Hi guys! I'm new here to Fanfiction and I thought I would try my hand at writing a pokémon fanfic. This is my first attempt at a story including pokémon so don't kill me if it's horrible. I hope you guys like it. There are a few similarities to certain events in history included. See if you can spot them ;)
Prologue
The sun rose revealing a scene of desolation and utter destruction in what was once the vibrant city of Lumiose, capital of Kalos. The wreckage of smoldering buildings dotted the landscape and the air was choked with smoke. A silence like death hung over the burning city; all life seemed to have been extinguished. In the center of the city stood the once proud Lumiose Tower, a beacon of the cultural and spiritual pride of the Kalosian people, a shining light for the entire nation to look upon. Now it stood dark exuding the same lifeless spirit as the rest of the city.
From the wreckage of one of the little houses along the main street popped out the curious head of a young girl, her golden hair covered in soot and ash. From inside the satchel bag she was carrying popped out the head of her faithful dedenne, a pokémon her brother had caught for her to keep her company when he and their father were out on business.
'Come on dedenne I'm sure Clemont is around here somewhere' she whispered scanning the area for signs of life.
Dedenne bleated back a confident response which brought a smile to the girl's face. She searched around her house as well as the street looking for anything or anyone that could help her reunite with her brother but to no avail. Everyone had left as far as she could tell. It was almost impossible to see anyone with all the smoke and ash and she refused to yell out into the darkness lest she attract the wrong kind of attention. But despite her precarious situation she still managed to keep her spirits high.
'Don't worry, dedenne, he was to be around here somewhere' she said cheerfully. Dedenne heartily agreed, of course they were going to fine Clemont, after all, how hard could it be?
The pair had been searching for just under an hour, when without any apparent explanation the girl jumped behind the shattered remains of the one of the numerous cafes that Lumiose city was famous for. Dedenne popped its head out questioningly asking what was going on in its own language.
'Hush dedenne, I hear someone coming' she whispered seriously. Indeed a low rumbling sound like thunder could be heard in the distance growing louder with each passing minute. The girl looked up overhead in disbelief realizing that the source of the sound was not coming from the ground but from above.
Flying under the smoke was a squad of Kantonian Pidgeot arranged in perfect battle formation, their polished body armour glistening despite no sunlight being able to permeate the thick layer of smoke hanging over the city. Printed on the sides of their armor was the Kantonian insignia, a symbol that the Kalosians had come to know very well over the past month. The girl narrowed her eyes and puffed out her cheeks in anger. These were the people that had invaded her country and destroyed her home. In fact it was their last aerial attack that had left Lumiose city in such disarray. It was an event the little girl would never forget.
She remembered being at home when the first wave of Pidgeot went on the offensive. Her father had been an engineer in the army but had been captured after the Kantonians seized Aquacorde Town which meant she was home alone save for her older brother Clemont and dedenne of course. Unfortunately for her Clemont who was also in the armed forces was busy at Lumiose Tower organizing the defense of the city which meant she was left alone with only dedenne as company. When the Kantonians struck they struck with unrivaled precision and ferocity. She remembered watching in awe as the Kantonian offensive was met with stiff resistance from the Kalosian 8th Talonflame Brigade, their last hope to stop the Kantonians from fully occupying Kalos.
For a while a seemed that the Kalosians had the advantage; although the Kantonians' pokémon were stronger, their Talonflame were much faster and were able to weave their away through the battlefield without taking much damage. She remembered cheering for the captain leading the battle when he and his Talonflame struck down a particularly marauding Pidgeot and his master who were deliberately targeting civilians. For a little while it seemed that they could win the battle…. But it was not to last.
Now what was that captain's name? It's on the tip of my tongue, come on... oh that's right, his name was Falkner! She thought to herself, recalling the blue haired man atop the Talonflame.
As Bonnie had correctly recalled, Falkner was an aerial commander from Johto the first nation to have been invaded by Kanto. He had narrowly escaped the carnage that had befallen his country, vowing to return and liberate his homeland one day.
But what Bonnie couldn't quite remember was why he lost the battle. As far as she saw, the battle appeared to be in the Kalosians favour, in fact they hadn't lost a single man compared to the numerous losses the Kantonians were experiencing. She just couldn't quite get her head around it.
I wonder what happened up there…
Flashback to earlier that day
Captain Falkner sat atop his loyal Talonflame, ready for battle. He had been training with this particular pokémon for months now after his original partner was struck down in the invasion of Johto. For this atrocity his heart burned for vengeance but if he was to succeed he knew he needed to keep a cool head.
Already, the Kantonians had managed to capture large areas of Kalosian land, their superior technology and better trained pokémon allowing them to rapidly secure important strategic positions around the country and now, after almost two months of continuous fighting from both sides they were nearing the capital which would surely secure their hegemony over the continent. Falkner was determined not to let that happen, at least not without a fight.
Talonflame as a pokémon did not quite understand the concept of war. The only thing it understood was obeying its master, but it has seen firsthand what the Kantonians had done to the forests its kind once lived in. It had fought on its own at first, regularly raiding the Kantonian camps scattered around occupied Kalos, but now it had a master who was as determined to reclaim his home as Talonflame was. Their shared desire to liberate their homes made them quick and efficient in battle, better than any other in fact. It was almost as if their minds were one. It was for this very reason that Falkner, despite being a foreigner was tasked with commanding this unit.
'Not long now my friend, we won't fail' whispered Falkner stroking the feathers of the proud fire bird beneath him. Talonflame nodded in agreement. No matter the cost, they would not fail.
Behind him, all equally determined to protect their country were the remnants of the Kalos Aerial Force, now incorporated into the 8th Talonflame Brigade, the last remaining aerial defense unit of Kalos. All ground forces were in total retreat. The lucky ones had been killed in battle. Those who were captured were sent away to Kanto to face a process they liked to call: 'Re – education'.
Despite all efforts to hinder them, nothing seemed to be able to stop the Kantonians' expansion into Kalos. Now he and his band of survivors were the last line of defense between an independent Kalos and an occupied country.
These men all stared silently at Falkner who sat perfectly still in an almost meditative position, most likely formulating a plan of attack. They knew he was from Johto but still followed his instructions and paid him the same respect as they would with a Kalosian commander. Unlike the Kantonians who were narcissistically obsessed with themselves and their image as independent warriors, they didn't mind fighting alongside foreigners as long as the job got done.
'What do you think he's planning?' whispered a pilot to his buddy.
'I don't know but for all our sakes… I hope it's a good one'
Falkner was indeed deciding on their battle strategy, combing the archives of his mind for a plan that would achieve victory without too many casualties. His years in the sky had allowed him to compile vast amounts of knowledge on aerial warfare, now it was time to put that knowledge to good use.
After a few minutes of calm thinking he came up with a plan that would hopefully work. Now all he needed was the report from the scout he had sent off earlier to gather the final bits of information to be implemented in his plan and it would be perfect.
'Sir, scout incoming' reported one of the pilots' who had his telescope out.
He had deployed this particular scout to ascertain the Kantonians position before they struck. If they knew where the Kantonians were coming from, they would lose the element of surprise. The scout rushed towards Falkner saluting him before giving his report.
'Sir, there is an entire battalion of Pidgeot approaching from the South, I heard rumors that they may have been accompanied by a legion of Fearow but I'm afraid I don't have a confirmed sighting. I am quite sure that they are approximately ten minutes from our position' he recited flawlessly.
Falkner nodded in understanding, then turned away to decide how to implement this information into his plan. They were not outnumbered if it was only an attack from a single battalion of Pidgeot but they were far from evenly matched in terms of strength and technology. He knew that the Kantonians had developed a new kind of armor that was light enough to be mounted on flying pokémon without reducing their speed but strong enough to resist most attacks. He had seen it being used to deadly effect over the skies of Johto once before. Fortunately in addition this information he also knew that there was a weakness in their armor, one that he could exploit to take away that advantage.
'The links between the armor can only withstand certain temperatures, if I can apply enough heat to these regions than that armor will break… Talonflame's flame charge should exude enough heat to destroy those links. Not to mention that Talonflame would be able to strike fast and efficiently before withdrawing to avoid a counter attack' he thought simulating the scenario continuously in his mind, searching for even the slightest of flaws.
'Do you know who is leading the attack?' he suddenly asked the scout.
'I'm afraid not sir, although our intelligence reports confirm that Kiloude City has become the base of operations for the Kantonian High Command. I didn't see any general leading the attack but… I could have been mistaken sir… I'm sorry…' he remarked slightly ashamed at the fact that he could not provide a decent answer.
'Don't be sorry soldier, you have done good work' complimented Falkner putting his hand reassuringly on the scout's shoulder. The scout looked up and nodded in gratitude before re – joining the ranks.
Falkner carefully weighed his options, thoroughly considering even the minutest of details. It would have been extremely helpful if he knew who was leading the assault for then he could modify their strategy to the particular style of the attacking commander in question.
When the Kantonians invaded Johto, he had quickly learned that each General and Commanding Officer had their own unique style of attack which hardly ever changed. He realized that there both advantages and disadvantages to this method. If the Kantonians never changed their style of attack then it was easy to identify weaknesses and work around them. But it also meant that they were masters of whatever method of warfare they chose and that made them particularly deadly. Without knowing the identity of the commander, Falkner would be forced to adapt his battle tactics, literally on the fly.
But this was no time to second guess himself. He knew his men were ready, they had been trained for this and knew the risks associated that came with defending one's freedom but Arceus willing, they would survive this.
All the same, their fear flows past me like a chilling breeze. I need to galvanise these men. If there was ever a time to speak, it is now
Falkner turned to his men, determined to make them fearless. When he spoke his voice reached the ears of all those around him inspiring them to let go of their fear and dive into the throws of battle without any regrets.
'You know why you are here men, your homes, you families, your very livelihoods have been threatened by a tyrannical force bent on domination and subjugation. I have seen firsthand the results of occupation. It is something I would never wish on anyone even our enemies. To fight and kill is never good but in the defense of one's liberty and independence we shall fight without fear and with prevailing courage and honor. I know you are frightened. I would be a fool and a liar if I claimed that I was neither, yet I stand before you today as your commander. I am only able to do this because I know that you stand behind me, for it is only together that we may bring about a peaceful conclusion to this war. So I ask you now, do you stand with me?!' he yelled passionately.
'Yes!' cried his men over and over again, the strength of their fearless voices reaching those on the streets below giving them hope.
Then on this day let us fly into a peaceful dawn! Let us fly into VICTORY!' he roared punching the air.
Both man and pokémon cheered in adulation, their hearts emboldened by their leaders' courage and fighting spirit.
But Falkner's speech had ended barely a moment too soon before the Talonflame with their keen senses began to pick up disturbances in the air currents signalling the arrival of more flying pokémon. Talonflame shrieked to alert Falkner of the incoming danger. Falkner however, as a result of his training with flying – type pokémon, had also detected the subtle change in the air.
'Get ready men!' Falkner shouted to his troops. Falkner's men immediately ceased their cheering. They tensed and assumed battle positions, each one saying one last prayer to Arceus before buckling down on their Talonflame, ready for the fight of their lives. For a moment there was absolute silence. Nobody moved a muscle and nobody spoke, creating the effect that time was moving much slower than it should have been.
Suddenly with the force of a hurricane, an entire battalion of Pidgeot descended from the clouds with their riders.
Falkner grinded his teeth and steeled himself for battle.
'This is it men! To arms!' he declared.
The Talonflame launched themselves in battle, with only one thought on their minds: Defend the motherland.
To the attacking Kantonians the Talonflame were little more than red blurs streaking past them, unable to be hit. The Pidgeot tried their best to hit the smaller fire birds but their powerful attacks were useless without a target to hit.
Falkner looked for an opening from above the battle, looking for somewhere where he could strike and take out the Kantonians unique armor from the equation.
'Come on, just one, give just me one shot' he said through gritted teeth, continuing to scan the battle field for an opportunity to strike.
Then he saw it.
One Pidgeot had just dodged a flame charge attack from another Talonflame leaving its' flank, and the links to its armor, exposed and vulnerable.
'Alright Talonflame, let's do this!' he commanded buckling down on the pokémon to provide the least amount of wind resistance.
Talon flame nodded and faster than a bolt of lightning shot itself towards the Pidgeots' vulnerable flank like an arrow. Talonflames' body became immersed in fire but this was of no concern to Falkner. Like all Talonflame riders he wore a special uniform that was resistant to fire.
Talonflame narrowed its eyes, going in for the kill.
Before the Pidgeot was even aware of its mistake a force travelling at an incredibly high speed had slammed into it disorientating the pokémon. Its' rider had no clue where the attack had come from and could only watch in horror as the specially designed armor they had been promised was indestructible fell apart. Exposed and at high risk of being attacked by a faster pokémon the Pidgeot retreated.
Falkner allowed a smirk to dominate his face. His tactic had proved successful, but his victory was short lived. The terrified screams of civilians could be heard in the streets directly below him.
Somehow one Pidgeot fighter had broken through the defensive line and was terrorizing civilians on the street. Its hurricane attack was causing mayhem, uprooting entire trees, smashing windows and hurtling people dangerously fast into the walls of the buildings along the street.
Without Falkner even having to ask Talonflame plunged itself downwards into the fray employing the same tactic of a high velocity attack to deal with this despicable excuse for a flying type.
The Pidgeot, too concerned with causing as much destruction as possible did not notice the impeding threat and much like its comrade was struck so suddenly it fell to the ground rolling onto its rider trapping him underneath the prostrate pokémon. Once upon the ground the rider was restrained by the local Officer Jenny and the Pidgeot was paralysed by people a thundershock attack from her Manetric. The grateful citizens cheered for Falkner who fist pumped the air victoriously before speeding off back into the conflict still raging above him.
The battle had only lasted for a quarter of an hour but to those fighting an eternity and a half had passed by. Both forces were completely spent but were still determined to win. Falkner furrowed his brow in frustration. His men and pokémon were almost at the point of exhaustion; that was obvious.
Luckily for them, the Kantonians were even more so.
'Come on men, we're so close now! To victory!' he yelled attempting to spur his men into action.
'To victory!' they yelled emphatically charging towards the tired Pidgeot. Fortunately for them, the outmatched Pidgeot were in full retreat.
The Kalosians cheered. Their mission had been a spectacular success. They had successfully defended Lumiose and had done so without any casualties. At glance all appeared well.
Falkner however, was not satisfied.
He would reserve celebrating until he was sure that the danger had passed.
But something was wrong.
Falkner narrowed his eyes at the retreating Pidgeot. They were not flying away from battle. They were flying up into the clouds. Falkner's blood went cold as he realized his mistake.
They're not retreating… they're regrouping!
'Men, look sharp, this isn't over!' he yelled frantically towards his disorganized brigade.
Too busy celebrating they didn't notice they faint gush of air signifying an incoming pokémon. Falkner could only watch in horror as a massive beam of energy tore through the sky downing many of his men and injuring many others.
Falkner would recognize that hyper beam attack anywhere. It was the signature attack of a Kantonian Dragonite. And there was only one person in the entire Kantonian army that owned a Dragonite.
'Lance' muttered Falkner spitefully.
From the clouds descended a menacing Dragonite, fitted with armor Falkner knew even Talonflame would not be able to penetrate. Atop the dragon pokémon stood General Lance, proud and confident in his ability to achieve victory for Kanto. His cape flowed in the wind creating the effect of him being presented as a heroic figure.
But Falkner knew better.
Months before, it was General Lance who had personally led the assault on Goldenrod City. He was quick, efficient and extremely dangerous. His appearances on the battlefield were rare, but when he did reveal himself, destruction was guaranteed to follow.
Lance surveyed the beautiful city, smiling maliciously at how defenceless it was. This would be too easy. He snapped his head towards Falkner who was staring at him with an expression so full of hatred that anyone else would have cringed from the sheer intensity of it. Lance smirked locking Falkner in his icy glare. He recognized this man from Johto. He had commanded the Johtian Air Force when his army had laid siege to the capital city: Goldenrod. He laughed inwardly at the memory of his defeat. It was swift and humiliating. In other words, a perfect mission.
'So he has decided to show his face in my skies again. Oh well, his funeral'
'Lance!' raged Falkner. 'You don't know how long I have waited for this moment. Every home you have destroyed, every life you have taken… I will get vengeance for all of them!' he yelled pointing accusatorily at the General.
'Ha ha, I'm afraid this will not be like Goldenrod. Dragonite and I have also been waiting. You see my misguided friend, this is not the same Dragonite you faced in Johto. My beloved pokémon and I have been training non – stop since our last encounter with you' he stated proudly, patting Dragonite's lustrous armor.
Falkner was curious as to what Lance meant but his memory of Goldenrod reminded him not to let his guard down.
'We have ascended to new heights, Dragonite and I. We have acquired power, power the likes of which has never been seen before… and now that you are here I think it is time to put that power to the test' hissed Lance cracking his knuckles.
Falkner braced himself for the worst. Whatever happened, at least he would go down fighting.
'Dragonite… DRAGONIC OBLITERATOR!' (A new move I made up – imagine it as a super powered Draco Meteor) yelled Lance. Dragonite's eyes glowed a luminescent blue. Then the dragon pokémon opened its mouth gathering a massive amount of glowing energy. Electricity crackled around the ball of energy which only continued to grow in size casting a dark shadow over the city below. Around them the clouds grew dark and began to swirl over Dragonite who continued to draw energy into the ball.
'Alright Talonflame, this is it, let's go!' yelled Falkner hoping that there was still a chance to stop Lance.
Talonflame powered its way through the air letting out a battle cry of pure defiance. The pair sped towards Lance at a break neck pace.
Surprisingly, Lance did not show the slightest amount of concern. In fact he looked almost bored. Falkner was puzzled by his lack of action but did not question it, believing it to be just a show of unbridled overconfidence and arrogance.
So that monster is not afraid? Well, I'll give him a reason to be afraid!
Falkner urged Talonflame to fly even faster. Maybe they could actually pull this off.
Then Lance did the strangest thing. Instead of responding as Falkner had expected he turned to a cloud and nodded his head. This confused Falkner but he believed to be irrelevant. They were so close now that even if Lance did attempt to defend himself it would be too late.
Then out of nowhere, just as Talonflame was about to attack, an object moving at an incredible speed collided with the pokémon sending it off course. The flame bird reeled in confusion before it was hit again by the same speeding object confusing it.
'Talonflame! Hold steady my friend' pleaded Falkner who despite being a flying type master was having trouble staying balanced on the confused pokémon. Out of the corner of his eye he could have sworn he saw another pokémon, one with a very long beak.
'Fearow' muttered Falkner, his fists clenched in anger. Lance who had observed the drama unfold beneath him smirked. This has been his plan all along.
'You didn't think I would come alone did you?' he asked mockingly to the tired Falkner. Behind him a legion of Kantonian Fearow materialized seemingly from nowhere. They were much more formidable than the Pidgeot Falkner had defeated earlier and their drill peck attack was lethal.
The aerial commander looked up at the smug dragon master wanting nothing more than to wipe that arrogant smirk from his face. He growled in frustration. He was clearly outmatched once again and Dragonite was still drawing energy to feed its new attack. He wanted to fight but he was outnumbered and outgunned. He would be struck dead before he try anything. There was nothing he could possibly do.
'I have failed… again.' He thought bowing his head in shame.
Talonflame sensed his masters' anxiety and cooed softly trying to comfort him. But Talonflame also realized that at this point, the chances of a Kalosian victory were remote.
'Lance' called Falkner, his voice almost dripping with contempt.
The dragon master looked at him, satisfied that the display of Kantonian power had crushed his willingness to continue.
'I – I surrender, but please, this city does not need to suffer. There are innocent people down there, have mercy on them' he pleaded, although it killed him inside to even speak in friendly tone to this defiler of nations.
Lance considered the humiliated commanders' request for a moment. To be honest, he wasn't very keen on destroying the city either but he knew that once Dragonite started it could not be stopped, even by him.
'I'm afraid I can't do that, you see once Dragonite starts charging this particular attack it cannot be stopped' he yelled to the defeated captain.
Falkner was at the point of desperation now. There had to be some way to save this beautiful city.
Perhaps I could –
'FIRE!' shouted Lance cutting off Falkner's train of thought. Dragonite's ball of energy, which by now had grown to a monstrous size was blasted into the air before exploding into thousands of balls of super charged energy, all of them crashing into the defenceless city below.
'NO!' cried out Falkner who could only watch in horror as entire buildings were sent crashing down. The cries of frightened people and pokémon alike were being drowned out by the constant sound of more energy colliding with the earth, destroying whatever it touched. One of ball of energy hit the Lumiose Tower causing it to lose all power. Lumiose was burning to ground before Falkner's very eyes and there was nothing he could do about it.
Falkner's body folded over in defeat. He had failed to protect his home once again. Tomorrow the citizens of Kalos would wake up to find themselves in an occupied nation. Talonflame, stunned beyond belief at the carnage below failed to notice two approaching Fearow whose riders threw out two rings which bounds it body as if held by an invisible rope, immobilizing it (Think of Pokémon: Movie 2000 with those rings that caught the legendary birds) Falkner was put in energy cuffs of his own. He didn't even try to resist as they flew him away from the city now enveloped in a deadly fire storm.
The defeated Kalosians alongside their devastated leader were transported far away, most likely to Kanto where they would be sent to the dreaded re – education facilities. Falkner suspected that as a commander he would face a mock trail followed by his execution.
He didn't even care anymore.
Only Lance remained behind, transfixed by the destruction he had brought upon the city.
'So this is what it feels like to be Arceus' he whispered almost reverently to himself. His expression was unfathomable, but if it was, not a trace of guilt would be present. With one last frown he looked down at the burning city coming to the conclusion that this test trial had been more successful than even he could imagine. Then without sparing a single second for the surely dying people below him he and Dragonite flew off after the Fearow. But once the fires died down… they would be back.
Present
Oh well, it's not like he could do anything about it now. I hope he's alright though' she thought thinking of the incarcerated aerial commander.
The girl continued to watch from the shadows as more Pidgeot followed by Fearow overran the skies. Beneath her the ground shook violently making the girl tremble in fear. Dedenne nudged her arm, reassuring her that everything would be alright.
'Thanks dedenne' she whispered gratefully.
She chanced peaking outside to see what was making the very earth shake. It had to be something big.
'Or a lot of big things' she whispered in astonishment once the perpetrators of the earth shaking became visible.
From the smoke emerged ground troops of Kantonian pokémon who were now finally able to enter the city. The girl recognized some of them from books her brother kept on pokémon native to Kanto.
'Golem, Nidoking and Machamp… to name just a few' she thought observing the intimidating pokémon marching who were marching in the direction of the city centre.
These pokémon were accompanied by human troops who were just as intimidating in their sharp uniforms, all of them marching in perfect unison. Both man and pokémon were emblazoned with the Kantonian Insignia, the world's new symbol of oppression. They moved as one cohesive unit, like a great colossus with many heads, of all them scarier than the last. If the girl wasn't scared of the Kantonians before, she was now.
Despite her fear she followed alongside the troops in the shadows of the wrecked buildings ensuring that she remained out of sight.
She figured that anyone left in Lumiose would probably be gathering at the city center in front of the now, lifeless, Lumiose Tower.
After five minutes of tailing the marching troops they reached their destination. The girl was more than happy to be rid of these soulless creatures.
She almost squealed in excitement when they arrived at the city centre for there she finally saw other Kalosians. Most of them were injured with bruises and cuts on their faces, some with bloody bandages wrapped around the heads or arms. Some looked relatively unharmed. But what they all shared in common was the collective look of defeat on their faces. Not one of them resisted when the Kantonian troops entered their vicinity.
The girl felt very sorry for all these people, some of them she even knew by name, but there was only one person she was concerned with finding at the moment. She scanned the crowd looking for the signature blond hair and large round glasses that would give away her big brother. She looked until there, sitting on an upside down bucket, his face a mask of grief, was the person she had wanted to find most of all.
'Clemont!' shouted the young girl, running towards her brother, dedenne also crying out with joy.
Her brother snapped his head up in surprise at the sound of his sister's voice. When he saw her running towards him, his eyes welled up with tears. He hadn't lost his sister in the fires as he had previously thought. He ran towards her as well, more happy than he had ever been to see her in his entire life.
However, the girl in her haste had forgotten just why she was hiding in the shadows. Before she could reach her brother she felt an intense pressure on her shoulder. She turned around only to find two Kantonian soldiers holding her back, leering at her menacingly.
'Clemont, help me!' the girl cried out. Her brother who had caught up got on his knees pleading with the occupying soldiers to release his sister. Dedenne was about to intervene when an Arbok coiled itself around the tiny electric mouse. It cried out in protest but the cobra pokémon only tightened its grip.
'Please, she's just a little girl, let her go' begged Clemont, desperately trying to reach his little sister.
'Spare me your whining Kalosian filth, I reserve no sympathy for the children of lower peoples' spat the soldier angrily. Clemont was almost on the verge of tears being unable to protect his sister.
'Take her in, this one looks young enough to be re – educated' added the second soldier, sneering at Clemont as he did.
By now the other Kalosian people who had been observing the drama cried out in protest, their angry voices drowning out the commands that the soldiers were barking at them.
'What is the trouble here?' asked a calm but deep voice breaking through the melee of shouting and crying.
All heads turned towards the source of voice. Standing before the arguing crowd was a tall, muscular figure, dressed smartly in his military uniform. The uniform he was wearing was different from the soldiers being confronted by the Kalosians. His was a dark shade of black. On his overcoat there was a medal; its design a beautiful golden Moltres surrounded by a ring of fire with the words, Titan of Fire inscribed on it.
The Kalosians took notice of his age, he couldn't have been over twenty – five. But despite his impressive demeanor he still seemed to radiate an aura of kindness and generosity. The little girl who had previously felt only hatred towards the Kantonians now felt foolish for thinking they were all the same. The man that stood before them was obviously different.
'General Red!' exclaimed the soldiers who straightened their uniforms before saluting in perfect unison.
Seeing its master submit to this man, Arbok released its grip on dedenne letting it go completely. Dedenne scampered back to Bonnie and hid in her satchel. The man now revealed as one General Red curtly nodded to the soldiers before turning his attention to young girl, now freed from the soldier's captivity.
Red took a knee, reaching the little girls' eye level. He gave her a warm smile which eased the tension between the two peoples. Nevertheless, Clemont kept a firm grip on his sisters' shoulder. He would rather die than see his sister being used as a tool by Kanto. Red gave him a quick glance, understanding his emotions. If his family was being threatened he was sure he wouldn't trust the attackers either.
'Tell me young one, what is your name?' asked Red kindly.
'B – Bonnie' answered the girl nervously.
'Bonnie. That's a nice name, and tell me, who is this?' asked Red noticing dedenne in Bonnies' satchel.
'Oh, this is dedenne, it's my best friend in the whole world' explained Bonnie losing any fear she had previously held against Red. Clemont looked at her with a surprised expression. If Bonnie liked this man than he couldn't be all that bad, despite the fact that he was Kantonian.
Red let out a light chuckle.
'Is that so? Well here, allow me to introduce my best friend in the whole world' said Red.
He looked up to the sky and whistled. Everyone looked up as the sun was temporarily blotted out by a massive beastly shape. A large orange dragon like creature landed on the ground, creating a ripple of dust from the strength of the impact. The dragon roared proudly issuing a beam of flame from its mouth.
'This is my best friend Charizard' said Red proudly stroking Charizards' snout. The pokémon growled softly in contentment.
'Wow!' squealed Bonnie, who was wide eyed with awe at Charizards' power.
Red smiled. He was always happy to show off Charizard and he knew that Charizard lost no opportunity to show how strong it was.
'Would you like to touch him? He likes to be scratched behind the ear, don't you buddy?
Charizard roared in agreement.
Bonnie wasted no time in running up to the imposing dragon hugging its snout tightly before scratching it behind the ear. Charizard roared its approval causing Bonnie to giggle.
'You're not so scary after all, you're a sweetheart aren't you' chided Bonnie sweetly kissing the dragon on its snout.
Close up it almost looked as if Charizard was blushing. Red had to restrain himself from bursting out in laughter. He liked this sweet little girl. But this city was not safe anymore. He took moment to observe the carnage that Lance had caused. This was unnecessary, he would have to speak to him about it later.
He turned to the two soldiers who had been quietly watching the scene unfold before them. They did not expect their General to be so lenient with the occupied population but they had no authority to question him.
'This girl and her brother are to be transported to Vaniville immediately, if anyone asks, tell them to contact me, do you understand?' ordered Red, a serious expression on his face. The two soldiers turned to each other, one more confused than the other.
'But sir, began the first soldier, they are the enemy' blurted the first soldier
'Not to mention that this one is a Kalosian General' added the second soldier motioning towards Clemont.
Red shook his head angrily.
'Are you two disobeying a direct order?' he asked staring them down. One look from Red was enough to unsettle the two soldiers who nervously adjusted their collars and exchanged nervous glances with each other.
'No, no, of course not sir' said one guard who motioned for a Fearow to come get them.
Red turned back to the two blond haired siblings and smiled.
'You two will be relocated to a safer location, I assure you, no harm will come to you' said Red directly to Clemont.
'And the rest of the citizens? We can't just leave them behind' exploded Clemont his fists clenched.
'Do not worry about them, they too will be relocated but as you can see, this city is no longer fit for human habitation, but I give my word, you will be able to come home one day' explained Red reassuringly.
Clemont turned to the people behind him.
'I can't just leave you here' he said to one elderly man.
'Do it Clemont, do it for Bonnie, we'll find our way rest assured' answered the old man calmly with a wink.
Clemont sighed, trusting Red might be their only chance to leave the city.
'Fine we'll go… but I'm only doing this for Bonnie' he explained to Red. Red nodded and motioned for the Fearow to come forward.
Clemont helped Bonnie up on the flying pokémon before mounting it himself.
'Red, I never thought I'd say this to a Kantonian but… thank you' he admitted extending his hand.
Red was quite surprised by the young man's actions. It just went to show that unexpected things happened all the time. Regardless, Red happily shook Clemonts' hand. They might have been adversaries on the battle field but it didn't mean it had to be personal.
'Goodbye Charizard! I'll miss you!' hollered Bonnie gleefully as the Fearow began its ascent. Charizard roared in farewell. Much like his master, he too was fond of the cheerful little girl. Red waved as the Fearow grew smaller and smaller on the horizon before it was gone, far away to the south where hopefully the war would not follow.
Red smiled knowing that those two would be safe.
He turned back to the two soldiers who were still standing at attention. 'Evacuate all the citizens to Shalour City, no one is to be left behind' ordered Red
'Yes sir!' chorused the soldiers before marching away corralling the remaining citizens into a single group, ordering them to gather their possessions.
Satisfied that the situation was under control Red mounted his Charizard sparing one last look for the destroyed city. He scrunched his nose in distaste at the scene of destruction below him. He would definitely be talking to Lance about this when he got back.
'Alright, buddy let's go' he said patting Charizard on the head.
Charizard nodded and with one stroke of its powerful wings was speeding away back to Kiloude for a briefing on the next course of action in the already destructive war.
Later in the Afternoon
Clemont was quiet the entire flight to Vaniville. He was still trying to figure out why Red helped them.
Where supposed to be enemies, yet he helped us… why?'
'Clemont, look!' shouted Bonnie excitedly, pointing towards the ground. Clemont decided to leave those thoughts behind for the time being. After all, he had more important things to think about, like what they were going to do once they reached wherever they were going. Clemont readjusted his glasses and looked to where Bonnie was pointing.
She was pointing towards a small town, not much bigger than Gosenge but certainly more of a looker than that ancient relic of a town. And best of all it appeared to be untouched by the war.
'So that's we're going, Vaniville Town' whispered Clemont smiling at the serene little town.
'It's so beautiful Clemont' exclaimed Bonnie stunned by the fact that she had never thought of visiting here before.
'Yes Bonnie it is' answered Clemont slowly, transfixed by its calm atmosphere.
Not long after the town had come in view, the Fearow transporting them began its descent landing in front of a quaint two story house. In front of the house stood two Elite Kantonian guards. The two guards stood on each side of a beautiful smiling women who was standing with her hands on her hips.
The two siblings walked up to the women nervously, not knowing what to expect. The two guards stood stationary not even sparing the two a passing glance. Clemont had expected that but it didn't make it any less nerve – wracking. He wondered what would the woman be like?
The woman smiled warmly at the pair.
'Hi kids, my name is Grace Yvonne, please come in. I want you to feel as comfortable as possible' she said motioning for them to enter the house. Clemont reeled in surprise.
Kids? Do I really look that young? He thought unsure as to whether he should feel offended or not. Everyone except the guards entered the home. Clemont looked outside one last time at the Fearow who was already taking off and gulped. This was home now.
'Please kids, just call me Grace' called the new woman from the kitchen. Clemont and Bonnie looked around at Graces' house. It certainly looked smaller from the outside. It was comfortably furnished with several items that certainly looked imported, probably from somewhere far away like Unova. The mantelpiece was lined with framed pictures, most of them with two females in them, one of them obviously Grace, the other a younger girl, with honey blond hair. Like Grace she had cyan blue eyes and much like Grace she was extremely beautiful.
'Clemont who do you think this is?' asked Bonnie curiously observing one of the pictures. Inside her bag she felt dedenne squirm in its sleep. She giggled at the feeling of his tail unknowingly tickling her ribs. It was so adorable.
'Well it's probably her –
'Alright kids, who wants lemonade?' asked Grace cheerfully, entering the living room with a tray bearing three tall glasses of the sparkling drink.
'Thank Ms Grace' said Bonnie running up and grabbing a glass of lemonade drinking it all in one gulp. After she was done she had a large grin on her face, which pleased Grace. She was always happy when people were enjoying themselves.
'That was great!' she exclaimed happily. Grace beamed at her.
'I'm glad you liked it Bonnie. And what about you Clemont, please don't be shy' she said offering the tray to Clemont.
'Thanks' said Clemont tentatively taking a glass.
'Um… How do you know our names?' he asked as kindly as possible. If they were going to live with this woman it wouldn't bode well for them if they upset her.
'Oh, Clemont, don't be so suspicious. You are, sorry, were, a general in the army were you not? Your father is the most famous engineer in all of Kalos so it's only natural I know of your family and as for your sister, well would it surprise you to know that Bonnie is being spoken of all around Kalos as the girl who was spared by the Kantonians' she explained knowingly.
Clemonts eyebrows rose so high they were almost lost in his hair. He felt foolish for forgetting his high ranking military position as criteria for someone recognizing him.
I suppose that's what happens when you lose your fancy title' thought Clemont bitterly.
However, the knowledge of Bonnie as someone so special came as a surprise to him.
'I see' he muttered softly. He then took a sip of lemonade to wet his parched throat.
Bonnie was looking at another photo on Grace's mantelpiece. Like all the others this one had both Grace and the other woman standing with their arms affectionately wrapped around each other.
'Excuse me Ms Grace, could you tell me who this is?' asked Bonnie showing Grace the photo.
'Oh, well that's my –
KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK
All three jumped at the sound of loud banging on the door. Bonnie hid behind Clemont who braced himself for a fight.
'Don't worry kids, I'll handle this' said Grace seriously taking a deep breath before slowly walking towards the door. Grace opened the door and let out a disappointed sigh.
'What has she done this time?' she asked whoever was at the door almost as if she had been in this situation before. Clemont dared to peek over at the doorway to see who it was.
Two Kantonian guards stood holding a young women, each with one arm gripped firmly in their arms. The young woman wore a scowl on her face and was struggling to break free.
'She was caught trying to leave town… again!' snapped the first guard, tightening his grip on the girls' arm.
'Look Grace, we like you well enough but if this happens again we will report you to Lt. Surge' added the second guard more kindly than the first.
'Of course, I'm sorry. This will not happen again' promised Grace calmly.
'Just keep your daughter in line Grace' ordered the second guard.
Then with a little but more force than would be considered necessary, the guards pushed the girl into the house and left. Grace quickly shut the door behind her and let out a deep breath. Meanwhile the girl stood in the living room with her arms crossed, neglecting to even notice Bonnie and Clemont.
Grace rounded on the younger girl, glaring at her angrily.
'What were you thinking?!' she half yelled.
'Somebody has to stand up for our people mom, just because you've given up doesn't I have to!' she yelled before storming up the stairs.
'We're not finished here young lady, you come back down here right now!' yelled Grace from the base of the stairs. The only response was the sound of a door slamming.
Grace almost doubled over with anxiety while the two blond siblings stood in stony silence unsure of what to do.
'What am I going to do with that girl…' she asked herself exasperatedly. Remembering she had guest she quickly turned to the still stiff siblings and put on a tired smile.
'I'm sorry about that, please ignore her, she is bit… strong willed'
'Ms Grace, who was that?' asked Bonnie, more curious as to identity of this girl.
'Oh, that was my daughter' said Grace wearily. Bonnie slowly nodded in acknowledgement.
'What's her name?' asked Clemont who was also curious about the entire situation.
Grace chuckled softly and rolled her eyes before answering.
'Serena, fits doesn't it?'
Wow, for a prologue that was pretty long. But at least now you have a general overview of the situation. Hopefully I can update sooner than later but you know, life happens. But perhaps this prologue leaves more questions unanswered than answered. Why is Serena trying to leave town and what is up with her rebellious attitude? That is not the Serena we are used to! What is the explanation for Lance's new power? What is Red, the hero of pokémon doing in an invading army bent on domination? And just what happened to Falkner? We shall find out. All questions and comments alike are welcome! Until next time : )
And chapter one is ago! I hope you enjoy reading this chapter which is definitely loaded with historical innuendos. If you know what they are don't hesitate to shout out!