"Oh, mais je rêve! We have arrived to one of my favorites parts of this farfelu tale. I mean, sure, homicidal lunatics and their clueless companions can be fun in small doses, but it gets old after a while. This boring old story needs some new blood... some smoking hot new blood. Yes, after an arduous trip through Parterre Way, where a simple eye-contact with a random stranger led to a fight – not to mention broken bones and second-degree burns for all concerned – our her... our protago... these kids finally arrived to the greatest city in the world: Lumiose City. See if you can spot the very pillar that makes this silly tale worth reading."
"Allons-y!"
Chapter Three: Scent of Sycamore
"Serena – whoa – do we have to – ow- use these?"
"Do you have any idea how many people I had to threaten to get all of us a pair of roller skates? You'll use them and you'll like them!"
Serena and her minions were making their way through Route 4, also known as Parterre Way, traveling past the lush gardens and hedge mazes and the trainers staring at their clumsy attempts to stay on their roller skates. Serena had initially stumbled, but was now making steady progress, while Calem, Trevor and Shauna struggled, Shauna eventually having to hold on to Serena to avoid falling. Tierno, on the other hand, had instantly learned how to use them, and was now gracefully circling around the group while still moving forward, yelling out advice and encouragement to the others until Calem told him to shut up.
Eventually, though, they stumbled close to their destination: Lumiose City. The magnificent Prism Tower and other tall buildings were already clearly visible.
Serena could barely contain her excitement. Managing to stop, she spread her arms to force Shauna, Trevor and Calem to stop as well, Calem falling on his behind for the seventh time after knocking into the others.
"Behold!" she said. "Past that gate is Lumiose City, the capital of Kalos, the home of the world's most finest fashion, most stupefying style and the coolest culture. As soon as our quest to find the legendary Pokémon succeeds, this will be our base of operations – but before that, I'm going to shop till my wallet screams for mercy!"
"Doesn't it already do that after you spent all that money in the boutique yesterday?" Shauna wondered.
"Well, I think Fennekin and Fletchinder made enough newbies cry for me to afford a new dress or two. Plus I bottled some of their tears, which will get me a mint in some circles. Trust me – when you're in Lumiose, you're not short of money-making opportunities."
"You've been here before?" Calem asked.
"My mom has been here several times, including when she was expecting me, so in a way, yes. Now, let's see, we have to visit the Boutique Couture, because what's the point of coming here if you don't do that? Also, we have to check out the PR Studio, get some lunch at the Sushi High Roller, check out the café scene-"
"And visit Professor Sycamore's lab!" Tierno piped in.
"And visit – what?"
"Well... isn't that the whole reason we came here?"
Serena stared at Tierno blankly.
"I mean, shopping and restaurants and all that is fun, too!" Tierno said quickly when he saw something ignite in Serena's eyes. "But, Sycamore had something important to tell us!"
"He might know about the legendary Pokémon, too," Serena pondered. "All right, screw it, we'll go there, but after we tour a couple of clothes stores and cafés."
"Ooh, I wanna trim a Furfrou !" Shauna squeed. "Serena, can we go there, please? Please~?"
Serena rolled her eyes. Pretty Pokémon were great, but she never understood what the deal was with Furfrou. At least Fennekin was a Pokémon with both style and the ability to turn anything in her way into a pile of ashes.
"Ooh, and we should also totally go to the herb shop," Shauna listed off, "and then the jewelry shop and try out some of those amazing Lumiose Galettes and climb on top of the Prism Tower - ooh, and I want to ride a Gogoat so bad!"
Calem, who had stopped to take a sip from his water bottle, snorted water out of his nose as he broke down in laughter. Shauna didn't seem to understand what was so funny. Serena retorted by nudging Calem slightly, causing him to lose his balance and fall again.
At the gate separating Route 4 from Lumiose, however, were two young people (though still a bit older than Serena and the gang), a woman and a man, in fancy matching white outfits – even with cute little red and blue bow ties, respectively.
"They're here!" the woman announced loudly. "Heeeeey, guuuuuyyyys~"
"You're in my way," Serena remarked as she and the group carefully approached them, Calem and Trevor still wobbly on their feet due to the roller skates. "You have ten seconds to explain why. Ten... nine..."
"Oh, my, such lovely young trainers!" the woman squealed energetically. "We're professor Sycamore's top students and assistants!"
"...eight... seven..."
"We were both entrusted a PokéDex by the professor two years ago," the man said cheerfully ignoring the increasingly menacing look on Serena's face. "So I guess you could call us voyage veterans!"
"...six... five..."
"I'm Sina, a beautiful name, for a beautiful lady, wouldn't you agree?" the woman said with a wink.
"And I'm Dexio," the man announced. "Just... just Dexio."
"...four... three..."
"Serena, please!" Tierno said in alarm as Serena grabbed her lighter. "We know them, they're really who they say they are, right Trevor?"
Trevor was too busy trying to maintain his balance, though.
"Once I get these skates off, everyone will be destroyed," he grumbled.
"We were out here testing the viability of the newly discovered Fairy-type," Sina said. "But then we received word that you were coming, so we decided to greet you and show you to the lab. The professor is waiting."
"Fine, we'll take your word for it," Serena groaned. "Just tell me, what kind of man is professor Sycamore?"
"He's..." Sina stopped her explanation to sigh dramatically and look up at the sky, a moonstruck smile on her face. "The greatest mentor anyone could hope for. When he arrives into the room, all my troubles just disappear."
"He's truly an inspiration for us all," Dexio said wistfully. "He works tirelessly to help the trainers of Kalos, and still finds a way to keep those beautiful brown locks of hair and that stubble in shape while still appearing carefree and casual."
"When he walks down the lab with that shirt button open...unf!" Sina shivered. "Words can't describe it. And he's been so good to us, too, rewarding for us for our research – perhaps we should screw up a bit so he'd give us a good ol' punishment, eh Dexio?"
"You read my mind," Dexio smirked.
"What the effin' Arceus, seriously?!" Serena groaned. "I can't go anywhere without hearing about his magnificence, the great Augustine Sycamore! How much is he paying you to shill him like this?"
"A lot," Dexio admitted. "But I'd do it for free – for him," he added with a sigh.
Serena rolled her eyes... again. "I'll see it for myself when I meet him. Just... just show us where his lab is and we'll go there on our own time!"
"Even better, we'll show you the way!" Sina announced. "Let's go!"
The group finally taking off their skates, Serena didn't have time to protest as her companions were being dragged away from her, Sina and Dexio leading them through the gate and into the city proper.
Serena had anticipated Lumiose to be great, but nothing could have prepared for the burst of beauty that bedazzled her being as she laid eyes on the city's South Boulevard. Clean, yellow streets of brick and cobblestone with people and Pokémon from all parts of the world crowding around, a little café or a shop in every corner, everyone dressed with unparalleled style. Even Castelia City was nothing compared to this. With Prism Tower looming above everything else in the city, Furfrou and Skiddo playing around amidst the grass and trees growing between the streets and sidewalks, Serena finally felt at home.
Anville Town can kiss my-
"So, have you kids heard of the Masked Heroes?" Dexio asked as he and Sina led the group forward.
"Should we care?" Serena asked immediately.
"I hear they're a pair of traveling superheroes who live in Lumiose City," Sina said, glancing at Dexio. "Would be really fun to meet them, I bet."
"Uh huh."
"Yeah, they could be closer than we imagine, right Sina?" Dexio said with an annoyingly smug smile on his face. "I would love to hear about the amazing things they have done protecting the region!"
"Kind of weird I haven't heard from them before," Shauna remarked.
"Well, you do come from the boonies, so it's forgiven," Sina said.
"Superheroes, huh?" Serena said. "Shauna, you better write them down. If we meet them, we'll give them the 'join or burn' option."
"What?" Dexio wondered.
"So which way to the lab?" Serena asked.
"Just a few more blocks down the Southern Boulevard," Sina said and pointed at a tall building ahead. "You can just see it from here. The Pokémon Center is just opposite to it, too."
"Yeah, cool, cool," Serena said absentmindedly, licking her lips and shifting her eyes in thought. "Say, Calem, Tierno, Trevor, what if you boys head on up to meet professor McGorgeous while me and Shauna will, um..."
"Ice cream?" Shauna suggested.
"Scope out the city in advance!" Serena said. "Yeah, we'll do that so we don't get lost while we explore. Take care, bye-bye now, see you soon!"
"Serena," Tierno said, "don't you think we should stick toge-"
"This is an order," Serena growled.
"Okay!" Tierno squealed.
"Leave it to us, Ser!" Calem said and saluted Serena mockingly. "I hear the professor might be handing out more Pokémon, so don't take too long if you don't want me to pick up the best one!"
"Take the fire-type and you'll be shipped back to Vaniville in a matchbox," Serena said.
Calem laughed nervously while Tierno gulped. Either way, the three boys followed Sina and Dexio down Southern Boulevard while Serena grabbed Shauna with her and headed towards a nearby alley that, according to the road sign, led to 'Vert Plaza'.
"So where are we going?" Shauna asked excitedly. "Furfrou grooming? Galettes? The Looker Bureau?"
"Shauna, I have to – Looker Bureau?" Serena wondered. "Why does that sound familiar?"
"I'll check!" Shauna said cheerfully and opened the electronic Town Map she kept in her bag. "Ah, according to the guide it's a building that was rented by a detective called Looker from the International Police. Let's see, there's a link to the news article... he wants to fight organized crime in Kalos, his home region, and is calling out for people to fight on the side of justice. Hmm, it doesn't say where the Bureau is, though, just the detective's word on the matter. He says 'we will find you'. Sounds like a cool guy, right Serena? Um, Ser?"
Serena was just staring blankly into the distance, memories flooding into her mind.
She and Grace's Rhyhorn stood in the burning barn, the man with a trench coat and his Croagunk having somehow tracked her down. She had met him before in Nimbasa City, but his nasal voice and odd syntax of speech made Serena let her guard down and say too much – her mom being so well-known didn't help matters at all. Little did Serena know how far this detective would chase her.
"End of the line, Serena," the detective said. "I'd give up now. A young girl with your intelligence and tenacity doesn't belong in prison. No one has died yet – no one who will be missed, anyway – so we can end this peacefully."
Serena shuddered, but was brought back to her senses by a repetitive voice calling out her name.
"Serena?" Shauna said. "Serena? Serena? Serena? Serrr-eeeeeeena~ ?"
"What?" Serena said.
"...Serena?"
"WHAT?!"
Shauna winced. "Sorry."
Serena covered her eyes. "No, don't be, you didn't do anything wrong. Just... I don't think we should go to the Looker Bureau. How about we head on to that hair salon, Coiffure Clips, instead? Get a new look – a completely new look, make us unrecognizable! My treat! The boys can wait!"
"Cool!" Shauna cheered. "Thanks. You know, I'm so lucky to travel with you! "
"You mean be my expert henchman?"
"Whatever, I don't care!" Shauna said. "I just want to make a lot of fun memories and help you any way I can ! You saved me back there in Anville Town, after all!"
"Well... no problem," Serena said awkwardly. "But we have to do something about your Pokémon skillz. You can't just capture whatever you see that looks cute – though the cuteness is a bonus – and you need to seriously improve your battling style. I'll help you with that!"
"Yay !"
"Quite. I'll also get you some new clothes. I mean, those are fine, but you can't have the future Duchess of Coastal Kalos looking all common-y. We'll sell some of that weird junk you've been finding on the ground to buy you something nice and expensive."
But before Serena and Shauna could walk very far, a surly-looking man wearing a hard hat stopped the girls from advancing further.
"I'm sorry, there's a blackout on the north side of town," the man said bluntly.
"Wha... so?" Serena asked.
"You can't go any farther until it's fixed," the guy continued and then just stood there quietly.
Serena was incensed and was about to open Fennekin's Poké Ball and order her to make douchebag de terre for lunch. But doing it under the nose of detective Looker – if it really was him...
Damn it.
"Whatever, we'll find another way to get to that salon," Serena said. "Come on, Shauna!"
Serena and Shauna headed to the Pokémon Center for a quick healing and restocking on items, then decided to head to the street heading north, Vernal Avenue. But somehow, their advance was blocked by another construction worker – who looked completely identical to the one before.
"I'm sorry, there's a blackout on the north side of town," the construction worker said in a voice that matched the man they had met before.
Not only that, but people kept passing by regardless. A man wearing tight jeans, a scarf and thick-rimmed glasses just casually walked past the construction worker, who did nothing to stop him.
"You can't go any farther until it's fixed," the guy said flatly, then just stared at Serena and Shauna quietly.
An old woman walking her Furfrou walked by, the construction worker once again doing que dalle to stop her.
"What the bleep?!" Serena snapped. "Why aren't you stopping any of these other people? And there's clearly activity going on the north side of town! And what about people who live in the south but work in the north?"
"I'm sorry," the guy said monotonously, "but there's a blackout-"
Serena made a noise resembling 'grrraaagh' and left the guy with Shauna before she popped a blood vessel.
"Oh well, we'll get a cut some other time," Shauna said, her disposition not changing at all. "Maybe we should get to the lab now?"
"But..." Serena stuttered. "New look... Looker... Bureau... stopping my plans..."
Shauna stared at Serena, her big, green eyes wide with curiosity. How was Serena going to explain everything to her? She had no doubt that Shauna wouldn't believe whatever polished version of the events she would offer, but outright lying to her face just didn't seem...
I'm not going soft – I jut don't want to waste anymore time!
"Never mind, you're right," Serena said. "To the lab!"
~o~O~o~
Location: Sycamore Lab, Lumiose City, Kalos
The laboratory, despite its place in the middle of one of the busiest parts of town, had a relaxing atmosphere to it, with a lush green garden for Pokémon behind the building. Sina, who was waiting for Serena and Shauna near the entrance, guided the two girls inside and towards the elevator, which they took to the third floor of the lab. Along the way, they passed by many of Sycamore's assistants, all impeccably stylish, which seemed unnecessary for people who spent their time inside doing experiments. Sycamore's assistants and many students all spoke of the man like he was the spawn of Arceus itself, and among the oil painting of Pokémon (apparently painted by Sycamore himself) were big pictures of the man in question.
As the elevator arrived to the third floor and the doors opened with a ping, Serena and Shauna instantly noticed a weird scent in the air. As they stepped out of the elevator, Serena heard a soft, pleasant voice speak out:
"So we finally meet!"
Assuming this to be the professor, Serena turned and opened her mouth to give a snarky, belittling remark. But when Serena laid eyes on the professor in the flesh, her mouth stayed open.
Tall and massively good-looking, Sycamore looked more like a male model from Kiloude City wearing a lab coat rather than Serena's idea of a scientist. His curly brown hair made him look like he had just gotten out of bed and gently crawled out from under the massive pile of supermodels he slept with, the blue shirt under his lab coat casually open.
Shauna was less impressed, however.
"What's that smell?" she asked bluntly.
"Oh, you noticed my cologne, did you?" Sycamore asked. "One of the finest inventions we Kalosians ever came up with. Though I am partial to Unovans as well," Sycamore added with a wink at Serena.
Something on the back of Serena's mind wondered if Sycamore knew her age, though he didn't seem to care about her or Shauna as much as he cared about the full-length mirror on the wall he started to look at himself from.
"Ugh, the girls at Coiffure Clips are going to be so disappointed when I don't show up to my weekly appointment," Sycamore lamented. "I'm sure you also noticed the blackout they're having – and the city authorities doing their damnedest to keep people isolated. Funny how the Kalosian government is always so good at stopping people, but when it's the time to help..." Sycamore sighed. "Bureaucracy, huh? A less-than-fine Kalosian invention. But enough chatter, follow me please, you two."
Serena didn't even think of protesting as she followed Sycamore to the back of the room, while Shauna looked restlessly around her.
"Where are the boys?" she wondered.
"Dexio is showing them around," Sycamore replied breezily. "We have a lot of fine things here. The Poké Radar lab, the Sycamore Academy – not the name I suggested, but oh well – the great Pokémon garden, the tanning salon, the cloning lab in the basement-"
"Wait, the what?" Serena wondered.
Sycamore laughed. "Oh, careless me. Don't worry, I'll zap you with the amnesia ray before we leave. Come on, now."
Sycamore led Serena and Shauna to another part of the room separated from the rest of the floor by a divider. A retro gramophone in the corner was playing accordion music, but Sycamore quickly replaced the record currently playing with another one, that started to play a smooth, bass-heavy funk song:
"I've been really tryin' baby / Tryin' hold back this feeling for so long / And if you feel, like I feel baby / Then come on, oh come on-"
"That's better," Sycamore commented. "Now, my name is Augustine Sycamore, and nothing makes me tingle with excitement more than seeing young people..."
"Uh," Serena said, weirded out.
"...go on Pokémon journeys," Sycamore finished mercifully. "It seems I did the right thing giving you Pokémon, but I'd still like to see how they're doing. Let them out, sil vous plait!"
Serena opened Fennekin's Poké Ball, the Fox Pokémon being spry as ever, barking with excitement upon seeing Sycamore. Shauna's Chespin was also in good shape, though Shauna had decorated with weird pink ribbons. Seeing them made Serena look at Fennekin, a hungry expression on her face – she had to get some of those things.
"Ooh, trés magnifique!" Sycamore explained – Serena wondered why he had to switch between languages like that. "They seem to be enjoying your company very much. I mean, they haven't evolved yet, but nobody's perfect. And from what Sina told me, you and monsieur Calem already have the gym badge from Santalune City! You certainly seem to have that certain je ne sais quoi! Let's see, you are Shauna, correct?" he asked Shauna, who nodded cheerfully. "Bien, so that means you are Serena?"
"None other!" Serena exclaimed. "Why do you ask?"
"I've heard good things about Rhyhorn racer Grace – I have sent her many a letter in the past," Sycamore said.
Serena remembered getting an influx of cologne-smelling letters one time when she was still living in Anville and how she chucked them all in the fireplace – in hindsight, a bad move, so she didn't say anything.
"When I heard she and her beau daughter were moving to Vaniville Town, far away from everything you used to know – it hit me right here," Sycamore grunted, hand on his chest dramatically.
"I don't see the big deal, both of us were sick of Anville Town and we didn't exactly have friends, anyway," Serena said.
Sycamore didn't seem to listen. "That's when I got the idea. Giving you a Pokémon and having you travel all over the region, getting into adventures, filling the pages of my high-tech encyclopedia with useless trivia, the feeling you get when sleeping under the stars obscured by rain clouds and freezing your butt off on the cold, hard ground when your Pokémon ignore your orders and you have no money for decent food and nobody caring about you..." Sycamore groaned, a murderous glint in his eye. "...Arceus, being a trainer frickin' sucked!"
Suddenly, Sycamore went back to grinning happily.
"Well, anyway, that's what you have to look forward to!" he finished. "Now, let's battle!"
Shauna looked surprised, while Serena just frowned in confusion.
"What, you and me?" she asked, and Sycamore nodded. "Why?"
"Because I wanna. You gonna say no to this face?"
"Well, no... but only because my Fennekin could use the training. My opponents so far haven't been up to par, really..."
"Excellent!" Sycamore said, grabbing a Poké Ball from his pocket and tossing it into the air, catching it with his other hand. "Word of warning, though... I'm terrible."
"Huh?"
"No talk, it's battle time!" Sycamore yelled and tossed his first Poké Ball on the floor of his office, apparently undisturbed by potential collateral damage.
Sycamore's first Pokémon was Bulbasaur, a blue quadruped grass-type with a big green bulb growing from its back. As it opened its mouth to growl at Serena's Fennekin, who just stared at it coolly, it exposed a row of sharp teeth. In right hands, this Pokémon could be pretty badass – too bad Serena was going to burn it down.
"Flame Charge!" Serena ordered.
Fennekin stomped the ground and enveloped its body in a veil of fire. Before Bulbasaur could attack, the Fennekin had leaped at the Bulbasaur and tackled it, the fiery attack knocking it out with a single blow. Merely laughing in an annoying "hon hon hon" way, Sycamore withdrew the Bulbasaur and sent out his next Pokémon.
Sycamore's next Pokémon was Squirtle, a blue, bipedal turtle-like Pokémon, most of its body encased in a tough-looking brown shell. A water-type wasn't even a thang for Serena, who ordered Fennekin to boost its strength with Howl while Sycamore... ordered Squirtle to use Withdraw.
Son of a... Serena thought as Squirtle pulled its head and limbs inside its shell.
"Okay, then... Fennekin, Psybeam!" Serena ordered.
Fennekin's eyes glowed red and fired a multicolored beam of dizzying energy at the Squirtle. But even the Psybeam attack bounced harmlessly off its shell, causing Sycamore to giggle obnoxiously.
What an amateur. Believing that hiding in its shell will shield Squirtle from the all-consuming power of FIRE!
"Fire Spin!" Serena yelled.
Fennekin fired a blast of fire from its mouth at the Squirtle, but the intent wasn't to harm it. Instead, the flames wrapped around its shell and kept on spinning, making it impossible for Squirtle to come out. Close proximity to the fire made Sycamore and Shauna sweat, but Serena enjoyed every second of it, the bright, burning, rattling fire making her feel truly alive.
Serena told Fennekin to just stay still, and indeed, as the flames stopped spinning, Squirtle came out of its shell, tongue hanging out and covered in sweat, unable to battle. Sycamore nodded approvingly and withdrew the Squirtle.
The next one just had to be a fire-type, and indeed, Sycamore sent out a Pokémon that Serena wanted like burning.
That was terrible, Serena thought.
Admittedly, the little orange bipedal lizard-like Pokémon with a little flame burning on the tip of its tail didn't look too impressive at first glance. The Charmander lacked the tough shell of a Squirtle and the general badass quality of Bulbasaur. But some part of Serena knew, just knew, that one day, that Charmander was going to be the Pokémon to bring Kalos to its knees.
"Fennekin, Psybeam again!"
"Charmander, Smokescreen!" Sycamore yelled.
To Serena's surprise, Charmander reacted first, blasting at Fennekin with a thick burst of black smoke. Fennekin's Psybeam missed completely as it couldn't see anything over the smoke. The Psybeam instead knocked several books out of one of Sycamore's bookshelves. Charmander's speed was indeed impressive, but Serena had an idea.
"Flame Charge!" she ordered.
Once again, Fennekin covered itself in flames before charging at its foe, but Charmander dodged easily, the Flame Charge almost burning Sycamore's desk. Hitting Charmander wasn't Serena's goal, however.
"Now Scratch!" Sycamore ordered.
"Psybeam!"
This time, Fennekin moved out of the way with blistering speed and hit the Charmander with a surgically precise Psybeam attack, knocking the fire-type out.
As Sycamore withdrew the third Pokémon, the battle was over, but the professor wasn't sorry at all – even though his curtains were on fire, which Shauna tried to point out only to be ignored.
"Trés bien, Serena!" Sycamore praised and clapped. "You truly are a trainer worth the effort."
Just then, Calem, Tierno and Trevor stepped into the room.
"Wow, it's warm in here," Calem commented.
"Professor, are you aware that you're flaming?" Tierno asked.
"Constantly – can't help it, being as beautiful as I am," Sycamore said and ignored the smoldering tail of his lab coat. "Anyway, it's so good of you to arrive. I was just about to give you Pokémon again. You can choose out of the three I battled Serena with."
"You're giving us Pokémon I just knocked out?" Serena asked incredulously.
"Yeah," Sycamore laughed. "Ain't I a stinker? But as the winner of our battle, Serena gets to ch-"
"CHARMANDER!" Serena yelled.
Sycamore nodded and gave her Charmander's Poké Ball.
"Now, as for the rest, there's five of you and three Pokémon, so I'm assuming that, even though you're from Vaniville Town, you can count. Sooo... how are you gonna choose, rock-paper-scissors, or...?"
"Nah, I'mma stick with the team I have," Tierno said. "I saw those Pokémon when I last visited the lab and none of them had that je ne sais quoi needed for my dance team."
Sycamore didn't appreciate the use of that expression and glowered at Tierno.
"Shut up, kid. You want some of this?" he asked in a low voice, cracking his knuckles.
"W... what?" Tierno wondered.
"Okay then, so Tierno won't be needing one," Sycamore said in a sudden cheerful voice, hands in his pockets, "and Trevor, I know you'll want to focus on the PokéDex and aren't too concerned about battling, so you'll let your friends have them instead, right?"
"Um, actually-"
"Perfect! Shauna, Calem, feel free to choose!"
"I don't even have to think about it!" Calem bragged and grabbed Bulbasaur's Poké Ball. "You'd have to be pretty dumb to have a team of nothing but the same type – OW!"
"Oh, sorry, Calem," Serena deadpanned. "I was so dumb that my big old foot crushed your toe. How 'bout that?"
Shauna pondered her choice carefully – even though Sycamore was only holding one more Poké Ball. After a long period of "hmm"ing and stroking her chin, Shauna finally grabbed Squirtle's Poké Ball.
"All right, you and I will be best friends !" she exclaimed.
"Perfect," Sycamore said. "Now I have another thing to give you..."
Sycamore handed Serena, Shauna and Calem box each, all boxes containing a perfectly spherical, crystalline jewel about the size of an orange, all colored differently. They also had a flame-shaped pattern circling inside them. Serena's was blue and black, Shauna's was cyan and pink and Calem's was white, blue and brown. They all took the boxes, but no one had an idea what they were, and Sycamore clearly enjoyed the dramatic effect.
"Now," he started, "I bet you're all wondering-"
"YES!" all three shouted at the same time.
Sycamore cleared his throat. "I want you to solve Kalos' greatest mystery, Mega Evolution! It has puzzled even the finest scientific minds."
"So, it will make our Pokémon even stronger?" Serena asked.
She could imagine it now. The sphere Sycamore had given suddenly glowing and sending a beam of light at Charmander, who, somehow gaining an ability to speak, would belt out 'Charmander, warp-evolve to... Mega Charizard!', proceeding to save both this world and the digital one, proving the justice of our culture – now go and rest, our heroes!
"But, how does it work?" Shauna wondered, looking at her sphere from all different angles. "Do we make our Pokémon eat it? Do they have to carry it around all the time? Do we-"
"You don't want to know what some trainers have tried," Sycamore interrupted. "But yes, Mega Evolution will give your Pokémon a boost of strength during battle. So far, only a handful of people in this whole region have utilized it, and even they don't understand how it works, so I guess you're crud out of luck. My advice is to go to Camphrier Town, a place with a rich and vibrant history."
"Well, this trip at least wasn't all for nothing," Calem said. "I'm going to whip my Bulbasaur silly until it Mega Evolves! And then, Ser, you and me will have a match."
Serena shrugged. "Fine, but if my Pokémon eats yours, I won't be held accountable."
"Oh, it's good to see such an adventurous spirit in you youngsters!" Sycamore gushed. "I only have two more things for you to do: go out there and be the best trainers you can be. And number two: get the **** out of my lab!"
"What was that word again, I couldn't see it over the asterisks?" Shauna asked.
"It's better that way," Sycamore said.
"All right, my friends – and Calem," Serena said. "Go outside and wait for me there. I have one more thing to talk about with the professor."
The other four were happy to oblige and headed for the elevators. Sycamore seemed confused as to why Serena had stayed behind and glanced at her impatiently.
"Yes?" he asked while Serena just stood there, smiling devilishly. "I have a lot of work to-"
Serena withdrew Fennekin and let her Fletchinder out. Fletchling's evolution was bigger and fiercer as well as better, harder, faster and stronger than what it was before, but most importantly, it had evolved into the most glorious type of them all. No more of that Normal guff.
"I have one more question for you, Syccie," Serena said as Fletchinder flew on the professor shoulder and squeezed it with her talons. "I want to know about the legendary Pokémon that can grant immortality."
"What?" Sycamore wondered. "Get this bird off me, it's heavier than it looks! I don't know anything about OWW MY BEAUTIFUL SHOULDER!"
Sycamore wailed as Fletchinder squeezed even harder, the force of its grip causing Sycamore to almost double over.
"Okay, okay, I do know something about it, please!"
Serena nodded at Fletchinder who stopped squeezing, but stayed perched on the professor. Catching his breath, he guided Serena behind his desk. There, he grabbed a document from his drawer and gave it to Serena.
"But we only have theories – I should have never been stupid enough to blabber about it," Sycamore sighed. "According to both myths and scientific research conducted over a hundred years ago, there is a Pokémon in Kalos capable of creating life – plant life, mainly – on its own."
"So?" Serena asked. "I can do that, though that would mean not showering for a few months-"
"No, nothing like that," Sycamore interrupted in disgust. "It can create entire forests at will. Legends say that its life is cyclical, and it releases all of its life energy into all living things around it, then transforms into a tree to sleep for a millennium."
"Iiii~hiiinteresting," Serena murmured as she browsed at the file. "What is it called?"
"As a scientist, I don't take these ancient writings as the absolute truth, so I prefer to just call it, if it even exists, the 'Life Pokémon'," Sycamore explained. "But scriptures call it 'Xerneas'. I'm afraid there's not much there, no one has seen it as far as I know so there are no estimates about its appearance, size, habitat or even type-"
"This'll work," Serena smirked. "Thank you, professor. With this, immortality is at my grasp."
"Dang, girl, you messed up," Sycamore panted, and after a pause, added: "I like it. Here, if you visit Grace again, take her this letter."
Sycamore gave another cologne-scented envelope to Serena, who looked at it curiously.
"Is it okay for me to read it?" Serena asked.
"Well... how old were you again?"
"Seventeen."
"Then no."
Serena shuddered and quickly put the envelope away.
Outside the lab, the rest of the group looked at Serena expectantly. Making sure everyone's attentions, especially Shauna's, were directed at her, Serena started speaking:
"Loyal followers!" Serena said. "I have managed to make the professor into an ally – I think. With him, we can influence the young minds of this generation!"
"For the all the good that will do," Trevor grumbled.
"He has given us a lead regarding the Pokémon that can make me – whoops, I mean us... no, wait, I take that back, I mean me – immortal!"
"Yay !" Shauna exclaimed.
"Yay indeed," Serena said. "Now, for stage two of our operation. I planned this last night, and though there aren't many places in this great city of lights that we can't get into, my plan hinges on the building right next to us."
"The PR Video studio?" Tierno wondered. "What are you looking from there?"
"Allow me to demonstrate!
But before they could leave, someone coughed as he approached the group. It was a very tall man with a bush of spiky orange hair that would make Unova's ex-Champion Alder go mad with envy, along with a neat, well-trimmed beard and a snazzy coat with a fur collar. Calem gasped at the sight of him, though Serena had no idea who it was.
"Hello," the man said in a deep, quiet voice. "I was heading to the lab to meet my old friend Sycamore – now there's a man to die for – and the five special teenagers who got PokéDexes from him. Such adorable young people indeed – I could just throttle all of you... with my love."
"Um," Serena said.
"Divine Dialga!" Calem exclaimed. "That's Lysander, CEO of Lysander Labs!"
"LYSANDRE!" the man roared and suddenly went back to being blank-faced again. "You must get it right – you must. Your life depends on it. Yes. I am the head of Lysandre Labs, building a better world for tomorrow. You, my dear children, are the chosen ones. Are you using the Holo Casters? Please tell me you're using the Holo Casters."
"Oh, yeah, everyone in Kalos uses these!" Tierno said and showed off his own. "Great for communication!"
"Yes," Lysandre said. "Knowledge is power, yes. Power corrupts, yes, but not me, for I am Lysandre."
"Okay..." Serena said. "Did you-"
"What?" Lysandre asked.
"Did you want-"
"What? What is it that you want to ask?"
"I just wanted to-"
"If you didn't want to say anything, then just... shh," Lysandre said quietly. "Professor Sycamore has taught a lot to me, too, yes. You, as Pokémon trainers, must work tirelessly to create a new and better world. A beautiful world, yes. That is what I desire. Did I tell you what I desire?"
"Yes," Serena said flatly. "A beautiful world."
"A beautiful world," Lysandre repeated.
"What kind of world?" Shauna asked. "Sorry, I wasn't listening. Wow, my new Squirtle can use Water Gun, you guys, this is awesome!"
Lysandre suddenly walked close to the group.
"Killallthefilth" he whispered.
"What?" Serena asked.
"Oh, nothing," Lysandre said and stepped back. "Now, I must go. My corporation needs me. A beautiful world... immortality, yes... mm."
And with that, the strange man walked away.
"Wow!" Calem said. "I can't believe we got to meet Lewsandre! He seemed like a great guy!"
"I dunno," Serena said. "Call me suspicious, but there's something fishy about that dude."
"Oh, Serena, you and your paranoia!" Shauna chastised. "When has a corporate executive ever done anything evil? Now tell us what you were going to do!"
"Better yet," Serena said, "I'll show you what I'll do!"
~o~O~o~
Location: PR Video Studio, Lumiose City, Kalos
After Serena had finished talking to the clerk, she ran over to the other four to tell them her plan, the others having finished reading the papers Serena had given them.
"All right, me and Mr. receptionist there made a deal!" Serena announced perkily. "I won't burn down his house and he'll not only let us shoot our film here, but he'll send the finished product to the Holo Casters of every trainer in the city. From there, I hope it'll spread all over to the rest of the region."
"I've always dreamed of shooting a PR video !" Shauna squeed, hands clasped together as he admired the interiors of the studio. "Can I do it, Serena, please~?"
"On your own time, sure, whatever, but first I want all of you to appear in my video!"
"Dare I ask why?" Tierno inquired.
"What do you think I can do with just the four of you and your Pokémon who probably aren't even up to level twenty yet?" Serena asked. "I need more followers to my cause! I need people to support me during the initial rough years when I rise to power – that is why I need the PR Video, and I've given you all integral parts to play. I'll direct!"
"I hope you'll do something about this dialogue, first," Trevor grumbled.
"Yeah, Serena, about this whole 'taking over the Kalos region' thing," Tierno started. "I admit that our current leadership could be better, but-"
"Oh, Tierno, don't be like that!" Calem said and jabbed his friend in the arm. "We promised to be by Serena's side, and it's all in good fun, right?"
"Fun must be earned," Serena said. "Act or act while on fire, your choice. You'll even get to dance!"
"Well, then sign me in!" Tierno said excitedly. "You haven't marked all the roles in this script, though – like, who is 'the host'?"
"It has to be someone presentable," Serena said. "Though I have a pretty good idea already. After all, who's the most attractive out of us all?"
"Aww, yeah," Calem exclaimed.
"Trevor, naturally," Serena said and pointed at the small boy.
"Awwwhhaaatyousay?!" Calem shouted.
"M-me?" Trevor wondered. "B-but, I'm fine with a background part. I can be a prop. I can't be in the center of the stage! And besides, these fools will never take my plans of subjugating them all under my regime seriously if I appear too invested in your foolish movie, Unovan!"
"Fine, you have stage fright," Serena sighed. "Guess I'll direct and host."
"Ooh, we get to wear costumes as well," Calem said as the clerk wheeled a selection of different outfits for the group in. "So, what are you gonna put on, Ser? I think I see a fluffy pink miniskirt and Fennekin ears and a tail with your name on it~"
"How degrading," Serena grumbled. "I'll just keep these clothes on – I have my dignity. Ooh, but I'll have the ears and tail, so cute! Still, that skirt looks pretty cool, so I'm sure we'll have use for it..."
"Oh," Calem said. "Wait..."
"Lights, camera, action, let's roll!" Serena yelled.
~o~O~o~
"Firefox Productions Present,
a Serena film
Written by Serena
Produced by Serena, Fennekin, Fletchinder, Charmander and flammable materials everywhere
SERENA – THE (ONLY) HOPE OF KALOS
© Serena and company 2XXX All rights reserved. Pirates will be incinerated."
Wearing a pink tutu, Tierno skipped happily on an unrealistic grassy knoll.
"La-la-la~" Tierno sang. "I'm so happy to be an artistically talented young man in Kalos!"
However, his joyous skipping came short when a person and a Pokémon in uniform stopped his advance – Shauna and her Chespin, both wearing thick fake mustaches.
"Stop right there, criminal scum!" Shauna said in a deep voice. "You are arrested on the grounds, of, uh... expressing your artistic talents. Yes. Away with you!"
"Woe is me!" Tierno moaned. "If only there was someone who could help!"
Suddenly, Serena and her perfectly groomed Fennekin wearing a pink bow stepped in, Serena wearing her normal clothes except with Fennekin ears and a tail slapped in for no discernible reason other than the 'kawaii factor'.
"Are you tired of this happening to you?" Serena asked the audience. "Fear not, artistically talented Pokémon trainers! Under my regime, artistic freedom will never be suppressed, and reviewers and critics will not be tolerated – under penalty of torture. So pick me, Serena, as your leader. Do not fear: you will not have to vote for me in a democratic election. Simply be there by my side when me and my Pokémon crush all resistance. We'll see what else my glorious future has in store for you..."
The scenery suddenly switched to an obviously painted backdrop of a quiet village. Wearing an oversized lab coat, Trevor gave a Poké Ball to Calem, who wore only a pink miniskirt, a tiny pink tube top and a pink ribbon on top of his hair.
"Before I give you this Pokémon – are you a boy or are you a girl?" Trevor asked in a professor-y voice.
"If only professors wouldn't ask me that every time!" Calem sighed theatrically. "I'm a girl!"
"Well, you're ready to begin your adventures in the world of Pokémon!" Trevor said, putting all his effort in his dramatic reading. "Be sure to wear this outfit at all times. Trevoristhebest!"
"And doesn't this just grind everyone's Klinklangs?" Serena asked when she and Fennekin stepped in again. "Senile professors not fit to do their jobs and female Pokémon trainers forced to wear skimpy outfits – it's a plague in our great nation! Together, we will introduce the greatness that is Kalosian fashion all over the world and will impose my rule on these pretentious Pokémon professors!"
Suddenly, the scene switched to a dramatic closeup of Serena's face, Serena holding Fennekin in her arms so she would show up on camera, too.
"But beware!" Serena said dramatically. "Opposition lurks at every corner!"
Suddenly, the scene switched to a seedy city backdrop, Shauna wearing a burlap sack and threatened by Calem dressed in a trench coat similar to Looker's. Shauna was on her knees while Calem stood over her and laughed evilly.
"Oh no!" Shauna exclaimed. "I'm only a poor orphan from the streets of Lumiose and I'm being harassed by the corrupt and bad-smelling detective Looker!"
"Ha-ha-ha!" laughed Calem. "Yes, I truly am harassing this orphan and I am indeed detective Looker, known for my corruption and odor! Um, boo, grr, all that!"
"Non!" Shauna wailed. "I wish there was someone to help us orphans, but no one cares about poorest me, especially not our current freely elected leaders and our Champion... uh... line?"
"Diantha," Serena whispered.
"Yeah, her!" Shauna said. "Oh, fiddlesticks!"
"Stick in the script," Calem muttered.
The scene switched to Serena again, this time against a backdrop of cute hearts and dazzling stars, Fennekin still in her arms.
"Under my rule, the Champion and leader will be the same person – me!" Serena proclaimed. "And there will be no orphans, inequality, sadness, boring TV shows, smelly people and people with poor fashion sense in our fair land – this, I promise! The immortal ruler of Kalos is at your side!"
Trevor suddenly popped his head into the shot.
"Look out for Trevor, he's gonna take over, not this one!" he managed to yell out before Serena pushed him away.
"And remember," Serena said and held Fennekin with one hand while aiming a prop gun at her head with the other. "If you betray me, this adorable Fennekin gets it! So when the time comes and I emerge victorious over those who dare oppose me, join my legion, and remember the name..."
Calem, Shauna, Tierno and Trevor all appeared into the shot next to Serena, Trevor doing his part rather flatly.
"SERENA!" they all yelled out at once.
"Fin.
No Pokémon were hurt in the making of this film except for Shauna's Bunnelby who was almost burned by Serena for making a mess on the floor."
~o~O~o~
Standing outside the PR Studio, confident that her video would be on everyone's lips by tomorrow (assuming Serena hadn't burned them off), Serena took a deep breath. She then kissed her Fennekin on the head, promising that she would never hold a real gun to its head. The others seemed to have enjoyed their parts as well. Bitten by the acting bug, Shauna had stayed behind to film her own PR Video while Tierno and Trevor had headed to the Pokémon Center to get some supplies. Everyone had agreed to meet at the hotel at eight PM. This left Serena with Calem, but even he seemed distracted and more serious than usual.
"Serena," he said. "I gotta go run an errand – I have a friend who lives in Lumiose and I'd like to pay him a quick visit."
"Visit granted," Serena said. "Take you time – please."
"But I'd like to ask you a favor," Calem said quietly. "Meet me at Café Soleil at seven-thirty, before meeting with the others. Deal?"
"Is this important?"
"Kinda... just get there, okay? Gottago, bye!"
Serena watched Calem go, then turned to watch at the orange sky, the sun about to set for the day. Her dream had just taken a huge leap forward, and though the revelation that her enemy was in the region had shaken her, it had an exciting side to it, too. If anything, Serena looked forward to what he would do.
All right, Looker – make your move.
~o~O~o~
Location: Looker Bureau, shady side of Lumiose City, Kalos
An hour later
Inside Looker's office, the detective's most trusted men were unpacking the last crate full of magnifying glasses and deerstalker hats. Looker had finally settled into his new base of operations in Lumiose City, and was now relaxing in his chair and reading the personnel file of his latest recruit – who happened to stand right in front of him and wait for Looker's final word.
"This is an unexpected move," Looker remarked, "but an interesting one, too. I had no idea about the condition of this region. Now I already have to deal with a street gang causing trouble here in Lumiose, some gang of poorly dressed ponces up to mischief in Geosenge Town and, to top it all off, the Serena case. This new video of hers was pretty outrageous, I dare say. I don't smell, do I? No, wait, better you don't answer. As soon as you contacted me, we did a background check, and while you don't seem too experienced, everything else points to you being a guy we need. Oh, damn it, I'm rambling again. What are your thoughts on this?" he asked the recruit and put the file on the desk.
Calem, standing in attention before Looker, finally relaxed a bit and smiled at the detective.
"Like I said, detective," Calem said, "I'll help you with the Serena case – and nothing more."
"Cheeky little thing – I like you," Looker said and started sucking on a lollipop he grabbed from a jar on his desk. "I was about to put an APB on her – I even warned Iris about her before she ran off to do her duties. And yet you're telling me not to do that...?"
"I have a better plan in mind," Calem bragged. "After all, she hasn't done anything too illegal or irrevocable yet, and if given the right nudge, can even be useful to us. Besides, this is more personal revenge on your side, isn't it?"
Looker shrugged nonchalantly while dangling the lollipop in his hand. "It might be," he said. "But I want to make sure she suffers the ultimate price."
"Exactly," Calem said. "Which I why we wait to make the right move. Go for the long-term plan. Just leave her to me, detective Looker."
"Try not to call me that on a regular basis," Looker pointed out. "The world's greatest detective needs a code name for his code name, after all. How about... Ryuzaki?"
"That's going to annoy people," Calem pointed out.
"I thought it was cool," Looker muttered awkwardly. "All right, we'll try 'Handsome'."
"So whenever I greet you, I have to say 'hi, Handsome'?"
Looker grinned. "One of the perks of this job. You don't have to take it, you know."
"I will," Calem promised. "Even if she's not exactly subtle, she has something else going on, and the first thing we'll do is trick her to spill the beans. That's why I hope to see you at Café Soleil at seven-thirty... Handsome."
A/N: A-ha, so as you can see, we here at Heroes of Kalos Abridged aren't just about lame jokes and exaggerated characterization - we have a plot, too! I hope you enjoy this and that it didn't come across as too rushed. Chapter four will be up much sooner. Thanks to ALL who have read, reviewed, favorited or followed the story - you keep this going, and all feedback, positive or negative, is greatly appreciated, but not mandatory. Just... thank you so much.