Chapter 2: Right by Your Side
The sun shone through the pink curtains in Serena's room. Not a cloud was in sight and it was beautiful. The blonde girl yawned and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. She sat up and looked out the window next to her bed.
"Serena, you have a visitor!" Her mother, Grace shouted.
The honey blonde girl rolled her eyes. He is always up early. She thought. "Coming!"
Serena quickly changed out of her pajamas and into a fresh set of clothes. It consisted of a red skirt, a black blouse, knee high socks and black shoes. She ran downstairs and was greeted with an amber haired boy leaning against the wall, a heavy looking backpack sat on his back. "So Serene ready to go?"
"I've told you to stop using that nickname a thousand times Riley, but you never seem to learn from your mistakes." She said annoyed and smacked him on the head.
Riley laughed as he held his throbbing head. "Hey, it's much more fun to annoy you than not having a throbbing head." He said.
Serena groaned and facepalmed. When she finally arose her face from her hand, she was greeted with a pink backpack being thrown at her by Riley. Her quick reflexes allowed her to grab it without an issue and she smirked. "Thanks, I probably need this."
Grace smiled as she watched the two interact. They were really close friends, but everyone knew that there was nothing else between them. Riley wasn't interested in romance, and Serena had someone else in mind. Riley's mom stood beside, but without the smile that Grace so easily wore. She knew something the two did not. "You do know you'll have to tell her eventually. Correct?"
Grace sighed, her smile quickly fading into a frown. "Listen I'll tell her eventually, but now is not the time, she can't handle the truth yet."
Riley's mom was getting impatient with Grace's attitude. "Listen, I know this is probably overstepping my boundaries, but I think she deserves to know the truth, about everything. It isn't fair to her."
"I just can't tell her yet okay? It'll ruin everything. She'll hate me."
Both sides sighed. It was quite clear that Grace would have to tell Serena eventually, but she was hesitant. "Come on Grace, she'll find out somehow, it's better to tell her before she finds out by herself."
Grace groaned. "Alright I'll tell her before she leaves. Is that good enough?"
The two were interrupted by Riley and Serena. "Hey Mom, Grace! We're going to go buy supplies for tomorrow!" Riley shouted.
"Alright you two, stay safe!" The two adults shouted.
000
The plane touched down as smooth as butter and the passengers disembarked at a relatively quick pace. Ash, Pikachu, and Alexa were the last ones off the plane. Ash was telling Alexa stories of his past adventures.
"And then the two fluttered away into the distance. It was really sad actually, but I'm sure Butterfree is better off now than had he stayed with me. I wonder if he's started a family yet?" Ash recounted.
Alexa smiled. "I'm sure he's happy now, and I'm sure he's happy to have had you as a trainer."
Ash nodded with a wistful smile on his face. The three made their way out of the airport where they found one of Alexa's friends outside. He wore a blue dress shirt and black khakis. This was Professor Sycamore, esteemed professor in the phenomenon of Mega Evolution.
"Hey Alexa, it's good to see you and you must be Ash! It's a pleasure to finally meet you." The professor exclaimed while shaking Ash's hand.
"It's nice to meet you too professor. Kalos seems to be a great place so far!" Ash replied.
Professor Sycamore smiled. "It is quite a wonderful place, and you've come just in time as well! Kalos in coronating a new king this afternoon. It's a once in a lifetime experience. How about you to watch it with me? My lab has a wonderful view of the festivities."
"Wow a coronation? I've never been to one before!" Ash exclaimed.
"Well that's because Kanto's a republic. They don't have kings anymore." The professor explained. "Anyway let's go. It should start soon."
000
Bonnie had been running for hours now.
The gunshots had stopped, and it seemed that they had stopped looking for her. She had lost track of time and everything became a blur. The 7 year old had exhausted all of her energy, which wasn't much to begin with and collapsed near a river.
Her eyes fluttered open to the afternoon sun beating down on her. Her skin turning a light pink after being exposed to it's harmful rays. She shakenly pushed herself into a sitting position and looking up to the sky. Her thoughts turned to Clemont. Her loving brother had allowed her to live a new life. One away from idealistic, crazed fascists and one welcoming freedom and liberty. Her brother had made the ultimate sacrifice. He would never battle in his gym anymore, he would never taste the air of freedom again, and nothing upset her more.
Her orange prison jumpsuit was stained with mud and the tears of her grieve, and her old tennis shoes were nearly falling apart at the seams. These shoes she wore, they weren't issued to her. They were a remnant of when Clemont wasn't in captivity. He had given them to her on her 5th birthday. Despite the strict guards, she had managed to keep them from getting confiscated. Perhaps they didn't care enough to take them away from her. Bonnie sighed. Now's not the time for reminiscing. I have to get back to civilization. But then another thought struck her. What will I do once I get there? Do I go to the police? Professor Sycamore? She shook her head. She had to get to freedom first.
Once she felt she had enough strength to continue, she started walking alongside the river. Towns in Kalos were always built on some sort of waterside, so the river would have to lead to some place right?
000
Riley and Serena had finally finished shopping and were sitting on the outskirts of Aquacorde Town.
"Come on you stupid stick, burn!" Riley complained as he rubbed two sticks against each other.
Serena facepalmed, he had been going at it for the past hour with no progress so she decided to intervene. "Riley, give me the sticks, I'll show you the proper way."
Riley rolled his eyes and toss the slightly burn sticks. "Whatever, I doubt you could start it anyway."
Serena just shook her head at his stubbornness. She placed one stick on the ground and held the other on top of it. The blonde girl spun it between her hands like she was taught in her survival class. The stick quickly caught fire and Serena tossed it into a fire pit made of rocks which held their firewood and kindling. She smirked smugly. "You were saying?"
Riley just rolled his eyes and looked towards the setting sun. He shook his head and grabbed his guitar.
"Whatcha gonna play?" Serena asked.
"Westerwaldlied." He replied.
Today we want to march
To try out our new march
In the lovely Westerwald
Yes, there the wind whistles cold
Serena watched as Riley played his song. The lyrics made her feel so peaceful. As if all her worries were stripped away. Riley was truly, her greatest friend.
After he finished his song Serena clapped to show him her applause. Riley rolled his eyes, but thanked her and set his guitar down.
The sun had finally set, so they collected their things. Riley slung his backpack onto over his shoulder while Serena grabbed her canteen. "I'm gonna go get some water. Just stay here."
Riley nodded and opened his old pokegear, a common tool in Johto, and started fiddling with it.
Serena walked into the woods, it was getting dark, and Serena was getting anxious. The girl followed a path which would lead her to the stream nearby. She flicked on her flashlight and approached a opening in the woods.
As her light hit the riverbed, she let out a sigh of relief. Serena slid down a small slope and kneeled down onto a rock. She dipped her pink canteen into the water and waited.
000
Bonnie rubbed her eyes. The poor girl had wandering along the river for hours and she could hardly see a foot in front of her. Her legs shook with every step, and she had no more strength left. I can't go on further, it hurts so much.
The child fell to the ground. After slamming into a rock, she slipped into the stream, slowly gliding along the surface. She looked up towards the night sky, letting the water carry her, leaving her to her fate.
Her eyes grew droopy, the cold water slapped away her strength… and her will. It's finally over, I don't need to fight anymore, I guess I'll get see Clemont again sooner than I thought.
And then, when all of her hope was lost, a pair of arms pulled her free of her cold chains.
000
Serena grabbed the child and held on with an iron grip. The water soaked them both to the bone, her hair slipped free from it's ponytail and sprawled out on the water's surface. She kicked her feet as hard as she could, trying to get the little blonde child to safety. Her hand grasped the ugly orange jumpsuit as hard as possible. She pulled Bonnie close and swam with her one free hand and kicked with her feet.
The current was swift, each ripple slapped Serena's face, and the cold water drained her strength, but she kept going. The shoreline grew closer with each kick, but it was always just out of reach. The current grew faster and each kick grew harder by the second.
000
Professor Sycamore's lab was impressive, not only was it large, but it was complex and filled with machines and other gizmos. Ross flipped through the pages of a travel guide on one of the couches while Natalie sat in a baby carrier playing with a Cleffa plush. He was wearing a red jacket with a white shirt underneath and jeans while Natalie wore a small pink onesie with a little heart attached to it.
"So we should probably go to the Santalune Gym first. What do you think about that Nat?" Ross mumbled.
Natalie gurgled and shook the plushie. Ross rolled his eyes and sat the magazine back in his bag when Professor Sycamore, Alexa, and Ash walked in. He stood up, picked up Natalie and approached the group. "So these are the people you said you were picking up from the airport?
Pleasure to meet you, I'm Ross and this is my sister Natalie."
"I'm Ash! It's great to meet you. I haven't seen many babies on my travels, how old is she?" Ash asked.
"I've got to go talk with some of my assistants for a moment. Why don't you two get to know each other, I'm sure you both have a lot in common." He said before stepping out of the room.
Ross smiled. "She's a couple months old." Natalie rest her face in Ross's chest, and clutched the Cleffa plush.
Alexa nodded and crossed her arms. "That's quite young."
Ash continued observing Natalie like a archeologist observing a fossil, finding the baby fascinating and quite frankly adorable. "So what's it like having siblings? I've never had any growing up."
"It's fine, she can be a bit of a burden, but it isn't unmanageable. You just have to learn to adjust your schedule around it." Ross answered.
Alexa was a little suspicious. The way Ross worded things made it sound like he was the only one caring for Natalie. "But I'm sure your parents are able to manage it right?"
Ross picked up on her suspicion. Well Mom told me not to ever lie. "No… they haven't. I don't want to get into it."
"Alright I'll respect your privacy." Alexa said, but she was slightly concerned for the boy. What does he mean? Does he live alone? That's a concerning thought.
Ross breathed a sigh of relief, he never liked talking about the past few months. Thankfully he wouldn't have to worry about anymore prying because Professor Sycamore walked into the room with a tray with cups. "So how are things going? I made tea if anyone is thirsty."
Everyone sat down on the couches in the corner of the lab, far away from the lab equipment. Natalie sat in Ross lap, cuddled up against him. Ash was curious on what Ross was doing at the professor's lab so he decided to ask. "So Ross, what are you doing here? Are you a new trainer?"
Ross nodded. "Yep, I'm going on my first journey. I'm actually here to pick up my first Pokémon."
"Do you know who you're going to pick?" Alexa asked.
Ross sat in thought for a moment. "I was thinking Chespin, it can learn a wide variety of attacks and can be quite strong if trained properly, but I'm afraid about traveling alone with Natalie. You know, things can happen and you never know these days."
Ash known for his spontaneous decisions, was quick to help Ross out. "How about you come with me? You seem like a cool guy and I've never traveled with someone who was caring for a baby!"
"Hmm, you know that sounds like a great idea! Count me in!"
Alexa and Sycamore smiled. Ash and Ross were becoming fast friends. The professor was actually concerned before because Ross would be traveling alone with a baby, but now he'll have someone to have his back and knowing Ash, it's likely he'll be joined by more. "That sounds great you two, but the coronation should start soon, would you like to join us Ross?"
Ross nodded. "Sounds like fun! Let's do it!"
000
Each kick brought Serena just a little closer to the shore, but it was still out of reach and Serena was getting desperate. The currents appeared to hate her and had gotten stronger, leaving Serena with less strength after each kick.
Even though her face held a look over determination, her vision grew blurry, but she persisted. A large jagged rock jutted out from the shoreline and was just within Serena's reach. She had to gamble.
The blonde girl kicked forwards harder than she had before. Her fingertips were shriveled because of the water. She reached forwards, the rock just out of reach. She willed herself forward, another large ripple slapped her side, the rock was just out of her reach.
Serena and Bonnie started to slip away from the rock, but just before it got to far away, another hand grasped hers. "Damn Serena, you really can't go a minute without me saving you?"
"Can the humor Riley, just get us out of here!" Serena shouted.
Riley nodded and pulled the two girls up onto the ledge and away from the cold water. "Come on, let's get you two back to camp, I think I got some hot chocolate in my bag."
Serena nodded while shivering and picked up Bonnie, and was shocked to find that the seven year old was incredibly light. While holding the child bridal style, the three disembarked back to their camp.
000
Ash and friends stood on the balcony of Alexa's apartment because it provided a wonderful view of Main Street which lead to Prism Tower and Magenta Square where the coronation and parade were happening.
Ross and Ash stood eagerly awaiting the beginning of the ceremonies. Natalie laid comfortably in Ross's arms. Professor Sycamore leaned against the wall while Alexa sat in a chair sipping a canned drink. "This is so cool! I've always enjoyed the history of Kalos so to watch something that will go done in history is such a mesmerizing experience!" Ross exclaimed joyously.
Ash nodded. "Yeah this should be interesting, when does it start?"
They were interrupted by a loud blaring of trumpets followed by the thundering sound of a thousand boots slapping the ground. Ash and co. turned to their right to find hundreds if not thousands of armed soldiers marching across the street, each in unison, creating of symphony of rubber. Each soldier carried a bolt action rifle pressed against their shoulder and their heads were covered with a steel helmet.
Everyone stood in stunned silence, the show of strength was immense. The soldiers were well equipped and synchronized in each of their movements. Then once it seemed that things couldn't get any stranger, columns of tanks rolled down the street, as well synchronized as the soldiers ahead of them. Heavy, steel behemoths crawling along of their steel treads. Each was proudfuly adorning a black cross on the side, the pride of the Kalos military, the Iron Cross.
Then a beautiful limousine donning the flag of Kalos, a beautiful black, white, and red tricolor, drove behind the tanks, flanked by police motorcycles and police cruisers. Ash looked over to Sycamore to ask him something. "Hey Professor, is that the king?"
"Kaiser actually Ash, it's ancient Kalosian for emperor, but yes, that is the Kaiser."
Once the massive convey approached Magenta Plaza where a stage had been erected, the infantry stopped in front of the obelisk, followed by the tanks halting and turning around in place, but allowing a wide enough gap in between. However the limousine drove between the gap allowing the kaiser to reach the stage.
A man exited the limousine, showing his face to the world. His hair was gray, a great white beard was donned proudly on his face. He wore a majestic military uniform covered in metals. This man was ex-kaiser William the Second. It was today that he would relinquish power to his son William the Third.
The stage was set for a new emperor and a new empire, quite literally. The old Kaiser sat on the Magenta throne, his son next to him with as many medals as his father, but without the beard. Two other figures joined them. The first, was Princess Diantha, Champion of Kalos and daughter of Kronprinz William the Third and the second was substitute gym leader of Lumiose City, Ace Trainer Astrid.
"Today July 30th of the year 71, I would like to thank the people of Kalos for allowing me to transfer my rein as their Kaiser, to my son, who shall take this responsibility with honor and grace." William II expressed. "For those who shall follow, may the grace of our god, Arceus, bless the souls of the worthy, and curse those of the sinners. May Kaiser William the Third serve the people as well as he did as President of the Reichstag. Für thron und reich!"
The crowd cheered, each was quite pleased with the speech. As the old former emperor placed his crown onto his son's head, a new era in Kalos had begun.
Professor Sycamore stared intently at the demonstration. Quite clearly, there was a show of might, and thus he came to his conclusion. "This wasn't a coronation, this was a display of force."
Alexa agreed, but Ash and Ross were confused. "What do you mean Professor?" Ross asked.
"Kalos hasn't had a massive standing military since the Second Great War, until today. There is only one enemy Kalos could face today… Die Nationale Heilsfront. It means The National Salvation Front in our ancient language. They are nothing but fascist dogs who threaten the peace our empire has forged." Sycamore explained with disgust.
Ross was slightly afraid. "They sound real bad, are they like a terrorist organization?"
Professor Sycamore nodded solemnly. "We've lost to many good men, women, and even children to them."
"Sounds like Team Rocket, but worse. Not even they would end someone's life." Ash said quietly.
000
Bonnie's eyes flickered open, where she found that she was no longer in a cold, dark river, but instead a warm, pink room. She sat up and found that she was no longer in her old jumpsuit and sneakers, but instead in a pair of pink pajamas and pink socks. She lifted the blanket away and flung her knees over the edge of the bed.
In the corner Riley sat on a chair asleep, his head dropping over to the side. A faint snore could be heard coming from his mouth. In another bed was Serena, the blonde girl completely passed out from her experience saving Bonnie.
But Bonnie had other things to worry about. Who are these people, am I dead? No, this is all to real. Did I get rescued? She thought to herself. The little girl was put in an awkward situation, it seemed like nobody was awake, and it would be rude to wander around. As such she looked outside the window, hoping to get a better grip on where she was. Outside were trees, a beautiful sunrise, a calm stream flowing along. Everything was peaceful. Is this freedom? Is this what the outside world is like?
Her thoughts were interrupted by a quiet yawn and a little shuffling from behind her. Riley sat up from his position and cracked his neck. He noticed that Bonnie was awake. "Hey, you're awake. Good, that means you weren't hurt to bad. What were you doing out in that river in a prisoners jumpsuit? You scared me and my friend half to death."
Bonnie was a little upset by his constant badgering, finding it to be similar to the verbal punishment that she received when she was imprisoned. "I-I'm sorry…". Tears started falling from her eyes and onto the bed.
The amber haired teen immediately realized that he was coming off to harsh. "Hey don't cry, there's nothing to be upset about. I should be the one apologizing, did I come off as to harsh?"
Bonnie nodded, so Riley tried to rectify his damages. He went over to Bonnie and knelt down to her level and gave her a hug. "I'm sorry kid, that wasn't my intent. We all had a rough night huh?"
The small child melted into his embrace, sobs coming out periodically. Riley spoke comforting words and rubbed her back until Bonnie had calmed down enough to speak again. "M-my name is Bonnie."
"Hey Bonnie, everything will be alright, I'm Riley and my friend over there is-"
"Serena, my name is Serena." The honey blonde girl interrupted while sitting on her bed.
"H-hello." Bonnie greeted shyly.
Riley and Serena looked at each other understandingly. Almost as if reading each other's mind. This girl has gone through something we can not comprehend.
They were interrupted when Grace entered the room carrying bowls of soup on a tray. "Hey everyone, I heard some commotion so I thought you were all awake, so I brought some soup to help regain your strength."
Each child took a bowl of soup and sat in a ring on the floor while they ate. After their night it was obvious that they were ravenous, as the soup disappeared within minutes. Grace decided to continue with their morning preparations. "Alright, So first I think we should discuss the elephant in the room." Grace sat down next to Serena in their impromptu circle. "Who exactly are you?"
Bonnie seemed hesitant to speak, so Riley took over. "This is Bonnie, Serena found her in the river near Aquacorde Town, so we rescued her, but that's it."
"I-I was a prisoner… I was born into captivity, but I escaped with my brother, but h-he…". She burst into tears and buried her face in her hands.
It didn't take a genius to figure out the rest. Riley immediately hugged the sobbing child, almost taking over a paternal role.
Serena and Grace looked at the two, already seeing Riley form a bond with the child. He may not be her brother, but he can help her heal.
000
It was quite clear that Bonnie would need to see someone other than Riley. She would need to see Professor Sycamore and the police as well once they got to Lumiose, so Grace made a few quick phone calls. The police would need to interview her, which was required under Kalos' legal code and the Professor would help her find possible options for recover.
But before they disembarked on their journey, Grace needed to have a chat with her "daughter".
Grace instructed Riley and Bonnie to wait outside so she could have a private moment with Serena.
"So Serena, god this is harder than I thought." Grace held her head in frustration.
Serena grew concerned immediately. "What is it Mom?"
"I-I'm not…". She took a deep breath. "I'm not your mom."
"...". Serena just held a blank face, trying to connect the pieces. "You aren't?"
Grace nodded. "But wait, listen before you go, just know that I'm not letting you go because I want to get rid of you. I just want you to know that you were adopted, but there's more…"
"What is it?"
"Y-you have a twin brother as well. I never learned his name though."
Serena sat down on the upstairs steps. "So you're telling me, I have a twin brother and I'm adopted?"
Grace nodded. "But earlier today I learned something else as well. You're twin brother, actually has a baby sister as well that he's caring for her alone. His and your mom… is dead and your dad disappeared from the face of the earth."
Serena toke it better than expected. She stood up with a determined face. "Then I have to find him! I can't let him do it alone!"
Grace smiled sadly. "But, do you hate me? I knew it's selfish for me to hide it…". She was interrupted when Serena slammed into her and embraced her.
"No, mom. I don't hate you. You may not be my biological parent, but that doesn't change everything you've done for me. You'll always be my mom."
000
Alright I knew this is hella late, but well I wanted to enjoy my last few weeks of summer vacation so I haven't been working much. Except on the Pokémon Academy Franchise (Which is a great series check it out), but we've made a lot of progress on it and DS So expect content for those soon, but my focus will be on Kalos Roads for the moment.
Edit: I did make a few changes to the last scene, not only to set up somethings for the future, but also to make things make a bit more sense.
Anyway Reviews
Mara: Don't worry about it, it really helped me improve my mistakes, but I'll more than likely make the same mistakes, but Grammarly should help me enough.
St. Elmo's Fire: I already replied to your review via PM, but next time though could you also include whether you actually like the plot and stuff or your thoughts rather than just mistakes? Thanks though, some stuff will definitely be useful for the future.
Istwill56: Listen I appreciate the whole "defending me from the trolls" thing, but I don't want my review section to be cluttered with this stuff.
And this is a note to everyone, please actually review! I love reading reviews, especially once that react to the events that happen in the chapter. Just please no flames please. It just annoys everyone.
Thank you for reading and have a wonderful day!
