Chapter 14: Would You Like to Join?

-Ninth Day-

Samuel was on his knees. There were a few more people in the same position. They were surrounded by a large amount of people. All of them wore black with an X on their clothing. In front of them were the generals and Harold Sullen.

Harold Sullen stepped closer. "I'd like to welcome you to your new brotherhood. We are made of various individuals who aim to help Pokémon. We understand the suffering they are forced to endure by selfish people. We are the ones that cannot be controlled by injustice. We are the ones who strike from the shadows to end tyranny. We are the ones that will save this island from the evildoing of its human inhabitants!" Several of the people around them clapped. Harold continued. "You have all been told already why Poképhilia is bad. We want you to see though. I apologize for the content we are going to show you. It is necessary. We have to have your full cooperation. If you aren't ready for what you can probably expect to see, you're free to go."

None of the recruits moved an inch. Harold smiled. "I'm glad we chose the right individuals. You all have the dedication needed to save mankind from this horrible behavior."

Behind him, several members brought chairs. The recruits were told to sit down in them. From one of the walls, a big screen came down.

Samuel gulped nervously. He knew he wanted to make a difference. He was slightly worried about what he was going to see. He had good reason to be.

"Stella, I'd like to introduce you to Wallace, Cynthia, Iris, and Lance. You've already met Eon and Lucy. You can ignore the last two." Lucy threw a pillow at her. Samantha laughed.

Stella smiled and bowed. "It's very nice to meet Samantha's friends."

Cynthia and Wallace walked up to her. They both hugged her. "Being a friend of Samantha's makes you like family to us." Cynthia told her.

Wallace smiled. "We've heard a bit about you. I'm glad you've made her happy."

Stella blushed. "I uh…" She regained her composure. "Thank you for being so kind."

Wallace and Cynthia stepped back, taking a seat on the couch. Lance and Iris came up next. Lance awkwardly offered his hand, which Stella shook. She was in awe. "You're the Kanto Champion."

Cynthia pretended to be upset. "No! We have a Lance fan."

The Champions chuckled. Lance smiled at Stella. "It's nice to meet you."

Iris hugged her. "I'm not close friends with Samantha but I am with the rest. So you're both like family to me."

Just like with Samantha, she didn't let go right away. Stella hugged her back. "Is it too weird to ask for autographs?"

They all laughed.

Lucy cleared her throat. "So are we going to hear the juicy gossip?"

Samantha blushed. "Hey! Don't be so nosy."

Wallace chuckled. "I think I can guess what's going on."

Samantha stuck out her tongue. She wrapped her arms around Stella's waists. Stella held onto Samantha's arms. "Guys, I have an announcement. Stella is my girlfriend. So hands off."

Cynthia whistled. "Congrats!"

Eon laughed. "I'm guessing this means more hugs, right?"

Lucy jumped off the bed. "It does! Come here, the two of you." Lucy embraced Stella and Samantha. Eon followed suit. So did the rest. They were all hugging Samantha and Stella.

"Hey! Hey! You're going to suffocate us! And no one grab Stella's butt."

"…Samantha, you're the one grabbing my butt." Stella told her.

Samantha giggled. "I'm glad."

The group let go. "So do you guys want to do something? We're free until the evening."

Samuel couldn't get the images out of his mind. There had been so much violence and evil in the video. He couldn't even describe it to himself. There was only one unified thought in his mind. He was going to help stop Poképhilia.

Harold sighed. "Once again, I apologize for the horror you've been exposed to. Now you're ready to join us. Will you fight Poképhilia with us?"

Every recruit stood up and yelled in unison. "Yes!"

"I'm glad to hear that. The men arriving from the back will give you a uniform. It will be cleaned for you by our brothers every day. We travel together and work as one unit. We also mark each other with an X to show loyalty. It is cut into your skin. We don't require you to do it now. But it's part of our dedication. Our most loyal members are covered by several scars that form an X several times. They are cut into the flesh with a sterile blade. Those we punish suffer from burnt scars."

Half of the recruits stepped forward. One of them spoke up. "I'll do it now. Can we choose where and how big?"

Harold nodded. "A big part of our existence is to remain unknown. Scars can easily be mistaken as our mark. Some choose to cut their back or chest completely. Some choose to only cut the mark onto the back of their hands or face. It's up to you."

Samuel was one of the ones who stepped forward. "I'd like mine on the back of my hand."

Harold motioned for two members to assist Samuel. He was seated down. "We only suggest one X. However, you're allowed as many as you want."

Samuel chuckled. "I've already felt a lot of pain. I was rescued before I died by one of your men. I want one on the back of each hand."

Harold grinned. He was glad Samuel was devoted to them now.

Samuel only gritted his teeth when the cuts were made. When they finish, they pressed cloth on each one.

The other recruits were staring with admiration at Samuel. Seeing him go first refueled what moved them to accept the X. The remaining recruits stepped forward due to his confidence.

Samuel exhaled slowly. It hurt quite a bit but he was okay. A figure, covered by a black cloak, approached him. Samuel couldn't see the face of the person because of their hood. A hand reached out from under the cloak. It was covered in black cloth. From what he could see, the arm appeared to be slightly muscular.

There was a light emitted from the hand when it hovered over Samuel's hands. Samuel remembered the feeling. The wounds were healed but a scar remained on each hand.

Harold clapped. "You are now an official member of the X Division." The other members applauded him greatly.

Matt and Chelsea were in one of the gyms. Chelsea had donned a pair of black gym shorts and a red loose-fitting T-shirt. Matt was wearing jeans and a black T-shirt.

"You look like a schoolgirl." Matt told her.

Chelsea giggled. "You don't look ready for a battle and workout."

Matt grinned. "I battle in comfortable clothing. I don't have to go easy since we're dating, right?"

Chelsea stuck out her tongue. "It's a light sparring."

Abigail sighed. Leila was massaging her shoulders. "That was a really bad meeting."

"I know. It'll be okay, Abigail."

"How will it be okay? You heard the board and the other executives. The Champion group is bad for business. It was confirmed that Ms. Sinclair was responsible for putting one of the Champions in the hospital. Mr. Angelos almost injured people by practically blowing up a part of a building; in addition, he attacked a very important investor. His wife was almost kidnapped, the Hoenn Champion fatally wounded in the process."

"I was informed that both the Kanto and Hoenn Champions were discharged. An eyewitness said that Ms. Sinclair healed them somehow."

Abigail shook her head. "That still doesn't erase the damage they've caused. It's bad publicity for us. My job is on the line and probably all the lives on this island are in jeopardy. I can't let anyone else be harmed. I think someone is targeting the Champions and Xabat. I'm real close to shutting down the island. I really am."

Leila wrapped her arms around Abigail's shoulders. "Just relax, okay? We'll figure something out. Don't drive yourself crazy over this. That's what I would do and it would get ugly."

Abigail sighed. "Thank you, Leila. I'm glad I have someone I can rely on."

Abigail turned to the side. They smiled at each other. "We can fix this." Leila told her.

Leila kissed her. Abigail kissed her back. They were about to continue until they heard the phone ring. Leila remembered that the workers in their building were given the first half of the day off because of the meeting. She answered. "Hello, you have reached the desk of Abigail Matthews, vice president. How may I help you?"

"Hello, I'm at the front desk. There's no one here though. I dialed the number of the VP. I wanted to file a complaint against Samantha Sinclair."

Leila frowned. "There is a form that you can find on our website. You can fill it out online if you want. If you prefer to fill it out in person, I'll get you on-"

The person interrupted. "It's rather important. She attacked me, nearly killing me."

Abigail grabbed the phone form Leila. "Just wait there. We'll come for you so we can talk privately."

Xabat was at one of the many tables in the eating area. It was around one in the afternoon. It was rather empty in the whole section. He was just enjoying the nice weather.

He heard someone sit in the table behind him. They had chosen the chair that faced away from him.

"So we meet again." The person said.

Xabat nodded. "Indeed, we did."

"I'm surprised to see you here."

"Oh? Why is that?"

"You should be aware of what really goes on here. Hell, you plan on investing on the island."

Xabat chuckled. "A person of my power and status has to be aware of what he involves himself with."

"So you support these reprobates?"

"I support those that make sure Pokémon are treated well. I want to preserve Pokémon rights and ensure their safety."

"You're always playing the part of the politician. I almost believe you."

Xabat stared at the passing clouds. "I am not here to change your opinion, only to ensure my results."

"I stand against these degenerates and plan to correct things around here."

"My goal differs from yours then."

"You are always soft on people."

Xabat shook his head. "I'm protective of Pokémon."

"Are you a protector or a collector?"

Xabat didn't answer his question. "You won't be able to change the way things are done here. These people won't change just because you want them to. You shouldn't try to alter what they believe in. They are devoted."

"They are wolves leading lamb to their slaughter. They helped spread this unholy practice. They severely dam-"

Xabat interrupted him. "Save your speech for your underlings. I don't agree with your methods and never will. I'm the politician: you are not. You should leave."

Harold stood up from his seat. He placed his hand on Xabat's shoulder. "I wished that I could change your mind."

"My mind has been made a long time ago. I will not fulfill your petty attempt for revolution."

"This island will be taken by force. It will belong to the X Division." Harold walked away.

Xabat sighed. He muttered. "It won't."

Abigail and Leila had led Samuel into the VP room. "So you want to file a complaint?" Leila asked.

Samuel nodded. "I was attacked two days ago, my seventh day on the island. She came at me from behind and began to pummel me until I was almost dead."

Leila could barely stand the sight of him. He really did look like he was beaten up badly. He was covered in bruises and scrapes. "At what time did this occur?"

"It happened around night. I can't remember the time since I lost consciousness."

Abigail frowned. "Shouldn't you be at the hospital?"

Samuel shook his head. "I was given first aid by a nurse at the island. She said I would be okay with just that."

"Well…okay then."

Samuel flinched when he seemed to notice something. He leaned closer and grabbed the pencil and the form Leila was holding. He turned it over to the blank side and began to write something.

Leila and Abigail read the words silently. Samuel had told them that Samantha was responsible for the attacks on the island, that the authorities should be contacted about her appearance, and that the room was bugged.

Leila frowned. "If that's true then.-"

Samuel scribbled that he barely noticed the bug and that they should talk somewhere safe. He wrote that there had been a bomb threat made by Samantha.

Abigail stood up. "I know the perfect place."

Samuel and Leila followed her.

Dylan was drying his Pokémon. Melinda was with him.

"You know they have a grooming place here, right?"

Dylan chuckled. "I prefer doing this myself."

"Well…okay then."

"So what brings you to my room? I haven't seen you in a few days. You also seem different. You normally have maids all around you like some princess. You've been rather nice. I'm not saying you weren't before but you were uptight."

Melinda uncomfortably shifted in her seat. "Well I wanted to come by myself. I know I've become rather snobby. I had a question by the way. Well you've been here several times, right?"

Dylan stopped what he was doing. "So they got you as well?"

Melinda flinched. "What?"

"They introduced you to Poképhilia."

Melinda looked away. "They did."

"Well what about it? Did you complain? Did you thank them?"

Melinda blushed. "I was coerced into more. I later got involved with my male Purugly."

Dylan groaned. "That wasn't a bright idea, was it?"

Melinda shook her head. "I bled."

"You didn't say you were forced with your Purugly. Did you do it voluntarily?"

Melinda nodded. "Please don't tell anyone."

Dylan sat next to her on the sofa. He wrapped his arm around her. "Melinda, you're one of my best friends. I wouldn't spill about your situation."

Melinda smiled. She leaned against his shoulder. "Thank you. It's a shame you're gay."

Dylan laughed. "For you, yes. I'm off-limits, honey."

She leaned on him for awhile, with his arm around her. He broke the silence. "Hey…if you're interested, I have two new friends that recently discovered Poképhilia. I can introduce you to them. They can help you get better acquainted with the subject. You obviously t haven't enjoyed the concept willingly."

She leaned away. "What? I can't reveal that side of me to strangers!"

Dylan placed his hand on her shoulder. "They're good people, Melinda. They want to keep their dealings a secret, just like you. It's always good for beginners to explore this together."

"…Okay then. When can I meet them?"

Dylan chuckled. "I'm supposed to meet both of them in about an hour. A close friend of mine is dating the guy. The other person introduced Pokephilia to him. She also has a book which will be very useful to all of you."

Abigail had led them to the executive command center. She unlocked the door while Leila and Samuel stood in the previous hall. She called for them to follow her. Samuel let Leila go before him. Abigail was already inside.

"Thank you, ladies, for allowing me to reach this area. Unfortunately for you, this is where we take control. Goodnight." He flashed the X on his hand to Leila, who fell to her knees in terror. He used his other arm to take out a small tranquilizer gun from his back pocket. He took down Abigail first. She stumbled a few feet before falling down. He aimed at Leila, seeing that she was freaking out. "Don't worry. Everything will be fine. We're going to fix things." Samuel told her. He shot her with the tranquilizer gun.

Samuel took out the radio he was given. "I've neutralized both targets. I have the command center open."

"Good job, soldier. Our men are already entering the building. Await their arrival. You know the rest of the plan."

"I do, sir."

Melinda waited with Dylan for Matt and Amber to arrive. They did around Dylan's expected time. She noticed how attractive Matt was. She almost forgot that they were going to help her with Poképhilia.

"So who's the girl with the green hair?" Matt asked.

Dylan smiled. "I wanted to introduce you two to my friend, Melinda. Melinda, this is Matt and Amber."

Matt waved. Amber smiled at her. Melinda smiled back.

Dylan explained. "She barely started her interest in Poképhilia. I was hoping you two could expand her interest."

Amber chuckled. "So she's a newbie like us. I like that." She turned towards Melinda. "I've got some experience the last few days from several Pokémon. Dylan was introduced to me by Matt's girlfriend. Matt only likes female Pokémon so I'll be the one teaching you. He's taken so you shouldn't ogle him so much. I know he's dreamy."

Melinda blushed. Matt chuckled.

Dylan clapped his hands. "Well I'm glad you three are up for it. Anyway, I was wondering how the reading has been so far."

Amber sighed. "Matt hasn't read crap. He's been going at it with Arcanine like it was his last days for sex. I like it though. Where did you get it? Also, do you have another copy? If Melinda is joining our circle, it'd be better that she does some reading on her own. That's not to say we can't research together, Melinda." Amber winked at her.

Dylan shuffled through his bags. "I actually have three. I have my copy, you have the second, and this is the third." He handed the book to Melinda.

Melinda examined the book. She read the title. "Pokémon Breeder's Guide to the Strange and Unusual. What in the world is this?"

Amber cleared her throat. "It's basically what the title says. It's a guide for those who want to breed Pokémon themselves. I'm not talking about just Pokémon on Pokémon stuff. This is also about what we're going to do. It has a lot of information. Unfortunately it's only one volume of it. Dylan said that it might be continued soon. I'm not saying it isn't enough. I just hate finishing a good read. It answers a lot of questions you might have though. Since you barely started, check out chapter 33. It'll help ease your conscious."

Melinda began to read that chapter. Once she was done, she nodded. "It…did help. Thank you. I'll make sure to read this fully."

Matt grinned. "You two can read it and just tell me what will be awesome."

Amber punched him in the shoulder. "You're going to read it when we aren't busy." She turned towards Dylan. "Thanks again for this."

Dylan smiled. "You're a fellow Poképhile. We help each other."

Amber smiled. She looked at Melinda. "Hey, would you like to join us for dinner? Matt and I plan on meeting with a friend I recently met and her girlfriend. It'll be weird to come with just Matt since he's not dating me."

Melinda smiled. "That would be nice."

Amber took out her Pokégear. She called Stella. "Hello, honey. I have a friend I want to invite. She's polite and cute as well. Want her number?" Amber giggled. "Don't freak out so much, Stella. So is it okay? Yeah? Alright, thank you. We'll be there in about thirty minutes."

Matt grinned. "We're a team now, Melinda."

Amber smacked him in the shoulder. "Don't get any ideas. "

Matt rolled his eyes. Melinda only giggled.

Dylan grabbed a binder from his bags. "Since you guys have some time, why not look through this? It has a lot of Poképhilia stories."

Amber squealed with joy. "I'd love that! I've read several novels already about Poképhilia."

Matt groaned. "It's better to watch."

Dylan pointed to the television in the room. "I have several DVDs you can watch."

Amber chuckled. "Before you say yes, remember that Dylan is gay." Matt's excitement went away.

Dylan laughed. "I'm sorry about that, Matt."

Stella placed her Pokégear in her purse. Samantha and she had finished getting ready. They had taken a long time in the shower due to their affectionate natures.

"So it's going to be five of us?" Samantha asked.

Stella nodded. "I hope you don' mind."

Samantha wrapped her arms around her. "I'm okay with meeting new people, especially if they're your friends. How'd you meet them anyway?"

"I met Amber the day you stopped Eon and Lance from fighting. She came up to me afterward and we talked. She's the one who…" Stella blushed. "…she informed me about stuff you and I can do together."

Samantha blushed. "You're one kinky girl."

Stella giggled. "I'm your kinky girl."

Samantha held her tightly. "Yes, you are."

Stella continued. "Amber wanted to officially introduce us to Matt. She had a thing for him on the way here but he got a girlfriend when he arrived. He's friends with Amber. I met him yesterday. He's really nice."

"Who's going to be the fifth one then?"

"She's a friend of Amber's. Amber said she's polite."

Samantha smiled. "I can't wait to meet them."

The Champions were having a small celebration. They had ordered alcohol and several different items from their food menu. The food and drinks were brought to the room in less than thirty minutes.

For the occasion, they had all dressed nicely. The guys were in suits while the ladies wore dresses. The guys had decided beforehand to all wear black. The attire of the ladies differed. Iris wore a red dress that had shoulder straps and revealed the least out of the girls' dresses. She had her hair done like regularly but wore a golden tiara with red gems. It went well with her dress and the red heels she wore. Cynthia had donned a black strapless dress. It greatly hugged her figure, accentuating her bosom and her curves. Her hair matched her regular appearance of wavy blond curls. She wore a golden necklace and golden bracelets, which were gifts from Wallace. Lucy's attire was the medium ground out of three. It wasn't as flashy or dark as Cynthia's, nor bright and colorful like Iris's. Her strapless dress was a pearl white color. She wore dark blue silk gloves which went well with the blue streaks in her silver hair. Her chest was slightly less bulging than Cynthia's in her dress, though she had her beat barely in size. Her body was slightly thinner than Cynthia's, allowing her dress to flow gently with her footsteps.

The men were surprised by their beauty. Each man told their love how great they looked.

Cynthia giggled. She picked up a bottle of wine. "Shall we begin?"

Matt was waiting at the table while Amber and Melinda went to the restroom. He saw Stella with another girl. He guessed it was Samantha. He waved at her. Stella smiled once she saw him.

The two girls sat on the opposite of the table. "Hello, Matt. Where are the ladies?"

"They wanted to check on their makeup. It's nice to see you again, Samantha." Matt winked at her.

Samantha laughed. "We battled last time! Hey! It's nice to see you too."

Amber surprised Stella by grabbing her shoulders. "Boo!" Stella almost screamed. She only flinched horribly.

"Hello…Amber." Stella stuck out her tongue at her.

Amber placed her hand on Melinda's shoulder. "I'd like to introduce Melinda to you two. We actually just met her today but she's pretty nice."

Melinda smiled. "It's nice to meet you."

Stella and Samantha waved.

The ladies sat on each side of Matt. Amber turned towards Samantha. "So I hope there's no awkwardness between us or anything."

Samantha raised one of her eyebrows. "Why would it be awkward?"

Stella blushed slightly. "We didn't do the things you told me about."

Amber groaned. "My teaching goes down the drain."

Samantha giggled. "They'll help later." She held Stella's hand.

Matt and Melinda smiled. Amber chuckled. "I'm glad of that then. So should we order?" Everyone nodded.

Several bottles of alcohol had been opened and drank. The Champion couples were becoming tipsy. Most of the food was already gone. They sat together on the floor of Eon's room. Giggles and laughs were shared.

Cynthia raised her bottle. "Hey how long has it been since we had an orgy?"

Eon frowned. "It's been several months actually. We've had constant distractions because of the seasonal flow of trainers."

Iris giggled. "It's been too long."

Cynthia winked at them. "Why don't we order some Pokémon then? It'll be nice to use that 100% discount we earned."

Lance shook his head. "We barely even watched him. One of the days we watched him, things got pretty bad."

Iris pouted. "So we don't get any free stuff?"

Eon shook his head. "We should pay for it."

Cynthia shrugged. "So we have to pay. I don't mine. How about it? You guys in?"

Wallace shook his head. Lance did as well. Iris was up for it. Eon and Lucy didn't care either way. Cynthia groaned. "It's a stalemate."

Iris patted her shoulder. "We'll do it next time."

Samantha chuckled. "There were several Nurse Joys running around, trying to catch the Blissey Eggs. The kids thought it was a game so they started tossing the eggs amongst each other." Everyone laughed.

Amber smiled. "You know quite a lot of stories, Samantha."

Samantha nodded. "I traveled a lot during my earlier teens. I've been in more regions that I can count. What about you, Melinda?"

Melinda's eyes widened. "What?"

Samantha smiled at her. "Do you have any funny stories?"

Melinda frowned. "Well…maybe."

The green-haired woman stayed quiet for a few minutes, trying to think of an interesting story. She blushed.

Amber chuckled. "You should avoid those kinds of stories."

The Poképhilia trio shared a knowing look.

Stella pouted. "The dessert is taking awhile."

Samantha giggled. "Stella, stop thinking about food."

Stella kissed her cheek. "Fine, I'll eat you."

Amber laughed. "Girls, save it for your rooms."

Melinda shook her head. "I can't think of any appropriate ones. I'm sorry."

Matt smiled. "It's okay."

All of the bottles were finished. There wasn't any food left.

"I miss Red." Cynthia stated.

A slight gloom dwelled over them.

"I know it's been like a taboo topic for years now. We have Samantha back and everyone is friends again though. Why shouldn't we lift this dread?"

Eon nodded. "He was our friend. He wouldn't want us to be so depressed whenever his name is brought up."

Lance looked up. He raised his cup. "Buddy, wherever you are, you better be doing some awesome things. Catch the afterlife."

Lucy laughed. "Red could catch anything."

Lance wrapped his arm around Iris. "I wish you had met him, Iris. He was very amazing. Not only was he an exceptional Pokémon Battler, he had a knack for everything related to Pokémon. He beat Steven Stone, Cynthia, and Alder to become Pokémon Master. It was a long time since any Champion beat the other Champions. It's a rare feat. Our Champion Tournament doesn't guarantee that a Champion will become a Master: the winner needs to beat all the rest."

Lucy frowned. "Wait- so it isn't a regular tournament?"

Cynthia shook her head. "It's rarely done since we don't have a lot of time so I understand the newer Champions wouldn't know. The Champions must all fight in one-on-one battles with six Pokémon. If you lose even once, you are ineligible to reign as Pokémon Master. So basically, Red could have lost to Steven, Alder, or me and loss his shot. He beat us all on the same day though. We were surprised. He beat us one by one. Technically, the three of us had lost our chance so he was given the title. We didn't bother seeing which Champion we could beat since it was pointless."

Eon stared with amazement. "I didn't know that. Now I can understand why he was so powerful."

Lance nodded. "He was truly a legend."

Iris finished her glass. "I hope this isn't rude, but why haven't we had another? I understand Red was respected greatly. The title is technically vacant though."

Wallace shrugged. "It never really crossed my mind. Like Cynthia said, we're usually busy. When we're not, we prefer to avoid battling."

Eon turned towards Lance. "You always declined, didn't you?

Lance nodded. He answered Iris's original question. "He didn't want us to."

Everyone looked at Lance. "What do you mean?"

He looked down. "The day we lost Red, we talked about his accomplishment. He never felt like he deserved it. Even after battling every single opponent, he felt like he didn't deserve to be at the top of the mountain."

Eon sighed. "It's rather ironic, isn't it? He couldn't stand being on the top."

Lance met his eyes. "I never wanted to admit it but he…jumped down the ledge. He knew his limits. Yet, he endangered himself. I rather think he fell by accident but he let go by himself."

There was a heavy silence. "Why?" Cynthia asked.

Lance shook his head. "I never knew why. He was always happy with us."

Lucy spoke up. "He wasn't."

Lance frowned. "What do you mean?"

Lucy looked at Eon. He shook his head. She ignored his protest. "I've been keeping this a secret because it was difficult for me to trust. Now, there isn't reason to be. None of you will betray me. I am Eon's Lugia. I can transform into this form." She pointed at her body.

Cynthia, Iris, and Lance were shocked. "How could that be?"

Eon answered. "Since humans first showed up, Legendary Pokémon yearned to mingle with them. However, humans feared them for their power. Some hunted them while others worshipped them. They eventually gained abilities to interact with humans. Several Legendary Pokémon and Psychic Pokémon can speak telepathically to humans. Some Legendary Pokémon, like Lucy, can transform into a human."

Cynthia frowned. "Why did you wait so long to tell us?"

Iris went to Lucy's side. She put her hand over Lucy's. "We all love you."

Lance nodded. "We're all close friends."

Wallace was the only one not looking at Lucy. "There's more, isn't there?"

Iris asked first. "What is he talking about?"

Eon wrapped his arm around Lucy. "Please don't ask."

The rest of the group nodded. If the two weren't ready to tell them, it was okay.

"I should probably go back to what I meant. Red wasn't always happy."

Lance growled. "What do you mean?"

"Lucy can read the thoughts of living beings." Eon explained.

"I know Red constantly noticed whenever I tried. He was one of the few people I've met that can shield their thoughts completely. I only caught glimpses at times. From what I glimpsed at, I could tell he felt very saddened by something. There was a burden that he never explained. He was happy to be around us but something always bothered him. I'm not sure what it was…but I think it has to do with Samantha."

"What?" Cynthia asked.

"I can't say for sure but he was always making sure to block his thoughts around her."

Lance sighed. "Would she know?"

Cynthia gasped. "You're kidding, right? She went primal last time you brought up Red!"

Eon stood up. "She has a point but you gave me an idea. Samantha and Lucy can both read thoughts and memories. If we can put them together, we can maybe discover something."

"Would it solve anything?"

They stared at Iris. "I didn't know him but I know how important he was to all of you. He's not with us anymore. From what I know, he was severely modest and an amazing Pokémon Trainer. Shouldn't we leave it at that? If you do find something, what if it's something that tarnishes the memory of him?"

"She has point, Eon," Lucy told him.

Eon frowned. "I guess we should just leave it at that."

They went back to sitting in somewhat of a circle. They all looked down.

Lance broke the silence. He raised his glass slightly. "May the Pokémon Master live forever in our memory and in our hearts."

The rest raised their glasses. They toasted to Red.

Harold's men had kidnapped several of the employees on the resort. Even some of the guests were replaced with his men. They were to mingle with the rest until the preparations were made.

There was no worry about the executives, the Board, or the authorities. Harold had forced Leila and Abigail to call and tell the resort's executives and the Board that they would not require their assistance for several days due to how "smoothly" things were running. There was a false report made about Eon and Samantha that was sent to the Kanto, Johto, and Hoenn authorities. Afterward, the two were tied up and gagged. The men had orders to not spoil the hostages.

Harold had to wait a whole day before moving in. There were several ships on their way, filled with more X Division muscle. There would be no one that would stop them.

Samuel was standing next to Harold. He had been promoted to section leader for his accomplishment.

"Can you suppress your thirst for revenge for one more day?" Harold asked him.

Samuel bowed his head. "I'll wait as long as I must."

Harold patted him in the back. "You will make a fine general one day."

He turned towards the monitors on the screen. They were watching the surveillance of the Champions. "I cannot wait to kill them all."

This chapter took…awhile. Anyway, I hope you like it. Next chapter will have A LOT OF SEX. I'm not kidding. It's like the calm before the storm. It's just an early warning. Bwuahaha