"How it all began…and how it will begin…again"
These words echoed in my mind as I stood in the snow, looking down upon the artefact that had guided me to the near-fruition of my dreams. I had worked for years to accomplish the ultimate goal, achieve the ultimate prize. Then, in an instant, my hopes were dashed, destroyed by the one thing I sought. Now I do not wish to acquire; I yearn for revenge. You destroyed my life's work and I promise to get my vengeance. You will not escape me again, Lugia.
The night was still; the sky, a magnificent black; air wafted in through the open window to my right, dancing about in my hair. The coolness was almost eerie against my cheek. These nights came often and with them came the memories. Without one of my many distractions I am free to reminisce, to think about my greatest defeat. The scenes haunted my mind, they never left me alone. I was consumed, obsessed. From failure, many people derive a renewed desire; others are reminded about what they have but for me the memories hold the realisation of what I failed to acquire, what I do not have. And with that realisation comes the pain naturally associated with it.
Sitting there, surrounded by my many lavish possessions, I did not look like a man who could be unhappy. I had it all: money, power, influence. Physically I was much worse for wear, however. My obsessions had taken much of my energy. My stature was unchanged but thin, sickly arms were the prelude to the rest of my body following suit.
I finally set aside my foolish delusions of defeat and started anew. For the millions of useless plans I had developed there was one that was sure to be successful. Standing, I moved to my desk and began work on what was to become my greatest masterpiece.
A curious television broadcast had piqued my attention. In one of the rare moments I actually used my television set, the information that would guide me to my future success was presented to me on a silver platter. This was fate.
"Are you absolutely certain?" Even in age my voice retained its regal tones.
"Is that what you 'eard on our show?" the man replied. He was the typical grunt worker: large, brutish with a thick accent and, most prominently, rude.
"It is but I need to make sure that these reports are accurate," I persisted, trying to reason with the man.
"Talk with 'er. She's the manager round 'ere." I winced, wishing he would pronounce the letter 'H'. Still, there were more important matters at hand and I repressed the urge to correct him, allowing him to waddle away. I turned to where the brute had indicated: a woman, tall, thin with dark hair held in gravity-defying loops and tanned skin.
"Excuse me, Ma'am," I attracted her attention. When she was looking at me I continued, "I would like to make an enquiry regarding a recent broadcast."
"Oh? Yes, follow me." Her voice was kindly and, although I was not entirely certain she understood my point, I was inclined to trust her. Thus, I followed her to a small office on the corner of the floor. Once seated behind her desk, she addressed me.
"And which broadcast are you asking about, Mister…?" She left her sentence hanging, inviting me to fill in the gap.
"Lawrence. the Third, actually," I informed her, curtly. "Your report said that ancient islands of fire, ice and lightning in the Orange Islands were deserted."
"Correct. A team of sailors were around there recently, searching for something or other. I'm not entirely sure what they were after."
'Spoken like a true PR rep,' I thought to myself.
"Did they encounter anything? Pokemon perhaps?" I chose my words carefully, not wanting to make my ultimate goal too obvious. Looking puzzled, she shook her head.
"Not as far as I'm aware. Perhaps would you like the name and address of the captain? He may be of more use."
"Thank you. That would be most helpful." I watched as she took a pen and paper from her drawer and begin scrawling a name on the tiny card. Taking it from her outstretched hand, I scanned the data quickly. I rose to my feet, bade her farewell and took my leave.
'Captain Jeffrey Patrick…let us hope you have the answers.'