Pokemon: A New World

Chapter Sixty-One- Reforged Steel​

"Mother!? Father!?" Rika panicked, checking the remains of her town. The once great walls were collapsed, the flowers trampled, the gentle murmur of the inhabitants replaced by a cold silence, the dull grey of the streets stained in a horrible maroon. She ran through the town searching and searching, finding nothing that remained the same. She eventually found herself on the cliff at the edge of the town, overlooking the ocean. "Anybody...?"

"On..." Onix nuzzled against her, attempting to comfort her.

"No..." Rika cried, trembles running throughout her body. "I... No... It... can't be! They can't!"

"But, they are." A caustic sounding man confirmed behind her. She twisted to face the extravagantly dressed man, Frederick. A large green dragon loomed behind him. "I'm a very thorough man. Rayquaza here made sure to kill your parents first. You really shouldn't have disobeyed me, Rika. Just follow orders like a good girl, eh?"

"I..." Rika averted her gaze, clenching her fists. "I..."

Onix let out a powerful howl in defiance.

"I..." Rika faced down Frederick and his dragon. She drew her sword and charged the man, screaming at the top of her lungs. "Frederick!"

"Foolish girl." Frederick groaned, signalling for his Pokémon to attack. "Dragon Ascent."

"Iron Tail!" Rika countered, swinging her blade at Frederick. He expertly dodged, jumping back. The green dragon rose into the sky, before barreling downwards towards Onix. It tore through her partner, causing an explosion to envelope the land. "Onix!"

Onix let out an angered roar, slamming its tail into the dragon, knocking it back slightly. The dragon flew around Onix, wrapping its tail around Onix and spinning it around, slamming it into the dirt. Onix cried in pain, squirming away from the opponent.

"Flash Cannon!" Rika ordered, continuing to rush Frederick. Onix opened its maw, belching a silver beam at the dragon.

"Seriously?" He sighed, swiftly kicking her and launching her back. "Dragon Pulse." At his command, the dragon retaliated with a massive beam of draconic energy, completely overpowering Onix. The blast launched Onix back, crashing it into the ground beside her.

"Onix!?" Rika panicked. At that moment, the ground quaked, large cracks forming from Onix's impact, breaking the area around her. She attempted to flee as Onix rolled over, dragging her into the deep waters below. "Bastard!"

"Hmm." Frederick mumbled as she fell. A small fairy like creature flew into the ocean after her. "Interesting. But, leave no chances. Rayquaza, another Dragon Pulse."

......

Weak. Coward. Child. Rika felt herself wash up on an unfamiliar shore. She laid there for what felt like an eternity. There was no point in living. No point in struggling. No point at all...

"This is where I saw her!" A girl's voice echoed through her mind. "Ah! There she is!"

"Hmm?" A deep voice contemplated, with firm footsteps approaching her. "Hey, are you alive?"

Rika slowly raised her head, facing the man. He dressed in a black and green outfit. His hair was black and eyes blue. The girl behind him had long blonde hair. "Let me help you. My name is Siegfried Amity."

......

"I look like a Typhlosion..." Albert complained as the jet began to land in Titan.

"Yeah. What do you think I based it off of?" Aine tilted her head, curious. "My outfit was based off of Infernape, while Agni's was based off of Emboar."

"Guess it's fine then..." Albert sighed.

"Hey look!" Luna cried, pointing to her window. Lux ran to her side, gazing out the window. The people of Titan rushed through the town, hugging and greeting one another.

"The people of Titan are back." Sam mumbled, stepping off of the jet. Lux and the rest of the group hastily followed his lead, holding as he approached the quickly angering mob.

"We should put an end to Rika!" A woman shouted.

"Yes! She's tortured us for too long!" A man preached.

"What are you idiots on about?" Sam interrogated, staring down the mob.

"Samuel Berk!" Another man sneered. "You're here to finally defeat Rika!"

"No." Sam dismissed. "I'm here to talk to my..." He paused, glancing to Aine and Sotiria. "My friends' friend."

"Friend!?" Another woman snarled. "Are you betraying us now as well, Berk!?"

"Traitor!" The man from before chanted.

"No." Sam shook his head. "I'm just not an animal who'll stoop as low as his enemies. You're a bunch of adults. Act like it."

"B-Berk..." A man gasped, glancing around. Sam brushed past the mob, making his way to the chapel. Lux and the others paced behind him. He continued forward, forcing the large doors open and entering.

Inside the chapel there were numerous rows of seats leading to a podium with a statue of Arceus behind it. Rika sat at the podium, an old rusted blade rested on her lap.

"Welcome." She greeted the group as she stood up, holding the blade in front of her. "This rusted blade has been passed down my family for generations. It's the contract binding me to my code. To throw it away would be to throw away thousands of years of lineage."

"Are you telling me that lineage is all that matters?" Sam interrogated, stoically.

"Maybe." Rika acknowledged. "Before me stands many who have abandoned their lineage. Anri. You left New Order. You left your own father."

"Yes." Anri nodded. "Once my arm heals, I'll forge my own path."

"I see." Rika sighed. "Aine. Albert. You two are the children of the Fire Gym Leader, yet neither of you have any desire to take up your mother's mantle?"

"Nope." Aine answered without hesitation.

"I'm actually thinking of becoming a scientist." Albert chuckled.

"Really?" Aine paused. "That sounds great."

"Another path?" Rika averted her gaze. "And, Samuel and Nero are the same, correct?"

"Yeah." Sam confirmed.

"Bleh." Nero stuck her tongue out. "I'm not becoming the new Rock Type Gym Leader. Too much work. Not enough fun."

"Hmm..." Rika paused. "Genesis and Luna Apple. Genesis' parents were scientists, and you were adopted. What are your goals?"

"Dunno." Gena sighed. "Maybe I'll become a boring housewife and raise a bunch of bratty kids. Maybe I'll become a Gym Leader. Maybe I'll travel the world. Maybe I'll just babysit Luna to make sure she doesn't do anything stupid. The short answer is, science isn't my thing. Luna?"

"Well..." Luna thought to herself. "Being a wife and mother would probably be nice... If I did become one, I'd probably have to stop dying my hair! Other than that, I'm just enjoying this journey to see where it takes me!"

"I understand." Rika grinned. "Lastly, Lux. You seek to become Champion. Like your mother. But, you don't follow your father in joining his organization? Isn't your legacy to inherit it?"

"Of course." Lux held out his hand, clenching it into a fist. "I want to become Champion for myself. I want to protect Spes and that requires me to be Champion. And... the Liberators isn't my father's organization. It's the organization he started and lost control of. Nothing more."

"You... disown the Liberators." Rika gasped. "And I already know Edy's answer... Very well. We battle. Just me and you, Lux. Meet me on the roof. Alone." She commanded, before maneuvering up a flight of stairs.

"It's time." Lux closed his eyes.

"Lux." Sotiria spoke up, holding his shoulders and staring him in the eyes. "Defeat Rika. Don't let her continue to hurt herself. Show her your might."

"I will." He smiled to his allies. "I promise that I will. No one has to get hurt again. I'll keep you all safe."

"How cliche." Niles joked. "I'm sorry, but I don't need your protection, Luxie. Keep yourself safe first."

"That's so sweet." Luna grinned, her face red. "I'd be happy if- Uh, never mind. Just be an awesome leader like always!"

"Do we really need to give you another speech?" Albert chuckled. "Just don't lose."

"Honestly, you're the strongest one here." Gena commented. "You'll win. Don't doubt that. Rika, hell even Nox, is nothing to you!"

"Exactly." Nero punched the air. "Go be a badass! Kick some ass!"

"Nothing left to say, Lux." Anri smiled, cockily. "Get a move on."

"Right." Lux nodded, running up the stairs by himself. He exited onto the roof, finding the wide empty arena at the top. Metal spikes surrounded the perimeter.

"Now then. We'll have a six on six duel, understood?" Rika prepared her Pokémon, sending out a Ferrothorn.

"I understand." Lux accepted, sending out Chandelure. "Fire Blast!"

"Stealth Rocks!" Rika countered. Chandelure launched a massive fireball at Ferrothorn, causing it to stagger. It hung on and tossed out a field of jagged rocks. Chandelure followed up her attack, defeating the Ferrothorn. "Excadrill! Earthquake!"

"Chandelure, you got this!" He ordered. Before Chandelure could act, Excadrill launched a powerful shock wave at her, sending her flying. "Return! Lucario! Aura Sphere!"

"Another Earthquake!" Rika pressured. Excadrill smashed the ground, sending a shock wave towards Lucario. She hastily hopped over the attack, firing a large ball of blue energy at Excadrill, defeating it. "Skarmory! Brave Bird!"

"Go get 'em!" Lux cheered. Skarmory coated itself in a bright glow, before barreling towards Lucario. She sidestepped the attack, countering by ramming her fist into the metal bird, launching it back. She backflipped, charging an orb in her hand and lobbing it at Skarmory. The orb exploded on contact, defeating Skarmory. "Nice!"

"Magnezone!" Rika swapped Pokémon. "Thunderbolt!"

"Don't let up!" Lux motivated. Magnezone attempted to shock Lucario, who evaded the electric blasts. She jumped onto the metal barrier, propelling herself towards Magnezone with a flaming fist. She reeled back her arm, before crashing into the opponent, slamming it into the ground. "Great work!"

"Aegislash!" Rika sent out her next Pokémon. "Gyro Ball!"

"I believe in you, Lucario!" Lux continued to praise his Pokémon. Aegislash changed its stance and began to spin towards Lucario. Lucario quickly dove out of the way, cloaking her leg in flames. She swept under her opponent, knocking it upward. She followed up with a flaming uppercut, defeating the Aegislash. "One more to go!"

"Steelix..." Rika grasped her last Pokéball, before tossing out the giant metal snake. "Heavy Slam!"

"Lucario!" Lux prompted. Steelix crashed its tail into the ground, narrowly missing Lucario. She leapt back, firing a volley of Aura Sphere's at Steelix. It staggered back, nearly defeated.

"Steelix!" Rika panicked, checking up on her partner. "I... I believe in you, Steelix..."

"Steel." It howled, glowing a bright rainbow. Its body morphed into a massive Mega Form, staring down Lucario.

"Heavy Slam!" Rika ordered. Steelix charged Lucario, who quickly launched another blue orb at Steelix. It slid to the side, evading the attack and slamming its tail into Lucario, launching her away. It instantly twisted around, giving chase. Lucario recollected herself, evading Steelix's assault. However, before she could counter, Steelix bit into her, throwing her to the side.

"Don't give in, Lucario!" Lux inspired.

She nodded, forcing herself up. Her aura covered the field. Steelix bellowed loudly, charging her yet again. Lucario guarded the attack, getting pushed back. Within the blink of an eye, she held out her hands, charging aura in both, before slamming them together and pulling it to her side. Steelix began to charge her as she prepared her attack. She thrust her hands forward, sending a massive beam of aura towards her opponent. Steelix ran directly into it, getting forced backwards, crashing into the ground, defeated.

"Steelix!" Rika gasped, retrieving her partner. "...Good work."

"I won, Rika." Lux grinned, retrieving Lucario. "What now?"

"...Follow me." She commanded, retreating down the staircase. She led him back down to the altar, returning to her spot. She retrieved the rusted blade from before. "I've lived by my code all my life. As I said, this sword is the symbol of everything I stand for. So now... Lux!"

"Watch out!" Luna jumped as Rika charged Lux with the rusted blade. She slashed downward at him, missing completely. Her strike shattered the blade on the stone floor. Lux watched her carefully, completely unfazed.

"Welcome aboard, Lady Rika." Lux beamed, earnestly.

"Heh..." She chuckled, standing up straight and looking him in the eyes. "My resolve... my code... It all crumbled so easily. Guess I'm no knight after all..."

"Not true." Lux reassured. "A knight fights for those important to them. You fight for your family. You fight for your friends. You're a true knight."

"...Thank you." Rika smiled, retrieving a badge from and old trunk and handing it to Lux. It was shaped like a shield. "For you, the Sentinel Badge."

"Thank you, Rika." He accepted. "I hope to count on you in the future."

"Of course." She nodded, turning to the others. "Let's let the townsfolk know."

"I'll join you." Sam offered, leading her out the chapel. Anri let out a sly grin, exiting the chapel as well.

"Hey! Let's go explore the town!" Luna suggested. "We never got the chance to! And Lux has never been here!"

"Great idea!" Nero agreed, dragging Niles away. "Let's go!"

......

Anri sat outside the chapel, staring out to the sky. Another path? She shook her head, returning to her notes. Without warning, a message popped up on her screen.

Anri,

Nox knows of the Catalyst's location. We cannot let her acquire it. Please. Assist me just once.

Galen Wilson.

Galen...? She gawked at her father's signature. "Not 'Your Father?' Dumb old man..."

 

Chapter Sixty-Two- Naivete​

"The catalyst?" Lux inquired as Anri explained her message to the group. "Agni mentioned that in Amber."

"Yes." Anri confirmed. "My father sent me his location. I'm guessing that he'll explain what it is when we arrive."

"Are we trusting Galen?" Niles questioned. "I mean, it wouldn't be the first time, but..."

"Last time we trusted him, someone died." Nero pointed out. "Not that it was his fault exactly."

"Yeah... I get what you're saying." Lux nodded his head. "This is definitely going to be dangerous."

"If this catalyst is important, then we'll have to fight Nox." Gena added. "How tough is she?"

"It... depends." Sotiria elaborated. "If she's completely rested, then she's on the level of Legendary Pokémon. If not, she can be as weak as an elderly woman on her deathbed."

"Should I call my parents?" Niles asked, glancing to Lux.

"Yes." Lux affirmed. "We'll need the Fangs to help us."

"Alright!" Luna celebrated. "Let's go!"

......

Galen sat on the outskirts of the Forest of Restoration, a forest east of Flora. The forest had been described as rejuvenating and that people who enter feel reborn. Diancie skipped around while his soldiers pinpointed the catalyst's location. He glanced towards Ford, who was leading the search. Sigurd wasn't with her. How odd.

"Ooh!" Diancie gawked, before returning to his side. "I've never seen forest like these! Do you see these everyday, Mr. Galen?"

"Not these forests..." He denied. "But, I do see a lot of different places."

"Will I get to see any?" She beamed, earnestly.

"Perhaps." He chuckled. "Just make sure to listen to my commands."

"Mhm!" She agreed, nodding her head wildly. "By the way, what's a catalyst?"

"It's a thing that causes two things to react." He explained. "Well, that would be more of a trigger. Think of it like this, an Eevee evolves from an object or friendship. The trainer acts a catalyst, bringing the required thing to the Eevee, may that be an Evolutionary Stone or love."

"I... don't get it..." Diancie sulked. "It's just the thing that causes something to happen?"

"Put simply, yes." Galen stated, noticing a jet landing overhead. A large 'A' was painted onto it. "So, they chose to come."

......

"So, can I have my house back?" Sam asked Rika as the jet landed. "Actually, did you throw my stuff out?"

"Yes." She confirmed. "It was in the way of my work."

"Geez..." He sighed. "Do you know how expensive half of that was?"

"Well, at least you'll have something to do when you get your job back." She sneered, exiting the jet. Lux shook his head in amusement, noticing Galen ahead of him. He inhaled deeply and made his way to Galen. They stood a few feet opposite of each other.

"Galen." Lux greeted, stoically.

"Amity." Galen responded. "I take it you understand our situation?"

"Nox is powerful." Lux nodded, watching Galen closely. "Very powerful."

"Which is why we must cooperate." He stated. "Even if just momentarily."

"Only if you tell me everything." Lux commanded. "What are your plans. What are Nox's. What's the catalyst. Everything."

"Or else you won't assist me?" He inquired. "Very well. Follow me." He directed, sitting on a fallen tree nearby. Lux calmly joined him, while his allies wandered around. "What first?"

"Your plans."

"Ah yes." He pinched his chin. "I seek to enslave all Pokémon. In order to do that, I must gain control of Spes. I planned on making Airi aid me, but she refused. My next action would have been to recruit you, but you clearly won't help me past defeating Nox. So, I'll take over the League. We'll battle once your little group reaches it."

"Isn't that counterproductive?" Lux pointed out. "Wouldn't it be easier to just eliminate me and my allies before we grow too strong?"

"Well, that wouldn't be very fulfilling, would it?" He dismissed. "Next, Nox's plan. She plans to create a being capable of wiping out all of humanity. Seems she lacks the ability to do so herself."

"And that's why she needs the catalyst?"

"Yes." He confirmed. "It'll channel the energy from the three Power Stones to create a perfect version. It's the only way to do it."

"Wait, so you can't combine them naturally?" Lux interrogated, holding his hand on his bag.

"Yes." He affirmed. "That's the only method to create what we've begun to call the Stone of Miracles. The Miracle Stone. We've deduced that it can be used for much more than just the creation of the ultimate being. Transmutation of lead to gold. Immortality... Revive the dead."

"I... see." Lux paused, moving his hand away from his bag. "I've no interest in such a thing. And I'll stop you if you try to use it."

"I'm glad we share sympathies on that." Galen chuckled, standing up. "A stone like that shouldn't exist in the first place. Unfortunately, Ford wants to study it. I'll prevent her from doing something she should, of course."

"Why not destroy it?" Lux interrogated. Eevee joined him, growling from his shoulder. "That'd save us from any risks."

"You don't trust me." Galen deduced. "Understandable. Very well. We still have a while until Nox arrives herself." He informed, taking his leave.

"Vee?" Eevee nuzzled against Lux.

"Don't worry." He reassured. "I won't let my guard down. Not yet."

"Meow!" Meowstic cheered.

"Let's find that catalyst." Lux stood up, petting his Pokémon.

......

"Salutations!" A loud man shouted from the skies as the group waited around. They turned to watch as Draco and Linda Fang landed in the area. "Enter the amazing Draco and..."

"The dazzling Linda Fang!" Linda chanted, posing alongside her husband. "It's been a while, hasn't it Lux?"

"A couple days, I'd say." Lux shrugged. "Glad to see you two are here to help."

"Of course!" Draco boasted. "It's our duty to assist our future Champion! Whether that be you, Lux, or Niles, or Luna, or even Gena!"

"I didn't think you held me so highly." He chuckled, embarrassed.

"F-future Champion? Me?" Luna giggled.

"Not to mention, we must defeat Nox!" Linda added. "That fiend shall be defeated here and now!"

"Welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Fang." Galen chuckled, looking at a monitor. "It seems you arrived at the right time. We've just located the catalyst. Let's be off."

"Yes, let's!" Draco laughed, following Galen and his troop. Lux shrugged with a smile, following the dragon man.

......

He watched as the humans made their way through the forest. They appear to be looking for him. He glanced to the large hollow crystal besides him. Or the Stone of Birth. He shook his head and prepared himself for battle.

......

The group continued through the forest until they reached a massive clearing. A field of flowers surrounded a giant tree. In the core of the tree, a clear stone the size of a person stood alone.

"Is that... the catalyst?" Lux inquired, feeling drawn to the stone. Something about it felt familiar. "That's what we need to protect?"

"Yes." Ford confirmed, shining a scanner on the distant stone. "Looks like we found it."

"Very well. Set the trap." Galen commanded. His eyes widened, before he leapt back. Numerous psychic blasts rained down on the group. They all evaded the attacks, with a few of Galen's grunts being knocked down.

"Begone, humans!" A stern voice echoed throughout the field, before a white and purple Pokémon appeared before the group. "Have you come for me? Or the Stone of Birth?"

"Mewtwo? Damn it." Anri grumbled beneath her breath. "I take it that's why I was ordered to capture it?"

"Yes." Ford confirmed, stepping back. "It knew where the catalyst was. I'll let you all handle this."

"I'll move ahead with our plan." Galen informed, aiding his grunts. "I trust you to take care of Mewtwo, Anri."

"...Sure." She groaned, shifting to Lux. "What do we do, leader?"

"Mewtwo, please listen!" Lux begged. "We need to protect the catalyst from a woman named Nox! She intends to use it to-"

"And what reason do I have to believe you, human?" Mewtwo growled. "If you want the stone, then you'll have to battle me! Come!"

"Fine." Lux's tone shifted. He reached for his Pokémon, tossing out Chandelure. "Shadow Ball!"

"Absol!" Luna joined him. "Night Slash!"

"Zoroark!" Gena aided them. "Night Daze!"

"Scrafty!" Anri commanded her own Pokémon. "Knock Off!"

"Dark and Ghost? Pitiful." Mewtwo taunted. He flew into the air, evading Absol and Zoroark's slashes, before lobbing two orbs at them one after another. The two Pokémon were struck by the attacks, getting launched away in defeat. Chandelure quickly followed with a barrage of Shadow Balls. He nimbly evaded each attack, charging one of his own and sending it towards Chandelure. She was struck down, falling to the ground. Scrafty rocketed towards Mewtwo, striking at him with it's hand. Mewtwo flipped behind Scrafty, grabbing it with his tail and throwing it to the ground. "Do you surrender?"

"Haxorus!" Lux snarled, sending out his partner. "Dragon Claw!"

"Rotom!" Sotiria jumped in. "Thunderbolt!"

"Steelix!" Rika joined. "Heavy Slam!"

"It time!" Aine announced, tossing out a Grovyle. "Leaf Blade!"

"You really think this is enough?" Mewtwo scoffed. He caught Grovyle by the arm, slamming it into Steelix, defeating the two of them. He twisted to catch Rotom's Thunderbolt, returning it to it's owner. Rotom was zapped harshly, slumping to the ground. Haxorus slashed at Mewtwo, who hopped over him, ramming Haxorus with his tail. Haxorus staggered, before planting his foot in the ground. He retaliated with his own tail, launching Mewtwo away. He quickly fired a beam from his mouth. Mewtwo protected himself from the blast, before firing a volley of psychic blasts at Haxorus, defeating him. "Do you understand my power now?"

"...Damn it." Lux swore, reaching for his bag. "If... a we're fighting a Legendary... then how about we use a Legendary?" He grinned, pulling out Groudon's ball. He held the ball to his chest, whispering to it. "Please... Even if it's just this once... lend me your strength." He shifted his focus towards Mewtwo, lobbing the ball forward. "I'm counting on you, Groudon!"

"Groudon?" Mewtwo gasped as the massive beast fell on the field. The sun began to shine through the clouds as he jumped back, glaring at Groudon, who glanced back to Lux.

"Thank you." He beamed. "Go!"

"That... won't work!" Mewtwo panicked. Groudon howled into the sky, launching a wave of stone pillars towards Mewtwo. He quickly dodged by fleeing into the sky. However, Groudon immediately belched out a gigantic laser at the opponent, nearly hitting him. Groudon redirected the attack to follow Mewtwo, who spun around the beam repeatedly, before launching a storm of psychic blasts in retaliation. Groudon shielded itself, taking the attack, before firing a stream of flames back at Mewtwo, forcing him to retreat.

"Good job!" Lux praised.

"Vee-Vee-Vee!" Eevee cheered.

"Me-ow!" Meowstic jumped in excitement.

"Legendary?" Sam looked at Sotiria, expectantly. "Ahem?"

"Ah!" She laughed, reaching for her bag.

"Hold on." Rika held out her hand. "Let Lux handle this."

"Okay." Sotiria grinned. "Go! Groudon!"

"Now!" Lux signaled. "Let's end it!"

"I... won't lose... to you!" Mewtwo struggled, charging an attack in his hands. Groudon did the same, charging a green energy in its maw, before firing a bright green laser at Mewtwo, who thrust his hands forward, sending an orange beam towards Groudon. The two attacks collided, however Mewtwo's was overpowered, with Groudon's tearing through. The laser struck Mewtwo, sending up dust and dirt as he was thrown into the tree. Groudon let out a victory roar, returning to Lux.

"Thank you, again." Lux chuckled, returning the titan to its ball. He slowly paced towards Mewtwo, who fell to his knees. "I'm sorry..."

"Sorry...?" Mewtwo hissed. "Sorry? You defeat me? You steal the Stone of Birth? What else will you do? Capture me? Experiment on me? All you can say is sorry? You're nothing more than a naive child if you think that will make up for anything."

"I am a child." Lux frowned. "I'm a child who failed to protect his mother. And I think I can protect the world. I must be the walking definition of naive. But, I want to protect you too. Please allow us to defeat Nox. Please let us have the catalyst."

"Nox?" Mewtwo frowned. "Who is this Nox?"

"She's a woman who seeks to kill all of humanity." He elaborated. "And she intends to use the catalyst to do so. Please."

"You beg... even when I'm at your mercy?" Mewtwo growled, standing up. He held out his hand to Lux, holding his head. Mewtwo closed his eyes, before pulling his hand away. "You're not lying. I don't need to read your mind to tell that..."

"Can we take the catalyst?" He pondered.

"I can't stop you..." Mewtwo informed, sitting down. "Do with it what you will... and... don't let humanity be destroyed."

"Thank you." Lux beamed.

"Lux! Anri! We need to act now." Galen called out. He was followed by his grunts, marching down the field. "Nox is here."

 

Chapter Sixty-Three- A Cruel Repetition​

"Nox?" Lux gulped. "What's our plan?"

"We need to lure her to an area south of here." Galen informed. "However, she'll most likely head straight for the catalyst."

"Why didn't set the trap here then?" Albert inquired. "It'd save you the trouble of getting her there."

"Ford is concerned with Nox potentially gaining power from the catalyst." Galen stated. "She's strong enough without the catalyst's power."

"Okay, but how will we lure her?" Niles asked. "Not like she'll go out of her way to follow someone if she knows where the thing is."

"Exactly." Galen grimaced. "I've... already sent my men to lure her. They... were good men and women."

"What?" Luna gasped. "Y-you're not really going to...?"

"I have consent." Galen rebutted. "They all volunteered to die for our cause. I must go prepare-"

"What if they aren't good enough?" Anri cut in. "What if she kills them all and heads straight for the catalyst?"

"Then... we fail." He sighed.

"I'll lure her." She volunteered. "I'm-"

"Absolutely not!" Galen snapped. "Your arm is broken! I can't allow you to throw your life-"

"My life was forfeit ever since that day, Father!" Anri argued. "I'm the only one skilled enough to lure her without dying! Let me do this!"

"...No." He growled. "I won't let you."

"You'd rather fail?" She interrogated. "Let humanity die?"

"It's better than to lose you!" Galen cried, his stoic expression gone. "I can't lose you, Anri... I can't lose you too..."

"I'm sorry." She dismissed. "But I need to do this."

"...Please be safe." He begged. "Use your ring to lure her away." He commanded. "It's a small shard from the Stone of Power." He informed, before walking away. "Don't die on me, agent."

"Understood." Anri nodded.

"Humans." Mewtwo spoke up. "What I sense right now... is that this Nox?"

"Yes." Lux confirmed. "You should stay here."

"I can't do that." Mewtwo argued. "Look around you. This land is fed by the stone. If it's taken, I don't know what'll happen."

"Oh..." Lux sulked. "I think it'll be fine. I've seen another area like this once. When Mew and Celebi let me have the Stone of Wisdom, their land seemed to remain."

"Mew?" Mewtwo gasped, forcing himself up. "Very well then. You may take the stone. I shall assist you, human."

"Seriously?" Lux gawked, taken aback. "Just stay safe, alright?"

"I will." Mewtwo chuckled, turning to Anri. "We've fought before."

"Yeah." She confirmed. "What of it?"

"I broke your arm." He recalled. "I deeply apologize. Stay safe, human."

"I'll be fine." Anri boasted, leaving the group behind.

"Anri..." Lux paused, before following Galen. "Let's go."

......

"Honestly..." Nox sighed as she paced towards the black armored group. A large metal tank stared her down. A single soldier spouted commands to his allies. "Do you really expect to defeat me with this? Well, it's nice to see humans fighting on their own for a change."

"T-that's Nox?" A female soldier gasped as Nox readied her blade.

"Heh." A man beside her chuckled. "Can always back out and run away."

"N-no!" The woman puffed out her chest. "We must do this for Wilson."

"Well said." The man readied his gun, turning to his commander. "Orders?"

"Infantrymen, stay back!" The commander ordered. "Val! Open fire!"

"Yes sir!" The woman commanding the tank acknowledged. "Open fire!" On her command, the tank began to sputter out a hail of bullets. Nox charged forward, slashing away the feeble barrage.

"What!?" The tank driver panicked, before the gunner launched a large shell at her. She slashed the shell in half, leaping towards the group.

"Fall back!" The woman commanded, causing the driver to back the tank away.

"Lead her to the-" The commander commanded, before he was cut down by Nox. Within the blink of an eye, she cut through most of his unit, giving chase to the fleeing tank.

"Continue firing!" The woman ordered. The tank continued to attack her, while she blocked and dodged each bullet. "Fire another shell!"

"Yes ma'am!" The soldier affirmed. He quickly fired another shell at Nox, who evaded the attack. Dust was kicked up by the impact, allowing her to rush forward. She reeled back her arm, before stabbing the driver through the window. "Gah!"

"Quick!" The woman demanded. "Take over the controls!"

"Y-yes ma'am!" The soldier panicked, taking the driver's seat. Nox quickly cut the treads in on the tank, causing it to crash into the dirt, unable to move. The woman commanding the tank opened the hatch, drawing her gun.

"Where!?" She snarled, searching for Nox. Nox hopped onto the tank, cutting through the woman. She charged an orb of energy and dropped it into the hatch. The last soldier gasped as the orb began to shine, before it exploded. The flames caught onto the trees, setting the forest ablaze.

"Is that truly all you sent to stop me, Galen?" Nox taunted the air, walking towards the catalyst's location.

"Hello, Nox." Anri greeted, approaching the woman in black. "How are you?"

"Now he sends his own child?" She scoffed. "How cowardly."

"Yep." Anri sneered. "Let's see how strong you are, Nox."

"You'll send your slaves to die against me?" Nox laughed. "That's even more cowardly. You humans are all so weak. Stay out of my way and you won't have to die."

"I can't do that." Anri dismissed. "And you won't follow me if I just attack you, right?" She sighed, pulling out her ring. "Lux has Groudon. My father has Perfect Kyurem. You'll need your power to face them, correct?"

"That's... a shard?" Nox followed the ring. "Very well. We'll play a game. If you die, I'll be taking that."

"Wouldn't have it any other way." Anri sneered. "En garde."

"Die." Nox snarled, rushing Anri. She jumped back, evading Nox's slash. Nox quickly attempted to follow up the attack, only for her to evade the strike, retreating into the forest. "How!?"

"I've trained for a long time." Anri elaborated, her hand on a tree. "I only need to dodge you, remember? Then again..."

"I need that shard." Nox snarled, rushing Anri again, who evaded the attacks once again. She ducked below an attack, countering with a swift backhanded strike against Nox's mask, staggering her. Nox growled in anger, giving chase and allowing Anri to lead her away from the catalyst. "Die already!"

"No can-" Anri gasped, slipping on mud. She pushed herself back, narrowly avoiding a downward slash and picking herself up. "Damn!"

"Mud, huh?" Nox paused, creating a blue orb. She launched the orb into the air, causing grey clouds to form. The clouds began to spew forth rain, drenching the forest. "Now then."

"Crap." Anri panicked, jumping from grass to grass, avoiding any dirt patches. She ducked, Nox's sword nearly hitting her head, before kicking herself back. "Right. Increased reflexes..."

"I'm surprised by how fast you are." Nox stated. "You are human, right?"

"Yeah." Anri chuckled. "Just a very physically adept one."

"How long can you keep this up, though?" Nox inquired, continuing her assault. Anri continued to jump back, slowly making her way to the trap. Eventually, she led Nox to a large open clearing, running inside it. Nox prepared her blade to finish her.

"Now!" Ford's voice echoed throughout the field. Numerous metal balls were flung onto the field, prompting Anri to cover her eyes. The metal balls began to shine, blinding all who looked into them.

"What!?" Nox gasped.

"Fire!" Ford signaled. Numerous soldiers fired a wave of metal claws towards Nox. She quickly cut through all of them, before charging Anri.

"Anri, watch out!" Galen gasped. Anri attempted to jump back, but slipped on mud again.

"Wha!?" She screamed, watching as Nox swung her sword at her. She felt a sharp pain, before everything went dark.

......

"D-did you really?" Mailys gasped as her daughter walked into their house, her knees stained in a reddish pink. "You need to be more careful!"

"S-sorry, Mommy." Anri frowned, sitting on a seat, allowing her to tend to her scrapes. "M-maybe I'll be like Daddy!"

"...Please don't say that." Mailys sulked. "Don't be like your father. I love him... but he's really dumb sometimes. I just wish he'd stop taking so many risks."

"M-Mommy?" Anri tilted her head. "Why are you crying? Mommy?"

"Oh..." She wiped her face. "Sorry, sweetheart. Just a little sad is all. Just be more careful, okay?"

"Yes!" Anri giggled, jumping from her seat.

......

Anri was launched back several feet, a maroon stream staining the ground, before being washed away by the rain. She laid on the ground, completely still.

"Anri!" Lux wailed, attempting to jump forward. Galen held him back, slowly turning to Ford.

"...Ford?" He interrogated, his face a cold fury.

"I-I..." She panicked. "T-the flashbangs were supposed to-"

"Shut up." Galen demanded, coldly. He turned to Nox, who retrieved a ring from Anri. Her eyes began to glow, before tossing the ring on the ground.

"How foolish to think I'd fall for that again, Galen." She taunted, pointing her sword towards him. "How does it feel to know that you threw away your own daughter's life? Must feel rather pathetic, huh? Why cry over something as worthless as family?"

"Nox!" Lux snapped, still being held back. "Galen!?"

"...That's enough Nox." He growled, holding his metal hand out. "You crossed the line. Don't you dare call her worthless!" He roared at the top of his lungs. At that moment, a ring of fire appeared around her. The group glanced to the source, noticing Galen's Charizard.

"You really think that this'll stop me?" Nox sighed, preparing her sword. Before she could attack, two vines wrapped themselves firmly around her arm and sword, restraining her movement. Nox twisted to face Galen's Venusaur. "Don't... get cocky!" She snarled, pulling her arm and dragging Venusaur.

"Now!" Galen ordered, prompting numerous soldiers to toss out Golem. The Golem ran to Venusaur, holding it in place, before being joined by a Metagross. They fought Nox, refusing to let her move.

"Fine." She muttered, holding her arm in place. "Don't think-"

"Blastoise!" Galen directed. His Blastoise began to bombard Nox with Ice Beam, Hydro Pump, and Dark pulse alongside a squadron of Clawitzers.

"Annoying..." She created a small barrier to protect herself from the attacks, while charging energy in her free hand. "How annoy-"

"Kyurem!" Galen continued. His Kyurem tore through the clouds, firing a beam down on Nox. She quickly held out her free hand, using the gathered energy to counterattack Kyurem. She held back the beam with her own.

"I... won't lose to you!" She struggled, shifting her gaze to Anri. "H-how about-"

"Garchomp!" Galen wailed. Immediately, Garchomp ripped through the ground beneath Nox, causing her to stagger, and letting the attacks hit her. Before Nox could counter, Garchomp bit into her leg and hurled her into the air, before retrieving Anri. "Diancie!"

"Right!" Diancie hopped forward, holding her hands out. She created a cyclone of pink diamonds, dragging Nox through the air. She spun the attack around several times, before forming a ball and dropping it onto the ground. Diamonds were scattered everywhere, leaving Nox in the center.

"If you think..." She panted, charging energy in her hand again.

"Mewtwo!" Galen called out. Mewtwo hesitated, before creating a barrier around Nox as she fired her beam. Several Alakazam and Kadabra joined in, strengthening the barrier. Nox's attack collided the barrier, causing her to increase its power.

"Not... to you!" She snapped, before her beam caused an explosion, shattering the barrier completely. The explosion kicked up dirt and dust, causing the group to pause. It cleared to reveal Nox, her armor falling apart. "I'm not... done." She growled, preparing her blade. She pushed herself forward, charging Galen. She attempted to swing her sword at him, only to miss and crash into the dirt, falling unconscious. Galen quickly turned to Garchomp and Anri.

"Come on!" He ordered, turning to leave. "Ford, deal with the catalyst. I have to save Anri!"

"As you command." Ford bowed. "I'll require Kyurem."

"Take whatever!" He rushed, teleporting away with an Alakazam.

"One moment." Ford directed the group, before approaching Nox. Nox groaned, barely conscious. "Seems my plan failed. But Galen always has a backup plan, doesn't he?" She sighed, placing a claw device on Nox. Sparks shot from the device, before she signalled to a Kadabra. It approached her and teleported Nox away.

"We... defeated Nox." Lux gasped. "But, Anri!"

"I'm certain she'll be fine." Ford reassured. "She'll most likely be left in a Julian hospital once our medical team fixes her up."

"Good." Lux smiled.

"Now what?" Draco intervened, watching Ford closely.

"Now, I'll be taking the catalyst." She asserted.

"I can't let you do that." Draco stated. "As an Elite Four Member, I can't allow New Order to succeed in their plans. We'll take the stone."

"Don't worry." Linda reassured. "We'll keep it safe."

"Of course." Ford growled, backing away from the group. "Kyurem." She called out, prompting Kyurem to fly to her side. "We're at an impasse it seems. I want this stone for my research. You will not get in my way."

"Reshiram." Lux shifted to Kyurem. "I... know we never spent much time together, but please. Stop."

"Zekrom." Draco joined him. "Don't you remember all the time we spent together? I know it's been a long time, but please. Remember?"

"You had Zekrom?" Lux paused.

"A long time ago..." Draco reminisced.

"How touching." Ford sneered, producing a black stone. She held it out Kyurem, who was engulfed in a black aura. Kyurem's size doubled, becoming far more feral. "Now then, Shadow Kyurem, kill them all."

"Kyurem!?" Draco jumped back, sending out Salamence. "I'm... sorry old friend."

"Everyone get in!" Niles commanded as he sent out Dragalge, causing Gena, Luna, Nero, Albert, Sotiria, Sam, Rika, and Linda to toss out Pokémon. They sent out Blastoise, Char, Rhyperior, Typhlosion, Zapdos, Aggron, Ferrothorn, and Altaria.

"Albert!" Aine called out to her brother. "I don't have a Pokémon, so you need to pick up the slack, alright?"

"Yes." Albert confirmed. "Let's go, everyone!"

"Human!" Mewtwo called out to Lux. "You're different. I wish to battle alongside you, just this once. I wish to see the power of the one that commanded Groudon."

"Okay." Lux beamed. "Mewtwo!" Mewtwo jumped forward, firing a wave of psychic energy at Kyurem. Blastoise and Charizard joined in, firing their own attacks at Kyurem, who shrugged them off and countered with a massive fire, ice, and electric attack, before retreating into the air. Mewtwo flew into the air after him, while Blastoise and Char were defeated. "Psystrike!"

"Draco Meteor!" Niles assisted alongside Nero and Albert. Rhyperior hurled a massive rock at Kyurem, while Typhlosion belched forth flames and Dragalge blasted it with meteors. Kyurem guarded itself from the attacks, before Mewtwo clapped his hands together, sending a wave of psychic blast at it again. The attacks cause it to stagger, before it fired another beam, defeating Dragalge, Rhyperior, and Typhlosion.

"Thunder!" Sotiria commanded from atop Zapdos.

"Fire Blast!" Linda ordered her Altaria.

"Dragon Claw!" Draco directed Salamence.

"Invigorating." Mewtwo spoke to Lux. "Battling alongside a human is truly invigorating."

"Because you aren't alone, Mewtwo." Lux grinned. "Aura Sphere!"

"Farewell!" Mewtwo shouted, lobbing a volley of blue aura at Kyurem. Zapdos and Altaria joined in, forcing Kyurem to guard. Salamence tore through its guard, knocking it to the ground. It bellowed, firing a beam at Zapdos and Altaria, forcing the duo to land.

"Don't let up!" Draco demanded.

"Power Whip!" Rika commanded Ferrothorn.

"Heavy Slam!" Sam ordered Aggron.

"Use Groudon, human!" Mewtwo commanded, joining the fray. Aggron crashed into Kyurem, while Ferrothorn slashed at it with its whips. Kyurem let out a roar, tossing the two away, before Salamence ripped through it again and Mewtwo froze it with an Ice Beam.

"Groudon!" Lux shouted, sending out the Legendary. It howled into the sky, tackling Kyurem and bringing it down. Groudon slammed Kyurem into the dirt repeatedly, before it broke free, kicking Groudon away. Groudon charged a laser in its mouth, blasting Kyurem before it could react.

"We finish this now!" Draco announced. "Salamence!"

"Groudon! Mewtwo!" Lux inspired. "You can do it!"

"Together!" Mewtwo commanded, firing a beam alongside Groudon. Their attacks combined, launching Kyurem back. Salamence flew through the attack and crashed directly into Kyurem, defeating it. The aura began to dissipate from its body, returning to its original form.

"So, even then it wasn't strong enough?" Ford sighed, allowing Kyurem to be teleported away. "A shame. Truly."

"We win." Lux announced, being joined by Mewtwo and Groudon.

"So it seems." Ford sneered. "Cute Eevee."

"Wha-" Lux gasped as he felt himself fall unconscious.

......

"Her arm has been irreparably damaged, sir." A doctor informed Galen. "We're sorry."

"No..." Galen frowned. "Damn it..."

"We could amputate it and replace it with a model similar to yours, sir." The doctor informed. "What do you say?"

"I..." Galen glanced to his bedridden daughter. "Do it."

"Would you like to oversee the creation of the replacement?"

"Yes."

......

Within the blink of an eye, a masked man appeared behind Lux and struck him in the back of the head, rendering him unconscious. The man quickly grabbed Eevee, before a Gallade teleported him away.

"Lux!" Niles panicked, running to his friend.

"Oh how fun this will be." Ford cackled, her soldiers teleporting away. "Next time, don't keep me from what I want!" She warned, teleporting away.

"Lux! Wake up!" Niles shook his friend awake.

"W-what...?" Lux rose up, rubbing the back of his head. "What... happened?"

"M-meow..." Meowstic cried, terrified.

"They took your Eevee." Linda stated. "I'm sorry."

"No!" Lux shot up, searching around. "No! N-not Eevee! They can't! We have to go after-"

"Calm down!" Draco ordered. "We need to secure the catalyst first."

"No." Lux snapped. "I'm losing Eevee!"

"Please understand, Lux." Draco begged, his expression somber. "If they take the catalyst, who knows what they'll do."

"I..." Lux cried, shifting his tone. "I understand. Get it to safety. I'll be waiting in Flora."

"Lux..." Linda frowned.

"An interesting turn of events." Mewtwo sighed. "Take care. I'll remain here."

"Okay." Draco nodded. "Thank you, Mewtwo."

"Stay safe." Mewtwo bid farewell, teleporting away.

 

Chapter Sixty-Four- A Beautiful Future​

Luna sat by herself at the river near Flora the next day. Now Eevee? She sighed, jumping as someone sat beside her.

"Hey kid." Rika greeted. "So, what're planning to do tomorrow?"

"What do you mean?" Luna inquired. "What's-Oh!"

"Going ask out Lux?" Rika teased. "Or are you going to let your sister win?"

"I mean..." Luna paused. "It... would be nice... to have... a guy... who's... nice..."

"If you don't want to go with him, you can spend the day with me, Aine, and Edy. Edy's thinking about inviting Anri as well." Rika offered. "But, I think you should go for it."

"...I'll wait and see what happens." Luna stated. "I'm... a bit nervous."

"A bit?" Rika tilted her head. "You're trembling. How cute." She laughed, leaving Luna alone. "Take care."

"It'd be nice." Luna nodded. "But, Gena's way prettier than me. And Anri's so much more unique. I've lost this a long time ago..."

......

"Hey, whitey." Aine greeted Gena inside a restaurant. "How're you holding up?"

"I'm good." Gena stated. "What's up?"

"Nothing much." Aine sneered. "Just thinking about tomorrow."

"The meteor shower, right?" Gena pondered. "What're you gonna do?"

"I'm probably gonna spend time with Edy and Rika." She answered. "You gonna go with Lux?"

"W-w-what!?" Gena panicked. "N-n-no! I was gonna let Luna go with him!"

"Mhm." Aine nodded in amusement. "So, you don't like him?"

"I-I mean, he's nice." Gena grimaced, her face a bright red. "But, I'm not exactly... attractive."

"Wow." Aine gawked. "They were not kidding about that self esteem! You do know that your traits are rare, right? Rarity equals value."

"I don't that's how supply and demand works." Gena groaned. "I'm gonna wait and see who Lux chooses."

"Okay." Aine sighed. "Say, if he doesn't choose you, wanna hang out with me, Rika, and Edy?"

"That's sound like it'll be an adventure." Gena chuckled. "Alright. I'll tag along if I've got nothing better to do."

"I'll hold you to that." Aine informed, leaving the restaurant.

......

"Lux, you okay?" Niles sat beside his friend in the Flora gardens. The gardens were surrounded by well cut hedges and trees. Numerous plants bloomed throughout the area.

"I'm fine." Lux dismissed. "The Fangs took the catalyst to the League. It'll be safe there."

"That's not it." Niles sighed. "Eevee was-"

"I'm trying to not think about it." He asserted. "I'll save her later. I have to."

"And I'll help." Niles grinned. "I want you to be at the top when we fight. No. I want you to be happy. You're my friend, you insufferable hero."

"Thanks." Lux laughed, weakly. "What should-"

"Hey!" Nero's voice interrupted him. They turned to see her jogging over to them. "I've got two things! One for Lux, and one for Niles!"

"Alright?" Niles inquired. "What's up?"

"Here." Nero held out a paper to Lux. "It was from a Pelipper. Apparently, Anri is in the Julian General Hos-" She trailed off as Lux sprinted away.

"Look at him go." Niles chuckled. "So, what'd you want to tell me?"

"Ahem." She coughed, breathing in and out. "This is harder than I thought... I want to go to the yearly New Fang meteor shower with you tomorrow."

"Oh crap!" Niles jumped. "That's tomorrow! Hold on!" He rushed, leaving Nero alone. "I have to be there for Lux in case he doesn't chose to go with Anri, Luna, or Gena!"

"Um..." Nero sighed. "Why yes, I love third wheels. Meh. Not that big a deal I guess."

......

"Here you go." Sigurd announced, placing the Eevee's cage on Ford's desk.

"Thank you, Sigurd." Ford expressed her gratitude, drinking from her mug. "I'm surprised you managed to figure out ninjutsu."

"It was a basic trick." He informed, turning to leave. "Do you plan on experimenting on that Eevee?"

"Not yet." She shrugged. "If I find something interesting, then yes."

"I see." Sigurd sulked, leaving the room. "I'll leave you too it."

"Hmm." Ford pondered. "He isn't growing soft too, is he? I'm surrounded by softhearted fools."

"Vee..." Eevee cried, curled up in her cage.

......

Nox opened her eyes, noticing that she was in a white room. It was completely empty, with the exception of the bed she was on. Her body felt numb, incapable of any movement. All she could do was stare at the ceiling. She struggled to shift her focus as she heard footsteps approaching her. Galen Wilson stood over her.

"Hello, Nox." He greeted. "How are you?"

"...Wilson..." She mumbled. "How...?"

"Did I defeat you?" He assumed. "Do you really want to know?"

She watched him carefully.

"You were weak." He insulted. "You pushed away the things that supported you. You thought you could do anything and everything by yourself. Now, who are your only allies? Agni, and what little cultists remain. One is only a psychopath who cares little for you and the other is a group motivated by fear, newly freed from said fear."

She remained silent.

"No one will come for you." He asserted. "You've lost, 'Lady' Nox."

"You're... wrong." She attempted to argue. "I... haven't lost... not yet..."

"You've lost." He sighed. "Don't try to fool yourself."

"So..." Nox snarled. "Do you plan on killing me?"

"Listen here." Galen leaned in close, shifting to a firm whisper. "You're only alive because I don't see any reason to do so. But, something's screaming to end you right now in the back of my mind, understand?"

She fell silent as he turned to leave. She watched as he left, before a purple haired scientist entered the room. The scientist sat beside her.

"Hello, Lady Nox." The woman spoke, causing her to tense.

"Y-you're..."

"Now, tell me." The woman continued. "What is your armor made of? Is it an extension of yourself?"

"No." Nox denied.

"Oh? So then you forged it from another substance?" The woman guessed.

"No." She repeated.

"No?" The woman paused. "You didn't forge it?"

"No."

"Then..." The woman glared at her. "What is your armor?"

Nox remained silent.

"Fine." The woman sighed. "What about your sword? Is it a part of you?"

"Yes." She answered.

"I see." The woman nodded. "Will you explain how you manifested it?"

Nox remained silent yet again.

"Of course." The woman groaned, turning to leave. "I will find out your secrets, Nox."

......

Anri punched the air outside with her new right arm. It was connected at her elbow, replacing her forearm completely, silver in color. A Keystone was placed firmly in the hand. She quickly switched into a flurry of kicks, before noticing Lux. "Hey, Lux."

"Anri!" He gasped, watching her arm. "Y-your arm..."

"I know, it's great isn't it?" She laughed, still training. "I don't have to wait for my broken arm to heal now!"

"But, you lost your arm." Lux frowned. "That doesn't seem worth-"

"Lux." She continued training. "I can actually move my arm. That's worth every-" She tightened up as she punched with her right arm. "Every... gah..."

"You..." Lux paused, noticing a streak of red dripping from her upper arm. "You're still not healed! Go lie down!"

"I'll just... remove my arm for now." She grimaced, slumping to the ground.

"Ms. Wilson!" A nurse wailed, exiting the building. "You're still not fully healed! You need to rest!"

"Just... patch up my arm." Anri sighed. "I won't train, okay? But, can I just go for a walk or something?"

"As long as you're careful." The nurse aided Anri. "I know the meteor show is tomorrow and you want to go with some boy, but please."

"Don't say that." Anri growled. "Catch you later, Lux! I think Luna wants to go to the meteor shower with you!" She laughed, fleeing into the building.

"Meteor shower?" Lux paused. "Oh right..." Who should he go with?

 

Chapter Sixty-Five- Wings of Light​

"Anri." Lux mumbled aloud. "Anri's... I..."

"Meow." Meowstic nuzzled against him.

"Yeah..." He grinned. "I think I... love Anri. L-let's go ask her out."

"Meow!" Meowstic celebrated. Lux calmly made his way into the hospital, searching for Anri's room. He eventually found her sitting in her bed as the nurse from before scolded her.

"Now, stay here and rest." She commanded. "No sneaking out to train, okay."

"Understood." Anri groaned. "Can I at least go for walks?"

"Only if you have someone with you. Remember that amputations usually take a few weeks to fully heal." The nurse allowed, before turning to leave. "Oh, you're the young man from before. How may I help you?"

"I'm here to ask Anri something." He answered.

"Ask? Oh!" The nurse sneered. "Looks like you have a date, Anri. He's a cute boy too!"

"Please." Anri sighed. "It's not like that. Not even close. He's probably here to check on data with me."

"Actually, she's right." Lux confirmed. "I'm here to... ask you out, Anri."

"Oh?" The nurse giggled, leaving. "I'll leave you be then!"

"Are... Are you alright?" Anri interrogated. "You do know that you have Gena and Luna to choose from too, right?"

"Yeah." Lux nodded. "But, I choose you. I want to go out with you, Anri."

"Do you have brain damage?" She persisted. "Look at me. I'm in a hospital bed... I... betrayed your trust... I'm... not lover material."

"So?" Lux grinned. "Nobody's perfect. You can betray me a million times and I'll still forgive you. That's what I've learned from my mother."

"Lux..." She gasped, her face gaining a slight pink. "Are you certain? You can still choose someone else to be with."

"That hesitation is my answer, Anri." He answered. "You're afraid of loving me, because you feel unworthy. That unworthiness makes you perfect in every way. I know you'll always be there for me, Anri."

"Lux..." Anri frowned. "Fine. No backing out now, okay? I'll be keeping a close eye on you, got it?"

"I wouldn't have it any other way." Lux chuckled. "I'll see you tomorrow."

......

Lux waited outside the hospital the next day, nervously fiddling his thumbs. Meowstic rode on his shoulder as usual. "Ahem. 'You're even more beautiful than the meteor shower'... No. 'You're as dazzling as the moonlight'... Damn it."

"Hey." Anri greeted, exiting the hospital. She was accompanied by the nurse from before. Her right arm was missing. "I'm not allowed to exert myself, so you'll have to take the lead."

"Alright." He grinned, standing up, prompting Meowstic to retreat into her Pokéball. "Curie's already got the jet prepared."

"Oh?" The nurse giggled. She had brown hair pulled back in a ponytail and dark, amber eyes. "A jet? How lucky you are, Anri. Quite the catch."

"Quiet." Anri ordered. "But yes, Lux is rich. Get over it."

"If only my own daughter was a smart as you..." The nurse sighed. "Honestly, she just falls for boy after boy... Why can't she just train Pokémon or something?"

"Let's get moving." Anri ordered, prompting the woman to follow them to the jet. As they left, Lux silently sent a message on his phone.

......

Niles continued to wander around the city, watching as people celebrated throughout all of New Fang. He had lost Nero along the way. He should probably get on that, shouldn't he...? Niles sighed, making his way through the thick crowd. Numerous fireworks went off in the distance. There were a myriad of various stands littered about the town. Eventually, Niles leaned against a building and pulled out his phone. Three messages from Nero were at the top.

I think I lost you...

I get the feeling that you abandoned me.

Fine, ya jerkface. Anyway, I'm gonna explore for a bit, k?

A small grin dragged at his cheek, before he put his phone away. He paused as he caught glimpse of familiar red hair. Niles pushed himself off of the wall and gave chase after the red headed boy in the distance. After a few yards, Niles grabbed onto his shoulder, causing him to jump.

"Yo, Albert!" Niles greeted. "What're you doing here all alone like this?"

"Oh, I was just observing people..." He answered. "I'm... curious about social interaction on days like this..."

"Heh." Niles sneered, wrapping his arm around his friend. "Come with me! Let's go find Nero!"

"W-wait!" Albert panicked as he was dragged by the neck.

......

"I see!" Luna nodded in affirmation as Aine explained the festival to her and Gena. "So, the meteor shower is the end, correct?"

"Yep." Sotiria confirmed. "Everything else is a celebration to the dragons that protected Fang many years ago."

"To think that a meteor shower happens every year consistently..." Gena paused. "Right?"

"Well, there are rumors that a Legendary Pokémon is the cause of the meteors every year." Rika added. "Of course, there's never any proof of that."

"Rayquaza?" Gena exhaled.

"Rayquaza." Aine groaned. Rika grimaced in pain for a brief moment.

"A-anyway..." Luna interrupted. "Let's just go and have fun, okay?"

"Yeah!" Sotiria egged on. "Let's go!"

"How energetic..." Rika chuckled, following the two peppy girls alongside the others.

......

"So, you seem to know Anri beyond your job as her nurse." Lux commented as they landed. "Did you know her beforehand?"

"Oh? Why yes." The nurse recollected. "I'm her aunt! My name is Marguerite!"

"Oh?" Lux gasped. "I didn't know she had relatives other than her father."

"I wouldn't say she's related to me..." Anri groaned.

"Ow..." Marguerite grimaced. "You really take after your father... He didn't seem very pleased to learn that me and Mailys were sisters..."

"Lovely family." Lux laughed, stepping off the jet.

"Oh, like yours is any better!" Anri snarled, chasing after him.

"Wonder how Gabe feels about this..." Marguerite pondered, following the duo. Outside, the trio were greeted by a flamboyant young man.

"Ah, there you are, Young Lux." The man bowed.

"Hello Lebeau." Lux smiled. "How are you?"

"Just fine, sir." The man continued, before glancing to Marguerite "Oh?" He gasped, running over to Marguerite. He grasped her hand firmly and fell to his knee. "You are absolutely stunning, m'lady!"

"O-oh..." Marguerite giggled. "I wouldn't call myself a lady..."

"Are you perhaps single?" The man questioned, giving a side glance to Lux.

"Let's go." Lux gestured, taking Anri by the hand.

"I am Wallace Lebeau." Wallace continued to flirt.

"Hey." Anri coughed as they left. "Um... I want to go somewhere."

"Sure." Lux nodded. "Where?"

"We'll need to fly, if that's okay." She informed.

"Alright, we'll just wait a while for the all clear from Curie." Lux smiled.

"Good." Anri gave a sidelong smile.

......

"So, are you having fun, Amie?" Sam asked his friend as they sat in a New Fang bar.

"Absolutely!" Amelia celebrated, munching on her food. She dressed in an open bomber jacket that covered her plain cyan shirt and pants. She had her long brownish blonde hair pulled back into a ponytail.

"I thought you said 'we'd go out when this was all over?'" Amanda tilted her head. She wore a winter dress, black in color, with yellow leggings. Her hair was let down to her shoulders, warm, honey-like in color. "Or can you not even remember your own words, Sam?"

"Since when have I had a good sense of memory?" Sam berated. "I'm kinda dumb, remember? Or are you as dumb as me, Am?"

"You forget which one of us always copied the other's notes in class?" Amanda reminded. "I'm fairly certain it was you."

"Well, you let this dummy copy you, so aren't you dumb by association?" Sam grinned. "What kind of smarty pants let's a dummy look as good as her?"

"W-well..." Amanda coughed. "I just felt bad for your lack of IQ."

"Hmmm." Amelia groaned, puffing out her cheeks, before standing up. "I'm gonna go get a refill on my drink!"

"Sure." Amanda dismissed, shifting her gaze briefly. "So, how have you been, Sam?"

"Alright." He stated, while stretching his arm. "How about you?"

"Just fine." Amanda smiled. They sat there alone for about a minute, causing her to avert her sight. Her face appeared to grow a slight pink. "W-where's Amelia?"

"Refilling her drink." Sam reminded, looking over to the drinks. However, Amelia was nowhere to be seen. Sam sighed and stood out of his seat. "Wait here."

"Uh, sure thing." Amanda exhaled as he left. "Sheesh..."

"Hey, Sis!" Amelia spoke up from behind her, causing her to shriek. "...That was a cute scream actually... Anyway!"

"W-what are you-?!" Amelia interrogated, her face a bright red.

"Shh!" Amelia covered her sister's mouth. "Are. You. Gonna. Tell. Him?"

"Mmmm..." Amanda groaned through her palm, averting her eyes.

"Sheesh..." Amelia sighed. "Tell. Him." She commanded, disappearing into the seat behind her.

"Where did you-!?" Amanda searched for her sister, finding that she had completely vanished. "How did you-!?"

"Well, I couldn't find her." Sam sighed, taking his seat. "What's up with you?"

"Oh!?" Amanda shrieked, quickly retaking her seat. "I... was just looking for my... balls?"

"You moron!" A girl shouted from the distance.

"...I'm gonna ignore that one..." Sam shook his head, almost as if in disappointment. "Did you really bring your Pokémon on our date?"

"Eh!?" Amanda jumped. "Of course not!"

"So, you look like you wanna say something." Sam sneered. "What's up?"

"Oh, um..." Amanda paused, sitting back down.

"Tell him!" The girl shouted again.

"Um..." Amanda grimaced. "I... I..."

"Go on." Sam commanded, a sly smile on his face.

"I..." She struggled. "Let's become a hive!"

"A... hive?" Sam tilted his head.

"You..." The girl growled. "You freaking idiot!"

"...Yes?" Amanda nodded. "I am the queen of the hive... and I need a king!"

"But, bees don't have kings." Sam pointed out. "Queen bees mate with mindless drones to create more drones for the hive. So, you want a harem?"

"No!" Amanda snapped.

"Is... is he messing with you?" The girl questioned from a distance.

"Then-" Sam attempted to continue, only to be interrupted by Amanda.

"Sam!" She hopped out of her seat. Her face was a vibrant red. "I-I... I lo-"

"Here we are!" A red haired woman interrupted as she entered the restaurant alongside four other girls, causing Amanda to collapse into her seat. She grinned merrily, before noticing Sam. "Oh, you're here, Sam. What's up?"

"Just hanging out with my sisters." Sam informed, making his way to the group. "What's up with you ladies?"

"Sister...?" Amelia jumped up from beside her sister. "Did... he already know? Or... d-do... we just not stand a chance?"

"Oh there you are." Sam noted, before turning back to Aine. "So, why're you ladies here?"

"We're just having a girls night, or something like that." Sotiria beamed.

"Luna kidnapped me." Gena shrugged, jokingly.

"Yep." Luna giggled. "Gotta make Gena do something fun!"

"...I have no idea why I'm here." Rika groaned.

"That's rude." Sotiria argued. "You don't wanna spend time with us?"

"...Not when you clearly have horrid intentions." She sighed, glancing towards Aine.

"What? I just wanna see her get drunk." Aine chuckled. "It'll be hilarious, I'm sure!"

"...Wonderful." Rika glared. Before the conversation could continue, Niles burst through the doors with Albert in a headlock, followed by Nero. "Oh look, something else."

"Let go of me!" Albert demanded. "I'm not... not gonna..."

"C'mon Allie, tell us who you like!" Nero pressured, causing Aine to step forth.

"Hey, why are you bullying my little brother?" She interrogated.

"Oh come on!" Niles grinned. "Don't tell me you're not at all interested in his type at the very least!"

"...What?" Aine gasped, glancing to Albert. A twisted grin tugged at her cheek. "So Allie, what is your type?"

"Not you too!" Albert panicked, noticing the rest of the group. "Help!"

"I wish you luck." Sotiria bowed alongside Luna.

"Have fun." Gena waved.

"What's going on?" Rika dismissed.

"Oh come on!" Albert cried.

"Go on." Nero nudged.

"I..." He mumbled. "I... like girls who are... independent. Strong willed. Yeah."

"And?" Aine pushed. "Body type? Hurry up! I need to find you a girl!"

"B-body type!?" His face flushed a bright red. "Er... Tall... Long hair... um... a little muscular..."

"Wait. Muscles?" Aine paused. "You... like dudes?"

"What!?" Albert trembled. "That wasn't-"

"Dude..." Niles sighed, glancing between Albert and Aine. "No. Just no."

"Not that either!" He growled, quickly struggling out of Niles' hold. "I'm leaving!" He snarled. As he exited the building, he ran into someone, getting knocked to the ground. "Ow..."

"Geez." Albert's victim groaned, revealing herself. It was a tall girl in a sailor uniform with long greyish blue hair and purple eyes. She extended her hand towards Albert. "Hey, need help?"

"Uhh..." Albert gawked, his eyes and mouth wide open as he stared at the girl. "Uhh..."

"Hey." The girl repeated. "Need help?"

"Uhh..." He continued to stare.

"Hey, you're Albert Eld." The girl noted. "I remember you from Oasis. I'm Lynn Wake, remember?"

"Uhh..." He kept staring.

"Okay?" Lynn sighed, turning to leave. "See you."

"Uh?" Albert quickly shot up. "W-wait!" He interrupted.

"Oh, now you can speak." She joked. "What's up Red?"

"I... I..." Albert mumbled. He quickly pulled out a fossil and bowed before her. "Please teach me to be a Gym Leader! I offer you this!"

"What!?" Aine growled, getting held back by Sam and Rika.

"Eh?" Lynn tilted her head, before swiping the fossil. "Hey! That's a Tirtouga fossil! I love that Pokémon!"

"R-really?" Albert looked up to her. "Will... will you teach me?"

"...No." She exhaled, handing him the fossil. "I distinctly remember you saying 'What kind of Gym Leader abandons his post...?' Why would you want to learn from that Gym Leader's daughter?"

"O-oh..." Albert grimaced. "Sorry..."

"Hmm." She shook her head. "See you... Kid."

"Kid...?" Albert frowned, mumbling beneath his breath. "I'm... still a child..."

"Hey!" Aine spoke up, approaching Lynn. "I challenge you too a battle."

"Huh?" Lynn stepped back. "Er... seriously?"

"Not just any battle." Aine continued. "I'll defeat you with only one of Albert's Pokémon. The youngest. The weakest. And if I win, you'll teach Albert how to be a Gym Leader!"

"Um..." Lynn glanced around. "...Fine."

"Sis?" Albert gasped.

"Tepig." She called forth, causing Albert's fire pig to leap forward. "Don't worry about a thing, little bro."

"Hey!" Albert chased after his sister, exiting the bar. Outside, thick clouds covered the sky. "Hold on!"

"This'll be a one on one!" Aine ignored him, taking her place. A large crowd began to surround the group, watching closely. "You pick your strongest and I'll use this fat pig thing!"

"Pig..." Tepig sulked, prompting Aine to pet it.

"V-very well..." Lynn gulped, as if nervous. "Chinchou! Water Gun!"

"Halt!" Aine countered, confidently. Tepig quickly defended itself, taking the blast of water. It shook itself off, before turning back to her for orders.

"Another Water Gun!" Lynn ordered.

"Halt." Aine repeated. Once again, Tepig took the attack, before shaking itself off.

"What're you doing Sis?" Albert panicked. "You need to-"

"Halt." Aine held out her fist to silence Albert. Her eyes exuded a terrifying passion, almost fire like.

"Go down!" Lynn growled in frustration. Chinchou blasted Tepig once again, with the same results. "Why!?"

"Hmm..." Aine glanced to the sky as clouds began to part, revealing the sun ever so slightly. "Now!"

"Pig!" Tepig cried, charging green energy and blasting the Chinchou, defeating it. "Pig." It boasted, before falling over in defeat.

"W-what?" Lynn gasped, returning her Chinchou.

"How weak... Kid." Aine taunted. "You should go study some-"

"Please teach me!" Lynn bowed before Aine.

"Excuse me?" She stepped back.

"I... I know I'm reckless and kind of dumb, but I want to be a trainer worthy of my father!" Lynn confessed. "Please teach me!"

"Um..." Aine laughed, awkwardly. "I... uh..."

"Well, that turned out interestingly." Niles chuckled, looking at Albert. "What do you think?"

"So cute..." Albert stared at Lynn.

"Dude... She's at least eighteen." Niles pointed out. "You're only fourteen."

"So?" Albert argued. "That's only four years apart. When I'm eighteen, she'll be twenty-two!"

"Sure, why not?" Niles shrugged. "Go right on ahead, Red."

"You know..." Amelia popped up behind Sam. "There are a lot of people who're looking for love, Sam. Why don't-"

"Not interested." Sam dismissed. "Not yet."

"W-what!?" Amelia gasped. "B-but-"

"I still have something to do." Sam informed. "When I'm done, maybe."

"So, there's a chance?" Amelia tilted her head.

"Yeah." Sam nodded.

"Welp!" Amelia jumped up. "I'd call this a day! Time to wait for night time!"

......

"So, where do you two want to go?" Curie inquired as the jet took off.

"A lake on the outskirts of Julian." Anri clenched her chest, before taking a seat.

"You okay?" Lux inquired.

"Just fine." Anri exhaled. "I'm... just nervous..."

"...Your home?" Lux deduced. "Is that lake your home?"

"...Yeah." Anri nodded.

"I see." Lux closed his eyes, taking his seat. The two sat in silence for a few hours, allowing night to overtake them, until Curie pointed out a lake surrounded by a forest.

"That it?" She asked.

"Yeah." Anri confirmed, a sullen look scrawled on her face. The lake was vacant, with a single building on it, reduced to nothing but charred rubble and overtaken by nature. Once they landed, Lux assisted Anri down, before she took the initiative. "I'm fine."

"Anri..." Lux averted his gaze, following behind her. She walked to the house, before closing her eyes.

"...A Gyarados destroyed it." She informed. "...Or at least, most of it. My father burned down the rest. Guess it was his way of abandoning himself." She confessed. "Mailys and Gabriel Wilson died here. I sometimes wonder if Anri Wilson did as well."

Lux fell silent.

"I used to play by the lake." She continued, looking out to the old lake. "I loved Magikarp. My mother always told me about all the ones in the lake..." She paused. "I hate Gyarados... I just hate them. Why can't they just stay a stupid fish all their life?"

Lux remained silent.

"The woods weren't that bad either." She smiled. "I got so many cuts from when I played out there. Mother always scolded me. I told her I wanted to be like my father... Guess I got that dream, huh?" She chuckled, looking down to her amputated arm.

Lux grimaced to himself.

"And over there..." She pointed to a small cliff leading slightly further into the lake, before pacing over there. Lux hurried along behind her, noticing a simple tombstone on top of the cliff. "This is where my mother's buried."

Lux looked down to his feet.

"Hey Mom..." Anri knelt down and spoke to the tombstone. "I... I have this guy that I like... and I don't know how to express that... D-do you have any advice...?" She joked, a pained grin on her face. "I see. Keep moving forward. Thank you."

"Anri..." Lux spoke up. "Don't do that."

"Do what?" She turned to face him.

"You're trying to push away your pain by forcing yourself along." He elaborated. "Don't do that."

"Why not?" She questioned. "It's how... I've dealt with everything..."

"I... want to be your wings." He stated, gently holding her right arm. "The wings that have long since been broken, my Bird of Heaven."

"Lux..." Anri stared into his eyes. She grimaced. "No... I won't... I..."

"Anri..." Lux held her close. "I want you to be the one who supports me... The one whose shoulder I can cry on, and in return... I want you to cry on me."

"Ah..." She hiccuped, making a pained laughing sound. She held herself close to him. "You moron..."

"Wha...?" Lux gasped, looking at the sky in the distance. Anri followed his line of sight, gasping as numerous lights fell from the sky. They fell by the dozen, leaving a long streak as they rushed passed them. "How nice..."

"Amazing..." Anri smiled. "How cliche..."

"Hey, it works." Lux laughed, wrapping his arm around her shoulder. "...I love you, Anri Wilson."

"...I..." She beamed. "I... absolutely treasure you, my love!"

"Eh?" Lux turned to her, embarrassed. "W-well, I'll always desire to make you happy, my love!"

"Is this a flirting competition?" Anri sneered. "Like I'll lose! I'll always support you, my perfect boyfriend!"

"...I'll..." Lux's tone shifted. "I'll always support you, Anri Amity."

"...Uh..." Anri turned a bright red. "I... I surrender!" She jumped back, retreating to the forest. "Mercy!"

"What?" Lux chased after her. "You were talking big a moment ago!"

"No!" Anri giggled as she fled.

"A beautiful baby bird has evolved into a maiden with pure wings of light..."

 

Chapter Sixty-Six- Complexity​

"Last night was pretty sweet." Sam commented as he met up with Sotiria, Rika, Niles, Gena, Luna and Nero. They sat outside the bar that they had encountered each other in before. "Where are the redheads and our champ to be?"

"Aine is teaching Albert and Lynn some basics on running a gym." Rika explained. "They're at the library."

"And Lux is in Julian." Sotiria added. "Also, apparently Anri is in the Julian General Hospital. She should be fine."

"That's great!" Luna celebrated. "So... what should we do next?"

"Well..." Niles began. "Until we find New Order, it would be best to get your last badge. The Valiant Badge from Vigor."

"The last badge..." Gena paused. "Then we'll face the League."

"Yeah!" Luna jumped in joy. "We'll finally get to see Lux become Champion!"

"Ha!" Niles laughed, letting out an eerie and twisted grin. "Don't make me laugh!"

"Niles...?" Nero backed away.

"I'm the son of Draco and Linda Fang!" He boasted. "I'll never lose to Lux! Just watch as I stomp him and anyone who stands in my way!"

"That'd be the day!" A woman interrupted from the sky, prompting the group to look overhead. Linda Fang jumped from her Altaria, revealing herself to the group. "My son? Defeat me and his father? What a laugh!"

"Oh, welcome Mrs. Fang..." Sotiria greeted, awkwardly.

"Hey, Tesla." Linda waved to her, before turning back to Niles, whose expression turned sour. "First of all, you have to beat us, then you have to beat Amity, which ain't happening."

"Why not?" Niles interrogated. "I'm strong! And wouldn't you want your kid to surpass you, Mother?"

"Yeah." Linda nodded in agreement, before her tone shifted. "You still can't beat an Amity. Victory runs in their blood. But, I expect you'll give it a grand battle at the top of Mt. Eclipse, before, y'know, you lose."

"You can't mean that..." Gena sighed, averting her gaze.

"Either way, I'll be joining you in your journey to Vigor." Linda added. "That should be fine, right?"

"It's not my decision to make." Niles dismissed, glaring at the ground. He shook his head and began to leave. "I'm going to train until our valiant leader returns."

"H-Have fun!" Luna waved, awkwardly.

"What the hell was that?" Nero turned to Linda. "What kind of parent says something like that to their kid?"

"He's arrogant and prideful." Linda stated. "He's also ambitious. Ambition will only lead to his own downfall. I've seen it before."

"...You're wrong." Nero argued, calmly. "Ambition drives growth. Only a fool would say otherwise."

"You're young and foolish, just like..." Linda sighed, looking up to the sky. "...What a rotten child..."

......

Lux stretched as he returned to New Fang. The town had calmed down, quickly returning to it's everyday routine. Noivern screeched in the distance. Lux looked down to his phone as it vibrated in his pocket. He retrieved it and looked at his messages.

Hey, I had fun, Luxie-Poo~

Take me out again sometime, okay?

Of course, you'll be paying~

Lux grinned, before a new message popped up.

On to the serious issue. Sigurd. He's the last Gym Leader. Albeit, he is rather weak, failing to rise beyond leaders his age and even some of the younger leaders such as Agni or Aine. I've also done some digging into him as a person, and I found that he might join you if you play your cards right. He seemed to have an attraction to your mother and her death might have shaken up his loyalty to Ford. Either way, whether you recruit him or not, I doubt someone as unremarkable as him would be very useful or memorable.

Lux shook his head and left to look for the others. He paced through the city, pausing outside a bar, spotting his friends gathering around it. "Hey!" He greeted.

"Lux!" Sotiria beamed, eagerly. "How are you?"

"Pretty good." Lux smiled, glancing to the rest of the group, noticing Linda. "Mrs. Fang. Why're you here?"

"I've arrived to assist you in the glorious clash against Sigurd!" She announced, thrusting her cape outward. "Onward!"

"Wait." Gena interrupted. "First we need to find Albert and Niles."

"Oh right..." Linda recollected. "Onward! To the library!"

......

"And that's the basics." Aine finished her lecture. Lynn had carefully watched her the entire time, leaning back in her chair, while Albert took notes in a red journal. "Any questions?"

"Yeah." Lynn confirmed. "Why aren't there any gym puzzles in Spes?"

"Because Airi Amity deemed them pointless." Albert stated. "She believed that trainers should prove themselves during battle, not through a puzzle, right?"

"Right." Aine affirmed. "Every Gym Leader is told that when they join."

"Except me..." Albert groaned.

"Well, you haven't undergone the trial yet." Aine informed. "And I'm not referring to those Alolan Trials or whatever."

"Mind explaining?" Lynn inquired.

"Well, every Gym Leader is thrust onto an island filled with Pokémon that would make you wet yourself, Allie." Aine began.

"Oh my- Let that go already!" Albert growled.

"Anyway, the gist is that you fight some super strong Pokémon that has an advantage over your chosen type." Aine finished. "I fought a super powered Swampert."

"I think I remember my father mentioning that he fought a Sceptile as a test once." Lynn recollected, before standing up. "This was very helpful, thank you."

"No problem." Aine sneered. "See ya."

"C-come back soon!" Albert waved as she left.

"You're adorable." Aine teased. "Glad to see that Amity really helped you."

"Yeah." Albert let out a small grin. "Maybe if this whole 'Champion' thing doesn't work out, he could become a therapist."

"I can see it." Aine chuckled. The duo paused as their friends entered the library. "Speak and he shall appear..."

"Hey you two." Lux greeted, pacing over to them. "You hard at work?"

"Went over some history with the little lovebird." Aine stated with a stretch. "How was your date, Amity?"

"Pretty nice." Lux informed. "My girlfriend's pretty great. Why don't you get yourself a lover, Aine?"

"Because..." She groaned. "I don't have time for that."

"Aw, come on." Lux teased. "It's amazing. What could be more important than having someone you love?"

"I love my little brother." She countered. "He's quite amusing."

"Is Albert all you have?" Lux persisted, a slight shift in his tone. "Rika? Sotiria? ...Agni?"

"...I'm going to kill Agni." She asserted, causing the group to fall silent. "Got it?"

"Aine..." Albert shifted his gaze.

"As I suspected." Lux nodded, glancing to Albert. "I understand your hatred, but really? Killing him? Do you not see the irony?"

"He's a rabid dog that needs to be put down." She snarled. "It's that simple."

"So, a murderer is murdered by... a murderer." Lux insulted.

"It's not the same!" Aine snapped. "I'm doing it because he's beyond saving! Have you not seen the amount of people he's killed!?"

"Three." Lux held out his fingers. "My parents and Evan Apple, if I'm correct."

"And more." Aine mumbled. "He's a horrible demon."

"Rika." Lux began, counting off of his hand. "Attempted to murder and most likely murdered countless in the name of her code. In the name of righteousness." He bit deep, causing Rika to grimace. "Sotiria." He continued, causing Sotiria to turn pale. "Destroyed Amber and many of it's inhabitants were murdered."

"That's different!" Aine argued. "They regret their actions and feel sorry for them!"

"Really?" Lux clicked his tongue. "Ahem. 'I think the hard part is that I don't really care about what happened to the people of Amber.'"

"Y-you... heard?" Sotiria panicked. "I..."

"'If that makes me a bad-'" He continued.

"Shut up." Aine demanded. "Shut up! You don't know shit about Rika and Edy!" She howled, storming out of the library.

"Aine!?" Rika chased after her friend.

"You're not wrong..." Lux muttered to himself.

"That was... cruel." Sam sighed. "You sure about that?"

"My mother murdered a man." Lux sulked. "If... I condemn murderers to death... then I'd be justifying my own mother's death..."

"That's... very mature of you, Champ." Sam nodded. "Just... don't hurt yourself, okay?"

"Don't worry, Berk." Lux beamed, turning to Albert. "Hey... mind telling me about Agni?"

"Oh... sure." Albert mumbled, as Lux sat across from him. "Well... he's... ruthless... and power hungry..."

"Tell me about what you think of him." Lux stated.

"I... hate him." Albert stated. "I want to beat him within an inch of his life... I'm no different than Aine."

"Why do you hate him?" Lux persisted.

"He's hurt countless..." Albert paused. "He's... he killed..." He shook his head in sorrow. "I'm pathetic... Right now... as much as I want to... I can't truly hate Agni... not anymore..."

"Why not?" Lux inquired, gently.

"Because..." Albert sighed. "He's my older brother. He protected me and Aine from our dad... Honestly... I was... happy... when my father died... I'm a horrible person..."

"No." Lux denied. "You're a wonderful person. You understand that people aren't one dimensional. Agni protected you, how?"

"He... would fight with our father when he got mad at one of us..." Albert explained. "I know that you've only seen Agni the ruthless murderer... but, I've seen him when he cared for me and Aine. I don't have proof... but..."

"I understand." Lux sympathized. "Some things... can't be proven easily..."

"I... want to save him, Lux." Albert pleaded. "I... don't know how... I can recite the periodic table. I can recite pi. I can quote War and Peace... but... I don't know how to save my family... Help me... Help me, please. Please, help me! Please..."

"Tell me about your father." Lux changed topics.

"Eh?" Albert paused. "Well... my father was... a pitiful man... He was an alcoholic... Abusive... I... think he was sad... The only woman who loved him... died... The entire world labeled him as a worthless man... Aine... reminded him of our mother, I think... I don't know anymore..."

"Honestly..." Lux empathized. "I think that's how you should feel right now. Confused. Scared."

"I see." Albert sulked. "What should I do, Lux?"

"I'm not you, Albert." Lux informed. "You can deal with Agni however you want. Just understand that I'll stop you if you go against my principles. Not because you should do as I say, but because stopping you is what I believe." Lux frowned. "It's hard... trying to stay away from the cruel path of hypocrisy..."

"Hypocrisy and complexity..." Albert grinned, wearily. "That's what comes with being human."

"I guess. We, as humans, aren't those flat minor characters that push a story's plot along." Lux smiled. "Let's go find your sister."

"Yeah."

"They're just kids..." Linda muttered beneath her breath. She almost forgot that... Then again... she was a kid once too...

......

Aine sat outside the library in silence. Rika joined her by the door a couple of feet away from her. They stayed that way until Lux, Albert, and the rest of the group emerged from the building.

"Sis..." Albert approached Aine. "I... want to save Agni."

"You too, huh?" Aine growled. "Only natural that you wouldn't agree with me on everything."

"Please understand." He continued. "I'm scared... I'm scared that I'll lose what little family I have left..."

"Deep down..." She frowned, pausing for a moment. "...I hate Agni... but deep down... I think... I think I'm the same. I can't help but think about that virtuous older brother I once knew... It's naive."

"But, is naivete really bad?" Albert questioned. "Or, is doing everything that's logically really the only path to happiness in life? Can we just not trust in our emotions and friends?"

"Heh..." Aine chuckled. She chuckled until she revealed a wonderful smile. "It's funny, hearing that from you. I thought I was the one who acted on her emotions, little bro?"

"Is that a yes?" Albert beamed.

"Yeah." Aine beamed back. "I'll trust you, Albert. We'll... try to talk to Agni."

"Yes!" Albert jumped in joy. "Er... Good."

"But." Aine continued. "If talking doesn't work, then I'll restrain him by force. I promise I won't kill him."

"That's... fine." Albert accepted. "So, where are we going next?"

"Vigor." Lux stated. "Once we find Niles, we'll go to Vigor."

......

Niles watched his allies from a distance. Lux managed to dissuade Aine. He let out a long sigh. "Guess he's got that natural charisma..." He forced himself up and began to make his way to the group. "I'll show them. I'll show them all..." He mumbled beneath his breath. He was strong. He was strong. Strong. Strong...

......

Ford searched through her belongings, finding an old file on Team Rocket. She stretched and began to read through it while drinking from her mug. Mewtwo. Legendary Birds. Eevee. Gya- Eevee!? Ford spat out her drink and began to read up on Team Rocket's Eevee. The file detailed the events of a captive Eevee that Team Rocket had made capable of constantly evolving and devolving into its separate evolutions. She felt a smile tear at her cheek, before hastily shoving the file away. She didn't need to do that... But, she was a scientist... She needed to see everything... right? She couldn't afford to be a soft hearted fool... Ford let out a long sigh, and retrieved the file. Life was expendable. It was always expendable... Nothing more than numbers and data...

 

Chapter Sixty-Seven- The Feeble Knight
​

Sigurd sat alone in the New Order bunker. He was alone with Lux Amity's Eevee. It whimpered at him constantly. "Locked in a cage…"

"Vee…" Eevee cried.

"No control over your life anymore." Sigurd mumbled. "Revenge is like a cage, no? A self imposed cage that drags you to the forgotten abyss. There is no life… in that abyss. Only the dead."

"Vee…" Eevee cried again.

"It's too late now…" Sigurd frowned behind his mask, slowly removing it. It was a pure silver with two bronze lines extending from the eyes. His hair was short and brown. His eyes were a dull brown. "All this revenge has brought me has been… loss. I lost Airi… I most likely lost my reputation… I even lost myself… There's no point in struggling. I am a mere pawn to be cast aside… Nothing more."

"Vee…" Eevee empathized.

"Sir." A grunt approached him. "Dr. Ford has requested the Eevee."

"Did… she say why?" Sigurd pondered.

"No sir." The grunt denied. "I suspect…"

"I know…" Sigurd sulked, retrieving the cage and handing it to the grunt. "Tell Ford… that it's still not too late for her. She has the talent to become something great... Okay?"

"Yes sir…" The grunt acknowledged, taking the cage.

"I take it that once I lose…" Sigurd grimaced. "There's no home for a fool like me…"

…...

Lux and the rest of the group watched carefully as they landed in the outskirts of Vigor. The town was small and silent in the center of a large forest. The homes were old fashioned and simplistic. A large gym stood out in the center. Numerous fighters meditated in a large group near a waterfall.

"There's a lot of fighters here…" Luna pointed out.

"It's quiet too." Sam stretched. "Might be a nice chance to take a nap."

"You can if you want." Lux allowed, stepping off of the jet. His fist was clenched. "I'm going to battle Sigurd."

"Huh?" Sam paused, glancing towards Lux. "Well then. Can't let you go alone, can we?"

"We'll be cheering you on from the sidelines." Albert informed. "I'm positive that you'll win."

"Thank you…" Lux grinned, loosening the tension in his hand. "To the gym!"

…...

Sigurd sat in the center of the Vigor Gym. The field was covered by a sparring mat, simplistic in design. He slowly stood up at the sounds of footsteps, before turning to his opponents. The group consisted of Lux, his allies, and Linda. "So… you've arrived, Lux Amity."

"I want you to take me to New Order's base." Lux commanded.

"Couldn't you ask Anri." Sigurd pointed out. "Ah no. Ford most certainly deleted her access to our bunker. And I take it you'd rather not force your way inside?"

"No." Lux informed. "New Order would most certainly have the advantage over us in every way if we attacked their bunker head on."

"You're calm." Sigurd informed. "Mature. I'm impressed. But, none of this matters. We're wasting time. The only thing for us to do is battle." He stated, sending out a Heracross.

"Very well." Lux nodded, sending out Haxorus. "Dragon Claw!"

"Close Combat!" Sigurd countered. Heracross charged forward, releasing a flurry of punches at Haxorus, who staggered back. Haxorus hastily recovered and slashed at Heracross with a rising strike. Heracross was sent flying back in defeat. Sigurd calmly returned it and replaced it with a Breloom. "Mach Punch!"

"You've got this, Haxorus!" Lux cheered. Meowstic joined, cheering alongside him. Breloom jabbed at Haxorus with blinding speed, who responded by planting his foot in the ground. He reeled back his tail and slammed it into the opponent, defeating it in a single blow. "Nice!"

"He acts differently than expected…" Sigurd mumbled to himself, tossing out a Pangoro. "Ice Punch!"

"Go!" Lux continued to support. Haxorus barreled forward and bit into the Pangoro, causing it to flinch, before tossing it upwards. He instantly followed up with a blast from his maw, defeating the Pangoro.

"Yet his Pokémon are outstanding…" Sigurd mumbled, replacing Pangoro with a Toxicroak. "Gunk Shot!"

"Don't worry about it, Haxorus!" Lux reassured. Toxicroak reeled back its head, before spewing forth sludge at Haxorus. Haxorus leapt back and countered with another blast from his mouth, defeating Toxicroak.

"But something's wrong…" Sigurd sighed, sending out a Lucario. "Aura Sphere!"

"Go all out!" Lux commanded. Haxorus narrowly evaded the Aura Sphere, before slashing at Lucario, launching it back. Lucario let out a howl, before sending a volley of Aura Spheres at Haxorus, who fell to his knee. "Haxorus." Lux called out to his Pokémon, pausing for a brief moment. "Understood. Take 'em out!"

"Can he speak with his Pokémon? After such a short period of time?" Sigurd paused. "Flash Cannon!" Lucario let out another howl, before firing a silver beam at Haxorus, who countered with a Dragon Pulse. The two attacks collided, with a massive explosion engulfing the field. The battlers leapt out from the explosion, before simultaneously collapsing in defeat.

"It's okay." Lux praised Haxorus, before returning him. "Gardevoir!"

"How fitting…" Sigurd chuckled, sending out his blue Gallade. "Psycho Cut!"

"Hyper Voice!" Lux commanded. Gardevoir let out a high pitched cry, while Gallade launched a psychic slash back at her in retaliation. The two simultaneously evaded the other's attack. "Don't let up!"

"Shadow Sneak!" Sigurd ordered. Gallade instantly extended his shadow at Gardevoir, who teleported away from the attack, before countering with a Shadow Ball. Gallade leapt away, narrowly evading the attack, and struck the ground. A large shock wave was sent towards Gardevoir, who protected herself with a barrier.

"Nice!" Lux praised. "Keep it up!"

"Psycho Cut!" Sigurd repeated. Gallade charged up another attack, swiftly launching a slash of psychic energy at Gardevoir. She teleported away from the attack, appearing behind Gallade, who instantly slashed at her, forcing her to teleport to Lux's side.

"He's quick." Lux observed. "But not quick enough, Gardevoir!"

"What are you…?" Sigurd questioned as Gardevoir teleported away again. She appeared behind Gallade, only to teleport away as he attacked her. She appeared atop him, before teleporting to his left. She began to teleport around Gallade, narrowly evading each of his strikes. "I see. You do realize that Gallade can tell where she'll appear, right?"

"Huh?" Lux paused, taken aback. "Oh right…" He sulked, before shaking his head defiantly. "Keep it up!"

"Gallade!" Sigurd prompted. Gallade immediately twisted around to strike at Gardevoir as she appeared, launching her away.

"Gardevoir?" Lux gasped, checking on his Pokémon. "No need to push yourself…" Lux sympathized, returning her. He reached for his next Pokémon, briefly mumbling to himself. "Fast… Psychic… Fighting… Maybe…?"

"I've battled alongside Gallade for years." Sigurd informed. "We've learned each other's weaknesses inside and out. He's mastered his psychic abilities alongside his physical prowess. But, I assume you have some counter waiting in there, Amity?"

"That... might work." Lux ended his thought with a wary nod, sending out his next Pokémon. "Lucario!" At his command, Lucario burst onto the field, covering it in her aura.

"That's-!?" Sigurd gasped, glancing to Gallade. "Get out!"

"Rush him!" Lux commanded. Before Gallade could react, Lucario rushed him with a flurry of punches, causing him to stagger back. "Full power!"

"Drain Punch!" Sigurd ordered. Gallade countered Lucario with powerful strike to her jaw, healing Gallade. Lucario took the attack full force, slowly raising her gaze to meet Gallade's, while charging fire in her fists. She swiftly struck him in the gut, causing him to stagger back, before charging ice in her other hand. She lunged forward, striking at an arc, knocking Gallade into the dirt. She instantly charged aura into her hands and thrusted a large sphere downwards. Gallade instantly disappeared, reappearing by Sigurd's side as the ground was destroyed.

"Lucario…" Lux paused, pulling out her Pokéball. "Keep… Keep attacking."

"I understand now." Sigurd nodded, glancing to his Gallade. "Gallade couldn't predict your Lucario's strikes… because your Lucario doesn't think. It only acts based on instinct and a will to win at all costs. A blind rage." He assessed. "And you willingly choose to use such a Pokémon? You would stoop to such means? You even ally yourself with former murderers and monsters whilst claiming to be just?"

"Coming from you?" Lux bit. "A man who sacrificed his morals to fulfill his revenge over a petty love for a married woman?"

"Ah…" Sigurd grimaced. "Yes. I am quite the hypocrite. But do you really want to tread the path of one yourself? To lose all meaning in your own words? To become self righteous just like the ones who took your parents?"

Lux winced for a brief moment. He clenched his fists in a restrained rage. "Shut up. I'm not… a hypocrite. Lucario!"

"Focus on the defensive!" Sigurd commanded. Gallade teleported around the field, evading each of Lucario's strikes as flailed about. She ripped up the ground in her attempt to defeat Gallade, repeatedly crashing into the walls and floor. "Soon."

"Hypocrite..." Lux paused, before giving a determined grin. Sheesh... He could really be a moron sometimes… "I'm not a hypocrite Sigurd! I'll follow my beliefs without fail! I ally myself with former murderers and monsters because I believe that they're far better than they give themselves credit for! I refuse to tread the path of a hypocrite, no matter how painful, if it means that I can save others from that fate! I refuse to give up who I am to save everyone! Naive! Childish! Tell me how foolish I am! Because that's what I am! A child! But, I will save Galen! I will save Nox! I will save Agni! And I will save you too, Sigurd!"

"Save me?" Sigurd chuckled. "You can not save the dead. I've accepted what I must do. I am a mere pawn to be thrown to the side. I can not be saved by the hero of this story."

"Don't sell yourself short." Lux defied. "Lucario! Enough rampaging! Time to show him what happens when we give it our all!"

"Car!" Lucario agreed, jumping to his side. The aura covering the field dissipated, returning to her body.

"Can you read it's mind, Gallade?" Sigurd interrogated his partner. "Good."

"Strike true!" Lux commanded. Lucario lunged forward, kicking up dirt as she tried to punch Gallade, who sidestepped the attack. Before he could counterattack, Lucario kicked up dirt, blinding Gallade. "Once more!"

"Drain Punch!" Sigurd ordered. Gallade instantly struck Lucario from the side, causing her to fly back. She caught herself on the wall and leapt back at Gallade. Gallade quickly ducked beneath her, causing her to overshoot her attack, crashing into the ground. "Strike!"

"Go!" Lux signaled. Lucario lunged forward and countered Gallade's strike, overpowering him and launching him back. "Follow it up!"

"Get out!" Sigurd panicked. Lucario quickly launched an Aura Sphere at Gallade, who barely teleported away. Lucario instantly charged up a second one and launched it behind her, striking Gallade as he appeared behind her. He was launched away from a massive explosion, finally defeated.

"...Defeat." Sigurd groaned, retrieving his partner. He turned around and began to walk away.

"Hey!" Linda jumped from the crowd, giving chase.

"Quickly!" Niles rushed, pursuing his mother. Lux joined him and followed Sigurd into a back room.

"Sigurd! Surr-" Linda announced as she entered the empty room. Sigurd sat alone. "-ender…?"

"Once upon a time." Sigurd began to speak. He had his mask on the floor to his side. "There was a young man. The young man fell in love with a young girl. He tried to impress the girl in any way he could. In the end, he couldn't win the girl's love. He became bitter and swore vengeance upon the man who won the love of the girl. He destroyed himself in his pursuit of revenge. The woman he loved died due to his foolish pursuit. He wasn't enough. He wasn't a hero. He was just a fool." Sigurd sighed. "Do you understand Lux? It's not a matter of forgiveness… It's not a matter of morals… It's a matter of self belief… I'm not you. I'm not your parents. I can't keep going on the beliefs of my allies alone… I'm not as strong as you, Lux."

"Sigurd…" Lux sighed. Before he could speak up, Linda made her way past him.

"So…" She spoke up, kneeling next to him. "You've given up? You'll just accept your defeat?"

"Yes." He nodded. "Do with me as you will. I have no intention of fighting any more…"

"Okay." Linda groaned. She reached her hand out and flicked Sigurd on his forehead. "There. That's your punishment."

"What…?" He paused, glancing at the group. "Hmm… I expected a prison cell for not fighting alongside you…"

"Good luck in finding yourself, Sigurd." Lux beamed as he began to leave. The rest of the group, other than Linda, followed behind him.

"Take some time to think." Linda advocated. "You're worth a lot more than you think. Find a purpose." She finished, before leaving as well.

Sigurd sat alone in the empty room. He sat there alone in his thoughts. "That's it…"

…...

"So, what's our game plan?" Niles asked outside the gym. "Are we going to ask Anri for help or what?"

"That'd probably be best." Luna agreed. "She's at the Julian General Hospital, right?"

"Yeah." Lux confirmed. "So… about our badges…"

"I'll handle it." Linda informed. "Honestly… I expected things to go in this direction."

"The League…" Lux paused, looking out to the grey sky. Snow fell gently as usual.

 

Chapter Sixty-Eight- For A New Order
​

"So can you connect?" Gena inquired to Anri in her hospital room. The group consisted of Lux, Luna, Gena, Niles and Linda. The rest had left to wander Julian.

"Maybe." Anri shrugged as she worked on her laptop. "And I'm in."

"Why didn't you try this earlier?" Niles questioned. "You could've saved us some time!"

"Because I didn't think I still had access?" Anri justified. "I'm an ex-member after all."

"Well, serves us right for assuming we didn't have the easy way in…" Luna sighed. "Should probably stop writing things off like this."

"So, what's our best approach, Anri?" Lux inquired.

"It would be best to…" Anri paused, a surprised expression across her face. She began to scramble on her laptop as if searching for something. "Where are all the guards? Actually, where's all the… What?"

"Hold on, what?" Niles interrogated, looking onto her laptop. "What's going on?"

"It's… empty?" Anri fumbled. "No. There's… Ford? Why? Where's everyone else? Why is it just Ford?" Anri questioned. Before anyone could say more, a single message popped on the screen.

Bring me Groudon, Mrs. Amity.

"Groudon?" Luna pondered.

"It's a trap." Gena dismissed. "She clearly messed with your data, Anri."

"Operation New Order…" Anri mumbled. "No. It's time for New Order to make their move. This is our chance! They left the base to prepare for their assault on the League!"

"Assault!?" Linda panicked. "What do you mean, 'assault?' Are they going to attack the Elite Four?"

"Yes." Anri affirmed. "I'll leave that in your hands, Mrs. Fang."

"Well, I had to head back anyway." Linda growled, running out of the room.

"Shouldn't we help?" Luna asked in worry. "Wouldn't they need us?"

"No." Anri denied, shifting her tone. "I lied. There is no assault."

"Wha…?" Niles gasped. "Explain, Anri!"

"New Order left to deal with the remnants of the Liberators." She explained. "I knew the base was mostly empty. I just didn't want Linda to hear me. Don't worry, I'll stop her from doing something about the assault later." She elaborated, closing her laptop. "Operation New Order. Galen Wilson will take his place as the Champion of Spes."

"Okay?" Niles tilted his head. "Why couldn't my mother hear this?"

"Because hearing this would have provoked her into acting hastily." Anri continued. "Once he is Champion, all wild Pokémon are to be captured and confined. In order to assure control, the following are to be eliminated: Airi Amity. Draco Fang. Linda Fang. Ares Stark. Eris Bonnaire. Gunther Fiedler."

"Wait, he's going to kill my parents!?" Niles snapped. "That son of a… Sorry."

"Now you see the problem." Anri assessed. "Anyway, back to the problem at hand. Given the current situation and Ford's message, it seems that your best approach would be to enter through the front."

"Champ." Sam interrupted, entering the room Rika. "We have to go."

"What?" Lux paused, preparing for battle.

"Oh! No." Sam dismissed his action. "I mean me and the other Gym Leaders have to go."

"W-why?" Luna gasped. "What happened?"

"Nothing major." Sam answered. "We just got something to take care of. And apparently me and Rika are classified as Co-Leaders right now."

"I honestly don't know why?" Rika groaned. "Anyway, me, Berk, Aine, Edy and Albert won't be around anymore. Sorry."

"Oh right!" Nero jumped up, rushing to their side. "I'm technically the Rock Gym Leader, so see you!"

"Wait!" Rika halted, pulling out a device. "Edy wanted you to have this, Lux. Said she doesn't trust herself with it anymore."

"What is it?" Lux pondered as he took the handheld device.

"A Snag Machine. It steals Pokémon." Rika explained. "You can guess what happened."

"Oh." Lux sulked. "I'll take care of it."

"See you!" Nero waved.

"Bye?" Niles gawked as Nero dragged the two off. "Huh…"

"Well…" Lux sighed, turning back to Anri. "This certainly went differently than expected. Where's it's location?"

"Here's the coordinates." Anri wrote down the location of the base. "Good luck."

"Thank you." Lux beamed, leaving the room. As the others began to leave, Anri called out to Gena.

"Gena." She frowned, causing the white haired girl to pause.

"What's up?" Gena inquired in bewilderment. "You need something."

"I'm sorry." Anri apologized.

"About what…?" Gena stiffened up.

"About…" Anri mumbled. "I'm sorry."

"Ah…" Gena's shoulders slumped down, realizing her meaning. "It's okay. Don't worry about it."

"Take care, Gena." Anri bid farewell as Gena began to leave.

"Hey…" Gena paused at the exit. She turned to look Anri in the eyes. "You're a wonderful person, Anri. I'm happy for you."

…...

Ford paced through the mostly empty halls of the bunker. She only passed by the few scientists that didn't go on a field expedition in the research center. Something urged to abruptly pause and turn to them. They consisted of a young man, a young woman, an elderly man, and a middle aged man. "What are you all up to?"

"Ah, Professor Ford." The middle aged man responded, causing the rest to turn to her. "I'm just running some last minute tests on Project Iaso. Lang is helping me."

"And I managed to rope in Rachel." The young scientist added, pointing to the female scientist.

"I will admit that Iaso is a helpful project, but you still owe me." The young woman joked.

"And I just got bored and felt like watching like the creepy old man I am." The old scientist laughed.

"And Project Iaso is…?" Ford flicked her mug about. "I'm a busy woman. I don't have time to remember every project we have."

"Ah!" The middle aged man stumbled. "We were hoping to see if we could use Leavanny to help make better bandages for our injured members! Not the most grand project, I know, but I want our injured to feel better."

"Injured…?" Ford mumbled. "A-and how many injured are on this base right now?"

"If I remember correctly…" The young scientist recalled. "Frank, James, Felix, and Johnson are the only injured on this base. They're resting up."

"I see. Carry on." Ford dismissed and walked away. Something tugged at her chest, causing her to pause at the door.

Humans are so fragile Cassandra. Pokémon are so powerful. How is it that we found ourselves at the top of the food chain, Cassandra? Simple. We made better weapons. The humans who were smarter, fought smarter. I want to preserve this superiority, Cassandra. I will create the perfect weapon. No, a perfect being. It will be stronger than we fragile humans. It will lord over Pokémon. I care not for the idiots that cling together. I only seek to preserve the intelligent that survive on their own. That is my dream, little Cassandra. And it will be your dream too.

Ford winced, before turning back to the scientists. "I… recommend that you transfer to another base."

"W-why?" The female scientist gasped.

"Now." Ford asserted. "And take the injured with you. I want this base to myself for a while."

"I... " The middle aged scientist paused. "As you command, ma'am."

"I'll go get the guys…" The young scientist brushed past Ford. "Take care ma'am."

Ford put her head down and began the march to her lab. She didn't care about them. People die. She needed to accept that. Ford backed up against a wall and fell to her bottom. She rested her face in her hands. She didn't care. She didn't care. Enough. She had to prepare for Amity.

…...

Lux and his allies landed on a mountain in the chain that surrounded Mt. Eclipse and the League. The entrance to a bunker rested in front of the group that consisted of Lux, Luna, Gena, and Niles. Meowstic rode on Lux's shoulder as usual.

"So our plan?" Niles inquired, staring at the entrance. "Brute force or what?"

"Brute force." Lux affirmed, a determined spark in his eyes. "Let's go."

"Right!" Gena smirked. "This'll be a breeze."

"We'll win for sure!" Luna assured as they entered the complex. The walls were a dull grey and made of metal. A looming presence felt as though it watched them.

"Welcome, Amity." A voice spoke through the complex. "It is I, Cassandra Ford."

"I know." Lux growled in subdued anger. "Eevee. Where is she?"

"I have your precious Eevee." Ford stated, as a row of white lights illuminated the path. "Just bring me Groudon and I'll return it. Go on. Follow the pretty lights."

"Fine." Lux accepted, following the path laid out. The group calmly followed their leader until they reached a fork. Three paths split off, with closed door. The white lights led to the door, while red, blue and green lights led down the separate paths.

"I am just beyond this door." Ford informed. "However, you must split into four groups. One of you is to open the door, while the others unlock it."

"What's stopping us from unlocking the door together?" Gena pondered.

"The levers to unlock the doors must be held in place." Ford stated. "And I don't think you brought rubber bands with you, did you?"

"No." Lux denied. "I'm guessing that you want me to open the door."

"Of course." Ford confirmed. "You want your Eevee, right?"

"Fine." Lux sighed. "You guys split up and deal with the levers."

"No problem." Gena accepted as she began to walk down the blue path.

"Be careful!" Luna commanded Lux as she ran down the red path.

"Don't trust her." Niles warned as he made his way down the green path.

Lux stood in front of the door for a few minutes, before several lights began to shine. Red, blue and green. Lux surveyed the door, finding a small Pokéball transporter next to the door.

"Now just insert Groudon." Ford commanded. "And I will return your pet."

"I'm sorry, Groudon." Lux frowned, slowly placing the Legendary in the transporter and letting it be taken. "There."

"Thank you." Ford expressed as the doors began to part. "And now for my end of the deal. Here's your…"

Lux watched the doors opened, only to get knocked down by an attack. He looked at his attacker, a Shadow Eevee. "No!"

"Meow!?" Meowstic cried as she fell off of Lux.

"Your precious pet!" Ford mocked. "Enjoy!"

"You!" Lux snapped, prying Eevee off of him. He quickly retrieved Meowstic and placed her on his shoulder. The paths around him were sealed off by rising shutters, locking him with Eevee. "Ah!"

"Meow…" Meowstic cried in fear.

"Lux!" Niles called out from behind a shutter. "You alright!?"

"No." Lux panicked, watching Eevee closely as she jumped around. Her body instantly morphed into a Jolteon as she shocked him with electricity. "Gah! What!?"

"What's wrong?" Ford mocked as she appeared from the doors herself. A barrier protected her. "You don't like my modifications? Wasn't she a liability? Well, now she can battle!"

"Ford." Lux growled as he slowly pulled out a Pokéball. "Roserade! Stun Spore!"

"Rade! (Eevee!)" Roserade cried as she leapt onto the field. "Rose! (Calm down! I beg of you!)"

"Vee!" Eevee let out a howl as she evaded the pollen and morphed into a Flareon. She covered herself in flames and tackled Roserade, defeating her in a single blow.

"Gardevoir!" Lux switched Pokémon. "Thunder Wave!"

"Voir! (Eevee!)" Gardevoir called out. "Garde! (Please wake up! I'm… I'm sorry for this!)" She pleaded, before creating sparks that shot towards Eevee.

Eevee's body morphed yet again, switching back to Jolteon. Her body absorbed the electricity, before she shifted to an Umbreon. She jumped behind Gardevoir and swept at her viciously, defeating her.

"Chandelure!" Lux swapped Pokémon. "Will-O-Wisp!"

"Chan… (Eevee…)" Chandelure frowned. "Lure… (Am I going to lose you too…?)" She wondered as she sent ghostly flames towards Eevee.

Eevee switched back into Flareon, absorbing the attack again, before turning into a Vaporeon. She let out a howl as she blasted Chandelure with a jet of boiling water.

"This isn't working…" Lux grimaced, switching in Lucario. "Be careful!"

"Car… (This…)" Lucario grimaced. "Car… (This is just like back then…) Car! (But it won't end like that ever again!)" Lucario rammed her fists together and rushed Eevee. She struck at her with numerous low blows to knock her down. However, Eevee shifted into an Espeon and withstood all of Lucario's attacks. The moment Lucario let down her guard, Eevee countered with a Flare Blitz, instantly defeating her.

"So strong…" Lux panicked. "Haxorus!"

"Hax. (Strength.)" Haxorus exhaled. "Ha… (Strength to protect what matters…) Raaa! (I'm sorry for being weak, Eevee!)" Haxorus roared as he charged Eevee. He charged his claws in draconic energy and slashed at Eevee. She shifted to defend once again, taking the form of a Sylveon. However, Haxorus instantly coated the attack in poison, sending Eevee flying from the impact.

"She's down!" Lux gapsed. He quickly ran through his mind for a solution. Before he could think of anything, a massive pink beam shot from Eevee, felling Haxorus. "No…" Lux gulped as he found his belt empty of Pokémon. Eevee began to make her way towards Lux, shifting her forms rapidly. "There… has to be something…"

"How wonderful…" Ford sneered. "I fixed my formula after the Lucario incident. Glad to see you can't break the control this time." She informed. "You couldn't defeat your precious Eevee. You couldn't destroy her. You couldn't kill her."

"Something…" Lux begged. He looked into Eevee's eyes, finding them full of sorrow. "The… Snag Machine. Right!"

"Vee!" Eevee let out a howl and attempted to burn him with a Flamethrower. Lux barely dodged and fell on his side. Meowstic rolled off of his shoulder and ran to Eevee. She ran forward full force and tackled her to the ground.

"Meow! (Wake up!)" She demanded as she swiped at Eevee with her paws. "Meow! (Wake up!) Meow! (Wake up!) Meow-Stic! (I'm the one who wants to fight! Not you! You're the scaredy cat, Eevee!)"

"Vee!" Eevee let out a growl, before she launched Meowstic into the wall with a large blast.

"Meowstic!" Lux cried out, pulling the Snag Machine and Eevee's Pokéball from his bag. He strapped the Snag Machine onto his wrist, recalling Anri's words. The Corruption seems to block the use of Pokeballs in the same way that an already caught Pokémon does. The moment he acquired the ball, Eevee began to jump around to avoid his throw. "I only have one shot with this Pokéball… I won't let it be with any other…" Lux mumbled as he pointed the ball at Eevee. "This is the ball that my parents gave to me that day! The day we met! Go ahead and hit me! The moment you strike, I'll bring you home!" Lux boasted. "Go on! Give it your best shot!"

"Vee!" Eevee snarled at him and charged full force. She slammed into him with all of her might, knocking him into a wall. However, before she could get away, Lux wrapped his arms around her and held her to his chest.

"You... were always there for me." Lux whispered, remembering his travels with Eevee. "You were always by my side. Every night I held you close like this. Even now… you feel so warm. I love you, Eevee. You're my best friend." Lux ended, before gently tapping her with the Snag Machine powered Pokéball. A warm light shrouded her body as she was pulled back into her ball. "Welcome home…"

"I see…" Ford observed. "Interesting."

"Lux!" Niles called out as he finally managed to pry open the shutter. He was joined by Luna and Gena soon after and surrounded Lux. "Are you okay!?"

"Lux!?" Luna panicked. "Please stay awake!"

"Don't you dare die!" Gena demanded. "Wake up!"

"I'm fine…" Lux groaned as he picked himself off of the ground. His entire body ached from Eevee's attack. "I got Eevee back…"

"That great…" Luna beamed.

"That just leaves you…" Niles growled at Ford. He attempted to run at her, only to be stopped by the barrier. "Damn it! Come out and fight!"

"I'm afraid I don't fight." Ford dismissed, pulling out a Pokéball. "And I'll be taking my leave."

"She's getting away again…" Gena grimaced. "As long as we have Eevee at least…"

"Oh! I forgot." Ford sneered as red lights began to go on and off. "I decided that, as a reward, you four get the honor of experiencing death by explosion!"

"What!?" Lux gasped, noticing that the shutters were closed again. "Crap…"

"And funny enough, the only escape you had was that Gardevoir, right?" Ford laughed. "None of your Pokémon are capable of teleportation, correct?"

"No…" Luna looked down in fear. "That's… too cruel."

"It can't end like this..." Gena grimaced. "Not like this..."

"You're insane!" Niles insulted.

"No." Ford denied. "I'm simply pragmatic. You have one minute! Fare-"

Without warning, Sigurd appeared in front of Ford and tackled her to the ground. His Gallade stole her Pokéball, before leaping to the group and teleporting them away.

"What!?" Lux gasped as he was thrown onto the grass. "When!?"

"Gallade!?" Niles turned to the Pokémon, who teleported away.

"No!" Lux turned around, searching for the bunker. "Where is he!?"

…...

"Sigurd!?" Ford snarled as he held her down. "You fool… This won't…"

"I know." Sigurd grinned. "I'm no hero. I just needed to say one thing. The one thing my life was meant for…" He stated. "You're better than this… Goodbye, Chrysler." He ended. For the first time in his life. He felt proud. He was happy in himself.

"You fool..." Ford insulted. "You foolish-"

…...

The group was knocked to the ground as an explosion erupted from the ground. Lux instantly shot up and looked into the distance. A large crater fed smoke into the air. "You didn't! No you didn't!" Lux panicked. "You idiot! Hurry up and appear!" Lux pleaded to the smoke. "Ah! Eleanore!" He shifted focus, searching for his jet. "Eleanore!?"

"Mr. Amity." His servant appeared behind him. "You're okay…"

"You're okay!" Lux mimicked. "Thank god…"

"It's my job to be worried for you Mr. Amity." Eleanore informed.

"Just Lux…" Lux begged, wiping tears from his eyes. "Just Lux, okay?"

"O-of course Mas- Lux." Eleanore fumbled. "So I take it you want to know what happened?"

"Yes please…" Lux confirmed.

"Well…" Eleanore began. "That man, Sigurd, appeared in the jet and told me to move over here, before leaving. I infer that he's the one who saved you as well."

"Yeah." Niles nodded. "Looks like he chose to stay. Or he's playing the cool guy and teleported somewhere else."

"I don't think so…" Lux frowned. "He… doesn't seem like the type to play the cool guy…"

"How sad…" Luna sulked. The group remained silent, until Luna spoke again. "What about Eevee?"

"I think I'll take her to Flora." Lux informed. "I'm going to purify her, no matter what!"

"Then it's time!" Niles laughed, pointing at Lux. "I'll await you at the top of the League, Lux Amity!"

"That's a wonderful idea!" Gena agreed. "Luna, we battle at the top of the League while Lux purifies Eevee!"

"O-okay!" Luna jumped back. "Ahem. Let's go!"

"So you better be ready to lose, Lux!" Niles boasted, before sending out Staraptor and flying away.

"Bye Lux." Gena waved, before sending out Salamence and taking off as well.

"Bye!" Luna joined her, flying away on Hydreigon.

"What an interesting turn of events…" Lux chuckled as Eleanore led him to the jet. "I'm sorry Sigurd. I promise that your sacrifice won't be in vain."

…...

Ford pulled herself from the rubble in annoyance. "You moron…"

 

Chapter Sixty-Nine- The Sisters
​

"Ah, welcome back." Kiyoko greeted Lux as he approached the Sacred Tree. "You've gotten taller."

"Hello Kiyoko." Lux bowed his head. "I've come to ask you to purify my Eevee."

"Of course." She chuckled. "All you need to do is ask Furret."

"Actually." Lux continued. "She's not a normal Shadow Pokémon. I need a stronger ceremony. Is there anyway to amplify its effect?"

"Ah… so it's time." Kiyoko gave a longing smile. "How long it's been since me and my sisters have done this."

"I'm sorry?" Lux paused.

"Don't worry about it." Kiyoko dismissed. "Just wait for my sisters to arrive, okay?"

"Okay." Lux beamed. He sat around as eighteen Kiyokos arrived over the course of several hours.

"And everyone is here." The first Kiyoko in green began. "Shall we begin?"

"Let's." A Kiyoko in purple confirmed. The group began to surround the tree, gesturing for Lux to place Eevee in the center. He gently placed her next to the tree and backed away.

"Now." A Kiyoko in yellow prompted. The eighteen of them pulled out staves and began to wave them about. Light began to shine at the end of their staves. They circled around to the left in unison, before stopping with a spin and moving to the right. They spun around again, before pointing their staves at Eevee. The light began to shroud Eevee, dispelling the dark aura around her.

"There you go." A Kiyoko in pink announced. "Bye bye."

"Amazing." Lux gawked, retrieving Eevee, who slept peacefully. "Let's go rest…"

…...

Luna gasped for air at the top of the League. The large building was surrounded by a field of out of place flowers, with snow lining everywhere else. "That was rough…"

"Luna." Gena spoke up. She approached her from the building.

"Sis!" Luna beamed. "You made it too!"

"Of course." Gena boasted. "I wasn't going to lose to such childish challenges. You know what time it is, right?"

"Ah!" Luna stiffened up, jumping back and sending out Absol. Gena sent out Zoroark in response.

"No dirty tricks!" Gena announced. "Flamethrower!"

"Megahorn!" Luna retaliated. Absol evaded Zoroark's attack and closed in to ram it with its horn.

"It was super effective." Gunther commentated over the battle. The entire Elite Four watched the two girls battle outside their League together.

"But there wasn't much power behind the hit." Ares added.

"T-there's more to a battle than damage..." Eris mumbled.

"Zoroark, Focus Blast!" Gena commanded. Zoroark swept up the ground with an orb of energy that made its way towards Absol.

"Another Megahorn!" Luna countered. Absol sprinted around the Focus Blast, easily evading it, and sprinted towards Zoroark.

"Night Daze!" Gena ordered. Before Absol could strike, it was launched back by a wave of dark energy. Absol quickly recovered, but could barely open its eyes.

"Impressive." Linda complimented.

"Blinding your opponent." Gunther nodded. "A wise move."

"Megahorn!" Luna persisted. Absol forced itself forward, pouncing at Zoroark. Zoroark easily evaded Absol's clumsy strikes, countering with a series of slashes. Absol was downed and defeated swiftly. "Ruby!"

"Flamethrower!" Gena sneered. Zoroark leapt forward and shot a stream of flames towards Luna's Scizor.

"Bullet Punch!" Luna retaliated. Within the blink of an eye, Ruby jet towards Zoroark and defeated it with a flurry of metal punches. "Good job!"

"A good offense." Ares grinned. "Good."

"It has its merits." Gunther agreed.

"Volcarona!" Gena pushed. "Fire Blast!"

"Return!" Luna switched Pokémon. "Manaphy!" She announced, allowing her Pokémon to be struck by the flames.

"A bold move." Gunther commented.

"Let see how it plays out." Draco nodded.

"Ferrothorn." Gena swapped her Pokémon. "Power Whip!"

"No!" Luna panicked. Ferrothorn instantly defeated Manaphy with a slash from its whips. "Hydreigon! Fire Blast!" Luna recovered, sending out her dragon. Hydreigon belched forth flames, defeating Ferrothorn. "Yes!"

"Aegislash!" Gena switched. "Sacred Sword!"

"Dark Pulse!" Luna countered. Aegislash began to glow brightly and slashed wildly at Hydreigon. Hydreigon let out a vicious roar as it blasted Aegislash with dark energy, defeating it, before falling itself. "Ruby!"

"Volcarona!" Gena persisted. "Fire Blast!"

"And we're back here." Linda pointed out.

"I-I'm sure they'll do fine." Eris giggled.

"Aerial Ace!" Luna countered. Ruby jet across the field and slashed at Volcarona before it could move, defeating it. "Yes!"

"Lucky." Draco grinned. "Lucky indeed."

"That leaves two more." Linda pointed out.

"Salamence!" Gena persisted. "Fire Blast!"

"Rub-" Luna attempted to command, only to be cut off as Salamence belched out flames and defeated Ruby instantly. "Whimsicott!"

"Again!" Gena commanded.

"Stun Spore!" Luna retaliated. Whimsicott paralyzed Salamence before it was able to move, causing it to stiffen up. "Moonblast!"

"Don't let it!" Gena ordered. Salamence stiffened up again, allowing Whimsicott to bombard it with a volley of pink orbs. "Fire Blast!"

"One more!" Luna celebrated. As Whimsicott fired the last orb, Salamence belched forth flames once again, causing the two to be defeated simultaneously. "Gah!"

"One more." Gena growled. "Blastoise!"

"Char!" Luna sent out her last Pokémon.

"So it's come to this age old battle." Draco laughed. "Let's watch the results this time."

"I wonder who will win." Linda inquired.

"Water Pulse!" Gena commanded, Mega Evolving her Blastoise. Blastoise shot forward massive water orbs, forcing Char into the air.

"Dragon Claw!" Luna commanded, Mega Evolving her Charizard into her X form. Char barreled downwards, cleaving Blastoise with her claws.

"You're the only one with that weakness, Luna!" Gena pointed out. Draconic energy began to charge in Blastoise's cannons.

"Dodge it!" Luna commanded. Char attempted to fly away, only to take the attack point blank. She was launched backwards, crashing into the ground. "Are you okay!?" Luna panicked. Char forced herself up with a confident grin. "Okay. Fire Blast, go!"

"That won't work." Gena dismissed. "Dragon Pulse." Blastoise sent another blast of energy at Char, only for it to be intercepted mid flight. Before she could send a second one, a volley of Fire Blasts bombarded her, causing her to stagger. "Not yet. Water Pulse!"

"Finish it now! Flare Blitz!" Luna ordered. Char cloaked herself in flames as Blastoise sent another blast of water at her. She shrugged off the attack and blitzed forward, slamming into Blastoise, sending her back. Blastoise landed on the ground, defeated. "Yes! W-we won!"

"I… lost…" Gena paused, backing away. She fell to her bottom and rested her hand on her knee. "Figures."

"Sis." Luna beamed, approaching her sister. "Thank you so very much."

"Huh?" Gena looked her sister in the eyes. "No… problem."

"I don't think I would've made it this far if you didn't come with me." Luna elaborated. "Thank you."

"Of course." Gena grinned, standing up. "Now go on ahead and face the League. I'll be waiting right here."

"Right." Luna jumped in excitement. "I promise to win! Just for-"

"Not so fast, ladies." Niles announced as he appeared behind them. "I'm afraid your path ends here. Once I defeat you, I'll defeat Lux!" He boasted.

"Niles…" Luna frowned. "Fine. Let me heal my Pokémon."

"Have fun." Niles sneered.

"And so the time has come." Linda nodded. "Are you ready?"

"Our true challenger is ready." Draco grinned.

"You're not talking about your son are you?" Ares tilted his head.

"Not at all." Draco chuckled.

…...

"Thank so very much!" Lux expressed as he began to leave Flora. The eighteen Kiyoko sisters gathered to say goodbye.

"No problem." A Kiyoko in red grinned.

"Well, payment would be nice." A Kiyoko in blue joked.

"Nice flowers too." A Kiyoko in pink added.

"Farewell." Lux waved as his partner returned to his side. She quickly shifted between all her forms in preparation for battle. A pink bow was wrapped around her left ear. "Let's go, Eevee."

 

Chapter Seventy- Rise to the Top
​

"Those are your schedules." Walter announced as he handed a chore list to all of the servants in the entrance. "Also, we need to address the Mamoswine in the room…"

"Right…" Clarissa frown, her childish nature gone. "What's everyone's plan from here on?"

"Plan?" Laurence pondered. "What... do you mean?"

"You're implying that we'll be let go, aren't you?" Geoffrey grimaced. "...Not that we're needed…"

"Ouch." Wallace let out a pained smile. "...But I'll probably become an actor… My looks are all I have going for me."

"I'll probably become a model myself." Helen added.

"I'm a chef." Gordon pointed out. "I'll just remain a chef."

"I… don't know what I'll do…" Diana frowned. "I like fighting… Maybe I'll aim to become a Gym Leader…"

"I'm a little lost myself…" Pierce groaned.

"So, we're all in the same boat?" Jasper chuckled. "I'm feeling better about myself I guess…"

"Let's just get on with our chores…" Laurence sighed.

"Yeah." Claire agreed. She sat on the staircase in boredom, staring at the photo's on the wall. Her eyes suddenly widened in realization. "Master Lux's birthday!" She shouted abruptly. "It's tomorrow!"

"Whoa, what?" Walter gasped. "Why didn't anyone say anything!?"

"Well, it's normally Reginald and Eleanore's job to prepare for it…" Geoffrey groaned.

"Panic!" Diana shouted, causing the servants to run about. Laurence sat in the corner while Geoffrey sat beside him in boredom.

"Quick! Everyone drop the chores and get ready!" Walter attempted to rationalize. "Gordon! Do your thing!"

"I'm out of ingredients!" Gordon howled. "Son of a-!"

"Oho…" Jasper laughed nervously. "That's bad…"

"You fat bastard!" Gordon growled. "Go get-"

"I'm on it!" Pierce sprinted past the duo.

"We are so screwed." Geoffrey chuckled.

…...

Lux stopped at the entrance to Mt. Eclipse where a large gate prevented people from entering at will. He showed his badges to the guards, allowing him entrance into the mountain. Inside, the walls were jagged and menacing. Lux pushed forward, making his way up the mountain.

"Meta!" A Metagross wailed as it crashed through a wall.

"Fire Blast." Lux calmly sent out Chandelure. She instantly defeated the Metagross with her attack, allowing Lux to progress. He continued down the path, until a Garchomp burst from the ground, forcing Lux to jump back. He sent out Haxorus in response. "Dragon Claw."

Haxorus let out a roar as he sent the Garchomp flying with a single blow. Lux sighed as he continued down the path. The path was straightforward and simple, with the only challenge coming from the myriad of Pokémon that attempted to defeat him. Eventually, he exited the cave and found himself faced with a large staircase. It led straight to the top of the League, a few hundred meters away.

"Good work, Luxie!" A familiar voice spoke from above him. Lux glanced around, unable to find the speaker.

"It's time for round two, boy!" A jolly man laughed. Without warning, a group of people appeared in front of him, posing in an uncomfortable fashion. Lux instantly recognized them as every one of the Gym Leaders.

"Hey, Lux." Aine greeted, pointing at him with her right hand. "Are you ready?"

"For what?" Lux gasped, glancing between all the leaders from Albert to Wild to Rika.

"For round two!" Nero announced, who covered her face with her open hand. "You versus all of us!"

"Wait. All of you?" Lux inquired, observing the Gym Leaders. "Like sequentially?"

"Nope." Sam denied, who posed with a risen leg. "All at once."

"And this is fair, how?" Lux inquired.

"We only have one Pokémon..." Albert sighed, looking slightly embarrassed. "You're free to use all of yours at once…"

"Okay." Lux accepted, sending out his full team. Eevee leapt from his shoulder to join the battle. "I'm ready."

"Prepare to lose!" Sotiria jumped in excitement, sending out her Rotom.

"How very fun." Oberon chuckled, sending out his Mawile.

"Your luck's just run out." Cooper informed, sending out his Houndoom.

"Prepare yourself!" Rika shouted, sending out her Steelix.

"Come on! Come on! Come on!" Amelia flailed about, sending out her Skarmory.

"Let's go! Let's go!" Nero laughed, sending out her Tyranitar.

"Guess I have to." Sam chuckled, sending out his Aggron.

"Swarmed by the best." Amanda grinned, sending out her Beedrill.

"Good luck." Albert smiled, sending out his Typhlosion.

"I'm proud to battle once again, Lux." Reginald expressed, sending out his Alakazam.

"Let's play a little." Mia teased, sending out her Nidoqueen.

"I'll do my best, Lux." Ashley informed, sending out her Lopunny.

"Don't catch a cold, okay?" Krystal joked, sending out her Glalie.

"Get ready!" Wake let out a hearty laugh, sending out his Sharpedo.

"Time to shine, boy!" Wild shouted, sending out his Rhyperior.

"...Good luck." Alexandra mumbled, sending out her Banette.

"Show me your strength, Amity!" Ryuu ordered, sending out his Dragonite.

"Don't hold back!" Aine demanded, sending out her Sceptile.

"Alright!" Lux announced, readying himself. "Go!"

"Leaf Blade!" Aine ordered. Sceptile rushed forward, slashing at Lucario. Lucario evaded the strike and countered with a frozen uppercut, knocking Sceptile away in defeat.

"Fire Blast!" Albert joined. Typhlosion reeled back and launched a volley of fire at Lucario. She quickly sprinted to the side and countered with a Thunder Punch, causing Typhlosion fall over in defeat.

"That's two!" Lux celebrated.

"Heavy Slam!" Rika and Sam commanded simultaneously. Aggron and Steelix charged Gardevoir, who teleported above them. She held her hands up, before throwing two orbs of energy at the duo, defeating them.

"That's four!" Lux continued. "Keep it up!"

"Freeze Dry!" Krystal commanded. Glalie shot a beam of ice at Haxorus. He took the attack and charged forward, slammed his foot in the ground, and defeated Glalie with a strike from his tail.

"Dragonite!" Ryuu jumped in before Lux could respond. Dragonite coated itself in dragonic aura and rammed Haxorus, forcing him back. Haxorus caught Dragonite before it could get away and blasted it with a Dragon Pulse. Haxorus tossed Dragonite to the side and let out a victory roar.

"Excellent work!" Lux praised. "Go on the offensive!"

"High Jump Kick!" Ashley directed her Lopunny.

"Aqua Jet!" Wake ordered his Sharpedo. Sharpedo sped towards Eevee, who evaded the attack and countered with Thunder. She immediately followed up by shifting into Sylveon, taking Lopunny's attack and countering with Moonblast. She reverted her form after defeating the two.

"Don't count us out yet!" Nero growled. "Stone Edge!"

"Drill Run!" Amanda assisted. Tyranitar ripped up the ground, sending a volley of stones towards Chandelure, while Beedrill rushed forward, using the stones for cover. Chandelure flew into the air to avoid the stones, blasting Beedrill with a Fire Blast as it exited from cover. She quickly followed up by defeating Tyranitar with an Energy Ball.

"Good! Good! Good!" Lux cheered.

"Go!" Sotiria cheered on her Rotom.

"Shadow Ball." Alexandra commanded her Banette. The two sent a storm of ghostly energy at Roserade, who quickly pirouetted out of the way. She followed up with a storm of leaves, defeating the two.

"Sludge Wave!" Mia commanded.

"Dark Pulse!" Cooper assisted. Nidoqueen and Houndoom launched a wave of poison and dark energy at Eevee. Before she could react, Lucario jumped in the way, forcing the attack away. Eevee took the opportunity to leap forward and blast the duo with boiling water.

"Excellent!" Lux beamed. "Keep it up!"

"No way are we losing like this!" Amelia growled. "Aerial Ace!"

"Mawile! Play Rough!" Oberon aided. Skarmory and Mawile both dashed forward to attack Haxorus. He hopped back in response, allowing Chandelure to attack and defeat the two with Fire Blast.

"Meow!" Meowstic cheered as well.

"Farewell!" Reginald announced.

"Sorry, boy." Wild assisted. Alakazam launched a wave of psychic energy at Roserade, while Rhyperior charged Gardevoir. Gardevoir created a barrier around the two, deflecting the attacks. As the two attempted to get away, Roserade sapped them of their energy.

"We won!" Lux celebrated. He ran to his team, holding them all in his embrace. "Good work! Good work!"

"Alright..." Nero groaned. "It's official… divided we fall, united we… still fall…"

"We lacked good teamwork." Reginald pointed out. "It's the only logical conclusion."

"Good job, Lux." Ashley giggled. "Feel free to go on through!"

"Congrats." Albert congratulated.

"Good luck, Champ." Sam waved goodbye.

"Thank you, everyone." Lux grinned, continuing ahead. He began to scale the staircase, healing his team along the way.

…...

Niles sat in front of the League, tossing a Pokéball up and down. He glanced around the meadow like area, before looking up to the dreary grey sky. Soon… So very soon… He felt a twisted grin overtake his face, watching as Lux paced through the entrance. "Welcome, Luxie-Poo!"

"Niles…" Lux gasped. "I thought you would face me as the Champion…"

"I thought about becoming Champion and waiting for you, but I decided that this would be more fun than that old cliche." Niles sneered. "What fun would it be to defeat you when you're all worn out? I want to beat you at your peak!"

"I'm all healed up." Lux informed with a grin. "Are you ready?"

"Of course. Now you face the strongest trainer in Spes!" Niles chuckled. His laughter turned into a growl as he pointed a Pokéball at Lux. "I'm sick and tired of you underestimating me with that stupid smile on your face!" He snapped, sending out his Tyranitar.

"Lucario!" Lux sent out his fighter. "Take it out!"

"Stealth Rock!" Niles demanded. Tyranitar covered the field with jagged rocks, while Lucario rushed forward, planting her fist in Tyranitar's gut. "That all? Earthquake!"

"Don't give in!" Lux inspired. Tyranitar created a powerful shock wave that send Lucario flying. She repositioned herself in midair and sent a volley of Aura Spheres at Tyranitar. Tyranitar took every attack and charged forward. As she crashed into Lucario, she was struck in the face by Lucario, causing both to fall in defeat. "Roserade!" Lux announced as he swapped Pokémon. Pointed stones dug into Roserade.

"Staraptor!" Niles countered. Staraptor began to glow brightly as it flew into the air. Within the blink of an eye, it came barreling down full speed, slamming into Roserade. She was knocked to the side, quickly sending a poisonous bomb at Staraptor, bringing it down to the ground. "Go again!"

"Keep it up!" Lux cheered. Staraptor forced itself up and flew into the air, cloaking itself in light. It came down at a tremendous speed to strike Roserade. She pirouetted out of the way and blasted Staraptor with a volley of Sludge Bombs, defeating it. "Good!"

"I won't lose!" Niles snarled, sending out his Metagross. "Zen Headbutt!" He commanded. Metagross rocketed forward, slamming its head into Roserade, defeating her.

"Chandelure!" Lux switched Pokémon. Pointed stones injured Chandelure. "Take it out!"

"Don't give in! Earthquake!" Niles demanded. Metagross stomped on the ground, sending a shock wave towards Chandelure, knocking her into the air. She quickly repositioned herself and blasted Metagross with a Fire Blast. "Zen Headbutt!"

"You can do it!" Lux launched itself into the air, crashing into Chandelure. As they fell, Chandelure let out an alternating barrage of Shadow Balls and Fire Blasts, whittling down Metagross. Before they landed, Metagross rocketed towards Chandelure, taking her to the ground, defeating both of them. "Gardevoir!"

"Lilligant!" Niles persisted. "Sleep Powder!" He ordered. Lilligant covered the field in pollen, putting Gardevoir to sleep. "Good! Now Quiver Dance!"

"Gardevoir! Please wake up!" Lux begged. Lilligant dance about, gathering energy. Gardevoir snapped awake, forcing herself up. "Great! Go!"

"Giga Drain!" Niles directed. Lilligant began to sap Gardevoir of her energy. Gardevoir countered with a piercing scream, causing Lilligant to stumble. She regained her footing and began to drain Gardevoir again. Gardevoir growled in annoyance, letting out an even higher pitched scream. The scream knocked Lilligant back, defeating her. "Blaziken! Mega Evolve!"

"This'll be a cinch!" Lux inspired as Niles sent out his fighter. Blaziken covered herself in flames, rushing Gardevoir. Unable to dodge, Gardevoir was defeated upon impact. "Damn… Eevee!"

"Vee!" Eevee jumped from his shoulder. Blaziken rushed Eevee with another Flare Blitz. Eevee countered it with a Flare Blitz of her own, colliding with Blaziken. The two were pushed back, allowing Eevee to attack Blaziken with a psychic blast.

"Stone Edge!" Niles snapped. Blaziken ripped up the ground, launching a wave of jagged stones at Eevee. Eevee was sent flying back, crashing into the ground. She hastily repositioned herself and collided with Blaziken's Flare Blitz again. The two staggered back, before colliding once again. They stumbled simultaneously, collapsing in defeat together. "Dragalge!"

"It's okay, Eevee." Lux reassured. "Haxorus!"

"This is just like then…" Niles chuckled, loosening up. He held his fist near his chest, as if holding something. "Don't you remember? The day after we met? I challenged you back then. And I lost back then. I won't lose again, Lux!"

"I'm sorry, Niles." Lux frowned. "I can't lose either. Haxorus!"

"Whatever… I'm just some Gym Leader's brat." Niles grimaced. "Dragalge! You know what to do!"

"You can do it!" Lux cheered on Haxorus. Dragalge let out a powerful beam of draconic energy at Haxorus, who quickly evaded the attack and countered with Dragon Pulse. Dragalge pushed himself back, before striking with a Dragon Pulse of its own. The attack hit Haxorus directly, launching him into the grass. "Haxorus!?"

"I believe in you, Dragalge!" Niles inspired. Haxorus picked himself up and belched out a large blast from his maw to attack Dragalge. Dragalge jumped back to dodge once again.

"Go!" Lux prompted. Haxorus rushed forward, knocking the sea dragon to the ground. Before he could recover, Haxorus began to lay into him with a flurry of slashes.

"No…" Niles' eyes widen with shock. "Dragon Pulse!" He ordered. Dragalge slapped Haxorus away and prepared his attack. Haxorus countered with a beam of his own, causing the two attacks to collide. "Dragalge! Please!"

"You can do it Haxorus!" Lux praised.

"Meow!" Meowstic aided.

"Dragalge… Please…" Niles begged. Dragalge put all his force behind his attack, overpowering Haxorus. The beam exploded on Haxorus, knocking him back. "Dragalge…! Thank you!"

"Haxorus!?" Lux panicked, checking on his Pokémon. Haxorus forced himself up, letting out a determined roar. He rushed forward, slashing at Dragalge, who pushed himself out of the way each time, countering with a blast of draconic energy.

"Good work!" Niles praised. Dragalge continued to bombard Haxorus as he attempted to defeat Dragalge. "Finish it!"

"Haxorus! Go!" Lux inspired. Dragalge blasted Haxorus one more time as he charged forward. He forced himself through the attack, planting his foot in the ground. He reeled back at slammed his tail into Dragalge with all his might, launching the sea dragon back. He instantly followed it up with a blast from his maw, covering the field in dust.

"Dragalge!?" Niles gasped, waiting for the dust to clear. After a moment, it cleared, revealing a defeated Dragalge. Haxorus let out a cry of victory, shambling back to his trainer. "We… lost? Oh… come on…"

"You did well, Haxorus." Lux praised his partner as he fell to his knees. Lux attempted to support the massive dragon, a contempt smile on his face. "I'm so proud of you…"

"...Great…" Niles frowned, clenching his fist and sitting on the stairs in front of the League. "I came so far… only to lose." He sulked, feeling all tension in his body leave. "What did I do wrong…? I love my Pokémon… I trained them properly too… What did I do wrong? Am I really just... inferior? How is that fair?"

"Niles." Lux approached his friend. "I'm sorry. I had to win. Becoming Champion is what I need to do. I'm sorry I stomped on your dreams to do so."

"Ah…" Niles smiled, nodding his head in realization. "That's it… My goal was just to shut everybody up... I didn't have a dream like you, Lux..." He chuckled, standing up. He placed his hand on Lux's shoulder and began to walk away. "Yeah anyway… Good luck, my friend. I'll be cheering you on and all that."

"Thank you, Niles." Lux grinned, watching as his friend left. He placed his hand on Meowstic, petting her head. "Shall we go?" Lux beamed, making his into the League.

 

Chapter Seventy-One- The Gatekeepers
​

Lux paced up the staircase inside the League with Eevee and Meowstic on his shoulder as usual, entering the first room that resembled a dojo. Inside, a muscle bound man with a thick beard waited for him.

"Welcome, Lux Amity." He let out an eager laugh. "I'm Ares Stark. I specialize in all out offense." He reeled back and tossed out a Machamp. "Fight me!"

"Attack, huh?" Lux nodded, tossing out Gardevoir. "Then I'll just outsmart you!"

"Bring it on!" Ares roared. "Bullet Punch!"

"Go!" Lux prompted. Gardevoir teleported out of the way of the attack, defeating Machamp with a high pitched scream. "Alright!"

"Strong. I like it!" Ares laughed, sending out a Gengar. "Shadow Ball!"

"Don't let it!" Lux directed. Gardevoir teleported around the Gengar and struck it with a volley of psychic orbs, defeating it. "Great!"

"I admire your strength!" Ares complimented. "Serperior! Leaf Storm!"

"Let's beat it quickly!" Lux planned. Serperior sent a storm of razor sharp leaves at Gardevoir, who teleported away again. She appeared behind Serperior and let out a high pitched scream, defeating it. "Good! Good! Good!"

"Beaten this badly… Amazing!" Ares cackled. "Alakazam!"

"Don't let up!" Lux inspired. Alakazam and Gardevoir began to teleport around the arena, attempting to hit one another with a Shadow Ball. Eventually, Gardevoir teleported into the middle of the field, sidestepping Alakazam's barrage. Within the blink of an eye, Gardevoir grasped Alakazam with her psychic powers and slammed it into the ground. "Nice work!"

"Yes!" Ares celebrated. "Weavile! Icicle Crash!"

"It's no problem!" Lux reassured. Gardevoir easily evaded Weavile as it sent out a wave of jagged ice, countering with a high pitched scream. The scream sent Weavile flying, defeating it with ease.

"Finally!" Ares shouted, sending out a Gyarados. "Mega Evolve!"

"Go and finish it!" Lux inspired.

"Meow! Meow!" Meowstic cheered.

Gyarados sped towards Gardevoir, attempting to bite her. She began to teleport around it, attacking it from every angle. Gyarados let out a piercing roar, covering the entire field in water, pulling Gardevoir into it. It charged straight for her, grasping her in its maw. It exited the water, tossing her straight up. She teleported away, blasting Gyarados one last time, defeating it.

"Good work!" Lux praised, retrieving his Pokémon.

"Excellent." Ares grinned, moving out of the way of a door. "Go on ahead."

"Will do." Lux returned his Pokémon, continuing forward. He walked up the staircase, entering the next room that resembled the interior of a stone fortress. An tall, aged man awaited him patiently.

"Good evening, Lux Amity." He welcomed. "I'm Gunther Fiedler. I prefer to fight defensively." He elaborated, sending out a Forretress. "Let's begin."

"Right." Lux nodded, sending out Lucario. "My answer to defense is a healthy offense!"

"Then you won't win." Gunther asserted. "Toxic Spikes!"

"Only one option!" Lux stated. Lucario cloaked her fist in flames as Forretress tossed poisonous barbs around the field. She lunged forward, defeating her foe in a single strike.

"Strike the opponent's weak point." Gunther informed, sending out a Gliscor. "Swords Dance."

"You've got this!" Lux inspired. Lucario rushed forward, striking her opponent with a frozen punch. The Gliscor fell back, before striking the ground. A shock wave was sent towards Lucario, who leapt over it instinctively. She came down with another frozen strike, defeating the Gliscor. "Ha! Gonna take a lot more than that to defeat Lucario!"

"Is that pride?" Gunther inquired, sending out a Clefable. "Pride leads to downfall. Calm Mind."

"I'm proud." Lux answered. "Not of myself, but of my Pokémon. I'm lucky to have them. It's all thanks to their hard work that I've come this far!"

"A good answer." Gunther grinned. Lucario blitzed forward, letting out a flurry of punches on her opponent. The Clefable calmed itself, waiting out Lucario's assault. She gave one last punch, before hopping back to her trainer. "Good work."

"Break through!" Lux prompted. Within seconds, Lucario jumped forward, planting her fist in Clefable. She forced her fist forward, launching her opponent back, defeating it. "Nice!"

"Impressive." Gunther complemented, sending out a Tangrowth. "Not even Ares has such a powerhouse."

"She's definitely one of a kind." Lux agreed. Lucario charged the Tangrowth, striking it with a flaming fist. Unfettered, Tangrowth pulled it's arm and struck Lucario, knocking her back. She let out a growl and struck her opponent again. The Tangrowth once again knocked her away with its arm. Lucario let another howl, charging aura in her palms. She let out a barrage of Aura Sphere's, defeating the Tangrowth. "Good work!"

"You're almost done." Gunther informed, sending out a Rhyperior. "Earthquake."

"Not a problem!" Lux motivated. Lucario jumped over the shock wave that was sent towards her. She rained down another volley of Aura Spheres, quickly defeating the Rhyperior as she landed.

"Excellent." Gunther chuckled, sending out a Slowbro. "Mega Evolve!"

"Let's finish it!" Lux inspired.

"Meow!" Meowstic cheered.

Lucario sprinted forward, striking Slowbro with an electrified punch. Slowbro shrugged off the attack, blasting Lucario with a jet of water. Lucario evaded the attack, letting loose a hail of Aura Spheres. Slowbro shrugged of the attack, firing off another stream of water. Lucario blitzed Slowbro, attacking with a flurry of electrified punches, before jumping back with a storm of Aura Spheres. As she landed, she charged energy in her hands, pulled them together, and fired out a beam of concentrated energy. The attack hit Slowbro directly, barely defeating it.

"Amazing!" Lux praised, retrieving his Pokémon.

"Truly one of a kind." Gunther acknowledged, moving out of Lux's path. "Go on ahead."

"Thank you for the battle." Lux beamed, continuing onward. He entered the next room that resembled a dollhouse, pausing in front of a small, purple haired girl.

"H-hi…" The timid girl greeted. She carried the air of a kind princess and appeared to be around the same age as Albert. "I'm… Eris... Eris Bonnaire…"

"It's a pleasure." Lux bowed. "Shall we begin."

"O-of course." She nodded, sending out a male Meowstic. "I… use trickery and pragmatic tactics in my battle…" She informed, turning away. "Sorry…"

"It's no problem." Lux dismissed, sending out Roserade. "Let's begin."

"You're warm." Eris smiled. "I like… warm people. You. Him. You're both warm."

"Pardon?" Lux paused. "Are your referring to my father perhaps?"

"W-well... no…" She denied, averting her gaze. "N-never mind! Light Screen…"

"Let's play just like her!" Lux directed. Meowstic quickly created a barrier around himself. Roserade countered with seeds that latched onto the opposing Meowstic. The seeds sapped Meowstic of his strength.

"Reflect…" Eris commanded. Meowstic created a second barrier around himself. Roserade responded by poisoning Meowstic. "Psychic…!"

"Let's dance around them!" Lux grinned. Roserade began to twirl about, evading Meowstic's attempts to attack. Meowstic began to wear down, having its strength sapped by both poison and the Leech Seed. "Seven. Go!"

"Psychic…!" Eris repeated. Roserade let loose a storm of leaves before Meowstic could respond, defeating it. "Togekiss…! Thunder Wave…!"

"Don't worry!" Lux reassured. Roserade repeated her strategy of planting Leech Seed on her target. Togekiss retaliated with a jolt of electricity that caused Roserade to stiffen up. The barriers that Meowstic cast began to disappear, no longer protecting Eris' team. Lux quickly switched out his Pokémon. "Chandelure!"

"Switching Pokémon…" Eris mumbled. "Air Slash…!"

"We'll just toy around!" Lux sneered. Chandelure escaped into the walls, jumping around the room. She bombarded the Togekiss from every direction, preventing it from evading. Togekiss fell to the ground, defeated.

"Gengar…!" Eris sent out her next Pokémon. Chandelure emerged from the ground, glaring at the opposing Pokémon. Gengar gave a crude grin as it belched out sludge. Chandelure was knocked back, escaping into the ground. She appeared behind her opponent and struck it with a Shadow Ball. Gengar's form melted away, revealing a Zoroark. It instantly turned around, blasting Chandelure away with a wave of dark energy.

"Chandelure!?" Lux panicked, checking on his Pokémon. She forced herself up, preparing for a counterattack. "Good. You can't fall for that trick again!"

"Night Daze…!" Eris commanded. Zoroark let out another wave of dark energy. Chandelure evaded the attack and countered with a massive Fire Blast. Zoroark was struck by the attack directly, falling in defeat. She swapped Zoroark for a Gengar. "Hypnosis!"

"Don't fall for their tricks!" Lux reminded. Chandelure avoided Gengar's gaze, blasting it with a volley of Shadow Balls, defeating it. "Keep it up!"

"Klefki!" Eris sent out her second to last Pokémon. "Swagger!"

"It only takes one hit!" Lux beamed. Klefki danced around Chandelure, angering her. Through her anger, she began to stumble around. She forced herself to focus, defeating Klefki with a single Fire Blast. "You alright?"

"Chan…" Chandelure mumbled, stumbling around.

"Sableye." Eris sent out her last Pokémon. "Mega Evolve."

"That's bad." Lux chuckled. A sly grin overtook his face at a realization. "But… that might work."

"Thunder Wave!" Eris commanded. Lux quickly replaced Chandelure with Roserade, who was unaffected by the jolt of electricity. "Ah…?"

"Roserade." Lux spoke gently. "Push through it, okay?"

"R-rade…" Roserade mumbled, her body stiff.

"Foul Play!" Eris ordered. Sableye attacked Roserade with her own strength, throwing her to the side. She countered by forcing herself to attack Sableye, sapping it of its strength. "Oh…"

"If it's a war of attrition," Lux grinned. "Then I'm positive Roserade will end up on top!"

"Foul Play!" Eris repeated. Sableye lunged at Roserade, who forced herself to evade. She countered by sapping Sableye of its energy once again, healing her injuries. Sableye repeated its action, attacking Roserade as she stiffened up. She forced herself along, slowly sapping Sableye of its strength. "Recover!"

"Finish it!" Lux inspired.

"Me-ow!" Meowstic cheered.

Roserade shrugged off her paralysis, rushing towards Sableye. She let loose a storm of leaves, knocking it into the air. Before it could heal itself, she spun around, sapping it of its remaining strength. Sableye came crashing down, hitting the floor with a thud, defeated.

"Fantastic!" Lux praised, retrieving his Pokémon.

"Good job…" Eris congratulated, stepping aside. "Um… I'm sure you know who's next."

"Thank you for the battle." Lux bowed, before continuing onward. He marched up the stairs, entering the next room that resembled a temple. Draco and Linda Fang sat in the center, facing him directly with large, excited grins.

"Welcome, Lux Amity!" Draco greeted, flipping his cape in a showy manner.

"Are you prepared!?" Linda interrogated, flipping her cape with both her arms. "We are Draco and Linda Fang! The legendary tag team!"

"We'll battle you with wondrously fantastic teamwork!" Draco explained, holding his hand to the ceiling. His goofy grin died down to a gentle smile. "I'm honestly sad that Niles never fought us, but I'm glad to see that you helped him. Thank you."

"You should treat him with the respect he deserves." Lux scolded, his tone serious. "He's not destined to fail. He's better than you give him credit for."

"I'm aware." Linda nodded. "I just don't want him to get full of himself. I see I went overboard. I'm sorry."

"It's fine." Lux dismissed. "Shall we battle?"

"A real battle." Draco grinned. "Between equals. Let's begin."

"Right." Lux agreed. Draco and Linda sent out a Kingdra and a Noivern. Lux responded by sending out Haxorus, gesturing for Eevee to join. Before she could jump from his shoulder, Gardevoir rocketed from her Pokéball, taking to the field. "Gardevoir?" Lux gasped, before giving a weary grin. "Sorry Eevee. Looks like Gardevoir wants to battle again."

"Vee!" Eevee nuzzled against his shoulder, prompting Meowstic to do the same.

"Geez you two." Lux beamed, petting them. "Okay. You can do it!"

"I'm having flashbacks." Draco gave a nostalgic smile. "Draco Meteor!"

"Draco Meteor as well!" Linda assisted. The two dragons fired a volley of meteors at Haxorus. Gardevoir quickly teleported in the way, protecting him from the attack. Haxorus took the opportunity to leap over Gardevoir, striking at both of their opponents with with his claws, defeating them. "Huh…"

"Well that went poorly." Draco chuckled, sending out a Flygon. "What now?"

"Time for us to fly." Linda sneered, sending out Dragonite. "Iron Head!"

"Dragon Claw!" Draco aided. Dragonite sped towards Gardevoir, forcing Haxorus to take the hit. The two slammed their heads together, causing Haxorus to flinch. Flygon flew behind Haxorus, slashing at him with its claws.

"It's all you!" Lux informed Gardevoir. She jumped atop the injured Haxorus, letting out an extremely high pitched scream, causing everyone to wince. Dragonite and Flygon were sent back, instantly defeated. She instantly jumped down, healing Haxorus with a ray of pure energy. "G-good work…"

"Ow!" Draco staggered, rubbing his ears. "That one's definitely Airi's…"

"Yeah…" Linda grimaced. "Anyway… Time for the climax!"

"Time to face us at our peak!" Draco announced, entering a fighting pose with one hand outstretched and the other by his face. "Salamence!"

"Altaria!" Linda joined, sending out her ace alongside Draco. The two spun towards each other, holding one another in a waltz.

"Mega Evolve!" The two declared in unison, shining Mega Rings on their left ring fingers. The two dragons began to shine, shifting into their Mega Forms.

"Well that's something." Lux chuckled, nervously. "No matter! You can do it!"

"Let's go!" Draco began. "Dragon..."

"...Dance!" Linda finished. The two dragons danced around each other, raising their power. Haxorus glanced at Gardevoir, before rushing Salamence. The two dragons evaded Haxorus' attacks, striking him at the same time, launching him back. Gardevoir quickly healed his wounds.

"Teamwork…" Lux mumbled. "We need to work in unison!"

"Meow!" Meowstic cheered.

"Vee!" Eevee joined.

Haxorus and Gardevoir exchanged a glance, before nodding in unison. Salamence and Altaria rushed Haxorus, who was protected by Gardevoir's barrier. Haxorus hid behind the barrier, letting out a fierce howl, building up his power. Gardevoir quickly released the barrier, letting out another piercing cry. Salamence and Altaria staggered in pain, allowing Haxorus to rush them. He cloaked one claw in poison, and the other in draconic energy, striking the duo at the same time. They were launched back, falling in defeat. Haxorus let out a fierce victory cry.

"You did it!" Lux praised, hugging his Pokémon.

"Congrats." Draco congratulated, flipping his cape. "How does it feel to be at the top?"

"Wonderful, I'm guessing?" Linda guessed. "Exhilarating?"

"Just… amazing…" Lux grinned.

"Well," Draco stepped aside, revealing an exit.

"Go on through." Linda joined him. "Claim your title."

"Thank you." Lux expressed, healing his Pokémon and stepping through the door. He exited out onto Mt. Eclipse. The mountain had been flattened for battle, with the clouds a only few meters above them. However, the top stood a distance away, with a large metal gate blocking the path. A single black haired girl stood in front of it. "Luna?"

 

Chapter Seventy-Two- A True Champion
​

"Lux?" Luna turned to face him, before shifting back to the gate. "The top of Mt. Eclipse. That's it, right?" She inquired, staring at the peak of the mountain.

"Yeah…" Lux confirmed. "No one's been up there in a while."

"I felt like going up there…" She informed. "But… something told me that I wasn't the one to go there… A-aside from the locked gate..."

"Luna…" Lux grimaced. "You're the Champion, aren't you?"

"...Yes." She confirmed. "I defeated the Fangs a little while ago…"

"Then…" Lux paused, reaching for his Pokeballs. "You're my last obstacle?"

"...Yes." She confirmed, turning to face him. "...This feels right."

"It's not where my parents battled, but it is where every Champion before them battled." Lux grinned, pointing to the top. "That's where my parents battled."

"I see." Luna nodded. "That's what was stopping me. That's your battlefield. Not mine." She beamed, readying herself to battle. "I'm ready."

"I wish you luck, Ms. Luna Apple." Lux prepared.

"As do I to you, Mr. Lux Amity." Luna stated, a sad smile on her face. "Ruby!"

"Chandelure!" Lux countered. "Let's end it once and for all!"

"Chan!" Chandelure agreed.

"Aerial Ace!" Luna ordered. Ruby rushed ahead, slashing at Chandelure fiercely. Chandelure flew back, launching a wave of fire at Ruby. Ruby was knocked back, before recovering and rushing Chandelure again. Ruby began to pressure Chandelure, pushing her back. She attempted to attack Ruby with another Fire Blast, missing and hitting the snow.

"Don't worry about it!" Lux cheered. "You can do it!"

"End it!" Luna commanded. Ruby slashed at Chandelure one last time. Before Ruby could escape, Chandelure hit Ruby with one last Fire Blast, falling in defeat. Ruby was launched back by the blast, defeated as well. "Manaphy!"

"Roserade!" Lux countered. "Go all out!"

"Ice Beam!" Luna directed. Manaphy fired a beam of ice at Roserade, forcing her to evade. She retaliated with a Leech Seed, draining Manaphy of its strength. "Tail Glow!"

"Not a problem!" Lux reassured. Manaphy held out its antennae, causing them to glow. Roserade quickly launched a wave of leaves at Manaphy, launching it into the air. Manaphy repositioned itself and fired a beam of ice at Roserade, immediately defeating her. Manaphy landed, only to faint itself. "Lucario!"

"Hydreigon!" Luna swapped Pokémon. "Fire Blast!"

"Go! Go! Go!" Lux motivated. Lucario evaded the flames that Hydreigon belched forth, countering with a barrage of Aura Spheres. Hydreigon blitzed through the assault, biting onto Lucario and tossing her into the air. Lucario charged energy in her hands, firing downwards at her opponent. Hydreigon belched forth a wave of meteors, evading Lucario's attack. It rushed Lucario, colliding with her in midair. The two fell down together, fainting upon impact. "Gardevoir!"

"Whimsicott!" Luna persisted. "Moonblast!"

"You can do it!" Lux inspired. Gardevoir let out high pitched scream, while Whimsicott fired an orb of pink energy at Gardevoir, stunning her. Gardevoir shook off the attack, firing out orbs of psychic energy. The orbs struck Whimsicott directly, knocking it back. Whimsicott jumped back up, firing another orb at Gardevoir. Gardevoir teleported to evade the attack, letting out another scream.

"Now!" Luna ordered. Whimsicott quickly fired out a volley of green and pink orbs, hitting Gardevoir when her guard was down. The scream struck Whimsicott as well, however, causing them to both get defeated. "Absol!"

"Haxorus!" Lux switched Pokémon. "It's all you!"

"Night Slash!" Luna directed. Absol pounced on Haxorus, slashing him from the front. Before he could counterattack, Absol sprinted around him, slashing him from behind. Haxorus let out a vicious roar, building his power. "Finish it!"

"Not even a problem!" Lux encouraged. Haxorus waited for Absol to attack, cloaking his claws in energy. Absol rushed forward, ramming into Haxorus. He pushed him off, charging him. Absol quickly recovered and slashed at Haxorus simultaneously. The two passed one another, collapsing at the same time. "Eevee!"

"Char!" Luna called out, her eyes determined. She began to shine the Keystone in her glove. "Mega Evolve!"

"I believe in you, Eevee!" Lux pet his partner, motivating her. Char body began to shine, transforming into her Mega Y Form. The sun began to shine through the clouds upon her transformation. "Go!"

"It's now or never!" Luna announced. Char sent out a sun powered Fire Blast, forcing Eevee to shift forms. She changed into a Vaporeon, barely taking the hit. Char followed up by charging green energy in her maw. Eevee shifted into a Flareon as Char fired a green beam at her, allowing her to take the hit with ease. Char let out a determined howl, flapping her wing to send out razor sharp wind. Eevee jumped to the side of the attack, cloaking herself in flames. She charged forward, slamming into Char, causing her to stagger. "Don't give in!"

"Eevee!" Lux called out. "You can do this! You were meant to do this!"

"Meow-Meow!" Meowstic inspirited. The rest of Lux's team forced themselves out of their Pokeballs, cheering on Eevee.

"Hax!" Haxorus rallied, howling into the sky.

"Garde!" Gardevoir encouraged, giving a bow.

"Car!" Lucario motivated, punching the air.

"Rade!" Roserade heartened, spinning elegantly.

"Chan!" Chandelure fired her up, dancing around.

"You guys just don't like listening to me…" Lux chuckled, an overjoyed grin on his face. "Thank you."

"Amazing…" Luna gawked. "Finish it!"

Char let out a roar, flying after Eevee. She landed in front of her, slashing at her relentlessly. Eevee jumped around each attack with ease, shifting her form rapidly. She countered with a Hydro Pump, before a Flare Blitz, quickly following with a Thunder. Char refused to falter, continuing her assault. Eevee took an attack, swiftly countering with a Psychic, before blasting Char with a Dark Pulse. Char growling in anger, attacking Eevee once more. She danced around Char, slashing at her with a Leaf Blade, before pushing her back with a Blizzard. Char persisted in her attack, getting knocked back by a Moonblast. Eevee finally shifted between all her forms rapidly, before charging Char. She leapt forward, striking Char's head with a swift Tackle. Char staggered around, finally falling forward, defeated.

"Good job!" Lux beamed, hugging Eevee, before getting hugged by his entire team. "Wait! Ah, geez…"

"Oh…" Luna sighed. "I lost." She gave a contempt smile. "Congratulations, Lux. You deserve it!"

"Thank you, Luna." Lux grinned, pulling away from his team. "You were the strongest person I've ever battled."

"That means a lot." She beamed, walking past him. "Enjoy your new title. I'm sure your parents are proud."

"I will…" Lux affirmed, looking out into the distance. This was it. He made it. He was the Champion. He grinned, before jumping at a large boom. He twisted around to see smoke coming from the entrance, with a single man emerging from within.

"Galen!?" Lux gasped at the sight of the New Order leader. Draco emerged from the smoke behind him, coughing.

"Sorry…" He apologized. "He was… stronger than expected."

"Of course." Galen asserted, standing calmly. "I intend to defeat the Champion after all."

"Is that why you're here?" Luna interrogated.

"Yes." Galen confirmed. "I'll take over the League and put my plans to action."

"So…" Lux paused. "Do you intend to fight me when I'm weak? After the greatest battle I've had so far?"

"That would be the pragmatic solution, yes." Galen confirmed. "But, I think we've both had enough toying around with strategies and the like. Garchomp and Haxorus. Show me how much you've improved."

"...Alright." Lux agreed, calling out Haxorus. "We can't lose."

"Hm…" Galen chuckled, sending out his Garchomp. "There's something almost comforting about fighting knowing that it's the battle to decide everything. Even though you may lose everything, you know deep down that once this battle is over, you won't have to worry about what comes next. Once decided, everything will fall into place. Don't you feel this same sense of fulfillment?"

"...No." Lux denied in a cold tone.

"Hmph…" Galen sighed, adjusting his coat. "Garchomp."

"No holding back!" Lux inspired. Haxorus rushed forward, slashing at Garchomp. Garchomp leapt over Haxorus, attacking him from behind. Haxorus countered by slamming his tail into Garchomp, knocking her away. He followed up with another attack with his claws, striking Garchomp directly. She was pushed to the side, before Haxorus attacked with his opposite claw. He let out a chain of attacks, knocking her side to side as he pushed her back.

"Dragon Pulse!" Galen commanded. Garchomp took to the sky, firing down a beam at Haxorus. Haxorus countered with his own. The attacks collided, before exploding, covering the field in dust. "Don't let him win!"

"Go on, Haxorus!" Lux cheered. Haxorus jumped from the dust, dragging Garchomp to the ground. She kicked him off, before biting into his neck. Haxorus jabbed her in the gut, causing her to let go. He retaliated by striking her with his claws relentlessly, forcing her back.

"Dragon Claw!" Galen persisted. Garchomp headbutt Haxorus to stop his assault. She quickly slashed at him as he stumbled back. Before he could recover, she grabbed him by the neck and tossed him to the side. She jumped onto him and began to charge energy in her maw.

"Now!" Lux cued. Haxorus rammed his head into Garchomp's jaw, forcing her mouth shut and blasted her with his own Dragon Pulse. She was sent flying back and crashed into the ground, defeated. "...Good."

"Heh…" Galen chuckled, returning his Pokémon. "So… this is it. It's over."

"What now?" Lux interrogated. "What will you do now?"

"That depends on you." Galen informed, glancing at Draco and Luna. "What will you do with me?"

"Nothing." Lux answered. "I'm not the one who decides what happens to a person. I'm not going to imprison you, nor am I going to force you to join me. You can do whatever you want."

"Anything?" Galen sneered. "Like rebuild my organization and try again?"

"Go ahead." Lux allowed. "I'll stop you again. And again and again and again. But, I know that's not what you're going to do. You're not a villain, Galen. You're a man who's desperately trying to hide from his pain. In the end, you know that your path isn't the one you truly believe in, but you chose to follow it because you don't want to think about everything else… And in the end, there's nothing wrong with that."

"Very well." Galen accepted, turning to leave. "I'll disband New Order. Of course, the members will be out of a job, so do with them as you will. I doubt we'll ever see each other again. Farewell."

"Goodbye, Gabriel Wilson." Lux frowned as Galen began to leave. Galen paused at the entrance for a brief moment.

"...Take care of Anri, okay?" Galen begged. He shifted his gaze to Draco momentarily. "And Draco. Take care of yourself."

"...Will do, Gabe." Draco sulked as the New Order leader left the vicinity. The group sat there in silence, unsure of what to do next. Eventually, Draco coughed aloud. "So… uh congrats on becoming Champion."

"Oh? Yeah." Lux smiled, looking down from the mountain. He felt as though he could see all of Spes from up here… "It's time to go home…"

 

Chapter Seventy-Three- A Clouded Path
​

"W-welcome home, Mr. Amity!" Clarissa and Diana greeted Lux as he reentered his home for the first time in weeks. Despite the presence of the two, the mansion seemed empty.

"Thank you." Lux dismissed, walking past them. He began to make his way up the staircase with a stoic expression.

"W-would you like anything, Master?" Diana inquired, following behind him.

"I'm fine." Lux ignored, letting his Pokémon run loose. "I'm just going to be in my father's- in my study."

"Okay!" Diana jumped back, running off. "J-just call if you need anything!"

"Yeah…" Lux frowned, continuing up the steps.

…...

"Okay!" Walter ran around the dining room. The room was decorated elegantly in celebration of Lux's birthday. Geoffrey and Pierce were in charge of decorating the room. "How's everything going!?"

"...We're just about done." Geoffrey informed. "All that's missing is the food. And people."

"Aha…" Walter chuckled. "Well, I left Wallace and Helen in charge of that. People should show up for the Champion's birthday!"

"He became Champion?" Pierce tilted his head. "Awesome!"

"That just leaves Gordon." Walter nodded, running to the kitchen. "Yo! How's it coming?"

"...I need an hour." Gordon sighed, preparing a storm of food. "...That's on you."

"Damn it…" Walter grimaced, looking out the window to the study opposite of him. "Let's just hope he falls asleep or something."

"Walter!" Claire interrupted. "Someone's here!"

"What!?" He twisted around, rushing to the entrance.

…...

Lux wandered around his father's study once again, running his hand along the rows of bookshelves that lined the room. He paused and wandered over to his father's desk, closing his eyes at the sight of the picture on it. He shook his head and opened his eyes, looking at the picture of him with his parents. He and his parents both had kind and happy smiles. Upon further inspection, his father's eyes were tired and his mother's appeared dull. Lux flinched as he noticed his reflection in the photo. His eyes were dull and weary. Lux quickly put the photo down and returned to the bookshelves.

One of the bookshelves was filled with journals on Legendary Pokémon. Latias and Latios, the Eon Pokémon. Kyogre, the Sea Basin Pokémon, Groudon, the Continent Pokémon… and so on.

"You were a really wise man, father." Lux sulked. He skimmed through the contents of the journals, before pausing at a single Pokémon. Jirachi, the Wish Pokémon. It's said that Jirachi will grant any wish that is written on the notes attached to its head. Lux stared at the drawing of the Pokémon for a long time, before shaking his head and putting the journal away. That'd be too easy if it were true, wouldn't it? He let out a sigh and pulled the rainbow stone out from his bag. It shined pure and bright.

…...

"Hello…" Walter greeted the blonde girl at the front door. She dressed in a yellow shirt, a denim jacket, a denim skirt, and brown boots. Her right arm appeared to be amputated. "Who are-"

"If you'll please move." The girl brushed passed him without regard. "I'm Anri."

"Am I supposed to know who you are?" Walter questioned, following Anri as she entered the mansion.

"I'm Lux's… lover." She answered, moving to the dining room. She glanced around the room, noticing the decorations. "What's going on?"

"It's Mr. Amity's birthday." Pierce answered as he finished placing a decoration.

"H-h-his birthday!?" Anri gasped. "Why didn't he tell me?"

"Well, he probably forgot about it as well." Walter elaborated. "Given that he hasn't brought it up and went to his father's study…"

"Why kind of idiot…" Anri began, before falling silent. "...Well, how're the preparations?"

"We need at least an hour…" Walter answered. "I don't know how long he'll spend in the study is the problem."

"Hmm…" Anri closed her eyes in thought. She opened them and glanced down to the garden. "...Who made that garden?"

"The garden?" Walter paused. "That was Clarissa, Wallace, and Jasper."

"...It stinks." Anri insulted, brushing passed Walter. "Lux is going to help me fix it."

"O-okay?" Walter gawked.

…...

Lux fixed his jacket as he exited his study. He let out a long sigh, listening to the silence. What now…? He jumped as someone latched onto his arm from behind.

"Lux! Love of my life!" Anri announced, pressing herself against his arm. "Come with me!"

"P-pardon?" Lux gasped, watching as Anri as she dragged him downstairs. She refused to let go, forcing him into the garden. "The… garden?"

"It's atrocious." Anri scoffed. "Help your girlfriend make her new home just perfect!"

"N-new home?" Lux blushed. "Well… j-just have the servants do it!"

"They're busy." Anri retorted. "Please! Are you going to make a dainty -one armed- flower like me do such labor alone?"

"...Anri." Lux groaned. "...You fought Nox by yourself. You're not dainty."

"Ow!" Anri growled. "How dare you insult me! All I wanted was to spend time with the one I love! If this is how you're going to act, then we can just call it off!"

"Ah!" Lux gasped as she attempted to run away. He quickly grabbed her by the arm. "Wait! I'll help…"

"Wonderful!" Anri sneered, passionately hugging him. "Let's get started!"

…...

"We have arrived!" Draco announced to Lux's servant as he, Linda, Niles, Luna, Gena, Nero, Sam, Albert, Aine, Sotiria, and Rika arrived at Lux's home. "The glorious-"

"I'm not sitting through this, Dad." Niles interrupted, entering the mansion. "So, when do we start celebrating the birth of our great and powerful Champion?"

"Well, Gordon finished the food, so I guess you can just hang out in the dining room until… Mrs. Amity finishes forcing Mr. Amity to do manual labor." The servant answered.

"Sweet." Aine stretched, entering the mansion. "That kid needs some muscle on him."

"Alright!" Nero jumped. "Let's have fun!"

"Please don't strangle any wild Pokémon…" The servant chuckled nervously.

"I don't think she can promise that one." Sam informed.

"But that's what we like about her." Albert added.

"Let's all wait for Lux." Sotiria suggested.

"Yeah." Rika agreed.

…...

"Isn't this nice?" Anri inquired as they rearranged the plants that grew along the mansion's walls.

"It looks nice." Lux complimented as he glanced at her work. "Whatever makes you happy."

"No…" Anri exhaled. "Us. Isn't it nice that we can spent this time together?"

"Yeah." Lux answered distantly. "How's your arm?"

Anri fell silent, an annoyed expression on her face. "I'm trying!" She shouted, tossing a plant on the ground. "I know I'm not as lovey dovey as Luna or Gena would've been, but I'm trying!"

"Anri…?" Lux gasped, watching his lover in worry. "What do Luna and Gena have to do with this…?"

"Ah…" Anri groaned. "...I had a lot of time to think… and I can't help but feel like you would've been better off choosing literally anyone else…"

"Anri, you know I love you." Lux asserted. "I feel like you're trying to force yourself to be unhappy."

"Maybe… I don't love you." Anri dismissed, crossing her arm in frustration. "That's probably why I can't be a cutesy girl all the time. I'm sure that if I truly loved you…" She trailed off.

"I'd still love you." Lux got up. He grasped Anri's hand and looked into her eyes. They were afraid. Afraid, but overjoyed at the same time. "And… it doesn't matter how you act. I know that you love me too. Or maybe I'm just deluded…"

"...Geez." Anri grimaced, grasping Lux's hand firmly. She turned around and dragged him out of the garden. "Do you know what today is?"

"T-today…?" Lux stuttered, trying to remember. "It's… um…"

"You're a moron." Anri growled, dragging him into the dining room. Inside, his friends and servants had gathered with decorations adorning the room. Anri yanked on Lux's arm, throwing him into the room. "Happy Birthday, Lux!"

"Happy Birthday!" The servants announced together.

"Happy Birthday, you dirt soaked fool!" Niles teased. "Can't believe it was Anri who finally put you in the ground!"

"Happy Birthday, Lux!" Luna congratulated. "What a great way to celebrate your victory!"

"Happy Birthday." Gena smirked. "Don't tell me you forgot!"

"Happy Happy Birthday!" Nero jumped. "Now you get cake!"

"Happy Birthday." Albert smiled. "And to many more…"

"Happy Birthday, Cham… Lux." Sam smirked. "...I hope being my boss doesn't mean you'll make me work more than usual…"

"Happy Birthday." Aine celebrated. "Keep up the good work and whatnot."

"Happy Birthday!" Sotiria beamed. "I'm happy to see you reach a new milestone!"

"Happy Birthday." Rika sternly announced. "May you grow ever stronger."

"Happy Birthday!" Draco and Linda shouted together.

"What better way to celebrate our new Champion!" Draco laughed.

"We'll give you a break today." Linda informed. "Expect to bust your butt as our Champion!"

"Hah… haha!" Lux laughed. "I… completely forgot. I'm really bad at this…"

"What's with that face!" Niles growled, pointing at Lux. "Get over here and let us sing for you!"

"Thank you… Everyone." Lux chuckled in embarrassment.

The group sung for Lux, ate food and cake, before splitting up. Before Lux could leave the dining room, he got dragged away by Nero and Niles. The two led him passed the garden and onto the battlefield. A few of the servants consisting of Diana, Geoffrey and Pierce watched from the sidelines. Along with them were Luna, and Draco.

"A-another battle?" Lux gasped, looking at the field.

"Nope." Nero dismissed, stepping away and leaving Niles.

"I want some pointers from the guy who beat me." Niles elaborated, stepping onto the field. Luna stepped onto the opposite side. "And the girl who beat me."

"O-okay." Lux paused, taken aback. He stepped onto the sidelines, watching the two battle. The battle began even matched, with the two managing to defeat the other's Pokémon consistently. However, in the middle of the fight, Luna began to push Niles back, causing him to growl. Niles began to fight recklessly, allowing Luna to defeat his Pokémon at a quicker pace. The battle soon ended with Luna victorious.

"Victory for Luna!" Pierce announced. "Luna won with two Pokémon remaining!"

"Damn." Niles sighed wearily. "Lost again…"

"I think problem's obvious." Draco frowned, stepping onto the field. "You get too worked up, Niles. You begin to act recklessly as a result."

"That makes sense." Niles sulked, turning to Lux. "Want to add anything?"

"I agree." Lux answered. "I think it would be best if you learned to calm down in stressful battles like this."

"Yeah." Niles gave a depressing grin. "Thanks."

"I think you did really well, Niles." Luna interrupted. "I can see the results of your training. I know that you'll become even better from here on!"

"Geez." Niles blushed. His eyes shifted sharply. "...A certain guy would've been lucky to have you."

"I'm over it." Luna dismissed.

"Y-you… heard me?" Niles whispered. Luna gave an affirming nod.

"What are you talking about?" Lux inquired.

"Nothing." Niles denied. "Go hang out with someone else now."

"Alright." Lux sighed, leaving the field. He continued back into the dining room, noticing Gena, Aine, Sotiria, and Rika. He wandered over to them, sitting with them. "What's up?"

"Oh perfect timing." Aine grinned, glancing at Sotiria and Rika. "These two want to speak with you."

"Shoot." Lux allowed.

"W-well… um…" Sotiria stumbled, trying to find the right words.

"You're not gonna confess your love for him, are you?" Gena teased.

"N-no!" Sotiria denied. "I… want to serve you…"

"Come again?" Lux retraced. "You want to join my staff?"

"Yes." Sotiria confirmed. "I'm really good with technology and there's already numerous Gym Leaders amongst them so…"

"Are we sure this isn't a love confession?" Aine teased.

"They probably need help in that area…" Lux sighed, looking to the side.

"Hey guys! Check this out!" Walter shouted from far away. His voice was quickly followed by an explosion and the lights flickering momentarily.

"Hey you samurai named jackass, be careful!" Claire insulted.

"Alright, welcome aboard." Lux welcomed. "You'll start tomorrow. Let Mr. Newton and Ms. Curie assist you."

"Thank you." Sotiria bowed her head.

"And now Rika?" Lux shifted to face the knight. "What did you want?"

"It's not the exact same thing but…" Rika began. "As a knight, I've always relied on the orders given to me. But… now I don't have anyone to give me orders. A-and I was thinking that maybe that person could be… you?"

"You also want to be one of my servants?" Lux gasped in surprise. "That's… unexpected."

"Not a servant exactly." Rika elaborated. "I'm not good at much besides fighting, so I was thinking that I can be your personal knight. Acting as a bodyguard or field agent of sorts."

"Okay, is also a love confession?" Aine snickered. "I hope you're used to girls fighting over you, Lux!"

"Shut up." Rika growled.

"I… don't know about that." Lux informed, ignoring Aine. "No offense, but I have many strong servants already."

"Oh…" Rika sulked. "I see…"

"But, I think I can figure out a use for you." Lux informed. "Welcome, Rika."

"T-thank you!" Rika expressed.

"Is that all?" Lux inquired.

"That's all." Gena answered. "I think Albert's in your library. He probably has some problem for you to go all therapy on."

"Thanks." Lux thanked and walked away from the group. He retraced his steps, making his way to the library. Inside, Albert danced on a ladder while Anri, Sam, and Linda watched.

"So much information!" He celebrated, grabbing books by the dozen. "I didn't know Lux's home had such a plentiful supply of knowledge! Haha!"

"That's… new." Lux commented as he walked in.

"Never seen him so… peppy." Sam agreed. "It's kind of unsettling actually."

"I think it's cute." Linda stated. "Not everyone can be a brooding loner twenty four seven."

"Hey, Red!" Anri called out, causing Albert to fall off the ladder. He landed with a thud, wincing as his books rained down on him. "Ouch… sorry."

"Oh that happened again." Lux remarked, before holding out his hand to Albert.

"It's fine." Albert dismissed, taking Lux's hand to pull himself up. "What's up?"

"Nothing." Lux answered. "I just came by to chat. See if anyone has anything want from me or to tell me."

"Actually, I do!" Albert announced, slightly shocked.

"Hit me with it." Lux allowed.

"Well…" He began. "I was thinking about giving up my title as Gym Leader… But then I realized, that'd just be running away. It's not that I don't want to be leader, it's just that I'm afraid of failing. So, I've decided that I'm going to stick to my guns and keep my title as Gym Leader!"

"Good for you!" Lux inspired. "I look forward to watching you grow!"

"One more thing." Albert continued. "I'm… going to become a Pokémon Professor! I want to study Pokémon so that we can build a better relationship with them! I want to help people!"

"...Amazing." Lux gawked. "I'm proud of you, Albert."

"Aw!" Linda clapped. "Bravo! Bravo!"

"Wonderful." Anri added. "Sam?"

"Huh?" Sam tilted his head. "Ah. Shoot. I don't really have anything I'm aiming for like you kids. I'm just… gonna stay a Gym Leader. Only… I'll train rocks."

"Wait, are you…?" Lux stepped back. "Do you want to change your position?"

"Nero isn't going to stay in one place." He elaborated. "And Rika seems rather contempt with being the Steel Gym Leader."

"Yeah about that." Lux sighed. "Rika became my knight in shining armor so to speak."

"Huh." Sam paused. "Neat. Well, I'll think about it. Still got plenty of time left in these bones."

"You'll figure it out." Lux motivated. "Good luck."

"Thanks for the support, Lux." Sam thanked.

"I think I'll just go walk around for a little while longer." Lux informed, leaving the room.

He continued to walk around the mansion, speaking with his friends and servants for the remainder of the day. After the sun had set, Lux found himself on the balcony of his home, watching the night sky. Everyone had such wonderful goals. Was this his answer?

"There you are." Anri sighed, joining him on the balcony. She placed herself by his side, leaning against him, "Y'know, I never told you what I want."

"And what would that be?" Lux inquired, still looking at the stars.

"...A family." She announced. "...I don't have a family anymore. Well, not any that I can rely on. Auntie is a bit… yeah."

"By family… do you mean…" Lux mumbled, his face a bright red. "You and me…"

"And this house." Anri took over. "All the servants. All the Pokémon. And… maybe… a little green eyed child."

"What makes you think they'll have green eyes." Lux argued. "I happen to like your pink eyes."

"Well… then maybe we'll have two." Anri closed her eyes. "Imagine it."

"I imagine you not knowing how to mother." Lux teased. "You're going to teach the kids how to fight with their bare hands before you teach them how to spell."

"...Not…" Anri paused. "Yeah. I don't think I'll be very emotionally understanding."

"Anri…" Lux whispered, kissing his lover once. "Thank you."

"...You don't know what you want, do you?" Anri deduced. "You're lost. Well, know that you don't always have to be the ray of light that everyone follows. You can let us lead when you're lost. Don't try to be this grand pillar of support."

"Really wishing I chose a dumb blonde." Lux groaned. "Instead of Mrs. Ace Detective."

"Too bad." Anri teased. "After what you said earlier, you're officially stuck with me."

…...

Nox remained in the empty room. She shifted her gaze to face the sound of footsteps. Galen's scientist stood in front of her.

"Hello, Nox." The woman spoke. "How are you?"

Nox remained silent.

"Tell me…" The woman continued. "What exactly was the being you wanted to create?"

"...Why would I tell you?" Nox growled.

"Because…" The woman smirked. "I, the Professor Cassandra Ford, might seek to aid you."

"How soon?" Nox interrogated.

"Very." Ford answered. "Now then. Will you tell me what that being was?"

 

Chapter Seventy-Four- Return of the Dark
​

A few days later, Draco was called to the League by Gunther and Eris to inspect an incident. After landing, he gestured for Salamence to leave him alone. "Go play."

Salamence gave a nod of affirmation and took to the skies, flying around the mountains. He marched up the stairs, entering the first room. Inside, Gunther and Eris inspected Ares who sat against a wall, completely still.

"Where's Linda and Amity?" Gunther inquired.

"Lux is spending time with his friends and Linda decided to tag along." Draco explained. "What happened?"

"Ares appears to have gotten himself killed." Gunther answered in a monotone. "How very sad."

"Huh." Draco paused, unaffected. "Well that's tragic. I'll prepare a funeral."

"Wait!" Eris snapped. "A-Ares just… died! How are you so calm!?"

"To be honest…" Draco sighed. "I didn't really know him. I'm pretty certain I would've been more upset a newborn pup dying actually."

"A fair reason." Gunther supported. "I would've been upset if we hadn't received such powerful replacements last week. Probably for the best. He would've thrown a fit if one of them replaced him."

"Cold." Eris cried, hugging herself. "You're both so cold. I don't like it…"

"So, any idea what killed him?" Draco pondered. "I'd rather not fall for the same thing."

"He received a challenge." Gunther elaborated. "My guess is that his challenger killed him."

"Wait." Draco stepped back, looking at the ceiling. "Don't we have cameras. Actually, weren't you on camera duty, Gunther?"

"Are accusing me of something?" Gunther sighed. "I was. However, the cameras didn't see anything. Most likely done by the perpetrator."

"I see." Draco nodded. "We'll figure this out."

…...

"How do I look?" Niles posed for the group, consisting of Lux, Anri, Luna, Gena and Linda, at his home. He donned an outfit similar to his parents. "Stylish? Badass?"

"You look like you skinned a Dragonair." Gena insulted. "Then you ripped the skin and patched it up with a Flygon."

"That hurts." Linda sulked from behind her son. "But I think you look manly."

"I like it." Luna supported. "Very flashy!"

"Glad someone here has taste." Niles belittled. "Anyone else?"

"It looks good." Lux complimented. "Maybe I'll work on my fashion sense."

"I don't know why…" Niles paused.. "But I can only see you wearing nothing but long coats."

"Well, I'm wearing one now so…" Lux pointed out.

"Wait." Linda interrupted, surveying Lux. "You pulled your hair into a ponytail."

"Yeah." Lux affirmed, running his hand along his hair. It was held in place by a green ribbon. "It was getting long."

"I can give you a haircut." Linda offered, her eyes almost ashamed. "If you want."

"I'm gonna pass for now." Lux declined. "Thanks."

"I wonder how your dad would react to that." Anri interrupted, speaking to Niles. "You should show him."

"Dad, huh?" Niles looked away distantly. "...I'm sure he'd like it."

"Actually." Linda intervened. "Your father wanted to tell you something. Something very important!"

"Really?" Niles gasped, his expression brightening. "W-what was it about?"

"I don't remember." Linda dismissed, a mischievous smile on her face. "Let's go ask him."

"R-right!" Niles beamed.

…...

"I've contacted an investigation team to assist us." Gunther informed as he returned to the room.

"Good." Draco affirmed, searching the room. It was completely normal. "Nothing out of place." Draco assessed, moving to inspect Ares. He lacked any form of wound to mark his death. "Odd." Draco mumbled, running a gloved finger along his corpse.

"I shall go check on Eris." Gunther informed, turning to leave. "Poor girl isn't used to these things like you and I."

"You go do that." Draco dismissed, continuing to search Ares. He received a challenge according to Gunther. Gunther was in charge of monitoring the cameras last night. Draco narrowed his eyes. The only one who could've covered up the event was Gunther. But how did he kill Ares? Draco pondered. He glanced to his glove, noticing odd specks on it. It appeared to be natural. "Pollen?" Draco inspected, before standing up. He quickly turned to leave the scene.

Draco marched down the hall and into the storage room. He began to search through the Elite Four's reserve Pokémon, noticing that one was missing. Eris' Amoonguss. He jumped at a high pitched scream, sprinting in the direction. He barged into the lobby, spotting Eris backing away from Gunther, who was bleeding from his abdomen.

"Gunther!?" Draco shouted, watching the duo closely.

"Draco…" Gunther coughed, falling to his knees. "Eris… isn't…" He mumbled, before falling to his face. Draco ran to his side, finding that he had stopped breathing.

"Damn it…" Draco growled, shifting his gaze to Eris.

"Gunther…" Eris gasped, shaking in fear.

"Eris." Draco snarled. "I found something."

"W-what would that be?" Eris asked, her eyes widening.

"Pollen." Draco answered in a harsh tone. "Namely, the pollen used when attacking with Spore. The funny thing about Spore is, not many Pokémon can learn it."

"I-I-I don't follow…" Eris grimaced.

"The Pokémon native to Spes that can learn Spore are Paras, Parasect, Shroomish, Breloom…" Draco stated to his purple haired suspect. "...Foongus and Amoonguss. One of which, you own and took from the storage room without telling anyone. Not to mention the fact that Ares died without a wound. Something that could be achieved with, say, a Ghost Type."

"A-a-ah…" Eris cried, stiffening up. "I… not Gunther…"

"Then who did?" Draco accused. "You and I are the only ones here."

"It… was…" Eris mumbled in fear.

"Me." A woman's voice finished from behind him. Draco jumped forward, narrowly avoiding a swipe. He turned to face the woman in black armor, Nox.

…...

As the group flew over the entrance to Mt. Eclipse, they noticed the bodies of numerous guards strewn about. They quickly landed to check on them.

"Oh…" Luna gasped, looking at the carnage. "What happened?"

"Hey!" Linda interrogated one of the guards who appeared to be alive. "What happened?"

"The…" The man mumbled. "...The woman… in black armor…"

"Nox!" Lux realized. "Where is she!?"

"She… went to the League…" The guard finished, before passing out.

"Damn it!" Gena snarled. "What are we gonna-"

"Never again!" Niles wailed, mounting Staraptor and taking off. "Father!"

"We need to hurry!" Lux warned.

"None of you have medical experience, correct?" Linda sighed. The group remained silent. "Anri?"

"Sorry." Anri apologized. "I never really studied it."

"Alright." Linda sulked, kneeling in front of the wounded. "Go on ahead."

"Right." Lux nodded. He and the others quickly flew after Niles.

"...I'm always stuck with these jobs…" Linda frowned, preparing to tend to the guards' wounds.

…...

Agni rested on a hammock on the Oasis beach. Emboar was laid out on the sand, letting the waves hit his toes. The duo sat up as a fairly attractive, purple haired scientist walked over to him.

"You're Agni." The woman inferred. "I'm Cassandra Ford."

"The… New Order scientist?" Agni yawned. "What do you want?"

"Why are in Oasis?" Ford interrogated.

"Enjoying my vacation." Agni chuckled. "Even a lion needs to rest from time to time."

"Nox has returned." Ford notified. "She wants you to come back."

"Well that sucks." Agni groaned. "Time to pack, Emboar."

"Boar…" Emboar sulked, picking himself up.

"...He could've just fled." Ford mumbled to herself as he left. "Yet it seems that he waited for Nox to return… What goes through that mind of yours Agni Eld?"

…...

"Crap!" Draco grimaced. He grabbed Eris' hand and dragged her behind him as he ran from Nox.

"H-hey!" Eris panicked, struggling to keep up.

"Sorry!" Draco apologized, continuing up the stairs. He ran until he burst through the exit at the top. He looked around the mountain region. "Salamence! Sal!"

"A-Ah!" Eris cried, running away from the entrance. Nox marched through the exit behind them, holding her sword in her hand.

"How long are you going to flee?" Nox inquired. "I'll let you live if you tell me where you hid the Catalyst."

"Just like Agni promised to let Lux and Airi go?" Draco sneered nervously. Salamence let out a roar as she landed beside him. "Good girl. Now then… I have no intention of telling you anything."

"Then you can die." Nox threatened, preparing her sword. "Eris. If you will."

"E-eh!?" Eris gulped, her face going white.

"...I was wrong!?" Draco gasped, jumping away from Eris. Two Liberators! There were two! "Eris!?"

"I…" She mumbled, hugging herself. She covered her mouth with her fist and looked down to her feet. "I-I…"

"Don't make me kill you too, Eris." Nox commanded. "I've had a very stressful time in captivity. Kill him while I deal with this lowly Salamence."

"I…" Eris cried. "I'm sorry, Draco."

"You killed Ares." Draco deduced. "You didn't want to did you...?"

"No…" Eris confirmed, weakly sending out her Zoroark. "Night… Daze…"

"You don't have to do this!" Draco attempted to reason. He narrowly evaded the blast from Zoroark's attack. Salamence attempted to intervene, only to get attacked by Nox. She let out a growl and tackled the armored woman. "You have a choice! Whatever Nox has over you doesn't mean anything!"

"It… doesn't…?" Eris muttered. "But… I never had a choice…"

"Yes you did!" Draco argued. "Your life will always be your own! You can stop this!"

"What… life?" Eris sulked. "I'm… not like you…"

"Incompetent!" Nox insulted as she forced Salamence away. "Do it!" She ordered, before standing still. She glanced around briefly. "...It's here. You hid it somewhere here, didn't you?"

"Don't know what you're talking about." Draco denied. Salamence attack Nox once again, ending the conversation. "And we're back to this… Eris please stop!"

"...I'm sorry, Draco." Eris apologized. As Zoroark rushed forward, a young man shouted from the distance.

"Father!" Niles wailed as he swooped in, knocking Nox to the ground.

"Niles!" Draco celebrated. He gasped, realizing he let his guard down. Zoroark's attack hit him in the face and launched him off the mountain. Everything went blurry as he fell. He heard Salamence's roar as she tackled him, followed by a loud thud. His entire body shook as another thud rang out. He felt Salamence's weight on top of him as he was face down in the snow.

…...

Niles felt his heart sink as Salamence and his father fell down the chasm. He glanced from Nox to Eris and back to the chasm. He let out a growl and hastily flew down after his father, leaving the scene. Lux and the others landed in front of Nox, glancing between her and the chasm.

"What do you want, Nox!?" Lux interrogated.

"You know what I want." Nox hissed. "But… I think I found it. You can go save your friend."

"You three go check on them!" Lux commanded.

"Understood." Gena nodded, leaving with Luna.

"Be careful." Anri warned, leaving as well.

"How very brave." Nox growled, looking down on him. "Dying in a vain attempt to win."

"Sheesh." Lux groaned. "What happened to make you this pissed? You were a little nice before."

"I'm don't care anymore." Nox snarled. "I don't care if it's you who gets in my way at this point. I'm killing everyone who opposes me!"

"Lady Nox…" Eris mumbled.

"Ah how useful." Nox noted, closing her eyes. "Eris. Distract Lux for a moment. I'm going to get the Catalyst."

"B-but…!" Eris panicked. "H-he's stronger than-"

"Only for a moment." Nox demanded. "Or else."

"Yes… Lady Nox…" Eris sulked. She had her Zoroark prepare for battle, standing between Lux and Nox. Nox entered the League, leaving the duo. "I'm… sorry."

"I don't know why you're obeying her, but I won't hold back." Lux stated. He sent out Haxorus. "Let's begin."

"A-ah…" Eris cried in fear. Haxorus blitzed forth, instantly defeating her Pokémon. She struggled with all her might, only to have her entire team crushed without hesitation.

"You lose." Lux snarled, giving Eris an intimidating glare. "Surrender."

"...I.." Eris mumbled, only to get cut off as an explosion erupted from the League building. The two turned to face it, watching in fear as Nox ascended. She rose into the sky with wings of light. She had a halo like ring above her head and a bright light shrouding her sword. The Catalyst floated effortlessly behind her.

"Surrender." Nox repeated. "Lest you seek to die."

"W-what…?" Lux gasped, unable to grasp Nox's power. "Haxorus!"

Haxorus let out a defiant roar, blasting Nox with draconic energy. The light shrouding her shifted to a soft pink, causing the attack to glance off. Nox moved all the energy to her sword, swinging it into the air and bringing it down on Haxorus. Haxorus was launched off the mountain by the attack, forcing Lux to retrieve him.

"D-damn…" Lux panicked, a sharp pain in his head. Nox's presence sent chills down his spine. His breathing began to grow heavy. "N-no…!"

"I shall spare you for now, Lux." Nox blessed. "But know that you have lost. Soon I shall create a being above myself. The world shall be created anew. A world without man. It will be…" Nox hesitated. "Be beautiful…"

"L-Lady Nox…?" Eris glanced around, terrified.

"Eris." She looked down on them. "We leave."

"Of course…" Eris acknowledged, leaving with Nox.

Wait… Lux gasped. He fell to his knees, unable to speak. He felt his whole body quiver. Stop… His face distorted with pure terror. All he could do was watch as Nox left with the Catalyst.

…...

Niles landed at the bottom of the chasm, finding his father crushed beneath his unconscious Salamence. He dismounted Staraptor and aided his father, pulling Salamence off of him.

"Dad are you okay!?" Niles worried. "Please!"

"Niles…" His father struggled, grabbing onto his arm. He dragged himself out from under Salamence. "It… hurts…"

"You're gonna be okay!" Niles reassured, attempting to support his father. "I'm here! I won't…" Niles stopped, looking at his father in horror. "No… No!"

"Niles…" His father struggled. "It hurts… My eyes… I… can't see…"

 

Chapter Seventy-Five- Light Shines Through
​

Niles and the others stood in front of his father's hospital bed. His face was heavily bandaged along with numerous other wounds from his fall. He constantly faded in and out of consciousness. His mother was asleep by his side, refusing to leave. Without a word, Niles left the room, prompting the rest of the group to split up. Niles flew away from the hospital. He flew away from his friends and family, closing his eyes and letting the wind take him.

…...

Luna found herself outside of Leaf Bud, laying in the snow covered meadow with her Pokémon. She looked up to the dreary grey sky overhead. She ran her fingers through the snow cloaked grass. Everything felt wrong. It felt as though she didn't belong. She closed her eyes to think, reflecting to find what they did wrong.

…...

Gena found herself in her father's destroyed laboratory. It had been cleaned up for the most part, with the holes covered up by large flimsy paper. She rummaged through the remains, finding nothing of note aside from an old picture frame of her and her mother. She found several documents on Pokémon and their habitats. Gena let out a disappointed sigh and leaned next to a window, placing the picture on the table beside her.

…...

Anri sat on the hill that overlooked her old home. She leaned against her mother's grave, unable to think of a plan. Her mother's grave was incredibly simplistic, as if her life held no meaning. She caressed her right arm and closed her eyes. No meaning at all…

…...

Lux sorted through his father's notes. They featured data on Legendary Pokémon once again. Mewtwo, Mew, Xerneas, Yveltal, Jirachi… Lux growled, slamming the notes on his desk. He groaned as he pulled away. However, his coat got caught on the top drawer, forcing him to yank it out. It refused to let go, causing him to snap. He reeled back his foot and kicked the desk. Lux felt his heart stop at the sound of splintering wood, prompting him to look down. Crap! He knelt down, noticing that the lock on the bottom drawer had been broken. He nudged the drawer open, finding a single paper inside. He pulled in out, reading:

Airi, Lux. I need to tell you something. When the time comes, take the stone to the top of Mt. Eclipse. Don't do it before. It's a one time use. So please. Be patient, Airi.

"Stone?" Lux sulked, remembering the green stone he received from Reginald. "I messed that one up, didn't I?" Lux groaned, before remembering the rainbow stone in his bag. He slowly pulled it out, staring into its bright allure once more. "...This is the same, isn't it?" Lux grinned anxiously. Could he turn things around?

…...

Niles found himself in Flora. A stream that ran through the mountains, passing through Amber before entering Flora, stood below the bridge he sat on. It was a small stone bridge, simplistic in design. He looked around the town, noticing that many of the plants had gone into hibernation. The stream was the only source of noise as it passed beneath him. Niles closed his eyes, remembering the time before he began his journey. He saw memories of him and his parents, memories of him and Fiorella, memories of him and Sal. Everything was simpler back then…

…...

Lux marched through the destroyed League, finally finding himself at the gate. A blizzard howled at the top of the mountain. The gate was old and rusted from not having been opened in years. A large metal lock held the doors firmly in place. Lux reached into his bag and retrieved the key Sotiria had given him long ago. It looked as though it would fit the lock perfectly. Lux held his breath and inserted the key, turning it slowly. The lock made a loud clicking noise, before falling to the ground. Lux pulled the gate open and continued up the mountain. He trudged along, finally reaching the peak. It was a relatively flat area with an odd pedestal in the center of it all.

"What… is this for?" Lux inquired as he inspected the pedestal. He quickly realized what it was for and pulled out the rainbow stone from his bag. He placed it in the center of the pedestal. Within seconds, the stone began to shine, causing the engraving on the pedestal to glow green, red, and blue. Lux averted his eyes from the blinding light, waiting for it to end. After a few moments, it ended, calming to a gentle gleam. Lux looked around, noticing that nothing had happened. "I knew it would be too good to be true…"

"Sheesh." A firm sounding man's voice spoke from behind him. Lux twisted around to face the speaker. "You really kept me waiting, didn't you?"

"Kept us waiting." An annoyed woman added.

Lux's eyes widened at the sight of a black haired man and a pink haired woman. His parents, Airi and Siegfried Amity. "Mom! Dad!" He exclaimed, rushing to their side, hugging the duo. Their bodies had an otherworldly feel to them.

"Hey, Luxie-Poo." His mother smiled, hugging him. "How have you been?"

"I happy to see that you're still going." His father praised.

"Vee!" Eevee nuzzled against his mother.

"Good job keeping him safe." His mother giggled, petting Eevee.

"I've been so lost…" Lux cried, clinging to his parents. "I… don't know what to do! Nox is… she's just… too much…"

"Is that the way a Champion is supposed to talk?" His father lectured. "Well?"

"You're my child, Lux." His mother clicked her tongue. "You're supposed to be stronger than this."

"Ever since I lost you…" Lux sulked. "I… just felt that I needed to do what you said… Every time I lost you… I did as you said… Now… I don't know what to do next… I'm sorry."

"Well…" His father sighed. "Only one way to fix that."

"I'm seriously concerned over this." His mother groaned. "I love cryptic your words were! 'When the time is right!' That time was apparently once I died! What would've happened if I came here when I was still alive!?"

"You would've been fine… in theory." His father chuckled. "Anyway… back to what I was saying. There's only one way to fix being lost without us, Lux."

"And that is?" Lux pondered.

"A battle." His father informed, pulling out a Pokéball. "Prove you're strong enough to survive on your own."

"Finally I get to battle at full strength!" His mother celebrated, pulling out a Pokéball. "Are you ready Lux?"

"I…" Lux mumbled, reaching into his bag for his Pokémon. As he faced his parents, something felt different. "I'm ready."

"Then we begin!" Siegfried Amity roared, sending out a Goodra. It radiated a fierce aura unlike any Pokémon he faced before.

"Let's…" Airi Amity joined, sending out a Clefable. Just like the Goodra, it also radiated power.

"Chandelure! Roserade!" Lux sent out his battlers. "Go!"

"Fire Blast!" Siegfried ordered.

"Thunder Wave!" Airi assisted. Clefable waved its hand, causing lightning to zap Roserade, paralyzing her. Goodra roared as it sent a blast of fire at Roserade as well. Before the attack could connect, Chandelure hopped in the way, absorbing it. She counterattacked with a Fire Blast of her own, injuring the Clefable. "Soft Boiled!"

"Draco Meteor!" Siegfried demanded. Goodra shot out a volley of meteors at Chandelure, forcing her to evade. Clefable used the opportunity to heal itself. Roserade stumbled forward, striking Clefable with a blast of poison. Chandelure appeared behind Goodra and struck it with a Shadow Ball, before returning to Lux's side. "Again!"

"Moonblast!" Airi persisted.

"This is…" Lux mumbled, feeling a greater pressure than ever before. "Don't give in!"

Chandelure evaded the evaded the meteors once again, unleashing a massive volley of Shadow Balls. At the same time Roserade shot forth an equally large barrage of Sludge Bombs at Clefable. Their opponents were bombarded repeatedly, finally falling in defeat.

"Barely…" Lux grumbled, noticing that Chandelure and Roserade were exhausted. Despite being worn out, the two looked back to Lux in determination.

"You're going to have to try harder than that, Lux." Siegfried taunted, sending out a Hydreigon. "Dark Pulse!"

"It's best you learn the hard way!" Airi supported, sending out an Azumarill. "Aqua Jet!"

"Give it everything you have!" Lux motivated. Roserade forced herself in front of Chandelure, taking the attacks from Hydreigon and Azumarill, barely holding on. She countered with a Giga Drain on Azumarill, gaining her strength back. Chandelure focused Azumarill as well, striking it with an Energy Ball. Azumarill slumped back, nearly defeated.

"Push them back!" Siegfried ordered.

"Fight to the bitter end!" Airi demanded. Hydreigon flew into the air, raining down meteors on the duo. Azumarill charged through the volley unaffected, striking at Chandelure. Roserade couldn't avoid the volley getting bombarded directly. The two refused to give in, trudging along. Roserade put everything behind one attack, defeating Azumarill with a Sludge Bomb. Chandelure used her remaining strength to release a hail of Fire Blasts, narrowly defeating Hydreigon. The duo fainted from exhaustion immediately after.

"Eevee! Lucario!" Lux persisted, sending out his next group of Pokémon.

"Keep struggling, okay?" Siegfried sneered, sending out his Tyrantrum. "Earthquake!"

"Smile! You're gonna lose!" Airi taunted, sending out a Togekiss. "Nasty Plot!"

"We have to be quick!" Lux informed. Tyrantrum slammed its tail on the ground, sending out a shock wave at the duo. Eevee changed to a Glaceon as she leapt over the attack, retaliating with a Blizzard. Togekiss and Tyrantrum were both weakened by the blizzard as Lucario sped forth, releasing an unrelenting flurry of punches at them, defeating them. "Yes!"

"Nice. Congrats." Siegfried praised with a clap. "You're halfway through. We're not playing by League rules today, Lux! Flygon!"

"Good luck, Luxie-Poo!" Airi teased. "Mawile!"

"...We have to keep fighting!" Lux motivated. Eevee and Lucario nodded in agreement, preparing for battle.

"Outrage!" Siegfried directed.

"Iron Head!" Airi commanded. Flygon rushed forward crashing into Lucario violently. Mawile followed up the attack by ramming into Lucario, causing her to stagger back. Eevee quickly cloaked herself in flames and tackled Mawile. Lucario let out a growl, before striking Flygon with a frozen punch. The two were throw into each other, instantly fainting. "Bravo!"

"It's time to bring out the big guns." Siegfried grinned eagerly. "Reshiram!"

"Sadly I'm stuck with this." Airi sighed, sending out a Whimsicott. "Either way, prepare to lose!"

"How do you have…" Lux gasped, looking at the massive white dragon.

"Ghost dimension powers." Siegfried dismissed. "Illusions and whatnot." He explained, shifting his tone. "Blue Flare!"

"Eevee!" Lux panicked as Reshiram fired a blue flame at Lucario. Eevee turned into a Vaporeon to take the attack, protecting Lucario.

"Now!" Airi cued. Whimsicott quickly fired a green orb at Eevee, launching her back.

"Lucario!" Lux cried out. Lucario howled at the top of her lungs, covering the field in her aura. She rushed forward, striking at Reshiram relentlessly. She forced it back, allowing Eevee to recover. "Eevee!"

"Moonblast!" Airi ordered. Whimsicott fired a pink orb at Eevee. However, Eevee quickly changed into a Flareon, shrugging off the attack. She cloaked herself in flames, ramming into Whimsicott and defeating it. "Damn…"

"Reshiram!" Siegfried called out. Reshiram let out a roar of determination, flying back to evade Lucario. It opened its maw to fire another blue flame at Lucario, forcing her to dodge. She jumped around the field, evading Reshiram's repeated assault.

"Now!" Lux prompted. Eevee took the opportunity to blast Reshiram with a jet of water, diverting its attention to her. Lucario seized the opening and rushed Reshiram, laying into it with a flurry of punches. She began to slow down, putting an even greater force behind every punch, before jumping back. As she landed, she charged her energy in her hands, firing a massive beam of aura at Reshiram.

"Don't lose to that!" Siegfried snapped. Reshiram flew into the air, belching out meteors. It immediately followed up with another Blue Flare, aiming directly at Lucario. Eevee changed into a Sylveon to defend against the meteors, while Lucario was defeated by the fire attack.

"Take it out!" Lux ordered. Eevee leapt forward, firing another jet of water at Reshiram, knocking it out of the sky. Reshiram retaliated with a gigantic Focus Blast. Eevee let out one last blast of water as she took the attack head on, getting launched away in defeat. Reshiram stumbled around, before collapsing as well. Lux felt his breathing grow slower and heavier.

"Excellent work!" His father congratulated. "Haxorus."

"What a lovely set up." His mother beamed. "Gardevoir."

"A perfect ending…" Lux mumbled, feeling all his worry fly away. "Haxorus! Gardevoir!"

His father's Haxorus let out a roar as it was sent onto the field. Lux's Haxorus eagerly let out a roar twice as powerful, standing slightly smaller than his father's. His mother's Gardevoir gave a quick bow to his own. His Gardevoir spun around and bowed in response, her blue coloring standing out beautifully.

"Show how much my precious little boy has grow!" His father anticipated. "Face my greatest partner! It's all you!"

"I'm glad to see you grow so much, Luxie-Poo." His mother smiled honestly, Mega Evolving her Gardevoir nonchalantly. "A battle between parents and children. Amazing. Go!"

"It's time." Lux smiled. His Pokémon turned to him in a trustful manner. "Go. It's your time to shine!"

Haxorus howled once more, charging his parent. He slashed violently at his father, causing him to stagger. His father retaliated by planting his foot in the ground and slamming his tail into Haxorus, knocking him back.

Gardevoir evaded the high pitched wailed that her mother let out. She countered by sending out a wave of psychic orbs at her mother. Her mother teleported to dodge the attack, appearing behind her, letting out another scream that knocked Gardevoir away.

Haxorus and Gardevoir exchanged a glance. Gardevoir swiftly teleported to Haxorus' side, jumping on his back. She let out a piercing cry, causing both of Haxorus' father and her mother to flinch. Haxorus blitzed forward, slamming his shoulder into his father, knocking him into Gardevoir's mother. The two hastily recovered, standing side by side.

Gardevoir's mother launched a volley of psychic blasts at the duo, while Haxorus' father rushed fired out a massive beam from his mouth. Haxorus tossed Gardevoir into the air, taking both attacks. Gardevoir had a clear view of both of their parents, allowing her to bombard them with Shadow Balls from above. Haxorus brushed off his injuries, charging the two as Gardevoir pinned them down. He cloaked one claw in draconic energy and the other in a harsh poison, striking the duo simultaneously. His attack sent both of them flying back, defeated. Haxorus let out a victory cry as Gardevoir landed beside him, who gave swift bow.

"Great work!" Lux praised, hugging his Pokémon. "You guys deserve a reward!"

"Congratulations!" His father laughed, clapping wildly.

"Wonderful! Wonderful!" His mother clapped as well. They paused as their bodies began to fade. "Aw… We're out of time."

"Yeah." His father sighed, placing his hand on Lux's shoulder. "Do you know why we battled?"

"...Yeah." Lux nodded, stepping away from his father. He turned to look down from the mountain, truly looking at all of Spes. He hadn't noticed before, but the blizzard had finally stopped, leaving the vast grey sky. "I've spent my whole life relying on you two. But now… I'm left to wonder how someone can rely on a person they surpassed…"

"And what's your answer?" His mother inquired.

"My answer…" Lux closed his eyes for a moment. He contemplated his answer in that moment, before turning to face his parents. As if on cue, the sun began to break through the cloud layer, shining on all of Spes. "I need to start living for myself and making my own choices!"

…...

Luna sat up as a rainbow loomed over the horizon. Something about it seemed warm and kind. A smile tugged at her cheek, causing her to stand up. She began to pet her Pokémon gently. "I got it. I got it. I have to keep smiling. Or else we'll end up giving up." She beamed, looking to the horizon as her team rubbed against her.

…...

Gena flinched as the sun pierced the window, causing her to move her hand. She felt something fall off of the table, prompting her to bend over, finding that the picture frame of her and her mother had shattered. "Damn it!" She growled, carefully picking up the frame, noticing something on the back of the picture itself. She pulled it out of the frame and turned it over.

My beautiful wife and my even more beautiful daughter. Remember to cherish them Evan, you old fool.

"You moron…" Gena sighed, feeling a tear run down her cheek. "That's the one thing you remembered to remind yourself about!? You dumb… dumb man." She laughed. She had to stay alive. For her father. She had to win.

…...

Anri looked at the sun's reflection on the lake. Without warning, a Gyarados poked its head up, prompting her to prepare for battle. Instead of attacking her, it rested on the shore, showing a myriad of scars to her. "Y-you're still alive…?" Anri gasped, walking up to the old behemoth.

It let out groan of agony, showing a wound to her.

"W-why would you show me?" Anri interrogated. "What kind of predatory animal shows its weakness to…" She paused, shaking her head. "Mother. I look like her don't I?" She concluded, reaching into her bag. "I'm going to heal you, you homewrecker."

The Gyarados let out a peaceful groan as if to welcome her.

"No grudges…" Anri shook her head. "Lux you inspirational bastard…" She growled. "'We can't let this keep us down! Let's fight Nox!' Got it..."

"A bird soars through the dark for others with its wings of light."

…...

Niles leaned back to look at the sun as it shone through the clouds. His hand slipped on the frozen bridge, causing him to fall back. He gasped as he fell into the shallow stream, planting his face in the mud. He groaned in defeat, giving up. Face down in the dirt. Where he belongs… He closed his eyes, feeling something touch his hand. He sat up, grabbing something stuck in the stream. An old floral charm. "Helix… damn it." Niles growled. "How did you get back to me!? This isn't a movie!" Niles snapped, looking at the charm. "...You don't want me to die, do you? Fine fine." He accepted. "I'll keep fighting. Someone has to..."

Without warning, his phone went off, prompting him to look at it. On it was a single message from his mother.

Your father woke up!

"Let's go." Niles dragged himself out of the water. "I'm all wet! At least the sun's out now…"

…...

"A fine answer." His father supported as his body faded further. "I expect the best from you. Don't go losing your ability to stand on your own again."

"I promise. I love you." Lux agreed, hugging his father as he disappeared.

"Goodbye, Lux." His mother parted. "Remember. I'll always love you, my beautiful green eyed light."

"I know. I love you too, Mom." Lux hugged his mother as she disappeared as well, leaving him alone once again. The stone on the pedestal lost its shine, crumbling into dust. He looked into the distance, standing with pride. "I won't lose again, Nox. I'm not afraid of you anymore."

 

Chapter Seventy-Six- I Struggle, But I Am Not Overwhelmed
​

"Dad." Niles spoke to his father in the hospital. Lux, Luna, Gena and Anri joined him. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah." Draco answered. Linda held back tears as he sat up. "I heard from the doctors. My eyes were… irreparably damaged. As such… I fear that that I'm no longer fit to fight."

"Alright." Niles nodded.

"So…" Draco continued. "With Lux's permission, I would like to make you my replacement, Niles."

"Really?" Niles gasped. "I don't think I'm the best substitute. Not yet at least."

"Why are you so humble now?" Draco groaned. "You're good enough to take my place, don't worry. Just be your normal self."

"This… was what we wanted to tell you, Niles." Linda informed. "We've been wanting to retire. M-maybe… go on a trip or something."

"I don't know." Niles grimaced. "Give your spot to Luna or Gena."

"Well…" Lux interrupted. "All four spots are open. I was thinking about offering you all spots."

"Elite Four…?" Luna gasped, looking at her hands. "...Amazing."

"We've come far." Gena giggled. "Let's do our best."

"We're the best after all." Anri boasted.

"See." Draco chuckled, reaching into his bag. He pulled out a Pokéball and held it out to Niles. "Good thing I only carry Sal on me. She's yours now."

"I can't possibly…!" Niles backed away. "Sal's your Pokémon! I don't have a right to-"

"The same dragon you always joyride on." Draco dismissed. "Go on. She wants to go with you."

"I…" Niles paused, before steadily taking the Pokéball. "Thanks…"

"Come here. Both of you." Draco ordered with a sigh. He held Niles closely with his right arm. "Do you know how inconsiderate it is to cry when I'm trying my damndest to be calm? Niles. I want you to be a strong young man, understood?"

"I understand." Niles nodded timidly.

"Linda." Draco sulked, taking both of Linda's hands. "Do you feel that? What's on my left hand?"

"Our…" Linda frowned.

"I can't see it." Draco continued. "But I know what that is. It's the symbol of our love. The symbol of our bond greater than anything. It's that love that completes us, no matter what we lose."

"Okay." Linda smiled. "I'll always be by your eyes, Draco."

"Good." Draco grinned, holding his family close. "I'm counting on you, Amity."

"Got it." Lux acknowledged. He hesitated before speaking again. "Jirachi, the Wish Pokémon."

"What about it?" Draco inquired.

"My father had notes on it." Lux explained. "You can use those to search for it and wish for your sight back. I'll handle things here."

"So you want me to go on a potential wild goose chase for a slight chance that I can get my sight back?" Draco groaned.

"Yeah. I realize how dumb it sounds." Lux sighed. "But-"

"Alright." Draco grinned. "Linda! Once I heal, let's get going!"

"T-that was…" Luna tilted her head.

"Interesting, yeah." Gena finished.

"In the meantime, Lux." Draco shifted his tone. "Good luck with Nox."

"Thank you." Lux smiled, turning to the others. "We'll call our allies and storm Purgatory! Let's go!"

…...

"Stones have been placed, ma'am. And let me tell you, separating those two that got mixed together was a pain in my..." Agni informed Ford, stretching as he reached the top of the center tower. He tilted his head to glance at the Catalyst. Nox was sitting down, leaning against it. "Man… that thing's big."

"Thank you very much." She expressed, observing the Catalyst. "You may go now."

"Sure." Agni shrugged. "But, uh, how does that thing work?"

"According to Nox, the primary function is to create Miracle Stones from the energy around it." Ford explained. "The secondary function is to absorb energy into itself, creating an egg that hatches into a being like Nox. The towers amplify the power of the stones in order to create an even stronger being."

"Cool." Agni yawned, looking out to the ocean. He noticed a large boat landing on the beach. "There's a boat outside."

"They're here." Ford growled. "Nox?"

"Deal with them." She demanded in a distant tone.

"Okay." Agni nodded, walking down the tower. Things were about to get fun.

…...

"It's empty." Sam pointed out as Lux, his allies, and the Gym Leaders got off the boat. The entire area that was filled to the brim with slaves and Liberators before was completely empty. "This is eerie as hell."

"We should be careful." Wake advised.

"We'll be fine!" Amelia cheered. "We're a bunch of super cool Gym Leaders led by our even more awesome Champion!"

"Yo!" Cooper shouted, gesturing towards the center tower. The entire group prepared themselves as Ford marched down the tower. Eris stood by her side timidly.

"Okay, that was cool." Luna commented. "We're like the Pokémon Rangers!"

"Ahem." Gena coughed. "Ford."

"R-right!" Luna laughed nervously.

"Hello, members of the Spes League." Ford greeted.

"How are you alive?" Lux gasped.

"That's a secret for another day." She refused to answer. "How are you?"

"Just grand." Aine growled. "Still got a few scars from my brother, Ford."

"I don't know what you're talking about." Ford denied, before nodding in realization. "I remember now. You're referring to when Eris found you in my lab, correct?"

"So it was Eris…" Aine snarled, glaring at the purple haired girl. "I'll have to repay you for one or-"

"Aine." Lux interrupted. "Calm."

"Right..." Aine sighed. "Surrender and you won't be harmed."

Eris remained silent as Ford placed her hand on her head.

"Now now, be a good girl, Eris." Ford sneered. "Tell Aine that you won't."

"...Sorry." Eris grimaced. "I can't… give up that easily."

"There you have it." Ford dismissed, teleporting away. "Have fun."

"What do you-" Lux interrogated, only to be cut off as Kyurem landed in front of them. It gave off a sinister aura, causing Lux to wince. He forced the pain away, jumping back.

"Look!" Wake pointed at the surrounding towers. The top of the towers began to shine green, blue, and red respectively. "The hell is that?"

"We…" Lux gasped, feeling a sense of urgency. "We need to stop those!"

"Time to split up!" Mia announced. "Three groups will deal with the towers!"

"Okay! I'll deal with Nox!" Lux allowed, running past Kyurem and entering the tower. He heard Kyurem howl behind him. He ignored it and continued up the tower.

…...

"Hello Kyurem." Niles greeted the behemoth as his allies scattered. It guarded the tower, refusing to let anyone else pass. "We've never battled before. But know this, it's my duty to defeat you." Niles growled, sending out Blaziken. "Now face me!"

…...

Albert, Luna and Aine entered the tower that shone red alongside Amanda, Ashley, Wild and Ryuu.

"Huh… A lot of A's" Amanda pointed out as they walked up the tower.

"Keep moving." Ryuu commanded.

"Yeah, got it..." Amanda sighed.

"Huh?" Albert paused in front of a statue of Entei. It began to glow a bright red, causing Albert to jump back. It remained still, glowing a faint red. "Why is it…?"

"Albert!" Aine snapped, causing him to turn around. A horde of Mega Shadow Pokémon marched up the staircase behind them. "Get ready!"

"I'll deal with these weaklings." Ryuu growled, sending out his Dragonite. "Hurry along now!"

"You'll need assistance, kid." Wild aided, sending out his Rhyperior. "Luckily an old man like me is willing to help."

"Thank you!" Albert smiled, running ahead with Aine, Luna, Ashley, and Amanda.

"A squad go!" Ashley celebrated.

"Hey don't forget my L!" Luna sulked. "I'm important too you know!"

…...

"Out of the way!" Nero wailed as Tyranitar tossed a Shadow Pyroar at a Shadow Darmanitan, causing their bodies to shatter. She had entered the green tower alongside Anri, Rika, Alexandra, Mia, Sam, and Wake.

"There's just no end!" Rika growled. Steelix crushed enemy after enemy, only for them to refresh their numbers instantly. "We need to move!"

"Come! Fall to my poison!" Mia wailed, sending out all her Pokémon. "Go on ahead!"

"...I'm assisting." Alexandra sent out her own Pokémon. "...Keep fighting."

"That's a lot." Wake joined as even more enemies appeared. "Really testing our endurance, aren't they? Well let's go!"

"Good luck! Anri blessed, running ahead with the rest of the group. They passed by a Raikou statue as they ascended to the next floor.

…...

"These things are too smart!" Amelia complained as the Shadow Pokémon repeatedly evaded her attacks. The group consisted of Gena, Sotiria, Reginald, Amelia, Cooper, Krystal, and Oberon. "Why!?"

"You have to play them into your hands!" Cooper informed as his Greninja took out a Shadow Banette. "Like so!"

"Glalie!" Krystal commanded. Her Glalie froze her enemies in place before biting through them all. "We'll handle things here!"

"Reginald! Sotiria! Oberon!" Gena commanded as she and Amelia ran up the stairs. "You're with us! Come on!"

"Of course!" Reginald agreed, following her.

"Let's move!" Sotiria rushed ahead, keeping close to them as they passed a Suicune statue.

…...

"Pardon me!" Lux joked as his Pokémon tore through his opposition with ease. He passed by numerous statues on his way of singular Legendary Pokémon. Some of them gave off a faint aura of power as passed by them. Oddly, he felt little fatigue from scaling the tower as he reached the floor below the top. He stopped as he noticed Nox standing between him and the last spiral of stairs.

"Hello again, Lux." She greeted affably as she removed her mask. She had jet black hair and bright emerald eyes. "Can you feel it? The overwhelming energy? ...It terrifies even me…"

"I won't let fear stop me." Lux defied. "I'm going to stop you, Nox."

"With your slaves?" She growled. "Do you really believe they stand a chance?"

"Absolutely!" Lux boasted. His team all hugged him in unity. "They're more powerful than I could ever hope to achieve! ...And I trust them."

"How naive." Nox insulted, putting on her mask. She prepared her sword as well. "Goodbye, my..." She trailed off, before rushing him and his team.

…...

"Metagross!" Niles switched Pokémon. Metagross rocketed out of its Pokéball and slammed into Kyurem. It shrugged off the attack and grabbed Metagross. Kyurem opened its maw and blasted Metagross with fire, ice, and electricity, before throwing it into the ground. "Damn! Dragalge! Staraptor!" Niles persisted.

Dragalge fired a wave of meteors at Kyurem allowing Staraptor to use them for cover. Staraptor flew through Kyurem as it guarded itself from the meteors, staggering it. Staraptor used the opening to circle around and strike Kyurem again. Kyurem instantly charged energy in its maw and blasted Staraptor. The beam tore through the ground, redirecting to Dragalge, taking him out. Niles guarded himself from debris as the beam passed by him, knocking him into a wall.

"Crap…" Niles groaned as he sat against the wall. Kyurem howled to the sky, calling forth dark energy to heal itself. He had to keep fighting… He had to stand up! Niles forced himself to stand up, reaching for Sal's Pokéball. "Sal!"

…...

"We're almost there!" Ashley celebrated on the last floor. Next to them was a statue of Reshiram. It let out a faint red glow just like the Entei statue. "Why were there so many stairs!?"

"Hey, at least we didn't go into the tallest tower!" Luna rationalized.

"Kinda feel sorry for Lux, actually." Aine chuckled, turning to Albert, who stared at the statue. "What's up, Allie?"

"We passed by an Entei statue earlier." He stated. "And a few others two."

"I think I saw Palkia." Amanda added. "Moltres as well."

"Nox likes Legendaries?" Luna guessed. "She does go on about a world for Pokémon and all that."

"She captured them, didn't she?" Ashley asked, looking at the statue. "It's kinda creepy."

"Yeah." Albert agreed, thinking to himself. His eyes widened in realization. "That's the real Reshiram!"

"What!?" Aine gasped. "Are you serious?"

"Good job! You figured it out!" A man clapped from behind them. The group turned to face Agni. "You made it this far."

"Agni." Aine growled. "One… chance, my brother. You can surrender without a fight."

"And why would I do that!?" Agni sneered. "I'm at the top! This is true strength! A Pyroar reaches the top by devouring the weak!"

"And it's the Mandibuzz who feed on the remains of the Pyroar!" Albert retorted. "It's impossible to be at the top when you bow before another."

"Nature will always favor the strong!" Agni preached as Entei, Groudon and Moltres appeared beside him. Reshiram and Palkia appeared behind them, cutting off their escape. They all radiated a harsh aura. "That is how the world works! The strong purge the weak! Are you strong? Then show me!"

"Fine." Albert accepted, looking at Aine. "I'll need your help."

"You already had it." Aine supported.

"We'll deal with this." Amanda informed, facing down the two Legendaries behind them alongside Ashley.

"I'm not very strong, but I'll still do my best!" Ashley boasted.

"I'll help you out." Luna assisted Albert and Aine. "Three on three sounds more fair."

"I'll show you how weak you really are, Agni!" Albert declared. "Let's go!"

"Right!" Aine nodded, sending out her Sceptile.

…...

"Hello…" Eris greeted Anri's group on the last floor of the tower. "Why do you continue…? There's no advantages to struggling… It's just going to hurt when you face the bitter truth…"

"That defeatist attitude is why we're going to win, Eris." Anri defied. "If you're so ready to give up, then why don't you step aside?"

"Because I can't!" Eris snapped. Giratina, Raikou, Rayquaza, and Zekrom appeared before them. "...And of course I have the weakest group… Fantastic…"

"Struggling is what makes victory so sweet." Nero informed. "We're going to taste that sweetness, thank you!"

"Giving up now would be pretty lazy, wouldn't it?" Sam joked. "And I kind of made it my goal to stop being lazy, so yeah. Kind of can't lose here."

"It's a knight's duty to follow orders without fail." Rika firmly stated. "But it's my duty to stand for those I care about! Luckily, I agree with the orders I've been given!"

"So… this how this all ends?" Eris frowned. "I guess it's fitting…"

…...

"Well isn't this a disappointment." Ford sighed, bemused. She faced Gena's group. "I was expecting Anri, not… who are you again?"

"I'm Gena Apple." Gena enlightened. "Daughter of Evan Apple."

"Not ringing any bells." Ford ignored. "Must not have been important."

"How cruel." Sotiria growled. "What kind of scientist forgets those that helped them?"

"Why would I bother myself over trivial details?" Ford dismissed. "All that matters is conquering the unknown. This being must be witnessed! I must know what it is!"

"You've got to be the dumbest scientist I've ever met!" Oberon snapped. "Don't you realize how dangerous such a thing is!?"

"Without risk, there is no reward." Ford retorted. With the snap of her finger, Suicune, Kyogre, regular Kyurem, Dialga, and Articuno appeared. "Now then. Risk everything for me!"

"As a scholar, I refuse to allow one such as you succeed." Reginald snarled.

"Yeah! Prepare to get crushed!" Amelia wailed.

"You are a disgrace to the many scientists who came before you!" Sotiria snapped.

"I won't let a mad woman like you do as she pleases." Gena growled.

"Tisk. Tisk." Ford chuckled. "Children like you need to learn your place."

…...

"Take her down!" Lux ordered his team. Nox danced around Haxorus, slashing at him from behind. She created a barrier around herself from pollen that Roserade hand launched at her, before rushing her. She continued to persist, evading Gardevoir's attack and blasting her with a beam from her palm. Eevee and Lucario walked around, watching her closely. Lucario rushed Nox, only to get kicked away. Nox followed it up with a swift slash from her sword, defeating her. "We have to keep fighting..."

"...It's time." Nox notified, walking to a small opening in the walls. She looked down the the green stone below. It began to shine vibrantly, before firing a beam above them. "The Catalyst is being powered. Or rather, it's taking the power from the stones."

"And then that being of yours will be born?" Lux interrogated, looking out the window. "Then I need you to get out of my way!"

"...Why are you so adamant about protecting humanity?" Nox questioned in an oddly calm tone. "They've done absolutely nothing to prove their worth. And you have no reason to protect them…"

"Because I'm human." Lux answered. "Because my friends are human. Because my parents are human."

"Nepotism." Nox argued. "You only care for those close to you."

"No." Lux denied. "I care about everyone. Human. Pokémon. You. We all make mistakes, Nox. We just have to learn from them."

"Was… I wrong?" Nox paused. "No. Humans are a plague. They don't care for Pokémon or even their own kin. They use them. They throw them away once they're done being used. That's how the world works. That's why I'm going to change it, Lux."

"Okay." Lux sighed. "Let's put it this way. Two Pokémon are fighting for food. What happens to the one that doesn't get the food? How is that any better than humans using each other?"

"That's…" Nox growled. She readied her sword. "Just die already!"

"Eevee!" Lux cued. Eevee cloaked herself in flames and rushed Nox, striking at her legs. Nox attempted to strike at her, only for Eevee to leap over her blade and fired water at her. Nox swung her sword, sending a dark wave at Eevee. Eevee changed forms to defend against the attack, before rushing Nox. She pounced on Nox, cloaking herself in flames again.

"Enough!" Nox shouted, causing Eevee to get blow away. Nox let out a sigh, lowering her sword. "You've lo-"

"Nox!" Lux wailed, running straight at her. Nox stumbled back, realizing her guard was down. Lux reeled back his fist and struck her mask, knocking it off. Lux pulled back his hand, holding it in pain. "Ow..."

"Wha…" Nox cowered in shock. She placed her free hand on her face, slowly looking at Lux. Her breathing was strained and terrified. "You… struck me. You struck me..."

"Eevee, you okay?" Lux aided his injured partner, returning her to her Pokéball.

"I…" Nox slumped her shoulders. "I don't…" She paused. "...You win."

"I win?" Lux jumped, taken aback. "This isn't a trap?"

"I give up…" Nox mumbled, approaching Lux. She sheathed her sword and held it out to him. "Use this to destroy the Catalyst. Break it apart to end this all."

"You're giving me this?" Lux questioned, steadily reaching for the sword. "Why?"

"I need time to think…" Nox answered, allowing him to take the blade. "It's called Iris' Prism. Only you can make use of it."

"Nox…" Lux sulked as she walked passed him. "Don't… think you're alone in the world."

"Go on, my green eyed other." Nox urged. "Protect the world you care about so much."

"I will…" Lux smiled, placing the sword on his belt and continuing up the stairs.

"Where am I…?"

He stepped onto the top of the tower, looking around. Numerous pillars lined the perimeter, surrounding a giant, rainbow stone. A statue of Arceus held it up. He marched over to the statue and hoisted himself onto it.

"Everything is bright…"

"It's finally over..." Lux muttered as he drew Iris' Prism. He pulled back his arm and jammed it into the stone. It pierced right through, causing light to shine out.

"Ah! Ah! Stop! It hurts! It hurts! I'm going to die!? I don't want to die!"

"Why…" Lux paused, feeling a sense of terror. He pushed the feeling away and plunged Iris' Prism into the stone once more.

"I'm scared! I don't want to die! Please! I don't want to die! I don't want to die I don't want to die Idon'twanttodieIdon'twanttodie!"

"What!?" Lux gasped as the stone began to ooze a dark cloud. The cloud surrounded him and sucked him into the Catalyst.

 

Finale- Lux in Tenebris Lucet
​

Luna struggled to keep fighting as Ruby was nearly defeated. Groudon reeled back and knocked Ruby away with its claws. She winced as part of the tower wall was ripped off without warning. She glanced at the center tower. A large black hole dragged the three stones into it. "What is that!?"

"That's…" Agni paused, looking at the tower. "That's… not normal, right?"

"You don't even know…" Aine exhaled, her Sceptile exhausted from the fight.

"Yeah well…" Agni cut himself off as his communicator went off, prompting him to retrieve it. "Hey!"

"Continue fighting." Ford answered. "This is merely a minor miscalculation. The being shall rise soon. Don't let them win!"

"Yes ma'am." Agni groaned, returning to the battle. "It's time for you to lose."

"Is Lux alright?" Luna panicked. "He has to be!"

"Luna get your head in the game!" Aine snapped. "Lux can handle himself!"

"R-right!" She nodded, continuing her battle.

…...

Lux awoke on top of a glass like substance. He gripped Iris' Prism's hilt closely, forcing himself to stand up. He was in an odd area that had patches of white light and a dark void scattered around. The ground he walked on looked like mosaic glass. He reached to his side and tried to call out one of his Pokémon. Nothing happened as he clicked the release on their Pokéball. "What the hell…?"

"I don't want to die…" A voice spoke out. Lux looked around the vicinity, unable to find the speaker. "I don't want to die…"

"Who's there!?" Lux questioned. "Show yourself!"

"I don't want to be hurt…" It spoke again. "Yes. That's how. You will kill me. You will kill me and then I'll be dead. You'll kill me to live. I must do the same. I must kill you to live."

"What!?" Lux gasped, stumbling as the ground shook. The ground fell apart, flocking to an area in front of him. Despite looking endless, the void under him felt like solid ground. The glass like substance merged together to form the Catalyst.

"Yes." The voice continued. The Catalyst cracked in numerous areas, before it shattered to reveal an armor like Nox's. However, unlike Nox's armor, it was a pure white, with an alternating green, blue, and red trim. It held out its hand, red energy forming the shape of a sword. Its body appeared to grow considerably larger, looking down on Lux. A sinister red aura shone through the armor's helmet. "You must die so that I may live!"

…...

"We can't lose!" Niles grimaced as Sal was blasted into the dirt. Sal let out a growl as she took to the sky again. She avoided Kyurem's attacks, slowly whittling it down with repeated Fire Blasts. Niles slumped down against the wall again, looking at the black hole. "Lux… you better stay safe… Don't go dying… Alright…?"

…...

Lux evaded the enemy's attacks, running around the void. Its attacks were slow and clumsy, as if it was a novice at fighting. He reached for his belt again, attempting to call out a Pokémon. "Damn it!"

"Die! Die! Die!" The armor shouted in an unsettling monotone, trying to hit him. Its last swing was quick and precise unlike the rest, catching Lux off guard. He flinched as its sword came down. After a moment, he opened his eyes, looking in front of him. In front of him, Dragalge defended him from the attack. Dragalge forced the sword away, before turning to Lux in expectation.

"Niles!?" He glanced around, falling on his behind and looking for his friend.

"Don't go dying… Alright…?"

"...Yeah." Lux forced himself up after hearing his friend's words. Dragalge awaited his orders. "I don't know what going on, but I'm not dying here! Go!"

"What…? What are you?" The armor questioned in a subdued confusion. Dragalge let out roar and blasted the armor with a wave of meteors. The armor shrugged off the attacks as it was nothing. "Pain. You want to hurt me too. You must die."

"Give it another one, Dragalge!" Lux commanded. Dragalge nodded in understanding, releasing another wave of meteors. The armor held out its hand, causing the meteors to stop in midair.

"Die." It mumbled. The meteors were sent back at them, forcing Dragalge to protect Lux. Dragalge let out a pained cry as his body shattered into light.

"That's… something." Lux chuckled nervously.

…...

"Fire Blast!" Luna commanded Char. Char howled as she bombarded Groudon from the sky repeatedly, doing little damage. Groudon bellowed loudly as retaliated with a giant rock spike, knocking Char to the ground. "Mega Evolve!" Luna commanded, to no avail. "What!?"

"What?" Albert gulped. The stone in Luna's glove was a dull grey. "What happened?"

"I don't…" Luna shook her head, only to get crushed by Char who was knocked away by another attack.

"Damn it!" Aine swore. "How are we losing!?"

"Lux!" Albert snapped. "Hurry up and win… please…"

"Are we… really hopeless without you?" Luna mumbled, pulling Char off of her. "Please be safe…"

"Why not…" Aine growled, rolling her eyes in doubt. "Lux, you better not be dead! I won't allow you to die on us!"

…...

The armor held out its hand, releasing a barrage of lasers at him. Lux sprinted around, barely evading the attacks. As one nearly hit him, his body reacted on instinct, slashing it away with Iris' Prism.

"Thank you, Nox…" Lux smiled, looking at the blade.

"Quit running." The armor ordered. "You must die."

"Can't we talk this out?" Lux grinned. The armor held up its hand once again, only to stagger when a blast of fire hit it.

"Hurry up and win… please…"

"Please be safe…"

"Lux, you better not be dead! I won't allow you to die on us!"

"Typhlosion. Char. Sceptile." Lux mumbled, looking at his friend's Pokémon as they appeared before him. "I'm counting on you."

"More?" The armor muttered. "Why is there more?"

"Because my friends want me to live!" Lux elaborated. Typhlosion and Char bombarded the armor with fire from both above and below. Sceptile used the opening to let out a flurry of slashes against the armor, breaking off a part of its leg.

"That hurt." The armor stated. Within the blink of an eye, it slashed away Sceptile as it approached, before firing a beam from its hand at Typhlosion. "Die."

"Char!" Lux called out. Char flew around in a circle, attacking the armor in rapid succession.

"Stop. Moving." The armor demanded. It held its hand up, firing out numerous orbs. The orbs raced around, attacking Char as she attempted to fly away, shattering her body. "Just die."

…...

For some odd reason, Anri couldn't help but worry about Lux. She growled as her Mawile was defeated by Rayquaza. Despite the pressure of losing, she couldn't help but worry for Lux. "Why…? If you're hurt… You can always rely on me!"

"Lux…" Sam mumbled. "I'm counting on you to win so I don't have to. Just win, alright?"

"I'll always protect you, Master Lux." Rika reassured. "Let your knight defend you!"

"'Stubborn people get themselves in trouble a lot…'" Nero quoted. "'But, they also get things done!' Don't ever give in!"

…...

"Die." The armor commanded, slashed upwards at Lux, knocking him back.

Lux landed face down on the ground, a sharp pain on his forehead. He lifted himself up, something getting in left eye. He ran his hand along his face, noticing that blood- No! It wasn't blood! Lux let out a growl, rubbing his face free of the maroon droplets that stained his face. He pulled back the hair that covered his right eye, using it to see. "I'm not done yet!"

"If you're hurt… You can always rely on me!"

"Lux… I'm counting on you to win so I don't have to. Just win, alright?"

"I'll always protect you, Master Lux! Let your knight defend you!"

"'Stubborn people get themselves in trouble a lot… But. they also get things done!' Don't ever give in!"

"I'm not giving up." Lux defied, summoning Delphox, Aggron, Steelix, and Tyranitar. "Take it out!"

"Why?" The armor asked. Aggron and Steelix blitzed the armor, tackling it simultaneously, causing its other leg to crack. Before it could respond, Delphox released a storm of flames on it, weakening its free hand. Tyranitar used the opening to slam into its arm, cracking it. The armor was pushed back by the overwhelming force. "Die. Die. Die."

"Whoa!" Lux flinched as the armor released a gigantic blast from its body, instantly defeating his friends' Pokémon. "...Running out of steam…"

…...

Gena stood up as Blastoise was pushed back by Kyogre. "Are you okay? Why can't we Mega Evolve?"

"My theory is that the Catalyst absorbed the energy in your Key and Mega Stones." Ford theorized. "How fortunate for me."

"No…" Sotiria shook her head. "I... hope Lux can win…"

"Yeah…" Gena agreed, she looked up to the void above the center tower. "I… still need to tell you something, Lux. Don't die until I do, okay?"

"...I need you to live, Lux." Sotiria begged. "I need to atone for my mistakes! Please live until I do so!"

"As your first servant…" Reginald joined. "I know that you're safe. But, I can't help but worry, Lux."

"What's going on up there?" Oberon struggled. "Lux... if you die, I won't have a family left... So please stay alive."

…...

Lux continued to evade the armor's attacks, feeling as though his legs would give out. His breathing was strained and heavy. The armor watched him closely, preparing its next attack.

"I… still need to tell you something, Lux. Don't die until I do, okay?"

"I need you to live, Lux. I need to atone for my mistakes! Please live until I do so!"

"As your first servant… I know that you're safe. But, I can't help but worry, Lux."

"Lux… If you die, I won't have a family left… So please stay alive."

"We have to end it now." Lux worried, summoning Blastoise, Rotom, Alakazam, and Mawile. Blastoise and Rotom fired a stream of electricity and water, forcing the armor to defend. Alakazam teleported behind the armor with Mawile, allowing Mawile to bite into its arm. Alakazam followed up with a wave of psychic blasts, breaking the armor's chest piece.

"No more pain." The armor mumbled, slamming Mawile into the ground and grabbing Alakazam. It slammed it into the ground as well, before firing a beam from its face, defeating Rotom and Blastoise. The beam went straight for Lux, hitting the ground in front of him. He was sent back, landing on his back, knocking the wind out of him. "Die. It's time to die."

Lux sat there in silence, unable to speak. His entire body ached, incapable of moving. Lux felt his eyes grow heavy, almost welcoming defeat.

…...

"Do you finally see?" Agni taunted. The entire group was on the ground, completely defeated. "You were too weak. A shame to kill you."

"I don't understand…" Luna groaned. "How can we lose?"

"I…" Albert grimaced.

"We can't..." Aine snarled. "We just can't..."

…...

Anri, Nero, Sam, and Rika backed into one another, surrounded by the Legendary Pokémon. Anri glanced around, looking for an opening. "What now?"

"We…" Nero growled. "Keep fighting…"

"Can really though...?" Sam frowned. "We're completely defeated..."

"This… is the futility I warned you of…" Eris sulked. "Do you understand? There's no point in struggling..."

…...

"I never understood how such foolish people could exist." Ford insulted. "Did you honestly believe that you stood a chance? How deluded where you?"

"It wasn't a delusion…" Gena argued. "We can… still win…"

"I don't know about that…" Sotiria doubted. "I don't know anymore…"

"Prepare to die." Ford announced. "Fools like you have no place next to a genius as I."

…...

"Are you finished?" The armor asked as it approached Lux. "You have no more companions. Finally."

"I…" Lux mumbled, feeling completely burnt out. He clung to the sword Nox had given him, feeling power swell within him. He forced himself to stand, using the sword for support. "Not yet."

"Another one?" The armor glanced around. "No."

"I haven't lost… I..." Lux smiled, feeling rejuvenated. He held his hand to the sky, as if reaching for something. "I have one more! Garchomp!" He summoned. Garchomp appeared before him, instantly Mega Evolving. She let out a vicious battle cry.

…...

Galen raised his head from his book on Pokémon and human history. Diancie rested on his lap while Garchomp slept on the floor close to him. "How odd."

"Is something wrong, Mr. Galen?" Diancie inquired.

"No." Galen denied, looking into the distance. "It's just… why am I thinking about him all of a sudden…?"

…...

Niles noticed something odd about the center tower. From the void that consumed the top, a rainbow wave ran through the area. Suddenly, Niles felt as though he could fight again, picking himself up. "Sal!"

Sal let out a valiant roar, Mega Evolving to defeat her opponent. Kyurem let out an enraged howl, challenging Sal.

"We're not losing to you!" Niles boasted. "We've been through far worse!"

…...

"Not yet!" Albert snapped, forcing himself to stand. He sent out all his Pokémon regardless of their condition beforehand. "We can't lose yet!"

"Right..." Aine agreed, slapping herself awake. "Right! Right! Right! Sceptile!" She commanded. Sceptile let out a fierce cry, Mega Evolving out of sheer willpower.

"Let's go!" Luna announced, sending out her team. They all howling in determination, with Absol, Ruby, and Char all Mega Evolving together. "Go! Go! Go! Go!"

"What!?" Agni panicked. "That's…" He mumbled, before recollecting himself. "Come on. We'll beat you down again!"

…...

"I'm not letting you ruin the happy ending we worked so hard for!" Anri wailed, sending out her team. Mawile, Garchomp, and Venusaur all Mega Evolved. "Destroy them!"

"I'm feeling refreshed!" Sam chuckled. Aggron Mega Evolved as well. "Alright! Let's go!"

"Time for a comeback!" Nero announced, Mega Evolving Tyranitar. "Right, Rika!?"

"Yes." Rika nodded, Mega Evolving Steelix. "On my honor as Lux's knight, prepare to lose!"

"Where's their willpower coming from…?" Eris gasped. "...It's… impossible…"

…...

"I've never heard such hypocrisy." Gena stated. "You call us fools, when you're the biggest fool of all!" She insulted, Mega Evolving Blastoise.

"It doesn't matter how smart you are!" Sotiria lectured, sending out Zapdos. "You'll always make mistakes! There will always a flaw in your design somewhere!"

"A woman like you has no sense of reality!" Reginald insulted, Mega Evolving Alakazam. "Your defeat is a foregone conclusion!"

"Prepare to lose to our graceful recovery!" Oberon boasted, Mega Evolving his Mawile. "Farewell!"

"That's not right!" Ford gasped. "How can you still fight!? You should be completely defeated!"

…...

Sal let out another roar as she circled around Kyurem. Kyurem attempted to defeat her with a massive beam from its maw, moving its head to follow her movements. She casually evaded the attack, soaring through the sky.

"Now! Do it Sal!" Niles cued. Sal flew towards Kyurem and cut right through it with her wings. Before Kyurem could respond, she rushed it once again, tearing through it. She continued, tearing into Kyurem from every angle. Kyurem roared in anger and fired a beam in random directions. Sal returned to her owner's side and flew at Kyurem. She began to spin like a drill, striking Kyurem in the gut and carrying it into the sky. Sal let out one last roar as she broke through Kyurem, causing its body to shatter. Niles celebrated as the dark aura fell to the ground in specks. "Good work!"

…...

"Char!" Luna cheered. Char bellowed loudly as she repeatedly bombarded Groudon once again, defeating it. "Absol!"

"Lopunny!" Ashley assisted. Lopunny and Absol rushed Palkia, attacking it simultaneously. Palkia staggered back, allowing Absol to follow up, slashing through its body, defeating it.

"Typhlosion! Stoutland! Samurott!" Albert commanded his team. Typhlosion and Samurott blasted Moltres with water and fire, knocking it to the ground. Stoutland used the opening to ram into it, shattering its body.

"No. This can't…" Agni growled. "Entei! Reshiram!"

"Sceptile!" Aine countered. Sceptile rushed Entei, letting into it with a flurry of slashes, before firing its tail at it. The attack was followed by a storm of leaves, launching Entei into the air and defeating it.

"Beedrill!" Amanda commanded.

"Help her Ruby!" Luna assisted. Beedrill and Ruby charged Reshiram, striking at it rapidly. Beedrill flew back as Ruby persisted, blitzing towards Reshiram with spinning drills, running Reshiram through.

"Damn it…" Agni growled, reaching for Heatran's Pokéball.

"Agni!" Aine wailed, rushing him. She swung at his face, striking him in the cheek. Before he could recover, she swung at him with her other fist, striking him in the opposite side. Agni stumbled back, reaching for the gun on his hip. His eyes widened for a moment, causing him to pause, allowing Aine to strike him with a right cross. Agni fell back, slamming into the floor.

…...

"You're finished!" Anri declared. Delphox and Venusaur bombarded Rayquaza with fire and leaves, knocking it down. Mawile rushed it, biting into it with her jaws, crushing its body.

"Rip and tear!" Nero commanded. Tyranitar sent a barrage of stones at Giratina, immediately defeating it. "Haha! Weak!"

"Aggron!" Sam ordered. Aggron tackled Zekrom and slammed it into the ground. Aggron began to pummel Zekrom, finishing with a double axe handle, shattering Zekrom's body.

"Last one!" Rika announced. Steelix barreled towards Raikou, grasping it with its maw. Steelix chewed on Raikou, before tossing it into the ground and slamming it with its tail. Steelix screeched triumphantly as the last Pokémon was defeated.

"We… lost?" Eris sulked, remaining in her place. "Okay… I surrender..."

…...

"Blastoise!" Gena prompted. Blastoise fired a volley of dark, water, and aura at Kyogre, bombarding it. Kyogre was launched back from the rapid assault, defeated.

"Go!" Sotiria directed. Rotom flew after Articuno alongside Zapdos. The duo trapped Articuno and shocked it relentlessly, defeating it.

"Skarmory!" Amelia commanded. It flew towards Dialga, repeatedly slashing it with its wings. Skarmory ended its assault by headbutting Dialga, shattering its body.

"Alakazam!" Reginald ordered. Alakazam lifted Suicune off the ground and threw it around. It rapidly tossed Suicune into the walls, ceiling, and floor until its body shattered.

"Time for a glorious end!" Oberon announced. His Mawile bit into Kyurem and slammed its face into the ground. Mawile followed the attack up by jumping into the air and striking Kyurem with its jaws, defeating it.

"It's over Ford!" Gena wailed.

"No!" Ford refused, sending out an Alakazam. "I haven't lost yet! Till we meet again!"

"Blastoise, stop her!" Gena demanded. Blastoise fired a wave of draconic energy, destroying the ground in front of Ford, launching her into a wall.

"Gah…" Ford coughed, barely escaping with her Alakazam.

…...

Garchomp roared at the top her lungs as she jet towards the armor from the sky, firing a beam from her maw. The armor attempted to defend with its sword, only for its arm to shatter.

"Wha…?" The armor gasped. Garchomp used the opening to slash at its torso, causing it to stagger. The armor grabbed onto Garchomp and threw her into the sky. Garchomp quickly recovered and charged the armor again. She latched onto it arm and ripped it off with her scythes, backing away for a moment. "Enough."

"One last hit!" Lux announced, running around the field. Garchomp nodded in understanding, rushing towards the armor.

"Die…" The armor mumbled as it attempted to kick Garchomp away, only to be tackled to the ground. Garchomp placed all her weight on the armor, sticking her scythes into the ground. She opened her maw, gathering energy inside. "No!" The armor wailed, releasing a beam from its face, destroying Garchomp. "Final-"

"Just die already!" Lux shouted, jumping on the armor and stabbing it in the head with Iris' Prism. The armor fell silent as the area around them began to crumble.

"Live." The armor cried, the light from its helmet fading. "I just wanted to live…"

"I'm sorry." Lux apologized, pulling Iris' Prism out of it. "I wish it could've been different..."

"One day." A different voice spoke from the armor, reverting back to its Catalyst form. The Catalyst began to shine, before it disappeared. Lux closed his eyes, feeling the area around him disappear.

…...

"Agni." Aine knelt in front of her brother, who bled from his mouth, as everyone else left to check on Lux. "How does it feel to have your precious nature betray you?"

"What are you talking about?" Agni mumbled, shifting his gaze to her. He voice was calm and gentle. "This how nature is. You were stronger. It only makes sense that you'd stand were you do now."

"That's it?" Aine growled. "You aren't going to rave about how you didn't lose, or you're the only one who deserves to be at the top?"

"Did you think I wouldn't hold myself to the same standards?" Agni questioned. "I lost to someone stronger than me, even after struggling with all my might... This is the correct path for the world to follow…"

"I'm not strong." Aine denied. "I only won because Albert opened my eyes. Isn't strength measured by your own feats?"

"Why do you think I followed Nox?" Agni groaned. "She helped me grow strong… We can only achieve so much on own after all…"

"Brother…" Aine sulked, hesitating. "...You're under arrest for the murder of Airi Amity and Evan Apple amongst others."

"I understand." Agni accepted. "The bottom is where a weakling like me belongs now." He frowned, lifting his hand, showing a Pokéball to Aine. "Emboar deserves a strong trainer. Take him."

"Fine." Aine accepted. "Only because it's better than releasing him into the wild."

"Aine." Agni continued. "Promise me… That you'll stay on the top for as long as you can… You're strong. You deserve the best the world has to offer… Promise me... that you'll always be strong..."

"...I won't forgive you." Aine growled. "A few kind words won't make up for anything you did. But I can accept that you were once a loving brother. You won't suffer any more than you deserve."

"...You've always… had a nice smile." Agni complimented. "Find someone to share it with…"

Aine silently picked up Agni and marched him down the tower.

…...

Lux fell back, landing on his back atop the center tower. Lux looked at the statue of Arceus, finding that it had become animated. He sat up, looking at Arceus. "Hey! You okay?"

"Thank you, Bright One." Arceus expressed. "Thanks to you, we can finally slumber again."

"It was nothing." Lux chuckled, moving to sit on the edge of the tower. He ran his hand along the cut on his forehead, noticing that the bleeding had stopped. He looked down to the vast ocean in the distance, noticing that the sun had begun to rise. "I want to help people. I… just wish that I didn't have to hurt others to do so…"

"Some would call that naivete." Arceus commented, moving to his side. "But… sometimes idealism is nice in a world of cynics."

"I wish I could've saved the Catalyst." Lux sulked, holding his hand to the sunrise. He was no different... His hands were stained. "Or the being inside it. It just wanted to live like the rest of us… and I didn't let it..."

"The being like the Dark… like the Emerald Eyed Girl?" Arceus inquired. "I learned something about her kind. They're tough to destroy. I'm sure you'll meet again. No. I know you will meet again."

"Thanks, Arceus." Lux smiled, turning to the sound of someone calling his name. "They're here."

"You're friends are truly something else." Arceus complimented. "Thank you once again."

"Goodbye…" Lux waved his hand slightly as Arceus began to depart.

"Farewell, Emerald Eyed Boy." Arceus parted, leaving Lux alone to the calling of his friends.

Lux listened to his friends as they grew closer, looking out to the world below. A pleasant smile overtook his face as he looked at the sun in the distance. Lux continued to smile as he stood up, turning to face his friends when they reached the top.

Although our hands may become stained from violence. Although our eyes may become blind to hypocrisy. Our hearts shall never become black so long as we remember to support one another and always move forward.

 

Epilogue- Twins Born of Light​

"Come on, Mun-Mun!" Soleil called out to her twin brother, Siegmund, as she raced down the cruise ship that their parents had taken them on. She had long hair that started black at the roots, before changing to pink, then blonde, then white, complimented by her vibrant green eyes.

"W-wait!" Siegmund panicked, running behind her. He had short brown hair, yet two different colored eyes, his right green and his left pink. "I just got dressed, Sis!"

"Hurry! Hurry!" Soleil rushed, taking his hand. She dragged her brother through the halls, eventually stepping onto the deck. The deck was incredibly large and fancy, with a large pool in the center. Soleil looked around the area for their parents as Siegmund caught his breath. "Where are they!?"

"Over… there…" Siegmund mumbled, pointing at their parents speaking to an old, fat sailor.

"Good eyes!" Soleil complemented, dragging him by the hand again. They ran around a large pool in the center of the deck, pushing past numerous passengers in order to approach their mom and dad. "Mommy! Daddy!"

"One moment, Soleil." Her mom silenced, holding her right arm in front of her. Her mom had long blonde hair, fair skin, and pink eyes. She was notably almost her dad's height. Two things stood out, a faded scar that curved around her face, cutting into her eyebrow, and a robotic arm in the place of her right arm. A small gemstone was placed in the back of her right hand. "Continue."

"As I was saying," The fat sailor spoke. "We'll be returning to Spes soon. I just thought I'd let you know."

"You Ol' Fatguts..." Their dad sneered. He had short black hair and green eyes. He was fairly tall, an inch or so taller than their mom. He had an old scar on the left side of his forehead that cut into his hair above his eyebrow. His Meowstic and Eevee rode on his shoulders as usual. "You just wanted a chance to chat, didn't you?"

"Saw right through me, kid…" The sailor chuckled. "I'll let you spend time with your kids."

"Don't worry, I'm free to chat anytime." Their dad reassured. He waved goodbye to the sailor as Ms. Rika, their dad's personal knight, ran up to them.

"I-I'm sorry, Master Lux!" Ms. Rika apologized, bowing before their dad. She dressed in heroic gold and white armor and a red cape. Her hair was brown with a silver streak on her bangs. "T-they were simply too quick and before I knew it, they had escaped my sight!"

"Calm, Rika." Their dad chuckled, holding out his hand. "It's fine. They just wanted to see their parents was all. You can lift your head."

"U-understood…" Ms. Rika quickly bowed again, before backing up to stand guard.

"Hey, kiddo." Their dad smiled, kneeling to speak with them. "What do you want?"

"Someone's looking for trainers to battle in the arena!" Soleil informed, jumping fifty feet in the air. "I want to see you and Mommy battle! Let's go! Let's go!"

"...What do you think?" Their dad asked their mom.

"I'm sufficiently bored." Their mom answered, brushing her hair from her face. "It'll be a nice exercise."

"Alright." Their dad nodded, turning back to them. "We'll have a few battles."

"Yes!" Soleil celebrated, grabbing their parent's arms. "Let's go!"

"Right." Their dad grinned in amusement. "Come on, Siegmund."

"Yes!" Siegmund beamed, taking his dad's hand. Soleil dragged everyone to the arena inside the ship.

"Tada!" She announced, revealing the arena. The field was fairly large, simplistic and plain in design. An arrogant trainer celebrated his victory over another trainer. "Now! Go kick his butt, Daddy!"

"Fine fine." Their dad accepted, moving to the field. The arrogant trainer grinned at the sight of their dad approaching the field.

"What's up old timer?" The young man taunted. "You might wanna give up now before I humiliate you in front of your kids!"

"I'm only thirty." Their dad retorted, reaching to a Pokéball at his side. "I can handle anything you throw at me, young man."

"Your loss." The cocky trainer snickered, sending out a shiny Aegislash. "Get ready to lose!"

"Hmm." Their father paused, thinking of his options. Soleil and Siegmund ran to their dad's side, wearing worried expressions.

"Daddy!" Soleil frowned. "That one's really strong!"

"You should be careful!" Siegmund advised. They paused as their dad placed his left hand on their head individually.

"Calm." He reassured. Eevee and Meowstic both smiled in confidence. "Let your old man deal with everything. You just stay back for now."

"Come here kids." Their mom approached the twins. "Let's give your father some space."

"R-right…" Siegmund nodded, following his mom. Soleil silently paced after them.

"Now then." Their dad stretched, turning to his opponent. He reached to his side, pulling out a Pokéball. "I only have one request."

"I hope you're not asking me to throw the match." The trainer sneered. "That'd be cowardly, old man."

"Not at all." Their dad dismissed. "I only ask that you defeat at least one of my partners. Put on a good show for my kids, okay?"

Thank You For Reading.​