Minor spoilers: Lysandre is a direct descendant of AZ's brother.
A/N:
Sorry for the large delay! My computer thought it was a good idea to shut down for no reason when I was going to save my documents, and the rest is history. It took me the extra days just to write the battle scene all over again, for Arceus' sake!
That being said, really, REALLY big chapter incoming. Lots of events will occur, including meeting the Professor himself, a four-on-four battle royale, and for four Pokémon, a new change in appearance.
Also, readers who've seen the eighth chapter of this saga will know what exactly I have planned for this coming week.
For those who don't, well, it's time for an Event Chapter!
More details are at the end of this chapter, after the mandatory Pokémon Stats. For now, enjoy chapter lucky thirteen!
Oh, and if you can, please review a bit?
Dexio reached into the satchel slung over his shoulder and brought out five small floppy disk-like items.
"Technical Machine number twenty-seven. The professor wants to give you these as a welcoming gift; there's one for each of you."
"What exactly do we do with them?" Serena asked, turning the TM over in her hand.
He stared blankly at the five of them. "You mean Viola never taught you? I thought FLAK gave instructions to the gym leaders to teach novices how to use these."
Calem's memory flashed back to the events of the day before, before laughing nervously. "Uh, well, about that, funny story really, we got thrown out before she did."
Sina facepalmed. "Okay, which one of you wisecracks mentioned her age?"
Shauna sheepishly raised a hand, before withdrawing it with a puzzled expression. "How did you-"
"Three guesses on who made the exact same mistake; the first two don't count." Dexio interjected.
She proceeded to flat-out ignore him and explain, "Pass the TMs to your Pokémon. When they return to their Pokéballs, they'll be able to utilize them."
Judging by the fact that sunglasses-boy called out a Ralts instead of his assigned starter (which was probably Chespin, judging by the fact that the other two were called out), Sina had a hunch it (she wasn't sure of its gender at this point in time) had a good chance of perfecting Return.
"What, exactly, is this?"
Oberon looked over the mechanical structure now sitting on a table in the middle of his room, before his eyes lit up. "It's a projector! At least, I think it's supposed to be one."
Almond tilted his head to one side. "A pro-jec-tor? Never seen one before."
"I have." Blair peered over Oberon's shoulder. "And if this one is anything like the one Maîtresse Fantina uses for her illusions, then there should be a slot somewhere around… here!"
Oberon found the spot soon enough and inserted the disc Calem had given him.
Instantly, the projector started to hum, and a flickering holographic screen was broadcasted on the far wall. On said screen, an Audino was tapping the camera lens, with each tap producing a 'klak' sound.
"Is this thing on? Hello? Can you hear me?"
Since she (he guessed from the voice) stopped tapping and smiled, Almond guessed whoever filmed this must have given her the confirmation off-screen.
"Okay, let's do this."
She proceeded to back away from the camera until the upper half of her body was in view, and not just her face. "Welcome! If you're watching this, then it means you are now currently learning a new TM move, or Technical Machine move, if you'd prefer. This specific TM, number…"
She glanced off-screen, as if to look at a prompter, which she probably was, before turning back to the camera, "Lucky number twenty-seven: Return, is usable by most Pokémon, which means you and your teammates should have no problem understanding the process behind leaning it effectively."
And with that, the introductory session ended, and the projector ejected four Woobat-like devices that spread out and attached themselves to the four walls.
The holographic clips activated, and Oberon's satin bedroom transformed into a lush prairie, not unlike Almond's home. The difference, however, was that in place of the berry trees, a horde of Zigzagoon stood by, ready to attack.
The Audino, now fully lifelike in-simulation, and not a video on the wall, addressed the three. "I'm your personal TM trainer, Belle, and now, it's time to pass the point of no Return!"
"You can't truthfully tell someone you've been to Kalos if you've never stepped inside its heart of commerce: Lumiose City.
You literally can't; I mean, look, the airport's right here on the South Boulevard.
Speaking of the South Boulevard, there are a multitude of things you can do here. A commonplace activity would be eating at Restaurant Le Nah, where the food is delicious and surprisingly cheap, if the ambience somewhat unpretentious and moody. I recommend that you begin dining there two days after you've arrived, so that the slightly sombre mood won't stop you from enjoying their signature fried Goldeen.
As always, we assure you that the Goldeen skeletons were immediately returned to their lakes after they are removed from their flesh, so that they are granted new life.
Another commonplace activity would be visiting one of the cafés. They're comfortable and easy places to hang out with a group of friends, or just to rewind and relax with a cup of café au lait. If you're hanging around a certain café, however, you may just meet an extra-special guest; who it is, I leave it to you to figure out.
If you're planning to impress your friends back home, I highly encourage you to take a short (okay, maybe not-so-short) detour to the Public Relations Video Studio, or, as it's called by their staff, the PokéPals PR Production Palace; PPPRP, uh, let me count that, P, for short. There, you can create your own ten second-long PR Videos, which allow you to show off your uniqueness and creativity as a Trainer to everyone you meet. They're simple, effective, and very addictive.
Finally, the Sycamore Pokémon Laboratory is located opposite to Vernal Avenue. Go in, and have a nice long chat with the Professor of this region, Augustine Sycamore, and learn all there is to learn about the uniqueness of Kalos. Please note that women with heart conditions are advised not to look directly at Professor Sycamore. This also applies to women without heart conditions, and also some men.
Seriously, he's very pretty."
'The Ultimate Kalosian City Guide: What To Do, and Where To Do It' (2020), by Elite Four Member Serena Rosseau.
"Come on, now, don't keep a lady waiting!"
"Sometimes, I wonder if you really are a lady."
"Hey! I heard that!"
The bickering between Trevor and Sina continued as they stepped into the vibrant streets of Lumiose City.
Calem cricked his neck. "How long have they been at this?"
Tierno checked his watch, before looking at him, stumped. "Haven't I heard you say the exact same thing very recently?"
Before either had a chance to clarify their déjà vu doubts, Dexio addressed the remaining four; that is, the four who weren't currently engaged in a verbal battle with his colleague. "So, we have all the time in the world to go sightseeing later, but for now, let's get to the Professor's, shall we?"
The general murmur was of agreement, and they proceeded down the South Boulevard.
Leaving Trevor and Sina still in the middle of the road, arguing back and forth.
"You know, you would be lost in this city without me, or Dexio, for that matter!" Sina boasted.
Trevor folded his hands. "I know more about Lumiose City than you'd think!"
"Oh yeah? Prove it!"
"Determining how hard Return hits your opponent is all dependent on the strength of the memory you can recall."
Belle ushered one of the Zigzagoons forward, which it did, in its signature zig-zag fashion. "For example, if I use this memory…"
As if a hologram within a hologram, a thought bubble began to form on top of her head. No, really, an actual cloud-like thought bubble poofed into existence, hovering over her head.
Inside said thought bubble, a Nurse Joy admonished the camera; not exactly harsh, but none too forgiving, either. This recollection, seen through Belle's eyes, dissolved into light, which gathered around her right hand. Cocking back her fist, she punched the Zigzagoon.
Incredibly, the Zigzagoon's only reaction was to blink.
"Now, assume I use this memory instead…"
Another thought bubble formed above her head, this time of the same Nurse Joy, except she was now stroking an egg. Before long, the egg hatched, and a tiny, baby Audino looked at the camera, which panned between it and the Nurse.
"Aw… kawaii!" Blair found herself blurting out. Without any hands to cover her mouth in embarrassment, she merely looked away shyly; from Oberon's smirk, Almond's confused stare and Belle's grin.
"Yes, he is." She replied, the memory dissolving into the light around her fist, which she cocked.
"Return!"
The resulting shockwave sent the Zigzagoon flying towards the horizon, upon which it disappeared in a twinkle.
Turning to the jaw-dropped trainees, Belle winked. "Just so you know, his name's Damien, and I love him and Nurse Joy with all my heart."
Shaking away the boggled look, Almond stepped forward. "What if our memories aren't that, well, strong?"
"No worries. You should be able to deal decent damage regardless. Although…"
She tapped her forehead, before gesturing for him to come next to her. "You might want to give a demonstration, if you please? I need to judge your strength."
Bringing up the memory of when he triumphed over Evie the Vivillon, and Calem's joyous cheering and praise of him, he focused on that memory, and let it turn to positive energy. The light bathed his arm, upon which he ran forward and went for a backhand swing.
"Return!"
The Zigzagoon was knocked back a couple metres, teetered once, then fell over.
Belle nodded. "An excellent try. Perhaps I'll have a word with your master to spend some more quality time with you."
"-and that's why she haunts that building on the North Boulevard!"
To say Sina was dumfounded was too large of an understatement.
"B-B-But how-"
Trevor spread his arms against the setting sun. "In case you don't know, I live here. This is my home, and that's why I know so much!"
And then, he turned around. "The sun is setting? How long have we been standing here?"
Sina checked her watch and gasped. "4 o'clock?! We've been at this for an hour?!"
"Wait, where did everyone go?"
Sina smacked her head. "Crap, they've left us behind! To the lab!"
"Tall and tan and young and lovely, the girl from Undella goes walking…"
"Nice taste in elevator music." Tierno complimented.
"He likes this song in particular. I don't know who, but he says this song reminds him of someone he used to love." Dexio replied.
Behind his back, Shauna giggled and pointed her thumb at Calem. Serena, who understood what she was trying to imply, let out a slight laugh.
"Third floor, here we are."
The elevator doors opened, and quite possibly the most handsome man Serena had ever seen stood up from his chair to greet them.
"So, we finally meet!"
Professor Sycamore flashed a fairly disarming smile, before continuing, "I'm Augustine Sycamore. You can call me Professor Sycamore or just plain Augustine if you feel like it."
Shauna had a glazed look in her eyes. "Huminahuminahumina-"
He turned around and started to walk away. "Introductions aside, please follow me to my office, and then we can talk-"
He stopped abruptly in his tracks and turned around, with a puzzled expression on his face. "Strange. I'm very sure I called for five of you. I also seem to be missing one assistant. Dexio?"
Dexio ran his fingers through his hair nervously. "They'll be here. We're not sure when, though."
"Close enough. My office it is, then. Come on, now."
"Huminahuminahumina-" "Shaunee? You're drooling." "Who's doing what now?"
Passing by a training field, they made their way into the plush office, where the Professor set a disc into the phonograph, which blared out surprisingly high-definition music.
"So, first off, thanks for accepting this quest." He turned around. "Seriously, this means a lot to me."
"Pleasure to be of assistance, Professor Sycamore." Serena replied.
"Pleasure to meet you too." He snapped his fingers. "Which reminds me, how's your Pokémon journey coming along? Have you met many different Pokémon?"
"I suppose we have met different Pokémon, but many, well…" Calem's voice trailed off.
"Then let's have a quick look at your Pokédex! That's one way to figure it out."
Calem handed his over, upon which the Professor activated it, and scrolled down the list.
"38 different kinds of Pokémon in Central Kalos? C'est superbe! The pages are getting filled in, and it's starting to feel good!"
He returned the Pokédex, and then placed a hand on Calem's shoulder. "Now, on to more personal matters, how is your mother?"
Calem struggled to find words to reply to him, not helped by the fact that he was inching ever closer to his face.
"Est-elle bien? She hasn't returned any of my calls since the one last week."
"Aunt Grace called you last week?" Serena asked.
To this, he blushed, stepped away from Calem, and turned around. "Moving on! I would like to test your skill with Pokémon, to see if you're prepared for the long journey ahead!"
He picked up three Pokéballs on his desk. "Your opponent shall be me, of course. As I will be using a team of starters, I would hope that you use your own."
He tossed them in the air. "Sarge, Sadie, Sal, sortir!"
In a flash of red, blue and green, a Charmander, Squirtle and Bulbasaur appeared on the floor.
"Charmander char!" "Squirtle squirt!" "Bulba saur!"
"Oh wow! Professor, aren't these starter Pokémon from Kanto?" Serena exclaimed.
"Indeed they are. My good friend, Samuel Oak, was able to procure me with a pair of each. The Pokémon you see here are their first offspring."
As Professor Sycamore spoke, the Pokémon themselves were chatting among themselves, pointing at them, and sniggering.
Oberon, mind coming out and translate something?
Sorry, can't talk now, sir. I need to focus.
Deciding whatever the Kanto starter Pokémon were talking about weren't that important, he turned to Professor Sycamore. "You were asking for a battle?"
"Ah, yes. Follow me to the training area, please."
Said training area was a six-by-three-metre indoor courtyard, with lines of white tape to signify a Pokémon field. Said field had another Squirtle on one side, using jets of water to hit different towers of cans on the other side; like a Water Gun-version of can toss. Said towers of cans dropping with every precise hit, one after another, as they walked onto the field.
"That's Shelby. She hatched not long after Sadie behind us, so I guess you can say they're siblings."
When she saw them, she bowed, before spraying a spout of water at the cans, and washing them to the side of the courtyard.
"Thank you, Shelby. Okay, kids," the Professor turned to address them, "It's a three-on-three multi-battle. Each of your starters will battle the Kanto starter of the same type, and-"
He was interrupted by Shelby tugging on his pants leg. Bending down, he patted her head, and asked, "You want to battle too, don't you?"
Receiving an earnest nod from her, he turned to Tierno. "Tierno, my boy, would you happen to have any Pokémon on you?"
"I do, but…" Tierno scratched his head. "I'm not really so much of a battler; it's nowhere high on my priority list. I think it's better if you ask Oberon to fight her instead."
"Oberon?"
"He's referring to my Ralts. It was a gift from my dad."
At the mention of the man who won away his love, Augustine's left eye began to twitch. "Ah, yes, Valentin."
Twitch. "A gift of magic from your magician father." Twitch.
Shaking his head, Professor Sycamore stood up and walked over to recently-washed side of the field. "Let's just begin the battle, shall we?"
"Focus on that particular memory. Let the feelings you felt then envelop you."
The memory dissolved into light and enveloped his arms.
Oberon, mind coming out and translate something?
And fizzled out.
Sorry, can't talk now, sir. I need to focus.
He took a deep breath, before refocusing on the memory of the time Calem had taken him for a long walk around Undella Town. Once more, the memory turned to light, which surrounded his arms, as he leapt forward.
"Return!"
The Zigzagoon was sent flying, although not with the magnitude of Belle's second hit. With a crash, it landed on the far edge of the clearing.
"Impressive! That memory must have been particularly nostalgic, I would suppose."
As he returned to his spot, he and Almond exchanged a fistbump, while Blair nuzzled him affectionally, before hovering up to where Belle was standing.
"Good luck!"
As she floated, she seemed deep in thought. Finally, she asked, "May I clarify something?"
"Go ahead."
"I have had two different trainers. Would there be any difference if I use a memory from my previous mistress instead?"
"I apologize, but I don't know, because I haven't seen it happen yet."
"I guess I'll be the first, then!"
A very clear image of a woman in a purple dress and sporting a ridiculous hairdo appeared. She appeared to be tossing small balls of wool at the camera, which hit them back.
Almond, who was asleep during the fateful reunion, turned to Oberon and asked, "Was that the woman who trained you two before Calem?"
"Yes; Madame Fantina. She was an excellent caretaker, so I imagine Blair's four-year-long memories of her must be strong."
"Return!"
To prove his point, the Zigzagoon that had been standing where Blair's shining body now hovered, was now another twinkle in the sky.
She shook off the excess glow, before turning to Oberon. "Niichan, how did I do?"
Oberon's eyelids had gone so high, the bottom of his eyes were just visible under his fringe. "Wow. That is all."
Belle was open-mouthed. "I-I-I'm speechless! I… I don't even know what to say, except-"
The feelers on her ears perked up, upon which, she did too. "Apparently, two of you are getting called out by your Trainer. You'd best be prepared before-"
As if on cue, two long silvery ropes shot down from the sky, breaking the illusionary environment and sending them back to Oberon's room. Except for Belle, that is. She merely reappeared as a projection on the far wall.
The long ropes coiled around Almond and Oberon, leaving them just enough time to utter a few choice words.
"Huh?" What the-"
Before it promptly jerked up, dragging the Chespin and Ralts behind them.
It was Blair's turn to stare, slack-jawed. "How… How did you hear that?!"
Belle winked. "You have your talents. I have mine."
Novices Shauna, Serena & Calem are challenged by Pokémon Professor Sycamore!
Pokémon Professor Sycamore sent out Squirtle, Charmander, Bulbasaur and Squirtle!
Novices Shauna, Serena & Calem sent out Froakie, Fennekin, Chespin & Ralts!
"Fancy seeing all four of us on the battlefield at once, huh? We're even on the same side! Well, okay, Sarge, what's the plan?"
"You heard the Professor, Sadie! We split up, battle the Pokémon with the same type as us, defeat them, and hopefully, we'll have something extra-special to eat for dinner tonight!"
"Except Shells, right, boss? I think fat kid and emo-hair boy said something about a Ralts named Oboe or something like that."
"His name is Oberon, I believe. Funny, I've never actually battled a Ralts. Well, there's a first time for everything, so I should get to learn about them."
"Double. Squirtle. Sisters. Lord Jirachi, you've answered my prayers! Who do I go out with first? Oh, I don't know, how about both?"
"I'm honestly worried for him sometimes. Anyways, Oberon, how did the training for Return go? You probably did very well, since you're the closest to Calem, after all."
"He did better than me. Blair rocked us both, though, that's a bit expected, since her bonds were closer. Woah! Watch the fire, I meant closer to her last trainer, not Oberon!"
"Focus, guys. Save the fighting for our opponents. Let's have a good duel with them, and win or lose, it's all fine, clear? Alright, then, scramble!"
"Right!" And just like that, each of the four split up for their own respective battle.
Dodging each other's Bubbles, Fontaine threw a handful of his own personal foam bubbles at Sadie, hoping to blind her, or at the very least, distract her.
No such luck. "Withdraw!"
Sadie's head and limbs disappeared into her hard shell, completely avoiding the entirety of his foam.
"Water Gun!" her voice echoed from within the shell, before turning into a gurgle.
From the hole her head had retreated into, a surge of water blasted forth. This had the added effect of pushing her away from Fontaine, who jumped to avoid the attack.
"I like a girl who can fight!" He arched his body towards the direction of her shell.
"But that don't mean I'll take it easy on her! Quick Attack!"
"Dragon Rage!"
Fia ducked under the blue twister, before shouting, "Ember!"
A long stream of fireballs flew from Fia's mouth, straight at Sarge, who used his tail to bat them away.
"Ember!"
The Charmander sent back bigger fireballs, which Fia seamlessly dodged.
She ducked down to let the last fly over her head, before trying to anticipate what his next move would be.
"Normally, we are honourable men who don't hit women! Too bad for you, because," he dashed forward.
"I'm willing to make an exception! Scratch!"
"Leech Seed!" "Leech Seed!"
In a slightly amusing turn of events, the battle between Almond and Sal had progressed into a seed-throwing fight, with neither side really getting the upper hand.
"Do something else, pal! The boss don't like drawn-out battles!"
"With pleasure!" he dashed forward and stiffened two of his quills, before swinging them in an arc. "Vine Whip!"
As he stumbled a bit from the blow, Sal indignantly argued, "That's not a vine, bud!"
Two long, you guessed it, vines shot out the sides of his bulb.
"Now this, THIS, is a vine, pal! Vine Whip!"
"Tail Whip!"
Oberon dodged to the right to avoid her blue tail, and shot back two Confusion bolts in return, both of which, Shelby dodged.
"So, they like using long-range attacks, do they? I need more information to be sure."
"Miss Shelby, what exactly are you talking about?"
She snapped at him, "I'm in my mood for knowledge processing! Hit me with some other attack!"
Sighing to himself, Oberon decided the best course of action was to oblige. His arms glowed electric yellow as he started to chant.
"Twin goddesses, each born with a single wing… in imperfection lies everchanging hearts… Lucky Chant: Gemini!"
As the Oberon-copy took form, Shelby continued to jot down mental notes.
Illusionary tactics, long-range attacks; if I get in close, he's doomed. I suppose I'll have to go for broke!
Finishing her observations, she ducked and barrelled forward. "Tackle!"
Both copies of Oberon jumped back, avoiding the head-on charge, before summoning two blue bolts.
"Confusion!"
Round and round they all went, sneaking in hits, left and right. No one really held the proverbial advantage, until…
"Team! I'm initiating plan double Sigma!"
"Roger!" the other three on the opposing team yelled, before jumping back.
"Alright, recruits! Time to show you how we fight sneakily! Smokescreen!"
Sarge exhaled a copious amount of acrid, black, smoke, which surrounded the entire half of the field currently populated by the five members of the opposing team.
Oberon coughed painfully. They were in no shape to fight with all the copious smoke hindering their visibility.
Calling off his body-double, which disappeared into smoke, Oberon reverted to the standard chant.
"Blind seer, mute soothsayer, all of fate lies in thy cards… Lucky Chant!"
Shining fragments surrounded him and swirled around at a fast rate. This had the effect of forming a divine wind, which completely blew away all of the smoke from the surrounding area.
And revealed Sarge and his team in midair, ready to strike.
"Now!"
Sadie dropped herself shell-first onto Fontaine, who went down with a crack.
"Bite!"
Grabbing him by the neck, she used the forward momentum to launch him towards the back of the field, when he stayed down.
"*hack* Not my *cough* idea of *splutter* a hickey…"
"Don't disrespect the name, bud!"
Using both his vines, Sal wrapped them around Almond's neck.
"This, is my Vine Whip!"
Struggling was pointless, and as Sal went into a roll, Almond was thrown to the ground, painfully.
"But that's not… a whip…"
Sarge landed right in front of Fia, who yelped.
"Scratch!"
He raked his claws on her multiple times, before throwing his head back.
"Crash and burn, princess, you're done! Dragon Rage!"
The blue twister that erupted from his mouth slammed straight into Fia, sending her flying, and crashing.
"Oberon… it's all up…to you…"
With the protection of his Lucky Chant, Oberon managed to evade the same fate that had taken down Fontaine. Unfortunately, his concentration was broken at the moment of impact, and Shelby, still suspended in the air, dove into a roll.
"Tackle!"
The force of the blow sent Oberon reeling back a couple feet, where he stopped, and collapsed to his knees.
His vision blurred as he looked up at the four members of the opposing team, who, although were also battered, were definitely in much better shape than him.
"What will you do now? You're all alone, and there's four of us and one of you!"
"Pal, this is a suggestion from one Pokémon to another; give up. You can't win, not in your state."
But despite all of it, well, Oberon wasn't one to give in.
"I won't let this end here! It's all or nothing!"
He shakily raised his hands, which flickered crystalline blue.
"O spring of eternal purity… Bubble with the songs of the Fairies… Lucky Chant: Aquarius!"
Just like before, a spout of water erupted from the tips of his arms. It covered the entirety of Oberon's team's field, drenching the three fallen starters and Oberon.
For a tense second, nothing happened.
"Do we attack him now, boss?" Sal asked.
Oberon's body began to flare with heat as the three downed starters began to glow.
The glare intensified, until it was hard to look by friend and foe alike.
Serena, who had one hand over her eyes to protect them, shouted loud for the Professor to hear, "Professor, what's going on?!"
He raised his hands like he was holding a giant trophy. "That, my young friends, is Pokémon evolution!
Arise, Marine Ninja.
Arise, Blaze Magician.
Arise, Olive Knight.
Standing in the place of his three friends were three different, but similar, Pokémon. The first was in equal shades brown and green, although the green portion appeared to be armour that covered the brown, body portion. Two large spines jutted out the sides of his head like ears, while his hands and feet sported claws.
The second had teal skin, with a blue 'mask' over its head, and neck bubbles that extended past his body, like a scarf. His arms and feet were webbed, and he had suction-cup like appendages on his fingers, which oddly enough, looked like circles.
The third and final one was dressed in vibrant yellow, orange and white, with black tights, if they could be considered that. Long wavy tufts of different-coloured fur unfurled out from her ears, cheeks and body, giving her the appearance of wearing a dress of sorts, with a white mane on her shoulders. Her large tail had a stick, well, sticking out of it.
In short, Almond, Fontaine and Fia had evolved into a Quilladin, Frogadier and Braixen respectively.
"Well, now, safe to say, I didn't expect this. I suppose these spines are my now my quills, huh?"
"Hang on; didn't we get knocked out just now? I'm very sure the flatty didn't give me a Revive, so why am I conscious?"
"It must have been Oberon! I felt water covering me all over, but this water started healing me, and next thing I know, I'm standing upright! That's your doing, wasn't it?"
"Yes, it was." Oberon stood up, strength surging throughout his body. "Aquarius… now I understand why Merritt said to use it in battle; it regenerates wounds!"
"Well, since we're all well and dandy," Fontaine said, as he adjusted his mask.
"Let's end this battle, then!" Almond continued, grabbing both his spines.
The four still-stunned Pokémon on the other end were easy targets.
"Normally, I don't hit girls either! But you hurt me, both my heart AND my throat, so for that,"
Fontaine drew on his reserves and created a swirling ball of high-pressurized water, before launching it at Sadie.
"Get a load of this! Water Pulse!"
"Now seriously, we could continue this argument, but just you know,"
Almond flipped both his spines in the air, before swinging them in an arc at Sal.
"I don't really care that it's a spine. Vine Whip!"
"You know the punishment they give soldiers when they lose a war, don't you?"
Fia took out her stick, the friction between it and her tail causing it to catch flame. She cloaked herself in said flame, before dashing forward at Sarge.
"Drop dead and give me twenty! Flame Charge!"
"Never underestimate what one can do when he is cornered."
He flexed his arms, before recalling that one day Calem had brought him to watch a Nimbasa Pokémon Musical. The memory turned to light, before covering his entire body.
"This is the power of my bonds!"
He rushed forward, and slammed into Shelby's soft underside.
"Return!"
All at once, the four were shot backwards by the impact of the attacks, coming to a rest at the edge of the field, spirals in their eyes.
"Never thought… I'd hate water… this much…"
"Urgh… I am… dismissed…"
"I toldja… that ain't… no vine…"
"So…this is the strength… of friendship…"
Novices Shauna, Serena & Calem defeated Pokémon Professor Sycamore!
"O spring of eternal purity… Bubble with the songs of the Fairies… Lucky Chant: Aquarius!"
As the chant resolved, and his opponents were revived by the healing salvo, Oberon fell on his back. While he was physically healthy, he was mentally exhausted.
"That's enough… for today… I'm too tired for this…"
A shadow covered him, and he brushed back his hair to see who it was.
Fia stood over him, an easy feat now that she was a Braixen, watching with an amused expression.
"Fia. Good job… out there today. We all made… a good team… didn't we?"
She smiled serenely.
"This is my way of saying thanks." She said,before placing a quick peck on his forehead.
Emotion, and heat, overwhelmed Oberon. But, interestingly enough, another thing filled his systems: raw, unbridled, energy.
His psychosensors began to tingle as his body temperature shot up. Light engulfed his vision, and his body seemed to morph into energy and back again.
Almost like he was evolving.
Arise, Ivory Dancer.
When Oberon's vision returned, he saw his teammates, his opponents and Calem and his friends staring at him.
And then he realized.
I can actually see without having to push my hair back.
He dashed off, also realizing he now had elongated green feet, to find a mirror. When he did find one in the Professor's office, he stared into it as a Kirlia stared back.
He smoothed down his fur dress, which sprang up again, looking like a tutu, as the figure in the mirror did the same. He touched his psychosensors, which had rotated to the sides of his heads, and gave an appearance not unlike hairclips, as the figure imitated his movements.
"Oh. Wow. I look…"
He did a small twirl.
"Cute. Oh Arceus, I look like a girl!"
He spun around on one of his legs, before waving his arms and smiling.
"I guess I could get used to this new body. It isn't that bad, after all."
When Calem caught up to his Ralts- right, he was a Kirlia now, he found Oberon admiring himself in a mirror.
Vain, much, Oberon?
No, sir, just checking out my form. Wow, I really do look as graceful as Mum told me I'd look.
Professor Sycamore and Tierno came running in, the Pokémon from the battle right behind them. "Is everything alright with your Kirlia? Is he okay?"
"He's fine; just admiring his new body."
Augustine grinned. "That's good to hear. A Pokémon evolving is, after all, proof that all its hard work has not gone to waste!"
Tierno pumped his hands up in the air. "Yes! Now I can research a Kirlia's dance moves!"
Serena, who had just arrived on the scene with Fia, sweatdropped. "You've got to be kidding; you're telling me that was your plan all along, Tio?"
"Yes!" he said, before the rest of the people present facefaulted.
Well, no one could fault him for his honesty, could they?
The red-haired man sighed.
Jeez, Augustine, how long do you plan on keeping me waiting? I want to meet those children; if you've chosen them, they must have some potential in them.
He checked his watch. It's already four. The Café's about to reach peak hour. I should be going. Guess I'll drop him a Holo Clip later.
As he walked out the front door, a ginger-haired boy ran into him, before falling down.
"Oh no, I'm sorry, sir! I was in a rush and I-"
"Get your arse back-" Sina noticed them, and nearly tripped over herself (A/N: Is that even an expression? Audino) before she stuttered out, "O-O-Oh, h-hi, Monsieur Lysandre!"
"Sina. I seem to recall meeting you two years ago in this same lab; when your partner, Dexio, if I'm not mistaken, also ran into me. I do have a right to assume, then, that this boy here is also one of Augustine's special chosen?"
Trevor's eyes lit up, before replying. "I am, but wait, sir, pardon me if I'm wrong, but did she address you as Monsieur Lysandre?"
A slow nod from the man himself brought forth his next question. "Then, does that mean that you're head of Lysandre Café and Lysandre Labs as well?"
"I see you've heard of me. Yes, and now, I must be going before the evening crowd arrives. Give the professor my best regards, and tell him I'm meeting him for breakfast tomorrow. Usual spot, usual time." he said, before walking out onto the streets.
"How does he know the professor?" "Well, he and the professor are good friends-"
They blinked at each other. "The professor!"
"To the lift!"
Trevor, who reached there first, mashed the button. As the lift doors opened, the two of them stormed inside.
And promptly knocked down the six people who had been inside the lift in the first place.
As Shauna shook the stars out of her eyes, she realized that she was lying on top of something, or rather, someone. Whose head just so happened to have been the cushion for her less-than-comfortable chest.
You readers probably know where this is going, don't you?
Calem struggled to breathe. As far as he knew, his face was being smothered by someone.
"Please get off of me!" he said.
Well, at least he would have said, if it didn't come out as "Hudda-hudda mmmph mmph!"
A scream sounded from above his head.
"Nana-HNGH!"
And a well-placed knee was driven into his sternum.
"I am so sorry, C-Sharp! I really didn't mean to hit you there, honest!"
Calem, who had sat down on the same seat where Lysandre had previously sat, nursed his chest, and coughed, before replying, "It's all right, Nana. It was a misunderstanding, so let's just *cough* leave it at that."
Professor Sycamore, who had received the message from Sina, pondered it a while. "Breakfast there? Is he planning on having them all meet her?"
"I suppose so, Professor, if you're referring to the same 'her' we met."
"Then, I guess it's settled. Kids!" he turned to address the five, "Tomorrow morning, meet me for a little lunch at 11, at Café Soleil. You can't miss it; it's the red, ritzy café next to the hairdressers at Coiffure Clips. Other than that, you're free to go. I can provide lodging here at the laboratory guest rooms if you'd like."
"Thank you for the offer, Professor Sycamore. But I probably should go check on my sister, since she's home around this time. Excuse me."
Trevor gave a slight bow before leaving through the front door.
Tierno walked to the entrance, turning his head around to look at them. "I'll follow him. The alleyways of Lumiose can be pretty dangerous at night. Besides,"
He struck a pose, and said, "Bridget loves to dance." before moonwalking out.
"Bridget?"
"She's Trevor's *hack* sister."
The Professor scratched the back of his head. "Aïe, I'm learning way too many new names today."
He glanced at the clock, before smiling. "4.25. Today's a Saturday, so they should be open soon."
Serena turned to face him. "Professor, what are you mumbling about?"
He, along with Dexio and Sina, turned to them, a mischievous glint in their eyes.
"Since we've got a few hours until the day is over, what say we all celebrate your arrival here in Lumiose City with a little initiation party?"
A/N:
Maîtresse – Mistress
café au lait – coffee with milk
kawaii – Japanese for cute
C'est superbe! – That's superb!
Sortir – Come on out!
Aïe - Yikes
Pokédex count:
Central Kalos – 43/150 seen.
(Coastal Kalos – 1/153 seen. – Rhyhorn – Unregistered)
(Mountain Kalos – 1/151 seen. – Ditto – Unregistered)
(National – Koffing, Misdreavus – Unregistered)
Note: Bold words indicate new species post-evolution or new moves added to the arsenal.
Calem's Team
Name: Oberon
Species: Ralts - Kirlia
Approximate level: 20
Ability: Telepathy
Moves learnt: Growl, Confusion, Double Team, Teleport, Lucky Chant, Return
Name: Almond
Species: Chespin - Quilladin
Approximate level: 16
Ability: Overgrow
Moves learnt: Tackle, Growl, Vine Whip, Rollout, Bite, Leech Seed, Return
Name: Blair
Species: Misdreavus
Approximate level: 14
Abiity: Levitate
Moves learnt: Growl, Psywave, Spite, Astonish, Confuse Ray, Return
Serena's Team
Name: Fiametta 'Fia'
Species: Fennekin - Braixen
Approximate level: 16
Ability: Blaze
Moves learnt: Scratch, Tail Whip, Ember, Howl, Flame Charge, Return
Name: Skye
Species: Fletchling
Approximate level: 14
Ability: Gale Wings
Moves learnt: Tackle, Growl, Quick Attack, Peck, Agility, Return
Shauna's Team
Name: Fontaine
Species: Froakie - Frogadier
Approximate level: 16
Ability: Torrent
Moves learnt: Pound, Growl, Bubble, Quick Attack, Lick, Water Pulse, Return
Name: Meta
Species: Ditto
Approximate level: 13
Ability: Imposter
Moves learnt: Transform (that's the only thing a Ditto can learn, anyways)
Name: Katherine
Species: Skitty
Approximate level: 11
Ability: Cute Charm
Moves learnt: Fake Out, Growl, Tail Whip, Tackle, Foresight, Attract, Sing
Trevor's Team
Name: Sparks
Species: Pikachu
Approximate level: 16
Ability: Static
Moves learnt: Growl, Thundershock, Tail Whip, Thunder Wave, Quick Attack, Return
Tierno's Team
Name: Eugene
Species: Corphish
Approximate level: 16
Ability: Hyper Cutter
Moves learnt: Bubble, Harden, Vice Grip, Leer, Return
Professor Sycamore's Team
Name: Sadie
Species: Squirtle
Approximate level: 16
Ability: Torrent
Moves learnt: Tackle, Tail Whip, Water Gun, Withdraw, Bubble, Bite
Name: Sarge
Species: Charmander
Approximate level: 16
Ability: Blaze
Moves learnt: Scratch, Growl, Ember, Smokescreen, Dragon Rage
Name: Salvador 'Sal'
Species: Bulbasaur
Approximate level: 15
Ability: Overgrow
Moves learnt: Tackle, Growl, Leech Seed, Vine Whip, Poison Powder, Sleep Powder, Take Down
Name: Shelby
Species: Squirtle
Approximate level: 13
Ability: Torrent
Moves learnt: Tackle, Tail Whip, Water Gun, Withdraw, Bubble
Next time, on The Kalos Chronicles:
It's not exactly Christmas, but it is? What in all of Kalos is going on?
"This karaoke box is Christmas-themed?!"
Between the singing, the party games and a certain girl's insistence-
"Eureka! I'm keeping her! Please have my brother, sil-vous-pl-" "Oh come on, I told you to stop that!"
Is it really any wonder why tonight's going all-out crazy?
"Number 5! Kiss Number 1 on the lips!"
At least it's saner with the Pokémon-
"Bring it on, witchy!" "I'm a sorceress, you're the witch!" "Girls, you're spilling batter!" "Ooh, burning oven!"
Okay, maybe not the girls.
"So I'll cross my heart, should I hope to try,"
"To break this punching bag in just one more fight."
"We've already punched it a million times…"
"But we still have the strength for one more fight…"
"Ooh, ooh ooh ooh, ooh ooh ooh, ooh…"
Well, at least it's a nice song, I'll give them that.
Stay tuned for the Christmas/New Year chapter that will make you want to go deck the halls, in Chapter 14:A Christmas Mixer!
(P.S. To a Mr. and Mrs. Hall, I am regrettably sorry for anyone coming up to you and punching you. But it's them you should blame for reading the chapter in the first place)