-2-
Dr. Namwen chuckled with glee. So far everything was going according his plans. Just days earlier, he had run several tests on Cecil; just to make sure everything would work properly. Dr. Namwen was especially ecstatic on how Cecil had agreed to do everything in secret. Now the vile scientist had the first test subject for Project Omega.
"Now then," cackled Dr. Namwen, "I will remind you that this process is still potentially dangerous. Are you sure you're willing to risk everything to become a Gardevoir and have the powers of the Guardians at your disposal?" Cecil was suspended in a large, glass capsule, floating above the metal floor.
"I'm ready!" shouted Cecil with impatience, "I can't wait any longer. I will have vengeance on the Guardians and claim the Gardevoir city for Cipher!" Dr. Namwen decided he should give Cecil one last chance to think things over.
"I will remind you that I have not yet finished my research. I'm close to a conclusion, but I still have not discovered a way to change you back into a human. Are you absolutely certain this is what you want?" asked Dr. Namwen.
"Your concern is unwarranted and surprises even me," said Cecil coldly, "After I'm a Gardevoir, why would I want to change back into a powerless, feeble human anyway?"
"I'm just making certain of your choice," said Dr. Namwen as he walked over to a computer console, "The process should take only a matter of hours. When you awaken, you will be one of the most powerful Pokémon in the world."
"Yes," said Cecil with determination, "The power of the Guardians is going to me mine."
"Then brace yourself, my friend," said Dr. Namwen with a fiendish smile, "And kiss your human frailties goodbye." Dr. Namwen thrust his right hand forward and pressed a large, red button on the console. Moments later, light poured into the capsule and electricity lanced around a giant machine in the room as the mechanical humming got louder and louder.
"Yes," thought Dr. Namwen as he closely monitored Cecil's vital signs from the computer, "Kiss all your human problems goodbye…as well as your freedom, my friend…"
-3-
Simon, though thoroughly rattled from his brief battle with Fredrick, could still not believe how powerful his adversary had been. Only one other Pokémon had ever defeated him so quickly.
"Fredrick was almost as strong as Glacian all those years ago. Seems to me that the Guardian bloodline has gotten much stronger over the years," thought Simon as he walked down the streets of Gardev. Just as he was about to round a corner, he heard a scream and felt something smash into his forehead. Simon collapsed to the ground, disoriented from the unexpected blow.
"Oh, sorry about that, Simon," said a familiar, feminine voice with embarrassment, "You really scared me."
"Hmmm?" asked Simon as his blurry vision quickly returned to normal. He looked up and found himself face to face with Sakura, the Kirlia.
"These Kirlia are getting too powerful for my taste…" muttered Simon, "And this little one isn't even from the Guardian family."
"Is something wrong?" asked Sakura with concern as she helped Simon to his feet.
"No. Nothing is…" said Simon as he was interrupted by getting blinded from a bright, white light.
"Here we go again," said Simon as he closed his eyes and turned away from the blinding light. Moments later, the light faded, revealing another Gardevoir.
"I've…already evolved?" asked Sakura with disbelief.
"Heh!" said an irritated Simon, "You evolved because you defeated me too! It was hardly a good fight: you just come out and snipe me with a quick punch and BOOM, you're a Gardevoir." Simon quickly forgot about his frustration and anger when he remembered what had happened to Fredrick just minutes ago.
"I'm so sorry," said Sakura with grief, "I didn't mean to hurt you." Simon just smiled at the young Gardevoir.
"It's okay. That was all just an honest mistake. You know, I think you and Fredrick should see each other again soon. In fact he's coming back to Gardev later today," said Simon.
"Oh, dear!" said Sakura nervously, "What's he going to think of me now? He's probably still a Kirlia."
"I don't think you have anything to worry about," said Simon with a grin, "Now, how about you take me back to your house? I'd like to have a little chat with William."
"Okay," said Sakura with glee, "Just follow me." Off in the distance, Warren, Jake and Glacian looked on.
"That was kind of funny, the way Sakura blind-sided Simon," chuckled Jake.
"And now Sakura is a fully-grown Gardevoir," said Glacian happily, "What I foresaw at Mack's wedding is coming true."
"Fredrick is going be in for quite a shock when he sees her," said Warren.
"They both will be!" laughed Glacian, "This almost reminds me of the day I met Gloria."
"Oh? What happened?" asked Warren with curiosity.
"Well, the time had come for me to choose a mate, so I was taken to the Gardevoir city by my father to find a suitable female Gardevoir," explained Glacian, "My father had already passed the duties of Guardianship to me a few days before. Anyway, I had the ruby pendant in my right hand and was walking down Main Street in the city, when out of nowhere, another Gardevoir ran into me as I was crossing an alley. As our eyes met, we were absolutely shocked, not just at our unexpected meeting, but at the sight of each other." Glacian closed his eyes and slumped against a nearby wall blissfully.
"Love at first sight, eh?" asked Warren.
"Indeed it was," laughed Glacian, "I knew it was meant to be by looking into the future. So, my father watched in shock as I put the ruby pendant around my bride-to-be's neck, without even knowing her name!"
"Gadzooks…" said Jake, "Like a blind date, only you're cutting to the chase."
"You could say that," chuckled Glacian, "It was only minutes later that she finally calmed down. Believe me, being chosen as the mate of one of the Guardians within seconds of meeting would be a shock to anyone. After all, being a Guardian is one of the most honorable things to us Gardevoir. The only thing close to that is to be a companion to a human trainer: to guide people through their Pokémon journey and protect them. Anyway, she managed to get a hold of herself, smiled at me and then told me her name: Gloria. We were married just a week after our rather unorthodox meeting."
"Looks like Gardevoir love is pretty simple," remarked Jake with a shrug.
"Not necessarily," said Glacian as he watched Sakura guide Simon to her home, "It can take years for a Gardevoir to find a mate. Why, Aura had been looking for one for quite some time, until she came across Mack. At any rate, I can see what's coming: Fredrick and Sakura have no idea that they both evolved today and they're about to find this out very soon." Sakura lead Simon into her home with Makoto and the little girl, Sakura.
"Makoto, I'm home!" said Sakura happily as she and Simon entered the living room. Makoto walked into the living and almost dropped her frying pan when she saw the young Gardevoir, standing in her living room.
"You've…evolved already?" asked a flabbergasted Makoto.
"Yes," said Sakura happily, "I'm hoping Fredrick will come by here later to see me."
"That's good," said Makoto with a smile, "Maybe the Gardevoir of your dreams will come soon, too." Simon coughed.
"Ahem. We're looking for a certain Pikachu. Is William here?" asked Simon impatiently.
"And who is this?" asked Makoto as she skeptically glanced at the old Kabutops.
"Oh! He accidentally scared me and I knocked him out for a spell," said Sakura with embarrassment, "His name is Simon."
"A pleasure to meet you, Makoto," said Simon as he bowed politely, "Now, may you please tell me where William is? I need to speak with him."
"William is upstairs in Sakura's room. She went to play outside after tending to him," said Makoto, "She really spoiled that Pikachu, if you ask me. Just go on up if you want to see him." Makoto walked out of the living room and back into the kitchen to make lunch. Simon and Sakura walked up the stairs and towards the young girl's room.
"How come both you and that little girl are named Sakura?" asked a confused Simon. Sakura laughed nervously.
"She named me after a character from one of her favorite cartoons. Just like Li, the Mawile. I wonder where he's hiding this time. Maybe he's snooping around the kitchen, waiting to snatch some cookies again," said Sakura as she opened the door to the room. There, they found William, laying on a fluffy pillow with bowls of food and water all about him. William belched as Sakura and Simon walked towards him.
"I see she's been treating you very well," said Simon with a smirk.
"No kidding…" sighed William with delight, "She's such a nice girl: she gets me anything I want and, most importantly, she keeps Anna away from me! I don't ever want to leave here." William finally opened his eyes and noticed an unfamiliar Gardevoir in the room.
"Do I know you?" asked William. The Gardevoir laughed, knelt down and gently stroked William.
"Of course, I'm Sakura," said Sakura with a smile.
"A Gardevoir already, eh? How did that happen?" asked William inquisitively.
"She surprised me with a Thunder Punch and defeated me for the second time today," grumbled Simon, "It wasn't even a decent fight. I had already been weakened from a previous battle."
"Ah. You must be quite powerful in order for a Pokémon to evolve so quickly after beating ya," remarked William, "Besides who was able to nail you earlier today?"
"I don't want to discuss that right now. At any rate, I need to have a word with you," said Simon sternly.
"Later," yawned William as he snuggled deeper into his pillow, "Any moment now, that sweet little girl is going to come in here and brush my fur. She really knows how to pamper a Pokémon." Simon snarled and walked towards a window at the back of the room. He glanced out the room and soon he got an idea to quickly get William on his feet.
"What's this?" said Simon, "I think Anna is coming up the driveway towards this house."
"Big deal," said William, not even fazed by the announcement, "The little girl won't let her near me."
"I see a makeup kit in her left hand," said Simon and he stared out the window, "A big one at that."
"Please…" scoffed William, "You know Anna and Sakura like to play dress-up and mess around with make-up."
"That's true," said Sakura with a friendly smile, "I remember when we played dress-up on Halloween. You'll never guess who Li and I were."
"I don't think that's the case," said Simon grimly, "She has a small, pink, frilly dress on her right shoulder."
"And I should care because…?" asked William, getting more and more irritated by the minute.
"That little girl isn't here to save you this time," said Simon, trying not to laugh, "Besides, that dress appears to be your size…William." William's ears perked up immediately and his eyes opened wide. He jumped off the pillow, into Sakura's arms and faced her with pleading eyes.
"Please! Don't let her get me!" begged William as the door to the room slowly creaked open.
"It's too late now…" said Simon in a spooky voice, "You can't escape your pink, frilly, perfumed doom!" Simon laughed loud and sinisterly. William screamed as the door opened wide.
"And what is going on here?!" demanded Mack.
"Are you okay, William?" asked Aura with concern. William stopped trembling and opened his eyes. Anna had not come into the room, just two newlywed Gardevoirs in wedding dresses. Simon and Sakura laughed as William growled.
"You tricked me!" snarled William as he tried to get free from Sakura's embrace, "You said Anna was coming here to play dress-up with me!"
"Are you disappointed?" asked Aura with a grin, "Just give me some time. I'm sure Aurora could help me find a nice, pretty dress, just for you. Then, Mack and I can play dress-up with you back at the lab." William sighed with despair, slipped out of Sakura's arms and flopped onto the floor.
"You're all out to get me, aren't you…?" groaned William with despair.
"Hardly," said Aura as Mack set her back on her feet. Aura walked over to William and picked him up.
"Come here, you," said Aura sweetly as she held and stroked William. Mack glared at Simon.
"What?" asked Simon, trying to act surprised, "All I wanted to do was get that yellow blob off the floor."
"Come, come," said Aura as she hugged William and twirled with the friendly Pikachu in her arms, "That's no way to talk about our little friend."
"Yeah!" snapped William as he stuck his tongue out at Simon, "That's no way to talk about me!"
"That reminds me," said Mack as he walked into the room and stood alongside Aura. Aura stopped twirling.
"We have a little surprise for you and Fredrick," said Aura with a smile.
"A surprise?" asked Sakura with excitement, "Oh, goody!"
"Close your eyes," said Mack, "You too, Fredrick."
"Fredrick is here, too?" asked Sakura as she closed her eyes, "I can't wait to see him!"
"Quiet now," said Aura as she led her youngest brother into the room, "You're both going to love this." Before long, Fredrick and Sakura were face to face, but they still had not gazed at each other just yet.
"Okay," said Mack as he smiled, "You can open your eyes now." With that, Fredrick and Sakura opened their eyes and almost jumped when they saw each other for the first time as Gardevoirs.
"You evolved too?!" shouted Fredrick and Sakura in unison and with shock.
"Yes," grumbled Simon as he bowed his head in shame, "You both managed to defeat me in one day." Fredrick and Sakura just smiled at each other while Mack and Aura embraced. Mack glanced back and forth at Fredrick and Sakura as he held Aura.
"Love at first sight, isn't it?" whispered Mack.
"Apparently, Alexander and Aurora also fell in love when they first laid eyes on each other," said Aura quietly with joy.
"Wow…" said Fredrick with amazement, "You're even more beautiful as a Gardevoir, Sakura." Sakura blushed and smiled at her dear friend.
"And what do we have here?" asked Eric as he entered the room. Alexander, Aurora and Glacian were right behind him. They all stopped in their tracks when they laid eyes on Fredrick and Sakura for the first time as Gardevoirs.
"Hmmmmm," said Glacian as he carefully gazed at Fredrick and Sakura, "What I foresaw is coming to pass."
"Dear me…" stammered Aurora.
"Well, well!" said Alexander with delight, "You and Sakura sure grew up fast! How did this happen?"
"I grow tired of telling this story," said Simon with a heavy sigh, "They both defeated me in combat today. That's all you need to know." Alexander put a hand on his son's shoulder.
"I think we need to talk, Fredrick," said Alexander as he led his son out of the room.
"Sakura?" asked Aurora, "Could you please come with me?" Sakura nodded and followed Aurora out of the room leaving behind Eric, Glacian, Simon, William, Mack and Aura.
"This day just keeps getting more and more exciting," said Eric happily as he faced Mack and Aura, "I've been looking everywhere for you two."
"Is there something you need?" asked Mack.
"I just wanted to tell you that there's going to be a tournament in Alakaz tomorrow afternoon!" reported Eric.
"I think I've had enough bad luck with these so-called, tournaments," said Mack with a frown. Aura nodded her head in agreement, recalling the false tournament that Cipher had used to try and trap her and Mack back in Alakaz.
"Mr. Allens came to Gardev a few days ago. He wanted to invite you, Aura and your friends. Since he couldn't find you, he had me pass on his message," explained Eric, "Mr. Allens not only wants you to come as his honored guests, but he also hopes you'll join the tournament."
"I think you and Aura should go," said Glacian, "The tournament would be good exercise for the both of you."
"Yeah! You and Aura would be unstoppable!" declared Anna as she ran into the room with Li and another Kirlia right behind her. Aura quickly noticed Anna's friend.
"And who is this?" asked Aura with a smile.
"Oh!" replied Anna, "Where are my manners? This is my friend from school, Enrique. We've been dancing partners for a few years now."
"Pleased to meet you," said Enrique with a polite bow, "It's especially an honor to meet you and Aura, Mack. I didn't get much of a chance to introduce myself at your wedding."
"If you please," said Eric, interrupting Enrique, "There is only one thing we really need: all Pokémon in the tournament have to have a trainer of some sort in order to enter."
"Warren and Jake are busy taking care of our parents, Mack," said Aura softly, "They still need to rest."
"Of course, Makoto has to take care of Sakura and Paul has to mind his store. I can't think of anyone else who could take us," said Mack as he paced back and forth in the room.
"I won't be able to help you on this one. I need to stay out of sight until Cipher is dealt with," explained Eric.
"All we need is something that looks even remotely like a human trainer," said Mack.
"How about you, Simon?" asked Aura, "You imitated a human quite well at that fake tournament."
"As much as I would like to, I cannot. I have other matters that need taken care of," replied Simon.
"There has to be someone…" said Mack. Enrique walked up to Mack and gently tugged on his skirt. Mack and Aura looked down at the young Kirlia.
"Do you have an idea?" asked Aura with curiosity. Enrique quietly whispered something to Mack and Aura. Mack then slowly turned around as his eyes fell on Anna and Li.
"Why are you staring at me?" asked Anna. Mack grinned.
"How would you and Li like to come with me and Aura to Alakaz?" asked Mack.
"Sure!" said Li with excitement.
"Okay, but why do you need us to come along?" asked a bewildered Anna.
"You and Li will be our trainer," said Mack with a devious grin, "It won't be hard to make a disguise for you two. All we need is a hooded trench coat, a pair of dark glasses and a suitable hat."
"Can I come along too?" asked Enrique, "My parents said I could spend the weekend with Anna as long as there were some adults around."
"Of course you can come!" said Mack happily.
"Especially since you solved our problem of needing a trainer," said Aura with a smile.
"That should do, but it can't be just two Pokémon in all," warned Eric, "This tournament is a 4 on 4 double-battle. You'll need two more Pokémon on your team."
"I would not stake your hopes on William," said Simon in a serious tone, "He's been out of combat for far too long."
"I hate to admit it, but he's right," grumbled William.
"Yes," said Glacian as he looked William over, "William is strong, but his reflexes and concentration are sub-par at best at the moment." Suddenly, Alexander, Aurora, Fredrick and Sakura the Gardevoir walked into the room.
"I don't see why you can't take my son with you," said Alexander, "He's a good fighter and he could use the experience. Besides, all the members of the Guardian family are some of the strongest Gardevoirs on Earth."
"If you'll let Fredrick go with you, then I want to come along, too," said Sakura, "I've never been in a real Pokémon battle before. It could be fun!"
"Two Gardevoir couples, eh?" said Mack as he glanced at Aura, "That should do just fine."
"You're not leaving without me!" said Xavier as he poked his head through an open window, "I wouldn't miss this little event for the world!"
"Fair enough!" laughed Mack as he picked up William, "You can come too, if you want, William."
"Count me in!" said William happily, "It will be a real joy to watch all of you pound the competition into the ground." Alexander and Aurora soon turned their attention to Anna and her friend, Enrique.
"Do you want to go with Mack and Aura, too, Anna?" asked Alexander with a grin.
"Yes! We're part of a secret plan," said Anna as she jumped up and down with excitement.
"Okay," replied Aurora, "Just make sure you two stay near an adult Pokémon."
"We will!" replied Anna and Enrique.
"While you're all gone, I'll be watching over Gardev and keeping and eye on Ramirez," said Glacian.
"Well, since you're all going to the tournament, you'd better leave right away. It will be twilight by the time you get to Alakaz," said Eric.
"Then let's be off," said Mack as he held Aura's hand and started to leave the house with William, Fredrick, Enrique, Anna and Sakura right behind them. Outside, Xavier flapped his wings and took to the skies.
"Bring back a trophy or two," said Glacian with a smile. Before long, the small party was on its way back to the hidden, underground lab.
"We'll take an S-5. It should be the fastest way to get all of us to Alakaz," said Mack.
"Especially since it's the only thing you have big enough for me!" said Xavier as he hovered over them. Aura turned her head and faced Sakura and her brother, Fredrick.
"Fredrick, what did Alexander and Aurora talk to you about?" asked Aura with curiosity.
"Ah. Dad was telling me what is expected of a Gardevoir and what is honorable," replied Fredrick.
"That's pretty much what Aurora told me, too," said Sakura.
"Just like when I became a Gardevoir," said Aura softly to herself. Before long, they were all onboard the S-5 and were on their way to Alakaz.