking of the paralysis, and countering with another Fire Blast. Sableye reeled back in pain, getting burned itself.

"Pupitar, Bite!" Niles joined. Pupitar shed her burn, before chomping down on Banette, injuring it. "We won't lose!" Pupitar launched Banette into Sableye, allowing Litwick to defeat them with a large blaze.

"They won!?" Albert celebrated. "T-then we leave!? Woohoo!"

"...Congrats..." Alexandra mumbled, pulling retrieving two badges from a drawer. She handed them to the duo, proudly. "...Haunting Badge... You've grown..."

"Thank you, Alexandra." Lux smiled, accepting his badge. He turned to the group, gesturing to the door. "Let's go."

"Pft." Albert gloated as they left the building. "Haunted mansion! Yeah, right! That was nothing!"

"Oh, really?" Rina teased. "So, you didn't scream like a little girl?"

"Who, me? Scream? Yeah, right." He begun to return to his normal tone.

"You, uh, pissed your pants there..." Niles coughed.

"W-what!?" He gasped, looking down. "I-It's sweat!" Lux smiled back at the mansion, Lampent by his side.

"Aw, so I won't be able to talk again?" She sulked.

"Don't worry about it." He reassured. "If you really want to, we'll come back here."

"Nah." She denied. "Too many ghosts for me. I'm a one ghost gal!"

"So, why can you talk?"

"I think it's because of the souls my mother burned." She inferred. "The Chandelure you defeated. It might also be why I evolved quicker than the others."

"Oh... Sorry."

"Don't worry about it. There was no saving her." She forgave. "So, the Psychic Gym is next, eh?"

"You'll eat through it." Lux concluded. "For now, let's get back to said Psychic Gym Leader."

 

Chapter Thirty-Six- Wreathed in Flames​

"Get up." A stern sounding man commanded Aine. She was in a black stone cell, with a single bed, unable to see anything past her brother and a white robed man. "I said, get up sinner."

"I'm up." She groaned, standing up. So, Ford was a Liberator... She was in her normal attire, with the exception of her Pokéball belt. "What do you want?"

"Hey, Sis." Agni greeted, condescendingly. "How are you?"

"Was sleeping just fine, until you showed that ugly mug." She insulted Agni. He grimaced in anger.

"We've come to speak with you, sinner." The man continued. "You have abandoned the path that Lord Arceus has forged for us. You must be purified."

"Pft. Yeah, okay." Aine snorted. "I'm impressed you can say that with a straight face, when a murderer is standing right next to you."

"Once more, Lady Aine." The man persisted. "Why did you join the corrupted New Order? Have you forgotten the salvation we handed you?"

"Salvation?" Aine snarled. "You mean lies. Deceit. Honestly, I can't believe you tricked Sotiria..."

"Lies?" Agni chuckled. "We never lied to her. We just... omitted some details. She listens rather well, when you say 'someone wanted him dead.'"

"That person being you." Aine frowned. "If I see her, you'll regret this."

"Too bad." Agni smirked. "Too bad that you're in a cell."

"You'll be spared, for now. We'll pray that you'll come to your senses." The man sighed, leaving with Agni. She waited for them to leave, before slowly inspecting the cell bars. They were incredibly sturdy, made from something fireproof. However, one bar near the center wiggled ever slightly. She checked her surroundings, before giving the bar a swift boot. It barely budged, let alone broke. She tried again, to no success. She kept at it until a man in another cell spoke up.

"Can you quiet down?" He groaned. He appeared to be a middle aged man with a noticeable gut. "Trying to sleep here."

"Sorry, I'm only trying to escape." She snarked. "Just shut up and let me do my thing."

"Look, you'll just get attacked by the guards." The man argued. "Can you take on a fully grown Gyarados by yourself?"

"I-" Aine paused, returning to her cell's bed. "Fine..."

"Good... You'll need the rest." He empathized. "They work us to the bone here."

"...'Night..." Aine sighed, closing her eyes.

......

"I want you to take care of the thing." The head professor informed Abram. The black haired, green eyed child from the lab stood beside her. "It'll be difficult with officials coming to inspect our work with it running around. So, what better than to say it's your child."

"Why me?" He interrogated. "I'm last person who'll make a good parent."

"Maybe." She shrugged. "It'll be an interesting experiment."

"Whatever." He groaned. The head scientist nodded, taking her leave. The child entered warily, dressed in a black cloak. "Stay." He commanded, causing her to freeze. He left for his room, picking up one of her shirts from the ground. She left a few of them lying around when she left. He just never got around to cleaning them. He went back to the child, tossing the blue collared button up to her. "Put that on." She awkwardly replaced her cloak with the shirt. It was many sizes too big for her, fitting like a dress. "So, what's your name?" She shrugged. "Can you talk?"

"...I'm not allowed to..." She whispered. "...Will I get yelled at?"

"As long as you shut it when my boss shows up, then no." He groaned. "I'll get you more clothes later, alright?"

"...Okay..." She nodded. "And... They call me... Experiment 000..."

"Triple zero?" He rolled his eyes. "Whatever. It's nighttime. And you were found at night... So, I'll just call you Nox."

"...N-Ox?" She enunciated.

"It means night..." He shook his head. "Or would you rather I call you Zero?"

"I... like Nox..." She smiled, awkwardly.

"Good." He asserted. "Now, go to sleep." He commanded, pointing to the couch. He let out a groan, before heading back to his own bedroom.

......

Nox shot up out of her bed, panting in shock. She slowly maneuvered her way to her bathroom, washing her face. She looked into the mirror, observing her pale skin, her emerald eyes, her raven hair. She tilted her head to observe the slight point in her ears. She walked away, looking into her wardrobe. Inside, she saw white robes, a cloak, and a collared shirt... blue in color. She carefully reached for it, placing it over her skin tight suit. It fit her almost perfectly... She felt something tug at her chest, before tearing the shirt off as someone knocked on her door. She instantly materialized her armor. "Come in."

"Milady." Sigurd walked in, carefully. "I've returned..."

"Where were you?" She interrogated.

"I... was dealing with New Order." He explained. "I'm sorry."

"Forget it." She brushed off. "They are your enemy, remember that."

"Yes." Sigurd nodded. "You freed me. You offered me what I wanted. You offered me my revenge."

"...Yes. The Professor did promise that." She confirmed. "Revenge on the man who took the one you loved."

"Siegfried Amity." Sigurd repeated. "I will have my revenge on him. If New Order stands in my way, then they'll be destroyed as well."

"...Good." Nox nodded. "Now, leave."

"Milady..." He parted, leaving her alone. She slowly retrieved the shirt from the ground, staring at it intensely.

......

"Good morning, maggots!" A stern woman wailed, banging on a metal pole. A group of armed Liberators began to open the cells, escorting the prisoners out. Agni approached her cell, smirking as usual.

"Hey, Sis." He greeted. "I got permission to work you even extra hard! Hope you love carrying bricks up a flight of stairs~!"

"Oh, are you too weak to help?" Aine tempted.

"Nah, I just have better things to do." He denied, opening her cell. He gestured for her to get in front of him. She began to walk down the corridor, exiting into blinding light. The surroundings consisted of three towers surrounding a single one in a triangle, connected by large walls. An ominous red light shone from the top of the farthest tower.

"Keep moving." Agni shoved her forward. She continued along, passing a group of starving workers being whipped. She made her way to a workshop, where numerous prisoners shaped stone into large blocks. "Have fun."

"What?" Aine interrogated.

"You'll be carrying those..." Agni pointed to the blocks, before pointing to the center tower. "To there."

"Why not get a Machamp?" She stated.

"We're Liberators." He grinned. "Pokémon don't serve us. People serve us."

"...Hypocrite." Aine mumbled as she carted a stone away, hastily. The man from the other cell assisted her.

"Hey." He greeted. "Don't push yourself. It's a long day."

"...Okay." She sighed, slowing down.

"I'm Indigo Wake." He introduced himself. "What about you?"

"Aine... It means radiant..." She groaned.

"Heh..." He chuckled, before noticing a glare from her. "Sorry, I have a daughter around your age. She really doesn't like that I named her after 'lake'..."

"Hmm." Aine averted her gaze. "Do... you get along?"

"I guess." He smiled, nostalgically. "She really tries to follow in my footsteps. I'll support her all the way, of course. That's why I'm gonna live through this."

"...I see." Aine mumbled. Guess not all families are broken...

"So, do you know the red headed admin?"

"He's my brother." Aine elaborated. "He's an egotistical brat who thinks that anyone who challenges his pride deserves to be beaten by him. He'll kill them without a second thought, without considering how it'll affect those around him. I'd forgive the one or the other if he didn't also relish in the glory of gutting another human being."

"Got it. Touchy subject." He acknowledged. "Tell me about yourself."

"I'm the best." She gloated. "Anyone who says otherwise, I'll kick the hell out of."

"...Pardon me, but..." He sighed. "Isn't that the same as your brother?"

"...So?"

"Never mind..." He continued. "Let's get along, alright?"

"Whatever..." Aine ignored.

......

Back in her cell, her brother and the man from before approached her. She sat up, glaring at Agni. "What do you want?"

"We've come to check one last time..." The man sighed. "Will you come to your senses?"

"And join you?" She tilted her head. "Hell no."

"Sweet." Agni grinned, turning to the man. "Told you she wouldn't."

"Very well." He groaned, opening the cell. Numerous other Liberators walked in to drag her away. "Then we must extract information about New Order from you."

"What!?" She growled.

"Tor-Ture." Agni enunciated. "Oh, and don't worry about your Infernape. I already handled it."

 

Chapter Thirty-Seven- The Servant's Test​

"Alright!" Lux smirked, approaching Reginald as Luna and Gena returned from their gym battle. Luna appeared to be shaken, as her sister had to support her. "Time to battle, Reginald Newton!"

"Very well." He sighed. "But, I'm actually curious in more than just you, Young Master."

"Hmm?" Lux followed his gaze to Luna. "You want to battle Luna?"

"Yes, and her sister." He confirmed. "What do you two say?"

"S-sure..." Luna slowly regained her composure. "Gena?"

"Lux?" Gena glanced to her friend.

"I don't mind." He allowed.

"Alright. I'll pay you back." Gena nodded. Lux tilted his head, bewildered.

"Ms. Curie, I require your assistance." Reginald informed Eleanore. She stepped off of the jet, following them to an open arena. It was just an empty field with a small stream of water trickling by.

"We will each use one Pokémon." He stated. "Is that fair?"

"I guess." Gena groaned, glancing to Luna.

"Let's use Char and Wartortle!" She suggested. Gena shrugged in agreement.

"Ms. Curie." Reginald glanced to his partner. She nodded, sending out a Medicham. He followed with an Alakazam.

"Go!" Luna cheered, sending out Char. Gena followed up with Wartortle.

"Now, Psychic!" Reginald commanded.

"Zen Headbutt!" Eleanore joined.

"Fire Fang!" Luna countered.

"Water Pulse!" Gena directed.

Alakazam launched a sphere of psychic energy at Wartortle, nearly defeating her. Meanwhile, Medicham evaded Char's attack, countering with a headbutt.

"Is that all?" Eleanore sighed. "If your Pokémon won't-" She cut herself off as Wartortle and Char began to glow. "...Do that..." Char let out a fierce roar as she spread her newfound wings and flew into the sky. The newly evolved Blastoise let out a growl, firing two orbs at Alakazam, knocking it back.

"Now. Mega Evolve!" Reginald commanded, shining his Mega Stickpin, causing Alakazam to change shape.

"...Alright." Eleanore chuckled, shining her Mega Glasses, causing Medicham to also change forms.

"Blastoise!" Gena shouted, tossing her partner her Blastoisinite. "Mega Evolve!" She shone her Mega Scarf, causing Blastoise to change to her Mega Form. "Dragon Pulse!"

"Metal Claw!" Luna joined. Char's claws shone brightly as she and Medicham exchanged blows on an even field.

"Psychic!" Reginald repeated. Alakazam attempted to attack Blastoise, only to be swept away by a massive draconic blast.

"End it!" Luna shouted. Char kicked away Medicham, before flying into the sky. Her wings began to shine bright as she slashed Medicham with one, defeating it.

"Blastoise!" Gena smirked. Blastoise withdrew into her shell, ramming into Alakazam with a spinning strike, defeating it.

"Well done." Reginald clapped, retrieving his Pokémon. Eleanore bowed, taking her leave. "As Gym Leader, I present to you..." He rewarded the duo with a small simplistic purple badge. "The Serenity Badge. May you have peace of mind."

"Thank you." Luna accepted alongside her sister. She turned to pet Char along the head. "You did great."

"Great job, Blastoise." Gena praised Blastoise, who stumbled slightly, grimacing in pain. "Blastoise!?" She brushed it off, standing proudly. "Just get some rest, okay?"

"Mega Evolution is a difficult thing to master." Reginald informed. "She'll get the hang of it."

"My turn?" Lux inquired, stepping in the arena.

"Ah, now to be serious." Reginald shifted, healing Alakazam. "The rest of you get out."

"Oh...no..." Eleanore groaned from the sidelines as Luna and Gena joined the rest of the group. "This isn't normal..."

"Reginald's finally taking something as seriously as his chores~!" Lux's mother laughed. "Good luck, Luxie!"

"I will not hold back, Young Lux." Reginald glared. He sent out his Reuniclus.

"Lampent!" Lux sent out his newly evolved Pokémon. "Shadow Ball!"

"Do you really think...?" Reginald growled, tossing off his glasses. Reuniclus took the attack, before launching a Shadow Ball back at Lampent, launching her backwards. "That I'll lose to that!?"

"Another one!" Lux panicked. Lampent bombarded Reuniclus with more Shadow Balls, managing to defeat it.

"I'm not done." Reginald switched to his Slowking. "Scald!" Slowking fired a large blast of water at Lampent, defeating her. "Alexandra told me that you said, 'you'll eat through it.'"

"Meowstic!" Lux swapped Pokémon. "Shadow Ball!"

"If you really believe that I, Reginald Newton, the first servant of Siegfried and Airi Amity, would allow you to win so easily..." He continued. Meowstic blasted Slowking repeated, before clenching her head. "Then you're sorely mistaken!" Slowking countered with another blast of water, launching Meowstic away.

"Meowstic! Don't let up!" Lux motivated. Meowstic kept bombarding Slowking until it was finally defeated.

"Do you know why?" Reginald kept fighting, sending out Bronzong. It began to spin, slamming into Meowstic and defeating her. "Because, as their child..."

"Riolu!" Lux struggled. "Fire Punch!" Riolu charged Bronzong, striking it repeatedly with flaming fists, defeating it.

"You must learn to think beyond your status!" He wailed, tossing out Espeon. It launched numerous psychic blasts at Riolu, injuring her.

"Bullet Punch!" Lux panted. Riolu swiftly struck Espeon, refusing to give up. Riolu struggled to stand up, finally defeating Espeon.

"If you defeat me, you'll face your uncle, Oberon Tailor." Reginald sent out his Claydol. It slammed into Riolu, defeating her as well. "And then you'll face your mother, Airi Amity."

"Roselia!" Lux gasped, switching in his second to last Pokémon. "Giga Drain!" She began to sap Claydol of its energy, nearly defeating it. It countered with Psyshock, lobbing numerous orbs at Roselia, nearly defeating her as well.

"Do you understand?" Reginald snarled. The two Pokémon struck each other simultaneously, defeating one another. "I can't let you win. Not easily..."

"Axew!" Lux summoned his final Pokémon. Eevee clenched his shoulder, tightly.

"Your parents told me to take care of you. The day you were born, I watched you, waiting for the day you stand on your own!" Reginald informed, sending out and Mega Evolving Alakazam. "I need to see if you're ready!"

"Dragon Claw!" Lux grimaced. Axew attempted to strike Alakazam, only to be knocked away by Alakazam.

"Are you really worthy!?"

"Yes. Yes, I am!" Lux argued. "I am the son of Siegfried and Airi Amity! I will defeat you, Reginald!" Axew let out a powerful cry, evolving into Fraxure. He slashed at Alakazam, refusing to fail.

"Then do so!" Reginald commanded. "Prove you're really worthy!" Alakazam struck Fraxure with another blast, injuring him. He let out a fierce roar, firing a large blast, staggering Alakazam.

"Close in with Dragon Claw!" Lux shouted. While Alakazam was recovering, Fraxure slashed it with a flurry of Dragon Claws. "End it!" He finished. Fraxure wailed once more, creating a massive claw with one arm, striking Alakazam one last time. It was launched backwards, crashing into the sidelines in defeat.

"Hah..." Reginald leaned forward. "Hahahaha!" He swung back, laughing merrily. "Yes! You did it! I've never felt so proud!"

"Thank you, Reginald..." Lux smiled to his caretaker. "You've always been there for me..."

"'Twas my job. Or that's what I would say, if it were anyone else." He smiled, handing him a badge. "That's not all..." He grinned, handing him a green gem. "You're father wanted you to have this."

"Dad..." Lux mumbled, staring into the stone. It shone in a similar color as his eyes.

"I will continue to serve, Lord Lux." He confirmed, hand on his chest.

"Just Lux, Reginald." Lux grinned back.

"...Farewell." He frowned, leaving the arena.

"Reginald." Lux's mother called out, causing him to stop. "Take care of yourself."

"Yes, Milady." He nodded. "I shall await your return."

"It's my turn to battle." Niles reminded, stepping onto the field.

"Ah, right." Reginald recomposed himself, retrieving his glasses. "Let's battle."

......

"You're family is so nice." Luna smiled, sitting beside Lux. They were looking out to the wide open fields of the Secluded Isles. "You're really lucky."

"Yeah." Lux beamed. "But, you at least had a sibling..."

"True." She nodded. "Gena is amazing."

"So, how's Char?"

"Just fine." She grinned. "Should probably try to evolve the others..."

"You have a Scyther, right?"

"Yeah?" She confirmed, tilting her head.

"Well, here." Lux handed her a small metal object. "That's a Metal Coat. It'll evolve Scyther upon trading."

"Really?" Luna beamed. "How did you get this?"

"I bought it." He shrugged. "Next gym is my uncle. He specializes in Fairy Types."

"I see." She nodded, sending out Scyther. "Are you ready to evolve?" Scyther let out an eager cry, taking the object. Luna pulled out her Link Stone, shining it on Scyther. It began to glow, its exoskeleton forming into red armor. "Imma call you... Ruby."

"Sci!" Ruby cried out, pleased.

"Nice name." Lux smiled. "Keep up the good work."

"Likewise, Lord Lux." She giggled.

"That makes me sound like a freaking prince..." Lux chuckled. "I hate it!"

"They get along well..." Rina grinned from a distance. "They get along really well..."

 

Chapter Thirty-Eight- History Repeats​

Anri's Report- Five

Subject: Lux

Lux tore through the last couple gyms rather well, as expected. Riolu soloed the Dark Gym Leader, D. B. Cooper. Litwick evolved into Lampent, defeating the Ghost Gym Leader, Alexandra Serenity, with ease. The only difficulty was with the Psychic Gym Leader, Reginald Newton. However, after a hard fought battle, Lux ended up on top. He's quite something

Furthermore, would you like me to return soon? I know that Eld and Berk were withdrawn recently, so I'm curious for myself.

......

The city of Glamour was incredibly flamboyant. There were banners everywhere consisting of technicolor nonsense. The skyscraper in the middle held the gym at the very top, as well as the home of Lux's uncle, Oberon Tailor. Lux marched into the building, prepared for battle.

"Ah, welcome." The female secretary greeted the group at the door. "Are you challengers?"

"Yes." Lux nodded. "I want to battle Oberon Tailor."

"Oh?" She turned to face his mother. "O-Oh! Go right on in Mrs. Amity! And you're Lux Amity, right?"

"...Yeah." He sighed. She handed them each elevator passes, swiftly returning to work. The group entered the elevator, pushing the most glaring rainbow button at the top of the panel.

"What's wrong?" His mother pondered.

"I-I wanted to face him as a challenger..." He groaned. "Not as his nephew."

"Well, we don't all get what we wanted, Luxie." She teased. "Now, just kick in your uncle's teeth, so we can get out of here."

"Is there a problem?" Niles questioned. "He seems like the kinda guy to love his family..."

"He's annoying." She answered without hesitation. "It's always fashion with him. 'Your shirt doesn't match your pants. Your husband is such an embarrassment. Why do you let him dress like an angsty edgelord?'"

"But, he's family." Lux grinned. "Even if he compares my clothes to a blind Garbodor..."

"Oh hey, Sis." Luna remembered. She pulled out a rainbow candy bar, holding out to her sister. "I got this on the way here. It's your favorite! A Glamour Bomb!"

"Thanks..." Gena hesitantly accepted as the elevator halted on the last floor, opening for them. The group stepped out to hear a man arguing over the phone.

"Look, the red over takes the blue by a few millimeters! That ruins the whole contrast!" He wailed, noticing the group. "Call you back."

"Hey, Bro." Airi smirked, greeting her brother. "'Sup with you?"

"...Did you really just say that?" He groaned. "You've always enjoyed messing with me, haven't you? Why are you here? It better be-"

"Uncle Oberon." Lux coughed. "I'm here to challenge you."

"...Fabulous!" He shouted after a pause, posing dynamically. "Let's go right away!" He commanded, dragging Lux upstairs. They entered a large, dome shaped, technicolor battlefield.

"So, will we have a full on Singles Battle?" Lux inquired from his side of the field.

"Of course!" He posed, sending out a Granbull.

"Roselia!" Lux sent out the rose Pokémon. "Sludge Bomb!"

"Fire Punch!" Oberon chanted. Granbull charged Roselia, only to be defeated by a wave of poison. "Huh...?" He pondered, sending out a Gardevoir. "Psyshock."

"Again!" Lux directed. Roselia evaded the attack, countering with another Sludge Bomb. Gardevoir fell to its knees, launching another psychic blast at Roselia, defeating her.

"Return!" Lux prepared to switch, only for Fraxure to jump out. "H-Hey- Fine. Poison Jab!" Fraxure charged Gardevoir before it could react, defeating it with a envenomed jab.

"Hmm?" Oberon mumbled to himself, sending out a Slurpuff. Fraxure quickly defeated it as well, wailing in victory. "You're not going to win..." He sighed, following with a Clefable. Fraxure jabbed the new opponent as well, knocking it back. The Clefable began to charge pink energy, causing the room to display the moon. It lobbed the energy at Fraxure, defeating him instantly.

"Riolu!" Lux shifted Pokémon. Riolu let out an arrogant cry, jabbing the Clefable repeatedly, defeating it.

"Mawile!" Oberon announced, revealing a Mega Rose. "Just give up! Mega Evolve!" He commanded his last Pokémon. It grabbed Riolu, and launched her to the side. It followed up by jumping on her in a cartoony fashion, knocking her down.

"Riolu!?" Lux gasped, retrieving his fighter. "Lampent!" He switched. She attempted to strike the Mawile with Fire Blast, instead getting struck while trying to attack, falling over in defeat. "Meowstic!" Lux switched again. Meowstic waited for her opponent to move, narrowly avoiding a low blow. She countered by creating a psychic barrier around herself. "We can't lose!" Lux struggled. "We defeated Reginald! We can beat Oberon!"

"Hmm?" Oberon tilted his head, before smiling. "Now you're getting interesting!" Meowstic clenched her head, blasting Mawile with psychic energy. Mawile rammed her head into Meowstic, launching her back.

"Are you okay!?" Lux panicked. Eevee looked at her companion briefly, crying out to motivate. Meowstic smiled gleefully, clenching her head again. She turned to Mawile, preparing another attack. Before she could attack, Mawile struck her with another low blow, nearly defeating her. She retaliated with a massive psychic blast, launching Mawile backwards in defeat.

"...Wondrous!" Oberon chanted, before Meowstic fell face down.

"H-Hey!?" Lux checked up on his Pokémon. His mother ran to his side, assisting him. "Meowstic, what's wrong!?"

"Is that...?" Airi pondered as Meowstic clenched her head. "Use Psychic!"

"Meow..." Meowstic forced herself up, struggling to make an orb of energy, collapsing to the ground again.

"As I thought..." Airi grimaced, mumbling to herself. "...And he's... What do we do...?"

"Mom...?" Lux interrogated. She shook her head, facing her son's friends.

"Does anyone know a scientist?" Airi interrogated the group. "Any scientist will do!"

"M-my dad..." Luna mumbled. "W-why?"

"We're paying him a visit." She commanded, grabbing Meowstic. "Oberon, give these kids their badges."

"But..." He gasped.

"Do it!" She snarled. He hastily handed Gena, Luna, and Lux the Myth Badge. It was a small badge in the shape of a Diancie. She carried Meowstic out of the building, jumping into her jet.

"Er... Leaf Bud..." Luna muttered, noticing Airi's glare. Eleanore started the jet, taking into the air faster than usual.

......

"Is Gardevoir going to be okay?" Airi questioned in fear.

"I helped her, don't worry." Gabriel reassured, fitting a small circlet around her head. "Just have her wear that, and she'll be able to fight, albeit with some restraints."

"Thank you Gabe." She smiled.

"Anything for a friend." He grinned back. "J-just be sure to tell Mailys..."

"Maybe." She teased.

......

"Gena, Luna, welcome-" One of their father's assistants greeted as the exited the jet.

"No time!" Airi snapped. "Where is the professor!?"

"I-in his lab..." The assistant mumbled, causing Airi to rush past. The rest of the group, with the exception of Gena, stormed along, busting into Professor Apple's lab.

"Oh?" He stumbled, waking up. "W-who's there...?"

"I need you to make something!" Airi commanded, laying Meowstic down. She quickly sent out Gardevoir, who approached Professor Apple. "Make another one of those!"

"What?" He paused, observing Gardevoir, who pointed to the circlet. "That? I'm not a jeweler."

"It's a restraint!" She elaborated. "It restrains a Pokémon's psychic power."

"For this Meowstic?" He pondered, turning to Meowstic. "I'll need blueprints or the circlet."

"Of course." Airi calmed down. "Gardevoir-"

"Mrs. Airi, we have a problem!" Claire informed as she ran inside. "Mr. and Mrs. Fang just told us that New Order is at the Ruins of Creation!"

"So!?" She snapped. "It's just some dusty old-"

"They have Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina!" She explained. "They're trying to summon Arceus!"

 

Chapter Thirty-Nine- The Creator​

"Anri." Ford communicated with their agent. "We've got things under control. Continue to do what you've been tasked."

"...Understood..." She groaned.

"After this, you'll most likely be recalled." Ford informed. "Don't worry about it."

......

"What about Meowstic!?" Lux interrogated his mother as they stepped outside.

"We'll go to the Ruins." She elaborated. "Eleanore and Claire will retrieve the blueprints for the circlet from home."

"So, I'll have to battle without Meowstic?" Lux sighed. "Alright..."

"We have to stop New Order!" Niles repeated to motivate the group.

"Yeah!" Luna jumped. "There's no way they'll beat us!"

"Of course." Gena smirked. "I have Blastoise after all."

"And I just evolved Venusaur." Rina added. "Our trio will surely win."

......

"Are the preparations complete?" Galen interrogated Ford. They were at the top of the Ruins of Creation. Numerous pillars wear strewn about, resembling the Hall of Origins. A large insignia was etched into the ground, with three points corresponding to Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina.

"Of course." Ford confirmed, holding out three Pokeballs. "Shall I place them?"

"Do so." Galen nodded.

"Sir!" One of his minions approached, panting. "Draco and Linda Fang have eliminated the front guard!"

"Deal with it." He growled. "Go."

"Furthermore... Airi Amity appears to be joining them in their attack..." He gasped.

"Hmm." Galen paused. "Ford, handle Arceus. I'll deal with Amity."

"Can do." She smirked as he left. She signaled for her own henchmen, including Sigurd, to begin. "...You unwitting pawn."

......

"What's happening?" Airi interrogated the Fangs as they caught up.

"The place is swarming with New Order." Draco explained. "Something's preventing us from flying up there."

"They we have to go on foot." She confirmed. A platoon of soldiers emerged from the ruins, surrounding them.

"I'll handle these!" Linda opted, sending out Altaria.

"I'll help." Albert joined, sending out Stoutland. "We've been training!"

"Good luck!" Lux motivated, moving ahead with the group. They ran up the large flight up stairs, stopping at the second floor. The entire ruin seemed to be cylindrical, as the hallway curved. They made their way to the second flight, defeating numerous grunts along the way.

"Stop." Samuel sighed, walking down the stairs. He sent out a Bisharp, lazily. "I can't let you do that, Amity."

"Sam!?" Nero gasped. "W-what are you-!?"

"Knew this would happen..." He rolled his eyes. "I joined New Order. I'm your enemy right now."

"...Fine." She growled. "If it's a fight you want..." She quickly sent out Rhyperior. "It's a fight you'll get!"

"...Alright." He smirked, moving away from the staircase. "Keep going."

"Good luck, Nero!" Niles grinned, running past. The group pushed on, eventually making it to the third floor. Galen Wilson strolled down, calmly.

"Hello, children." He greeted, his Garchomp at the ready.

"Galen..." Airi growled.

"Gabe!?" Draco gasped. "You're in New Order!?"

"And the leader." Galen added. "Are we going to battle?"

"Draco, continue with the kids." Airi ordered, sending out Gardevoir. "I'll handle Wilson."

"...Got it." He frowned. "Good luck."

"I don't need luck." She gloated.

"Come on!" Draco asserted, dragging the group forward. They almost reached the top, stepping out into the light. A large staircase led to the center, blocked by a masked man.

"Hello, Draco." He greeted. "How are you?"

"You're-!" Rina gasped, recognizing the man from Amber. "You're from Amber!"

"I wasn't speaking to you, girl." He insulted, sending out a Gallade. "Draco. We battle. Now."

"Fine." He accepted, sending out Salamence. "I have a feeling that we've met before..."

"Maybe." He alluded, moving to let the five pass.

"Kick him in the teeth, Dad!" Niles inspired, running ahead. They almost reached the top, standing on one last platform. A small staircase led to where a violet haired woman stood in front of Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina.

"Welcome, heroes." She smirked, pulling out a Pokéball. "Good to see you after Amber."

"You were there too!?" Niles gasped, turning to Rina.

"She teleported us out." Luna reminded.

"Let me handle them, Ma'am!" A grunt announced, sending out an Ariados and Tangrowth.

"Hmm. Go ahead, but use this." She allowed, tossing him a gem. "That will give your Pokémon a little boost."

"Yes Ma'am!" He accepted, shining the stone on his team. Their bodies began to morph in horror, as if to mimic Mega Evolution. "Spider Web!" He commanded, causing Ariados to cover the last staircase.

"Fraxure!" Lux sent out his dragon, ignoring the pain in his skull. Luna, Gena, and Rina sent out Char, Blastoise, and Venusaur. Lastly, Niles sent out Dragalge.

"Fire Blast!" Luna ordered. Char flew up, bombarding Tangrowth with large flames.

"Dragon Pulse!" Gena followed, immediately Mega Evolving Blastoise. She fired a large blast of energy at Tangrowth, pushing it back.

"Dragon Claw!" Lux directed. Fraxure charged Ariados, slashing it repeatedly.

"Hydro Pump!" Niles assisted. Dragalge fired a powerful stream of water at Ariados, launching it back.

"Solarbeam!" Rina commanded Venusaur to charge from behind the group.

......

"Thunder Fang!" Albert ordered Stoutland. It bit into one of many Golbat, tossing it into another.

"Draco Meteor!" Linda directed Altaria. She hurled numerous large meteors at the opposition, defeating an entire wave. Another platoon emerged from the surrounding forest, sending another wave.

"Don't want to play fair?" Albert growled, sending out Samurott and Typhlosion. "Fine!"

"Smart!" Linda grinned, sending out Dragonite and Kingdra. "Go all out!"

"Eruption! Ice Beam!" He directed. Typhlosion launched a wave of fire at the opposition, defeating many of them. At the same time, Samurott created a wall of ice around the vicinity, preventing reinforcements.

......

"Earthquake!" Nero commanded. Rhyperior slammed the ground, sending shock wave at Bisharp. It deftly evaded, defeating Rhyperior with a metal headbutt.

"Tyranitar!" She shifted Pokémon, Mega Evolving Tyranitar.

"Oh. You still have them?" Sam frowned, looking at Aron.

"Yes." She nodded. "They were our Pokémon. I gave your Larvitar to someone who would appreciate her!"

"It's just a rock..." He sighed. "I hate rocks..."

"Then watch as 'rocks' defeat you!" She growled. "Superpower!" Tyranitar rammed into Bisharp, defeating it instantly.

"Why do you follow his example!?" Sam snapped, sending out a Skarmory. "He's an old bastard who only cared about making us perfect!"

"I know!" She growled. "But, that doesn't mean he deserved to die alone!"

"D-die...?" Sam gasped. "He..." He paused, looking at Aron again. "Iron Head." He recollected himself. Skarmory slammed into Tyranitar, nearly defeating him.

"Stone Edge!" She shouted. Tyranitar launched stones at Skarmory, barely damaging it. "Keep it up!" She motivated. Tyranitar continued to attack Skarmory, slowly whittling it down.

"Iron Head!" Sam countered. Skarmory slammed into Tyranitar again, defeating him, before collapsing itself.

"I promise I will defeat you!" Nero swore. "I'll show you how much I've grown!"

......

"Hyper Voice!" Airi instructed Gardevoir. She let out a high pitched cry, damaging Garchomp.

"Fire Fang." Galen calmly retaliated. Garchomp charged Gardevoir, biting into her, before tossing her into the air. "Stone Edge."

"Psyshock!" Airi directed. Gardevoir nimbly dodged the stones, launching psychic blasts at Garchomp as she landed. She let out a fierce roar, flying into the air.

"Iron Head." Galen continued. Garchomp began a nose dive, barreling towards Gardevoir. She jumped to the side, letting out another cry. Garchomp evaded the attack, tackling her from the side.

"Teleport!" Airi struggled. Gardevoir quickly jumped from the dragon's grasp, returning to her side. "Psyshock!"

"Earthquake." Galen countered. Garchomp struck the ground, launching vibrations at Gardevoir, before evading her assault. "Fire Fang."

"Protect!" Airi shouted. Gardevoir created a barrier, protecting her from the shock wave and Garchomp's bite. Garchomp bounced off, returning to her trainer.

"Impressive as always." Galen nodded. "Of course it took both me and Berk to capture you, so this was expected."

"You've gotten better, Gabe." Airi laughed. "You could barely scratch Gardevoir when we last battled as kids."

"I've grown since then." He stated. "I've decided on this. I must fix this world."

"Even if you're a glaring contradiction?" Airi accused. "Why would Garchomp fight so fiercely, if it was just a slave? It's more than just survival instinct. It's love. It's trust."

"...Enough." Galen glared. "Garchomp. End this."

"Gardevoir!" Airi shouted. Garchomp let out a powerful roar as she slashed at Gardevoir, breaking her circlet. She grimaced in pain, giving Garchomp an opening to headbutt her, rendering her unconscious. "Return!" She quickly called back Gardevoir.

"Don't worry." Galen reassured, pulling out a spare circlet. "I owe you a lot." He reminded, tossing the circlet to her. "Now, leave."

......

"Not good enough." Sigurd insulted Draco. Gallade struck Salamence with a frozen fist, defeating it. "Disappointing."

"Alright, who are you!?" Draco snarled. "Explain!"

"I am a ghost." He announced. "Forgotten and unloved."

"That doesn't answer anything!" He snapped.

"Very well." He sighed, removing his mask. "I am Sigurd."

"What!?" Draco gasped. "Why did you join New Order!?"

"I didn't." He elaborated. "I am merely using them."

"For what!?"

"Revenge." He continued. "Against Siegfried Amity."

"What did S do to you!?" He interrogated. "We were friends!"

"You were friends." He glared. "I was the backup dancer. I didn't get any respect. Any fame. Any love. No one talks about the Fighting Gym Leader. Only the Dragon Gym Leaders and the Elite Four."

"I..." Draco frowned.

"Farewell." Sigurd parted, destroying the path behind him.

......

"Now, come forth! Arceus!" Ford called out, the three Legendary Pokémon chained up. A light began to shine in the sky, with a majestic white Pokémon descending. Ford began to brandish a Master Ball.

"Crap!" Niles panicked. "We have to end this now!"

"Got it!" Gena nodded, shooting a glance to Luna. She nodded in confidence. "Water Pulse!"

"Fire Blast!" Luna joined. Blastoise and Char joined attacks, creating an opening in the staircase.

"Solarbeam!" Rina announced. Venusaur launched a massive blast at Ariados and Tangrowth, barely defeating them.

"Draco Meteor!" Niles commanded. Dragalge launched numerous blasts at the Legendaries, breaking their shackles.

"Fraxure!" Lux wailed. Fraxure blitzed past the staircase, slashing the Master Ball in two, before stealing her Pokéball.

"No!" Ford cried, turning to the group.

"W-what!?" Rina gasped, shocked by Lux's actions.

"It's over!" Lux snapped, watching as the Legendaries fled through numerous portals.

"Interesting..." Ford recomposed herself. She shot a glance to Rina. "I wasn't expecting that."

"You lost." Lux glared at her as the rest of the group joined him.

"Maybe." She smiled. "Tell me, are you using an Espurr you found in Amber?"

"What about her?" Lux inquired, holding back anger.

"Well. I had an interesting study on Psychic Pokémon there." She smirked. "Espurr is known as the Restraint Pokémon. They say that it can blast everything within ninety meters of it. So, after learning of an... incident involving a Gardevoir over a decade ago, I decided to remove the restraints of as many Psychic Pokémon I could find. The problem was... they all died. Every last one."

"You!?" Lux growled, causing Niles to hold him back.

"I theorize that they broke their fragile minds... My guess is the only way to save them, is to remove their psychic energy..." She laughed, pulling out a device. "With this very easily destroyed invention of mine."

"What?" Luna gasped.

"Do you believe that your Pokémon is the same as your mother's Gardevoir?" She tempted. "Will you take the risk of letting it die?"

"I..." Lux paused. "I..."

"You wouldn't would you?" She chuckled. "You can feel their suffering. You know how much pain it's in. So, will you really take the chance?"

"...No." Lux frowned.

"Lux!?" Niles gasped. "You wouldn't! We have her right here!"

"...I accept." Lux nodded, pushing Niles away. He gestured for Fraxure to return her Pokéball.

"Good choice." She sneered, tossing him the device. She called out an Alakazam, instantly teleporting away."

"What the hell!?" Niles grabbed Lux by the collar. "You let her escape! We could've just taken the damn thing!"

"I..." Lux grimaced, pushing Niles off of him again. "We won, didn't we!?"

"Yeah, but they'll just come back!" He growled.

"Forget it!" Lux snapped, returning to the entrance. "We're heading back to Leaf Bud, okay?"

"Lux..." Luna sulked. Gena averted her gaze, slowly following behind.

......

"Great job!" Airi congratulated as they reentered Leaf Bud.

"Yeah!" Nero laughed.

"So, how did things go with your brother?" Niles asked.

"He just, kinda left..." She sighed. "A bit of a let down..."

"Don't worry about it." Niles reassured. "You'll see him again."

"Yeah..." She sulked.

Lux pushed past them, returning to the lab. Inside, Meowstic was inside her Pokéball, while Apple scratched his head. "How is she?"

"Uh..." He tilted his head. "Well, it seems that the circlet doesn't work..."

"Alright..." Lux frowned, retrieving Meowstic and pulling out the device. He held it out to Apple. "Can you check and see if this'll remove a Pokémon's psychic energy?"

"I guess..." He raised his eyebrows, inspecting the device. Lux rubbed Meowstic's Pokéball, until he finally responded. "I think this should theoretically do so..."

"Thanks." Lux took back the device, sending out Meowstic. She looked up to him in pain. "Now, Meowstic, this'll make the pain stop... But, you won't be able to fight anymore... Is that okay?"

"M-meow..." She panted, struggling to nod. Lux fit the device around her head, activating it. Meowstic grimaced as the device sapped her energy, shorting out afterwards. She shot up, removing the device and running around the lab. "Meow!"

"Feeling better?" Lux smiled, picking up his Pokémon. She playfully pawed his face. "Good girl."

"Hmm." Apple frowned, taking the device. "I would like to study this."

"Go ahead." Lux allowed, placing Meowstic on his shoulder. He turned to leave, Gena passing by him. She carefully watched as he left, a sullen look across his face.

"Gena." Her father smiled. "How are you?"

"...Fine." She frowned, noticing the empty cage. "What happened to the Zigzagoon?"

"That?" He followed her gaze. "My colleagues came to retrieve it. I've been as busy as always."

"Of course..." She growled.

"Look." He exhaled. "I know I'm not the best father, Genesis."

"Don't call me that!" She snapped, glaring at her father.

"Right, sorry..." He sulked. "I know... I just wanted to wish you well, was all..."

"Then show up for a change!" She shouted, storming out of the lab.

"Why did I hurt her, darling?" Evan questioned his wedding ring. "Why did you leave me?"

......

"Hey!" Airi laughed, gathering the group. "I've decided! We need a break!"

"A break?" Rina pondered. "You mean like a vacation?"

"Yes!" She confirmed. "We've been tackling gym after gym! So, we're going to spend a day or so at my private beach!"

"You have a private beach?" Luna gawked.

"Duh!" She stood proud. "You can't be this beautiful and famous and not have a private beach!"

"Sounds like fun!" Niles smirked. "A great opportunity to blow off some steam!"

"Or stare at the girls..." Albert rolled his eyes. "...Whatever..."

"It's decided!" Airi punched the air. "You guys go get some swimming trunks, while we girls go shopping for our own swimsuits!"

"I-I don't feel comfortable-" Gena protested, getting dragged away by Nero.

"You'll look great~!" She laughed. The girls all wandered off together.

"This'll be fun." Lux laughed, turning to the guys. "Let's go get something to swim in!"

 

Chapter Forty- The Beach!?​

They were at the Amity Resort, a private beach for Lux's family. There were three buildings, a small home for them to sleep, a shack where Gordon prepared meals, and a resort shack where the servants tended to them with massages and whatnot. They group had split into two groups, one consisting of the guys, and one consisting of the girls.

"Look at those waves!" Niles squealed, spreading his arms like a bird. He wore sporty blue trunks, with a Salamence decal on it.

"It really is nice..." Lux smiled. He donned a simpler pair of trunks. They were green and black, with a Haxorus decal.

"I can agree..." Albert sheepishly smiled. He dressed in even simpler trunks. They were a basic red, with a blue stripe, and a white t-shirt.

"Hello, boys!" Lux's mother greeted, waltzing up to them. She dressed in an incredibly elegant, white two piece. Their was a pink flower attached to the top, and a frilly waist-cloth on the bottom. "Aren't I the most beautiful woman you've ever seen!?"

"...You're my mom..." Lux sighed.

"And I'm underage!" Niles added with a snap.

"Same..." Albert joined.

"Damn!" She chuckled with a grin. "I know what you'd rather see!" She quickly turned, outstretching her arm. "The girls!"

The trio twisted to see Luna wandering over, merrily. She donned a simple pink bikini with a black trim. However, she was wearing shorts, rather than a bikini bottom, of the same color. "Hey!"

"The first contestant!" Lux's mother beamed. "A lovely color for the lovely maiden of Leaf Bud!"

"Looks great!" Niles cheered. He appeared to be acting far more casual than usual. Albert shifted, uninterested.

"Very form fitting." Lux nodded. "And the color speaks wonders about your personality."

"Thank you!" Luna giggled as Rina approached.

"Yo!" She announced. She had a primarily yellow bikini, with a white trim. She appeared to be taking strong steps, as if to bounce. "How do I look~?"

"Contestant number two!" Lux's mother continued. "A daring outfit that shows off her most prominent features!"

"Hey, Bunny-Rabbit!" Niles teased. "Now you look the part!"

"Eh..." Albert shrugged.

"An interesting choice." Lux tilted his head. "Wouldn't it be better to choose something more practical?"

"What!?" Rina growled. "That's not what you say in this situation!"

"What am I supposed to say?" Lux pondered. "That's what my uncle always does..."

"The upsetting part is that it works..." Lux's mother sulked.

"Compliment the girl on how cute or sexy she is!" She elaborated as Nero pushed Gena forward.

"Gah!" She cried. She had a tight fitting, two piece, sport swimsuit. The top was primarily a light blue, with a lavender trim, while the bottom was black with a lavender trim. She averted her gaze in embarrassment.

"Contestant number three!" Lux's mother laughed. "A more athletic choice. Perfect for our competitive Leaf Bud resident!"

"Eh..." Niles shrugged. "I've seen better." Albert nodded stoically in agreement.

"You look cute." Lux smiled. "Really cute."

"W-w-what!?" Gena gasped, grabbing a volleyball. "D-d-don't say crap like that!" She cried, tossing the ball at him. He ducked, barely dodging.

"Of course!" Rina whined. Nero chuckled as she approached after. She had a green, frilled, tankini with a Tyranitar decal.

"Well?" She announced.

"The final contestant!" Lux's mother punched the air. "A wonderful choice! No complaints here!"

"Amazing..." Niles stared.

"Oh brother..." Albert groaned.

"Um...?" Lux glanced to Rina, who brushed him off. "A-a great choice. The green matches your personality and Pokémon very well..."

"So, the winner?" Lux's mother ended. "Which of these lovely ladies is the best?"

"I-I vote Nero..." Niles mumbled, causing her to smile.

"Whatever Lux votes for." He smirked at Niles. "Just to screw with him."

"I..." Lux pondered. "...They all look great."

"Thank you!" Luna smiled.

"...Whatever..." Gena grimaced.

"Cop out!" Rina growled. "Pick one!"

"Eh!" His mother made a buzzing sound, winking at him. "By elimination, the winner is Nero!"

"Hell yeah!" She celebrated.

"Damn..." Albert groaned.

"Now, let's have fun!" Lux's mother announced, turning to the ocean.

Lux, Gena and Niles started by having a swimming contest, while Luna and Rina made a sandcastle, and his mother, Albert, and Nero observed the race. Next, Lux's mother released the Sharkpedo and Lapras for the group to ride. As expected, Lux and Niles raced their Sharkpedo, while Luna watched the ocean with his mother on Lapras, while Rina, Gena, and Albert gawked at Nero jumping in the water in order to fish, chock holding a Basculin. Next, everyone jumped into the water, observing the reefs below the water. Finally, the group separated from one another, leaving just Lux and Niles.

"So, what now?" Lux inquired, watching the steady waves.

"Hmm?" Niles pondered. "I'm going to go eat."

"See ya." Lux parted, watching his friend leave. He turned to notice Rina sitting by herself, under a parasol. He began to pace over to her. "Hey!"

"Lux!" She smiled back, gesturing to a seat next to her. He kindly sat beside her. "This is nice..."

"Yeah." He agreed. "I really need to come here more often..."

"Must be nice." Rina beamed. "Having access to such solitude."

"It is." Lux nodded. "So, how are you feeling?"

"Alright." She shrugged. "How's Meowstic."

"Fine." Lux confirmed, letting Meowstic jump on his shoulder. She smiled merrily at Rina. "Even without her psychic abilities, she's a great motivator. But, I'll never forgive anyone in New Order..."

"I see..." Rina groaned. "Makes sense."

"Either way, she's happy now." He grinned.

"So cute..." She gazed, petting Meowstic. "So, do you have a replacement?"

"Not yet." He answered as Eevee jumped on him, asserting herself proudly. "I mean, an Espeon is cool."

"Eevee would look great as an Espeon!" She agreed. "But, doesn't she hate fighting?"

"That's what I thought too." Lux interrogated his partner. She continued to assert herself, only to run as Meowstic swept at her. "Exactly..."

"Eh, we'll find a-"

"Replacement you say!?" His mother announced, joining them. She held out a single Pokéball. "I've been waiting for this!"

"W-what?" Lux inquired, staring at the ball. "I-is that?"

"Your father wasn't the only one who bred a Pokémon for you!" She boasted. He hesitantly took the ball, tossing it out. It probably wasn't going to like him anyways...

"Ra?" A small blue Ralts timidly glanced at them.

"A Ralts?" He tilted his head.

"Just like mine!" His mother smiled. "And it's female too, so you have no choice but to get a Gardevoir!"

"Depends if it likes me..." Lux frowned, extending his arm. Ralts immediately clung to him. "Okay...?"

"Hah!" She laughed. "Take that, Siegfried! My gift was better! A shiny, unique Ralts!"

"Unique?" Lux interrogated.

"Yep." She elaborated. "She apparently has a completely different ability or something..."

"Cool." Lux smiled, holding Ralts. "Welcome aboard!"

"Ra!" She cried out.

"Your mother's weird..." Rina gawked as she left. She turned back to the sea, sitting up. "Lux, I have to go soon..."

"What?" He tilted his head.

"After this, I'm going to go do something important." She nodded. "Don't worry about it."

"...Alright." Lux accepted. "Take care of yourself."

"I will."

......

"Yo, Niles!" Nero approached him eating at the bar. It was a small, well taken care of, wooden shack, with a great view of the beach. A single chef prepared the meals, while a spirited man served them.

"Hey, Nero." Niles waved as she sat next to him. She held a Basculin in her hands, freshly caught.

"Hey, cook this up!" She commanded the waiter.

"Of course!" He grinned, taking the fish. "Gordon! New order!"

"What!?" The chef jumped, grabbing a knife. He noticed the Basculin, placing the knife down. "Right."

"So, what's up?" Nero inquired.

"Not much." He smiled. "Just eating."

"Right." She shifted. "So... do you have a thing for me?"

"W-what!?" Niles gasped. "W-why would you think that!?"

"...Seriously? It couldn't be more obvious." She sighed. "Who's Fiorella?"

"...A friend..." He paused. "A friend I failed to protect..."

"Hmm." She paused, tossing water in his face. "Don't be dumb."

"What!?"

"You had fun today." She elaborated. "As long as I've known you, which isn't long, you've been a massive killjoy. Act like you did today. Accept what happened, and move on..."

"It's not..." He began, before she tossed more water at him.

"You called me Fiorella when we met." She continued. "I'm not her. I don't know what she was like. But, if you have a thing for me, you'll have to move on."

"Right..." Niles nodded, staring at his meal. Fiorella...

"Here's your meal!" The man returned with a chopped up Basculin.

"Sweet!" Nero cheered, taking her meal.

......

"Lux...?" Gena turned to face him as he approached. She was emerging from the water alongside Blastoise.

"Yo!" He smiled. "What're you doing?"

"Just some training." She elaborated, pointing to the sea. "We're catching fish. How can I call myself a trainer if I don't train?"

"Not much of a relaxer, are you?" He teased. "Pretty sure Nero was doing that too, for different reasons."

"No, I need to keep training." Gena asserted. "I'll do just that."

"Hey, why don't I try?" Lux suggested, entering the ocean.

"You can't do it." Gena boasted. "It takes a lot-"

"Hey, I got one!" He announce, raising up a Magikarp. Gena glared at him briefly. "D-did I-"

"I won't lose!" She shouted, jumping into the water.

"Alright!" Lux laughed, jumping back in. They alternated between catches, boasting Magikarp, Basculin, and Finneon.

"I win!" She asserted, holding up a golden Magikarp. "It's a shiny-"

"Hey, look at this!" He announced, holding up a shiny Octillery. "It hates me but-"

"Gah!" Gena screamed as it launched ink at her. "That's-! Disgusting! Kill it!"

"T-that might be a bit of an overreaction..." He frowned. She attempted to grab it, causing it to wrap around her arm.

"Get off!" She screeched, while trying to pry it off. "It's trying to eat me!"

"It's just breathing on you..." He chuckled.

"It won't come off! Why!?" She panicked, flailing about.

"Go into the water." He directed. "It'll probably swim off..."

"Eh...?" She paused, before making her way back into the water. It immediately let go, fleeing into the ocean. She returned, bright red.

"Didn't think you were afraid of octopi." Lux pondered. "Wanna talk about it?"

"It's more embarrassing than substantial..." She exhaled. "Don't worry about it..."

"Got it..." Lux nodded. "Well if you ever want to talk, I'm here."

"Thanks... That was fun..." She mumbled as he began to leave. "I owe you..."

......

"Ah, hello Eld." Airi greeted Albert as he was watching Samurott. "What're you up to?"

"Just watching him." He answered, pointing to Samurott. "I have a lot to do."

"I see." She confirmed. "Does it involve your siblings?"

"Yeah." He nodded. "I need to fix their idiotic mistakes."

"Hmm." Airi grimaced. "You're a lot like your mother..."

"Pardon?"

"You're arrogant." She insulted. "You refer to others as idiots. Well, what's considered idiotic?"

"Dumb." He elaborated. "An under average IQ."

"Really?" She pondered. "I'm not very good at math or science. Yet, I'm the Champion..."

"O-oh..." He paused. "That's an exception..."

"Is it really?" She interrogated. "You're mother called me an idiot once. She was right, but she was even dumber than me. She threw away everything that she deemed inferior, until she had your siblings. Then she finally woke up, and began to accept others."

"...Okay." Albert sulked. "I get it. Give others a chance."

"Good." She boasted. "Now, go play with your Pokémon! They need to spend time with you!"

"Wha-?" Albert gasped, turning to Samurott. He grinned in understanding. "Got it."

"Have fun~!"

......

"Luna!" Lux waved as he approached her next to a sandcastle.

"Hey!" She waved back. "What's up?"

"Well, I just traumatized your sister..." He chuckled, embarrassed. "How about you...?"

"Just collecting things." She stated, before pulling out a bag of shells and stones. "They're really nice."

"Awesome." He inspired. He shifted his gaze to to the rocks, noticing an odd blue oval. He quickly ran over, taking it. "Hey, I think I found an egg!"

"Really?" Luna caught up, staring at the blue ovaloid. It had a red core, and numerous yellow circles in a ring. "Wow, good find!"

"Take it." He offered. "And don't throw it away like the Joltik."

"Never gonna live it down." She laughed, accepting the gift. "Only because it's from you."

"Good." He nodded. "Let's head back."

"Sounds good!" Luna smiled, rubbing the egg.

......

Back at the home building, the group met up and rested for the remainder of the day.

"So, do you want to leave tomorrow?" Lux's mother inquired.

"That's fine." Gena nodded.

"Yeah, we should get back to the gyms." Niles confirmed.

"Can we visit my dad first?" Luna requested, still holding the egg.

"Sure." Lux's mother allowed. "When everyone's ready tomorrow, we'll leave."