A/N: This story was originally written several years ago by myself and a fellow FF writer, Aureiko. It was part of a contest on to celebrate the upcoming release of ORAS. It was also originally a 10,000 word-limit one-shot, but I'm splitting it up here into several chapters for readability's sake. Anyhow, enough about that. Enjoy the story~!

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Forty years ago, the world was a different place. A long period of peace was enforced by me, the Great Dragon, Rayquaza.

However, there was a time when Hoenn was nearly annihilated; a time when humans dared to upset the cosmic balance. This was the prelude to a well-known legend that would happen four decades later. To think it all started with one human's arrogance... it feels obvious looking back on it.

Before then, no human had dared scale my palace. No one even thought of the ancient Legend, and that was the way it should have stayed. Let me retell the tale, so that it may never be forgotten...

At last, what I had been waiting for was right in front of me. I ascended the last of the stairs, eagerly awaiting what I knew was at the peak of the Sky Tower. It would finally be mine, thanks to yours-truly of course.

All that remained between me and my new domain was a door. One great, final door. Its silver surface was emblazoned with an engraved mural depicting the legend I knew by heart. The Great Dragon, Rayquaza, hovered above a desolate land as great storm-gales arced from his body and smote the unworthy residents in his wake. His mighty head was upturned, snubbing the wasted land below and abandoning it to its fate. Instead, his gaze was fixed on a floating continent, verdant and rich with life. Rayquaza's head was leaning towards the continent, submitting himself before the person he gazed upon.

That person, that woman, would soon be me. I would be the one to rule Paradise. As queen, I would cleanse the land like a soon-to be-goddess should.

"It took long enough." I ignored the familiar voice from behind me, knowing that it belonged to my so-called commander, Kyler. I knew he had been growing impatient with me, but I didn't care. I was Rayquaza's chosen disciple, after all. Even the lord of Team Aerial could do nothing without me.

Team Aerial... I clench my teeth every time I think of those idiots. Their foolish dogma that the Great Dragon Rayquaza was the key to ruling the world — bah! What nonsense. The only reason I even put up with that fool of a commander was so I could fulfill the legend. Nothing would matter once I've acquired Paradise for myself. It was my turn to rule.

"Stuff it, Ky." I smirked over my shoulder at the countenance of a rather annoyed Kyler. "I'm the only one who can open this door."

The man's right eye twitched, but his scowl remained. "Just open the door, Natalie." His cold tone failed to mask his ire at having to play second-Nanab to me. Arceus, it felt good to put him in his place for a change. He'd been stepping on me for too damn long. It was my turn to be on top. That bastard would never hurt me or anyone else again.

Because he'd be the first sinner to die.

I reached my hands out towards the door. Just as I knew they would, the doors swung open, as if welcoming me into Paradise itself. Just one final staircase remained.

"Finally!" Kyler shoved me aside and rushed up the stairs ahead of me. "It's mine! Rayquaza shall choose me! Thanks, Natalie! I'll remember you when I'm king!"

That backstabbing little—! Ah, I should have known he'd do that.

o-o-o

"Ralts!"

I forced a smile down at the Ralts sitting next to me, trying my best to sound confident. "Don't worry, Rio, we'll be okay."

In all honesty, I didn't really think we'd be okay. My parents were murdered before my eyes just hours ago. Rio whined; clearly he could sense my ambivalence on the matter. Stupid damned psychic abilities. If he'd believed me, maybe he'd be confident and calm about this.

The door from behind me burst open and my heart jumped. I couldn't help the shriek that came afterward, either.

I turned around and saw a woman with ruby red hair holding a notepad, looking at me with avid interest. "G-get away from me!"

She laughed. "Little girlie, I am not a threat to you. I am here… to help you."

Those last words struck a nerve. "You killed my parents, and you want to help me?"

The woman gave me a smile — a sinister smile. "Oh, but your parents are still alive! But they're in critical condition right now... Do you know what this means, little girl?" I glared at her warily. "It means if you don't do as we say, we'll let your parents die. You have no choice but to cooperate with us."

Dang it! She's bluffing — or is she?

"So? What's it going to be, darling?"

Rio nudged me with his paw, his brilliant blue eyes reflecting the same fear and hurt I know must be in mine. He grabbed my hand with his paw and put on a strained smile. A surge of guilt panged at my heart. My feeling Pokémon was trying to console me, the trainer.

Rio's always told me to stay calm no matter what — to be strong even when he could not. As his trainer, I promised to be the calm and collected one. I promised to be strong.

So, one moment later, I told her I'd cooperate. It was okay though — I had a plan.