Hello Pearlshippers! Here I am, sticking to my weekly schedule! I gotta admit it was rather close, but I managed to squeeze enough writing time in in the end to get it finished, if only slightly late by my time standards (It's currently 00.21 am on Sunday here in England as I'm writing this). It really only became close because of the amount of content I wanted to address in this one chapter, and there were some parts that I decided to leave for later because they will work better for what's to come.
So, on with the fic!
Enjoy!
The Legacy of Aura
Chapter 9
The Shattered Mask; Scars of Betrayal
Twenty two years ago - Ore Region, The World Palace
The World Chamber felt sullen despite its majesty; the visions of space visiting its marble floor and ceiling having their mysticism eclipsed by the seriousness of the discussion being held by those who sat in attendance.
All were gathered, from the Elite Four to the Grand Champions. Anyone who was anyone was here. Those below the former were excluded from attending, such was the seriousness of the talks. Overseeing everything sat the World Leaders, all three of them had their eyes narrowed, as they considered the opinions thrown around by their subordinates with extreme scrutiny.
"Something has to be done, it is agreed. But we must handle this situation delicately. The repercussions would be horrendous if we made a botch of the job." Lady Jennifer Evermore said after the initial reports had been discussed amongst the chamber.
"Delicately?!" Tobias spat, standing from his seat in outrage. "This is the fifth incident this year alone! Do you want me to recount the casualties of the last mission? We can't keep blowing this over as accidents or unstable energy explosions! Even the most debased of commoners will be starting to see through the shit we're putting in front of them!"
"Settle down Tobias," Aaron Rosenburg warned dangerously. "No one here is ignorant of what's happening. You'd do well to remember your place and code of conduct when around your betters."
Face flushed, the young noble cleared his throat and sat back down. "Apologies, my lord."
"I say we disband the order and throw the remaining ones in prison." Drake the Dragon Master interjected, his arms folded before his chest. "They've proven they can't be trusted. Why give leniency?"
"I concur." Agatha said, shifting in her seat. "Regardless of the fact that we don't acknowledge them as part of our military arm officially, they cause too much noise. If we were ever implicated it would be nothing if not problematic. We're talking revolts, riots. It would be a real pain to quell the masses."
Most of the Elite Four nodded and murmured their agreement to the statement. Even some of the Champions were looking at it in a positive light.
"You can't be seriously considering that!" Brandon exclaimed, horror written all over his face. He turned to his fellow Grand Champions for support. "Please tell me that you few at least don't agree with this madness!"
Lance sighed, pinching his nose in an attempt to alleviate the stress. "It's hard to defend the Guardians anymore, Brandon. I know it's personal for you, I do, but look at what's happening. I'm sorry but at the very least they must be dissolved as an order."
Alder gave a slow nod to his companions' assessment. "As distasteful as this whole matter is, I'm afraid I don't see much of an alternative." He gave Brandon a sorrowful look. "You know I've always stood by the Guardians and their necessity as an organization within our ranks, but I can't overlook the damage that is wrought by their actions neither. Aura is simply too unstable to be a credible method, even with a detachment of Lucario's to assist. I've got to put the people we're sworn to defend first Brandon. I'm sorry"
"Wikstrom?" Brandon asked helplessly, desperately searching for friends.
The aging knight gave him a sympathetic look, before sighing deeply. "You know you and your family have my full support Brandon. But something must be done about this mess. I personally don't believe the Guardians need to be dissolved, however we can't leave the situation as it stands. I think a compromise can be met that would satisfy both parties."
His declaration sent ripples through the gathering. Brandon gave him a thankful nod before turning to address the World Leaders directly.
"Your Majesties. I understand the direness of the situation, but I believe that the Guardians are a force for good that we can't do without. Since the Guardians were absorbed into the League, crime has fallen by 90% in all sectors and dangerous energy influxes involving artefacts has been contained to a minimum. I can't deny that there has been some collateral damage in some of these operations, but it surely would have been far more disastrous had the unit not been in existence to respond at all. Need I not remind you all of the Diamond Crucible?"
Lord Aaron closed his eyes and titled his head slightly. "So you're using one case where a Guardian saved the Sinnoh Region from self-destruction over a hundred years ago as a positive claim to your case? Forgive me for being a pessimist here, but the Guardians were only re-emitted into the government's League structure since your induction as a Grand Champion. There have been eighty years of relative peace prior to using them as an unofficial organization, and the cases where they're called upon always turn into massive damage to either property or civilian life."
"But surely the alternative would be far more-"
Aaron held up a hand to silence the Grand Champion's defence. "I'm not saying that the Guardians don't try to minimize causalities and I'm not stating that they're reckless in their duties either, but there are alternatives that would prove safer once implemented. Aura has to be controlled. We cannot allow it, or the Guardians that wield it, to run free any longer."
More murmurs rippled through the crowd at the declaration, everyone expressing their own thoughts on the matter to their neighbours.
Dante raised an eyebrow. "You have devised a safer method to deal with rogue crime lords and energy anomalys?"
"This would also be the first time I've heard about this." Jennifer said with suspicion lacing every word.
Aaron nodded. "The Guardians have been used mainly as a black ops style unit since their induction. Off the record specialists who take care of business that doesn't implicate us in anyway and isn't spoken of to the general public. It keeps the peace, but, as we've been discussing, comes with a lot of collateral damage. My notion would be to replace them with an actual black ops unit. Elite forces who use specialized Pokemon units to deal with these threats. The human element is the only faulty part with the Guardians, replace that with highly trained men picked from the best of the best and partner them up with specialized and highly trained Pokemon, and it fixes all the problems."
Murmurs of approval rippled through the hall, much to Brandon's growing dismay.
He turned, ashen faced, from the World Leaders to his assembled peers. "Are you all insane?!" He shouted sorrowfully, and not a hint of anger.
The hall went quiet as his voice echoed throughout the chamber, and everyone focused their attention on him, not wanting to offend a Grand Champion here of all places.
"Surely you all jest?" Brandon continued, looking around the room for support of any kind. "What the Guardians do cannot be replaced by a simple black ops team with specialized Pokemon. Forgive me my arrogance Lord Aaron, but it's true. Mark my words, should the Guardians be disbanded, crime gangs and energy anomalys will sprout like wildfire!" Taking a deep breath, reaffixing his coat of office squarely on his shoulders, he turned back to the World Leaders. "I've been working my entire life to prove the validity of my heritage, of the Guardians as a whole. Founding the Shinonome organization for their uses in the League has been the pinnacle of my dreams, and the results should speak for themselves. I implore you all, think this through! I only want what is best for the people of this world, keeping them safe is my highest priority. By crushing crime into the ground and removing all energy based threats, the Guardians have made it so people no longer have to fear walking down a dark alley at night without the company of a Pokemon, or venturing into ancient architecture and ruins without being torn to shreds by lingering power. You can't destroy all this good I've wrought."
No one spoke. Brandon even found that most of those gathered were starting to agree with him, the looks on their faces changing from dismissal to uncertainty, and a surge of hope flooded his system. All eyes then turned towards the World Leaders, to see what they would ultimately decide.
"A well informed speech," Lady Jennifer said, slipping her pink hair behind an ear. "You make a clear point. This isn't something that will be decided lightly, whatever the outcome. I assure you, we haven't forgotten all the good the Guardians have done for us."
Dante sighed. "It's true that Shinonome have created a safer world, but it is still unclear on whether or not Lord Aaron's black ops would be more beneficial. I suggest we test the alternative before deciding on this matter for good. I assume you have no issues with that, my lord?"
Shrugging, the blonde World Leader replied, "It would only be logical."
The three of them shared a look, before nodding in unison. "Very well then," Jennifer said, "we will conclude this business at a later date once the official data has been collected. Council dismissed."
Brandon sighed and felt the weight lift from his shoulders, he grinned happily and looked over toward Lady Jennifer, his only stalwart supporter up on the thrones of the World Leaders, and she gave him a warm, earnest smile back.
At least now I have hope, he thought to himself, I can rally Shinonome to greater efforts. I'll prove the Guardians will be far more effective than anything they can put together. I'll show the world our worth! He felt the stress and tension leave his body for the first time since setting foot inside the World Chamber.
As everyone filed out, making their way towards the exit and into the World Palace proper, a pair of eyes watched Brandon leave, never letting intense gaze leave him.
Soreimaru sat at the back of the room, in the noble section directly across from Tobias. His narrowed eyes, little more than slits normally, were scrunched the point of closing. His gaze penetrating from under his shock of white hair.
Only when everyone else had left did he rise from his seat, making his way after the crowd of VIPs.
If anyone else had been around they would have immediately noticed that his customary smirk was missing from his face.
Stretching the remaining worries out of his body once he left the formalities of the council meeting behind, Brandon Ketchum ran a hand through his spiky black hair and began making his way through the crowds gathering in the main hall of the World Palace.
Hanging chandelliers made of pure diamond hung from the ceiling like captured stars, emitting their light in an array of dancing images over ancient paintings, gilded pillars of veined white marble, and the purest blood red carpet trimmed with golden thread. It truly spoke royalty to anyone who beheld it. A fitting edifice to those who sat atop the world.
Just as he reached excited throng who were busy exchanging words and stopping for glasses of wine or a treat from one of the passing trays, for the ruling body of the world tended to get animated whenever anything of serious import was on the discussion table and liked to celebrate afterwards, his coat snagged on the edge of one of the mighty plinths, tearing the fabric at the bottom and ripping it from his shoulders.
He cursed under his breath as he picked it up, examining the damage. "Damn it all, this will be expensive to replace." He signalled over one of the serving staff and handed it to them for repair. Happy that it was taken care of, he continued on into the thriving crowd.
Politely nodding and accepting the words of praise heaped upon him for his daring speech during the meeting to those he passed, he kept moving toward the grand staircase in that basically filled one side of the vast antechamber to get away from the worst of the crowd and find room to breathe.
As he finally pushed out of the throng and was able to turn without bumping into someone or knock them over in the process, one of the waiters approached carrying a rather divine looking cake on a silver platter. The man looked immaculate in his black and white suit and had an accent that was as rich and flavourful as any of the nobles. "Could I interest you in a slice of our premier prinzregententore, my lord?"
Just the sight of the dessert made his stomach growl. "Yes please." Brandon replied happily.
The waiter handed him a knife and a smaller silver plate before allowing him to cut his own portion, so he took the liberty of slicing off a healthy sized piece before returning the knife. "Thank you very much." The Guardian said as he began digging into the cake. It tasted like heaven had invaded his mouth was was caressing his tongue with its divine presence, and he made a mental note to thank the chef later.
"The pleasure is mine, my lord." The waiter said, bowing. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have others to attend."
Brandon waved him off and he disappeared back into the crowd.
No sooner had he finished his cake than a figure passed him like a wraith, barely caught in his peripheral vision. Yet the words he uttered came through as loud as day, easily eclipsing the idle chatter that filled the hall. "The clock strikes the eleventh hour."
Eyes widening with a sudden sense of unease, Brandon whirled on the mystery passer, only to find the throng of government officials filling his gaze. He tried desperately to find a hint of the man who'd passed him but soon found the task impossible. There was no trace. He was gone.
The world around him suddenly felt that much colder. Those few dreadful words held such impact that he knew that he only understood the tip of the iceberg of their dark truths. The clock strikes the eleventh hour?
Feeling a chill run down his spine, Brandon decided to ditch the after-party and hurried up to his room.
He stopped just outside, suddenly keenly aware of his surroundings and very suspicious of even the mundane. Rushing Aura into his vision, he examined the door. No signs of damage or forced entry, the handle is still in the exact same position as when I left it earlier, not even slightly off on the rotation. Am I being paranoid for nothing?
With extreme trepidation, he opened the door and entered his room.
Immediately he scanned it for signs of change. Any significant alteration that would betray another's presence. Nothing. There has been no changes. He sighed once more to let out the tension that had wormed its way back inside his chest and ran a hand over his face to calm his emotions.
I shouldn't let something like this get to me so easily. It was easy to think that, another to act on it. There had been a lot of prejudice against the Guardians when he was first sworn into office, and it was only through the efforts of Lady Jennifer that he had gotten so far at all. Without her support, all his plans meant nothing. Even then it hadn't shaken the mistrusting stares and hateful glances occasionally shot his way over the years. Just when he thought he'd gotten past that point, he found that he still feared their rejection. If something as trivial as a whispered sentence from an unconfirmed source could knock me so off keel, that is.
Of course he knew what the sentence whispered usually held in context, but thinking about what that could refer to about himself was a burrow of worries that he wasn't at all keen on digging up.
Shaking his head to clear it of his worries, he slipped out of his clothes and got into bed. Tomorrow would be the start of a new world for both himself and the Guardians, and he focused all his thoughts to the wonderful things that would come as he drifted off to sleep.
A knock at his door roused him from his slumber.
He groggily opened his eyes, greeted only by the cloying gloom of night. Fuelling his vision with Aura he glanced down at his watch. 4:30 am. What on earth is going on at this hour?
The banging was fierce on his door, as though those without were trying desperately to knock it down with their efforts. It was driving a headache into his sleep deprived brain. "Just a second!" He called out, fumbling around for his dressing gown, wanting to appear at least semi-decent.
The banging continued unabated as he robed himself and stumbled over towards the door. "Just a damn second!"
As he unlocked the door and grimaced at the brightness from the hall outside, he was taken aback by the sight that greeted him. A whole contingent of the World Guard, the elite soldiers of the government sworn to defend the World Leaders, stood before him, their eyes glaring at him from beneath their helmets.
He immediately knew the situation was serious and sobered up from his groggy state, instantly alert. "What can I help you with?"
The head guard grabbed him roughly by the shoulder and pulled him out into the corridor. The other guards immediately moved to box him in and restrain his movements. "Brandon Ketchum, you're under arrest for the grievous crime of regicide. You'll be coming with us."
"Regicide?!" Brandon exclaimed incredulously. "What on earth are you talking about?! I'm pretty sure I'm not responsible for the murder of any monarch!"
"Shut your mouth traitor!" One of the guards shouted, hitting him on the back of the head.
He fell forward from the force of the blow, and the others caught him before unceremoniously dragging him down the corridor, back through the Palace and towards the World Chamber. As they left his room behind, he didn't even get a chance to notice that his boots were missing.
As they passed various rooms, the sound of the commotion was drawing others from their rooms, and they peeked tired but curious heads out to see what was the cause of all the ruckus. Upon seeing the World Guard 'escorting' a Grand Champion, most of them shied away and immediately pretended not to have noticed. Only the very curious dared risk infraction by observing.
Everyone who did awaken to the sounds knew that something momentous was happening, but none of them knew what.
Almost none of them.
Soreimaru greeted the delegation at the bottom of the grand staircase, his noble attire crowned with his coat of station, labelling him as a noble of the World Government. From his dress code, it was clear he hadn't been to sleep.
"My lord?" The head guard said as they approached. "Why are you up and about in a time such as this? All nobility were to be kept safe in their rooms under our protection."
Soreimaru waved him off as casually as he would swat a fly, the smirk on his face making the gesture seem condescending. "Oh no need to worry about me captain. I'm more interested in your charge here." He bent down to where Brandon was being dragged between them, looking the Guardian directly in the eyes. "Seems you've had an eventful night."
"My lord, I must stress that you keep your distance from this man! He's already struck down one tonight, I shan't have your blood stain his hands too."
"Oh my, well he certainly must be a credible threat to be able to best all five of you and myself whilst unarmed and without any Pokemon." Soreimaru said, smirking up at the captain. "I fear to think what would happen here without your stalwart protection. I did wonder how he managed to kill such an important person with your elite guards standing so faithfully on duty, but if he can cut you down that effortlessly it's all beginning to make sense."
The hint of amusement in Soremaru's tone cause the guards to flush in shame and embarrassment. It was clear that the captain wished to angrily retort something to defend himself, but dared not speak back to a noble.
"We will strive to always atone for our failures this night. However, we must bring him to the World Chamber at once." He finally said.
"Oh fine fine." Soreimaru sighed, waving him by. "Do try not to let him slip from your grip again, I wouldn't want another World Leader dead by his conniving hands."
The mocking tone followed the guards as they dragged their prisoner the rest of the way, back through the marble halls towards the World Chamber.
When they finally entered, it was to find the room empty except for three people. Standing as judge, jury and executioner were Aaron Rosenburg, Dante Rodren and Tobias. The latter pacing back and forth over the illusion of the universe that covered the floor like a raging bull just waiting to be unleashed into the ring. The Guardian keenly noticed the absence of Lady Jennifer and felt a sick twist in his stomach.
When he caught sight of Brandon being dragged into the room, Tobias' nostrils practically flared. "You!" He roared. "What have you done?!"
The guards dumped Brandon in the centre of the room and stepped back, keeping a careful eye on him as they took their posts around the outskirts of the main floor.
Brandon looked up into Tobias' fuming face. "I wish I knew." He spat, emptying his mouth of blood. The blow from the back of the head earlier had caused him to bite his tongue.
Tobias drew his hand back and slapped him across the face, sending the Guardian sprawling. "Don't play dumb with me! Murderer!"
"Tobias!" Aaron barked from his throne. "That's enough!"
Reluctantly the noble backed away, his fists clenching and unclenching constantly.
"Brandon Ketchum," Dante rumbled, his normally kind-hearted voice rumbling like a collapsing mountain. "You're here on an account of treason of the highest level. For committing murder against the noble Lady Jennifer, you've struck out at one of the World Leaders and attacked the very heart of this government and the world as a whole." He crossed his massive arms over his barrel chest. "What do you have to say in your defence?"
He stared up wide-eyed at both the World Leaders, the sickening feeling in his gut turning over and nearly causing him to wretch. "Lady Jennifer is dead?" He breathed, as though the words made no sense. "That can't be. You must be mistaken." The idea of her being gone was unacceptable to his mind. She was one who had stood by him and his plans every step of the way, and he counted her as one of the staunchest allies to the Guardians as well as a personal friend to himself despite her lofty position. And with her gone, so too does the support for us. Little Lady Caitlyn… oh Arceus forgive me! I wasn't there for your mother when she needed me most!
"I'm afraid your ignorance rings hollow." Dante said, shaking his head. "We found evidence that you were in her room tonight, and we know for certain that there could have been no one else." Nodding towards one of the guards, he quickly disappeared through one of the side doors and immediately returned with a tray containing a few blood-soaked items.
Brandon's eyes widened when he saw what was on there.
"Do you recognize any of these as your own?" Aaron asked, noticing the reaction by the Grand Champion.
Blinking to clear his vision to make sure he wasn't seeing things, Brandon observed the evidence with incredulity. "That's my coat of office… and those are my boots…"
"The coat was found snagged on one of Jennifer's chairs, no doubt caught there in your hasty escape from the scene of the crime. We found patches of blood all over the back," Dante began, before pointing towards the boots. "The soles of those were covered in her blood. We've already thoroughly tested the samples with psychic Pokemon. It's a dead match. If you're not the culprit, then could you explain how her blood ended up all over your clothing?"
Brandon's brain fumbled at the blatant lie displayed before him. I've been set up! He wanted to cry out, but knew it would do him no good. For such strings to have been pulled in order to frame the evidence in such a way, it could only come from very high up in the food chain. He didn't know who he could trust. Even those present in the room designated to pass judgement on him were suspect as his would-be framers. Damn it, they know they have me by the balls. Try as he might he couldn't find a suitable excuse that would all that convincing given the circumstances. "How was she found?" He finally asked.
Dante raised a thick eyebrow. "That's not what I asked you."
"How was she found?" Brandon growled out, feeling the injustice of his situation turning his humours to anger.
Aaron found his interest piqued by this new line of conversation and cut off his colleague before he could retort by answering. "Laying down face first in a pool of her own blood, a lethal cut that stretched from her nape to her thighs nearly bisected her in two. So by all estimates was struck from behind. Your boot prints were found leaving a trail exiting the crime scene, and both of the World Guard members posted outside her room were found dead." When he'd finished his recount and saw the mounting horror on Brandon's face, he narrowed his brows and asked, "Why?"
"And this information was given to you by a trustworthy source?" The Guardian asked.
The blonde World Leader nodded. "Saw it with my own eyes. I was one of the first to respond to the emergency call."
"Then how could you possibly think I'd be capable of inflicting such a wound on a World Leader?!" Brandon roared, tears streaming down his grief-stricken face. "You three are the strongest trainers in the world! I wouldn't have a chance in hell against any of you!"
Tobias was genuinely taken aback by the Guardian's reaction and stepped back, eyes wide in shock.
"Unless you took her by surprise." Dante mused. "She was widely known for being sympathetic to your cause, as well as being one of your friends. Taken off-guard and from behind, as the wounds would suggest, then anyone can be slain by the basest of criminals, no matter how powerful they may be. The damage inflicted was done by no Pokemon."
"But why would I?!" Brandon pleaded. "You said it yourself! She was my friend! I would never dream of harming her!"
Aaron brought his hand to his chin in contemplation. "I, too, find that odd. Why would you strike someone you've only proven to be so loyal to all this time. Up until this incident, I always assumed you two were quite close, which in of itself is surprising. World Leaders don't tend to mingle with their subordinates."
"Was it all an act, I wonder?" Dante said, his eyes narrowed. "Were you just waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike? Waiting for her to let her guard down?"
"Again, why would I?!" Brandon snarled, his mounting anger taking over. "She was helping the Guardians! We were finally about to achieve stability and find our place in the world again! Why would I have risked that for such a senseless killing?!"
"Isn't it true that the Guardians have held a grudge against the World Government since the League's founding?" Aaron asked, still in that thoughtful pose. "If I recall correctly, there was a deep seated hatred harboured against the League for replacing your purpose after the failed coup of the Ketchum Clan. This could be an act of revenge and would certainly explain your motives."
"No!" Brandon shook his head in dismay. "No…"
"I'm afraid that's not all. Your fingerprints were found on the murder weapon." Dante said as he held up a kitchen knife for all to see, pinched with a piece of cloth so as not to smudge the evidence. "Normally we'd discount this as being unable to cause such a grievous wound, however when enhanced with Aura it certainly falls into the realms of the viable."
The Guardian glanced at the knife through rage-stricken tears, and realized where he'd seen it. After the meeting! It's the knife I used to slice the cake! But why were only my prints on it… Then it all clicked into place as he remembered. That waiter… he was wearing gloves! Fuck it all! Try as he might he couldn't recall the waiters face. Not that it would have helped. That man was clearly only obeying orders. The puppet master of these events sat safely in the shadows.
"I'm not responsible for this." Brandon finally said, forcing his emotions under control. Being hysterical wouldn't help him here. "You've got the wrong man. I'm not sure who was behind this, but they've clearly gone to great lengths to set me up."
"Do you have anything else to say for yourself?" Aaron asked, still viewing the proceedings with a clinical precision.
When Brandon remained quiet, a look of defiance on his face, Dante stood and clapped his hands. "Very well. With the evidence here gathered against you, I have no choice but to find you guilty of regicide. For this most treasonous crime, against someone who called you friend, you will be stripped of your titles, honours and holdings and sentenced to death by imperial law." He nodded toward the guards and they seized the Guardian once more.
"Furthermore," Dante continued, "due to your duplicitous nature, the rest of the Guardians can no longer be trusted. It's clear that the hatred held against this government still runs strong in your blood, and all of the remaining members of Shinonome are to be considered equally complicit. They will cease to be a functioning organization and shall share your sentence."
"No you can't!" Brandon screamed, thrashing against the guards. "They've nothing to do with any of this! Leave my family alone! They've all suffered enough!"
"It's done. Dispatch the squads. Bring back every Guardian you can find. You're authorized to use any means necessary and to use lethal force if need be." Dante said to the guards who saluted and hurried off to obey.
"You can't do this!" Brandon roared, his eyes flaring azure as his power burst into existence around him.
Aaron shot up off his throne. "He's using his Aura! Quickly! Restrain him!"
The World Guards currently carrying him away were sent hurtling back from the unleashed force. But before they could regain their footing, Brandon had set about them with fists of undiluted fury, his hands glowing so brightly it was as though he struck out with twin suns encased inside his palms.
He roared as he slammed an Aura Sphere into one of the guards, feeling the satisfying crunch as the armour cracked and give way beneath his assault. The man roared in pain, blood flying from his mouth as crimson spittle before he was sent hurtling across the room by the power of the attack.
Brandon repeated the gesture several more times, fending off attacks from all sides, venting his rage at those who would oppress him. He was so caught up in his frenzy that he didn't see a sword come slashing down directly in front of his face.
He screamed in pain as the blade cut his face diagonally from beneath his left eye, all the way towards the right side of his mouth. Blood ran freely from the gaping wound, and he was momentarily distracted from the fight by the agony.
One of the guards had recovered from his earlier attack and had grabbed a brazier from the outskirts of the room. Seeing his opportunity, he shoved it full force into Brandon's face, the flames licking up the right side of the man's face and turning the skin raw under the terrible heat.
The Guardian's scream reached a fevered pitch. He now no longer cared about venting his anger on the guards, and sought only to escape the chamber. One of his eyes glued shut from burnt skin, he stumbled towards the exit, already feeling his adversary's approach from behind.
Just as he thought all was over, the doors to the World Chamber flung open. Soreimaru stood in the doorway, the smirk on his face as mocking as ever. In one hand he held a belt with several Pokeballs attached, which he threw towards the struggling Guardian. "Oh it seems I have perfect timing. It looks like you could use a hand."
Brandon caught his belt and grasped onto it like the lifeline it truly was. Quickly finding the right device, he pulled it free and enlarged it, activating the release.
Alakazam materialized between the two of them, its spoons held up and ready. "Teleport!" Brandon bellowed with all the strength he had left.
"Alaka-zam!" The psychic type yelled, surrounding them both in a violet glow.
The guards reached them.
The air warped.
The swords came down on thin air, both Soreimaru and Brandon vanishing from the chamber.
Dante stood with his arms folded, his eyes still staring at the spot where they had both stood not a moment before. "Soreimaru…" he growled.
Twenty two years ago – Pallet Town
The air warped, tearing open before swirling in a vortex. After an intense flash of psychic feedback, two people fell through reality and onto the soft grassy hills, one bleeding and on his knees, the other standing and regal.
"Hmm, Pallet Town. Don't you think that's rather obvious?" Soreimaru mused, glancing around.
Brandon coughed up blood onto the grass before wiping his mouth. "Had no time to think. I simply directed us home." He slowly pushed himself to his feet, his marred features weeping puss and flaking skin. "I don't know why a noble deigned to help me escape, but thank you. Without you I'd be dead."
Soreimaru smirked and tilted his head. "No I don't suppose you wouldn't know. I doubt you knew I was the one who tried to warn you earlier, either. Sorry if my methods were a tad cryptic, I couldn't risk anyone overhearing, especially not in that place."
"So that was you in the gathering?" Brandon shook his head. "I had no idea. So tell me, why would you throw away everything to save me? You have access to anything you could possibly ever want with your position. I don't see how helping me escape benefits you in any way."
"We're not so different, you and I." Soreimaru said after a moment, closing his eyes briefly. When he opened them again they were ablaze with Aura, and his hands briefly lit up with the same azure glow.
Brandon's eyes widened. "You're a…?"
"A Guardian?" Soreimaru finished. "Surprising, isn't it? We're also related by blood, but that's hush hush. The whole thing is rather cloak and dagger."
"You're a Ketchum then? I had no idea." Brandon said, his voice displaying his level of amazement.
Soreimaru waved him off. "Not officially. You see my dear sweet mother was a Ketchum, but my father was a noble. I didn't get the cheek marks or the customary spiky black hair, which was rather odd, but it did make things easier to hide in the long run. Of course the World Government couldn't have a noble who bore that name so I was to hide my heritage from all those but the very top." He mused on it for a moment. "In fact only the Lady Jennifer knew officially about the arrangement."
A grim silence fell as they briefly mourned World Leader who'd been so good to them both.
"I have a gift for you." Soreimaru said, breaking the solemn silence and reaching inside his robes.
Brandon raised the one eyebrow he had left, curious. "Oh?"
The noble presented a strange Pokeball to him. It appeared to be made of stone and had an 'S' marking on its upper half. "What is it?" Brandon asked.
"Something I 'borrowed' from the World Government's deepest vaults." Soreimaru replied with exaggerated air quotes as he said the word borrowed. "You'd be surprised the stuff they keep down there. I doubt they'll even know it's missing."
Not knowing what he'd do with a Pokeball that he doubted would even function correctly, Brandon nevertheless nodded his thanks and placed it inside one of his pockets, feeling that it would somehow be very important in the future.
"There's a place I must go. Before the government can track us down. I can't stay here long, but this needs to be done." Brandon said after pocketing his gift.
"You have a family, I assume?"
The Guardian nodded. "Please, help me up. I don't have much strength left."
"But of course." Soreimaru nodded, slipping his head under Brandon's arm and supporting his weight with his shoulder.
Directed by the Guardian, the two set off toward the town just as the sun set over the horizon.
It took them about thirty minutes to reach the house.
Standing before it, Brandon thanked the noble for his assistance and drudged his way up towards the door. It pained his heart greatly to think that his might be the last time he'd ever get to do this.
He knocked, and it didn't take long before he heard Delia's voice shout from what he knew to be the kitchen and smiled. I hope she doesn't react too harshly to my wounds… Heh, who am I kidding? Of course she will.
When she did open the door, he greeted her with a smile that felt more painful than it looked. "I'm home!" He said rather cheesily, hoping to lighten the mood.
Delia's face dropped in horror and she screamed. It took him the best part of five minutes to calm her down once he'd quickly stepped inside and closed the door, not wanting to cause a scene with the neighbours.
"Your face! What in Arceus name happened?!" She cried, still looking hysterical.
"I was set up." He said, shaking his head and still grimacing at the thought. Grabbing her by the shoulders, he looked her in the eye to convey the seriousness of what he was about to impart. "I need you to listen to me. There will probably be some horrible lies told about me in the coming days. They'll say I did some terrible things, awful things. Don't believe a word of it. And if anyone comes around here, asking questions, you need to swear blind you have no idea who I am. Do you understand?"
She looked at him helplessly, tears forming in her eyes. "Brandon! What? What do you mean by…?"
"Do you understand?!" He said more forcefully. She recoiled from the harsh tone in his voice, but nodded meekly. He hated having to speak to her this way, but he also needed to make sure she fully understood the situation. They wouldn't take his family from him. He'd make damn sure of that.
"Remove every picture of me. Burn all my clothes and possessions. There can be no trace that either of us ever interacted at all. Tell all our friends to forget I ever existed." He continued, looking up mournfully at all the happy memories caught on camera that would need to be destroyed. Damn those traitors for making me do this. I'll never forgive them for what they've done.
Delia turned to look at them all, all the framed memories captured so lovingly that adorned the walls of their house. "Is all that really necessary?" She patted her swollen stomach, where her baby boy had been growing for the last six months. "You really want little Ash to grow up never knowing the face of his father? If I do what you ask, I won't even be able to tell him your name…"
Brandon sighed heavily, crouching down to come eye to eye with his wife's belly. "Forgive me, my son. It pains me more than ever to know that I won't meet you when you come into this world. That I won't be able to watch you grow, watch you become a fine young man who will no doubt take after his old man and become the best trainer he can be." He leaned in, lifted his wife's top up and kissed her the bare skin of her stomach. "Even if I'm not around, know that I will always love you, and I will always look over you. No matter where you are or what you do, you're dad will be watching, and he will be proud."
"So what will you do?" Delia asked as he stood back up.
"I have to go into hiding. I have an ally who will be extremely useful, plus some friends I can count on. I'll have to change my name and hide my face." He sighed. "Because I'm a powerful Guardian they'll be able to track me by my Aura alone. Fortunately I know how to craft a mask that will do both. It has to hide who I am from both sights." His eyes dropped, the prospect of what faced him weighing heavily upon his shoulders.
"Are the other Guardians going to be alright? Shinonome was..." she trailed off, noticing the grim reaction on her husbands face.
Another twist in his stomach at that question, another knife through his heart. "They're being hunted down, most likely even as we speak." He replied in a pained voice. "I'll try and save those I can, but I fear I won't be able to reach everyone in time." He balled his hands into fists, the top of his lip pulled back into an angry snarl. "But mark my words. Shinonome will live again. I'll make damn sure of it."
With the surety and vindication with which he spoke those words, Delia knew it would. Tears began flowing down her face as she asked. "Will I ever get to see you again? You can't ask me to give up on seeing you for the rest of my life."
He took her into a loving embrace and patted her on the back. "Unfortunately that has to be the case for now." He said, tears forming in his own eyes, before he forced them back, hardening his heart. To face what was coming, he couldn't afford to be weak, emotionally or physically. "I might be able to drop an anonymous letter every now and then once the dust has settled, but I can't risk them linking us together. I won't risk my son that way. I won't risk you that way. I can't."
"Will he still be a Ketchum?" She asked through sniffled tears.
Brandon thought about that for a bit, considering the dangers. It was a thought that had not crossed his mind. "That… should be fine. As long as you keep his Aura suppressed, the World Government should have no interest."
She nodded into his chest, still crying. "Uh huh."
He held his wife for the longest time, savouring her scent, the touch of her skin against his own, the sound of her voice. Because he knew he very well might never get to do so again. "I love you." He finally said, as they pulled apart.
"I love you too." She returned, wiping her eyes.
"Take good care of our son."
"Of course." Delia replied with a half laugh, trying to brighten her mood and failing terribly.
"I've got to go. Unfortunately I can't stay any longer. I won't put you in danger for my own selfish desires." Brandon said as he turned to leave.
Delia bit her lip as she watched the man she loved turn to leave, walking out of her life possibly forever. Just as he reached the door and reached down for the handle, she grabbed him from behind and held him tight one last time. "Look after yourself, okay?"
Brandon breathed in deeply, steeling his will, forcing himself to leave it all behind. I have to. For my son. For my family. Swallowing his feelings, he patted her on the hand signalling for her to let go, then walked out the door without another word. Saying anything more would only tempt himself to stay.
He met Soreimaru just past the gate at the end of his garden path. The other Guardian hadn't moved from where they'd parted, patiently waiting for him to say his goodbyes despite the dire situation they were in.
"All set?" The noble asked, looking concernedly at his companion.
Brandon gave a firm nod.
Soreimaru returned the gesture, clapping Brandon on the shoulder for support. "So where to? Happen to have any plans?"
"There is one more person I need to see before we leave. Follow me."
Lowing his head in supplication, Soreimaru followed what he knew would be his new leader in their life on the opposite side of the law. The change in scenery felt positively thrilling. "As you say."
Professor Oak was startled from examining reports on the potential of there being over a hundred different species of Pokemon in the Kanto region by a loud knocking on his door, the tofu sent flailing from his chopsticks. "What in blazes does someone want at this hour?"
Putting down his evening meal, he trotted over, suddenly very curious. Anyone calling now would have interesting news, whether it be good or bad.
When he opened the door to his old friends disfigured face, he immediately knew it was both interesting and bad. "Brandon! Good heavens man, what happened?"
"Long story Sam." Brandon replied by way of greeting, waving off his old friend.
Oak glanced over his shoulder, noticing the man dressed in exquisite robes at the end of the path leading up to his laboratory. He decided it best not to pry, given the situation. "I bet." He finally replied. "You don't need to explain anything to me. I've known you since you were a boy, so whatever's happened I can only assume you're not telling me for a valid reason. Just tell me one thing, how serious is this?"
"Serious." Brandon replied, his face grim.
"I see." Oak replied sadly.
"Listen Sam, I need to ask you a great favour."
"Of course, anything. You know I'm here to help."
"It's about my family." Brandon simply replied.
Twenty minutes later, Brandon returned to Soreimaru after saying his goodbyes to his old friend. "Alright. I have nothing else to take care of here."
The noble nodded, smiling warmly, although it still ended up reminiscent of a smirk. "So what's the plan moving forward. Where do we go from here?"
Brandon turned to look up towards the stars. "There are several people I want to try and contact. Over my years as a trainer, I've made many friends that I know I can rely on in times of crisis. They all have useful abilities at their disposal that will help us greatly with my plans."
"Oh?" Soreimaru mused. "So you already have plans? I must say you work splendidly fast."
Brandon actually grunted out a laugh at that, although the gesture looked wrong on his ruined face. "Be thankful that I do. In our situation we can't afford to be slow. But first we need to save the remnants of Shinonome from the government's dogs, and I'm going to need a very special mask…"
Soreimaru nodded, following his new leader's gaze up toward the stars. "And what am I to call you now?"
He's sharp. Brandon thought with a smile. Good. "You will call me Aaron. Sir Aaron."
The two of them gazed up at the stars for a few moments longer, before a flash of violet light briefly filled the streets of Pallet Town, and then it was gone, returning night to the street once more.
Sinnoh Region – Spear Pillar
The broken mask hit the ancient stonework in splinters, bouncing a few times before laying still in scattered remains.
Sir Aaron hit the ground hard, the shock of the attack still bewildering him to no end. Soreimaru…? Why have you done this…? You, of all people…?
The man in question stood over his falling form, the smirk on his face seemingly more mocking than it had ever been.
Ash looked up from where he'd been struck, his eyes locking with Sir Aaron's, and seeing a mirror of his own looking back.
The world seemed to come to a standstill all around them as the impact of the revelation hit both parties with the shocking force of a lightning bolt.
Brandon Ketchum couldn't tare his gaze from his son's eyes, the mask no longer concealing their true identity. And just like his lost mask, he felt his entire world shatter around him.
To Be Continued…
There are some parts of this little history lesson that I've decided to save for certain part coming up, as I feel I'd be able to explain them better there, and they'd also be more relevant when those revelations come out.
Thanks for reading!
Until next time Pearlshippers! Peace Out!
